Posted on 09/03/2009 3:00:55 AM PDT by GonzoII
CHAPTER EIGHT
CONCERNING OUR FAITH IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, AND THE
METHOD BY WHICH WE ARE TO OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
OUR FAITH and love in the Holy Eucharist must so increase and strengthen as to become almost part of the very fiber of our being. Such faith and love cannot be successfully cultivated without a disciplined will, prepared to undergo all afflictions, tribulations, infirmities, and spiritual dryness for the sake of Jesus Christ. It is not for us to ask Him to change Himself into us, rather should we humbly petition to be changed into Him.
Entertain Him not with pompous speeches or empty words. Admiration and exultation should so engulf our souls as to submerge these functions, as it were, when He is present. Our understanding should be completely absorbed in joyous contemplation of this incomprehensible mystery, and our heart suffused with joy at the sight of such immense majesty under such simple appearances. And let us desire no further manifestation of His divinity, remembering His deathless words: "Blessed are they who have not seen, and have believed."
Above all let us be constant and punctual in our devotions, and practice unceasingly those means most conducive to purifying and adorning our souls with a peaceful and mild simplicity. And while these methods are followed, the grace of perseverance will never be wanting to us.
A soul which has once known the ineffable delight of spiritual peace can never return to the hurry and confusion of a worldly life; for it is impossible for her to endure it in such circumstances.
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