Lest You Remain

3 “If you say so, I will lower the nets” (Lk 5:5). Contemplate that distrust is the greatest obstacle in taking up heroic works, removing vices, which we try to uproot, and acquiring virtues, which we want to exercise. Conversely, trust is the most important help in doing noble things, as David boasts: “In God I trust; I will not be put to shame” (cf. Ps 25:2). Contemplate, how futile are the efforts of numerous people, in many under- takings, when they lower the nets, not [according] to the word of the Lord. There is no catch for those who catch men, if in their teaching, they look for own glory, and not for the glory of God, or the salvation of souls. Apply yourself zealously to doing everything [according] to the word of the Lord, with the best intentions. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 4 “We have been hard at it all night long and have caught nothing” (Lk 5:5). The same with us, sometimes all night long, for many years, with numerous sacrifices, and the highest efforts, we devote ourselves to catching fish, yet without effect; and giving up hope, we abandon the care for our neighbor, believing that everything is lost; when all of a sudden, the assistance of God’s grace arrives, and throws a great catch into our nets. So teach yourself, and make the resolution, that no disgust, no loss, no incon- venience will take you away, from working on self-improvement, or the improve- ment of others; but as far as possible, perform it, and God will look toward your good will and honest efforts: He will come to help you, even if He delays. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 5 Putting off and delaying the fulfillment of good resolutions, is detrimental. It resembles the situation of those who, having a favorable wind, do not leave the port but, rather, losing this perfect opportunity to sail, never get a similar one again. Try to avoid such behavior. Once you receive God’s inspiration, leave the port as quickly as possible and set to completing the good deed that you were prompt- ed to do. The grace of the Holy Spirit does not accept being put off for later. It L EST Y OU R EMAIN W ITHOUT W ORK IN THE V INEYARD OF THE L ORD 178