The Low Hanging Fruit is Ready for Picking!

Why is it in our nature to look for those things which are mere curiosities when we have, in front of us, the answer to our desire?  Think for a minute about going from one grocery store to another, looking for some out-of-season fruit (say, pomegranates) and bypassing bushels of apples which are more abundant and less expensive.  Now, translate that into a religious pilgrimage in pursuit of piety.  Good Thomas teaches us today, that the low-hanging fruit is easier and (in this case) better, than the curious looking fruit higher up in the tree.

9. Many run to various places to visit the relics of the saints, and are astonished to hear of the saints’ wonderful works; they behold the noble church buildings and kiss the saints’ sacred bones, wrapped up in silk and gold.
And behold, I have You here present on the Altar, my God, the Saint of saints, the Creator of men, and the Lord of Angels.

Oftentimes in seeing these things men are moved with curiosity, and the novelty of the sight, and but little fruit of amendment is reaped thereby; especially when persons lightly run here and there, without true contrition for their sins.

But here, in the Sacrament of the Altar, You are wholly present, my God, the man Christ Jesus; where also the fruit of eternal salvation is plentifully reaped, as often as You are worthily and devoutly received.

And to this we are not drawn by any levity, curiosity, or sensuality;butby a firm faith, a devout hope, and a sincere charity.

Thomas now takes us into an ecstatic prayer to the Lord thanking Him for providing easy access to Himself through the Blessed Sacrament:

10. O God, the invisible Maker of the world, how wonderfully do You deal with us! How sweetly and graciously do You order all things in favor of Your elect, to whom You offer Yourself to be received in this Sacrament!

For this exceeds all understanding of man; this in a particular manner engages the hearts of the devout, and en kindles their love.*

For Your true faithful, who dispose their whole life to amendment, by this most worthy Sacrament, frequently receive a great grace of devotion and love of virtue.

*This passage reminded me of one of my favorite prayers to the Holy Spirit:
          "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
          O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen"

Next time, we'll wrap up book 4, chapter 1, where Thomas will tie it all together for us.

Thank you for reading and praying along with me. 'Til next time, be Imitators of Christ!


tim