The Book of Heaven
—Unofficial Version—

November 10, 1903

How true love forgets himself.

Continuing in my usual state, I saw blessed Jesus for just a little, saying to me:  “My daughter, true love forgets himself and lives of the interests, of the pains and of everything that belongs to the beloved.”  And I:  ‘Lord, how can one forget himself when we feel ourselves so much?  It is not something far away from us, or separated, which can easily be forgotten.’  And, again, He added that that is precisely the sacrifice of true love – that while one has himself, he must live of everything that belongs to the beloved.  Even more, if he remembers himself, this memory must serve him to become more industrious about how to consume himself for the loved object.  And if the beloved sees that the soul gives all of herself to Him, He will know well how to repay her by giving her all of Himself and letting her live of His divine life.  So, one who forgets himself completely, finds everything.  Moreover, it is necessary to see the difference that exists between what one forgets and what one finds:  one forgets what is ugly and finds what is beautiful; one forgets nature and finds grace; one forgets passions and finds virtues; one forgets poverty and finds richness; one forgets foolishness and finds wisdom; one forgets the world and finds Heaven.”