Thirteenth Day. to the Heart of Jesus Alone I Turn
We are made for God alone, nor can we find peace elsewhere save in God alone. But who can kindle in us Thy love, if not Thou Thyself, O Lord? Oh, then, sweet Heart of Jesus, I will not cease to knock at the portal of Thy Heart, with tears and true contrition! Let others seek the perishable goods of this world. For my part I ask but Thee alone. Forgive my past unfaithfulness, and unite me so closely to Thee that I may never be able to forsake Thee. Yes, my Saviour, I will leave creatures and all earthly pleasures to run after Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love. But I am ashamed to appear before Thee, O my Jesus, I, who am so naked and so devoid of all virtues. What then am I to do? Am I to appear no more before Thee? Ah, no! this would not please Thee. Thou dwellest in the Sacrament, not only to reward Thy lovers, but also to provide for the poor out of Thy riches. I adore Thee, then, King of my heart! O Shepherd, loving Thy sheep beyond all bounds, to this throne of love I now approach, and having nothing else to give I offer Thee my poor heart. Mercy, O Heart of God, I implore Thee a thousand, thousand times, and pardon for all my sins; grant that this may be the day of my entire conversion, so that I may nevermore cease to love Thee.
Prayer.
Heart of my Jesus, Thou knowest what is wanting in me: Thou knowest that without Thee I can do nothing. Thou knowest my weakness: have pity on me, give me humility, purity of heart, love, and conformity to Thy holy will, strength against my bad habits, remission of my sins, and grace nevermore to commit them. Amen.