FOURTH WEEK

THE FIRST CONTEMPLATION

HOW CHRIST OUR LORD APPEARED

TO OUR LADY

(p. 160); Prayer. The usual Preparatory Prayer.

First Prelude. The first Prelude is the narrative, which is here how, after Christ expired on the Cross, and the Body, always united with the Divinity, remained separated from the Soul, the blessed Soul, likewise united with the Divinity, went down to Hell, and taking from there the just souls, and coming to the Sepulchre and being risen, He appeared to His Blessed Mother in Body and in Soul.

Second Prelude. The second, a composition, seeing the place; which will be here to see the arrangement of the Holy Sepulchre and the place or house of Our Lady, looking at its parts in particular; likewise the room, the oratory, etc.

Third Prelude. The third, to ask for what I want, and it will be here to ask for grace to rejoice and be glad intensely at so great glory and joy of Christ our Lord.

First Point, Second Point, and Third Point. Let the first, second and third Points be the same usual ones which we took in the Supper of Christ our Lord.

Fourth Point. The fourth, to consider how the Divinity, which seemed to hide Itself in the Passion, now appears and shows Itself so marvellously in the most holy Resurrection by Its true and most holy effects.

Fifth Point. The fifth is to consider the office of consoling which Christ our Lord bears, and to compare how friends are accustomed to console friends.

Colloquy. I will finish with a Colloquy, or Colloquies, according to the subject matter, and an OUR FATHER.

First Note. In the following Contemplations let one go on through all the Mysteries of the Resurrection, in the manner which follows below, up to the Ascension inclusive, taking and keeping in the rest the same form and manner in all the Week of the Resurrection which was taken in all the Week of the Passion. So that, for this first Contemplation, onthe Resurrection, let one guide himself as to the Preludes according to the subject matter; and as to the five Points, let them be the same; and let the Additions which are below be the same; and so in all which remains, he can guide himself by the method of the Week of the Passion, as in repetitions, the five Senses, in shortening or lengthening the Mysteries.

Second Note. The second note: Commonly in this FOURTH WEEK, it is more suitable than in the other three past to make four Exercises, and not five: the first, immediately on rising in the morning; the second, at the hour of Mass, or before dinner, in place of the first repetition; the third, at the hour of Vespers, in place of the second repetition; the fourth, before supper, bringing the five Senses on the three Exercises of the same day, noting and lingering on the more principal parts, and where one has felt greater spiritual movements and relish.

Third Note. The third: Though in all the Contemplations so many Points were given in certain number -- as three, or five, etc., the person who is contemplating can set more or fewer Points, according as he finds it better for him. For which it is very helpful, before entering on the Contemplation, to conjecture and mark in certain number the Points which he is to take.

Fourth Note. In this FOURTH WEEK, in all the ten Additions the second, the sixth, the seventh and the tenth are to be changed.

The second will be, immediately on awaking, to put before me the Contemplation which I have to make, wanting to arouse feeling and be glad at the great joy and gladness of Christ our Lord.

The sixth, to bring to memory and think of things that move to spiritual pleasure, gladness and joy, as of heavenly glory.

The seventh, to use light or temporal comforts -- as, in summer, the coolness; and in winter, the sun or heat -- as far as the soul thinks or conjectures that it can help it to be joyful in its Creator and Redeemer.

The tenth: in place of penance, let one regard temperance and all moderation; except it is question of precepts of fasting or of abstinence which the Church commands; because those are always to be fulfilled, if there is no just impediment.

CONTEMPLATION TO GAIN LOVE

Note. First, it is well to remark two things: the first is that love ought to be put more in deeds than in words.

The second, love consists in interchange between the two parties; that is to say in the lover’s giving and communicating to the beloved what he has or out of what he has or can; and so, on the contrary, the beloved to the lover. So that if the one has knowledge, he give to the one who has it not. The same of honors, of riches; and so the one to the other.

CONTEMPLATION TO GAIN LOVE

Prayer. The usual Prayer.

First Prelude. The first Prelude is a composition, which is here to see how I am standing before God our Lord, and of the Angels and of the Saints interceding for me.

Second Prelude. The second, to ask for what I want. It will be here to ask for interior knowledge of so great good received, in order that being entirely grateful, I may be able in all to love and serve His Divine Majesty.

First Point. The First Point is, to bring to memory the benefits received, of Creation, Redemption and particular gifts, pondering with much feeling how much God our Lord has done for me, and how much He has given me of what He has, and then the same Lord desires to give me Himself as much as He can, according to His Divine ordination.

And with this to reflect on myself, considering with much reason and justice, what I ought on my side to offer and give to His Divine Majesty, that is to say, everything that is mine, and myself with it, as one who makes an offering with much feeling:

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my intellect, and all my will -- all that I have and possess. Thou gavest it to me: to Thee, Lord, I return it! All is Thine, dispose of it according to all Thy will. Give me Thy love and grace, for this is enough for me.

