Filial Abandonment

"Enter the church in silence and with great respect, considering yourself unworthy to appear before the Lord's majesty [present in the Sacrament of the Eucharist]. Among other pious considerations, remember that our soul is the temple of God and, as such, we must keep it pure and spotless before God and His angels. Let us blush for having given access to the devil and his snares many times -- with his enticements to the world, his pomp, his calling to the flesh -- by not being able to keep our hearts pure and our bodies chaste. Let us blush for having allowed our enemies to insinuate themselves into our hearts, thus desecrating the temple of God which we became through holy baptism.                                                              Then take holy water and make the sign of the cross carefully and slowly. As soon as you are before God in the Blessed Sacrament, devoutly genuflect. Once you have found your place, kneel down and render the tribute of your presence and devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Confide all your needs to Him along with those of others. Speak to Him with filial abandonment, give free rein to your heart, and give Him complete freedom to work in you as He thinks best.                                              ...In short, behave in such a way that all present are edified by it and, through you, are urged to glorify and love the heavenly Father.                          Never forget Jesus, this divine Model. Try to see a certain lovable majesty in His Presence [in the Blessed Sacrament]. Try to hear a certain pleasant authority in His manner of speaking [to your heart].... Imagine His extremely composed and sweet expression with which He drew the crowds, making them leave cities and castles, leading them to the mountains, to the forests, and to the solitude of the deserted beaches of the sea. Imagine the crowds totally forgetting food, drink, and their domestic duties in order to follow Him.                                                                 Let us do our utmost to be, as far as possible, similar to Him on this earth, in order that we might be more perfect and more    similar to Him for the whole of eternity in the heavenly Jerusalem.                                             ...On leaving the church, you should be recollected and calm. First, take your leave of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament by asking His forgiveness for the shortcomings committed in His divine Presence. Last, do not leave Him without asking for and receiving His paternal blessing."

From: Praying In the Presence of Our Lord with Padre Pio by Eileen Dunn Bertanzetti, Meditation 14

Padre Pio, Pray for us!