I am a poor shepherd; I have only a wretched stable, a small manger, some wisps of straw. I offer all these to You, be pleased to come into my poor hovel. I offer You my heart; my soul is poor and bare of virtues, the straws of so many imperfections will prick You and make You weep—but oh, my Lord, what can You expect? This little is all I have…I have nothing better to offer You, Jesus, honour my soul with Your presence, adorn it with Your graces. Burn this straw and change it into a soft couch for Your most holy body.
Jesus, I am here waiting for Your coming. Wicked men have driven You out, and the wind is like ice. I am poor, but I will warm You as well as I can. At least be pleased that I wish to welcome You warmly, to love You and sacrifice myself for You. Amen.
(Written by a young Italian seminarian named Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in 1902 who would later become Pope John XXIII; slightly revised).
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