January. The Holy Infancy.
The month of the holy infancy of Our Lord is January. The Lord was born in December as we know, but so late in the month that we must take the beginning of the new year and consecrate the first part of the year to God. We begin with the childhood of Our Lord in our devotions, that we may grow as He did in grace before God and man. The holy Infant is laid in our arms this month, that we may contemplate Him and learn holy lessons. What are these lessons? The goodness of God towards us—the mercy and kindness of the Child Jesus for us; for His infancy is infinitely meritorious before God, and all grace comes to us on account of Christ, Who has been an Infant among us. We should be like children in our confidence in God, Who has created us and will not make us stand greater trials than we are able to bear. We should not care over much for the things of this world; we should not depend so much on our own efforts; but with filial resignation we should say to God: “You want this done, and you want one to do it. Well, then, give me the grace, the intelligence, the will, and I will do it in such a manner as will be worthy of God.” The whole month can be spent in meditating on these virtues; be assured they are worth being learned, and will repay you for the trouble of practising them.
Considerations and Prayers for Every Day.
First Day.
Consider the Holy Family on this day. They rise early to make preparations to proceed to the Temple to fulfil the law of God given to Moses, that every male child of the Jewish nation should be circumcised. Let us accompany them in spirit to the Temple, and witness God's providence working plainly in behalf of His divine Son. To-day the Child Jesus is circumcised. A painful operation is performed on the body of the pure and holy Babe which was formed in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Jesus knew that by this ceremony He subjected Himself to the Law, and the observance of all the dictates of a life regulated by it. Be you also subject to the law of God, hard though it may be to man's corrupt nature. The life of a Christian will be a difficult one if you are not good and pious. It will be hard for you to pray, to fast, to go to Mass, or confession. Only by submitting to the law of God will you learn to bear your burdens patiently, willingly, and joyfully. Remember you are not carrying your cross alone, for the great Bearer of the cross, Our Lord Jesus Christ, will help you: He Who has said, “My yoke is sweet and My burden light.”
Prayer.
O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary, hast bestowed on mankind the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience the intercession of her through whom we have had the happiness to receive the Author of life, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Second Day.
Jesus underwent the circumcision as an act of redemption. He was carried forth by His holy Mother to begin the way of the cross, and from that moment until the day of His death He suffered physical pain. You may here form many thoughts on this period in the life of this holy Child, which will console you in your sufferings. Be not cast down in your struggle after a livelihood, be not impatient in poverty and suffering, for by these Jesus has redeemed the world. These crosses will one day bring you to heaven. All humanity from childhood has the vicissitudes of nature and fortune to combat. Cruel indeed is the fate of some children: poverty, neglect, sickness, the death of parents, and other misfortunes, leave them often in a deplorable state. But there is a Providence watching over them; not a sparrow falls from the housetop without the will of the heavenly Father. At the same time those who have the means should be interested in God's poor, and seek to help them in all their necessities.
Prayer.
O Jesus, when Thou givest me such touching proof of Thy love, could I remain cold towards Thee? No! it is not possible. I will love Thee, then, O my God, with a love which nothing will daunt or repel.
Third Day.
At the presentation of the Lord in the Temple were present Simeon and Anna; they were faithful people, and were permitted to witness the solemn entry of Our Lord into the Temple. They [pg 014] were old and had served the Lord God with faithfulness all their days, and were now waiting for the coming of the Messias. On this day their fidelity was partially rewarded. It was certainly a great grace to be allowed to witness the presentation of Jesus to God, His Father, and this great reward for a good life was followed afterwards by eternal happiness in heaven. Be faithful, then, to the teachings of God in His holy Church. Begin in your youth, or at least when the grace of God visits you. Never cease to trust in God during your whole life, so that you, too, may be received into the heavenly kingdom as a reward for your fidelity. Pray always, as Simeon and Anna did, who never left the Temple but remained there in prayer and fasting, waiting for the consolation of Israel.
Prayer.
O my God, how Thou didst love me on the day of Thy presentation! Oh, how well Thou dost teach me thereby what love is when it burns the heart! O my God! come and consume me, come and take possession of my whole being, so that I may belong entirely to Thee. Let Thy good pleasure dispose of me as Thou willest. Amen.
Fourth Day.
On the occasion of the circumcision, the name of Jesus was given to Our Lord. He was called Jesus, the Redeemer: a name which was given to Him by His Father and announced to man by an angel. Let this holy name be on your lips—it will be to you a light, guiding you on your way through this valley of darkness. Let it be your food, to strengthen you on [pg 015] your journey to your heavenly home. Let it be a watchword at the end of your life, by which you may open the gates of heaven. The name of Jesus is a powerful one; it is the conqueror of death, the victor over hell. You are a follower of Jesus, therefore you ought to show yourself an enthusiastic follower, and love to repeat that sacred name. The name of Jesus piously said will strengthen our good resolutions, and our resistance against temptations. When the end of life approaches, and the darkness of despair comes over us because we have done so little in the hours of daylight, when we should have worked, the merits of Jesus will give us hope, for He came to this earth to suffer for us, to give us hope, and to supply the deficiency of our efforts.
Prayer.
Oh, may the adorable name of Jesus be the sweet and daily music of my soul and the seal of my heart; and when, in the agony and cold sweat of death, I shall give the last look for mercy, may the parting sigh of my soul be Jesus. Amen, sweet Jesus, Amen.
Fifth Day.
The name of Jesus must not only be on our lips, but it must also be indelibly engraven in our hearts. You have heard perhaps in the life of that blessed Dominican, Suso, that he cut over his heart the name of Jesus. In this name you can overcome all things. In this name you will be rich in grace and strength, you will be victorious over all temptations and successful in all your labors. Why should you not have the name of Jesus in your heart? [pg 016] St. Paul has said: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.” You remember the exclamation of the great Apostle, “If any man love not Our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema.” There is great peace and comfort in the name of Jesus; it is this which enables pious people to remain faithful for long years in dryness of the spiritual life. It is this which gives us courage to do good actions, not for an earthly gain, but for Jesus, and the reward of His society for all eternity. Let us never pronounce it except with confidence, respect, love, and delight.
Prayer.
O sweet Jesus! O loving Jesus! O Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, full of piety and of love! O sweet Jesus, according to Thy great mercy have mercy on me; blot out my iniquities, and look with tenderness upon me, a miserable sinner invoking Thy holy name, Jesus. Amen.
Sixth Day.
The Lord has commended His holy name to every Christian as a precious jewel which he is to use to obtain mercy and grace. “That whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.” We all belong to the army of the Lord, stand under His banner, and are supposed to be ever ready to make battle in His cause. How often have not you received the body and blood of the Lord? Think, then, what efficacy your prayers have when you appear before God, with the sign of the blood of Jesus on your soul; you then pray with a power to which nothing is equal, for not only do [pg 017] you pray, but Christ prays in and by you. By this holy name God is honored, as He is honored in His adorable Son. “God hath given Him a name which is above all names.”—Phil. ii. 9. The Lord is always an intercessor for us—it is His office of Redeemer and Saviour that has merited this name, by His life on earth and His death on the cross. To-day is the feast of the Epiphany, the manifestation of the Lord Himself to the Gentiles. Let us thank God during the day by frequent outbursts of love, for our vocation to the faith in the person of the Magi.
Prayer.
O God! Who didst this day reveal Thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star; grant in Thy mercy, that we, who already know Thee by faith, may be brought to contemplate the beauty of Thy majesty, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Seventh Day.
The Lord has shown Himself to you also, as He did to the three Wise Men from the East who represented you on the feast of Epiphany. You have had mercy shown you on this day because now you have the right to choose the true faith, and you should be thankful for this grace. You have had a singular privilege extended to you, which all Christians do not enjoy to the fulness. There are among us many who have not the consolation of dying in the arms of Jesus. They cannot claim that He said to them, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” We know that they, too, are hastening with us to [pg 018] the Last Judgment, but with what a difference! When a misfortune befalls these men in life they have no peace of mind; when a humiliation meets them, the ungentle spirit of nature is aroused in them at being despised. They are unhappy in privations, impatient in disputes, and they are selfish. The life of those who think not of Christ is full of misery, disappointment, and dissatisfaction; they sit in the darkness of heathenism; but you who have the faith find relief in all your ills. Be not one of those who by their sinfulness deserve to be deserted by God.
Prayer.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, in Thy heavenly mercy, the prayers of Thy suppliant people; that they may perceive where their duty lies, and be enabled to accomplish whatsoever tasks are necessary for their salvation. Amen.
Eighth Day.
