wants. Yet are not my eyes always open upon my faithful ones, and my ears to hear their prayers, never to fail them in time of need?
If at any time I delay a little, this too is for your good, that your desires may expand and increase, and so man may become more capable of receiving my gifts. For things long desired are more sweet in the acquisition; but those are less valued that are easily obtained. If, therefore, thou askest anything of me, and I do not immediately grant it, persevere, nevertheless, in knocking and calling, for the door shall be opened to you at last. Or even if I am unwilling to give, return me thanks equally, whether I refuse or comply, from the knowledge that I deny what I know will not be for your good. For a man often knows not what he asks, like the sons of Zebedee, or what will be for his benefit in this life, in all the days of his pilgrimage, and the time that passes like a shadow. But I know best what is good for each; yet, for the folly of men, I sometimes grant in anger what in favour I would deny. Be sure, however, of this, that if thou art not heard to thy wish, thou wilt certainly be so to thy salvation. Thus was my Apostle heard when he besought to be delivered from the sting of the flesh. Nay, I myself was thus heard by my Father, when I prayed that the chalice of my passion might be removed from me. Is the servant greater or better than his Lord? Thy prayer will be best, if made conformable to mine, which I poured forth in the garden in the utmost anguish of heart, submitting myself entirely to the will of my Father. Hence that form of prayer with which I taught my disciples and all of you to pray: Thy will he done.
§ 7. A prayer for the Divine assistance.
Man. O immeasurable love! O inexhaustible tenderness! It is according to the riches of thy goodness, O Lord, that thou dost so copiously instruct and exhort me to converse with thee, though thou hast no need of my goods. Why is it that thou deliglitest to deal with the sons of men? Oh, that my soul, poor, destitute, and parched, would pant for thee as the hind pants for the fountains of waters! Oh, that my mouth were filled with thy praise! Oh, that I were as prepared to receive as thou to give! The oil of thy loving mercy drops down, nay, flows richly in streams, if but empty vessels were not wanting to receive it. Behold the vessel of my heart, but full of impurity and evil desires. I beseech thee to empty and cleanse it; enlarge my heart also, that thou mayest fill it.