Second Point. The second, to look how God dwells in creatures, in the elements, giving them being, in the plants vegetating, in the animals feeling in them, in men giving them to understand:(21) and so in me, giving me being, animating me, giving me sensation and making me to understand;(22) likewise making a temple of me, being created to the likeness and image of His Divine Majesty; reflecting as much on myself in the way which is said in the first Point, or in another which I feel to be better. In the same manner will be done on each Point which follows.

Third Point. The third, to consider how God works and labors for me in all things created on the face of the earth -- that is, behaves like one who labors -- as in the heavens, elements, plants, fruits, cattle, etc., giving them being, preserving them, giving them vegetation and sensation, etc.

Then to reflect on myself.

Fourth Point. The fourth, to look how all the good things and gifts descend from above, as my poor power from the supreme and infinite power from above; and so justice, goodness, pity, mercy, etc.; as from the sun descend the rays, from the fountain the waters, etc.

Then to finish reflecting on myself, as has been said.

I will end with a Colloquy and an OUR FATHER.

THREE METHODS OF PRAYER

AND FIRST ON THE COMMANDMENTS

FIRST METHOD

The first Method of Prayer is on the Ten Commandments, and on the Seven Deadly Sins, on the Three Powers of the Soul and on the Five Bodily Senses. This method of prayer is meant more to give form, method and exercises, how the soul may prepare itself and benefit in them, and that the prayer may be acceptable, rather than to give any form or way of praying.

I. The Ten Commandments

First let the equivalent of the second Addition of the SECOND WEEK be made; that is, before entering on the prayer, let the spirit rest a little, the person being seated or walking about, as may seem best to him, considering where he is going and to what. And this same addition will be made at the beginning of all Methods of Prayer.

Prayer. A Preparatory Prayer, as, for example, to ask grace of God our Lord that I may be able to know in what I have failed as to the Ten Commandments; and likewise to beg grace and help to amend in future, asking for perfect understanding of them, to keep them better and for the greater glory and praise of His Divine Majesty.

For the first Method of Prayer, it is well to consider and think on the First Commandment, how I have kept it and in what I have failed, keeping to the rule of spending the space of time one says the OUR FATHER and the HAIL MARY three times; and if in this time I find faults of mine, to ask pardon and forgiveness for them, and say an OUR FATHER. Let this same method be followed on each one of the Ten Commandments.

First Note. It is to be noted that when one comes to think on a Commandment on which he finds he has no habit of sinning, it is not necessary for him to delay so much time, but according as one finds in himself that he stumbles more or less on that Commandment so he ought to keep himself more or less on the consideration and examination of it. And the same is to be observed on the Deadly Sins.

Second Note. After having finished the discussion already mentioned on all the Commandments, accusing myself on them and asking grace and help to amend hereafter, I am to finish with a Colloquy to God our Lord, according to the subject matter.

II. On Deadly Sins

About the Seven Deadly Sins, after the Addition, let the Preparatory Prayer be made in the way already mentioned, only with the difference that the matter here is of sins that have to be avoided, and before of Commandments that have to be kept: and likewise let the order and rule already mentioned be kept, and the Colloquy.

In order to know better the faults committed in the Deadly Sins, let their contraries be looked at: and so, to avoid them better, let the person purpose and with holy exercises see to acquiring and keeping the seven virtues contrary to them.

III. On the Powers of the Soul

Way. On the three powers of the soul let the same order and rule be kept as on the Commandments, making its Addition, Preparatory Prayer and Colloquy.

IV. On the Bodily Senses

Way. About the five bodily senses the same order always will be kept, but changing their matter.

Note. Whoever wants to imitate Christ our Lord in the use of his senses, let him in the Preparatory Prayer recommend himself to His Divine Majesty, and after considering on each sense, say a HAIL MARY or an OUR FATHER.

And whoever wants to imitate Our Lady in the use of the senses, let him in the Preparatory Prayer recommend himself to her, that she may get him grace from Her Son and Lord for it; and after considering on each sense, say a HAIL MARY.

SECOND METHOD OF PRAYER

It is by contemplating the meaning of each word of the Prayer.

Addition. The same Addition which was in the First Method of Prayer will be in this second.

Prayer. The Preparatory Prayer will be made according to the person to whom the prayer is addressed.

Second Method of Prayer. The Second Method of Prayer is that the person, kneeling or seated, according to the greater disposition in which he finds himself and as more devotion accompanies him, keeping the eyes closed or fixed on one place, without going wandering with them, says FATHER, and is on the consideration of this word as long as he finds meanings, comparisons, relish and consolation in considerations pertaining to such word. And let him do in the same way on each word of the OUR FATHER, or of any other prayer which he wants to say in this way.

