Mortification: March 22
In all things, always strive to mortify and deny your will and never satisfy it, if possible. Accustom yourself therefore, to desire and enjoy having it frequently opposed. And when someone contradicts you, whether in material or spiritual matters, prefer to follow the will of the other person as long as it is good, even though your own may appear better to you. The harm done to you by contending with another will always be greater than the usefulness wich might come from the willful practice of virtue against another's desires.
It was thus that St. Catherine of Genoa always acted, happy to submit her will to that of others. In fact, as soon as she realized that she desired something, she would do the exact opposite.
Whenever Father Thomas Sanchez went to make a request of his superior, he would first pray to Our Lord that his request would not be granted if what he was about to ask was inspired by self-love and egotism.
