During one Lent, while attending Holy Mass, St. Gertrude listened to the following words recited from the Gospel, "Come, blessed of My Father; for I was hungry and you gave me to eat", etc.

Hearing this, the saint said to Our Lord:

"O my Lord, since we cannot feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty, because our Rule forbids us to possess anything of our own, teach me how we may participate in the sweet blessings that You have promised in this Gospel to reward these works of mercy."

Our Lord, Who is the Salvation and Life of the soul, replied:

"As I continually hunger and thirst for the salvation of men, if you endeavor to study some words of Scripture every day for the benefit of others, you will give Me a most delicious feast.

"If you read with the intention of obtaining the grace of contrition or devotion, you relieve My thirst by giving Me a pleasant beverage to drink.

"If you spend an hour each day in prayerful recollection, you give Me hospitality.

"If you apply yourself daily to acquire some new virtue, you clothe Me.

"You visit Me when sick, by striving to overcome temptation, and to conquer your evil inclinations.

"You visit Me in prison, and soothe My afflictions with the sweetest consolations, when you pray for sinners and for the souls in Purgatory."

He added:

"Those who perform these devotions daily for My love, especially during the holy season of Lent, will most certainly receive the most abundant reward which My incomprehensible power, My inscrutable wisdom, and My most loving goodness can bestow."