Twenty-eighth meditation. The Ascension of Our Lord

First point.

Reflect that the Blessed Virgin, on the day of the Ascension of her Son, could not, indeed, apply to Him this passage of the canticle of love: "Flee away, my Beloved, to the eternal hills, filled with an eternal sweetness; " but " Be Thou like a roe that turns frequently to see those that it leaves behind."

Second point.

Behold the holy band assembled on the mountain of Olives. Our glorious Redeemer blesses them all; then, in the chariot of His power and omnipotence, He ascends triumphantly into heaven. " 0," exclaimed the Blessed Virgin, " behold how beautiful is my Beloved! How holy is the cross which He carries as a trophy of victory! It is of incorruptible wood." The Lord has crowned our Conqueror with the glory of His Resurrection and Ascension; this thought should ravish the whole world with His praise.

Third point.

As this generous assembly kept their eyes riveted on our sweet Jesus who ascended on high, a cloud hid Him from their gaze; nevertheless, they did not cease to look after Him, until the angels, the servants of our King, said to them: " Why stand ye here looking up to heaven? This Jesus whom ye have seen taken up to heaven will come again to judge the living and the dead." Then the holy company returned to Jerusalem, whilst the victorious Prince, who led captivity captive, was seated at the right hand of the Father, placing His faithful servants on the thrones that Lucifer and the rebel angels had forfeited. O God, what a favor to mankind, what happiness to the angels, what jubilation in the heavenly Jerusalem!

Affections.

O most blessed Virgin! who dost invite your Beloved to ascend on high, would that we were despoiled of all self-interest! The other daughters of Sion call Him with a loud voice, and beg Him not to leave them; but you, O chaste Dove! you seek the glory of your Son, and in this consist your joy and felicity. Yes, O my Lord, go to the eternal hills, but cast Thy holy and merciful looks upon us at every instant.

"Alas, O Lord!" says St. Augustine,

Digitized

" haw deeply do I grieve at not being present on the mount of Olives to kiss the holes made by the nails, and to bathe with sweetest tears of joy the wounds of Thy precious body! " O my Jesus! I was absent and far away when Thou didst ascend into paradise. "With hands raised to heaven, Thou didst bless Thy disciples* and I was not there; the angels consoled them, and I heard no word of comfort. What shall I do now? "Where shall I seek Thee? No, there is no more joy in my heart; my soul refuses all consolation, except from Thee. O unutterable sweetness! May my conversation be in heaven, where my Jesus reigns in His glory!

O angels of peace! blame me not if I always look on high; for where my Jesus is, there is my treasure. By sanding His disciples into Jerusalem, where they had orders to expect the Paraclete, you teach me at all times to perform promptly what my Beloved ordains. O holy company delivered from Limbo, whom Jesus establishes in His glory, remember, like Elias, to let your mantle fall on your servant. Drop upon my poor soul the mantle of faith and the veil of hope, you who need only the precious robe of charity.