The Glories of the Holy Angels
Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux
OCTOBER EIGHTH.
The Dominations—the Sixth Choir.
Zeal for the divine glory distinguishes the Dominations. They are devoured. by their concern for the interests of God— their principal office is to manifest his will. We, too, ought to be interested for all that involves the honour of this ever adorable Being, as the conversion of sinners, the perfection of the just, the decoration of altars. We should also beg of God to manifest his will to us by these blessed Intelligences—and then take care to fulfil it scrupulously, as being the shortest way to perfection and sanctity.
Practice—Give practical proof of your zeal for the glory of God; do something for his reign in souls, as instructing the ignorant, &c.
Asp.—Holy Dominations ! animate us with your zeal.
Lecture—Half 7th Motive
OCTOBER NINTH.
The Thrones—the Seventh Choir.
The Scripture says of the Lord, that He is seated on Thrones. Hence, then, blessed Spirits are called Angels of Peace—beings calm, tranquil, immovable. Address yourselves to them for that peace of soul which is the fruit of a good conscience. Invoke them for such as are prone to hatred, passion, and impatience; and, after their example, be you yourself meek, calm, peaceful with all.
Practice—In the morning, dispose yourself to great sweetness and patience—and every hour make an act thereof.
Asp.—O Holy Thrones! obtain that that divine peace, which surpasses all understanding, may keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord.”
Lecture—Conclude 7th Motive in preceding work, commenced yesterday.
OCTOBER TENTH.
The Cherubim—the Eighth Choir.
These blessed Spirits are so many sacred flambeaux, communicating the divine light to the other Choirs. They are employed continually in contemplating the beauty and other perfections of their great Creator, and will share with us their admirable lights, if we but ask them, and show ourselves in earnest, by the practice of recollection and prayer, the channel of the divine communications.
Practice—Spend this day in great silence and recollection; be occupied with the consideration of the Divine perfections endeavour to “ know God, and him whom he has sent, Jesus Christ.”
Asp.—Ah ! blessed Cherubim ! teach us to pray.
OCTOBER ELEVENTH.
The Seraphim—the Ninth Choir.
The Seraphim hold the first place among the Celestial Hierarchies. Their characteristic is great and ardent love. Intoxicated with that torrent of delight which runs with a strong stream from the throne of the Divinity, these blessed Spirits are always ecstasied—always in a species of rapture. We should often form acts of divine love, and beg of Jesus, the King of love, through Mary, the mother of holy love, and the blessed Seraphim, the Spirits of love, never to let the sacred fire be extinguished in our souls.
Practice—Try to become a Seraph in love; let this be your habitual disposition. “Love, and do what you will.” Ask this great gift fervently.
Asp.—Ah ! blessed Seraphim! make us love.