First Rule. The first Rule is that he will be an hour on the whole OUR FATHER in the manner already mentioned. Which finished, he will say a HAIL MARY, CREED, SOUL OF CHRIST, and HAIL, HOLY QUEEN, vocally or mentally, according to the usual way.

Second Rule. The Second Rule is that, should the person who is contemplating the OUR FATHER find in one word, or in two, matter so good to think over, and relish and consolation, let him not care to pass on, although the hour ends on what he finds. The hour finished, he will say the rest of the OUR FATHER in the usual way.

Third Rule. The third is that if on one word or two of the OUR FATHER one has lingered for a whole hour, when he will want to come back another day to the prayer, let him say the above-mentioned word, or the two, as he is accustomed; and on the word which immediately follows let him commence to contemplate, according as was said in the second Rule.

First Note. It is to be noted that, the OUR FATHER finished, in one or in many days, the same has to be done with the HAIL MARY and then with the other prayers, so that for some time one is always exercising himself in one of them.

Second Note. The second note is that, the prayer finished, turning, in few words, to the person to whom he has prayed, let him ask for the virtues or graces of which he feels he has most need.

THIRD METHOD OF PRAYER

It will be by rhythm.

Addition. The Addition will be the same as in the First and Second Methods of Prayer.

Prayer. The Preparatory Prayer will be as in the Second Method of Prayer.

Third Method of Prayer. The Third Method of Prayer is that with each breath in or out, one has to pray mentally, saying one word of the OUR FATHER, or of another prayer which is being recited: so that only one word be said between one breath and another, and while the time from one breath to another lasts, let attention be given chiefly to the meaning of such word, or to the person to whom he recites it, or to his own baseness, or to the difference from such great height to his own so great lowness. And in the same form and rule he will proceed on the other words of the OUR FATHER; and the other prayers, that is to say, the HAIL MARY, the SOUL OF CHRIST, the CREED, and the HAIL, HOLY QUEEN, he will make as he is accustomed.

First Rule. The First Rule is, on the other day, or at another hour, that he wants to pray, let him say the HAIL MARY in rhythm, and the other prayers as he is accustomed; and so on, going through the others.

Second Rule. The second is that whoever wants to dwell more on the prayer by rhythm, can say all the above-mentioned prayers or part of them, keeping the same order of the breath by rhythm, as has been explained.

THE MYSTERIES OF THE LIFE OF

CHRIST OUR LORD

Note. It is to be noted in all the following Mysteries, that all the words which are inclosed in parentheses(23) are from the Gospel itself and not those which are outside.

And in each Mystery, for the most part, three Points will be found to meditate and contemplate on with greater ease.

OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR

LADY

St. Luke writes in the first Chapter [26-39].

First Point. The first Point is that the Angel St. Gabriel, saluting Our Lady, announced to her the Conception of Christ our Lord. “The Angel entering where Mary was, saluted her saying: ‘Hail full of grace. Thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son.’”

Second Point. The second, the Angel confirms what he said to Our Lady, telling of the conception of St. John Baptist, saying to her: “‘And behold thy cousin Elizabeth hath conceived a son in her old age.’”

Third Point. The third, Our Lady answered the Angel: “‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word!’”

OF THE VISITATION OF OUR LADY TO ELIZABETH

St. Luke speaks in the first Chapter [39-57].

First Point. First: As Our Lady visited Elizabeth, St. John Baptist, being in his mother’s womb, felt the visitation which Our Lady made. “And when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Our Lady, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth, full of the Holy Ghost, cried out with a loud voice, and said: ‘Blessed be thou among women and blessed be the fruit of thy womb!’”

Second Point. Second: Our Lady sings the canticle, saying: “‘My soul doth magnify the Lord!’”

Third Point. Third: “Mary abode with Elizabeth about three months: and then she returned to her house.”

OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST OUR LORD

St. Luke speaks in the second Chapter [1-15].

First Point. First: Our Lady and her husband Joseph go from Nazareth to Bethlehem. “Joseph went up from Galilee to Bethlehem, to acknowledge subjection to Caesar, with Mary his spouse and wife, already with child.”

Second Point. Second: “She brought forth her first-born Son and wrapped Him up with swaddling clothes and laid Him in the manger.”

Third Point. Third: “There came a multitude of the heavenly army, which said: ‘Glory be to God in the heavens.’”

OF THE SHEPHERDS

St. Luke writes in the second Chapter [8-21].

First Point. First: The birth of Christ our Lord is manifested to the Shepherds by the Angel. “‘I manifest to you great Joy, for this day is born the Saviour of the world.”‘

Second Point. Second: The Shepherds go to Bethlehem. “They came with haste and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant put in the manger.”

