Flower of Devotion

The Lord Jesus said to St. Bridget:
“Two spirits produce thoughts and inspirations in the heart of man, namely, the evil spirit and the good spirit. A good spirit advises a man to think of heavenly things to come, and not to love temporal things. The evil one advises us to love what we see and makes sin easy; He refers to human weaknesses and brings examples of weak people. Among other things, the good spirit speaks to man in this way: “Wealth is a burden, the honors of the world are like air, and the pleasures of the flesh are like a dream. Joys are fleeting, and all worldly things are vanity. The future judgment is inevitable and the Judge is severe. That is why it seems to me a hard thing and a spiritual shame to give an account of the rapidly evaporating wealth, to suffer for a long time, and to render an account for momentary pleasures to Him who knows everything before anything has happened. Therefore it is more certain to renounce many worldly things and keep one account of the things of a few, than to become entangled in many sins and be obliged to make a long and heavy account.” On the contrary, the evil spirit responds to these inspirations in the heart: “Do not give yourself up to such thoughts. Possess goods and possessions boldly, and give abundantly out of what you possess. For this you were born, that you might be praised and honored, and that you might give to those who ask you. If you were to dispose of your possessions, you would have to serve those who now serve you, your glory would be diminished, and you might even fall into contempt. For a poor person walks sadly. You would also be sorry to get used to a new way of life, to mortify your body with new habits, and to live without service. Therefore, remain in the honors you have received. Keep your high position, run your house as hitherto. If you were to renounce what you have and what you have received, you would be accused of inconstancy; on the contrary, persevere in what he has begun, and you will find glory with God and with men.”