Friday, June 24 : William of Saint-Thierry

For my hands, Lord, that did what they ought not, your hands were pierced with nails, your feet for my feet. For my unlawful use of sight and hearing your eyes and ears suffered the sleep of death. Your side was opened by the soldier’s spear, that, through your wound, out of my unclean heart might flow at last all that in the long process of disgrace had burned and penetrated into it. Lastly, you died that I might live; and you were buried, so that I might rise. This is the kiss your tenderness bestows upon your bride; this is your love’s embrace for your beloved (…). The thief’s confession on the cross earned him this kiss; Peter received it when the Lord looked on him at the time of his denial, and, going out, he wept most bitterly. And many of those who crucified you were turned to you after your passion, and so were united to you in this kiss. (…) In this embrace the publicans and sinners were enfolded, whose friend and fellow guest you had become. (…) Lord, whither do you draw those whom you thus embrace and enfold, save to your heart? The manna of your Godhead, which you, O Jesus, keep within the golden vessel of your all-wise human soul, is your sweet heart ! Blessed are they whom your embrace draws close to it. Blessed the souls whom you have hidden in your heart, that inmost hiding-place, so that your arms overshadow them from the disquieting of men and they only hope in your covering and fostering wings. Those who are hidden in your secret heart are overshadowed by your mighty arms; they sleep sweetly, and in the midst of the sheep folds look forward joyfully, for they share the merit of a good conscience and the anticipation of your promised reward. They neither fail from faintheartedness, nor murmur from impatience. (Biblical references : Jn 19,34; Lk 23,42; 22,61; Acts 2,41; Mt 9,10; Heb 9,4; Ps 31[30],21; 91[90],4)
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team