REJOICE CALMLY

Dearest Florentina,

Let your rejoicing be calm and moderate, in accordance with the words of the apostle: "Rejoice in the Lord always."  Such rejoicing does not disturb the  mind with the base behavior of laughter, but instead lifts the soul to the place of divine rest: "Enter into the joy of your master."  

One can usually tell what is in a nun's heart by her laughter.  A nun does act impudently if her heart is pure; a nun does not laugh wantonly unless she is wanton in her heart.  Laughter usually comes from a vain heart.  

Proverbs states:  "Let laughter be mingled with sadness. . ."  And the Lord says: "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."  And the apostle spoke up: "Let your laughter be turned into mourning."  

Let your laughter, my dear sister, be most sparing.  Let your temporal joy bring you mourning that you may be blessed: "Blessed are they who mourn, they shall be comforted."  

St. Leander of Seville: "The Training of Nuns" Chap. 21

(05-20-05)