O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I adore the admirable impulses which made Thee all Thy life a victim of love, and led Thee to consummate it by a death of perfect love. Grant that, by Thy holy grace, my heart may become a living sacrifice, desiring only to be offered up and to offer up all things for Thy greater glory. Amen.
Sixteenth Day. The Heart of Jesus for all Eternity.
Eternity is Thine, O my God, and Thou givest it to Thy elect, that they may love Thee without any doubt or fear. Life is short: the last hour may toll for me when I least expect it. O thou city of God, when shall I behold thy beauty? Oh, the grace and blessing of dying at peace with Thee, great [pg 255] God; of closing our eyes in a holy death, to open them amid the splendors of eternal joy! Meanwhile Thou givest me a pledge of this bliss in the admirable Sacrament of the Altar. Where can love like Thine be found? Thou givest me Thy body and blood, Thy soul and divinity, as a pledge of eternal happiness. If then, Thou art wholly mine, can I be otherwise than wholly Thine? A thousand thanks to Thee, O my sweet Jesus, Who art so loving to me. Thou didst call me to Thy service, but I have responded weakly. I often disappointed and displeased Thee, yet, O Heart of my God, Thou art all mercy, and Thou wilt not turn away Thy face from Thy poor child, who casts herself down before Thee in contrition and shame. I will clasp Thy feet and remain there until Thou wilt once more say “thou art forgiven: go in peace.” Thou art just, O Lord; nevertheless be moved to pity me. I promise that I will always serve and love Thee, and avoid anything that could in any way separate me from Thee.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I adore Thy death of complete charity that placed Thee in the grave. Let me enter into the wound of Thy Heart, made by the lance, and may I die there for love of Thee. O heart of Mary, Mother of the Heart of Jesus, I have recourse to thee, that thou mayest speak to me in its stead. The Heart of Jesus and thine are but one, and what thou dost for me He will approve.
Seventeenth Day. The Heart of Jesus Sorrowful unto Death.
No one can be a true follower of Thee, O sweet Jesus, who travels by any road save that of Thy cross. For what trouble, what trial or affliction can we meet with, which has not been suffered by Thee? What were the agonies and pains Thy Heart bore for me! I am poor, but am I poorer than Thou, Who hadst not whereon to lay Thy head? I may be reviled and persecuted, but what are my persecutions in comparison to Thine, O my Jesus? Thou wast abandoned in Thy hour of agony even by Thy apostles, and betrayed into the hands of Thy enemies by one whom Thou hadst made Thy friend and companion. Thy whole life, O my Jesus, was one unbroken series of crosses, borne sweetly and patiently through love of me. Take courage, then, my soul, from the example of our dear Lord, and bear with noble strength all the trials and afflictions that may be sent to thee. I will keep my eyes fixed on Thee, cursed and buffeted, insulted and spat upon, scourged and crowned with thorns, a heavy cross laid upon Thy poor, mangled shoulders, and Thy dreadful crucifixion—all for love of me. Surely then, my God, the desire will grow in my heart to be ready and willing to make some return to Thee. Yet without Thy help, dear Jesus, I am utterly helpless to bear the little trials Thou so lovingly dost send me. Thou hast said clearly, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” And again, “Whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after Me, cannot be My disciple.” I understand then, dear Jesus, [pg 257] that if I wish to claim the name of follower of Thee, I must imitate Thee in carrying the cross. I throw myself into Thy loving arms, my sweet Jesus; do with me as Thou choosest, only give me strength and courage to abide with Thee forever.
Prayer.