Jesus, the Good Samaritan

Lord Jesus, I pray that you may be moved to pity and come to me.  I have gone down from Jerusalem to Jericho, descended from the heights to the depths, from health to sickness.  I have fallen into the hands of the angels of darkness who have not only stripped me of my garment of spiritual grace but have also wounded me and left me half-dead.  Bind up the wounds of my sins by making me believe that they can be healed, for if I despair of healing they will become worse.  Apply the oil of forgiveness to them and pour in the wine of compunction.  If you place me on your beast, you will be raising the poor from the dust, the needy from the rubbish heap.  For it is you who have carried our sins, who have paid back what you did not take.  If you lead me to the inn of your Church you will nourish me with your Body and Blood.  If you take care of me I shall not transgress your commandments nor fall prey to the rage of wild beasts.  I need your protection as long as I bear this corruptible flesh.  So listen to me, Samaritan, listen to me who am stripped and wounded, weeping and groaning, as I call upon you and cry out with David:  "Have mercy on me, O God, in your great kindness."

Saint Gregory the Great

-Saint Gregory the Great (604) was one of the most important popes and influential writers of the Middle Ages.