Parts of the Meditation

The meditation has three parts in addition to the prayers of preparation and thanksgiving.

The prayer of preparation consists in placing oneself in the presence of God, asking the light of the Holy Spirit and the grace to derive firm, effective resolutions.

In the first part, the topic of the meditation is read and briefly developed, or else one may dwell upon a fact or a mystery to be contemplated. Here it is especially the mind that is brought into play; the Divine Master will cast light with his moral teachings and practical truths.

Oftentimes meditation consists quite simply in the contemplation of a mystery, an episode of the life and passion of Jesus Christ, a practical proverb, or one of the eternal truths. The soul is pleased with the beauty, the usefulness, and the necessity of following what the Divine Master teaches; it enjoys the life of union with God and has a kind of foretaste from the Lord of the reward promised to those faithful servants who love him generously.

In the second part, the will is stirred to an intense desire for sanctity of life, to follow Jesus, who precedes us on the way to heaven. Acts of desire are made and an examination of conscience on the past; sorrow for sins is aroused, and resolutions are formed for the future.

In the third part, we pray. We ask for the grace of perseverance. We ask that what we have not yet succeeded in doing because of our weakness may be

made possible, easy, and joyful for us: God, you see that we place no trust in our own actions. May the prayers of the Doctor of the Gentiles defend us against all adversity. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.