A true conversion is, perhaps, signified, more than in any other way, by the liberty of the heart,—by this change in the object of our love. That has been the constant exhortation to us, to love that which is worthy of love. “Set your affection on things above.” “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” And we, loving the world and the things that are in the world, listen impatiently. But there is no possibility of a sincere conversion without a change of love. “A change of heart” conversion is often called, and so inevitably it is. And as we go through our self-examination one of the most profitable questions we can ask is, “What do I love?” That will commonly tell the whole story of the life, for “where a man’s treasure is, there will his heart be also.”
Richard Rolle said: “Truly he who is stirred with busy love, and is continually with Jesu in thought, full soon perceives his own faults, the which correcting, henceforward he is ware of them; and so he brings righteousness busily to birth, until he is led to God and may sit with heavenly citizens in everlasting seats. Therefore he stands clear in conscience and is steadfast in all good ways the which is never noyed with worldly heaviness nor gladdened with vainglory.”
CANA I
O Glorious Lady, throned
in light,
Sublime above the starry
height,
Whose arms thine own
creator pressed,
A Suckling at thy sacred
breast.
Through the dear Blossom
of thy womb,
Thou changest hapless
Eva’s doom;
Through thee to contrite
souls is given
An opening to their
home in heaven.
Thou art the great King’s
Portal bright,
The shining Gate of
living light;
Come then, ye ransomed
nations, sing
The Life Divine ’twas
hers to bring.
Mother of Love and Mercy
mild,
Mother of graces undefiled.
Drive back the foe,
and to thy Son
Lead thou our souls
when life is done.
All glory be to thee,
O Lord,
A Virgin’s Son,
by all adored,
With Sire and Spirit,
Three in One,
While everlasting ages
run.