459 part ii: meditations for more solemn feasts There was fetid muck in the stable; in your soul, the muck of sins. There was rough hay for the Infant; here, a hard heart for the Redeemer. There were standing nearby, an ox and a donkey that knew nothing about gratitude; here roam half-heartedness, indolence, indifference, and lethargy. There was the choir [f.147v] of angels singing praises (cf. Lk 2:13-14); here no sound is heard of a tongue giving thanks. There was Mary kissing the Child, there was Joseph worshiping Him; here appear no signs of love or reverence. Oh, you truly are a stinking stable! Ah miserable one! Beg God with tears that He, who today assumed the likeness of man, may give you a resemblance to God. FOR THE SAME SOLEMNITY (OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST THE LORD): ANOTHER MEDITATION Before Holy Communion 1. “the crooked shall become straight, and the rough ways plain” (Is 40:4) [DRB]. Consider this: just as bad roads are fixed for the kings and rulers who are about to travel on them; so you also should repair and adorn the road of your heart, because here comes to you the tiny Little Baby, indeed a newborn, but the One Who carries Dominion on His shoulders and His name is: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Father of the world to come, and the Prince of Peace. I say, here comes to you the King of Kings. Therefore, make the crooked roads straight and the rough ones flat. Should you be unable to do it by yourself, ask the same King of Kings Himself, since He is the Wonderful one, to make a wonderful transformation of your roads. Since He is the Counselor and the Mighty God, ask Him not only by His counsel, but also by force to impel and compel you to flee the evil and embrace the good, avoid eternal ruin, and attain salvation. Moreover, since He enjoys the name of the Father of the world to come, beg Him with the humblest prayers to inscribe you into
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==