Third Point. Third: “The Shepherds returned glorifying and praising the Lord.”

OF THE CIRCUMCISION

St. Luke writes in the second Chapter [21].

First Point. First: They circumcised the Child Jesus.

Second Point. Second: “His Name was called Jesus, which was called by the Angel, before He was conceived in the womb.”

Third Point. Third: They gave back the Child to His Mother, who had compassion for the Blood which came from her Son.

OF THE THREE MAGI KINGS

St. Matthew writes in the second Chapter [1-13].

First Point. First: The three Magi Kings, guiding themselves by the star, came to adore Jesus, saying: “‘We have seen His star in the East and are come to adore Him.’”

Second Point. Second: They adored Him and offered gifts to Him. “Falling down on the earth, they adored Him, and they offered Him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Third Point. Third: “They received answer while sleeping that they should not return to Herod, and went back by another way to their country.”

OF THE PURIFICATION OF OUR LADY AND

PRESENTATION OF THE CHILD JESUS

St. Luke writes, Chapter 2 [23-39].

First Point. First: They bring the Child Jesus to the Temple, that He may be presented to the Lord as first-born; and they offer for Him “a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.”

Second Point. Second: Simeon coming to the Temple “took Him into his arms” saying: “‘Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, in peace!’”

Third Point. Third: Anna “coming afterwards confessed to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all that were hoping for the redemption of Israel.”

OF THE FLIGHT TO EGYPT

St. Matthew writes in the second Chapter [13-16].

First Point. First: Herod wanted to kill the Child Jesus, and so killed the Innocents, and before their death the Angel warned Joseph to fly into Egypt: “‘Arise and take the Child and His Mother, and fly to Egypt.’”

Second Point. Second: He departed for Egypt. “Who arising by night departed to Egypt.”

Third Point. Third: He was there until the death of Herod.

OF HOW CHRIST OUR LORD RETURNED

FROM EGYPT

St. Matthew writes in the second Chapter [19-23].

First Point. First: The Angel warns Joseph to return to Israel. “‘Arise and take the Child and His Mother and go to the land of Israel.’”

Second Point. Second: Rising, he came to the land of Israel.

Third Point. Third: Because Archelaus, son of Herod, was reigning in Judea, he withdrew into Nazareth.

OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST OUR LORD FROM

TWELVE TO THIRTY YEARS

St. Luke writes in the second Chapter [51, 52].

First Point. First: He was obedient to His parents: “He advanced in wisdom, age and grace.”

Second Point. Second: It appears that(24) He exercised the trade of carpenter, as St. Mark shows he means(25) in the sixth chapter. “‘Perhaps this is that carpenter? ‘“

OF THE COMING OF CHRIST TO THE TEMPLE

WHEN HE WAS OF THE AGE OF

TWELVE YEARS

St. Luke writes in the second Chapter [42-51].

First Point. First: Christ our Lord, of the age of twelve years, went up from Nazareth to Jerusalem.

Second Point. Second: Christ our Lord remained in Jerusalem, and His parents did not know it.

Third Point. Third: The three days passed, they found Him disputing in the Temple, and seated in the midst of the doctors, and His parents asking Him where He had been, He answered: “‘Did you not know that it behooves Me to be in the things which are My Father’s?’”

OF HOW CHRIST WAS BAPTIZED

St. Matthew writes in the third Chapter [13-17].

First Point. First: Christ our Lord, after having taken leave of His Blessed Mother, came from Nazareth to the River Jordan, where St. John Baptist was.

Second Point. Second: St. John baptized Christ our Lord, and wanting to excuse himself, thinking himself unworthy of baptizing Him, Christ said to him: “Do this for the present, for so it is necessary that we fulfill all justice.’”

Third Point. Third: “The Holy Spirit came and the voice of the Father from heaven affirming: ‘This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.’”

OF HOW CHRIST WAS TEMPTED

St. Luke writes in the fourth Chapter [1-14] and St. Matthew fourth Chapter [1-12].

First Point. First: After being baptized, He went to the Desert, where He fasted forty days and forty nights.

Second Point. Second: He was tempted by the enemy three times. “The tempter coming to Him said to Him: ‘If Thou be the Son of God, say that these stones be turned into bread.’ ‘Cast Thyself down from here.’ ‘If prostrate on the earth Thou wilt adore me, I will give Thee all this which Thou seest.’”

Third Point. Third: “The Angels came and ministered to Him.”

OF THE CALL OF THE APOSTLES

First Point. First: it seems that(26)St. Peter and St. Andrew were called three times: first, to some knowledge; this is clear from St. John in the first Chapter: secondly, to follow Christ in some way with the purpose of returning to possess what they had left, as St. Luke says in the fifth Chapter: thirdly, to follow Christ our Lord forever, as St. Matthew says in the fourth Chapter and St. Mark in the first.

