I consider myself the most wretched of all people, torn by wounds, full of filth, a man who has committed every possible crime against his King. Filled with sincere contrition, I confess all my malice to Him; I ask Him for forgiveness, surrender myself into His hands, so that He may do with me as He pleases. This King, full of goodness and mercy, is far from punishing me; rather, He lovingly takes me into His arms, allows me to eat at His table and serves me Himself, gives me the key to His treasures and treats me in all things as His best friend; He speaks to me, loves me tirelessly in thousands of ways, without reminding me that He has forgiven me or wanting to change me at the core. Although I ask Him to transform me according to His will, I still feel weaker and more wretched, yet at the same time, more cherished and loved by God.
(St. Lawrence of the Resurrection, correspondence, letter No. 6)
