"The name of Jesus, pronounced with reverence and affection, has a kind of power to soften the heart. "

St Philip Neri

* * *

"When the devil has failed in making a man fall, he puts forward all his energies to create distrust between the penitent and the confessor, and so by little and little he gains his end at last."

St Philip Neri

* * *

"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself. "

Thomas á Kempis

* * *

 

Blessed Henry Suso (1295 - 1366) Dominican and German mystic
 

A LITTLE BOOK OF ETERNAL WISDOM (cont)
 

by Blessed Henry Suso

THE THIRD PART

On Monday, or at Prime


Ah, tender Lord!

1. When Thy divine head was bowed down by weakness and utter debility;

2. Thy fair throat very grievously distended;

3. Thy blessed features polluted with spittle and blood;

4. Thy clear complexion made livid;

5. All Thy beautiful form smitten with death.

Grant me, therefore, O Lord, to love bodily pain, and to seek all my rest in Thee, to endure injuries willingly from others, to desire contempt, to die to my affections and all my lusts.

Sweet Lord!

1. When Thy right hand was nailed down;

2. Thy left hand struck through;

3. Thy right arm extended;

4. Thy left stretched out;

5. Thy right foot hammered through;

6. Thy left made fast;

7. Thou didst hang suspended in a swoon;

8. And in great weariness of Thy divine limbs;

9. All Thy tender joints were immovably strained on the hard bed of the cross;

10. Thy body was drenched in many places with Thy hot blood.

Therefore, O Lord, I beseech that I may be made immovably fast to Thee in joy and sorrow, that all the powers of my body and soul may be distended on Thy cross, and my reason and affections nailed to it. Grant me inability to indulge in bodily pleasure, promptness in seeking Thy praise and honour. I crave that no limb of my body may be without a living token of Thy death, a spontaneous proof of the image of Thy Passion.