411 part ii: meditations for more solemn feasts FOR THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN Before Holy Communion 1. “Jesus entered into a certain town” (Lk 10:38). Imagine that you are a town into which the highest Monarch, Jesus, is going to enter today through the gate of your mouth so that He can rest on the pleasant throne of your heart. If it were announced to you that a king of this world, or even a lesser prince, wanted to visit you, would you not clean the place in which he would have to be entertained? Would you not put on the best attire? You would scatter the most fragrant flowers to refresh the arriving guest by their scent. You would meet him half way, you would receive him with all reverence and due kindness, and you would bring him into your house. Behold, the greatest of kings is about to come into the dwelling of your soul. Clean by penance the heart in which [f.131v] He is going to take His seat; sprinkle upon it the fragrance of good desires. Rush forward to meet Him with the greatest feelings of love, and think of a word of welcome with which you are going to receive Him. 2. “A certain woman named Martha, received [H]im into her house” (Lk 10:38). Consider that Martha, the sister of Magdalene,197 was indeed good and holy, but did not pay as much attention to contemplation as to her domestic matters. Hence, the Savior said to her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious, and are troubled about many things” (Lk 10:41). Nevertheless, this anxious woman very often received the Lord in her house, to such an extent that the home of Martha was in a way Christ’s inn. Here is a lesson to you of how to communicate and unite with Jesus through frequent inner recollection, although you may be 197 The author mentions Mary Magdalene here. Many authors have identified Mary, the sister of Lazarus, with Mary Magdalene: see RM, p. 157 (July 29 — St. Martha).
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