Visit II

The devout Fr. Nieremberg says that since bread is a food that is consumed when eaten and preserved when kept, Jesus wished to leave himself on earth under the appearances of bread, not only to be consumed by uniting himself to the soul of his lovers through Holy Communion, but also to be preserved in the tabernacle and make himself present to us, and thus remind us of the love he bears us. St. Paul says: Exinanivit semetipsum formam servi accipiens (Phil. II, 7). But what must we say when we see him formam panis accipientem? "No tongue is sufficient," says St. Peter of Alcantara, "to declare the greatness of the love that Jesus bears to each of the souls that are in grace; and therefore this most sweet Spouse, being about to depart from this life, lest his absence should cause them to forget him, left them as a memorial this most holy Sacrament, in which he himself remained, not wishing that between himself and them there should remain any other pledge to keep alive their memory than himself."

Since, then, my Jesus, you remain enclosed in this tabernacle to hear the pleas of the wretched who come to seek an audience with you, hear today the plea of the most ungrateful sinner who lives among all men.

I come repentant to your feet, having recognized the evil I have done in offending you. First, then, I ask that you pardon all I have done against you. Ah, my God, would that I had never displeased you! And then, do you know what I want? Having recognized your supreme lovableness, I have fallen in love with you, and I feel a great desire to love you and to please you; but I have no strength to do this if you do not help me. Show, O great Lord, to all of paradise your great power and your immense goodness; make me, from the great rebel that I have been against you, into a great lover of you. You can do this; you wish to do this. Supply all that is lacking in me, so that I may come to love you greatly, at least to love you as much as I have offended you. I love you, my Jesus, above all things; I love you more than my life, my God, my love, my all. -- Deus meus et omnia.

Spiritual Communion.

To Mary

Adeamus cum fiducia ad thronum gratiae, ut misericordiam inveniamus in tempore opportuno (Hebr. IV, 16). St. Antoninus says that this throne is Mary, in whom God dispenses all graces. O most lovable Queen, if you so greatly desire to help sinners, behold a great sinner who has recourse to you: help me greatly and help me quickly. -- With St. Augustine: Unicum refugium peccatorum, miserere mei.

Prayer of the same St. Ephrem:

O Queen of the universe, our most gracious Lady, you are the only advocate of sinners, the safe harbor of the shipwrecked; you are the consolation of the world, the ransom of captives, the joy of the sick, the comfort of the afflicted, the refuge, the salvation of the whole earth. O full of grace, enlighten my mind, loosen my tongue to sing your praises, and especially the angelic hymn so worthy of you. I greet you, O peace, O joy, O salvation and consolation of the whole world. I greet you, O greatest miracle that the world has ever seen, paradise of delights, safe harbor of those in danger, fountain of grace, mediatrix between God and men.

With St. Augustine: Unicum refugium peccatorum, miserere mei.