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There is a series of graces, which God pours into the soul after these trials by fire.
The soul enjoys intimate union with God. It has many visions, both corporeal and
intellectual. It hears many supernatural words, and sometimes-distinct orders. But
despite these graces, it is not self-sufficient. In fact, it is even less so as a result of
God’s graces, because it is now open to many dangers and can easily fall prey to
illusions. It ought to ask God for a spiritual director…who is an expert in these
things, just as a military leader must know the ways along which he will lead [his
followers] into battle. A soul that is united with God must be prepared for great
and hard-fought battles (Diary, # 121)…
I rarely have such visions. But I more often commune with the Lord in a more
profound manner. My senses sleep and, although not in a visible way, all things
become more real and clearer to me than if, I saw them with my eyes. My intellect
learns more in one moment than during long years of thinking and meditation,
both as regards the essence of God and as regards revealed truths, and also as
regard the knowledge of my own misery (Diary, # 882)…
Nothing disturbs my union with the Lord, neither conversation with others nor
any duties; even if I am to go about settling very important matters, this does not
disturb me. My spirit is with God, and my interior being is filled with God, so I do
not look for Him outside myself. He, the Lord, penetrates my soul just as a r