Resolution to Imitate Jesus Christ (Second Form of Election)

Commencement and preparatory prayer as usual.

Prelude 1.—Let us place ourselves alone in the presence of God, who puts before us the end for which He made us, that is, "to be likened to the image of His Son."

Prelude 2.—Let us beg of Him to enlighten our minds that we may know what is wanting in us in this likeness to our Blessed Lord, and to inflame our will that we may resolve at once to correct it.

Point 1.—The end then of all our thoughts, words, and actions, the object of our desires and efforts is to make ourselves as far as possible by God's grace like unto Jesus Christ. Nothing can be more worthy or more ennobling than this end: and the strongest of motives are not wanting to urge us to attain it. Such is the will of His Divine Majesty, ¹ and in executing that will we promote His glory, we please His Divine Majesty, and give honour to His well-beloved Son. This motive is enough to urge us to make firm resolutions to strive to imitate Him perfectly in the exercise of poverty, humility, and self-denial.

Another motive will be that thus I prove my gratitude to God. Oh! how it cuts one's heart to think that after all the love of Jesus Christ for us, we, who are so infinitely below Him, can do so little in return, even by the sacrifice of life itself. Well! let us do the best we can; let us often say, "You, O Lord, have done so for love of me, I will do so for love of you."

Another motive is that we by this means secure salvation; for imitation of Jesus Christ is a sign of predestination: and it is also a means of promoting the sanctification of our neighbour.

Point 2.—What counsel should I give to another? Suppose that he had been put under my direction by God, who would call me to an account for the advice which I should give him. Should I recommend a poverty well furnished with comforts and conveniences? Should I advise an easy life, lawful liberty, and gratification of the senses? Should I advise him to ambition notice, admiration of men, and posts of honour? Or should I not urge him, as far as circumstances permitted, to an imitation of Jesus Christ our Lord in all these respects, and more especially in those points in which he is more wanting? Well, then, if we should advise others to adopt this line of conduct; we must resolve upon the same for ourselves.

Point 3.—Further, when I am lying upon my deathbed, shall I be satisfied to have lived an ordinary trivial life, exempt from mortal sin and from certain venial sins? What sentiments shall I have as to the conveniences and broad views I now have of poverty; of the anxieties and toils endured in order to shine and cut a figure by my learning and talents? In that hour we are left alone with only a crucifix in our hands, a clear sign that this alone can give us consolation, to have lived with Christ on the Cross, to have with Him been dead to the world, and to the world crucified.

Point 4.—What will be my feelings when before the judgment-seat? What shall we think of the facility with which we violate our Rules or neglect the duties of our state? of the indifference to the frequent graces and inspirations of God? of the avidity for applause and esteem, of the envy and bitter speeches we make of others, of the dislike we feel for others? Alas! the dissimilarity of my life with that of Jesus Christ should fill me with horror and dismay! If I am a companion of Christ, I must surely and without delay begin to do the works of Christ, and clothe myself interiorly and exteriorly with Christ, "putting on the feelings which were in Him." Let us think seriously what are the chief faults in us which mar the imitation, and what are the virtues most wanting in us of which our Lord has set us the example, and come what will, cost what it may, let us resolve at once to correct the one and to strain every nerve to acquire the other. This may be my last opportunity of making this resolution.

Let us make three colloquies, to our Lady, Jesus Christ, and to the Eternal Father, begging the grace to make a good resolution, and the further grace to keep it. ²

We may also further apply the first form of Election to the same subject, to determine what especial virtue in our Blessed Lord we should choose in our desire to imitate Him, and what is the particular fault opposed to it which we are determined to correct between this and our next retreat or Election. The advantages of making this exercise of Election from time to time during the course of the year are inestimable. It has a great influence in forming and moulding our character, and especially in supernaturalizing it.

1. "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be made conformable to the image of His Son; that He might be the first-born amongst many brethren." (Romans viii. 29.)
2. "And I live, now not I; but Christ liveth in me. And that I live now in the flesh, I live in the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself for me." (Galat. ii. 20.)