You have prayed and have not yet, as you think, had the complete answer. This is usually because you have not given Our Lord something he asks for, in order to answer you. For example, when He worked miracles He asked for some trifle which one would suppose useless–as, for example, the loaves and fishes for the feeding of the five thousand; and again, for the Mass, He asks the offering of the simple substance of bread and wine for the miracle of the Consecration. You say, "He hasn't worked the miracle," "He hasn't given me the courage I need." Well, the answer usually is: "You have not given Him anything to work the miracle with." Of course, He can do miracles without, but usually He asks us to give something, and, if the miracle you ask is personal transubstantiation–that you may be changed into Him–then clearly, unless you offer yourself–all of yourself–He can't do it, for what has He got to change?
–Caryll Houselander, Letters
This letter was to a Mrs. Boardman, who wished to become a Catholic but was encountering great resistance and hostility from her family.
Light On Dark Water 
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