_POINT I._ What did we do when we first took our vows? We offered ourselves to God as a holocaust—with parents, home, possessions, prospects—body and soul—understanding and will,—to belong to God alone, to devote our entire life to His service and glory. If we had died then, what would have been our reward? Life everlasting (St. Matth. xix, 29). That reward is still due us; it cannot be forfeited or even diminished except by mortal sin. And if thus lost, it is regained by penance in its entirety. Thank the Lord warmly for such a treasure, ask grace to be ever faithful, and to profit by this triduum to increase your fervor. _POINT II._ _What has been our life ever since?_ The gradual consummation of the great sacrifice, the accomplishment of our spiritual martyrdom. Then we entered the prison, the exile; now we are leading the martyr’s life, dying the martyr’s death. If we do not find it hard, it is because grace supports us: “_Facile equitat quem gratia Dei portat_”, “He rides along with ease who is borne up by the grace of God,” says Thomas à Kempis. Still our life may be at times unsatisfactory; it is a martyr’s life, above the power of mere human nature, full of merit, doing honor to God, hated by the enemies of God, salutary to ourselves and to the neighbor. This life is never at a standstill, but ever moving onward and upward; therefore it is up-hill work. And because it is a combat against sensual inclinations, it has its alterations of successes and reverses; its progress heavenward is not represented by a straight but by a curved line. When it gets below a certain level, or tends downwards at all, we must beware. _Facilis descensus Averni_, “The descent to Hell is easy.” This is the very reason for the need of such triduums as the present. Thank God, ask pardon, resolve. _POINT III._ _Compare your former with your present dispositions_ regarding your general spirit of fervor, your faithful observance of rules, even the most minute, your obedience, even of will and judgment, your earnestness in prayer, your self-distrust, your charity to the neighbor, your unworldliness, your zeal for souls, your patience. Above all avoid all wilful faults. _Colloquy._ Ask earnestly for a thorough renovation of spirit, and offer your resolutions to the Lord. MEDITATION II On Renovation of the Vows _1st Prelude._ Imagine God says to you: “My son, give me thy heart” (Prov. xxiii, 26). _2nd Prelude._ Ask grace to do so most earnestly. _POINT I._ _Consider the origin of this renovation._