Daily Primer — July 23, L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada

The inner self is as secret as God and, like Him, it evades every concept that tries to seize hold of it with full possession.  It is a life that cannot be held and studied as object, because it is not “a thing.”  It is not reached and coaxed forth from hiding by any process under the sun, including meditation.  All that we can do with any spiritual discipline is produce within ourselves something of the silence, the humility, the detachment, the purity of heart, and the indifference which are required if the inner self is to make some shy, unpredictable manifestation of his presence.

Florilegium is the Medieval Latin word for bouquet, or more literally flowers (flos, flor-) which are gathered (legere). The word florilegium was used to refer to a compilation of writings, often religious or philosophical. These florilegium are literary flowers—beautiful words/prayers/thoughts I have gathered.  During my sabbatical they will give me something to ponder each day. — PHL.

O my God, when will silence, retirement, and prayer become the occupations on my soul as they are now frequently the objects of my desires?  How am I wearied with saying so much and yet doing so little for you!

Come, Jesus, come, You the only object of my love, the center and supreme happiness of my soul!  Come, and impress my mind with such a lively conviction of Thy presence that all within me may yield to its influence. Amen.

Lord, Jesus Christ, you have given your followers an example of gentleness and humility, a task that is easy, a burden that is light.  Accept the prayers and work of this day, and give us the rest that will strengthen us to render more faithful service to you, who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.