Visit V

Passer invenit sibi domum, turtur sibi nidum ubi ponat pullos suos: altaria tua, Domine virtutum: rex meus, et Deus meus (Ps. LXXXIII, 4).

The sparrow, says David, finds its dwelling in houses, and the turtle-dove its nest: but you, my King and my God, have made your nest and found your dwelling on earth upon the altars, to let yourself be found and to remain together with us. Lord, one must say that you are too passionately devoted to men; you know not what more to do to make yourself loved by them. But do this still, my most lovable Jesus: make us also passionately devoted to you. It is not right that we should love with coldness a God who loves us with such affection. Draw us with the sweet attractions of your love; make us know the beautiful qualities you possess that make you worthy of being loved.

O infinite Majesty and infinite goodness, you love men so greatly; you have done so much to be loved by men; and how is it, then, that among men so few are those who love you? I no longer wish to be, as I have been, among the unhappy number of these ungrateful ones. I am resolved to love you as much as I can and to love nothing but you. You deserve it; you command it so earnestly; I wish to please you. Grant, O God of my soul, that I may please you fully. I beg this of you through the merits of your Passion, and I hope for it. The goods of the earth, give them to those who desire them. I desire and seek only the great treasure of your love. I love you, my Jesus; I love you, O infinite goodness. You are all my riches, all my happiness, all my love. -- My Jesus, you have given yourself entirely to me; I give myself entirely to you.

Spiritual Communion.

To Mary

My Lady, St. Bernard calls you Raptrix cordium -- the Ravisher of hearts. He says that you go about stealing hearts with your beauty and goodness. Steal, I beg you, this heart of mine as well, and my will: I give it all to you. Offer it to God united with your own. -- Mater amabilis, ora pro me.

Prayer of St. Bernard:

Let us lift our eyes to you, O Queen of the world. We must appear before our Judge after so many sins; who will appease him? There is no one who can do it better than you, O holy Lady, who loved him so greatly and were so tenderly loved by him. Open, then, O Mother of mercy, the ear of your heart to our sighs and to our prayers. We flee under your protection; calm the anger of your Son and restore us to his grace. You do not abhor the sinner, however foul he may be. You do not despise him, if he sighs to you and repentantly asks your intercession. With your compassionate hand you deliver him from despair; you encourage him to hope and comfort him, and you do not abandon him until you have reconciled him with his Judge.

Mater amabilis, ora pro me.