Brothers and fathers, hear me as I tell you of a great wonder. Hear, and do not lose heart, for I am about to speak of grace, and grace is given to those who ask. The Lord said: Knock, and it shall be opened to you. To us also, this very day, the door is opened, if we will but knock with faith.

I do not speak from books alone, nor from the words of others. I speak of what God Himself has done in me, the least of His servants, that you may know He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever, and that the gifts He gave to His apostles He gives even now to those who love Him.

When I was yet a young man living in the world, the grace of God came upon me one night as I prayed, and a divine light suddenly shone in the room. The room was filled with light, and I no longer knew whether I was in the body or out of the body. I saw nothing but light, and within the light I saw Him whom my soul loved.

Afterwards the light departed, and I found myself weeping for joy and wonder, and longing for nothing else but that the light should come again. From that day I sought it always, and the Lord who is faithful did not refuse it to His servant.

He who has not learned to weep for his sins has not yet begun the Christian life. Tears are the second baptism, washing the soul of all that has clung to it since the first.

Do not despise the gift of tears, nor force them when they do not come. Pray, fast, keep watch over your heart, and the gift will be given when God sees that you are ready. And when it is given, do not boast of it, for the moment you boast it will leave you.