THE MYSTERY OF THE VISIBLE AND PUBLIC LIFE OF JESUS
The devout person is raised to a great holiness of life by contemplation and imitation of the visible and public life of Christ Jesus and by submission and obedience to the maxims and the laws he gives us in his Gospel.
But what holiness do I not learn
from the incomparable examples
that you were pleased
to give me
during the more than three years
of your public life
and in the teachings recorded
in your holy Gospel?
At one time
we saw in you
perfect humility of heart
and at another,
kind and gentle graciousness;
at one time,
the simplicity of the dove
and at another,
the prudence of the serpent.
At all times,
ardent zeal for the glory of your Father
and for the salvation
of those for whom you were to die;
always
a more than human patience,
a sublime moderation,
and a compelling graciousness
in all your relationships
Your life
was not only irreproachable
but it was also a model,
the prototype
and exemplar
of every noble action.
Your doctrine
gave such perfect lessons
that we need only read
your Gospel
to learn about moral conduct
brought to the highest perfection
and to learn the sure and easy way
of acquiring it.
Grant, good Jesus,
that in my relationships with the neighbour
and in all I do
for the furthering of your Father's glory
and the salvation of others,
I may form myself
on your pattern.
May I truly reflect
your moderation,
gentleness,
humility,
patience,
graciousness,
tireless zeal -
in a word,
all your virtues.
Impress them
on my soul
by abiding
eternally
in me."
(Jean-Pierre Médaille, SJ, Writings of Jean-Pierre Medaille, SJ pp. 120-121)