Eleventh Day. the Gratitude Due to the Heart of Jesus
If it were in my power, I would return Thee unceasing acts of thanksgiving, and they would still be too little to praise Thee for Thy boundless love. I thank Thee and bless Thee for having poured out Thy most precious blood to wash away my sins. Thou didst reserve nothing for Thyself, Thou didst become dry and barren as a grape trodden in the wine-press. O ardent love, that is never extinguished! would that I burned with this fire Thou hast sent on the earth, and which Thou dost so fervently desire to see kindled in souls! O most sweet Jesus, open to me, I humbly beseech Thee, the door of Thy Heart, the door of love and mercy. There only will my troubled soul find sure refuge, my crimes pity and forgiveness. To Thee alone, O Heart of Jesus, I have recourse; assist Thou me. Thou hast sought for me so painfully and so long, O my God, when I strayed from Thy loving care. Behold me here now; I give myself to Thee. With the help of Thy grace I will be faithful to Thee, and will keep my soul in spotless purity and deepest humility. O Heart of my God, prevent me from ever abandoning Thee again! May my heart be always open and ready to admit Jesus, my well beloved. Let me cling to Thy feet, like Magdalen, and give Thee love for love.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, I adore Thee, shedding tears over my sins. Would that I had a fountain of tears in my heart, that I might weep as I ought for the sorrows I have caused Thee! Give me grace to bring forth worthy fruits of penance. I adore Thee, O King of hearts, Who art the delight of heaven and earth! Amen.