Second Point. Second: He called Philip, as is in the first Chapter of St. John, and Matthew as Matthew himself says in the ninth Chapter.

Third Point. Third: He called the other Apostles, of whose special call the Gospel does not make mention.

And three other things also would be to be considered:

The first, how the Apostles were of uneducated and low condition;

The second, the dignity to which they were so sweetly called;

The third, the gifts and graces by which they were raised above all the Fathers of the New and Old Testaments.

OF THE FIRST MIRACLE

PERFORMED AT THE MARRIAGE OF CANA, GALILEE

St. John writes Chapter 2 [1-12].

First Point. First: Christ our Lord was invited with His Disciples to the marriage.

Second Point. Second: The Mother tells her Son of the failure of the wine, saying: “‘They have no wine,’”and bade the servants: “‘Whatsoever He shall say to you, do ye.’”

Third Point. Third: “He changed the water into wine and manifested His glory, and His Disciples believed in Him.”

OF HOW CHRIST CAST OUT OF THE TEMPLE

THOSE WHO WERE SELLING

St. John writes Chapter 2 [13-18].

First Point. First: With a whip made of cords, He cast out of the Temple all those who were selling.

Second Point. Second: He turned over the tables and money of the rich bankers who were in the Temple.

Third Point. Third: To the poor who sold doves, He mildly said: “‘Take these things from here, and make not My house a house of traffic.’”

OF THE SERMON WHICH CHRIST MADE

ON THE MOUNT

St. Matthew writes in the fifth Chapter [1-48].

First Point. First: To His beloved Disciples He speaks apart about the Eight Beatitudes: “‘Blessed the poor of spirit, the meek, the merciful, those who weep, those who suffer hunger and thirst for justice, the clean of heart, the peaceful, and those who suffer persecution.’”

Second Point. Second: He exhorts them to use their talents well: “‘So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in the heavens.’”

Third Point. Third: He shows Himself not a transgressor, but a perfector of the law; explaining the precept of not killing, not committing fornication, not being guilty of perjury, and of loving enemies. “‘I say to you that you love your enemies and do good to them that hate you.’”

OF HOW CHRIST OUR LORD MADE THE

TEMPEST OF THE SEA BE CALM

St. Matthew writes Chapter 8 [23-28].

First Point. First: Christ our Lord being asleep at sea, a great tempest(27) arose.

Second Point. Second: His Disciples, frightened, awakened Him. Whom He reprehends for the little faith which they had, saying to them: “‘What do you fear, ye of little faith!’”

Third Point. Third: He commanded the winds and the sea to cease: and, so ceasing, the sea became calm: at which the men wondered, saying: “‘Who is this whom the wind and the sea obey?’”

OF HOW CHRIST WALKED ON THE SEA

St. Matthew writes Chapter 14 [22-34].

First Point. First: Christ our Lord being on the mountain, made His Disciples go to the little boat. And having dismissed the multitude, He commenced to pray alone.

Second Point. Second: The little boat was beaten by the waves. To which Christ came walking on the water; and the Disciples thought it was an apparition.

Third Point. Third: Christ saying to them: “‘It is I, fear not,’” St. Peter, by His command, came to Him walking on the water. Doubting, he commenced to sink, but Christ our Lord freed him and reprehended him for his little faith, and then, as He entered into the little boat, the wind ceased.

OF HOW THE APOSTLES WERE SENT

TO PREACH

St. Matthew writes in the tenth Chapter

First Point. First: Christ called His beloved Disciples and gave them power to cast out the demons from human bodies and to cure all the diseases.

Second Point. Second: He teaches them of prudence and patience: “‘Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves.’”

Third Point. Third: He gives them the way to go. “‘Do not want to possess gold nor silver: what you have freely received, freely give.’” And He gave them matter to preach. “‘Going you shall preach, saying: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven has approached.’”

OF THE CONVERSION OF MAGDALEN

St. Luke writes in the seventh Chapter [36-50].

First Point. First: Magdalen enters where Christ our Lord is seated at the table in the house of the Pharisee. She bore a vase of alabaster full of ointment.

Second Point. Second: Standing behind the Lord near His feet, she commenced to wash them with tears and dried them with the hairs of her head, and kissed His feet and anointed them with ointment.

Third Point. Third: When the Pharisee accused Magdalen, Christ speaks in her defence, saying: “‘Many sins are forgiven her because she loves much.’ And He said to the woman: ‘Thy faith hath made thee safe: go in peace.’”

OF HOW CHRIST OUR LORD GAVE TO EAT

FIVE THOUSAND MEN

St. Matthew writes in the fourteenth Chapter [13-22].

First Point. First: The Disciples, as it was getting late, ask Christ to dismiss the multitude of men who were with Him.

