She draws as close as she can to the altar. There she kneels, head erect, hands joined, body motionless, eyes riveted on the host or on the tabernacle door. She looks at Jesus, speaks to him, calls on him; she also keeps silent and listens to him. Her prayer is absorption in the divine. She tells her divine Master that she wants to be "a living victim"; she envies the candle on the altar which is consumed as it burns, shedding light and giving off the mystical perfume of wax; she would like to be like the sanctuary lamp which remains day and night in the company of the Blessed Sacrament; she presents herself to her Savior as to her all-compassionate, all-powerful Physician; then, as she beautifully says, she comes to pay her due homage to the divine king of her heart.
She adores him, thanks him, shares his sorrows and loneliness. She tries to make up for sin; she apologizes to him; she begs graces for herself and for others. What holy familiarity with Jesus hidden in the host! In his presence she sometimes reads the letters she has received, and tells him about them, for there is no secret he does not share. In all simplicity and confidence she pours out her heart into his. She recommends to him all the intentions that have been recommended to her prayers. Eager to visit the Blessed Sacrament and to remain in its presence as long as possible, she advises others to do the same. She asks for their prayers, but hopes that they will be offered at the foot of the tabernacle. Can one find a soul more in love with the Eucharist? Margaret Mary had understood the incomparable privilege of the real presence; she was merely drawing the practical conclusions from her faith. What an eloquent lesson for us!
Reprinted with permission from Witness Ministries, a lay apostolate dedicated to renewing appreciation for the Mass as the greatest gift which God has given to His beloved spouse, the Church. Their mission is to show how, in the Eucharistic Liturgy, Jesus renews and transforms us–and the world–in His life and love. Their published titles include:
· My Daily Eucharist
· My Daily Eucharist II
· The Mass
· Eucharist God Among Us
· Feast of Faith
· Dying to Live
Witness Ministries
705 S Windsor Ct
Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045
Tel: (847) 735-0556
Tel: (847) 735-0911
