“And this shall be a sign unto you, you shall find the Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger” (Luke 2, 12).
First Prelude: In spirit kneel reverently at the crib of the Divine Child.
Second Prelude: O Jesus, let me realize Thy love for humility and simplicity, and give me grace to imitate Thy holy example.
FIRST POINT
THE BEAUTY OF SIMPLICITY
In the Divine Child we behold the greatest simplicity ever found on earth in all its lovableness. No one can ponder the beauty of this heavenly virtue in the Christ Child without feeling himself comforted and touched. There lies the amiable Child, wrapped in swaddling clothes, on the coarse straw, His bright eyes announcing to us peace of heart. Even now, He inflames all who are of good will with the fire of divine love. Our Lord’s primary motive in teaching holy simplicity by His example was His desire to lead mankind, caught in the snares of deception and cunning laid by the tempter, back to their God.
Simplicity is characterized by complete conformity of the will with the Divine Will, and the sole desire to seek the divine pleasure, saying with Jesus: “My meat is to do the Will of Him that sent Me” (John 4, 34). In virtue of such complete surrender, simple souls walk under the divine guidance enjoying absolute security. Like a child, serving a loving father, they labor cheerfully, with the pure intention, without solicitude for the future. Simple, upright souls, free from ambiguity and artifice, are universal favorites, and not infrequently will the presence of one such soul in a community suffice to create enthusiasm for this lovable virtue. Simplicity lends to religious the amiability and charm of a child; their countenance mirrors the purity and joy of hearts that belong solely to God, whose peace, consequently, cannot be disturbed.
Instead of growing disheartened at sight of their faults and weaknesses, they take occasion to humble themselves, entrusting themselves anew to God’s loving protection. O holy virtue of simplicity, enter my heart that with thee I may walk secure.
SECOND POINT
THE PRACTICE OF THE VIRTUE OF SIMPLICITY
The words of Scripture: “Unless you become as little children you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18, 3), apply primarily to religious. Sad to say, the virtue of simplicity is no longer found in the world; all the more diligently should it be fostered in the cloister. What will it avail religious, no matter how skilled they are, if in true simplicity they look not solely to God, thereby to make themselves worthy of reward. Besides, in virtue of the purity and simplicity of our sentiments, we resemble God, Whose very essence is simplicity. He enlightens the hearts of the simple, in whom dwells not even a shadow of insincerity, and manifests to them His mysteries. He loves to impart to them an abundance of graces, because they justly ascribe all to Him.
To despise, from the bottom of our hearts, all considerations prompted by self-love and all less good intentions, is the first step toward simplicity. The next step consists in our endeavor to suppress every trace of insincerity in our thoughts, words, desires and actions, and in striving to discharge our duties to please God, alone, in accordance with His holy designs.
A simple soul is unruffled and charitable towards all, without distinction; accommodates herself to all; yields to others; makes sacrifices, preferably secretly and unnoticed; is moderate in work, not busying herself with many things at a time; avoids everything that might appear singular in her exercises of devotion; is as equally opposed to depression as to the lofty flight of presumption. How happy the religious who strive daily to execute these counsels!
Affections: O Divine Saviour, by Thy prophet Thou hast said: “Wisdom shall perish from their wise men, and the understanding of the prudent men shall be hid” (Is. 29, 14). Therefore, Thou, O God didst will to appear on earth clothed with the weaknesses of human nature, by the simplicity of childhood to manifest the depths of Thy unfathomable wisdom and to annihilate human pride. Enlighten my understanding, O Jesus, that I may rightly comprehend the sweet mysteries of Thy sacred Infancy. Strengthen my will, that, disregarding the opinion of men, I may aim at the one end, to walk before Thee in childlike simplicity, seeking Thy pleasure in all my thoughts, words, and actions. Give me this grace, O Lord, I pray Thee, by the merit of Thy holy Childhood.
Resolution: In all my actions I will seek to please God alone.
Spiritual Bouquet: “Unless you become as little children you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18, 3).
