Twenty-First Meditation
(The Way of Perfection, Chapter 40-41)

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.' And if you invoke as Father him who judges each one impartially according to his deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile… Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart." (1)


Diligence

Love for Him consumes her whole heart;
He is the core of her being.
She loves with His love for her part --
Other affections are fleeting.

She keeps vigil over her heart,
With a determined diligence;
To stop the sins before they start,
Lest she hurt Him through negligence.

This diligence to not offend
Him urges caution, not constraint;
Love liberates all, in the end -
A bound-up heart makes love fall faint.

Love's fire cannot be contained;
Out of itself, the flames must leap
To those in need -- its not restrained --
In Truth, its peace and joy run deep.

His fire leaps up to consume
From hearts espoused to the Bridegroom.

May love for the Bridegroom consume our hearts totally and may He grant us the grace of diligence so that we may be faithful in serving Him.