There shall come forth a rod from the root of Jesse, says Isaias, and
a flower shall rise up from its root. This root, writes St. Jerome, is
the Mother of the Saviour; a plain and simple root, but fruitful in
its unity, like the Eternal Father. The flower of this root is Jesus
Christ, _like to a flower of the field and to a lily of the valley_.
This flower is possessed of as many leaves as there are functions and
examples. If you wish to have the flower you must first bend the stem
by your prayers. If this flower rises high through the excellence of
its Divinity be not afraid; because through excess of love its stem
may be bowed.--_St. Bonaventure_.
I am firmly resolved to desire no other heart than that which shall be
given me by this Mother of hearts, this Mother of holy love. O my God!
how much do I desire not to lose sight, not even for an instant, of
this gracious Star, during the whole course of my journey!--_St.
Francis of Sales_.
As the lily has no fixed season for its growth, but flowers sooner or
later, according to its depth in the earth, in like manner the heart
which aspires to Divine Love will blossom very late, and with much
difficulty, if it be absorbed in earthly cares. However, if it be
attached to the world only so far as is necessary for its engagements
in life, it will flourish in charity and spread around it gracious
fragrance.--_The same_.