Page:KeyOfHeaven.djvu/311

 R. Because  by  Thy  holy  Cross,  etc.

Consider how  the  holy  woman  named Veronica,  seeing  Jesus  so  afflicted, and  His  face  bathed  in  meat  and blood,  presented  Him  with  a  towel, with  which  He  wiped  His  adorable face,  leaving  on  it  the  impression  of His  holy  countenance.

Y most  beloved  Jesus,  Thy face was  beautiful  before, but in  this  journey  it  has  lost  all its beauty,  and  wounds  and  blood have disfigured  it. Alas! my soul also was  once  beautiful,  when  it  received Thy  grace  in  Baptism;  but I have  disfigured  it  since  by  my sins. Thou alone  my  Redeemer, canst restore  it  to  its  former  beauty. Do this  by  Thy  passion,  O  Jesus. I repent  of  having  offended  Thee. Never permit  me  to  offend  Thee again. Grant that  I  may  love  Thee always; and  then  do  with  me  what Thou wilt.