An indifference about our salvation, a contempt for little duties, a falling off from all that is good and hopeful, a complacency in all that is bad — all these stupify the soul, and reduce it to that state of Jonas, who slept soundly during the violent storm, when all those who were in the ship were sore afraid, and yet he remained, as it were, in a lethargic sleep.
It is in vain for a confessor to advise, vain for the preacher to exhort. If lukewarmness be accompanied with culpable negligence, the sinner will rarely, if ever, be awakened to a sense of his or her danger.
This is a true picture of very many who add to their indifference, the torpidity of an obstinate negligence; those who do not wish to fall into open sin, but take no trouble to advance in virtue; who, although absolved from past sins, still remain in a guilty negligence of their everyday duties; who do not deny the truths of our holy faith, but, in listening to exhortations, pay no attention or heed them not; who, under the pretence that they are not so bad as many others, never wish or try to imitate those who are fervent.
In conclusion, it is to such as these, that the Holy Spirit alludes when He pronounces the curse on those who do the work of the Lord negligently. Maledictus qui facit opus Dei negligenter.
The earnestness, the zeal, the love of Mary Magdalen, compelled our Saviour to console her. She knew Him by His voice. Oh, my God! What were at that moment, the transports of love, the tender gratitude of that holy soul!
Those who are lukewarm in the service of God cannot realise this, because they love so little, and consequently
