Writings 11.28.25

1.5.26 Meditation of the day O purify my motives, my thoughts, and my desires!

Of myself, I can do nothing. Tell me what to do to be

worthy of your grace which I so need if I am to seek

perfection. Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of my soul, dispel the

darkness that hovers over me….

When I beg your grace in order to practice virtue,

you grant it to me and it does help me accomplish

something worthwhile. But then I become conceited

and proud. When I ask you to send me misfortune

so that I may learn the path to salvation, I then bear

it with little resignation. I even ask you to deliver me

from it. If you remove it, I get depressed and desolate

and I feel miserable. Behold me, dear God, at the foot

of your throne. Give me whatever you will. Spare me

from whatever you will. Let me know your will without

a doubt, for that must be my law….

True, I feel but little devotion; my soul is dry and slug

gish; but yet, O Lord Jesus, I believe in you, I hope in

you, I love you, and I grieve for having ever offended

you! Behold my resolution to live entirely for you, to

be patient in sufferings, diligent in the fulfillment of

my duties, humble before you and my neighbor, and

devout in your service. O my God, accept the sacri

fice of my lowliness! Holy Immaculate Mother of my

Jesus, pray for me, a poor sinner, that I may worthily

receive my God!

Saint John Neumann

Saint John Neumann († 1860) was born in Bohemia. He moved

to America, joined the Redemptorists, and was appointed Bishop

of Philadelphia in 1852.

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