List of points

Get rid of those useless thoughts which, at best, are but a waste of time.

Faith, cheerfulness, optimism. But not the idiocy of closing one's eyes to reality.

Disappointment. You're downhearted. Men have just taught you a lesson! As long as they thought you did not need them, offers came pouring in. The possibility that they might have to help you with hard cash — a few miserable pennies — turned their friendship into indifference.

Trust only in God and in those who, through him, are united with you.

In your apostolic undertakings you are right — it's your duty — to consider what means the world can offer you (2+2=4), but don't forget — ever! — that, fortunately, your calculations must include another term: God+2+2…

Don't let the lack of instruments stop your work: begin by making the best of what you have. As time passes, the function will create the organ. Some, who had seemed useless, turn out to be useful. The rest have to undergo a surgical operation, a painful one perhaps — there were no better 'surgeons' than the saints! — and so the work goes on.

Once again they have spoken, they have written: in favour, against; with good and with not so good will; faint praise and slander; panegyrics and plaudits; hits and misses…

Don't be a fool! As long as you are making straight for your goal, head and heart intoxicated with God, why worry about the voice of the wind, or the chirp of the cricket, or the mooing or the grunting or the braying?

Besides, it's inevitable; don't waste time answering back.

Physical collapse. You are worn out. Rest. Stop that exterior activity. Consult a doctor. Obey, and don't worry.

You will soon return to your normal life and, if you are faithful, to new intensity in your apostolate.

How you made me laugh and how you made me think with that trite remark of yours: I'm all for first things first.