Twenty-third Day. the Heart of Jesus the Source of All Happiness
There is one thing for which every heart craves, after its own manner. We all long for happiness—that is the one great desire that lives in every soul. Hast Thou not, sweet Jesus, given us that longing? And when Thou hast given so much surely Thou wilt not refuse the accomplishment of this desire also. Tell us, dear Lord, what souls are happy, and we will learn from their example. Let us look at the faces of those who serve Thee, and we will see them growing brighter and brighter as they draw near Thee, and they will tell us. When we love Thee sincerely, then we shall be happy; when we make Thy will the centre around which we move, then we shall be happy; when Thy sweet Heart, hidden under the sacramental species, is more beautiful in our sight than all else, when we shape and mould our lives according to the example of that Sacred Heart, then peace and joy and happiness will be ours. Teach us, sweet Heart of Jesus, from Thy tabernacle, to serve Thee as Thou deservest, to love Thee above all things, to work for Thee bravely and generously, solely because of Thy love and not for Thy gifts. Oh, what happiness may I not promise myself if I but cling to Thy most generous Heart, and use my best endeavors to faithfully serve, adore, and love it. Inflame my heart, O Jesus, with the fire of love with which Thine is ever inflamed. With St. Ignatius I will say, “Jesus, Lord, give to me Thy love and grace divine, and I shall be rich enough.” Henceforth I accept the remainder of my life and all its events, whether bitter or sweet, from Thee; fixing my eyes on the tabernacle alone, I will serve Thee because it is Thy will I should do so. Help me, my Jesus, unto the end; let me find no happiness but in Thee.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, how blessed is he whose only hope and confidence is in Thee, Who alone canst satisfy the yearnings of his heart! Thou art indeed the light of our true heavenly land, the delights of which surpass all that our human senses can experience. Too late have I known Thee, O ancient beauty! Too late have I loved Thee! But if I have begun so late, make me now love Thee perfectly. Amen.