Second Point. Second: Christ our Lord commands that they bring Him bread, and commanded that they should be seated at the table, and blessed and broke and gave the bread to His Disciples, and the Disciples to the multitude.

Third Point. Third: “They did eat and were filled and there were twelve baskets over.”

OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST

St. Matthew writes in the seventeenth Chapter [1-14].

First Point. First: Taking along His beloved Disciples, Peter, James, John, Christ our Lord was transfigured, and His face did shine as the sun, and His garments as the snow.

Second Point. Second: He was speaking with Moses and Elias.

Third Point. Third: St. Peter saying that they would make three tabernacles, a voice from heaven sounded, which said: “‘This is My beloved Son, hear ye Him!’” When His Disciples heard this voice, they fell for fear on their faces; and Christ our Lord touched them and said to them: “‘ Arise and fear not. Tell this vision to no one until the Son of Man be risen.’”

OF THE RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS

John, Chapter 11 [1-46].

First Point. First: Martha and Mary sent word to Christ our Lord of the illness of Lazarus. Knowing it, He delayed for two days, that the miracle might be more evident.

Second Point. Second: Before He raises him, He asks the one and the other to believe, saying: “‘I am the resurrection and life; he who believeth in Me, although he be dead, shall live.’”

Third Point. Third: He raises him, after having wept and prayed. And the manner of raising him was by commanding: “‘Lazarus, come forth!’”

OF THE SUPPER AT BETHANY

Matthew, Chapter 26 [1-14].

First Point. First: The Lord sups in the house of Simon the Leper, along with Lazarus.

Second Point. Second: Mary pours the ointment on the head of Christ.

Third Point. Third: Judas murmurs, saying: “‘For what is this waste of ointment?’” But He a second time excuses Magdalen, saying: “‘Why are you troublesome to this woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon Me.’”

PALM SUNDAY

Matthew, Chapter 21 [1-12].

First Point. First: The Lord sends for the ass and the foal, saying: “Loose them and bring them to Me, and if any one shall say anything to you, say ye that the Lord hath need of them, and forthwith he will let them go.”

Second Point. Second: He mounted upon the ass, which was covered with the garments of the Apostles.

Third Point. Third: They went out to receive Him, strewing in the way their garments and the branches of the trees, saying: “‘Save us, Son of David, blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord: Save us in the heights!’”

OF THE PREACHING IN THE TEMPLE

Luke, Chapter 19 [47, 48].

First Point. First: He was every day teaching in the Temple.

Second Point. Second: The preaching finished, since there was no one who would receive Him in Jerusalem, He used to return to Bethany.

OF THE SUPPER

Matthew 26; John 13.

First Point. First: He ate the Paschal Lamb with His twelve Apostles, to whom He foretold His death. “‘In truth, I say to you that one of you is to sell Me.’”

Second Point. Second: He washed the Disciples’ feet, even those of Judas, commencing from St. Peter, who, considering the Majesty of the Lord and his own baseness, not wanting to consent, said: “Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?” But St. Peter did not know that in that He gave an example of humility, and for this He said: “‘I have given you an example, that you may do as I did.’”

Third Point. Third: He instituted the most sacred sacrifice of the Eucharist, to be the greatest mark of His love, saying: “‘Take and eat.’” The Supper finished, Judas went forth to sell Christ our Lord.

OF THE MYSTERIES DONE FROM THE SUPPER

TO THE GARDEN, INCLUSIVE

Matthew, Chapter 26, and Mark, Chapter 14.

First Point. First: The Supper finished, and singing the hymn, the Lord went to Mount Olivet with His Disciples, who were full of fear; and leaving the eight in Gethsemani, He said: “‘Sit ye here till I go yonder to pray.’”

Second Point. Second: Accompanied by St. Peter, St. James and St. John, He prayed three times to the Lord, saying: “‘Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me. Nevertheless, let not My will be done, but Thine.’” And being in agony, He prayed the longer.

Third Point. Third: He came into such fear, that He said: “‘My soul is sorrowful unto death,’” and He sweated blood so plentiful, that St. Luke says: “His sweat was as drops of blood which were running on the earth;” which supposes that the garments were already full of blood.

OF THE MYSTERIES DONE FROM THE GARDEN

TO THE HOUSE OF ANNAS, INCLUSIVE

Matthew 26, Luke 22, Mark 15.

First Point. First: The Lord lets Himself be kissed by Judas and taken as a robber, to whom He said: “‘You have come out as to a robber to apprehend Me with clubs and arms; when I was daily with you in the Temple teaching and you did not take Me.”‘ And He saying: “‘Whom seek ye?”‘ the enemies fell on the earth.

Second Point. Second: St. Peter wounded a servant of the High Priest, and the meek Lord said to Peter: “‘Return thy sword into its place,’” and He healed the wound of the servant.

