MEDITAÇÕES DIÁRIAS: QUARTA SEMANA DEPOIS DE PENTECOSTES

VIGÉSIMA QUINTA VISITA

São Paulo elogia a obediência de Jesus Cristo, dizendo que Ele obedeceu a Seu Pai Eterno até a morte: tornando-se obediente até a morte. - (Filipenses ii., 8). Mas neste Sacramento Ele foi ainda mais longe; pois aqui Ele se agradou em tornar-se obediente, não apenas a Seu Pai Eterno, mas também ao homem; e não apenas até a morte, mas enquanto o mundo durar; de modo que podemos dizer: "Ele se tornou obediente até a consumação do mundo". Ele, o Rei do Céu, desce do Céu em obediência ao homem, e então parece habitar e conversar lá, a fim de obedecer aos homens: E eu não resisto. Ali Ele permanece sem se mover; Ele se permite ser colocado onde os homens quiserem, seja para a exposição no ostensório, ou para ser encerrado no Tabernáculo. Ele se permite ser carregado para onde quer que seja levado, seja nas casas ou pelas ruas; Ele se permite ser dado na Comunhão a quem quer que seja administrado, sejam justos ou pecadores. São Lucas diz que, enquanto habitava a terra, obedecia à Santíssima Virgem Maria e a São José; mas, neste Sacramento, obedece a tantas criaturas quantos são os sacerdotes na terra: e eu não resisto. - (Is. l., 5).
Permita-me agora dirigir-me a Ti, ó amorosíssimo Coração de meu Jesus, do qual, de fato, brotaram todos os Sacramentos, mas principalmente este Sacramento do amor. De bom grado, eu Lhe daria tanta glória e honra quanto a que o Senhor dá ao Pai Eterno no Santo Sacramento. Sei que neste altar Vós ainda me amais com o mesmo amor com que me amastes quando encerrastes Vossa vida divina em meio a tanta angústia na Cruz. Ó Coração Divino, ilumina todos aqueles que não Te conhecem com o conhecimento de Ti mesmo! Por Teus méritos, livra do Purgatório, ou pelo menos alivia, as almas aflitas, que já são Tuas esposas por toda a eternidade. Eu Vos adoro, Vos agradeço, Vos amo, em união com todas as almas que neste momento Vos amam, seja na Terra ou no Céu. Ó Coração puríssimo, purificai meu coração de todo apego às criaturas e enchei-o de Vosso santo amor! Ó Coração dulcíssimo de Jesus, possui meu coração, para que doravante ele seja todo Teu e possa sempre dizer: Quem, pois, nos separará do amor de Deus, (...) que está em Cristo Jesus, nosso Senhor? - (Rom. viii., 38). Escrevei, ó Sacratíssimo Coração de Jesus, em meu coração todas as dores amargas que durante tantos anos suportastes na terra com tanto amor por mim, para que, ao vê-las, eu deseje, ou pelo menos suporte com paciência, todas as dores desta vida. Coração humildíssimo de Jesus, dai-me uma parte de Vossa humildade. Coração mansíssimo, dai-me a Vossa doçura. Tirai de meu coração tudo o que Vos desagrada; convertei-o inteiramente a Vós, de modo que eu não possa mais querer ou desejar senão o que Vós quereis. Em uma palavra, permita que eu viva apenas para obedecer a Ti, apenas para amá-Lo, apenas para dar-Lhe prazer. Sei que, de fato, devo muito a Ti e que Tu me colocaste sob grandes obrigações: será pouco se eu me consumir e me desgastar por Ti.

Ejac. Ó Coração de Jesus, Tu és o único Senhor do meu coração!

VISITA A MARIA

São Bernardo diz que Maria é aquela arca celestial na qual, se nos refugiarmos, certamente seremos libertados do naufrágio da condenação eterna: "Ela é a arca na qual escapamos do naufrágio". A Arca na qual Noé escapou do naufrágio geral do mundo era, de fato, um tipo de Maria. Mas Hesychius diz que Maria é uma arca mais espaçosa, mais forte e mais compassiva. Apenas alguns homens e alguns animais foram recebidos e salvos pela Arca de Noé; mas Maria, nossa Arca, recebe todos os que se refugiam sob seu manto e, com certeza, os salva. Infelizes seríamos se não tivéssemos Maria! Mas ainda assim, minha rainha, quantos estão perdidos! E por quê? Porque não recorreram a ti. E quem se perderia se tivesse recorrido a Vós?

Ejac. Concedei, Maria Santíssima, que possamos sempre recorrer a vós!

Meditação noturna: A PRÁTICA DO AMOR DE JESUS CRISTO

"A caridade não suspeita mal, não se alegra com a iniquidade, mas se regozija com a verdade."

XXXVIII. AQUELE QUE AMA JESUS CRISTO DESEJA O QUE JESUS CRISTO DESEJA

Meditação I:
Deus deseja que O amemos de todo o coração: Amarás o Senhor teu Deus de todo o teu coração. — (Matt. xxii. 37). That person loves Jesus Christ with his whole heart who says to Him with the Apostle: Senhor, o que você quer que eu faça? — (Acts ix. 6). Lord, signify to me what Thou wilt have me do; for I desire to perform all. And let us be persuaded that whilst we desire what God desires, we desire what is best for ourselves; for assuredly God only wishes what is best for us. St. Vincent de Paul said: “Conformity with the will of God is the treasure of a Christian and the remedy for all evils; since it comprises abnegation of self and union with God and all virtues.” In this, then, is all perfection: Senhor, o que você quer que eu faça? Jesus Cristo nos promete que nem um fio de cabelo de sua cabeça perecerá — (Luke xxi. 18), which is as much as to say, that the Lord rewards us for every good thought we have of pleasing Him, and for every tribulation embraced with patience in conformity to His holy will. St. Teresa says: “The Lord never sends a trial without remunerating it with some favour as often as we accept it with resignation.”

Meditação II:
But our conformity to the Divine will must be entire, without any reserve, and constant, without withdrawal. In this consists the height of perfection; and to this, I repeat, all our thoughts, all our desires, all our works, and all our prayers ought to tend. Some souls given to prayer, on reading of the ecstasies of St. Teresa and St. Philip Neri, come to wish to enjoy themselves these supernatural unions. Such wishes must be banished as contrary to humility; if we really desire to be saints, we must aspire after true union with God, which is to unite our will entirely to the will of God. St. Teresa said: “Those persons are deceived who fancy that union with God consists in ecstasies, raptures, and sensible enjoyments of Him. It consists in nothing else than in submitting our will to the will of God; and this submission is perfect when our will is detached from everything, and so completely united with that of God that all its movements depend solely on the will of God. This is the real and essential union which I have always sought after, and continually beg of the Lord.” And then she adds: “Oh, how many of us say this, and seem to ourselves to desire nothing besides this; but, miserable creatures that we are, how few of us attain to it.” Such, indeed, is the undeniable truth; many of us say: O Lord! I give Thee my will, I desire nothing but what Thou desirest, – but, in the event of some trying occurrence, we know not how to yield calmly to the Divine will. And this is the source of our continually complaining that we are unfortunate in the world, and that we are the butt of every misfortune, and so of our dragging on an unhappy life.

SEGUNDA-FEIRA DA QUARTA SEMANA APÓS PENTECOSTES

Meditação matinal: VI. COMO CONVERSAR CONTÍNUA E FAMILIARMENTE COM DEUS

Assim que cair em alguma falha, levante os olhos para Deus, faça um ato de amor e, com uma humilde confissão de sua falha, espere com toda a certeza o perdão Dele, dizendo a Ele: Senhor, eis que aquele que tu amas está doente. Entre amigos que se amam sinceramente, muitas vezes acontece que, quando um desagrada o outro e depois se humilha e pede perdão, sua amizade se torna mais forte do que nunca.