Our faith ought to be pure and precious as the gold which the wise kings offered at the throne of God. You ought, then, to hold fast the faith of Jesus Christ, which is preserved in the Catholic Church. Learn your faith, learn the proofs of it; you will be a more fervent adherent to the chair of St. Peter and be well instructed in everything that concerns the Church. You will pray for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for holy Mother Church in these troublous times. If love is a part of that purity of faith, read nothing, listen to nothing which is against your faith; do not belong to societies that are condemned by the Church, for they are enemies of God's religion. Your faith must be a lively one; [pg 019] give signs of it in your actions. Sweet-smelling as the incense in the hands of the kings must be our faith. Every one should see that we are good and stanch Catholics; education or riches or social standing should not be an obstacle to our humble practice of our religion. What is there more beautiful than a well-educated man practising the Catholic faith according to the laws of the Church? Unhappily the rich and the learned are sometimes ashamed of the Church, leaving it to the poor and ignorant to be good Catholics.
Prayer.
O my God, I thank Thee for the inestimable gift of faith which Thou hast bestowed upon me. Grant that I may always acknowledge this Thy mercy with thanksgiving; and this not only in words, but in making a good use of it. This grace I ask through Thy sweet name, Jesus. Amen.
Ninth Day.
In trying to lead a good Christian life you will often meet with contradictions and persecutions, even from your associates. But the Wise Men included the myrrh of mortification among their gifts. He who wants to lead a life of purity will necessarily meet with many persecutions and crosses, and only when he has taken up the cross can he follow the divine Redeemer. The faith of Christ cannot exist without the bitter herb of mortification. This faith is the power that conquers the world, and the world's insults. Let us then be firm in our faith as the three kings were in all their trials, for they had many a one to encounter before they [pg 020] found the cave of Bethlehem. Let us show our appreciation then by our zeal and our holy lives. “He is my God, and I will glorify Him: the God of my father, and I will exalt Him.”—Exod. xv. 2. The holy man Job will be an example to us as to how we should serve God in trials and tribulations. Though the Lord allowed great sufferings to come upon him, and precisely because he had been good, still he remained true and firm and would not make a compromise with the devil, his persecutor. Job was thankful for everything that came from the hands of God. He praised God for it all his days.
Prayer.
O my God, how good it is to serve Thee thus, and to give ourselves wholly to Thee. Give to me as Thou didst to the Magi the spirit of wisdom, of prayer, and of sacrifice, so that, following Thee through all my life, I may reach a happy eternity. Amen.
Tenth Day.
It is a singular fact that the star disappeared at Jerusalem, though that was not, as yet, the place where the new-born King of the Jews was to be looked for. Herod was the temporal king of Jerusalem; the high priest and the doctors of the Law were also there. As this was the seat of the religion of the people of God, here were made many prophecies that were to be accomplished. We should have thought that here also the star would have been seen. Jerusalem, however, remains in darkness, the people that were to be the recipients of God's promises are passed over, and the great [pg 021] grace of vocation was given to men who knew nothing of the testament of God—to pagans. The star appears to them and illuminates the darkness in which they find themselves, and calls them to a heavenly light. Our Lord explained this Himself afterwards, when He said that from the rising to the setting of the sun would come those who would sit at His banquet, while the “children of the kingdom” should go out empty-handed, for they deserved no better treatment because of their infidelity and presumption.
Prayer.
O God, Who didst permit the children of Israel so often to sink under the trials which Thou didst send them, and so often to offend by yielding under temptation: have regard, I beseech Thee, to Thy servant, and assist me with heavenly strength that I may have patience and courage under all the trials of life. Amen.
Eleventh Day.
We are similar in condition to Jerusalem: We have the promise of God, we have the Messias in our midst, on our altars. Jerusalem was the gay capital of the Jewish nation, and it had no time to attend to the call of God. We also will meet the same fate that overtook that unfortunate city, which knew not the day of its visitation. Our Lord “came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” We are too busy with the things of this world to give a few thoughts to God; we do not realize the precious gifts of Our Lord, or of His sacred presence, and so we will be allowed to go [pg 022] forth empty-handed; strangers will take our places in the heavenly kingdom, while we shall sit in darkness for all eternity. The Lord will find faithful followers among strangers who have not our knowledge; they are guided only by a star that does not speak. They follow it and are rewarded; they follow it because they acknowledge the fact that they stand in need of a leader and guide.
Prayer.
Help me, O my God, and defend me from all dangers; let Thy heavenly light dart upon my soul amidst all its darkness; let faith be its guide, and support it with hope. Behold, I now protest that I renounce all kinds of suggestions that are injurious to that faith and hope which I am bound to have in Thee. Amen.
Twelfth Day.
Mary was found with the Child by the Magi; she it was who received the gifts for the Lord. There sat Mary as on a throne, having the Infant Jesus in her lap, and the Wise Men fell down and adored Him. How kingly seemed to them the poverty of that Babe! how right royal that sinless Mother's lap, on which He was enthroned! We, too, have arrived at the stable of Bethlehem in our meditations. Mary is there, holding out towards us also her divine Son. Through her He has become ours in holy communion, ours when we are faithful servants of this good Master. Mary is always with Jesus; we cannot think of the sacred humanity of Christ without thinking also of the Mother who gave Him birth. How far removed is the Mother [pg 023] from the Son? Let us then bow down in humility and adoration before the Child who is Our God; but let us also look up to Mary. She teaches us God as we never could else have learned Him. The Child Jesus seems to understand better than we that the caresses which are poured out to Him are also intended for us. Let us look with gratitude at this good Mother of Jesus, who is to be our Mother because she has taken us under her protection, and presents our petitions to the divine Infant, her sweet Son.
Prayer.
O Mary, my good Mother, I cast myself into thy arms: obtain for me from thy divine Son the virtues of humility and charity, great purity of heart, of body, and of soul, final perseverance in good, the gift of fervor in prayer, a pious life, and a happy death. Amen.
Thirteenth Day.
Mary is present at our visit to Jesus, to receive the gifts that we are about to bring to the Infant at this sacred season, when we celebrate the feast of Epiphany. We are going to offer to Jesus, through Mary, a gift of gold. Gold is the most precious and the most sought after possession in the world. Whatever we have most precious, then, we will give to Him: our attachment to our family, our inclinations, our prejudices, our possessions, we will lay at the feet of Jesus, so that Mary may point them out to this sacred Babe, and show Him how generous we have been to make a sacrifice of the dearest things we have on earth. The man of the [pg 024] world makes supreme efforts to gain gold, so we will make supreme efforts to bring our whole being, with all its energies, as a sacrifice to Him; our hearts with all their inclinations will be consecrated to the service of Jesus Christ. We will love Him not only in Himself, but in our neighbor; we will succor Him in the person of the poor, and in those even of whom we have to complain; and that on account of His words, “As long as you did it to one of these, My least brethren, you did it to Me.”—Matt. xxv. 40.
Prayer.
O my Mother, give me Jesus as thou didst give Him to the holy Wise Men. Obtain for me a fervent heart to desire Jesus; a pure and humble heart to receive Jesus; a constant heart, that I may never, by the least wilful sin, sadden His loving Heart. Amen.
Fourteenth Day.
During these days make the sacrifice of your heart a persevering, loving, patient sacrifice. You are not going to retain anything of this heart, you are not going to divide your love. Jesus has given Himself entirely to you; He has been presented to you by the hands of Mary. He has made you a Christian, that you may take advantage of this privilege of enjoying Him as often as you please. You can be on familiar terms with Him, you can unite Him to your heart in holy communion, when He will enter your soul and be such a gracious, noble guest. By your Christian character He has privileged you to participate in all the sacraments of the Church. He [pg 025] confirms you in your Christianity; He pardons your transgressions when you have fallen, and when, with sorrow in your heart, you wish to rise again; He claims you as His at the end of your life by anointing you in your last sickness: He claims you in fact, body and soul, for His own glory.
Prayer.
Most sweet Infant Jesus, I acknowledge Thee my benefactor. I return Thee thanks for whatever I possess, and I heartily beg Thy grace, that I may make good use of the benefits which through Thy great mercy I enjoy. Amen.
Fifteenth Day.
You are going to appear before Jesus and Mary during these days with the incense of the Magi, which they presented to Him as a tribute of praise; they acknowledged Jesus as their God. Incense is offered to God alone; it is a prayer in itself, and ascends with a pleasant odor. You are going to stand before Jesus offering your incense of prayer and adoration. You have your daily prayers to say; in fact the whole day should be a prayer, which should insert itself into all your actions. How noble will not such a day appear to you when you look back on it! Oh, that all your days were like this one, full of holy joy, peace and happiness; such a happiness as you cannot find in earthly pleasure and enjoyment. Mary will receive this gift of prayer for her divine Son, and point out to Him the pious Christian that has brought the same sacrifice as did the kings of the East—the incense of prayer. How pleased will be our sweet Jesus to receive this gift from our hands, and in exchange [pg 026] He will give us the gift of piety, thus enabling us to love God alone and to despise all else.
