A story for every day...

St. Gertrude had given every day of her life to the benefit of suffering souls. As she lay on her deathbed, she was assailed by the temptations of the devil, who tried to persuade her that she had delivered so many souls from purgatory precisely to go and take their place and suffer more than they did. While she was in the grip of these temptations, she saw Our Lord, her heavenly Spouse, appear before her and say to her: “What is the cause of your sorrow, O Gertrude?” She answers, “Lord, I grieve because I see myself about to die, without any capital of good works that can satisfy for so many offenses I have committed.” Then the Lord, smiling gently at her, consoles her. “My daughter Gertrude, He said to her, so that you may know how pleasing to Me your charity towards these souls and your devotion have been, I am handing over to you at this very moment, without exception, all the sorrows that would have been reserved for you. Moreover, I who promised a hundred for one to those who are animated by My love, I want to reward you again by increasing the degree of glory that awaits you up there. All the souls you have relieved will come by My command and introduce you into the celestial Jerusalem amidst their hymns.” The Saint expired a few moments later, full of confidence and joy.