Meditação I:
Assim que você cometer alguma falha, levante os olhos para Deus, faça um ato de amor e, com uma humilde confissão de sua falha, espere seguramente por Seu perdão, dizendo a Ele: Senhor, eis que aquele que tu amas está doente. — (John xi. 3), that heart which Thou dost love is sick, is full of sores: curai a minha alma, pois pequei contra vós. — (Ps. xl. 5). Thou seekest after penitent sinners; behold, here is one at Thy feet, who has come in search of Thee. The evil is done already; what have I now to do? Thou wilt not have me lose courage: after this my sin Thou dost still love me, and I too love Thee. Yes, my God, I love Thee with all my heart; I repent of the displeasure I have given Thee; I purpose never to offend any more. Thou Who art that God, misericordioso e piedoso, paciente e de muita compaixão — (Ps. lxxxv. 5), forgive me; make me to hear what Thou didst say to Magdalen: Seus pecados lhe são perdoados — (Luke vii. 48), and give me strength to be faithful unto Thee for the time to come.
Para que você não perca a coragem nesse momento, olhe para Jesus na cruz, ofereça Seus méritos ao Pai Eterno e, assim, espere com certeza o perdão, já que, por sua causa, Ele não poupou nem mesmo seu próprio Filho. — (Rom. viii. 32). Say to Him with confidence: Olhe para a face de seu Cristo. — (Ps. lxxxiii. 10). My God, behold Thy Son, dead for my sake; and for the love of that Son forgive me! Attend well, devout soul, to the instruction commonly given by masters of the spiritual life. After unfaithful conduct you must at once have recourse to God, though you may have repeated your unfaithfulness a hundred times in a day. But after having recourse to the Lord, be at once in peace. Otherwise, whilst you remain cast down and disturbed at the fault you have committed, your converse with God will be small; your trust in Him will fail; your desire to love Him grow cold; and you will be little able to go forward in the way of the Lord. On the other hand, by having immediate recourse to God to ask forgiveness, and to promise Him amendment, your very faults will serve to advance you further in divine love. Between friends who sincerely love, it often happens that when one has displeased the other and then humbles himself and seeks pardon, their friendship becomes thereby stronger than ever. Do you likewise; see to it that your very faults serve to bind you yet closer in love to your God.

Meditação II:
In any kind of doubt, either on your own account or that of others, never cease to act towards your God with a confidence like to that of faithful friends, who consult together on every matter. So should you take counsel with Him, and beseech Him to enlighten you that you may decide on what will be most pleasing to Him; Put those words in my mouth, and strengthen the resolution in my heart. — (Judith ix. 18). Lord, tell me what Thou wouldst have me to do or to answer; and thus will I act. Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. — (1 Kings iii. 10).
Use towards God also the freedom of recommending not only your own needs, but also those of others. How agreeable will it be to God that sometimes you forget even your own interests to speak to Him of the advancement of His glory, of the miseries of others, especially of those who groan in affliction, of those souls, His spouses, who in Purgatory sigh after the vision of Himself, and of poor sinners who are living destitute of His grace! For these especially say to Him: Lord, Thou Who art so amiable and worthy of infinite love, how dost Thou, then, endure to see such a number of souls in the world, on whom Thou hast bestowed so many favours, and who yet will not know Thee? Ah, my God, object of all love, make Thyself known, make Thyself loved! Hallowed be thy name! Thy Kingdom come! May Thy Name be adored and loved by all! May Thy love reign in all hearts! Ah, let me not depart without granting me some grace for those unfaithful souls for whom I pray.

Leitura espiritual: CORAM SANCTISSIMO

VIGÉSIMA SEXTA VISITA

Alegra-te e louva, ó habitação de Sião, porque grande é aquele que está no meio de ti, o Santo de Israel. — (Is. xii. 6). O God, and what joy ought not we men to conceive, what hopes and affections, in knowing that in the midst of our land, in our churches, near our homes, the Holy of Holies, the true God, swells and lives in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar! He Who by His presence alone renders the Saints in Heaven blessed! He Who is Love itself! “It is not so much that He has love, as that He is Love itself,” says St. Bernard. This Sacrament is not only a Sacrament of love, but is Love itself, it is God Himself, Who for the immense love He bears His creatures calls Himself, and is, Love itself; Deus é amor. — (1 John iv. 16).
Mas eu Te ouço reclamar, ó meu Jesus Sacramental: Eu era um estranho e você não me aceitou — (Matt. xxv. 43); that Thou camest on earth to be our Guest for our good, and that we have not welcomed Thee. Thou art right, Lord, Thou art right; and I am one of those ungrateful creatures who have left Thee alone, without even visiting Thee. Chastise me as Thou pleasest; but not by depriving me of Thy presence, which is the chastisement I deserve; no, I will repair my fault, and the indignities which I have heaped upon Thee. From this day forward I will not only visit Thee often, but will remain with Thee as long a time as I can. O most compassionate Saviour, be pleased to make me faithful to Thee; and grant that I may also, by my example, excite others to keep Thee company in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I hear the Eternal Father Who says: Este é o meu Filho amado, em quem me comprazo. Um Deus, então, encontra toda a Sua complacência em Ti: e eu, um verme miserável, não encontrarei a minha ao morar Contigo neste vale de lágrimas? Ó Fogo consumidor, destrua em mim toda afeição pelas coisas terrenas, pois somente elas podem me tornar infiel e me afastar de Ti. Você pode fazer isso se quiser: Senhor, se quiserdes, podeis me purificar. O Senhor já fez tanto por mim, faça isso também: expulse de meu coração todo amor que não tende a Ti. Eis que me entrego todo a Ti; agora dedico todo o resto de minha vida ao amor do Santíssimo Sacramento. Vós, ó Jesus Sacramental, deveis ser meu conforto, meu amor na vida e na hora de minha morte, quando vierdes para ser meu viático e meu guia para Vosso abençoado reino. Amém, amém. Assim espero; que assim seja!

Ejac. Quando, ó meu Jesus, contemplarei Tua bela face?

VISITA A MARIA

Em ti, nossa Mãe Santíssima, encontramos o remédio para todos os nossos males; em ti encontramos força em nossa fraqueza, pois São Germano te chama de "a própria força de nossa fraqueza"; em ti encontramos uma porta pela qual podemos sair da escravidão do pecado, pois São Boaventura te chama de "a porta da liberdade". Em ti encontramos nossa paz certa, pois o mesmo santo te chama de "o repouso seguro dos homens". Em ti encontramos alívio em nossa vida miserável, pois tu és "o consolo de nossa peregrinação", como te chama São Lourenço Justiniano. Em ti, em uma palavra, encontramos a graça divina e o próprio Deus, pois São Boaventura te chama de "o trono da graça de Deus"; e São Proclo, a ponte pela qual Deus desce até os homens"; aquela feliz ponte pela qual Deus, que havia sido afastado por nossos pecados, retorna para habitar em nossas almas por Sua graça.

Ejac. Ó Maria, você é minha força, minha libertação, minha paz e salvação!

Meditação noturna: A PRÁTICA DO AMOR DE JESUS CRISTO

"A caridade não suspeita mal, não se alegra com a iniquidade, mas se regozija com a verdade."

XXXIX. AQUELE QUE AMA JESUS CRISTO DESEJA O QUE JESUS CRISTO DESEJA

Meditação I:
Se estivéssemos em conformidade com a vontade divina em todos os problemas, sem dúvida nos tornaríamos santos e seríamos os mais felizes da humanidade. Esse, portanto, deve ser o principal objetivo de nossa atenção: manter nossa vontade em união ininterrupta com a vontade de Deus em todas as ocorrências da vida, sejam elas agradáveis ou desagradáveis. Essa é a admoestação do Espírito Santo: Não vença com todo vento. — (Ecclus. v. 11). Some people resemble the weathercock, which turns about with every wind that blows. If the wind is fair and favourable to their desires, they are all gladness and condescension; but if there blow a contrary wind, and things fall out against their desires, they are all sadness and impatience; but if there blow a contrary wind, and things fall out against their desires, they are all sadness and impatience; this is why they never become saints; and this is why their life is unhappy, for in the present life adversity will always befall us in a greater measure than prosperity. St. Dorotheus said that to receive from the hands of God whatever happens is a great means to keep ourselves in continual peace and tranquility of soul. And the Saint relates that on this account the Ancient Fathers of the Desert were never seen angry or melancholy, for they accepted whatever happened to them joyfully, as coming from the hands of God. Oh, happy the man who lives wholly united and abandoned to the Divine will! He is neither puffed up by success nor depressed by reverses; for he well knows that all alike comes from the self-same hand of God. The will of God is the single rule of his own will; thus he only does what God wishes him to do, and he only desires what God does. He is not anxious to do many things, but to accomplish with perfection what he knows to be acceptable to God. Accordingly, he prefers the minutest obligations of his state of life to the most glorious and important actions, well aware that in the latter self-love may find a great share, whereas in the former there is certainly the will of God.

