Wherever we cast our eyes we meet with sad proofs of the ingratitude of
men to the Heart of Jesus. A large portion of the Christian world is
plunged in heresy, denying Christ’s presence in the mystery of the Altar,
and not satisfied with refusing to recognize this great benefit they have
lifted their sacrilegious hand against the sacred Host. But, O divine
Jesus, behold a still more grievous source of sorrow to Thy Heart! It is
not from Jews or heretics that Thou receivest these insults, but from
Thine own chosen people, the people who profess to believe in Thy real
presence. Jesus is in our midst, we know it, and yet He is the only One
Whom we forget, the only One Whom we treat with careless indifference. It
is thus that Christians respond to the love of Our Lord; it is thus they
repay all His benefits. O sweet Jesus, pardon my base ingratitude! Angels
of heaven, you who know so much better than I the full extent of the love
of Jesus’ Heart towards me, praise Him for me, and bless Him. O my God,
grant that I may live poor, unknown, and hidden in the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, my divine Master, forgotten and despised by creatures, so that Thou
mayest establish Thy reign of love upon my nothingness. I hope that Thou
wilt mercifully hear my request, and grant it.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, my Lord! O noblest, greatest, and most generous
of all hearts! I adore the divine impulses which led Thee, from the moment
of Thy conception, to love me who was nothing, who would offend Thee in so
many ways, and so often misuse Thy graces. O holy Friend of hearts, change
my heart, and make it choose Thee for its only Friend. Amen.
Eleventh Day. The Gratitude Due to the Heart of Jesus.
If it were in my power, I would return Thee unceasing acts of
thanksgiving, and they would still be too little to praise Thee for Thy
boundless love. I thank Thee and bless Thee for having poured out Thy most
precious blood to wash away my sins. Thou didst reserve nothing for
Thyself, Thou didst become dry and barren as a grape trodden in the wine‐
press. O ardent love, that is never extinguished! would that I burned with
this fire Thou hast sent on the earth, and which Thou dost so fervently
desire to see kindled in souls! O most sweet Jesus, open to me, I humbly
beseech Thee, the door of Thy Heart, the door of love and mercy. There
only will my troubled soul find sure refuge, my crimes pity and
forgiveness. To Thee alone, O Heart of Jesus, I have recourse; assist Thou
me. Thou hast sought for me so painfully and so long, O my God, when I
strayed from Thy loving care. Behold me here now; I give myself to Thee.
With the help of Thy grace I will be faithful to Thee, and will keep my
soul in spotless purity and deepest humility. O Heart of my God, prevent
me from ever abandoning Thee again! May my heart be always open and ready
to admit Jesus, my well beloved. Let me cling to Thy feet, like Magdalen,
and give Thee love for love.
Prayer.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account