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The Disciple
Now again I will speak, Lord, and will not be silent.
I will speak to the hearing of my God, my Lord, and
my King Who is in heaven. How great, O Lord, is the
multitude of Your mercies which You have stored up
for those who love You. But what are You to those who
love You? What are You to those who serve You with
their whole heart?
Truly beyond the power of words is the sweetness of
contemplation You give to those who love You. To me
You have shown the sweetness of Your charity,
especially in having made me when I did not exist, in
having brought me back to serve You when I had gone
far astray from You, in having commanded me to love
You.
O Fountain of unceasing love, what shall I say of
You? How can I forget You, Who have been pleased to
remember me even after I had wasted away and
perished? You have shown mercy to Your servant beyond
all hope, and have exhibited grace and friendship
beyond his deserving.What return shall I make to
You for this grace? For it is not given every man to
forsake all things, to renounce the world, and
undertake the religious life. Is it anything great
that I should serve You Whom every creature is bound
to serve? It should not seem much to me; instead it
should appear great and wonderful that You condescend
to receive into Your service one who is so poor and
unworthy. Behold, all things are Yours, even those
which I have and by which I serve You. Behold, heaven
and earth which You created for the service of man,
stand ready, and each day they do whatever You
command. But even this is little, for You have
appointed angels also to minister to man -- yea more
than all this -- You Yourself have condescended to
serve man and have promised to give him Yourself.
What return shall I make for all these thousands
of benefits? Would that I could serve You all the
days of my life! Would that for but one day I could
serve You worthily! Truly You are worthy of all
service, all honor, and everlasting praise. Truly You
are my Lord, and I am Your poor servant, bound to
serve You with all my powers, praising You without
ever becoming weary. I wish to do this -- this is my
desire. Do You supply whatever is wanting in me.
It is a great honor, a great glory to serve You and
to despise all things for Your sake. They who give
themselves gladly to Your most holy service will
possess great grace. They who cast aside all carnal
delights for Your love will find the most sweet
consolation of the Holy Ghost. They who enter upon
the narrow way for Your name and cast aside all
worldly care will attain great freedom of mind.
O sweet and joyful service of God, which makes man
truly free and holy! O sacred state of religious
bondage which makes man equal to the angels, pleasing
to God, terrible to the demons, and worthy of the
commendation of all the faithful! O service to be
embraced and always desired, in which the highest
good is offered and joy is won which shall remain
forever!
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