While your soul remains in recollection, in the hushed calm of His holy presence, do not seek to disturb it. It is the sleep of the soul upon the breast of Jesus, and this grace, which strengthens and unites it to Our Lord, will be more profitable than any other exercise.
The first state having passed, we may then proceed to acts of thanksgiving, and the exercise of the Four Ends of Sacrifice may prove useful, viz.
Adoration, Thanksgiving, Reparation, and Prayer
I. ADORE Jesus upon the throne of your heart, and kiss His sacred feet and wounded hands. Rest upon that Heart which is burning with love for you. Offer Him the keys of your home, like St. Catherine of Genoa, "with full power to do all."
II. Thank Jesus for having so honored and loved you as to give you this communion; to you, so poor and miserable, so imperfect and unfaithful. Call upon Mary and all the saints and angels to thank and praise Jesus for His wonderful love and excessive goodness.
III. Make reparation to Jesus by expressing your intense sorrow for your sins, and by protestations of love at His feet with Magdalen. Give Him some proof of your fidelity and gratitude by the sacrifice of some unregulated affection or the definite resolution to overcome some particular passion with more persistent energy and perseverance. Beg of Him the grace never to offend Him more, and desire to die rather than offend Him by mortal sin.
IV. Petition: Ask what you will; these are the precious moments of grace. The Lord is passing; cry out to Him for mercy and help. He lingers under your roof. Jesus is ready to listen to your complaints, and to give you all that you ask. Beg Him not so much for temporal favors, but rather that you may become a saint — that you may be more holy, more spiritual, more perfect, more and more pleasing to Him. Pray that His kingdom may be extended and that He may rule all hearts.
Pray for your daily needs.