Prayer.
Hail, most sweet Jesus, Son of God and of Mary, I love Thee with my whole soul, and above all things, because Thou art infinitely worthy of all love. I firmly resolve by Thy grace to sin no more, and henceforth to avoid all occasions of sin. Amen.
Sixteenth Day.
Mary is found with Jesus, too, in order to accept another gift, which you must not forget and which the Magi brought also, i.e., the bitter myrrh of mortification. We have seen that we should offer a pure heart to the Lord and a life full of prayer—but we must also add to these gifts the virtues of self-denial, self-abnegation and mortification. Mary offered this great gift of generosity in its fulness. She is the Queen of martyrs, the sorrowful Mother. Mourn with her over your own ingratitude and the sins of the world; follow her in the way of the cross of her life; condole with her. It is a precious gift to God to mortify one's self, and one can find daily opportunities of doing so. As a Christian you are not to look backward. Give the same gifts as the Magi did; put some little privation on yourself, no matter what it may be, or how insignificant it may appear. God will look upon it with eyes of love, and in return will enrich you with the spirit of mortification and of sacrifice, which will make you apostles and martyrs.
Prayer.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! grant me, as Thou didst to the Magi, the spirit of wisdom, of prayer, and of sacrifice; so that following their example of steadfast faith, I may one day receive the reward of eternal happiness. Amen.
Seventeenth Day.
We read that the Lord accompanied His parents on a visit to the Temple in Jerusalem, and remained there unknown to them, when they had departed for their own home. It was His Father's house, and He expressed a kind of wonder that He was expected to be anywhere else at any time. We might apply this to ourselves as well. God is Our Father; the church is Our Father's house, and we should be found at home. Besides, Jesus is in the tabernacle; He, our Brother, is in His Father's house, and the whole family should be gathered there. You should make frequent visits to the church, and should any one be surprised at your conduct, and ask you the reason, you can answer with justice: “Am I not to be about the things that are my Father's?” Go to your work, be in your home, but also love to pass some time in the presence of the Lord in the church. The angels are there, silently praying before their God in the tabernacle; join them in their devout occupation. You like to visit a friend; no nearer nor dearer friend will you ever find than Jesus, your loving Saviour.
Prayer.
O Jesus, Thou knowest my desire of serving Thee with the purest intention of living but for [pg 028] Thee. Thou art my hope, my strength, and my life. I will seek not so much for consolation as for the grace of a greater love towards Thee, my sweet Saviour, and for strength to suffer bravely for Thy greater glory and my own sanctification. Amen.
Eighteenth Day.
From your early childhood you have been brought to the church. Even before you knew what church meant you trotted along with the other children, and sat in your pew and knelt with the rest, not knowing how to pray, not knowing what you were about. But afterwards you began to understand that you were going to a holy place, where sacred things were performed: things that reminded you of heaven, even while you were still on this earth. When you were made a Christian by Baptism, then you were introduced into the mystic body of the Church, and you also received the right to stand in the material temple of the Lord, and take your place among the many members of the Christian people. The Church has become your home, a place of happiness and consolation in all your afflictions. But do we use it as such? Do we go with all our trials and temptations to our sweet Lord, hidden in the tabernacle, Who is there waiting and anxious to console us in our miseries?
Prayer.
My dearest Jesus, how much hast Thou not done to oblige me to love Thee, and how much hath it cost Thee to gain to Thyself my love? Pierce my poor soul, O dearest Jesus, with the [pg 029] sweet dart of Thy love, so that I may ever languish with desire of Thee. Amen.
Nineteenth Day.
When the shepherds were told to seek for the Child Jesus, they were sent to look for a child. When we set out to look for the Redeemer we expect to see something remarkable; with fear and trembling we approach the spot, and find only a helpless Child lying on some straw in a manger. Man looks for great and startling works, and God meets him by showing things which, in his consideration, are insignificant. We think that God should choose great things and He chooses small ones. This is the difference between divine and human reasoning, between the ways of God and the ways of man. God has become man in the form of a child, and human wisdom thinks that now, over the whole world, a great clamor, noise, and wonderment should be raised; that all nations should be astounded. Instead the Lord is a child that does not talk, does nothing wonderful, even cries like other children, and so He remains, or rather grows, gaining by degrees the use of human faculties the same as other children. These are the ways of God; we think we should have ordered all things differently.
Prayer.
O sweet Babe of Bethlehem, I adore Thee in Thy humility. Mayest Thou be ever reverenced and adored by all creatures. May we with the angels ever adore Thee, and may the hearts of all the faithful ever breathe out in Thy honor a most sweet perfume. Amen.
Twentieth Day.
What a difference! Adam was placed in paradise, a most beautiful garden; the second Adam, Jesus, is placed in the manger. The former was but a simple human being, while this One is the true God. And why was this difference made? Through Adam's sin paradise, that beautiful place, had been desecrated: God, the Author of our being, forgotten. In punishment of this rebellion the second Adam had to atone for this defection. We had lowered ourselves to the level of the animals, we had sought our joy among the natural inclinations, and thither Our Lord had to descend in order to find us. Paradise is again to be brought to this earth. We, too, should show by our faith, our devotions, and our magnificent churches, where our happiness is. We may enjoy this paradise even on earth by doing the will of God in all things, and receiving frequently the body and blood of Christ, in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Prayer.
O most sweet Infant Jesus, behold here a poor petitioner who wants Thy aid; but such is my unhappiness, the more I want the less able I am to ask for relief. Have regard, therefore, to my distressed condition, and according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies have compassion on me. Amen.
Twenty-first Day.
The angels announced the glad tidings of the birth of Christ to the shepherds, who heard the words and acted on them promptly and with joy, [pg 031] ignorant though they were. The promise of the coming of a Redeemer was clearly placed before their minds, so that they were as prepared for this startling announcement as if they had been waiting for it for many years. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the Infant. How beautiful is Our Lord's attraction to the lowly, represented in the call of these poor men. Such are the men that the Babe called first. We should allow the glorious truths of the incarnation to sink deeply into our souls, that we may celebrate the month of the holy childhood with profit to ourselves and to the glory of God. We should be interested also in spreading the Gospel among Protestants and Jews, and by our lives lead bad Catholics back again to the Infant Babe. Lay people can sometimes do more good than they imagine, and in some cases even more than a priest, because their advice and good example may have an effect where a priest could not reach.
Prayer.
O most sweet Babe of Bethlehem! what praise, love, and thanks shall I return Thee for all Thy mercies? Let my body, soul, and all that is within me bless Thee eternally, and let heaven, earth, and all that is within them say Amen.
Twenty-second Day.
God's glory was the object of the angels who came to announce the birth of Our Lord. Glory to God in the highest! Infinite glory accrues to God the Father by sending His divine Son to this earth to become man. We are His intelligent creatures, to whom He was sent, and we must give [pg 032] to God a rational worship. When we do not give glory and thanks to God, and are ungrateful, we rob the Creator of that recognition which He should have from His creatures. But the same must be said of all our works; we must have the glory of God before our minds; we should do nothing but with the express or implicit motive—the honor of God. Our maxim should be, “All for the greater glory of God.” When the angels reported the birth of the Lord they did not refer to their own greatness but sang out, “God has done this from His throne in heaven,” to Him is due the glorification of His creatures; so also we, after a good action, do not think complacently of our own sanctity or excellence, but say it was the inspiration of God, and God's work, which has been done by us unworthy instruments in His hands. Mary referred all her glory and graces to God: “My soul doth magnify the Lord.”
Prayer.
Almighty and everlasting God! Lord of heaven and earth, Who dost reveal Thyself to little ones, grant us, we beseech Thee, to honor meetly the holy mysteries in the life of Thy Son, the Child Jesus, and to follow Him humbly in our lives, so that we may come to the eternal kingdom promised by Thee to little ones, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Twenty-third Day.
Again the angels said, “Peace on earth to men of good-will.” How precious is the peace of the soul! Peace is the fruit of a good conscience, [pg 033] which produces peace with God and with one's self. Seek to purify your will, make it conformable to the will of God, for then you enjoy peace more and more; you will taste the happiness of that peace which surpasses all the joys of the world, and which the world cannot give. In the contemplation of the joyous feasts which we celebrate, during this month of the mysteries of the divine infancy of the Lord, we will find the happiness of our soul. Continue in your adoration of the Infant Jesus, bring Him the grateful thanks of a pure heart, pray with earnestness, with perseverance, for the mercy of God, which He can extend to you in answer to your supplications if you are sincere. Remember the words of the angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good-will.” It is a saying which is worth repeating to yourself.
Prayer.
