Ebook Christian Considerations

It will not do to load up the mind with too much matter, any more than the stomach with too much food. It hinders digestion. For this reason, St. Ignatius, that great man of prayer, in his Book of Exercises, gives very short meditations, and the farther we advance the less matter he presents for consideration, in order that the soul may place her confidence in God, ask light from Him, look to Him for help, apply the power He gives, and so recognize how little she has of her own, in order to humble herself, and for what she receives of God to thank Him for it. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a grain of mustard seed, a very little thing to be sure, but when bruised and beaten, it heats the stomach, and even draws tears from the eyes. It is the same with short points of meditation; when well masticated and digested, they kindle the fire of devotion, and draw from the heart tears of sorrow, penance and love.