January 15
Blessed are ye Poor
Companions of the Way (Morning)IF you are really poor, my daughter, for God's sake be so in spirit; make a virtue of necessity, and turn that precious stone Poverty to its true value. The brilliancy thereof is not perceived in this world, but nevertheless it is very great.
Patience then! you are in good company. Our dear Lord, our Lady, the Apostles, numberless saints, both men and women, were poor, and although they might have been rich, disdained to be so. How many great ones of this world have gone through many difficulties to seek holy poverty! . . . Whereas to you, my child, it has come unasked,—you have met poverty without seeking it—do you then embrace it as the beloved friend of Jesus Christ.
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES