From the Sermon 'Day of Joy and Pardon' given on December 25, 2023
O My Adorable Infant
- by St. Alphonsus Ligouri
O my dearest Redeemer, for the sake of the suffering Thou didst endure and the tears Thou didst shed in the stable of Bethlehem, give me tears – give me a great sorrow – that may make me all my life long lament the displeasure I have caused Thee. Grant me love for Thee, but such love as may compensate for the offenses I have committed against Thee.
I love Thee, my Infant Savior, my Infant God.
O my Adorable Infant! My Infant God. I should not have the boldness to prostrate myself at Thy feet, if I did not know that Thou Thyself invitest me to approach Thee. I am he who by my sins have caused Thee to shed so many tears in the stable of Bethlehem. But since Thou camest upon earth to forgive repentant sinners, forgive me also; for I repent with all my heart of having despised Thee, my Savior, my God, who art so good, and hast loved me so much. Thou dost dispense great graces to so many souls during this sacred night; do Thou, therefore, console my soul also. The grace I desire is the grace to love Thee from this day forth with my whole heart. Oh, inflame me wholly with Thy holy love! I love Thee, my God, become a Child for me. Oh, permit me not ever to cease from loving Thee.
I consecrate to Thee my body, my soul, my will, my liberty. Henceforth I will seek nothing but Thee, my God and my all. My God, I wish for Thee alone and nothing more. I love Thee, and abandon myself entirely to Thy holy will. I desire nothing but that which Thou desirest.
O Mary, my Mother, thou canst do all things by thy prayers; I ask thee only this, to pray to Jesus for me. Amen.
The Word was made flesh, alleluia.
And dwelt among us, alleluia.