Meditação II:
Thus we, too, shall be happy when we receive from God all the dispositions of His Providence in the spirit of perfect conformity to His Divine will, utterly regardless whether or not they coincide with our private inclinations. The saintly Mother de Chantal said: “When shall we come to relish the Divine will in every event that happens, without paying attention to anything else but the good pleasure of God, from Whom it is certain that prosperity and adversity proceed alike from motives of love and for our best interests? When shall we resign ourselves unreservedly into the arms of our most loving heavenly Father, entrusting to Him the care of our persons and our affairs, and reserving nothing for ourselves but the sole desire of pleasing God?” The friends of St. Vincent de Paul said of him while he was still on earth: “Vincent is always Vincent.” By which they meant to say that the Saint was ever to be seen with the same smiling face, whether in prosperity or in adversity. He was always himself, because, as he lived in total abandonment of himself to God, he feared nothing and desired nothing but what was pleasing to God. St. Teresa said: “By this holy abandonment that admirable liberty of spirit is generated which those who are perfect possess, wherein they find all the happiness in this life which they can possibly desire; inasmuch as, fearful of nothing, and desirous or wanting for nothing in the things of this world, they possess all.”

TERÇA-FEIRA DA QUARTA SEMANA APÓS PENTECOSTES

Meditação matinal: VII. COMO CONVERSAR CONTÍNUA E FAMILIARMENTE COM DEUS

Desejar pouco o Céu é dar pouco valor ao grande bem do Reino eterno que nosso Redentor comprou para nós com Sua morte. Santa Teresa desejava tanto a morte para ver Deus, que estava morrendo com o desejo de morrer, e assim compôs aquele amoroso Cântico dela: Eu morro porque não morro.

Meditação I:
Diz-se que, no Purgatório, as almas que nesta vida tiveram pouco desejo pelo Céu são punidas com um sofrimento especial, chamado de dor da languidez; e com razão, porque ter pouco desejo pelo Céu é dar pouco valor ao grande bem do Reino eterno que nosso Redentor comprou para nós com Sua morte. Portanto, alma devota, não se esqueça de suspirar com frequência pelo Céu. Diga a seu Deus que lhe parece um tempo interminável até que você O veja e O ame face a face. Anseie ardentemente por sair desse desterro, dessa cena de pecado e do perigo de perder Sua graça, para que possa chegar à terra do amor, onde poderá amá-Lo com todas as suas forças. Diga a Ele repetidas vezes: Senhor, enquanto eu viver nesta terra, estou sempre correndo o risco de abandoná-Lo e perder Seu amor. Quando será que deixarei esta vida, na qual estou sempre Te ofendendo, e passarei a amar-Te com toda a minha alma e a unir-me a Ti, sem perigo de perder-Te novamente? Santa Teresa estava sempre suspirando dessa maneira e costumava se alegrar quando ouvia o relógio bater, porque mais uma hora de vida e do perigo de perder Deus já havia passado e se ido. Pois ela desejava tanto a morte para ver Deus, que estava morrendo com o desejo de morrer; e assim compôs aquele amoroso Cântico dela, Eu morro, porque não morro.

Meditação II:
In a word, if you desire to delight the loving Heart of your God, be careful to speak to Him as often as you are able, and with fullest confidence that He will not disdain to answer and speak with you in return. He does not, indeed, make Himself heard in a voice that reaches your ears, but in a voice that your heart can well perceive, when you withdraw from converse with creatures, to occupy yourself in conversing with your God alone: I will lead her into the wilderness, and I will speak to her heart. — (Osee ii. 14). He will then speak to you by such inspirations, such interior lights, such manifestations of His goodness, such sweet touches of your heart, such tokens of forgiveness, such experience of peace, such hopes of Heaven, such rejoicings within you, such sweetness of His grace, such loving and close embraces – in a word, such voices of love – as are well understood by those souls whom He loves, and who seek for nothing but God alone.

Leitura espiritual: CORAM SANCTISSIMO

VIGÉSIMA SÉTIMA VISITA

A santa Igreja canta no Ofício do Santíssimo Sacramento: Não há nenhum outro país, por maior que seja, cujos deuses estejam próximos como o nosso Deus está próximo de nós. — (Deut. iv. 7). When the Gentiles heard how far our God carried His works of love, they exclaimed: “Oh, how good a God is the God of the Christians! And, indeed, although the Gentiles imagined their gods according to their own caprices – yet, if you read history, you will never find in all their fables, and among the many gods they invented, that they went so far as even to imagine a god so enamoured of men as is our true God, Who, to show His love for His adorers, and to enrich them with graces, has worked such a prodigy of love as to become their constant Companion, and to remain night and day concealed on their altars, seeming as if He knew not how to separate Himself from them, even for a moment: Ele fez uma lembrança de suas obras maravilhosas. — (Ps. cx. 4).
Tu, então, meu dulcíssimo Jesus, tiveste o prazer de realizar o maior de Teus milagres para satisfazer o desejo excessivo que tens de permanecer sempre próximo e presente a nós. Por que, então, os homens fogem de Tua presença? E como podem viver por tanto tempo longe de Ti, ou visitar-Te tão raramente? Como é que, quando estão em Tua presença, ficam tão cansados que um quarto de hora parece uma eternidade? Oh, paciência de meu Jesus, como és grande! Sim, meu Senhor, eu Te entendo; Tua paciência é grande, porque o amor que tens pelos homens é grande: e é isso que, por assim dizer, Te obriga a permanecer sempre no meio de criaturas tão ingratas.
Ah, meu Deus, que, por seres infinito em perfeições, és também infinito em amor, não permitas que eu seja, no futuro, como tenho sido até agora, do número desses ingratos. Conceda-me um amor à altura de Seus méritos e de minhas próprias obrigações. Em algum momento, também me cansei de Tua presença, seja porque não Te amava, seja porque Te amava muito pouco; mas se, por Tua graça, eu puder Te amar muito, não acharei mais tedioso permanecer nem mesmo por dias e noites inteiros a Teus pés no Santíssimo Sacramento. Ó Pai Eterno, eu Te ofereço Teu próprio Filho; aceita-O por mim e, por Seus méritos, dá-me um amor tão ardente e terno pelo Santíssimo Sacramento que, voltando-me constantemente para alguma igreja na qual Jesus habita, eu possa pensar e desejar com amorosa ansiedade o momento em que poderei ir e me entreter em Sua presença.

Ejac. Meu Deus, pelo amor de Jesus, me dê um grande amor pelo Santíssimo Sacramento.

VISITA A MARIA

Maria é a Torre de Davi, da qual o Espírito Santo fala nos sagrados Cânticos: Foi construído com baluartes; mil escudos estão pendurados nele, toda a armadura de homens valentes. — (Cant. iv. 4). A tower built with a thousand fortresses, and containing a thousand shields and weapons, for the benefit of those who have recourse to it. Thou art, then, according to an expression St. Ignatius the Martyr, O most holy Mary, a most powerful defence for all those who are engaged in battle. Oh, how constantly are my enemies attacking me in order to deprive me of the grace of God and of thy protection, my most dear Lady! But thou art my strength. Thou, indeed, dost not disdain to battle for those who trust in thee; for St. Ephrem calls thee “the bulwark of all who confide in thee.” Do thou, then, defend me and fight for me who have such great hope and confidence in thee.

Ejac. Maria, Maria, teu nome é minha defesa!

