Dearest Lord, make us remember, when the world is cold and dreary, and we know not where to turn for comfort, that there is always one spot bright and cheerful—the Sanctuary. When we are in desolation of spirit, when all who are dear to us have passed away, like summer flowers, and none are left to love us and care for us, whisper to our troubled souls that there is one friend who dies not—one whose love never changes—Jesus on the altar. When sorrows thicken and crush us with their burden, when we look in vain for comfort, let thy dear words come forth with full force from the tabernacle, “Come to me all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will refresh you.” Thy friendship, dearest Lord, henceforth shall be the dearest treasure we possess. It shall compensate for the treachery and ingratitude of creatures. It shall be our consolation when the wild flowers are growing over the best loved ones, and when all who hold a dear place in our hearts are withered and gone! With thy friendship the world will never be dreary, and life never without a charm. Would that we could realize the pure happiness of possessing thy sympathy! Would that we could feel, when we are crushed and humbled, when the hope we have lived for has withered, when sorrows and trials, that we dare not reveal to any, make our souls sink well nigh unto death, when we look in vain for someone to understand us, one who will enter into our miseries, make us remember that there is One on the altar who knows every fiber of our hearts, every sorrow, every pain special to our peculiar natures, and who deeply sympathizes with us. Compassionate Jesus, our hearts crave for sympathy, and to suffer seems nothing to the bitterness of suffering alone.

Noah Silliman | Unsplash CC0
Top 10
1

Pope’s health: Cardinals ready but not too concerned
2

Philadelphia boy who used his own body to protect his sister is back on his feet
3

St. Peter’s first “chair” may have been in the Upper Room
4

How St. Francisco was changed by Our Lady of Fatima
5

Helping teen boys have a better vision of sexuality
6

Raising kind kids in a competitive world
7

Jubilee of deacons: Where are the deacons in the world?
See More
Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!