Colloquy. Finish this last meditation of the retreat with a generous consecration of yourself and of all you have to the love and service of your dear Lord and Master, either in your own words or in those of St. Ignatius quoted in the first point of this exercise, or in the loving renovation of your religious vows.
THE END OF THE EIGHT DAYS RETREAT.
SIX TRIDUUMS
In Preparation for the Semi-Annual Renovation of the Vows
TRIDUUM A
MEDITATION I
On the Desire of Perfection
1st Prelude. Hear Christ, in the Sermon on the Mount, saying to His disciples: “Be ye perfect as also your heavenly Father is perfect” (St. Matth. v, 48).
2nd Prelude. Beg for an earnest desire of perfection.
POINT I. One great hindrance to attain perfection is the want of desire to attain it, a want of proper appreciation of this exalted privilege. This state of mind is:
1. Very unreasonable, unwise. It is like the deplorable disposition of many college boys, whom we blame and despise, because they have not sense enough to value their opportunity to acquire an education. Their fault is palliated by their youth; they will be sorry afterwards. There is no such excuse for religious. They ought to know better. Striving after perfection is the main duty of their state.
2. Very inexpedient for their happiness even in this world.