O most amiable Jesus, who for my sake and instruction didst vouchsafe to conceal Thy eternal wisdom under the weakness of childhood! I most humbly thank Thee for having shown me in Thy own sacred person how I should sanctify my youth, and thereby draw a blessing on my future life. Amen.
Twenty-fourth Day.
“Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.”—Luke ii. 19. Twice do we read that Mary did this. The Holy Ghost certainly wished to attract our attention to this fact, that we might imitate the action. All that was [pg 034] done and all that was said made a great impression on Mary's heart. She merited more and more the eulogiums which God Himself bestows on those who hear the word of God and keep it. The facts and the words of the incarnation must be the same to us—precious thoughts and gifts which we know how to value and appreciate. At certain times we should give evidence of our belief in the joy of our heart. God's glory must be published externally, we must not bury it in our hearts only, for Mary preserved all these words in her heart so as to make them public at some future time, for the welfare of the Church. With greatest devotion and zeal she had heard the revelations of God; with liberality she made manifest the fulness of her heart for the glory of God.
Prayer.
O Wisdom, Who didst proceed out of the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end, with might and with sweetness disposing all things, come and teach us the way of prudence. Amen.
Twenty-fifth Day.
Mary not only kept all these words in her heart, but she also meditated on them. In fact the meaning of the words, “kept in her heart,” is that they were ever fresh there; she kept the eyes of her soul on them, and thought of them; she was part of the workings of God's providence, and had no other thought than that the will of God should be done in all things, especially just now, in this instance of the childhood of Christ. Men and angels had brought her the testimony of their admiration of the [pg 035] wonderful works of God; and Mary was consoled and confirmed in her willingness to suffer everything for her divine Infant Son. To us also the meditation and the consideration of God's infinite goodness, and the facts of revelation, are the very centre-post around which the Christian life should move. Be not a passive Christian that is borne along in the crowd; go a little farther, and become an intelligent worshipper, who has reflected well on religious tenets, and to whom they have given a great deal of consolation and hope of future happiness.
Prayer.
O Adonai and leader of the house of Israel! Who didst appear to Moses in the fire of the flaming bush, and didst give him the Law of Sinai: come and save us with a stretched-forth arm. Amen.
Twenty-sixth Day.
We are often solicitous about temporal affairs: our eating, drinking, clothing, and that which is dependent on us. We are right in making all necessary efforts, but we must not forget God, or lose confidence in Him. The Magi left their kingdoms, palaces, families, their great comforts of home, and went on a long journey, led by the star, without being clearly told how far their journey was to carry them. They had to travel through unknown lands, under a burning sun, exposed to wild beasts, and the enmity of wandering tribes. Still they persevered until they were rewarded by the sight of the Messias, the Redeemer of the world. Then “they rejoiced [pg 036] with exceeding great joy.” This is also a lesson to us to quiet our fears. God knows what we have done for Him, and a thousand-fold will He reward our generous actions, and at the same time our families will be protected and our wants supplied. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice: and all these things shall be added unto you.”—Luke xii. 31.
Prayer.
O Root of Jesse! Who art a signal to the people, in Whose presence kings shall be silent, and to Whom the Gentiles shall pray: come and deliver us now and delay not. Amen.
Twenty-seventh Day.
The revelation which you have received from God ought to enter deeply into your soul. Mary's heart was full of grace. You should receive God's word into your hearts, that it may be the nourishment of your souls, that it may fill you with holy sentiments and desires, and model you according to the life of Christ. During these days you have given much thought to the birth of Our Lord. Be careful in your prayers not to keep it on your lips only, but let it take deep root in your hearts, so that Christ may be born again in your souls. Pray to Mary, to the angels, and to the saints, that they may assist you; that you may preserve the deposit of faith with fidelity as they preserved it, for the nourishment of the spirit and the sanctification of your soul, and of others that may be intrusted to your care. Your piety and love of the Lord should increase with these [pg 037] meditations. “Thy word is exceedingly refined: and Thy servant hath loved it.”—Ps. cxviii. 140.
Prayer.
O Key of David and sceptre of the house of Israel! Who openest, and no man shutteth: Who shuttest, and no man openeth; come and take out of prison him that is in fetters, and who sitteth in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.
Twenty-eighth Day.
The obedience of Our Lord to His parents is an admirable lesson. Jesus Christ is obedient, and submits His infinite wisdom to the commands of human beings. Not only was He obedient to His heavenly Father even unto the death of the cross, but He exactly fulfilled all the requirements of the Fourth Commandment without a murmur, without deferring the execution of His parents' wishes to a time more suitable to Himself. St. Bernard says that he is obedient who fulfils a command without delay, and with a cheerful heart. Our Lord fulfilled this law so scrupulously because He wished to leave us an example. Remember the fact that the Boy Jesus was not only obedient to His heavenly Father, but also to His superiors according to the order of things. The Lord left, without delay, the performance of a holy action when He was called away from it. Our obedience to the Church and its lawful pastors is also an obligation devolving upon us. Children, obey your parents, servants, your masters, citizens, the State and all constituted public authority. Religious fulfil this law of obedience because they make a vow of obedience.
Prayer.
O Orient brightness of eternal light, and Sun of righteousness! come and enlighten those that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death. Amen.
Twenty-ninth Day.
“Jesus advanced in wisdom and age, and grace with God and men.”—Luke ii. 52. From the first instant of His sacred life on earth there were hidden in the Lord all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He constantly developed these before the sight of men. The sun has always the same abundance of heat and light, yet it still increases as the day wears on until it stands in the zenith in all its glory and power, and as the day wanes it, as it were, draws its power to itself. The older Jesus, the Sun of justice, grew, the brighter became the light of His holy life, and it illumined more and more the lives of those who observed Him. The growing older is inevitable; as time passes we grow older, but we do not necessarily grow in wisdom before God and men. Our piety before God is not increased, and we frequently give scandal to men by our impiety. When we were young we loved God, but as we grew older we were so implicated with the things of this life that we lost a great deal of our simplicity. Why should this be so?
Prayer.
O King of the Gentiles, and their desired One, the corner-stone that joins the two walls! come and save man, whom Thou didst form out of dust. Amen.
Thirtieth Day.
Jesus was filled with grace and truth from the very beginning of His life. We have seen His glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. More and more did His virtues, however, shine forth with ever increasing splendor; men wondered at this glorious Being, loved Him, and afterwards followed Him when He began His mission. We, too, were full of grace at our Baptism, and long afterwards, in our childhood, we were pleasing in the sight of God, because we were innocent children whom God loved. We were then modest, pious, obedient, but in course of time we sought to please men more than God. To please men is often to displease God. We should have hungered and thirsted after justice, and this would have kept alive in us the desire to grow in grace, wisdom and truth. But now let us arouse ourselves, and even though we are old, let us strive to become like the divine Infant. Let us, with the grace of God, renew in ourselves the graces that were in us. Let us examine our conscience, and see whether we have remained faithful to our good resolutions, if we have ever made them before. It is not too late yet to resolve to do better in the future.
Prayer.
O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver! the expectation of the Gentiles and their Saviour; come and save us, O Lord, Our God. Amen.
Thirty-first Day.
On this last day of the devotion of the holy infancy, let us endeavor to make permanent [pg 040] the pious sentiments that have passed through our souls. We wish to have Jesus in our hearts, not only for the present but also for the future. It is not enough to find Jesus as the shepherds and the Magi did, but we should try to keep ourselves always in His sacred presence. The means to retain Jesus are no other than to keep ourselves in grace, to avoid sin, to preserve His love in our hearts, and lastly to be watchful, when temptation assails us, against sensuality, pride, avarice, and want of charity, and any other vice. Let us remain close to Our Lord, remembering our promises of fidelity, in a humble confidence that He will assist us with His grace. Let us remember the words of the Royal Prophet David: That a soul that fears God will not be affected by infidelity. Let us repeat with the spouse in the Canticles: “I found Him Whom my soul loveth: I held Him: and I will not let Him go.” Who will separate me from the love of Christ?
Prayer.
O Infant Jesus! grant that each moment of our lives, we may pay homage to that moment in which Thou didst begin the work of our salvation. Amen.
Mass in Commemoration of the Holy Infancy of Jesus Christ.
Preparatory Prayer.
Deign, O almighty God, to give me the grace to remember, with devotion and love during the holy sacrifice, the sacred birth, the Passion and death of Thy Son, Jesus Christ. I offer to Thee, [pg 041] Thy divine Son by the hands of Mary, His Virgin Mother, to the honor of Thy holy name, and in grateful thanksgiving for the numberless graces and blessings which Thou hast bestowed upon Thy poor creature. I offer Him also for the joy of the heavenly court, as a victim of propitiation for my sins, for the living and the dead, and for my special intention, which, with all confidence, I recommend to Thee. Permit me to feel Thy sacred presence, to be immersed in Thy pure light, and to be comforted by it, so that I may always, but especially on this day, serve Thee faithfully, and bear the trials which Thou sendest me with love and courage. In consideration of the tears and the precious blood of Thy divine Son, by Whom I knock at the gates of Thy mercy and kindness, grant that all misfortunes of body and soul may be averted from me, through Christ Our Lord, Who is ever praised with Thee and the Holy Ghost, for all eternity. Amen.
