Saturday, June 8 : The Imitation of Christ

“God’s kingdom lies within you,” the Lord says. You must turn to him, the Lord, with all your heart, and leave this wretched world behind you, if your soul is to find rest. Learn to despise this world of outward things, and devote yourself to what lies within; there, within you, you will see the coming of God’s kingdom. That’s what ‘God’s kingdom’ means: “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17). This joy is denied to those who lack faith. Christ is ready to come to you, with what kindness in his glance! But you must make room, deep in your heart, to entertain him as he deserves. “All glorious within” is his beauty (cf. Ps 45[44]:14 Vg.); deep in your heart is where he likes to be. Where he finds a man whose thoughts go deep, he is a frequent visitor; such pleasant converse, such welcome words of comfort, such deep repose, such intimate friendship, are well-nigh past belief. Up with you, then, faithful soul, get your heart ready for the coming of this true Lover, or he will never consent to come and make his dwelling in you; this is his own way of putting it: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word; and we will come to him, and make our home with him” (Jn 14:23).

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team