in him, who strengthens me.[1] Or, with the man according to my own heart, Though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.[2]
Man. Be praise and glory to thee, O Lord, for ever; for thou hast prepared before me a table against them that persecute me. And oh, that henceforth I may receive from it strength and fortitude to fight against my enemies! But why has this been hitherto too little done, and my strength been weakened through poverty?[3] Why have I so easily yielded to crosses and temptations? Is it because I am become weary of thy table, and forgotten to eat my bread, and that my strength has thus failed me through want? Is it because I have very often too irreverently and unworthily presumed to eat it?
Christ. My son, thou hast spoken but the truth. For as the life of the body must be sustained by the food which renovates continually what is wasted by the natural heat, so it is clear that the strength of the spirit must be restored frequently by food, that it may not be gradually worn down by the heat of concupiscence. Dost thou ask what that food is? Behold, my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. This is the daily bread, the bread which came down from heaven, with which, if the faithful, and especially my priests, would more frequently and more worthily refresh themselves, they would retire from this table like lions breathing fire, and terrible to the devil himself![4] There is indeed no remedy more effectual against the fiery darts of the most wicked one, and the temptations, principally of the flesh, with which you have also to combat daily, but are seldom victorious. For its desires will be easily restrained by the water that is drawn with joy out of the Saviour’s fountains[5] — mine, I mean, which in this Sacrament I have opened to all — and the wine springing forth virgins,[6] which is here given you to drink; for it is I alone who satisfy the empty and hungry soul with blessings and delights that are never to perish; it is I who give her the bread that has all delight in itself. And what good will not redound to him to whom I shall vouchsafe to come, who am the fountain and author of all good! Come, therefore, and eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled for you, and be inebriated, my beloved.
