Self-Conquest - December 17
Self-Conquest
Once a day, at least, recall very earnestly that
I Cor. iii. 15Ꚛ Seventeenth Day of December
Ejaculatory Prayer
It would be well if every breath could be a loving sigh to God, and if every moment could be filled with the thought of God. If this cannot be, form a habit of recollecting yourself from time to time; the more frequently the better. Let the striking of the hour be a signal for recalling the presence of God. Accustom yourself to the easy and frequent use of ejaculatory prayers. We need but to love in order to pray and to sigh for God.
Words and Deeds
Holy thoughts and tender words Are at best mere leaves and flowers, But the fruits are generous deeds—
Where oh! coward soul, are ours? Soon, too soon, will come the end:
God forgive what’s past and gone! Mary Mother! Angels! Saints!
Pray for me and help me on.
Ask yourself: how does this matter affect me personally, what lesson does it convey to me, what suggestion for a better life, how can I improve my conduct; resolve to become a saint at any cost; think upon the eternal years; pray to the Holy Ghost that He may lead you in the way of perfection; finally recite attentively and devotedly the following Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit:
Oh Holy Spirit, divine Spirit of light and love, I consecrate to Thee my understanding, heart, and will, my whole being for time and for eternity. May my understanding be always submissive to Thy heavenly inspirations, and to the teaching of the Church, of which Thou art the infallible guide; may my heart be ever inflamed with love of God and of my neighbor; may my will be ever conformed to the divine will, and may my whole life be a faithful imitation of the life and virtue of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom with the Father and Thee be honor and glory forever. Amen.