Preparing for Consecration
Preliminary, Day 10: Imitation, Book 3, Ch:10
Spirit of the World
Spend this period casting off the spirit of the world which is contrary to that of Jesus Christ.
Reflection
God loves us; God created us to be with him. God does not abandon us! Even though we might turn our backs on him He pursues us until we return to him. Let us consider the sweetness of the consolation that awaits us when we return to our God. Let us consider the great honor it is to serve him who is so constant and faithful, though we do nothing to merit his generosity. – Bernadette Harmon
The Imitation of Christ, Book 3, Chapter 10, Thomas à Kempis
To despise the world and serve God is sweet
Now again I will speak, Lord, and will not be silent. I will speak to the hearing of my God, my Lord, and my King Who is in heaven. How great, O Lord, is the multitude of Your mercies which You have stored up for those who love You. But what are You to those who love You? What are You to those who serve You with their whole heart? Truly beyond the power of words is the sweetness of contemplation You give to those who love You. To me You have shown the sweetness of Your charity, especially in having made me when I did not exist, in having brought me back to serve You when I had gone far astray from You, in having commanded me to love You.
O Fountain of unceasing love, what shall I say of You? How can I forget You, Who have been pleased to remember me even after I had wasted away and perished? You have shown mercy to Your servant beyond all hope, and have exhibited grace and friendship beyond his deserving. What return shall I make to You for this grace? For it is not given every man to forsake all things, to renounce the world, and undertake the religious life. Is it anything great that I should serve You Whom every creature is bound to serve? It should not seem much to me; instead it should appear great and wonderful that You condescend to receive into Your service one who is so poor and unworthy.
It is a great honor, a great glory to serve You and to despise all things for Your sake. They who give themselves gladly to Your most holy service will possess great grace. They who cast aside all carnal delights for Your love will find the most sweet consolation of the Holy Ghost.