Page:Spiritualcombat.djvu/96

Rh many champions who, having bravely run their course, have opened the way by which, if you too run, you shall be crowned with them in endless glory.

When you see a church, you may, amongst other devout reflections, consider that your soul is the temple of God, and that you are therefore bound to strive to keep it pure and spotless, as His dwelling-place.

When you hear the three sounds for the Angelical Salutation, make the following short meditations on the words which are said before each of the little heavenly prayers. At the first stroke of the bell, give thanks to God for that message which came from Heaven to earth and was the beginning of our salvation. At the second, rejoice with the Blessed Virgin at the greatness to which she was raised through her most profound and matchless humility. At the third stroke, unite yourself with the most Blessed Mother and the Angel Gabriel in adoring the Divine Child newly conceived; and remember to bow your head with reverence at each stroke, and with a lower reverence at the last.

These meditations at the three strokes of the bell will serve for all seasons. The following for morning, noon, and night are more fitted for the season of the Passion; for we are especially bound to remember the sorrows