Prayer: September 24
The great work of our perfection is born, grows, and thrives by means of two little but valuable practices: aspirations and spiritual retreats. Aspirations are transports of the spirit toward God. The more intense and loving they are, the better they are. Retreats are interior glances of the soul toward God. The simpler they are, the more worthwhile they are. A simple consideration is made of Who God is and what He has done for us. Then the heart is moved to make acts of humility, love, resignation, confidence, and the like, according to the particular occasions.
Every time the hour struck, St. Ignatius would withdraw within himself and raise his mind to God. Likewise at each stroke of the hour, St. Vincent de Paul would remove his hat and recite an aspiration, even when in the company of very important persons.
