In Peace Forever

Diary entry 1654

J.M.J.

O truth, O thorny life,

In order to pass through you victoriously

It is necessary to lean on You, O Christ,

And to be always close to You.

I would not know how to suffer without You,

O Christ.

Of myself I would not be able to brave adversities.

Alone, I would not have the courage to drink from Your cup;

But You, Lord, are always with me, and You lead me

along mysterious paths.

A weak child, I have begun the battle in Your Name.

I have fought bravely, though often without success,

And I know that my efforts have pleased You,

And I know that it is the effort alone which You
eternally reward.

O truth, O life-and-death struggle,

When I rose to do battle, an inexperienced knight,
I felt I had a knight's blood, though still a child,
And therefore, O Christ, I needed Your help and
protection.

My heart will not rest from its efforts and struggle
Until You Yourself call me from the field of battle.

I will stand before You, not to receive a reward,

But to be drowned in You, in peace forever.