“For whom is such a nest made if not for the chicks of the halcyon who constructs it through the love of God and divine, heavenly affection? But while the halcyon is constructing its nest and its baby birds are still too young to withstand the tossing of the waves, God takes care of them in his compassion, preventing the sea from engulfing them.

The supreme Goodness will also make the nests of your hearts secure with his holy love against the assaults of the enemy and keep them from being submerged.

Oh, How I love those birds that are surrounded by water but breathe only air, that hide themselves in the water but see only the sky. They float like fish but sing like birds. What I find captivating is that the anchor to keep them steady in the midst of the waves is above them and not below them.

May sweet Jesus be pleased to shape your hearts this way: Surrounded by the world and the flesh, you live in the spirit; in the midst of the vanities of this world, you live in heaven; living in the midst of human beings, you praise and love him with the angels. May the foundation of your hope always be on high and in paradise.”

– Padre Pio