Meditação noturna: A PRÁTICA DO AMOR DE JESUS CRISTO

"A caridade não suspeita mal, não se alegra com a iniquidade, mas se regozija com a verdade."

XL. AQUELE QUE AMA JESUS CRISTO DESEJA O QUE JESUS CRISTO DESEJA

Meditação I:
Muitos fabricam um tipo de santidade de acordo com suas próprias inclinações; alguns, inclinados à melancolia, fazem com que a santidade consista em viver em reclusão; outros, de temperamento agitado, em pregar e em inventar brigas; alguns, de natureza austera, fazem com que a santidade consista em infligências e macerações penitenciais; outros, que são naturalmente generosos, em distribuir esmolas; alguns em fazer muitas orações vocais; outros em visitar santuários; e toda a sua santidade consiste em tais práticas ou em práticas semelhantes. Os atos externos são o fruto do amor de Jesus Cristo; e o verdadeiro amor consiste em uma completa conformidade com a vontade de Deus e, como consequência disso, em negar a nós mesmos e preferir o que é mais agradável a Deus, e somente porque Ele o merece.

Meditação II:
Others wish to serve God, but it must be in that employment, in that place, with those companions, and in such circumstances; or else they either neglect their duty, or at least do it with a bad grace: such as these are not free in spirit, but are slaves of self-love, and on that account reap little merit even from what they perform; moreover, they live in perpetual disquiet, since their attachment to self-will makes the yoke of Jesus Christ become heavy to them. The true lovers of Jesus Christ love only that which is pleasing to Jesus Christ, and for the sole reason that it does please Him; and they love it when it pleases Jesus Christ, where it pleases Him, and how it pleases Him; whether He chooses to employ them in honourable functions, or in the mean and lowly occupations; in a life of fame in the world, or in one hidden and despised. This is what is meant by the pure love of Jesus Christ; hence we must labour to overcome the cravings of our self-love, which seeks to be employed in those works only that are glorious, or that are according to our own inclinations. And what will it profit us to be the most honoured, the most wealthy, the greatest in the world, without the will of God? The Blessed Henry Suso said, “I would rather be the vilest insect on earth by the will of God than a Seraph in Heaven by my own will.”

QUARTA-FEIRA DA QUARTA SEMANA APÓS PENTECOSTES

Meditação matinal: VIII. COMO CONVERSAR CONTÍNUA E FAMILIARMENTE COM DEUS

Esteja certo de que, ainda que no cumprimento de seus deveres diários você tenha de se dedicar às ocupações mais insignificantes, o fiel cumprimento delas certamente o tornará um santo. O Senhor não exige de você vôos elevados de contemplação ou penitências formidáveis: tudo o que Ele exige é que você realize bem todas as suas ações.

Meditação I:
Para fazer um breve resumo do que já foi dito, não deixarei de sugerir uma prática devota por meio da qual você poderá realizar todas as suas ações diárias de maneira agradável a Deus.
Ao acordar pela manhã, que seu primeiro pensamento seja elevar a mente a Deus, oferecendo à Sua glória tudo o que fará ou sofrerá no dia, orando para que Ele o ajude com Sua graça. Em seguida, faça seus outros atos matinais de devoção, atos de ação de graças e de amor, orações e resoluções para viver esse dia como se fosse o último dia de sua vida. O Padre St. Jure recomenda que, pela manhã, se faça um pacto com o Senhor de que toda vez que fizer um determinado sinal, como colocar a mão sobre o coração, ou erguer os olhos para o céu ou para o Crucifixo, e coisas semelhantes, você deseja fazer um ato de amor, de desejo de ver Deus amado por todos, de oblação de si mesmo e outros atos do mesmo tipo. Quando tiver feito esses atos e colocado sua alma no Coração de Jesus e sob o manto de Maria, e tiver orado ao Pai Eterno para que, por amor a Jesus e Maria, Ele o proteja durante o dia, tenha o cuidado de, antes de se dedicar a qualquer outra coisa, fazer sua oração mental, ou Meditação, pelo menos por meia hora; e deixe que sua Meditação especialmente escolhida seja a tristeza e a vergonha que Jesus Cristo sofreu em Sua Paixão. Esse é o assunto mais querido pelas almas amorosas e o que mais acende o amor divino dentro delas. Se quiser progredir espiritualmente, que três devoções lhe sejam especialmente caras - a devoção à Paixão de Jesus Cristo, ao Santíssimo Sacramento e à Virgem sempre abençoada. Na oração mental, faça repetidas vezes atos de contrição, de amor a Deus e de oblação de si mesmo. O Venerável Padre Charles Caraffa, fundador dos Piedosos Operários, disse que um ato fervoroso de amor a Deus feito pela manhã é suficiente para manter a alma em fervor durante todo o dia.

Meditação II:
Besides the more specific acts of devotion, such as Confession, Communion, recitation of the Divine Office, etc., whenever you are engaged in external occupations, as in study, labour, or in any other employment that may be proper to your condition in life, never forget, when commencing your work to offer it up to God, praying for His assistance to enable you to perform it in a perfect manner; and do not omit to retire frequently into the cell of your heart, in order to unite yourself to God, according to the practice of St. Catherine of Sienna. In short, whatever you do, do it with God and for God. In going out of your room or house, and on returning again, always commend yourself to the divine by saying a Hail Mary. When sitting down to meals, make an offering to God of the distaste or gratification you may find in what you eat and drink; and, on rising from table, return thanks to Him and say: Lord, how great is Thy goodness to one who has offended Thee so much! In the course of the day be careful to make your Spiritual Reading, to make a Visit to the Most Holy Sacrament and to Most Holy Mary; and in the evening to say the Rosary and to make an examination of conscience, together with the Christian acts of Faith, Hope, Charity, Contrition, resolutions of amendment, and of receiving the Holy Sacraments during life and at the hour of death, forming also the intention of gaining all the indulgences that you can gain. And again, on going to bed, reflect that if you had your deserts, you would be lying down in the flames of hell. Then, with the Crucifix in your arms, compose yourself to sleep, saying: In peace, in the selfsame, I will sleep and take my rest. — (Ps. iv. 9).
I would wish briefly to point out to you the many Indulgences that are attached to the various prayers or acts of devotion. Whence it is desirable for you in the morning to make the intention of gaining all the indulgences in your power during the day. To him who makes acts of the three Theological Virtues mentioned above – of Faith, etc. – there are granted Seven Years and Seven Quarantines each day; and by continuing them for a month a Plenary Indulgence may be gained, provided he confesses, communicates, and prays for the intentions of the Pope. This indulgence is in articulo mortis. In like manner, you should form the intention of gaining also all the Indulgences granted for saying the Rosary on Beads properly blessed; the Angelus Domini three times a day; the Litany of our Blessed Lady; the Salve Regina; the Ave Maria, and the Gloria Patri; also for saying: “Blessed be the holy and immaculate and most pure Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary!”; “Praised now and forever be the Most Holy Sacrament!”; for reciting the prayer, Anima Christi, etc.; for bowing the head at the Gloria Patri, and at the most Holy Names of Jesus and Mary; as also for hearing Mass; for making half an hour’s mental prayer, to which besides a partial, there is also a Plenary Indulgence attached, provided it be continued for a month, on condition of Confession and Communion, and prayers for the Church; for genuflecting before the Most Holy Sacrament, and for kissing the Crucifix. Always have the intention formed of gaining every such indulgence.

