the faithful companion

"Jesus, with a largess truly divine...  walks before us, his hands charged with gifts; he walks at our side with a beautiful countenance; he walks behind us with extended arms. He walks before us, to smooth the rough places of our paths; he walks at our side as a faithful companion, to cheer, encourage, console and defend us. He walks behind us, to receive us if we fall. He walks before us, that we may follow and imitate him; he walks beside us, that we may not grow lonely on the road, and he walks after us, to be the remedy of our evils."


                                                              - Peter, Abbot of Moustier, from Magnificat, February, 2019