Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/183

 with the  brightest  light; inflames  the  heart  with  the sacred fire  of  charity; it  points  out  and  makes  us love  our  duties; it  strengthens  us  to  fulfil  them; it moderates  the  violence  of  passion,  and  it  penetrates the soul  with  such  sweet  and  holy  peace,  as  must be felt  to  be  understood. To say  all  in  one  word, a worthy Communion  unites  us  so  intimately  to God,  and  procures  for  us  such  an  abundant  infusion of his  gifts  and  graces,  as  caused  a father  of  the Church to  say,  that  “ a single  Communion  would suffice to  make  a saint.”  Consider  these  truths seriously. Reflect with  holy  transport  on  the  glory and happiness  within  your  reach. Convinced of  the infinite excellence  of  the  adorable  Sacrament  which you are  preparing  to  receive,  banish  all  other  cares, that you  may  devoutly  dispose  yourself  for  that wonderful union  with  God,  which  was  never  granted to angels. But as  this  work  is  far  beyond  your power, beg  earnestly  of  that  God  of  love,  whom  you are about  to  receive,  to  give  you  such  ardent  desires of enjoying  the  happiness  of  worthy  Communion,  as will  urge  you  to  remove  every  obstacle  to  so  great  a blessing. O my good  God! if I really  felt  how delightful it  is  to  be  united  to  thee,  how  soon  would I despise every  other  pleasure,  and  sigh  after  thee alone, for  whom  alone  I was  created. Thou knowest that I desire  at  least  to  receive  thee  worthily; deign then to  penetrate  my  soul  with  respect  and  love, that I may  so  fervently  prepare  for  thy  heavenly  visit, as never  to  find  death  in  the  fountain  of  life.

First point. — Consider,  first,  that  when  Jesus  Christ