and trouble of this world, crying out with the Apostle: "Lord, it is good for us to be here."[1]
When inflamed with this divine fire the soul longs to be freed from her prison of clay. She waters her bread with her tears, that the hour of her deliverance may not be delayed. She mourns that she has learned so late the enjoyment of these treasures which God has prepared for all men. She longs to proclaim them in public places, crying to the deluded victims of this world: "O unhappy people, senseless men! Whither are you hastening? What is the object of your search? Why will you not seek happiness at its source? 'Taste and see that the Lord is sweet; blessed is the man that hopeth in Him.'"[2]
"What have I, O Lord! in Heaven, and besides Thee what do I desire upon earth? For Thee my flesh and my heart hath fainted away; Thou art the God of my heart, and the God that is my portion for ever."[3]
You will probably tell me that these consolations are reserved for those who are already advanced in virtue. No doubt these intimate joys of the soul are known only to more perfect souls, yet the Divine Master grants even beginners ineffable rewards. The happiness of the prodigal, the rejoicing and feasting which resound in his father's house, are an image of the spiritual joy which the soul experiences when she is released from the slavery of the evil one and made an honored child of Christ.
It is very evident that man, bound by the
