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February 16th: The Absence of Jesus
What is it that causes the loss of Jesus, and
His absence from our souls? In many cases, perhaps
in most, it is our own sin. Mortal sin banishes
Him altogether from our hearts. Venial sin
does not drive Him altogether away, but destroys
the freedom and happiness of our intercourse with
Him. We no longer are able to rejoice with Him,
and we lose our taste for heavenly things. O my
God, grant in Thy mercy that I may never lose
Thee by mortal sin, and that I may fight against
those venial sins which build up a barrier between
Thee and me. We also often lose the brightness of Jesus' presence through some negligence or infidelity to grace, which does not indeed amount to even venial sin, but nevertheless is quite sufficient to cause a sort of cloud between the soul and God. This is not infrequently the explanation of darkness and desolation. God has asked something of us, and we have preferred our own will. Now God hates self-will, and we cannot expect peace and joy as long as we indulge it. Where is also a third cause of the loss of our consciousness of Jesus' presence, which is our own fault, though not our present fault. Sometimes God leaves us in darkness on account of some fault in the past not yet atoned for. It rises up from the grave of forgetfulness, and deprives us of our happiness. What shall we do in such a case? We must throw ourselves at the footstool of God's mercy, and with a sincere act of contrition beg Him to blot out all our past sins from the book of His remembrance, adding to this some penance for our sins.
Music: The Shepherds' Farewell
from L' Enfance du Christ Op. 25 by Hector Berlioz
1. Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, Shelter Thee with tender care! 2. Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee With humble love and holy fear. In the land that lies before Thee, Forget not us who linger here! May the shepherd's lowly calling, Ever to Thy heart be dear! 3. Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav'nly treasure, The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild! |