You say that you are interested in having a strong body and devote yourself to rigorous gymnastics and educational sports.

You say that you are ill and devote yourself to difficult treatments, enduring long fasts and taking bitter medicines.

Remember that in our tranquility and assurance we also need diets and training. We shall not enter the shrine of education without constant exercise and study, nor shall we penetrate the glory of love without constant practice of charity.

The physical athlete is wont to inquire, to the applause of the public: "How often have I beaten my competitors?" The spiritual athlete may ask himself, with the Divine Blessing: "How often have I conquered myself?" In our moral activities, in search of perfection, it is just that we should always be learning to make the mental leap over the vipers of slander and senselessness and keeping ourselves in the marathon of humility, in valuable matches of tolerance and kindness in the protection of our fellow men.

In defense of our inner peace, it is also imperative not to forget to abstain from unfortunate thoughts, with deliberate flight form the dishes of slander and the vinegar of criticism, completely abolishing the wine of flattery and the liquor of eulogy, which produce a pitiable intoxication, with desertion of our responsibilities.

Training and diets. . . .

Do not do without them on Earth, so that you may protect yourself in the realms of physiological equilibrium, in relation to eugenics, health and preservation.

Do not forget, however, that on behalf of the harmony of your soul, you should not neglect the same resources in the sustenance of an upright conscience and the cultivation of your own happiness, for it is only by obeying the laws of work and charity, simplicity and cooperation, that we shall obtain the degrees of sympathy and merit, capable of leading us to triumphant happiness.

Scheilla