I have turned my back upon thee; and for this I am exceedingly sorry, and for having done so would willingly die of grief. Pardon me, O Lord, and suffer me not to forsake thee any more. I love thee above all things, and will never more cease to love thee. Holy Mary, Virgin of virgins, obtain for me the grace of perseverance in virtue.
Meditation Forty-sixth.
On the desire of God to save sinners.
I. IT is indeed very surprising that man, a worm of the earth, should dare to offend his Creator and turn his back upon him, by despising his graces, after God has so favoured and loved him as to lay down his life to save him. But it is still more surprising that God, after having been thus despised by man, should seek after him, invite him to repentance and offer him his pardon, as though God stood in need of us and not we of him. O Jesus, thou seekest me, and I seek after thee. Thou desirest me, and I desire only thee.
II. For Christ, saith the Apostle, we beseech you, be reconciled to God. 2 Cor v. 20. “ And does God,” exclaims St. Chrysostom, “ call thus upon sinners! and what does he ask of them? to be reconciled, and to be in peace with him.” My Redeemer, Jesus Christ, how couldst thou have had so much love for me who have so often offended thee? I detest all my offences against thee; give me still greater grief, still greater love, that I may deplore my sins, not so much on account of the punishments I have deserved by them, as for the injury I have offered to thee, my God, who art infinitely good and amiable.