Introit.
O my God, I should be holy as Thou art holy, fountain of all sanctity; and still Thou seest in me nothing pure. I am full of iniquity. Have mercy on me, make manifest in me Thy mercy. I present to Thee, in sorrow and humility, the Infant Jesus as my intercessor. Look upon Him, O heavenly Father, the brightness of Thy own glory, now lying in a crib in a wretched stable. And from that lowly bed He raises up His little hands, begging for pardon, in order that we, His erring brothers and sisters, may be brought back to Thy paternal Heart, and to ward off the punishment which we so richly deserve. O divine Redeemer, [pg 042] despise not our confidence! Stretch out Thy almighty right hand and draw us forth from the floods of our sins, miseries, and iniquities, so that we may gratefully thank Thee and the Father for all eternity. Amen.
Gospel.
We render Thee, O loving Jesus, our everlasting thanksgiving for having descended from Thy unspeakable happiness in heaven to this miserable earth, where Thou dost wish to console Thy needy creatures and to teach us by Thy holy Gospel the way to heaven. Who would not approach Thee with confidence, when he sees Thee, the infinite God, wrapped in swaddling-clothes, resting on the bosom of the purest and tenderest of Mothers, with hands full of graces and a Heart full of love! Even though untold misery should overwhelm our hearts, and innumerable desires consume our souls, still we would take confidence from this kindness and love, and our souls would be filled with happiness and peace. Look upon me, then, O gracious Infant! and by that look of kindness may my intellect be enlightened to understand the divine truths; may my will be inflamed to fulfil Thy commands and inspirations, and my memory continually suggest Thy promises and Thy goodness. So that on the altar of my heart may be placed a triple sacrifice of faith, hope, and charity, and then I can claim from Thy majesty new graces and benedictions upon myself, upon those in whom I am interested, and upon all those on whom the light of the Gospel has not shone, that we may become vessels to Thy honor and love, and may praise Thy mercies for all eternity. Amen.
Offertory.
As I kneel in spirit at the crib of Bethlehem, and see the divine Infant offering Himself to the heavenly Father for my sins, so I bring, as an offering with the priest, my poor heart which thirsts for Thee. Oh, that I could offer Thee as gifts many virtuous acts! but bowed down in the dust of my own nothingness, I cannot offer anything more than an empty, sorrowful heart. Look upon it with mercy, and send upon it the dew of Thy grace and love, which will quickly bear fruit of humility and meekness. Adorn my soul with the flowers of devotion, that my whole life may become a song of praise and petition for mercy. Amen.
Sanctus.
Unfathomable, O Lord God, are the depths of Thy mysteries, and wonderful the inventions of Thy mercy. Faith teaches me that He Who is in the crib, and weeps and trembles, is the One Whose thunder rolls in the clouds, at the sound of Whose voice cherubim and seraphim veil their faces with their wings. What a manifestation of humility and love do I contemplate in this! Come, O Lord, with Thy all-conquering love, and enkindle my cold heart and the hearts of all careless Christians with the flames of love! Come to me in the fulness of Thy graces and blessings, and stir up my sluggish humor; enlighten all needy souls with the abundance of Thy eternal brightness, that we may now, and for all eternity, sing the angelic anthem: Holy, holy, holy, is Our God! Amen.
The Secret.
O kind Father! in humility I beg of Thee, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, may our sacrifice and prayers please Thee. Bless me, bless those who are here present at this sacrifice, and bless also all who are needy and suffering. I pray Thee especially for the holy Catholic Church and her ministers, that Thou mayest keep them in peace and harmony; that Thou mayest protect and govern them, and mayest pour into their souls that peace which the divine Infant brought to this earth—Who alone is the cause of the happiness which we enjoy here below. I wish to join the angels in exclaiming, “Peace to my soul, peace to all men of good-will.”
Consecration.
Look down, O Lord God the Father! on this altar where Thy divine Son adores Thee as He did from the stable of Bethlehem, and offers Himself as a spotless lamb as He did on Calvary. We unite our prayers with His, and we beg of Thy unlimited mercy that Thou wouldst listen to the pleading of this divine Heart and of this precious blood, and grant us what is pleasing to Thee. Grant that we may grow in the odor of sanctity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and share with Him eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.
After The Consecration.
O divine Infant Jesus, give me the grace to realize the wonders of Thy holy love! In all humility I consecrate myself to Thee as a holocaust to Thy holy condescension. Oh, that I were able to [pg 045] adore Thee with that sincere and heartfelt devotion with which the holy Virgin, St. Joseph, the pious shepherds, the Magi, and all the fervent adorers of Thy divine infancy adored Thee. With all my soul I will love Thee. All the movements of my heart shall be directed towards Thee; my soul shall be Thy dwelling. With Thy grace I will fulfil all the duties of my state in life. Change this sinful man into a new being by Thy almighty love, by the same love with which Thou hast changed the bread and wine into Thy adorable body and blood. May Thy profound humility restrain the pride of my heart; may Thy wonderful purity transform me into a lily of purity for the heavenly garden, and Thy love guide me through the storms of this wretched life to the habitation of bliss: to Thy throne, where ever and ever springs forth life without end. Amen.
Commemoration Of The Dead.
Remember, also, O most merciful Jesus! all Thy servants who have departed this life, marked with the seal of faith and charity, and who sleep the sleep of peace. Let them all feel, according to their burning desire, the power of the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Open to them the gates of heaven, the abode of light and peace, that they may join the innumerable chorus of angels and saints, who praise and love Thee for all eternity. Amen.
Agnus Dei.
O immaculate Lamb of God, suffering all human tribulations! teach me to tear myself away from the affections of earthly things, which still keep [pg 046] me from adhering solely to Thee. O gracious Lamb of God, Who didst descend from heaven to bring grace and light into my needy soul! let the dew of Thy kindness descend upon this barren land of my heart, to enrich it with many virtues. O pure Lamb of God, Prince of peace and love! calm in my soul all disquiet, and let it be inflamed with the flames of Thy holy love, whence all my words and actions derive their merit. Amen.
Communion.
O dearest Jesus, my Redeemer! from the stable of Bethlehem Thou callest to me, “Come to Me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.”—Matt. xi. 28. Pressed and overwhelmed with many trials, my soul longs for Thee, and desires to partake of the heavenly banquet of Thy flesh and blood, and to be united to Thee most intimately. Come, O Lord, to comfort my languishing spirit! strengthen my weak resolutions; change my whole being into something more pleasing to Thee. What heart is not softened by Thy loving glance, and desires not to be one with Thee? Admit my heart to a union with Thine, that both may be consumed together. As dry wood easily takes fire from flames, so may my heart begin to burn brightly, and whatever is displeasing to Thee be consumed by Thy holy love. Let me find rest in the enjoyment of Thy divinity; and let me have no earthly attachments, so that when I shall be loosed from the ties of this world, I may fly to Thee, and rest in Thy bosom.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me:
Body of Christ, save me:
Blood of Christ, inebriate me:
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me:
O good Jesus, hear me:
Within Thy wounds hide me:
Permit me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy defend me:
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to Thee,
That, with Thy saints, I may praise Thee
Forever and ever. Amen.
Conclusion.
Accept, O Blessed Trinity! my grateful thanks for the graces which Thou hast poured upon my soul during this holy sacrifice, which I have attended in honor of the holy infancy. And then, O divine Infant! permit me to remain with Thee whilst I am engaged in the duties of my state in life. Make me ever mindful of that gratitude which I ought to have for Thy holy love; let me feel the truth of the words, “I have found Him Whom my soul loveth”; I will never be separated from Him. Amen.
Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus.
(Form to which an indulgence of three hundred days was granted by Pope Pius IX., who suppressed all other forms.)
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the living God, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, splendor of the Father, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, brightness of eternal light, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, king of glory, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, sun of justice, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, Have mercy on us.
Jesus amiable, Have mercy on us.
Jesus admirable, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, the powerful God, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, father of the world to come, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, angel of the great council, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, most powerful, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, most patient, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, most obedient, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, lover of chastity, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, lover of us, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, God of peace, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, author of life, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, model of all virtues, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, zealous for souls, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, our God, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, our refuge, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, father of the poor, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, treasure of the faithful, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, good shepherd, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, true light, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, eternal wisdom, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, infinite goodness, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, our way and our life, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, joy of the angels, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, king of the patriarchs, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, master of the apostles, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, teacher of the Evangelists, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, strength of martyrs, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, light of confessors, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, purity of virgins, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, crown of all saints, Have mercy on us.