Leitura espiritual: CORAM SANCTISSIMO

VIGÉSIMA OITAVA VISITA

Deus, tendo nos dado Seu próprio Filho, diz São Paulo, que bem podemos temer que Ele nos negue? Como não nos deu também com ele todas as coisas? — (Rom. viii. 32). We know, indeed, that all the Eternal Father has, He has given to Jesus Christ: O Pai lhe entregou todas as coisas em suas mãos. — (John xiii. 2). Let us, then, ever thank the goodness, the mercy, the liberality of our most loving God, Who has been pleased to make us rich in all good things, and in every grace, by giving us Jesus in the Sacrament of the Altar: Em todas as coisas vocês são enriquecidos nele... de modo que nada lhes falta em nenhuma graça. — (1 Cor. i. 5, 7).
Portanto, ó Salvador do mundo, ó Verbo Encarnado, se desejo possuir-Te, posso considerar-Te como meu e todo meu. Mas posso ao mesmo tempo dizer que sou todo Teu, como Tu desejas? Ah, meu Senhor, impeça isso; e nunca permita que o mundo testemunhe tamanha desordem e ingratidão a ponto de eu não ser Teu quando Tu me desejas! Ah, não; que isso nunca aconteça! Se foi assim até agora, que nunca mais seja. Agora, com a maior determinação, eu me consagro inteiramente a Ti; para o tempo e a eternidade, eu Te consagro minha vida, minha vontade, meus pensamentos, minhas ações, meus sofrimentos. Olhai-me como Vós; como vítima consagrada a Vós, despeço-me de todas as criaturas e ofereço todo o meu ser a Vós. Consuma-me com as chamas de Teu divino amor. Não, estou decidido que as criaturas não mais compartilharão meu coração. As provas que me deste do amor que me tens, mesmo em uma época em que eu não Te amava, fazem-me esperar que certamente me aceitas agora que Te amo e, por amor, me entrego a Ti.
Pai Eterno, ofereço-Te agora todas as virtudes, as ações, os afetos do Coração de Teu querido Jesus. Aceite-os e, por seus méritos, que são todos meus - pois ele os deu a mim -, conceda-me as graças que Jesus lhe pede. Com esses méritos, agradeço-Te pelas muitas misericórdias que me mostraste; com eles, satisfaço o que Te devo por meus pecados; por meio deles, espero todas as graças de Ti - perdão, perseverança, Paraíso e, acima de tudo, o dom supremo de Teu puro amor. Vejo muito bem que eu mesmo coloco obstáculos a todas essas dádivas; mas Tu também podes remediar isso. Eu Te peço isso em nome de Jesus Cristo, que prometeu: Tudo o que pedirdes ao Pai em meu nome, eu o farei. — (John xiv. 13). Then Thou canst not refuse me. Lord, my only desire is to love Thee, to give myself to Thee without reserve, and no longer to be ungrateful to Thee, as I have hitherto been. Behold me, and graciously hear me; grant that this may be the day of my entire conversion to Thee, so that I may never more cease to love Thee. I love Thee, my God! I love Thee, Infinite Goodness! I love Thee, my Love, my Paradise, my Good, my Life, my All!

Ejac. Meu Jesus, que é todo meu, Tu me desejas, e eu Te desejo!

VISITA A MARIA

What relief do I not feel in my miseries, and what consolation in my tribulations, what strength do I not find in the midst of temptations, when I remember and call thee to my aid, O my most sweet and most holy Mother Mary! Yes, indeed, you were right, O ye Saints, in calling my Lady, “the haven of those who are in tribulation,” with St. Ephrem; “the repairer of our calamities,” and “the solace of the miserable,” with St. Bonaventure; and “the rest from our mournings,” with St. Germanus. My own Mary, do thou console me. I see myself loaded with sins, and surrounded by enemies, without virtue, and cold in my love towards God. Comfort me, comfort me, and let my consolation be to begin a new life – a life which will be really pleasing to thy Son and to thee.

Ejac. Mude-me, ó Maria, minha Mãe, mude-me; você pode fazer isso.

Meditação noturna: A PRÁTICA DO AMOR DE JESUS CRISTO

"A caridade não suspeita mal, não se alegra com a iniquidade, mas se regozija com a verdade."

XLI. AQUELE QUE AMA JESUS CRISTO DESEJA O QUE JESUS CRISTO DESEJA

Meditação I:
Jesus Cristo disse: Muitos me dirão: Senhor, Senhor, porventura não profetizamos nós em teu nome, e em teu nome não expulsamos demônios, e em teu nome não fizemos muitos milagres? Mas o Senhor lhes responderá: Nunca vos conheci; apartai-vos de mim, vós que praticais a iniquidade. — (Matt. vii. 22, 23). Depart from Me; I never acknowledged you for My disciples, because you preferred to follow your own inclinations rather than My will. And this is especially applicable to those who labour much for the salvation or perfection of others, while they themselves continue to live on in the mire of their imperfections. Perfection consists: Em primeiro lugarem um verdadeiro desprezo por si mesmo. Em segundo lugarem uma mortificação completa de nossos próprios apetites. Em terceiro lugar, in a perfect conformity to the will of God; whosoever is wanting in one of these virtues is out of the way of perfection. On this account a great servant of God said: It was better for us in our actions to have the will of God rather than His glory as their sole motive; for, in doing the will of God, we at the same time promote His glory; whereas in proposing to ourselves the glory of God, we frequently deceive ourselves, and follow our own will under pretext of glorifying God. St. Francis de Sales said: “There are many who say to the Lord: I give myself wholly to Thee without reserve; but few indeed, in point of fact, practically embrace this abandonment, which consists in a certain indifference in accepting all kinds of events, just as they fall out according to the order of Divine Providence, afflictions as well as consolations, slights and injuries as well as honour and glory.”

Meditação II:
It is therefore in suffering and in embracing with cheerfulness whatever cuts against the grain of our own inclinations, that we can discover who is a true lover of Jesus Christ. Thomas à Kempis says that “he is not deserving of the name of lover who is not ready to endure all things for his Beloved, and to follow in all things the will of his Beloved.” On the contrary, Father Balthazar Alvarez says that whoever quietly resigns himself to the Divine will in troubles “travels to God post-haste.” And the saintly Mother Teresa said: “What greater acquisition can we make, than to have some proof that we are pleasing God?” And to this I add that we cannot have a more certain proof of this than by peacefully embracing the crosses which God sends us. We please God by thanking Him for His benefits on earth; but, says Father John of Avila, one Blessed be God! uttered in adversity is worth six thousand acts of thanksgiving in our prosperity.

QUINTA-FEIRA DA QUARTA SEMANA APÓS PENTECOSTES

Meditação matinal: IX. COMO CONVERSAR CONTÍNUA E FAMILIARMENTE COM DEUS

Para que você possa sempre se manter em um estado de recolhimento e união com Deus, transforme tudo o que vê ou ouve em uma ocasião para elevar sua mente a Deus. A água corrente o lembrará de como sua vida está correndo e levando-o cada vez mais perto da morte; e a lâmpada que se apaga por falta de óleo o alertará de que, um dia, sua vida também chegará ao fim.

Meditação I:
Para que você possa manter-se sempre em um estado de recolhimento e união com Deus, enquanto viver e na medida do possível, transforme tudo o que vir ou ouvir em uma ocasião para elevar sua mente a Deus ou para dar uma olhada na eternidade. Por exemplo, quando vir água corrente, reflita que sua vida também está correndo da mesma forma, levando-o cada vez mais perto da morte. Quando vir uma lâmpada se apagando por falta de óleo, reflita que, um dia, você também terá que ver sua vida chegar ao fim. Quando vir os túmulos ou os restos mortais dos mortos, pense que um dia você também será enterrado em um túmulo. Quando vir os grandes deste mundo se regozijando com sua riqueza ou distinção, tenha pena de sua insensatez e diga: Para mim, Deus é suficiente: Uns confiam em carros, outros em cavalos, mas nós no nome do Senhor.. — (Ps. xix. 8). Let them glory in such vanity; I will make nothing my glory but the grace and the love of my God. When you behold the pompous funerals, or the fine sepulchral monuments of the great ones that are dead, say: If these are damned what is the good of all this pomp to them?

Meditação II:
When you behold the sea in a calm or in storm, consider the difference there is between a soul in, and a soul out of, the grace of God. When you see a tree that is withered, consider that a soul without God is serviceable for nothing but to be cast into fire. If you ever happen to see one who has been guilty of some great crime, trembling with shame and fright in the presence of his judge, or of his father, or of his bishop, consider what the terror of a sinner will be in the presence of Christ, his Judge. When it thunders, and you become alarmed, reflect how those miserable ones who are damned tremble as they hear continually in hell the thunders of the divine wrath. If you ever see one who has been condemned to suffer a painful death, and who says: Is there, then, no longer any means for my escaping death? consider what will be the despair of a soul when it is condemned to hell, as it says, Is there, then, no longer any means for escaping from eternal ruin?

