Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/264

 in regard  to  the  devout  soul;  He  does  not  always  evince His presence  with  it  by  sensible  consolations,  nor  are these consolations  without  interruption. Inflame your heart with  His  love,  that  you  may  the  oftener  enjoy  His presence, and  in  order  that  you  may  be  able  to  say  with the spouse  in  the  Canticle:  "  If  you  find  my  beloved,  tell Him,  that  I  languish  with  love." (Cant. v.  8.)

II. Christ generally  appeared  unexpectedly,  and  as unexpectedly  withdrew  Himself. Thus He  increased  the desire of  His  disciples  for  the  favor  of  His  personal presence. In the  same  manner  He  visits  His  faithful souls. Hence, St.  Bernard  observes:  "Joy  and  content may  be  found  in  this  world  in  the  presence  of  the  spouse, but  not  satiety." Do not,  therefore,  expect,  that  your soul will  be  fully  satisfied  with  spiritual  joy  in  this world, but  be  content  to  taste  only  the  sweetness  of  the divine presence. If you  love  your  God,  as  you  ought, you may  justly  Say  with  holy  David:  "I  shall  be  satisfied when  thy  glory  shall  appear." (Ps. xvi.  15.)

III, The  times  and  places  of  Christ's  apparitions,  were various. So it  is  with  His  interior  visits  to  the  soul; they sometimes  take  place  during  prayer,  sometimes during sermons,  or  spiritual  reading,  and  at  other  times, in the  midst  of  occupation  and  business. "The spirit breatheth  where  He  will." (John iii.  8.)  Sometimes  Christ appears in  disguise,  as  He  did  to  the  affectionate  Magdalene, and  to  the  disciples  going  to  Emmaus;  sometime in  His  own  shape  and  figure,  and  at  other  times  He employs  the  ministry  of  angels. In the  same  manner He manifests  Himself  to  His  faithful  servants  now; sometimes immediately  by  Himself,  at  other  times  obscurely, and  more  frequently  by  the  voice  of  superiors, directors, and  instructors. Beseech Him  to  open  your eyes, so  that  you  may  know  Him  in  whatever  manner