Quote

"As the Saint was deprived for some time of the accustomed visits of her Spouse, she ventured to inquire why the favour was withheld, though she neither fell into discouragement nor depression in consequence. 'When a person looks at any one who is close to them,' replied our Lord, 'the too great proximity often prevents them from seeing distinctly; as, for example, when a friend meets his friend and embraces him, this close union deprives him of the pleasure of looking at him.' St. Gertrude understood by these words, that we often merit more when deprived of sensible grace, provided that we do not become less fervent in the practice of good works.

In the early years of the Saint's spiritual life, our Lord often spoke to her in an audible voice; but later these communications assumed a different character. The Saint inquired the reason, and received this reply: 'In former years I oftener instructed you by giving you various answers that you might know, and that you might make known, the designs of My will to others; but now I only make Myself known to you in spirit, and I give you inspirations by lights which would be difficult to express in words. ... For when the Saint prayed for anything, even if she received no reply from our Lord, as she had done formerly, she nevertheless felt equal consolation, and a certain assurance that her prayer was heard."

--The Life and Revelations of St. Gertrude

(picture)