"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself. "

Thomas á Kempis

* * *

"The supreme perfection of man in this life is to be so united to God that all his soul with all its faculties and powers are so gathered into the Lord God that he becomes one spirit with him, and remembers nothing except God, is aware of and recognises nothing but God, but with all his desires unified by the joy of love, he rests contentedly in the enjoyment of his Maker alone."

St Albert the Great

* * *

"Happy is the youth, because he has time before him to do good. "

St Philip Neri

* * *

 

Blessed Henry Suso (1295 - 1366) Dominican and German mystic
 

A LITTLE BOOK OF ETERNAL WISDOM (cont)
 

by Blessed Henry Suso

THE THIRD PART

On Monday, or at Prime


Ah, tender Lord!

1. When Thy divine head was bowed down by weakness and utter debility;

2. Thy fair throat very grievously distended;

3. Thy blessed features polluted with spittle and blood;

4. Thy clear complexion made livid;

5. All Thy beautiful form smitten with death.

Grant me, therefore, O Lord, to love bodily pain, and to seek all my rest in Thee, to endure injuries willingly from others, to desire contempt, to die to my affections and all my lusts.

Sweet Lord!

1. When Thy right hand was nailed down;

2. Thy left hand struck through;

3. Thy right arm extended;

4. Thy left stretched out;

5. Thy right foot hammered through;

6. Thy left made fast;

7. Thou didst hang suspended in a swoon;

8. And in great weariness of Thy divine limbs;

9. All Thy tender joints were immovably strained on the hard bed of the cross;

10. Thy body was drenched in many places with Thy hot blood.

Therefore, O Lord, I beseech that I may be made immovably fast to Thee in joy and sorrow, that all the powers of my body and soul may be distended on Thy cross, and my reason and affections nailed to it. Grant me inability to indulge in bodily pleasure, promptness in seeking Thy praise and honour. I crave that no limb of my body may be without a living token of Thy death, a spontaneous proof of the image of Thy Passion.