Leitura espiritual: CORAM SANCTISSIMO

VIGÉSIMA NONA VISITA

Eis que estou à porta e bato. — (Apoc. iii. 20). O most loving Shepherd, Who, not satisfied with sacrificing Thyself once to death on the altar of the Cross for the love of Thy flock, hast moreover been pleased to hide Thyself in this divine Sacrament on the altars of our churches, to be always near, and to knock at the doors of our hearts, and thus obtain admission! Ah, did I but know how to enjoy Thy nearness to me as did the sacred Spouse in the Canticles, who says: Sentei-me à sombra dele, que eu desejava. — (Cant. ii. 3). Ah, did I but love Thee, did I but really love Thee, my most amiable Jesus, I also should never wish to leave the foot of a Tabernacle, night or day; and fixing myself near Thy Majesty, concealed under the apparent shadow of the sacred species, I also should find that divine sweetness and that happiness which souls enamoured of Thee find in Thy Presence. Ah, do Thou be graciously pleased to draw me by the odour of Thy beauties, and of the immense love which Thou dost manifest in this Sacrament: Atraia-me, correremos atrás de você para sentir o aroma de seus ungüentos. — (Cant. i. 3). Yes, my Saviour, I will leave this Sacrament: Como plantas de oliveira ao redor de sua mesa. — (Ps. cxxvii. 3). Oh, what abundant fruits of virtues do those happy souls, like olive plants, bring forth to God, who assist with love before the sacred Tabernacle! But I am ashamed to appear before Thee, O my Jesus, so naked and so devoid of virtue. Thou hast commanded that all who approach the altar to honour Thee should present a gift: Você não deve aparecer vazio diante de mim. — (Exod. xxiii. 15). What, then, am I to do? Am I no more to appear before Thee? Ah, no; this would not please Thee. Poor as I am, I will approach Thee; and do Thou provide me with the gifts Thou desirest. I see that Thou dwellest in this Sacrament, not only to reward Thy lovers, but also to provide for the poor out of Thy riches.
Seja assim, então, vamos começar agora. Eu Te adoro, ó Rei do meu coração, e verdadeiro Amante dos homens. Ó Pastor, que amas Tuas ovelhas além de todos os limites, a este trono de Teu amor eu agora me aproximo; e não tendo mais nada para Te apresentar, ofereço-Te meu miserável coração, para que seja inteiramente consagrado ao Teu amor e à Tua boa vontade. Com esse coração, posso Te amar e Te amarei tanto quanto for capaz. Atraia-o, então, para Ti e prenda-o totalmente à Tua vontade, de modo que, cheio de consolo, eu possa, de agora em diante, dizer, como disse Teu querido discípulo, que estou preso pelas correntes de Teu amor: Eu, Paulo, prisioneiro de Jesus Cristo. — (Eph. iii. 1). Unite me, O my Lord, entirely to Thyself, and make me forget myself, that I may have the happiness one day to lose all things and even myself, to find Thee alone, and to love Thee forever. I love Thee, my Sacramental Lord. To Thee do I bind myself, to Thee do I unite myself. Make me find Thee; make me love Thee, and do Thou never more separate Thyself from me.

Ejac. Meu Jesus, só Tu me bastas!

VISITA A MARIA

St. Bernard calls Mary “the royal road of the Saviour;” the safe road by which to find the Saviour and salvation. Since, then, it is true, O Queen, that thou art, as the same Saint says, “the chariot in which our souls go to God” – the one who guides us to Him – ah, Lady, thou must not suppose that I shall advance towards God if thou dost not carry me in thine arms! Carry me, carry me; and if I resist, carry me by main force. Do all the violence thou canst by the sweet attractions of thy charity to my soul and to my rebellious will, that they may leave creatures, to seek God alone and His divine will. Show the court of Heaven the greatness of Thy power. After so many wonders of thy mercy, show this one more; make a poor creature who is far from God wholly His.

Ejac. Ó Maria, você pode fazer de mim um santo; eu espero essa graça de você!

Meditação noturna: A PRÁTICA DO AMOR DE JESUS CRISTO

"A caridade não suspeita mal, não se alegra com a iniquidade, mas se regozija com a verdade."

XLII. AQUELE QUE AMA JESUS CRISTO DESEJA O QUE JESUS CRISTO DESEJA

Meditação I:
Devemos receber com resignação não apenas as cruzes que vêm diretamente de Deus, por exemplo, problemas de saúde, talentos escassos, reveses acidentais da sorte, mas também as que vêm indiretamente de Deus e diretamente de nossos semelhantes, por exemplo, perseguições, roubos, injúrias, pois todas, na realidade, vêm de Deus. Certo dia, Davi foi insultado por um de seus vassalos, chamado Semei, que não apenas o insultou com palavras de desprezo, mas também atirou-lhe pedras. Um dos cortesãos teria imediatamente vingado o insulto cortando a cabeça do ofensor, mas Davi respondeu: Deixe-o em paz e amaldiçoe, pois o Senhor o mandou amaldiçoar Davi — (2 Kings xvi. 10); or, in others words, God makes use of him to chastise me for my sins, and therefore He allowed him to pursue me with injuries.

Meditação II:
Wherefore St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi says that all our prayers should have for their end to obtain from God the grace to follow His holy will in all things. Certain souls, greedy of spiritual dainties in prayer, go in search of these banquets of sweet and tender feelings; but courageous souls who seek sincerely to belong wholly to God ask Him only for light to understand His will, and for strength to put it into execution. In order to attain to purity of love, it is necessary to submit our will in all things to the will of God: “Never consider yourselves,” said St. Francis de Sales, “to have arrived at the purity which you ought to have, as long as your will is not cheerfully obedient, even in things the most repulsive, to the will of God.” “Because,” as St. Teresa remarks, “the giving up of our will to God draws Him to unite Himself with our lowliness.” But this can never be obtained except by means of mental prayer and of continual petitions addressed to the Divine Majesty, nor without a cordial desire to belong entirely to Jesus Christ without reserve.
O most amiable Heart of my Divine Saviour, Heart enamoured of mankind, since Thou lovest me with such a depth of tenderness; O Heart, in fine, worthy, to rule over and possess all our hearts, would that I could make all men comprehend the love Thou bearest them, and the tender caresses Thou dost lavish on those who love Thee without reserve! O Jesus, my Love, be pleased to accept the offering and the sacrifice which I this day make to Thee of my entire will! Only make known what Thou wouldst have me to do; for I am determined to do all by the help of Thy grace.

SEXTA-FEIRA DA QUARTA SEMANA APÓS PENTECOSTES

Meditação matinal: X. COMO CONVERSAR CONTÍNUA E FAMILIARMENTE COM DEUS

Os céus e a terra e todas as coisas neles, diz Santo Agostinho, me dizem para amá-Lo, ó meu Deus! Santa Teresa costumava dizer que, quando via belas colinas e encostas, elas pareciam censurá-la por sua ingratidão para com Deus.

Meditação I:
When your eye rests on scenes in the country or along the sea-shore, on flowers or fruits, and you are delighted by the sight and scent of all, say: Behold, how many are the beautiful creatures that God has created for me in this world, in order that I may love Him; and what further enjoyments does He not keep prepared for me in Paradise? St. Teresa used to say that when she saw any beautiful hills or slopes, they seemed to reproach her for her own ingratitude to God. And the Abbot de Rancé, Founder of La Trappe, said that the beautiful creatures around him reminded him of his own obligation to love God. St. Augustine also said the same thing, crying out aloud: “Heaven and earth and all things tell me to love Thee.” It is related of a certain holy man that in passing through the fields he would strike with a little stick the flowers and plants along his way, saying: “Be silent! Do not reproach me any longer for my ingratitude to God. I have understood you; be silent! Say no more!” When St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi held in her hand any beautiful fruit or flower, she used to feel herself smitten by divine love, saying to herself: “Behold, my God has thought from eternity of creating this fruit, this flower, in order to give it me as a token of the love He bears towards me.”

