Page:MeditationsOnTheMysteriesOfOurHolyV1.djvu/361

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that covereth my Lord, without doubt " I shall be healed." And if the shadow of His apostle healed the sick, [1] how much more shall the shadow of this divine sacrament heal my soul? With this confidence ought I to enter into the Church, to assist at mass, and to behold the sacred Host and chalice when they are elevated For, as St. Bernard says, great faith attains to great things; and the more the affection of confidence dilates itself, the more we shall obtain of God's mercy. [2]

POINT III.

Finally, charity is to exercise her acts by which we are spiritually united and joined with Christ our Lord with the union of love, which is intended in the communion of this blessed sacrament. The principal acts are, to rejoice in the goodness, charity, omnipotence, and liberality of Christ, which is resplendent in this banquet; to rejoice to see myself so beloved of Him, that He gives Himself to me for meat; to desire always to be united with Him by actual knowledge and love, and to be like Him in all His virtues; to desire that all may know, love, and reverence Him in this most blessed and sovereign sacrament, and may enjoy the benefits that are inclosed in it; and to offer myself with great earnestness, to have in all things the same willing and aversion that He has, placing my whole liking in complying with His.

Colloquy. — O most sweet Saviour, wheresoever Thou art Thou art exceedingly amiable; but in this sacrament Thou art most worthy to be beloved with all the whole forces of love. Oh that I loved Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength. May I love Thee for the bounty that Thou discoverest herein; for the love that herein Thou showest to me; for the benefits which herein Thou dost me; for the evils from which Thou deliverest me;

  1. Act. v. 16.
  2. S. Bern. serm. xxxriii. in cant.