Chapter XVI: Letter to Her Sister Céline

[13] Cant., i, 6.

THE sole crime with which Herod reproached our Lord was _folly_ . . . and frankly, that charge was true. Yes, it was folly to come seeking the poor shallow hearts of mortals, therein to make His throne. He, the King of Glory Who sitteth above the Cherubim! Was not His happiness complete in the company of His Father and the Spirit of Love? Why come to earth to seek out sinners and to make of them His friends, His chosen companions?

XX LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE

_MARY, breaking the fragile vase poured out upon the Head of her Saviour a perfume of great price_ [14] _and the whole house was filled with the fragrance thereof._ [15]

The Apostles murmured against Magdalene; and this it is which still happens with regard to us: some, even of the most fervent Christians think we (Carmelites) are exaggerated, that like Martha we ought to serve Jesus, instead of consecrating to Him the vases of our lives with the perfumes which are hidden within. And yet what matters it--the breaking of these vases-- since our Lord is consoled, and the world in spite of itself is made sensible of the fragrance they exhale. And oh! how necessary are these perfumes to purify the unhealthy atmosphere that it breathes.