Meditations on the Beauty of Creation

This morning we went to visit and pay our respects to the Captain and Commissioner. They listened with great courtesy, and offered their help in all our needs. These persons did not know us, but they were so kind to us. From this we can learn to appreciate the great love the Heart of Jesus has for His Spouses. He heaps upon us benefits and favors we do not merit. Let us be ever grateful, so that gratitude may obtain for us greater graces. This morning we went on deck, saluted the sea, the image of the immensity of God, then we recited our prayers, which, without effort, came fervently from our souls. We then recited the Ave Maris Stella. We did not sing because we were afraid of disturbing the other passengers on board, but God, who had blessed our departure, listened to the melody of the affections of His devout daughters, if not the melody of their voices.

How many beautiful thoughts the calmness of the sea suggests. We see in it the happiness of a soul that lives in the tranquility of the grace of God. In such a fortunate soul all is calm; peace undisturbed; it has the capacity of raising itself to the sublimity of the Divine mysteries. This gives us a vision of the immensity of the power of God, Who commands this endless sea, which could rise in whirling billows, while on the contrary it remains calm and tranquil.

God commands, the sea obeys. If also everyone would obey with perfect submission that is, without relying on her own judgment, what calmness, what tranquility, what a sweetness of Paradise would be hers! My daughters! Act in this way, be obedient, be most humble, not having your own judgment, submitting with great peace and simplicity to God, and there will be in your Houses a true anticipated Paradise which will precede the eternal one which awaits you.

It seems as if Jesus Himself has said to the sea, “Peace be with you.” Hence this is a figure of a pure soul, without wrath, who leaves all, and is united exclusively with her beloved and Divine Spouse; reposing on His left arm while with the right He caresses her.