Lest You Remain

where else, anything that you would not have in Mary? Could anyone give you more than what she herself possesses? This is a book of virtues and of all perfec- tions: divided into as many chapters as it has virtues. Browsing through this book, dedicate yourself to your study; pick flowers so very necessary for your state in life. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 4 “She was deeply troubled by his words” (Luke 1:29). What a spiritual lesson you receive from this wisest Virgin! Standing in awe of the Angel, she teaches that you should fear and be careful with watching any figures, even those with a holy appearance; she teaches you to avoid the contagious air of the praise of others; she teaches an attitude of the internal repugnance for self-praise. If she, exceeding all other creatures in her unusual attributes, fears to listen even to the deserved praise addressed at her, although there was nothing in her which would not match the words of the angel, how can you greedily search for praise, by what right would you desire the air of the vain honor, and would you be either bragging about yourself or rejoicing when someone else is praising you, when nothing can be found that would be praiseworthy in you. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 5 “Wondered what his greeting meant” (Luke 1:29). Contemplate, how the Most Holy Virgin does not accept the angel’s greeting immediately, at first, she contem- plates them to discern whether this is a heavenly vision and whether it is good or rather an infernal temptation and evil delusion. For the same reason, you also should pay attention to all internal impulses and before you decide to implement them, dis- cern whether they come from God. Since the Most Holy Virgin knew that often the angel of darkness takes on the shape of the angel of light, she realized that she should not immediately trust this envoy, so as not to be deceived or, in matters of great importance, to not act too hastily. Thus, you also should think before implementing any suggestions. Discern the spirits, whether they come from God. Do not follow any internal impulse too easily, keeping in mind the innumerable examples of frauds. ( Inspectio Cordis ) Fr. Founder’s Selected Thoughts on the Religious Life 117