POINT I. That fire is Divine Charity. It is poured forth into the hearts of men by the Holy Spirit who is given to us (Rom. v, 5). It makes us lead a supernatural life, the life of children of God, and in this sense a Divine life. As the vegetable life transforms the clod of earth into the fairest flower and the most luscious fruit; as animal life turns the food into the wonderful organism of the human body; so the life of grace gives to our acts a heavenly value. By it sinners become saints, true children of God. Christ shows intense earnestness in spreading this fire, which is really His greatest work: the most Divine of all Divine works is the salvation of souls. The Angels are ministering spirits to aid in this task. All human efforts are children’s play in comparison with this. To save a soul is a grander achievement than to conquer an empire.

POINT II. This sublime work is done chiefly through the agency of men. Its great promoter was the God-man Himself, the Son of God incarnate. But He has deigned to associate to Himself the Apostles and their successors, the bishops and priests of His Church, till the end of time; to whom He has said: “Going therefore teach ye all nations ... and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world” (St. Matth. xxviii, 19, 20). With these the Lord has associated in a special manner, through the mission of His Church, various apostolic Orders of religious, our own Society in particular: “I have chosen you and have appointed you that you should go and should bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (St. John xv, 16).

When Christ first addressed these words to a few poor fishermen, how unlikely it was that the promise should be fulfilled? Yet it has been most wonderfully verified. So it will be in our case also if we trust in God. Yet two thirds of mankind are still pagans. Zeal is needed.

POINT III. What must we do to spread the love of God? We need not do any novel thing; we must follow the beaten path, travel along the highroad of our religious life. Age quod agis; perform your daily duties; but do everything well, to the best of your power.

In particular realize in your conduct that,

1. You are to be the light of the world. For this purpose you must form your intellect upon the teachings of Christ. Master His views of time and eternity, by earnest meditations, sound readings, recollection, much prayer. Do not contract false views of life by following false guides, reading worldly authors extensively, imbibing their spirit. The light that is in you, your intimate convictions, will necessarily shine around you, through your language, through your conduct. If you are thoroughly religious, real Jesuits, it will be the light of Christ, and will truly enlighten the portion of the world where Providence will place you. If your views are false, you will not do God’s work.

2. You are the salt of the earth; incorrupt yourselves, you must keep others from corruption. This requires pure and holy affections of the heart, soundness of the will. If we Jesuits, with our training do not live innocent and holy lives, what remedy can we find? “If the salt lose its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men” (St. Matth. v, 13). These words were spoken by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, when He was laying down the platform of His campaign for the conquest of the world to the Kingdom of His Father. We are soldiers in that campaign. How worthy is our conduct of such a cause and such a King.

Colloquy with our Divine Lord, promising fidelity and zealous exertions in this lofty vocation.

MEDITATION VI
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin

1st Prelude. See the Blessed Virgin exalted in Heaven, surrounded by the Saints and the Blessed of our Society.