Lettera X: A Benincasa di Jacomo fratello suo carnale
Drenched in the Blood of Christ
Catherine exhorts her brother to find strength and patience in the precious blood of Christ, trusting in God's ineffable love through every tribulation.
In the name of Jesus Christ crucified, and of sweet Mary. Dearest brother in sweet Christ Jesus, I, Catherine, servant and slave of the servants of Jesus Christ, write to you in His precious blood; with a desire to see you drenched and submerged in that blood, which will make you strong to bear with true patience every hardship and tribulation, no matter from which side they come. May He make you persevering, so that in the end you will endure to death with true humility; for in that blood the eye of your understanding will be illuminated by the truth. This is because God desires nothing but our sanctification, for He loves us ineffably; if He hadn't loved us so much, He wouldn't have paid such a price for us. Therefore, be content at all times and in every place, for all things are granted to you by eternal Love. For love, rejoice in tribulations; and consider yourselves unworthy that God sends you through the way of His Son; and in everything give glory and praise to His name. Take comfort in sweet Christ Jesus; I have nothing else to say to you. Remain in the holy and sweet love of God. Sweet Jesus, love Jesus.
Read the original Latin
Al nome di Gesù Cristo crocifisso, e di Maria dolce.
Carissimo fratello in Cristo dolce Gesù, io Catarina, serva e schiava de’ servi di Gesù Cristo, scrivo a voi nel prezioso sangue suo; con desiderio di vedervi bagnato e annegato nel detto sangue, il quale vi farà forte a portare con vera pazienzia ogni fadiga e tribolazione, da qualunque lato elle vengano. Faravvi perseverante, che infine alla morte sosterrete con vera umiltà; perchè in esso sangue sarà illuminato l’occhio dell’intelletto vostro dalla verità. Ciò è, che Dio non vuole altro che la nostra santificazione, perchè ineffabilmente ci ama; che se non ci avesse molto amati, non avrebbe per noi pagato siffatto prezzo. State, dunque, state contento in ogni tempo, in ogni luogo; perchè tutti vi sono conceduti dallo eterno Amore. Per amore godetevi nelle tribulazioni; e reputatevene indegno, che Dio vi mandi per la via del suo Figliuolo; e in ogni cosa rendete gloria e loda al suo nome. Confortatevi in Cristo dolce Gesù, Altro non vi dico. Permanete nella santa e dolce dilezione di Dio. Gesù dolce, Gesù amore.
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