Preparation
Place yourself in the presence of God.
Ask his help.
Reflections
Imagine a beautiful, very calm night and feel the delight of seeing the sky with its countless, different stars. Now add its beauty to that of a lovely day, but without the brightness of the sun and the moon. Then say boldly that all this beauty put together is nothing in comparison to the excellence of Heaven. How much to be longed for and how lovable is this place. How greatly to be valued is this city.
Think of the high quality, the beauty and the very great number of citizens and inhabitants of this happy country: millions and millions of Angels, Cherubim, Seraphim; the Assembly of Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, Holy Women. The multitude cannot be counted. They are a happy gathering. The least of them is more beautiful than the whole world. What will it be to see them all? They are so happy, always singing the beautiful canticles of everlasting love, always rejoicing with unchanging gladness. They share with one another joys that cannot be described, living in the consolation of a happy community that will never end.
Lastly, see their great happiness in enjoying God who delights them continually with his look of love, filling their hearts with limitless joys. What happiness to be united forever to the source of their being. They are there like happy birds, flying and singing perpetually in the air of Divinity which surrounds them on every side with unbelievable pleasures.
There they vie with one another, without envy, in singing their praises of the Creator: “May you be blessed forever, our loving and sovereign Creator and Saviour. You are so good to us, pouring out your glory on us with such generosity.” In return, God blesses all his Saints with an everlasting blessing: “Be blessed forever my beloved creatures, who have served me and who will praise me eternally with such great love and fervour.”
Give vent to Good Movements of the Will and make Deliberate Decisions[1]
Admire and praise this heavenly country. How beautiful you are, Jerusalem, and how happy are your inhabitants.
Speak severely to your heart for the little courage it has had till now, turning away so far from the way to this beautiful home. Why have I strayed so far from my supreme happiness? What a wretch I am! For the sake of such unsatisfying and trivial pleasures I have a thousand and a thousand times turned away from these eternal and infinite delights. I was mad to despise such precious blessings for such empty and worthless desires.
Fervently desire this dwelling full of delights. My good and supreme Lord, since it has pleased you to redirect my steps into you ways, no, never again will I turn back. I will go to this eternal rest. I will walk towards this happy land promised to us. What am I doing in Egypt?
I will turn away, therefore, from things which lead me away from this path or delay my progress.
I will do such and such things which can lead me there.
Thank. Offer. Pray.
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[1] As in Second Part Chapter 6