Be merciful. Spare us, O Jesus!
Be merciful, Deliver us, O Jesus.
From all evil, Deliver us, O Jesus.
From all sin, Deliver us, O Jesus.
From Thy wrath, Deliver us, O Jesus.
From the snares of the devil, Deliver us, O Jesus.
From the spirit of fornication, Deliver us, O Jesus.
From eternal death, Deliver us, O Jesus.
From the neglect of Thy inspirations, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through the mystery of Thy holy incarnation, Graciously hear us, O Jesus!
Through Thy nativity, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy infancy, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy most divine life, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy labors, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy agony and Passion, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy cross and dereliction, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy languors, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy death and burial, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy resurrection, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy ascension, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy joys, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy glory, Deliver us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Jesus!
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us!
Let Us Pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast said, “Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you,” grant, we beseech Thee, to us who ask the gift of Thy divine love, that we may love Thee with our whole heart, in word and work, and never cease from showing forth Thy praise.
Grant, O Lord, that we may have a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy name, for Thou never failest to direct and govern those whom Thou hast instructed in Thy true and solid love, through the same Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Litany of the Infant Jesus.
(For Private Devotion Only.)
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Infant Jesus, hear us.
Infant Jesus, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Infant Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Infant, very God, Have mercy on us.
Infant, Son of the living God, Have mercy on us.
Infant, Son of the Virgin Mary, Have mercy on us.
Infant, begotten before the morning star, Have mercy on us.
Infant, Word made flesh, Have mercy on us.
Infant, wisdom of Thy Father, Have mercy on us.
Infant, purity of Thy Mother, Have mercy on us.
Infant, only Son of Thy Father, Have mercy on us.
Infant, only-born of Thy Mother, Have mercy on us.
Infant, image of Thy Father, Have mercy on us.
Infant, Creator of Thy Mother, Have mercy on us.
Infant, splendor of Thy Father, Have mercy on us.
Infant, honor of Thy Mother, Have mercy on us.
Infant, equal to Thy Father, Have mercy on us.
Infant, subject to Thy Mother, Have mercy on us.
Infant, joy of Thy Father, Have mercy on us.
Infant, riches of Thy Mother, Have mercy on us.
Infant, gift of Thy Father, Have mercy on us.
Infant, offering of Thy Mother, Have mercy on us.
Infant, precious fruit of a Virgin, Have mercy on us.
Infant, Creator of man, Have mercy on us.
Infant, power of God, Have mercy on us.
Infant, our God, Have mercy on us.
Infant, our Brother, Have mercy on us.
Infant, perfect man from Thy conception, Have mercy on us.
Infant, ancient in wisdom from Thy childhood, Have mercy on us.
Infant, father of ages, Have mercy on us.
Infant of days, Have mercy on us.
Infant, giving life and nourished at the breast, Have mercy on us.
Infant, Eternal Word, and making Thyself dumb, Have mercy on us.
Infant, weeping in Thy crib, Have mercy on us.
Infant, thundering in the heavens, Have mercy on us.
Infant, terror of hell, Have mercy on us.
Infant, joy of paradise, Have mercy on us.
Infant, dreaded by tyrants, Have mercy on us.
Infant, desired by the Magi, Have mercy on us.
Infant, exiled from Thy people, Have mercy on us.
Infant, king in exile, Have mercy on us.
Infant, destroyer of idols, Have mercy on us.
Infant, vindicator of the glory of God, Have mercy on us.
Infant, strong in weakness, Have mercy on us.
Infant, powerful in abasement, Have mercy on us.
Infant, treasure of grace, Have mercy on us.
Infant, fountain of love, Have mercy on us.
Infant, author of the blessings of heaven, Have mercy on us.
Infant, repairer of the evils of earth, Have mercy on us.
Infant, head of the angels, Have mercy on us.
Infant, stem of the patriarchs, Have mercy on us.
Infant, word of the prophets, Have mercy on us.
Infant, expectation of nations, Have mercy on us.
Infant, joy of the shepherds, Have mercy on us.
Infant, light of the Magi, Have mercy on us.
Infant, salvation of children, Have mercy on us.
Infant, hope of the just, Have mercy on us.
Infant, teacher of doctors, Have mercy on us.
Infant, first-fruits of the saints, Have mercy on us.
Be merciful, Spare us, O Infant Jesus!
Be merciful, Graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus!
From the bondage of the children of Adam, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the slavery of the devil, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the corruption of the world, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the lust of the flesh, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the pride of life, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From an immoderate desire of knowledge, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From blindness of mind, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From perversity of will, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From our sins, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most pure conception, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most humble birth, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy tears, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most painful circumcision, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most glorious epiphany, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most devout presentation, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most innocent conversation in the world, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most holy life, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy poverty, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy sorrows, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy labors and trials. Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Lamb of God. Who takest away the sins of the world. Spare us. O Infant Jesus!
Lamb of God. Who takest away the sins of the world. Graciously hear us. O Infant Jesus!
Lamb of God. Who takest away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us. O Infant Jesus!
Infant Jesus, hear us,
Infant Jesus, graciously hear us!
Let Us Pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst vouchsafe so to annihilate the greatness of Thy incarnate divinity and most sacred humanity, as to be born in time, and become a little child; grant that we may acknowledge infinite wisdom in the silence of a child, power in weakness, majesty in abasement: so that adoring Thy humiliations on earth, we may contemplate Thy glories in heaven. Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, God, forever and ever. Amen.
The Mysteries of the Sacred Infancy.
(For every day of this month and each 25th day of every month during the year.)
V. Incline unto my aid, O God.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was in, etc. Our Father, etc.
1. The Incarnation.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! Who for our salvation didst descend from the bosom of the eternal Father, into the womb of the Virgin Mary, where, conceived by the Holy Ghost, Thou didst take upon Thee, O Incarnate Word, the form of a servant, have mercy upon us.
V. Have mercy upon us, O Lord.
R. Have mercy upon us. Hail Mary, etc.
2. The Visitation.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! Who by means of Thy Virgin Mother didst visit St. Elizabeth, and filling Thy forerunner, St. John the Baptist, with the Holy Spirit, didst sanctify him from his mother's womb, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
3. The Expectation of the Birth.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! Who for nine months enclosed in the womb, didst wait for the time of Thy birth, and didst meantime inflame the hearts of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph with most ardent longings, and didst offer Thyself to God the Father for the salvation of the world, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
4. The Holy Nativity.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, wrapped in poor swaddling-*clothes, and laid in the manger, glorified by angels, and visited by shepherds, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
O Jesu! born of Virgin bright,
Immortal glory be to Thee;
Praise to the Father infinite,
And Holy Ghost, eternally.
V. Christ is at hand.
R. O come, let us worship Him. Our Father, etc.
5. The Circumcision.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! circumcised when eight days old, called by the glorious name of Jesus, and proclaimed both by Thy name and by Thy blood to be the Saviour of the world, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
6. The Adoration of the Kings.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! Who wast manifest to the three kings, who worshipped Thee as Thou didst lie on Mary's breast, and offered to Thee the mysterious presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
7. The Presentation.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! presented in the Temple by the Virgin Mary, embraced by the holy old man Simeon, and revealed to the Jews by Anna the prophetess, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
8. The Flight Into Egypt.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! Whom Herod sought to slay, carried by St. Joseph with Thy Mother into Egypt, saved from death by flight, and glorified [pg 055] by the blood of the holy innocents, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
O Jesu! born of Virgin bright, etc.
V. Christ is at hand.
R. O come, let us worship Him. Our Father, etc.
9. The Sojourn In Egypt.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! Who didst dwell as an exile in Egypt for seven years, where Thou didst utter Thy first words, and, loosed from Thy swathing-bands, didst first begin to walk upon this earth, and, in the destruction of the idols, didst work, in a hidden manner, Thy first miracles, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
10. The Return From Egypt.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! Who when Herod was dead, wast recalled out of Egypt into the land of Israel, and didst in the journey suffer many fatigues and hardships, and wast carried back by Mary and Joseph to the city of Nazareth, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
11. The Life in the Holy House.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! Who in the holy house of Nazareth didst dwell most holily, and didst pass Thy life in obedience, poverty, and toil, and as Thou didst increase in years didst manifest to God and men signs of wisdom and grace, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
12. The Disputing With The Doctors.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! Who wast taken to Jerusalem when twelve years old, wast lost by Thy parents, and sought for by them with sorrow, and after three days wast found, to their exceeding joy, with the doctors in the Temple, have mercy upon us.
V. and R. Have mercy, etc.
O Jesu! born of Virgin bright, etc.