Leitura espiritual: CORAM SANCTISSIMO

TRIGÉSIMA VISITA

Por que escondes o teu rosto? — (Job xiii. 24). Job feared when he saw that God hid His face: but to know that Jesus Christ veils His majesty in the Most Blessed Sacrament should not inspire us with fear, but rather with greater love and confidence; since it is precisely to increase our confidence, and with greater evidence to manifest His love, that He remains on our altars concealed under the appearance of bread. Novarinus says: “God in hiding His face in this Sacrament discloses His love.” And who would ever dare to approach Him with confidence, and lay bare before Him his affections and desires, did this King of Heaven appear on our altars in the splendours of His glory?
Ah, meu Jesus, que invenção amorosa foi essa do Santíssimo Sacramento, no qual Tu te ocultas sob a aparência de pão, a fim de Te fazeres amado e para que possas ser encontrado na terra por todos os que Te desejam! O Profeta estava certo ao dizer que os homens deveriam falar e erguer suas vozes por todo o mundo, a fim de tornar conhecido a todos os homens até que ponto as invenções do amor de nosso bom Deus são excessivas para nós: Tornar suas obras conhecidas entre o povo. — (Is. xii. 4). O most loving Heart of my Jesus, worthy to possess the hearts of all creatures – Heart all and ever full of flames of most pure love! O consuming Fire, consume my whole being, and give me a new life of love and grace! Unite me to Thyself in such a way that I may never more be separated from Thee. O Heart open to be the refuge of souls, receive me! O Heart open to be the refuge of souls, receive me! O Heart, which on the Cross was so agonised for the sins of the world, give me true sorrow for my sins! I know that in this Sacrament Thou preservest the same sentiments of love for me which Thou hadst when dying on Calvary; and therefore Thou hast an ardent desire to unite me wholly to Thyself. And is it possible that I should any longer resist yielding up my entire self to Thy love and to Thy desire? Ah, by Thy merits, my beloved Jesus, be pleased Thyself to wound me, to bind me, to force me, to unite me in all things to thy Heart. I am now determined by Thy grace to give Thee all the pleasure I possibly can, by trampling under foot all human respect, my inclinations, repugnances, all my tastes and conveniences, which may prevent me from entirely pleasing Thee. Do Thou, my Lord, so help me, that I may execute this determination in such a way that henceforth all my works, opinions, and affections may be in conformity with Thy good pleasure. O love of God, do Thou drive all other loves from my heart! O Mary, my hope, thou art all-powerful with God, obtain for me the grace to be a faithful servant of the pure love of Jesus until death. Amen, amen. So I hope; so may it be in time and eternity!

Ejac. Quem nos separará do amor de Cristo? — (Rom. viii. 35).

VISITA A MARIA

St. Bernard affirms that the love of Mary towards us cannot be greater or more powerful than it is; hence by her affection she is always abundant in her compassion for us, and by her power she is plentiful in the relief she affords us: “The most powerful and compassionate charity of the Mother of God abounds in tender compassion and in kind relief; she is equally rich in both.”
So that, my most pure Queen, thou art rich in power, and rich in compassion; thou art able and desirest to save all. I therefore beseech thee now, and I will do so always, in the words of the devout Blosius: “O Lady, protect me in my combats, and strengthen me when I am wavering.” O most holy Mary, in this great battle in which I am engaged with hell, do thou always succour me; but when thou seest me wavering and likely to fall, O Lady, do thou then extend thy hand with greater promptitude, and sustain me with greater vigour. O God! how many temptations have I still to overcome before my death! Mary, my hope, my refuge, my strength, do thou protect me, and never allow me to lose the grace of God. And on my part I resolve always and instantly to have recourse to thee in all temptations, saying:

Ejac. Ajude-me, Mary! Mary, me ajude.

Meditação noturna: A PRÁTICA DO AMOR DE JESUS CRISTO

"A caridade não suspeita mal, não se alegra com a iniquidade, mas se regozija com a verdade."

XLIII. AQUELE QUE AMA JESUS CRISTO DESEJA O QUE JESUS CRISTO DESEJA

Meditação I:
Agora, qual é a maneira mais segura de saber e verificar o que Deus exige de nós? Não há maneira mais segura do que praticar a obediência a nossos superiores e diretores. São Vicente de Paulo disse que a vontade de Deus nunca é mais bem cumprida do que quando obedecemos aos nossos superiores. O Espírito Santo diz: É muito melhor a obediência do que as vítimas dos tolos. — (Eccles. iv. 17). God is more pleased with the sacrifice we make to Him of our own will, by submitting it to obedience, than with all other sacrifices which we can offer Him; because in other things, as in alms-deeds, fastings, mortifications, and the like, we give of what is ours to God, but in giving Him our will, we give Him everything. So that when we say to God: O Lord, make me know by means of obedience what Thou requirest of me, for I wish to comply with all, – we have nothing more to offer Him.
Whoever, therefore, gives himself up to obedience, must needs detach himself totally from his own opinion. “What though each one,” says St. Francis de Sales, “tem suas próprias opiniões, a virtude não é violada por isso; mas a virtude é violada por o anexo we have to our own opinions.” But, alas! this attachment is the hardest thing to part with; and hence there are so few persons wholly given to God, because few render a thorough submission to obedience. There are some persons so fondly attached to their own opinion that, on receiving an obedience, although the thing enjoined suits their inclination, yet, from the very fact of its being commanded, they lose all fancy for it, all wish to discharge it; for they find no relish in anything but in following the dictates of their individual will. How different is the conduct of Saints! Their only happiness flows from the execution of what obedience imposes on them. The saintly Jane Frances de Chantal once told her daughters that they might spend the Recreation-day in any manner they chose. When the evening came, they all went to her, to beg most earnestly that she would never again grant them such a permission; for they had never spent such a wearisome day as that on which they had been set free from obedience.

Meditação II:
It is a delusion to think that anyone can be possibly better employed than in the discharge of what obedience has imposed. St. Francis de Sales says: “To desert an occupation given by obedience in order to unite ourselves with God by prayer, by reading, or by recollection, would be to withdraw from God to unite ourselves with our own self-love.” St. Teresa adds, moreover, that whoever performs any work, even though it be spiritual, yet against obedience, assuredly works by the instigation of the devil, and not by Divine inspiration, as he perhaps flatters himself; “because,” says the Saint, “the inspirations of God always come in company with obedience.” To the same effect she says elsewhere: “God requires nothing more of a soul that is determined to love Him than obedience.” “A work done out of obedience,” says Father Rodriguez, “outweighs every other that we can imagine.” To gather a straw off the ground from obedience is of greater merit than a protracted prayer, or a discipline to blood, done out of our own head. This caused St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi to say that she would rather be engaged in some exercise from obedience than in prayer; “because in obedience I am certain of the will of God, whereas I am by no means so certain of it in any other exercise.” According to all spiritual masters, it is better to leave off any devout exercise through obedience than to continue it without obedience. The Most Blessed Virgin Mary revealed once to St. Bridget that he who relinquishes some mortification through obedience reaps a twofold profit; since he has already obtained the merit of the mortification by the good-will to do it, and he also gains the merit of obedience by foregoing it. One day the famous Father Francis Arias went to see the Blessed John of Avila, his intimate friend, and he found him pensive and sad; he asked him the reason of it, and received this answer: “Oh, happy you who live under obedience, and are sure of doing the will of God. As for me, who shall warrant me whether I do a thing more pleasing to God in going from village to village, catechising the poor peasants, or in remaining stationary in the confessional to hear every one that presents himself? Whereas he that is living under obedience is always sure that whatever he performs by obedience is according to the will of God, or rather that it is what is most acceptable to God.” Let this serve as a consolation for all those who live under obedience.

