Page:ThePathToHeaven.djvu/680



O Jesus,  our  adorable  Saviour,  behold  us  prostrate  at thy  feet,  imploring  thy  mercy  for  ourselves,  and  for  the souls of  all  the  faithful  departed. Vouchsafe to  apply  to us  the  infinite  merits  of  thy  passion,  on  which  we  are  now about to  meditate. Grant that  while  we  trace  this  path of sighs  and  tears,  our  hearts  may  be  so  touched  with contrition and  repentance,  that  we  may  be  ready  to  embrace with  joy  all  the  crosses  and  sufferings  and  humiliations of  this  our  life  and  pilgrimage.

Leaving the  house  of  Caiphas,  where  he  had  been blasphemed, and  the  house  of  Herod,  where  he  had been mocked,  Jesus  is  dragged  before  Pilate,  his  back torn with  scourges,  his  head  crowned  with  thorns;  and he, who  on  the  last  day  will  judge  the  living  and  the dead, is  himself  condemned  to  a  disgraceful  death.

It was  for  us  that  thou  didst  suffer,  O  blessed  Jesus;  it  was  for  our  sins  that  thou  wast  condemned to die. O, grant  that  we  may  detest  them  from  the bottom of  our  hearts,  and  by  this  repentance  obtain thy mercy  and  pardon.

O God,  we  love  thee  with  our  whole  hearts  and above all  things,  and  are  heartily  sorry  that  we  have offended thee. May we  never  offend  thee  any  more. Oh, may  we  love  thee  without  ceasing,  and  make  it our  delight  to  do  in  all  things  thy  most  holy  will.

''Pater. Ave. Gloria. ''