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MAN SHOULD NOT SCRUTINIZE THIS SACRAMENT IN CURIOSITY, BUT HUMBLY IMITATE CHRIST AND SUBMIT REASON TO HOLY FAITH
Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST BEWARE of curious and vain examination of this most profound Sacrament, if you do not wish to be plunged into the depths of doubt. He who scrutinizes its majesty too closely will be overwhelmed by its glory. God can do more than man can understand. A pious and…
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THE GRACE OF DEVOTION IS ACQUIRED THROUGH HUMILITY AND SELF-DENIAL
Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST YOU must seek earnestly the grace of devotion, ask for it fervently, await it patiently and hopefully, receive it gratefully, guard it humbly, cooperate with it carefully and leave to God, when it comes, the length and manner of the heavenly visitation. When you feel little or no…
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THE COMMUNICANT SHOULD PREPARE HIMSELF FOR CHRIST WITH GREAT CARE
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DO NOT LIGHTLY FOREGO HOLY COMMUNION
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THE OFFERING OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS; OUR OFFERING
Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST AS I offered Myself willingly to God the Father for your sins with hands outstretched and body naked on the cross, so that nothing remained in Me that had not become a complete sacrifice to appease the divine wrath, so ought you to be willing to offer yourself…
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THE EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE AND THE RESOLUTION TO AMEND
Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST ABOVE all, God’s priest should approach the celebration and reception of this Sacrament with the deepest humility of heart and suppliant reverence, with complete faith and the pious intention of giving honor to God. Carefully examine your conscience, then. Cleanse and purify it to the best of your…
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THE DIGNITY OF THE SACRAMENT AND OF THE PRIESTHOOD
Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST HAD you the purity of an angel and the sanctity of St. John the Baptist, you would not be worthy to receive or administer this Sacrament. It is not because of any human meriting that a man consecrates and administers the Sacrament of Christ, and receives the Bread…
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THE GREAT REVERENCE WITH WHICH WE SHOULD RECEIVE CHRIST
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HIGH MATTERS AND THE HIDDEN JUDGMENTS OF GOD ARE NOT TO BE SCRUTINIZED
Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST MY CHILD, beware of discussing high matters and God’s hidden judgments—why this person is so forsaken and why that one is favored with so great a grace, or why one man is so afflicted and another so highly exalted. Such things are beyond all human understanding and no…
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A MAN SHOULD NOT BE TOO DOWNCAST WHEN HE FALLS INTO DEFECTS
Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST MY CHILD, patience and humility in adversity are more pleasing to Me than much consolation and devotion when things are going well. Why are you saddened by some little thing said against you? Even if it had been more you ought not to have been affected. But now…