the source and summit…
PHILOTHEA: Where do you learn this way of prayer, this way of love, this way of strength in God, St. Francis?
ST.FRANCIS: I have as yet said nothing concerning the Sun of all spiritual exercises, which is the most holy, sacred and royal sacrifice and Sacrament of the Eucharist, the center of the Christian religion, the heart of devotion, the soul of piety; an ineffable mystery which embraces the untold depths of divine charity, and in which God, giving Himself to us, bestows upon us freely all His favors and graces.
PHILOTHEA: The Eucharist…
ST. FRANCIS: Prayer, united to this Divine Sacrifice, has unutterable power, so that in it the soul overflows with celestial grace, as leaning upon her Beloved, He fills her with fragrance and spiritual sweetness, until, in the words of Solomon, she is “like a pillar of smoke of aromatical spices, of myrrh and frankincense, and of all powders of the perfumer.” (Canticle 3:6).
PHILOTHEA: Beautiful…the Eucharist united with prayer…so sweet…
ST.FRANCIS: Endeavor, if possible, to be present daily at the Holy Mass, that, together with the priest, you may offer the Sacrifice of your Redeemer to God His Father in your own behalf and that of the whole Church.
PHILOTHEA: Let’s see…they have one that begins everyday at 7 am, before work…yeah, I can do that…
ST. FRANCIS: The holy angels are always present in great numbers to honor this holy mystery, St. Chrysostom says; and we may hope to be made partakers of their holiness, when we are gathered together with them to the same intent: and the choirs of the Church Triumphant as well as the Church Militant join themselves to Our Lord in this divine action, that with Him, in Him, and by Him, we may as it were take God by storm, and obtain His mercy and love. What a privilege to be united in so blessed and mighty an action!
PHILOTHEA: Well, when you put it that way…whoa…
ST. FRANCIS: If you are unavoidably prevented from being present at the celebration of this great Sacrifice by a real and bodily presence, do not fail to join in it by spiritual communion.
PHILOTHEA: “Unavoidably prevented”…okay, so no excuse, but if I can’t go everyday, I need to attend with my thoughts and such?
ST. FRANCIS: So that if you cannot go to church and join actually, at least go thither in the spirit, unite your intention to all your brethren, and offer the same spiritual service that you would offer were you able to be present actually before the Altar.
PHILOTHEA: Oh. I didn’t realize that I could do that. I did know that they had Mass everyday at my church, but I did not realize that I could participate in this way. That is good to know.
ST. FRANCIS: In order to join profitably, whether actually or spiritually, adopt the following rules:
1. Begin with due preparation, whilst the priest is at the foot of the altar, placing yourself in the presence of God, acknowledging your unworthiness, and asking pardon of your faults.
PHILOTHEA: Just like meditation at home…okay, and then?
ST. FRANCIS: 2. When he goes up the steps, and to the Gospel, meditate generally on the birth and life of our Saviour.
3. From the Gospel until after the Creed, reflect upon his teaching, and renew your resolution to live and die in the obedience and faith of the Holy Catholic Church.
PHILOTHEA: Just follow the rhythm of the Mass and the Messiah…okay…
ST. FRANCIS: 4. From the Creed to the Lord’s Prayer, apply your mind to the words of Christ, in union with the death and Passion of the Redeemer, which are essentially and actually set forth in this holy Sacrifice, which, together with the priest and all present, you offer to God the Father for His glory and your salvation.
5. From the Pater Noster [Our Father] to the Communion, offer earnestly the prayers of your heart, ardently desiring to be forever joined and united to our Saviour by an eternal love.
Then to the conclusion, thank Him for His Incarnation, His life, His death, His Passion, and the love He shows to us in this blessed Sacrifice; beseeching Him through it to look graciously upon you, your relations, friends, and the whole Church; and then meekly and humbly receive the diving blessing which our Saviour gives you through His priest.
PHILOTHEA: I think this will help me participate more attentively in the Mass, you know, be more active in this prayer…this feels like being part of a great team…oh, I am excited to go to Mass tomorrow…
ST. FRANCIS: If you wish to make your daily meditation at this time, then do so instead of these several acts; only turn your mind to offering this adorable Sacrifice through your prayer and meditation—for all the acts I have suggested are actually or tacitly implied in devout meditation.
PHILOTHEA: So this is where you learned the method of prayer…from the Mass…awesome! I think I will try going to daily Mass and try participating more actively, even when I can only be there in spirit to help my brothers and sisters out, well, and of course, I need their prayers, too. Thank you again, my dear gentle doctor…
Look for the next conversation between St. Francis and Philothea, coming soon…
**from An Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales (Tan Classics, 2010).
lamehousewife
