Chapter XXVII. Of the Birth Aid

THE practice of being present during the offering of the Holy Sacrifice is the sixth help of the human will;—Communion also, and Confession. Since the grace of God is the principal and necessary succour of our will, so as to guard it from evil and direct it to good, it cannot but follow that every thing by which we gain an increase of grace is a support to the will.

To gain an increase of grace by being present at the Holy Mysteries, you should attend in the following manner.

In the first part (for there are three parts in the Celebration), which extends from the Introit to the Offertory, strive to excite in yourself a great desire, that, as the Son of God came down from Heaven, and was born in the world, in order to send upon the earth the fire of His Love, so He would deign to come and be born by His own power in your inmost heart, that it may burn, and have no other thought but that of pleasing Him at all times, as long as you live, and evermore.

When the priest is saying the prayers, with burning desire ask, O needy soul, for yourself the same graces. And when he commences the Epistle and Gospel, pray mentally to God for the understanding and the power to know their meaning, and to observe all that they enjoin.

In the second part, which extends from the Offertory to the Communion, withdraw yourself entirely from all attachment to, or thought of, the creatures or of self, and offer yourself wholly to God—to do all His Will.

Immediately after the Consecration, at the Elevation, adore the true Body and Blood of Christ, together with His whole Divinity. Contemplate Him hidden beneath the elements of bread and wine; render to Him loving thanks that every day He vouchsafes to come to us with the precious fruits of the tree of His Cross; and with the same offering, and with the same intentions with which, transfixed upon the Cross, He made that offering to His Heavenly Father, you also offer to the Same Father.

When the priest receives the Holy Sacrament, then you make your spiritual communion, opening your heart to your Lord, having closed it to all creatures, that He may inflame it with the fire of His Love.

In the third part to the end, together with the priest, he with his mouth, you with your heart, seek what is asked for in the prayers after Communion.