Sunday, November 2:
All Souls’ Day! I go to confession and Holy Communion, the dean administers it. Feelings of communion with everyone, including the dead and departed; with those whom I have offended, with those who have offended me, with the lowly and the exalted. It is all just suffering, every act of malice a hideous suffering; the only true communion with people is before the altar. Sorrow and concern dissolve in repentance and meditation; not only is no doubt possible in the truthfulness of this faith, but also no thought. Oh, could this mood but persist! But a fair blessing that it is possible at all! Thus deeply acknowledged, it does not torment, but dissolves in a repentant prayer; an unspoken love reigns, and my soul reaches out to the solemn, furrowed countenances of the peasants: this is yourself and everything is yourself, all who are born of flesh and marked for salvation; eternal rest, no desire waking, no sorrow searing, no pain wounding, no sin tormenting. At all levels there is peace, you feel no stirring, and now you, too, are at rest!
I do not believe that in this place any wish is being spoken, that a mother is pleading with God to save her sick child, for all is accepted and nothing considered; all such things are semblance and delusion, and as such fall apart.
Departure of friend Nietzsche, who is causing us profound concern. I am very tired all day and cannot go out in spite of the splendid weather. Boni also indisposed; she keeps me company. Agreeable impression of the settled nature of this child, whose strength and harmony lie in her reserve. Read Luther.