He who meditates on the life of Christ, and is acquainted with it, instinctively strikes upon this trait in the character of Jesus: The sweetness of His human Heart. The entire life of our blessed Lord was one series of most loving acts. We see Him at one time blessing the little children, at another bestowing sight on the blind, loosening the tongue of the dumb, pouring consolation into the aching heart of the mother who has lost her child, and pardoning the repentant sinner. Is it not a beautiful devotion by which we are drawn to view the loving tenderness of His human Heart, by which He won all to His side, so that not only His apostles clung to Him, but even the very pagans loved and revered Him?
Let us then love and practise this beautiful devotion, by offering that Heart the gold of charity and the incense of prayer. Let us go with filial confidence to Him, Who has taught us to lisp like an infant, “Abba, Father.” Let us repay Him love for love, and make reparation for the injuries He daily receives in that most kind Heart. Jesus in His turn will comfort us in all our pains and afflictions. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the source of all charity and love; and through this devotion we will learn to love our neighbor and to sacrifice ourselves for his benefit.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation.
Considerations and prayers for Every Day.
First Day. The Love of the Sacred Heart for Us.
The love of the Sacred Heart for us is at once the tender affection of a brother, and the infinite [pg 238] love of the Son of God, with which, from all eternity, Our Redeemer looked forward eagerly to the salvation of mankind. He saw us doomed to everlasting death, He saw us, and each one of us individually among the number, unable to atone for our sins. Then He offered Himself to satisfy the justice of the Father. Thou didst implore mercy for us, and it was granted Thee, only on condition that Thou shouldst satisfy for us. And what satisfaction was required! Torments the most cruel, insults the most humiliating, death on the cross—that was the price at which Thou wast permitted to redeem us. Thou didst accept all, and wast even ready to suffer more if necessary. Ah, Lord! What then shall I do for Thee? What return can I make for such great love? O generous, O incomprehensible Friend! How can I ever repay the debt I owe Thee, Heart of my Jesus? I abandon my whole being to Thy sweet love, to live and die therein.
Prayer.