Third Point. Third: Left by His Disciples, He is taken to Annas, where St. Peter, who had followed Him from afar, denied Him once, and a blow was given Christ by one saying to Him: “‘Answerest Thou the High Priest so?”‘

OF THE MYSTERIES DONE FROM THE HOUSE OF ANNAS

TO THE HOUSE OF CAIPHAS, INCLUSIVE

First Point. First: They take Him bound from the house of Annas to the house of Caiphas, where St. Peter denied Him twice, and looked at by the Lord, going forth he wept bitterly.

Second Point. Second: Jesus was all that night bound.

Third Point. Third: Besides, those who held Him captive mocked Him and struck Him and covered His face and gave Him buffets and asked Him: “‘Prophesy to us, who is he that struck Thee?’” and like things, blaspheming against Him.

OF THE MYSTERIES DONE FROM THE HOUSE

OF CAIPHAS TO THAT OF PILATE, INCLUSIVE

Matthew 26, Luke 23, Mark 15.

First Point. First: The whole multitude of the Jews(28) take Him to Pilate and accuse Him before him, saying: “‘We have found that this man tried to ruin our people and forbade to pay tribute to Caesar.’”

Second Point. Second: Pilate, after having examined Him once and again, said: “‘I find no fault.’”

Third Point. Third: The robber Barabbas was preferred to Him. “They all cried, saying: ‘Give us not this man, but Barabbas!’”

OF THE MYSTERIES DONE FROM THE HOUSE

OF PILATE TO THAT OF HEROD

First Point. First: Pilate sent Jesus, a Galilean, to Herod, Tetrarch of Galilee.

Second Point. Second: Herod, curious, questioned Him much and He answered him nothing, although the Scribes and Priests were accusing Him constantly.

Third Point. Third: Herod despised Him with his army, clothing Him with a white garment.

OF THE MYSTERIES DONE FROM THE HOUSE

OF HEROD TO THAT OF PILATE

Matthew 26,(29) Luke 23, Mark 15, and John 19.

First Point. First: Herod sends Him back to Pilate. By this they were made friends, who before were enemies.

Second Point. Second: Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him; and the soldiers made a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they clothed Him with purple and came to Him and said: “‘Hail, King of the Jews!’“, and they gave Him buffets.

Third Point. Third: He brought Him forth in the presence of all. “Then Jesus went forth crowned with thorns and clothed with a purple garment, and Pilate said to them: ‘Here is the Man!’” and when the Priests saw Him, they shouted, saying: “‘Crucify, crucify Him!’”

OF THE MYSTERIES DONE FROM THE HOUSE

OF PILATE TO THE CROSS, INCLUSIVE

John 19 [15-20].

First Point. First: Pilate, seated as judge, delivered Jesus to them to crucify Him, after the Jews had denied Him for king, saying: “‘We have no king but Caesar!‘“

Second Point. Second: He took the Cross on His shoulders and not being able to carry it, Simon of Cyrene was constrained to carry it after Jesus.

Third Point. Third: They crucified Him between two thieves, setting this title: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

OF THE MYSTERIES ON THE CROSS

John 19 [25-37].

First Point. First: He spoke seven words on the Cross: He prayed for those who were crucifying Him; He pardoned the thief; He recommended St. John to His Mother and His Mother to St. John; He said with a loud voice: “‘I thirst,’” and they gave Him gall and vinegar; He said that He was abandoned; He said: “It is consummated”; He said: “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit!”

Second Point. Second: The sun was darkened, the stones broken, the graves opened, the veil of the Temple was rent in two from above below.(30)

Third Point. Third: They blaspheme Him, saying: “‘Thou wert He who destroyest the Temple of God; come down from the Cross.”‘ His garments were divided; His side, struck with the lance, sent forth water and blood.

OF THE MYSTERIES FROM THE CROSS TO

THE SEPULCHRE, INCLUSIVE

lbidem.

First Point. First: He was let down from the Cross by Joseph and Nicodemus, in presence of His sorrowful Mother.

Second Point. Second: The Body was carried to the Sepulchre and anointed and buried.

Third Point. Third: Guards were set.

OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST OUR LORD

OF HIS FIRST APPARITION

First Point. First: He appeared to the Virgin Mary. This, although it is not said in Scripture, is included in saying that He appeared to so many others, because Scripture supposes that we have understanding,(31) as it is written: “‘Are you also without understanding?”‘

OF THE SECOND APPARITION

Mark, Chapter 16 [9].

First Point. First: Mary Magdalen, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome come very(32) early to the Sepulchre saying: “‘Who shall lift for us the stone from the door of the Sepulchre?’”

Second Point. Second: They see the stone lifted, and the Angel, who says: “‘You seek Jesus of Nazareth. He is already risen, He is not here.’”

