Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Four – 20 October
Readings and Prayers
12 Day Preparation
Day 4 of 33
Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapters 7, 40
That man has no good of himself and that he cannot glory in anything Lord, what is man, that Thou art mindful of him; or the son of man, that Thou visit him? What has man deserved that Thou should give him grace? Lord, what cause have I to complain, if Thou forsake me, or what can I justly allege, if what I petition Thou shalt not grant?
This most assuredly, I may truly think and say – Lord I am nothing, I can do nothing of myself, that is good but I am in all things defective and ever tend to nothing. And unless I am assisted and interiorly instructed by Thee, I become wholly tepid and relaxed but Thou, O Lord, are always the same and endure unto eternity, ever good, just and holy, doing all things well, justly and holy and disposing them in wisdom.
But I who am more inclined to go back, than to go forward, continue not always in one state, for I am changed, seven different times. But it quickly becomes better when it pleases Thee and Thou stretch out Thy helping hand, for Thou alone, without man’s aid can assist me and so strengthen me, that my countenance shall be more diversely changed but my heart be converted and find its rest in Thee alone.
He who would be too secure in time of peace will often be found too much dejected in time of war. If you could always continue to be humble and little in your own eyes and keep your spirit in due order and subjection, you would not fall so easily into danger and offence. It is good counsel that, when you have conceived the spirit of fervour, you should meditate how it will be when that light shall be withdrawn.
Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat, and Glory Be ( See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ )