Chapter 4December 20, 1966

That was because of Mussolini.

But he’s dead.

Mussolini’s death might have mitigated things. But it’s not out of "punishment": there’s never any punishment, never any "fault" – never the shadow of a "fault" anywhere! It’s purely a question of vibrations.

Why not Rome, then?

Oh, they won’t have the last laugh!

Naturally, they are puffing themselves up with conceit: "God" protected them....

(Letter to Mother from Satprem)

Mother, I am writing to ask you for a grace. You know, you see. I would like you to tell me the truth about this book: is it part of the things that must be? Or is it the effort of the writer’s little persona? I read the long first chapter again this morning, and it’s unreadable – it would need to be completely redone. I am wondering if it’s not the same thing with the other chapters? Would you out of grace tell me precisely what must be, whether I must strive on, do my best and rewrite what has to be rewritten, or give up everything.

I am a little sad, naturally, because I tried to write with the best of my soul, but I am not attached and am ready to make the offering of this failure at your feet, with the certainty that all is well, even if I do not yet see the Lord’s design. I would only like you to tell me the deeper truth about the book – if it must be, I am ready to make an effort and patiently correct or redo what has to be redone. But must it be?

Mother, That alone exists. That consoles me for everything.

I am your child with love – yes, you exist, so all the rest is secondary.

Signed: Satprem