Philothea, How Much More Gracious Poverty Has Been to You?

Poverty did not come to you by your own choice but by the will of God alone, who has made you poor without any concurrence of your own will. The simple and pure acceptance of God's will makes any suffering utterly pure. Do not complain therefore, my dear Philothea, about your poverty, for we never complain except about what displeases us. And if poverty displeases you, then you are no longer poor in spirit but rich in desire. Be not ashamed to be poor nor to ask alms and charity,. receive with humility what is given to you, and bear denial with meekness.