THE BLESSED OF GOD

I shall take heed, says the devout soul, and I shall hear what my Lord Jesus shall speak in me.

Blessed be those ears that hear the secret whisperings of Jesus and heed not the deceitful whisperings of this world;

And blessed be the good plain ears that heed not the world's wisdom, but rather take heed to what God speaks and teaches in the soul.

Blessed be those eyes that are closed to outward vanities, and that take heed to the inward movings of God.

Blessed be they also that grow in virtue and daily perform the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. They will receive daily more and more the secret inspirations and inward teachings of God.

And blessed be they who commit themselves wholly to serve God, and for his service put away all hindrances of the world.

O, you, my soul! Take heed to that which has been said before and shut the door of your soul to the world that you may hear spiritually what our Lord Jesus speaks fully in your soul.

Thus says my Beloved: "I am your health, I am your peace. I am your life. Keep me at your side and you shall find peace in me. Forsake the love of transitory things and seek things that are everlasting."

The Imitation of Chirst: a Kempis

(11-06-02)