Seventh Day. the Heart of Jesus My Helper in Trials
How few are there who love God alone for His own sake, and bless Him alike in sorrow and in joy! Why, O my God, do I fear to travel on the royal road of the cross—the only road that Thou hast travelled, and the shortest and surest way to heaven? Do I forget that Thy cross sanctified and redeemed the world, and formed the bliss of Thy elect in heaven? Why, then, do I shrink from carrying it with courage? Let us remember that our union with Jesus crucified will be the measure of our union with Him in glory. That in suffering for Jesus we show our true love for Him. Oh, a thousand times blessed are all who clasp the cross to their hearts and follow Jesus. Be not sad, my soul, when thou art in pain: the Heart of Jesus was crushed far more than thine. That sweet Heart of my Jesus was overwhelmed with sadness at the sight of our sins, pierced with a thousand deadly shafts, humiliated, abandoned by His Father: finally cruelly wounded on the cross, shedding His blood, even to the last drop. Compare such sorrow with thine, and yet thou darest complain! Jesus, forgive me, forgive such a vile wretch, and crown Thy mercy and love.
Prayer.
O almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thy well-beloved Son, and the praise and satisfaction He offers Thee in the name of poor sinners. Have mercy upon them, since they ask it through this same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God forever and ever. Amen.