"(Sometimes) ... it really seems to us that all is ended and that the Lord has left us for good because he is tired of bearing with us. Instead, things are quite different .The Lord is never so pleased with us as he is as such times as this. He is always there, close to us, or rather within us, invisibly encouraging us to endure the combat. Don't worry, then, because the Lord will fight for you and will never withdraw from you.
What you must do when Jesus, in his goodness, puts your faithfulness to the test is to show at all times great promptitude in the observance of your duties , without neglecting any of the practises which you perform in times of consolation and spiritual prosperity without paying any attention to your lack of all pleasurable feelings, since such feelings are merely accidental and can often be quite dangerous in the end. True and substantial devotion consists in serving God without experiencing any sensible consolation. This means serving and loving God for his own sake"
Padre Pio