Third Point. Third: He appeared to Mary, who remained about the Sepulchre after the others had gone.

OF THE THIRD APPARITION

St. Matthew, last Chapter.

First Point. First: These Maries go from the Sepulchre with fear and joy, wanting to announce to the Disciples the Resurrection of the Lord.

Second Point. Second: Christ our Lord appeared to them on the way, saying to them: “Hail:” and they approached and threw themselves at His feet and adored Him.

Third Point. Third: Jesus says to them: “‘Fear not! Go and tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, for there they shall see Me.’”

OF THE FOURTH APPARITION

Last Chapter of Luke [12, 34].

First Point. First: Having heard from the women that Christ was risen, St. Peter went quickly to the Sepulchre.

Second Point. Second: Entering into the Sepulchre, he saw only the cloths with which the Body of Christ our Lord had been covered, and nothing else.

Third Point. Third: As St. Peter was thinking of these things, Christ appeared to Him, and therefore the Apostles said: “‘Truly the Lord has risen and appeared to Simon.’”

OF THE FIFTH APPARITION

In the last Chapter of St. Luke.

First Point. First: He appeared to the Disciples who were going to Emmaus, talking of Christ.

Second Point. Second: He reproves them, showing by the Scriptures that Christ had to die and rise again: “‘O foolish and slow of heart to believe all that the Prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that Christ should suffer and so enter into His glory?”‘

Third Point. Third: At their prayer, He lingers there, and was with them until, in giving them Communion, He disappeared. And they, returning, told the Disciples how they had known Him in the Communion.

OF THE SIXTH APPARITION

John, Chapter 20 [19-24].

First Point. First: The Disciples, except St. Thomas, were gathered together for fear of the Jews.

Second Point. Second: Jesus appeared to them, the doors being shut, and being in the midst of them, He says: “‘Peace be with you!’”

Third Point. Third: He gives them the Holy Ghost, saying to them: “‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost: to those whose sins you shall forgive, to them they shall be forgiven.’”

THE SEVENTH APPARITION

John 20 [24-30].

First Point. First: St. Thomas, incredulous because he was absent from the preceding apparition, says: “If I do not see Him, I will not believe.”

Second Point. Second: Jesus appears to them eight days from that, the doors being shut, and says to St. Thomas: “‘Put here thy finger and see the truth; and be not incredulous, but believing.’”

Third Point. Third: St. Thomas believed, saying: “‘My Lord and my God!” Christ said to him: “‘Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’”

OF THE EIGHTH APPARITION

John, last Chapter [1-24].

First Point. First: Jesus appears to seven of His Disciples(33) who were fishing, and had taken nothing all night; and spreading the net by His command, “They were not able to draw it out for the multitude of the fishes.”

Second Point. Second: By this miracle St. John knew Him and said to St. Peter: “‘It is the Lord!’” He cast himself into the sea and came to Christ.

Third Point. Third: He gave them to eat part of a fish roasted, and a comb of honey,(34) and recommended the sheep to St. Peter, having first examined him three times on charity, and says to him: “‘Feed My sheep! ‘“

OF THE NINTH APPARITION

Matthew, last Chapter [16-end].

First Point. First: The Disciples, by command of the Lord, go to Me. Thabor.

Second Point. Second: Christ appears to them and says: “‘All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”

Third Point. Third: He sent them through all the world to preach, saying: “‘Go and teach ye all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.’”

OF THE TENTH APPARITION

In the First Epistle to the Corinthians, Chapter 15 [7]. “Afterwards He was seen by more than five hundred brethren together.”

OF THE ELEVENTH APPARITION

In the First Epistle to the Corinthians, Chapter 15 [7]. “Afterwards He appeared to St. James.”

OF THE TWELFTH APPARITION

He appeared to Joseph of Arimathea, as is piously meditated and is read in the lives of the Saints.(35)

OF THE THIRTEENTH APPARITION

First Epistle to the Corinthians, Chapter 15 [8]. He appeared to St. Paul after the Ascension. “‘Last of all, He appeared to me, as one born out of due time.’”

He appeared also in soul to the Holy Fathers of Limbo, and after taking them out and having taken His Body again, He appeared to the Disciples many times, and dealt with them.

OF THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST OUR LORD

Acts 1 [1-12].

First Point. First: After He appeared for the space of forty days to the Apostles, giving many arguments and doing many signs, and speaking of the kingdom of God, He bade them await in Jerusalem the Holy Ghost promised.

Second Point. Second: He brought them out to Mt. Olivet, and in their presence He was raised up and a cloud made Him disappear from their eyes.

Third Point. Third: They looking to heaven, the Angels say to them: “‘Men of Galilee, why stand you looking to heaven? This Jesus, Who is taken from your eyes to heaven, shall so come as you saw Him go into heaven.’”