The Dialogue

How God renders this soul attentive to prayer, replying to one of the above mentioned petitions.

THEN the Eternal God, turning the eye of His mercy upon this soul, not despising her desire, but granting her requests, proceeded to satisfy the last petition, which she had made concerning His promise, saying, " Oh ! best beloved and dearest daughter, I will fulfil thy desire in this request, in order that, on thy side, thou mayest not sin through ignorance or negligence ; for a fault of thine would be more serious and worthy of graver reproof now than before, because thou hast learnt more of My truth ; wherefore apply thyself attentively to pray for all rational creatures, for the mystical body of the holy Church, and for those friends whom I have given thee, whom thou lovestwith particular love, and be careful not to be negligent in giving them the benefit of thy prayers, and the example of thy life, and the teaching of thy words, reproving vice and encouraging virtue accord ing to thy power.

" Concerning the supports which I have given thee, of whom thou didst speak to Me, know that thou art, in truth, a means by which they may each receive, according to their

232 THE DIALOGUE OF ST. CATHERINE

needs and fitness. And as I, thy Creator, grant thee the opportunity, for without Me thou canst do nothing, I will fulfil thy desires, but do not thou fail, or they either, in your hope in Me. My Providence will never fail you, and every man, if he be humble, shall receive that which he is fit to receive ; and every minister that which I have given him to administer, each in his own way, according to what he has received and will receive from My goodness."