V. Christ is at hand.
R. O come, let us worship Him. Our Father, etc.
During the year:
V. The Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt amongst us.
At Christmas and during the octave add Alleluia.
At the Epiphany and during the octave:
V. Christ hath manifested Himself unto us. Alleluia.
R. O come, let us worship Him. Alleluia.
Let Us Pray.
O almighty and everlasting God, Lord of heaven and earth! Who didst reveal Thyself to little ones, grant, we beseech Thee, that whilst we duly celebrate and honor the most holy mysteries of Thy Son, the Infant Jesus, and worthily strive to imitate them, we may arrive at that heavenly kingdom which Thou hast promised to little children, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Communion Prayers in Honor of the Infant Jesus.
Preparation for Holy Communion.
1. I believe most firmly, my dear Jesus, that in the consecrated Host is contained Thy humanity and Thy divinity, together with Thy sacred flesh and blood. I believe in this mystery of our faith, because Thou, Who art infinite wisdom, hast announced, “My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” I believe as firmly as Thy holy Mother Mary believed in all the sacred truths which Thou camest to preach. With the heart of Mary, O divine Infant Jesus, I would love Thee! I would wish to receive Thee into the shelter of my heart, as Mary didst receive Thee into her arms with devotion and tenderness, and Thou didst find a resting-place. Cold and dreary was everything about Thee, that night of Thy birth, but Thou didst find a warm heart in Thy holy Mother. Let me embrace Thee with the same fervor with which Joseph and Simeon welcomed Thee into their arms. Give me now, O divine Infant Jesus, through the participation in Thy body and blood, the burning love of Thy holy spirit, which induced Thee to become my Brother. Thou didst institute this Holy Sacrament that I might be united to Thee and Thou to me. I am heartily sorry that I have, hitherto, preferred creatures to Thee, and so far have done nothing to deserve Thy mercy. Forgive the sins for which I have had only a superficial sorrow, and which I, perhaps, have confessed in the same spirit. Clothe me with the garb of innocence of Thy holy childhood; by Thy adorable blood purify me, by Thy holy spirit enliven me, [pg 058] that from the present I may no longer live, but Thou, my Jesus, live in me forever.
O Holy Ghost, Who didst prepare the body of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by the infusion of sanctity, to be a worthy habitation of the body of the divine Infant Jesus, prostrate before Thee I beg that Thy grace may also render my soul and body worthy to receive the body of Christ, that I may receive Him with purity and faith, and may through the reception lay a foundation of sanctity, which will entitle me to enter the glorious kingdom of heaven.
O my good Jesus, my whole confidence is in Thee; Thy wounds and Thy sacred blood encourage me to hope in the Lord.
O Son of the almighty God, Son of the Virgin Mary, hear me, and be merciful unto me. My heart desires to receive Thee with the same joy and desire with which Mary conceived Thee and gave Thee birth.
Come, then, dear Lord, and fashion my heart according to Thy will; and, oh, holy saints, devout adorers of the Infant Jesus, St. Francis, St. Anthony, St. Stanislaus, pray that my faith may be strong, that my hope and confidence in the Infant Jesus may increase, that my love for Him and His good Mother may burn with an inextinguishable flame.
And thou, my guardian angel, as well as arch-*angels and angels, cherubim and seraphim, accompany me to the holy table of the Lord; cover me with thy wings, for I am not worthy to receive this heavenly food.
2. O my God, my Lord, is it possible that Thou lovest me, a miserable human being, so tenderly, that now Thou dost feed my soul with Thy precious [pg 059] blood, with the bread of angels? By this sacred food Thou dost so firmly unite me to Thee as to make us one; Thy soul unites itself with my soul, and Thy body with my poor human nature. Rejoice, then, O my soul, for no longer can it be said, “My tears have been my bread day and night: whilst it is said to me daily: Where is thy God?”—Ps. xli. 4. For my food is the bread of angels and my God is not far from me and my God is in my soul! O dear Jesus, how liberal art Thou towards him that seeks Thee! How can I make return for this great kindness?
3. Consider, O my soul, that as often as you receive communion, you become, as it were, like Mary, the Mother of God, and a spouse of Jesus Christ: for in holy communion you may consider that the Lord comes to you as the little Child of Bethlehem. He becomes your Spouse because He loves you, takes care of you, and caresses you. O my soul, with what energy you ought to seek to acquire the virtues of our dear Mother Mary. She was adorned with every virtue when the incarnation took place in her, and she enjoyed the presence of her God.
Put yourself exclusively into the hands of God, and have the same sentiments that Mary had when she said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord,” or with the spouse in the Canticles: “My Beloved is a bunch of myrrh which rests in my bosom.” And with Simeon, the prophet, exclaim, “Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace: Because my eyes have seen Thy salvation.”
4. Permit me, my dear Jesus, to use Thy words in the Gospel: “I am come to cast fire on the earth, [pg 060] and what will I but that it be kindled?”—Luke xii. 49. Why is it that I receive so often, and approach this fire of divine love, and am not ignited? Let, then, this fire of love, which burns in this Sacrament, communicate its flames to me, that I may rise from the things of this world. I will now endeavor to love Thee above all things and no creature shall hinder me from Thy love. I will love Thee with my whole strength.
5. Dear Infant Jesus, Thy love has conquered my heart! I know now that Thou givest Thyself to me as my food, and as a ransom to free me from the slavery of Satan. My servitude to the devil, the flesh, and the world has been hard, but being once liberated from these chains, I hate my former cruel masters, and wish to belong entirely to Thee. There is no joy or happiness in anything in this world, but in Thee, my God, Who callest to me: “Come to Me all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up My yoke upon you ... and you shall find rest to your souls.”—Matt. xi. 28, 29. Yes, I will willingly subject myself to Thy yoke, by obedience to Thy holy commandments, which I will keep with the greatest exactitude. Permit me to approach Thy sacred banquet, for which I am now preparing.
6. In Jesus you may find all that you seek, and all that you need. Why, then, do you turn to other consolations? Seek that only Good which contains all good. Consider Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, the greatest Good, and stir up in yourself a desire for Him. He will not despise you, though you are unworthy of the favor. When Jesus dwelt on earth, and travelled through cities, towns, and country, He [pg 061] always had compassion on misery, and rejected none that came seeking relief from the ills of body and soul. And now that same Jesus is in heaven, and He can refuse no one. The woman who touched the hem of His garment was healed of a long standing infirmity. Magdalen, the sinner, kisses His feet, and her sins are forgiven. The pagan woman of Chanaan obtains the cure of her daughter. The sisters Mary and Martha obtain the resurrection of their brother Lazarus. Those possessed by the devil are freed.
My heart will not hesitate, but will boldly and humbly approach the Lord and ask the cure of my soul. He gives me His sacred body and blood, and all other needful things will be added unto me.
7. Yes, my God, my Lord, will come to me! I will not fear; I will approach with a joyful heart; I will not lose courage because I am sinful, as I know the Lord invites the sinner. He has eaten and drank with them, and treated them as His friends. He will also eat with me, and entertain me at His own table if I am only sorry for my sins. He will give me the kiss of peace and welcome me to His house. With His own flesh and blood He will feed me.
8. Come, O dear Jesus, wash my feet as Thou didst the apostles'. St. Peter refused, but when he was told that unless he complied he would have no part with Jesus, he gladly consented. Purify me also that I may have share with Thee in Thy glory. I am full of impurities in body and soul, my lips are unclean, because they utter many reprehensible words, my eyes and ears are impure, because they see and hear impurities. Who can purify me but [pg 062] Thou, O Lord, O crucified Redeemer, by Thy sacred blood which flows from the cross?
9. Who shall give me the wings of a dove, that I may fly to Thee, my rest, my peace? Give me two wings: one the firm confidence in Thy goodness, that Thou wilt allow me to claim some of Thy merits for my salvation; the other the wing of love, that I may soar beyond this world, and remain with Thee. Prepare me for Thy sacred banquet with the virtues which Thou Thyself would have in me. Teach me how I am to serve Thee. Give me a real thirst after Thy sacred blood, and a real hunger after Thy sacred flesh, that I may really desire it.
10. O consolation of my soul, dear Infant Jesus, I beg of Thee to root out of my heart all the sins and vices to which I am so much inclined; spare me not in removing them, even though it may hurt, even though I may be unwilling. Piety, humility, sincerity, modesty, and love are necessary. Then plant these virtues in my soul, and give me grace to practise them.
11. The Bridegroom is coming! I hear this cry, and I am to go forth to meet Him. Am I prepared? Have I oil in my lamp? Bestir yourself then, O my soul: it is not an angel that is coming, or a great prophet. No, it is God Himself Who is approaching: the Son of God, the King of glory. Rise, my soul, and prepare a resting-place in your heart, where the Lord may remain.
After Communion.
Ejaculations To The Dear Infant Jesus.
