Chapter XXII. How the same Things may offer us opportunities of regulating our Senses by passing on to Meditation on the Incarnate Word in the Mysteries of His Life and Passion

IHAVE already shown you the way to raise your minds from sensible objects to the contemplation of God. Now learn how to use sensible objects as reminders of the Incarnate Word, by reflecting on the most Holy Mysteries of His Life and Passion.

All things in the universe may serve to this end, if, as I said before, you first behold God in them as the Sole First Cause, Who has given them all their being, beauty, and excellence. Passing on from thence, consider how great and boundless is His Goodness, Who, being the Sole Source and Lord of all creation, was pleased to descend so low as to become man, to suffer and die for man, thus permitting the very works of His Hands to arm themselves against Him and crucify Him.

Many objects, then, will bring particularly these Holy Mysteries before your mind's eye; such as weapons, cords, scourges, pillars, thorns, reeds, nails, hammers, and other instruments of His Passion.

The sight of a hovel may recall to our memory the stable and manger of our Lord. Rain may remind us of that rain of Divine Blood which watered the ground, falling from His Sacred Body in the Garden. Rocks will represent to us those which were split asunder at His Death; the earth will bring to remembrance the earthquake which then took place; the sun, the darkness which obscured it, and the sight of water will speak to us of that stream which flowed forth from His most Sacred Side. Other things may be used in a similar manner.

Whenever you taste wine, or other drink, think of the vinegar and gall which was given to your Lord.

If you enjoy a sweet perfume, think of the stench from the dead bodies which He smelt on Calvary.

Whilst dressing, have in mind how the Eternal Word clothed Himself with human flesh, that He might clothe you with His Divinity. When undressing, remember how the Saviour was stripped of all His garments, in order to be scourged and nailed to the Cross for you.

If you hear the shouts and cries of a multitude, recall the hateful voices which shouted into His Divine ears, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Away with Him! Away with Him!"

When the clock strikes, remember the painful beating of the heart which Jesus endured in the Garden, as the fear of His approaching Death and Passion oppressed Him; or, imagine you are listening to the heavy blows by which they nailed Him to the Cross.

Whatever grief or pain you suffer yourself, or see others suffering, reflect that it is all nothing, when compared with the inconceivable anguish which pierced and wrung the Body and Soul of your Lord.