Self-Conquest - December 14
Self-Conquest
Once a day, at least, recall very earnestly that
I Cor. iii. 15Ꚛ Fourteenth Day of December
And Forgive Us Our Trespasses As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us
The Apostle admonishes us: “Let all bitterness and anger be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, merciful, forgiving one another, even as God hath forgiven you in Christ” (Eph. iv. 31, 32).
My God, for the love of Thee, I love, without exception, all my enemies, and all for whom I have had any antipathy. Remember, O Lord, that Thou hast said: “Pardon and you shall be pardoned.”
My God! I love Thee with my whole heart, and above all things, because Thou are infinitely good; and for the love of Thee I love my neighbor as myself.
Ask yourself: how does this matter affect me personally, what lesson does it convey to me, what suggestion for a better life, how can I improve my conduct; resolve to become a saint at any cost; think upon the eternal years; pray to the Holy Ghost that He may lead you in the way of perfection; finally recite attentively and devotedly the following Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit:
Oh Holy Spirit, divine Spirit of light and love, I consecrate to Thee my understanding, heart, and will, my whole being for time and for eternity. May my understanding be always submissive to Thy heavenly inspirations, and to the teaching of the Church, of which Thou art the infallible guide; may my heart be ever inflamed with love of God and of my neighbor; may my will be ever conformed to the divine will, and may my whole life be a faithful imitation of the life and virtue of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom with the Father and Thee be honor and glory forever. Amen.