Prayer: O Jesus, living in Mary . . .
First Prelude: In spirit kneel reverently at the crib of the Divine Child.
Second Prelude: O Jesus, let me realize Thy love for humility and simplicity, and give me grace to imitate Thy holy example.
FIRST POINT
THE BEAUTY OF SIMPLICITY
In the Divine Child we behold the greatest simplicity ever found on earth in all its lovableness. No one can ponder the beauty of this heavenly virtue in the Christ Child without feeling himself comforted and touched. There lies the amiable Child, wrapped in swaddling clothes, on the coarse straw, His bright eyes announcing to us peace of heart. Even now, He inflames all who are of good will with the fire of divine love. Our Lord’s primary motive in teaching holy simplicity by His example was His desire to lead mankind, caught in the snares of deception and cunning laid by the tempter, back to their God.
Simplicity is characterized by complete conformity of the will with the Divine Will, and the sole desire to seek the divine pleasure, saying with Jesus: “My meat is to do the Will of Him that sent Me” (John 4, 34). In virtue of such complete surrender, simple souls walk under the divine guidance enjoying absolute security. Like a child, serving a loving father, they labor cheerfully, with the pure intention, without solicitude for the future. Simple, upright souls, free from ambiguity and artifice, are universal favorites, and not infrequently will the presence of one such soul in a community suffice to create enthusiasm for this lovable virtue. Simplicity lends to religious the amiability and charm of a child; their countenance mirrors the purity and joy of hearts that belong solely to God, whose peace, consequently, cannot be disturbed.
Instead of growing disheartened at sight of their faults and weaknesses, they take occasion to humble themselves, entrusting themselves anew to God’s loving protection. O holy virtue of simplicity, enter my heart that with thee I may walk secure.
SECOND POINT
THE PRACTICE OF THE VIRTUE OF SIMPLICITY
The words of Scripture: “Unless you become as little children you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18, 3), apply primarily to religious. Sad to say, the virtue of simplicity is no longer found in the world; all the more diligently should it be fostered in the cloister. What will it avail religious, no matter how skilled they are, if in true simplicity they look not solely to God, thereby to make themselves worthy of reward. Besides, in virtue of the purity and simplicity of our sentiments, we resemble God, Whose very essence is simplicity. He enlightens the hearts of the simple, in whom dwells not even a shadow of insincerity, and manifests to them His mysteries. He loves to impart to them an abundance of graces, because they justly ascribe all to Him.
To despise, from the bottom of our hearts, all considerations prompted by self-love and all less good intentions, is the first step toward simplicity. The next step consists in our endeavor to suppress every trace of insincerity in our thoughts, words, desires and actions, and in striving to discharge our duties to please God, alone, in accordance with His holy designs.
A simple soul is unruffled and charitable towards all, without distinction; accommodates herself to all; yields to others; makes sacrifices, preferably secretly and unnoticed; is moderate in work, not busying herself with many things at a time; avoids everything that might appear singular in her exercises of devotion; is as equally opposed to depression as to the lofty flight of presumption. How happy the religious who strive daily to execute these counsels!
Affections: O Divine Saviour, by Thy prophet Thou hast said: “Wisdom shall perish from their wise men, and the understanding of the prudent men shall be hid” (Is. 29, 14). Therefore, Thou, O God didst will to appear on earth clothed with the weaknesses of human nature, by the simplicity of childhood to manifest the depths of Thy unfathomable wisdom and to annihilate human pride. Enlighten my understanding, O Jesus, that I may rightly comprehend the sweet mysteries of Thy sacred Infancy. Strengthen my will, that, disregarding the opinion of men, I may aim at the one end, to walk before Thee in childlike simplicity, seeking Thy pleasure in all my thoughts, words, and actions. Give me this grace, O Lord, I pray Thee, by the merit of Thy holy Childhood.
Resolution: In all my actions I will seek to please God alone.
Spiritual Bouquet: “Unless you become as little children you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18, 3).
Prayer: O Jesus, living in Mary . . .
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