The Book of Heaven
—Unofficial Version—

September 13, 1904

True donation is to keep one’s will sacrificed continuously; this is a martyrdom of continuous attention that the soul makes for God.

As I was in my usual state, after I struggled very much He made Himself seen clasped to me, holding my heart in His hands; and fixing on me, He told me:  “My daughter, when a soul has given Me her will, she is no longer free to do what she pleases, otherwise it would not be a true donation.  On the other hand, true donation is to keep one’s will sacrificed continuously to the One to whom it had already been given; and this is a martyrdom of continuous attention that the soul makes for God.  What would you say of a martyr who today offers himself to suffer any kind of pain, and tomorrow draws back?  You would say that he did not have true disposition for martyrdom, and that one day or another he will end up denying his faith.  So I say to the soul who does not let Me do what I please with her will, but now gives it to Me, and now draws it back:  ‘Daughter, you are not disposed to sacrifice and martyr yourself for Me, because true martyrdom consists in continuity.  You may call yourself resigned, conformed, but not a martyr; and one day or another you may end up withdrawing from Me, reducing everything to a child’s game.’  Therefore, be attentive, and leave Me full freedom to do with you as I best please.”