Sister Faustina Kowalska: Her LIfe and MIssion

A positive reckoning of t h a t which has been achieved is in itse lf no gua ran tee of safety in the fu tu re . The conquering of p a s t fau lts gives no au tom atic sure ty th a t they will never re tu rn . In the place of former faults, new ones may appea r which a re equally h a rd to overcome. I t is always needful, therefore, to have a watchful eye on th e inclinations of one’s n a tu re which can hold us back on th e chosen pa th to perfection. S is te r F au s tina observed: 'My Jesus, despite these graces -which ‘You send upon me, I feeC that my nature, ennobled though it be, is not completely stilled; and so I keep a constant watch. I must struggle zvith many fau lts , knowing w e ll that it is not the struggle which debases one, but cowardice and failure." (Diary, Notebook V, para . 1340). So S is te r Fau s tina , in the eigh t days of th is re tre a t , moves systematically forward in th ink ing through the problems of sanctity. Je su s fortifies h e r efforts, fully approving h e r a ttitude : ,(This firm resolution to become a sain t is extremely pleasing to Me. I bless your efforts and w ill g ive you opportunities to sanctify yourself <Be w a tch fu l that you lose no opportunity tha t M y providence offers you fo r sanctification. I f you do not succeed in taking advantage o f an opportunity, do not lose your peace, but humble yourself profoundly before Me and, w ith grea t trust, immerse yourself completely in M y mercy. In this way, you gain more than you have lost, because more favour is gran ted to a humble sou l than the sou l its e lf asks fo r ...' (Diary, Notebook V, pa ra . 1361). 335