“A broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Ps 51:17).
A contrite heart is a great treasure for our Father. A contrite heart has put aside all self-defense and has acquired a profound awareness of the abysses that are still within it. It has discovered that, of itself, it would not be able to do good, and that its inclination to evil would prevail if it were left to itself and did not rely on grace. This awareness shakes the soul, making it ready to throw itself completely into the arms of God, without vanity or conditions. Therefore, a contrite heart is a treasure for the Father.
Once it has placed itself in God’s hands, He undeservedly reveals His nearness to it. The soul is filled with joy, even though it feels unworthy of so much grace, and overflows with gratitude. All hardness has melted from her and she is now ready to practice all that is good. Even the slightest wishes of her beloved Father she wants to fulfill willingly.
It is a state of grace, accompanied by acts of deep contrition.
God helps this soul to rise up, so that she may be strengthened and armed with courage to continue on her way. She has accepted the goodness of the Father, and it has been impressed upon her. Now she knows that the Father will assist her in all her anguish and will grant her His closeness.
This certainty gives her greater security in her journey, but without falling into presumption. She simply knows that she is loved!