Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/273

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Of Spiritual Food and Light.
259

CHAPTER XI.

THAT THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST AND THE HOLY SCRIPTURES ARE MOST NECESSARY UNTO A FAITHFUL SOUL.

O BLESSED Lord Jesus, how great is the blessedness of a devout soul that feasteth with Thee in Thy banquet; where there is set no other food to be eaten but Thyself, the only Beloved, and most to be desired above all the desires of the heart!

And unto me verily it would be a sweet thing in Thy presence to pour out tears from the very bottom of my heart, and with grateful Magdalene to wash Thy feet with tears.

But where now is that devotion? where that effusion of holy tears?

Surely in the sight of Thee and Thy holy angels, my whole heart ought to be inflamed, and even to weep for joy.

For in this sacrament I have Thee truly present, though hidden under another representation.

2. For to behold Thee in Thine own divine brightness mine eyes would not be able to endure, nor could even the whole world stand in the splendour of the glory of Thy majesty.

Herein then dost Thou have regard to my weakness, that Thou dost veil Thyself under this sacramental sign.