Lest You Remain

7 Realize how preposterous and unenlightened are those, who believe that love and zeal for converting sinners who have left the path of perfection, is not impor- tant, practically nothing. Rather, this labor is among the most important matters. It contains both the love of God and of one’s brother, and perfection depends on this. Those truly cooperate with Christ in saving souls, who call the lost to return to the path of eternal life. Christ took a human body, for no other reason, than to save what was lost. Thus, [the Psalmist]—the Penitent-King, who wants to re-conquer the exasperated [heart of] God, refers to no other means, but to the conversion of sinners: “I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you” (Ps 51:15). Awaken in yourself the desire to convert the fallen, and day after day, try to develop this most beautiful desire. And while you are moving in that direction, first convert your whole heart to the Lord. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 8 If a tragedy befalling our neighbor, sometimes brings tears to our eyes, all the more should they be caused by the fall of a soul. What can be a greater tragedy for man, than when he becomes, through sin, the enemy of God? They should by all means, by raised and supported. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 9 “Men will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and glory” (Lk 21:27). Contemplate how great will be the shame of these who disdained Christ, did not want to follow Him, and put Him to death, (on the Cross as the greatest criminal and scoundrel), when they see His power and glory. And con- versely, how great will be the joy, of those who not only followed the scorned Jesus, not only professed faith in Him, but also proclaimed Him; and, out of love for Him, not only were held in contempt, but also suffered death. Christ, our life, will descend in His glorified Body, clothed in the Sun, surrounded by the choirs of angels and multitudes of the saints, carrying the victorious cross in the front. L EST Y OU R EMAIN W ITHOUT W ORK IN THE V INEYARD OF THE L ORD 176