SÁBADO DA QUARTA SEMANA APÓS PENTECOSTES

Meditação matinal: XI. COMO CONVERSAR CONTÍNUA E FAMILIARMENTE COM DEUS

Durante o dia, faça frequentemente uma oferta de si mesmo a Deus, como Santa Teresa costumava fazer, dizendo: Senhor, eis-me aqui! Faze de mim o que Te agrada! Ela costumava dizer que tudo o que aquele que pratica a oração deve buscar é conformar sua vontade à vontade divina; e que ele tenha certeza de que nisso consiste a mais alta perfeição.

Meditação I:
During the day make frequently an offering of yourself to God, as St. Teresa used to do, saying: “Lord, here am I! Do with me what pleaseth Thee! Declare to me Thy will, that I may do it for Thee; I wish to do it thoroughly.” Then repeat, as often as you can, acts of love towards God. St. Teresa used also to say that acts of love are the fuel by which the holy love of God is to be kept on fire within the heart. When the Venerable Sister Seraphine of Capri was one day considering that the mule belonging to the convent had not the power of loving God, she expressed her compassion for it thus: “Poor brute; thou neither knowest nor canst love thy God;” and the mule commenced to weep so that the tears fell in streams from its eyes; so likewise do you, when beholding any animal which has not the capacity for knowing or loving God, animate yourself, who can love Him, to make more frequent acts of holy love. Whenever you fall into any fault, humble yourself for it immediately; and, with an act of more fervent love, endeavour to rise again. When anything adverse happens, immediately make an offering to God of what you have to suffer, bringing your will into conformity with God’s will; and ever accustom yourself under all adverse circumstances to repeat these words: “Thus does God will; thus I will too.” Acts of resignation are the acts of love that are most precious and acceptable to the Heart of God.

Meditação II:
     When you have to decide upon anything, or to give any counsel of importance, first commend yourself to God, and then set about your undertaking, or give your opinion. As often as you can during the day, after the example of St. Rose of Lima, repeat the prayer, Deus, in adjutorium meum intende: “Lord, come to my assistance! Do not leave me in my own hands!” And for this end frequently turn to the Image of the Crucified, or to that of the Most Holy Mary, which is in your room; and do not omit to make frequent invocations of the Names of Jesus and Mary, especially in time of temptation. Since God is infinite goodness, His desire of communicating His graces to us is perfect. The Venerable Father Alvarez one day saw our Saviour with His hands full of graces, and going about in search of those to whom He might dispense them. But it is His will that we should ask them of Him. Ask, and ye shall receive — (John xvi. 24), otherwise He will draw back His hands, whereas, on the contrary, He will willingly open them to those who call upon Him. And who is there that hath called upon Him and God despised him by not answering his prayer? Who hath called upon him and he hath despised him? — (Ecclus. ii. 12). And David tells us that the Lord shows not merely mercy, but great mercy, to those who call upon Him: For thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon thee. — (Ps. lxxxv. 5).
     Oh, how good and bountiful is the Lord to him who seeks Him lovingly! The Lord is good to the soul that seeketh him. — (Lam. iii. 25). If He lets Himself be found even by him who seeks Him not – I was found by them that did not seek me — (Rom. x. 20) – how much more willingly will He let Himself be found by one who does seek Him – and seeks Him, too, in order to serve and to love Him!
     To conclude: St. Teresa says that holy souls in this world have to conform themselves by love to what the souls of the Blessed do in Heaven. As the Saints in Heaven occupy themselves only with God, and have no other thought or joy than in His glory and in His love, so also must this be the case with you. While you are in this world, let God be your only happiness, the only object of your affections, the only end of your actions and desires, until you come to that Eternal Kingdom where your love will be in all things perpetual and complete, and your desires will be perfectly fulfilled and satisfied.

Leitura espiritual: CORAM SANCTISSIMO

TRIGÉSIMA PRIMEIRA VISITA

Oh, que bela visão foi contemplar nosso doce Redentor naquele dia, quando, fatigado por Sua jornada, sentou-Se, todo empenhado e amoroso, ao lado do poço para esperar a mulher samaritana, a fim de convertê-la e salvá-la! Jesus, portanto, sentou-se assim junto ao poço. - (João iv., 6). É precisamente assim que este mesmo Senhor parece habitar docemente conosco durante todo o dia, tendo descido do Céu sobre os nossos altares, que são como tantas fontes de graça, onde Ele espera e convida as almas a fazerem-Lhe companhia, pelo menos por algum tempo, para que assim possa atraí-las ao Seu perfeito amor. De cada altar em que Jesus permanece no Santíssimo Sacramento, Ele parece se dirigir a todos, dizendo: Ó homens, por que fugis da minha presença? Por que não vindes e não vos aproximais dAquele que vos ama tanto e que permanece assim aniquilado por vossa causa? Por que temeis? Eu não vim agora à Terra para julgar, mas me escondi neste Sacramento de amor apenas para fazer o bem e salvar todos os que recorrem a Mim: Eu não vim para julgar o mundo, mas para salvar o mundo. — (John xii. 47).
Vamos, então, entender que, como Jesus Cristo no Céu é sempre vivo para interceder por nós — (Heb. vii. 25), so in the Sacrament of the Altar He is continually, night and day, exercising the compassionate office of Advocate; offering Himself as a Victim for us to the Eternal Father, thus to obtain for us His mercy and and innumerable graces. Therefore the devout Thomas à Kempis says that we ought to approach Jesus to converse with Him in the Blessed Sacrament without fear of chastisement, and unrestrained, as with a beloved friend, “as one who loves speaking to his beloved; as a friend to a friend.”
Since, then, Thou thus givest me permission, let me, O my hidden King and Lord, now open my heart to Thee with confidence, and say: O my Jesus! O Enamoured of souls, I will know the injustice men do Thee. Thou lovest them, and art not loved by them; Thou doest good to them, and receivest insults; Thou desirest to make them hear Thy voice, and they give Thee no ear; Thou offerest them graces, and they refuse them. Ah, my Jesus, and is it true that I also at one time joined these ungrateful creatures in thus displeasing Thee? O God, it is but too true! But I am determined to amend and to endeavour, during the time that I have to live, to make up for the displeasure I have caused Thee, by doing all that I possibly can to please Thee and to give Thee consolation. Tell me, O Lord, what Thou dost wish from me, and I will execute all without reserve: make known Thy will to me by means of holy obedience, and I hope to accomplish it. My God, I now resolutely promise Thee that I will never, from this day forward, omit what I know to be the more pleasing Thee, even were it to cost me the loss of all – relatives, friends, esteem, health, yea life itself. Let all perish, provided Thou art pleased. Happy loss, indeed, when all is lost and sacrificed to satisfy Thy Heart, O God of my soul! I love Thee, O sovereign Good, worthy of my poor heart to all the hearts with which the Seraphim love Thee; I unite it to the heart of Mary, to the Heart of Jesus. I love Thee with my entire self; Thee alone will I love, and Thee alone will I always love.

Ejac. Meu Deus, meu Deus, eu sou teu, e tu és meu!

VISITA A MARIA

Blessed Amadeus says that our most blessed Queen Mary is always in the divine Presence, acting as our advocate, and interposing with God by her prayers, which are most powerful: “The most blessed Virgin stands before the face of her Creator, interceding with her most powerful prayers for us.” “For,” he adds, “she well sees our miseries and our dangers, and as our most clement and sweet Lady compassionates and succours us with a mother’s love.”
Vós, minha advogada e minha amorosíssima Mãe, vedes agora mesmo as misérias de minha alma; vedes meus perigos e orais por mim. Reze, reze e não pare de rezar, até que me veja salvo e pensando em você no Céu. O devoto Blosius me diz que vós, ó doce Maria, sois, depois de Jesus, a salvação certa daqueles que são vossos servos fiéis. Ah! esta graça eu agora te peço: concede-me a feliz sorte de ser teu fiel servo até a morte; que depois da morte eu possa ir te abençoar no Céu, onde terei a certeza de nunca mais, enquanto Deus for Deus, deixar teus sagrados pés.

Ejac. Ó Maria, minha Mãe, fazei que eu seja sempre vosso.