How great is Thy love, sweet Heart of Jesus, Who hast given Thyself to me as a celestial food! [pg 063] Thou deservest to be loved with an infinite love, and not with the love of ordinary creatures.
O Jesus, I am heartily sorry for having hitherto loved Thee so little! Why did I not love Thee sooner?
Would that I could redeem that time in which I did not love Thee! Where will I find hearts that are going to help me to make up for the glory that I should have given Thee up to this time?
Would that I loved Thee with that tender love with which Mary loved Thee. The angels and saints loved Thee, my Jesus; let me also join them in their love.
Offering.
I offer Thee my whole being; let it be unreservedly Thine. Thou hast taken possession of my heart, Thou art its Master; my whole life shall be used for Thy greater honor and glory. Wherever my influence may reach, there will I carry the name of Jesus. Wherever the word of God may be announced, I will glory in Thy name.
Thou, O Lord, art so full of love, and still Thou art so little loved! O would that I could enkindle all hearts with the fire of Thy love! Thou, O Lord, art the Master of all hearts; we belong to Thee because Thou hast created us, and when we rebelled from Thee and became slaves of Satan, Thou didst redeem us. What greater right have we than to belong to Thee, to be subject to Thee, and to announce Thy holy name to all, so that by our mutual example we may be encouraged to live lives of sanctity?
O that all of us would have the love of the Infant Jesus in our souls, and make earnest endeavors to [pg 064] spread Thy love among all men! When, O Lord, will I be dissolved, to live only with Thee? To Thee my sighs and desires go up day and night. When will I see Thy blessed countenance? When my time comes to die, let me die in Thy love, so that I may love Thee for all eternity. Thy will, O Jesus, be done in all things, and let me delight to walk in Thy footsteps.
Do with me what Thou wilt; I am willing to submit to joy or sorrow, life or death, fortune or misfortune. It is all indifferent to me as long as it is Thy will, only give me the grace to endure adversity with resignation. It will be a joy to me to fulfil Thy holy will in all things.
Thanksgiving After Communion.
Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, according to St. Francis de Sales.
How can I, O Lord Jesus Christ, praise Thee sufficiently for having visited my soul in Thy infinite goodness, by Thy divinity and Thy sacred humanity, with Thy body and blood? I give Thee, my Lord and my God, a loving welcome, Thou Who art my Redeemer, my last end, my consolation, my sweetest rest, my all. A thousand welcomes to Thee, my dear Jesus, my good shepherd. In the abyss of my nothingness I humbly adore Thee. I adore Thy sacred flesh and blood, which Thou hast given me for my food, and the pledge of my eternal union with Thee. I adore Thy sacred head crowned with thorns; I adore Thy eyes that have shed so many tears for me; I adore Thy mouth, with which Thou didst teach me eternal truths; I adore Thy [pg 065] sacred countenance, which has been beaten for me by cruel soldiers; Thy feet, that have been pierced by the nails and fixed to the tree of the cross; Thy arms, which were outstretched for me, for a loving embrace; Thy side which the lance pierced, and from which blood and water issued forth, the witnesses of my redemption; Thy Heart, which loved me even unto the death of the cross. My dear Redeemer, I adore Thy sacred body, covered with innumerable wounds which Thou didst suffer for me. I adore Thy most holy soul, which was saddened unto death in the Garden of Olives that I might reach eternal life.
My dear Jesus, with great love I embrace Thee, and I will remain faithful to Thee until my last hour. Bless these feelings of a good heart: grant that no storm of temptation may lead me again to be unfaithful as I have repeatedly been heretofore.
A Pious Salutation To The Infant Jesus.
Hail, holy and adorable Infant Jesus, source of mercy! Thou art the life of the sinner, unfathomable ocean of divine sweetness, our hope, our joy. To Thee, born in the dreary stable of Bethlehem, we cry, poor children of Eve, to Thee we send forth our sighs, to Thee we send up our lamentations in this valley of tears. Turn then, O incarnate love, Thine eyes of mercy towards us, O blessed fruit of Thy Virgin Mother. As Thou didst show Thyself full of kindness in the stable of Bethlehem, so show unto us, after this miserable life, Thy divine mercy, when Thou shalt come in the glory of Thy Father. O sweet, O loving, O clement Infant Jesus! Amen.
Pious Invocation To The Infant Jesus.
(Father Elias Avillon.)
Hail, Infant Jesus, Thou fountain of mercy, Thou life of the sinner dead in sin, Thou unfathomable ocean of divine consolation, our hope and our joy. Hail, to Thee, born in the desolate stable of Bethlehem, do we cry, poor children of Eve. To Thee do we sigh and bewail our misery from this valley of tears. Turn then, O incarnate love of God, Thine eyes of mercy upon us, Thou blessed fruit of the womb of the Virgin Mary. As Thou didst show poor humanity unbounded mercy from the manger, so also continue Thy kindness during our life, until after this miserable existence we arrive in the glory of heaven, where we shall meet Thee, to praise and glorify Thee for all eternity. O sweet, O pious, O merciful Infant Jesus! Amen.
A Prayer To The Holy Name Of Jesus.
Eternal God, Father in heaven, daily do we pray that Thy sacred name be sanctified, that Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done. It is also Thy holy will that the name of Thy beloved Son should be glorified. Thou hast given Him a name at which every knee should bend in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. I pray Thee with all my heart that Thou give us the grace to pronounce that holy name with the greatest devotion, and to serve the Lord with a good and willing heart. Engrave this holy name on my heart, that I may never forget it. Place it as a sign on my forehead, that I may ever be faithful to it. O holy name of Jesus! my heart rejoices when I hear thee mentioned. I feel great [pg 067] consolation as often as I hear that holy name. Angels of heaven, who are gathered in ecstasy about the throne of God, praise with us on earth the sacred name of Jesus; sing its praises worthily, as we cannot sing it; invoke it for us also, that when our feeble powers fail, thy holiness and zeal will supply our deficiency. Thy holy name, O Jesus, be praised forever!
Adoration of the Child Jesus in the Twelve Mysteries of His Divine Infancy.
Dear Jesus, divine Infant of incomparable beauty, of infinite goodness, I adore Thee, because Thou art my Redeemer, and I love Thee. I make a sacrifice to Thee of all my intellect, and of my heart, and I thank Thee for having become a child for my sake. I adore Thee in all the mysteries of Thy holy childhood, and pray Thee to let me enter into the spirit of it. Give me the grace to honor Thy childhood all my life, and that I may imitate the virtues which Thou dost inculcate by Thy example.
I adore Thee, O God of purity, at the moment when the Holy Ghost formed Thy sacred body in the bosom of the Virgin Mary, and beg of Thee the grace to be always pure.
I adore Thee, O hidden God, hidden for nine months in the womb of the Blessed Virgin, and I desire to honor Thee by my perfect life.
I adore Thee, O Child of grace, in Thy visitation to John the Baptist in order to sanctify him. Visit also my soul, that I may live a saintly life and remain faithful to the impulses of Thy grace.
I adore Thee, O Child Jesus, at the moment of Thy birth, and I desire, with Thy help, that no other [pg 068] fire burn in my heart than that which Thou camest on this earth to kindle.
I adore Thee, O Spouse covered with wounds, in the painful mystery of the circumcision. I conjure Thee by the sacred blood which Thou didst then shed for the first time for our salvation, that Thou wilt give me the virtue of meekness, with which I am to go through life, for Thy glory and the edification of my neighbor.
I adore Thee, O Lord Jesus, with the Magi, who came from the distant orient to adore Thee lying in the crib in the stable. Give me the grace to be in earnest in the work of my salvation.
Great God, Author of all sanctity, I adore Thee in the Temple, where Thou didst present Thyself according to the Law of Moses, to be offered to Thy Father as His first-born Son. Give me grace to subject myself to every law, even though it would imply that I am a sinner, which I really am.
I adore Thee, humble Jesus, in Thy flight into Egypt, and beg of Thee to give me the grace, by this holy mystery of Thy life, of perfect humility of heart.
I adore Thee, O Child Jesus, in Thy poverty, which afflicted Thee in Thy stay in Egypt. Give me the grace also to be poor in spirit, and endure actual poverty with resignation.
I adore Thee, O Child Jesus, in Thy joyful and triumphal return from Thy exile in Egypt to Nazareth; give me the grace to overcome the enemies of my salvation.
I adore Thee, O obedient Child Jesus, in Thy exact compliance with the commands of Mary and Joseph; give me the grace joyfully to obey my superiors.
I adore Thee, O Child Jesus, in the midst of the doctors in the Temple of Jerusalem, when Thou didst enlighten their minds on the sacred prophecies of the Old Testament. Give me a Christian simplicity, that I may believe all that Thou teachest me through the holy Catholic Church.