September 16

Ninth Monday after Trinity

We should not lust after evil things. 1 Corinthians 10:6.

WE read of a holy man of old whose love for purity was so great that he could not bear the slightest action or movement, however accidental, which was contrary to it. May God grant us to be like-minded. He used to call it the beautiful whiteness of the soul. However bright and clear a mirror may be, he was wont to say, it becomes clouded by a mere breath, and the lily grows safely among thorns, pure and sweet, till some rude hand touches it. In this spirit he inculcated the most rigorous modesty in every member, in hands, eyes, and speech, not permitting any thoughtlessness or accident to be counted as any excuse for its neglect. S. Ambrose counsels one to whom he writes to keep careful watch over her glances, lest thieves, i.e. evil thoughts and desires, should come in at the windows. We ought to keep God always before our eyes, everywhere and always, alone and in company. A great Saint once bade his disciple give heed to go to rest in God's presence, as he would do were our dear Lord present in the flesh in his chamber. You do not behold Him or hear Him, but He is no less present and guards you while you sleep. He recommends as our last waking words, "I sleep, but my heart waketh. Keep me, O Lord, as the apple of Thine Eye; hide me under the shadow of Thy wings; keep me from the terrors of night."

Lord, have we angered Thee to-day? Remember not our sins, we pray, But let Thy mercy o'er them sweep, And give us calm and restful sleep.