Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”.  

Point 25

“You might also, when in bed, imagine yourself to have reached the last hour of your life, and to be lying with the holy Crucifix in your hand, and you might ask yourself the following questions:  ‘If I were now about to die, what should I wish to have done?  Would this Crucifix afford me consolation and comfort, because I always loved Him who was Crucified, or would it be a reproach and terror because I offended Him and abused His love and mercy?’  No words can express how useful such reflections, if seriously made, would be to induce a Christian to resolve on leading a more holy life.

Conclusion to the Rule

“In this manner you will pass your day in a holy manner, gain a great deal of merit with little comparative fatigue, sanctify all your actions, and give satisfaction to the loving Heart of your suffering Jesus.”

Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”.  

Point 24

“Fall asleep in the midst of pious thoughts, such as these, and thus you will sanctify even your sleep.  When you wake in the night, raise your heart to your suffering Jesus, who should be the beloved object of all your thoughts and affections.  Say to Him: My Jesus, I am Thine, do Thou save me.  My Jesus, dying on the Cross for my salvation, grant that I may ever love Thee.  My beloved Jesus, I thank Thee for all Thy love.  I compassionate Thee in all Thy sufferings.”

Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”. 

Point 23

“Undress yourself with modesty and decency, commending your soul to God, and begging your Angel Guardian to bestow his assistance upon you, by saying an Our Father in his honor.  As you lie down to rest, think of Jesus stretched on the hard bed of the Cross, and fastened down to it by sharp nails.  Say to Him:  Ah, my sweet Jesus, Thou art nailed to the Cross, and enduring unspeakable tortures,and I am lying on this bed!  I compassionate Thee, and love Thee with my whole heart.”

Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”. 

Point 22

“Before going to bed, examine your conscience, and make an act of contrition, never daring to fall asleep with your soul defiled by mortal sin, but cancel every stain by sincere repentance, when you have not been able to approach the Sacrament of Penance.  It would be the very height of imprudence to close your eyes quietly in a sleep which may be followed by death, without having discovered and bewailed all your sins at the foot of the Crucifix.”