The Ardent Longing of Devout Men for the Body of Christ
The speaker reflects on the devout's ardent longing for the Body of Christ and prays for a deeper devotion, stronger faith, and a sense of Christ's love.
Thomas a Kempis reflects on the deep devotion and love shown by devout individuals towards the Sacrament of Holy Communion, expressing his own feelings of inadequacy and longing for a stronger faith, hope, and charity. He humbly asks Jesus for the grace to experience even a fraction of the tenderness of His love during Communion, desiring to be among those whose hearts burn with zeal for the Lord. Despite feeling lacking in fervor, he trusts in God's mercy to grant him the grace he seeks and to kindle a greater flame of love within him.
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THE DISCIPLE
HOW great is the abundance of Your kindness, O Lord, which You have hidden from those who fear You!
When I think how some devout persons come to Your Sacrament with the greatest devotion and love, I am frequently ashamed and confused that I approach Your altar and the table of Holy Communion so coldly and indifferently; that I remain so dry and devoid of heartfelt affection; that I am not completely inflamed in Your presence, O my God, nor so strongly drawn and attracted as many devout persons who, in their great desire for Communion and intense heart love, could not restrain their tears but longed from the depths of their souls and bodies to embrace You, the Fountain of Life. These were able to appease and allay their hunger in no other way than by receiving Your Body with all joy and spiritual eagerness. The faith of these men was true and ardent -- convincing proof of Your sacred presence. They whose hearts burn so ardently within them when Jesus lives with them truly know their Lord in the breaking of bread.
Such affection and devotion, such mighty love and zeal are often far beyond me. Be merciful to me, O sweet, good, kind Jesus, and grant me, Your poor suppliant, sometimes at least to feel in Holy Communion a little of the tenderness of Your love, that my faith may grow stronger, that my hope in Your goodness may increase, and that charity, once perfectly kindled within me by tasting heavenly manna, may never fail.
Your mercy can give me the grace I long for and can visit me most graciously with fervor of soul according to Your good pleasure. For although I am not now inflamed with as great desire as those who are singularly devoted to You, yet by Your grace I long for this same great flame, praying and seeking a place among all such ardent lovers that I may be numbered among their holy company.
Sermon Outline
- The Devout's Ardent Longing for the Body of Christ
- The Characteristics of the Devout
- The Speaker's Prayer for Mercy and Grace
- A desire to feel the tenderness of Christ's love
- A prayer for stronger faith, hope, and charity
- A trust in God's mercy and good pleasure
Key Quotes
“These were able to appease and allay their hunger in no other way than by receiving Your Body with all joy and spiritual eagerness.” — Thomas a Kempis
“They whose hearts burn so ardently within them when Jesus lives with them truly know their Lord in the breaking of bread.” — Thomas a Kempis
“Your mercy can give me the grace I long for and can visit me most graciously with fervor of soul according to Your good pleasure.” — Thomas a Kempis
Application Points
- Reflect on your own devotion and faith, and pray for a deeper sense of God's love.
- Seek to receive the Body of Christ with spiritual eagerness and joy.
- Trust in God's mercy and good pleasure to grant you the grace you long for.