Lest You Remain

Babylon? Oh! They will draw and drink from them, only a short-lived sweetness, because of which, however, they will be thrust into the abyss of eternal bitterness. Forever they will lament indulging their nature and never erase their guilt. On the contrary, how much of the lasting sweetness is in the cross, patience, mortifications, toils, encountered misfortunes and harms borne in the spirit of following the God- Man! In them, the lovers of the cross and suffering, find an abundance of never end- ing joy, eternal consolations, holy and ceaseless delights, yet only after a tough fight and encounters with the world, hell and their own evil desires. You have a free hand in choosing one of the two options because you have free judgment and free will. But see for yourself how shrewdly and profitably you have already chosen one of them and you have still more to choose.You should consider the end of people’s lives which can be twofold as there are two kinds of people. The punishment of eternal death is the fate of immoral people, eager for honors, leading their lives outside of the law, according to the words: “Such as these will end in disaster” (Phil 3:19). While just people, devoted to various mortifications, obedient and perseverant in their life according to the holy laws and rules, will share in the everlasting glory and happiness of the tireless seeking for God, the Highest Good, and of life without death and with- out end according to the words: “But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them” etc. (Ws 3:1). 3. Carefully reflect upon what fruits your mortifications have you reaped in the religious life? How has your soul benefited from such frequent participation in the holy sacraments and the constant practicing of the virtues? What profit for salvation, have the numerous spiritual books, conversations and meditations had for you? How much have you progressed in acquiring the virtues, been encouraged to good deeds and as been spurred with numerous religious speeches, holy inspirations and admo- nitions? What benefits have you derived from your presence in the house of God, prayers, the mortifications of your body and regular fasting? Examine your con- science for the wasted time, which flies never to return and brings you every day clos- er to the verge of eternity with the knowledge that you will have to enter its port soon. With what kind of holy goods will you harbor in there? If you lack the pearls of virtues, which are of value at the celestial heights, be certain that you will not be allowed to the shores of the heavenly land. If this were to happen (which God forbid!) where would you go? In the ocean of the world, your ship cannot drift without end, but has to ceaselessly look for the shore to reach: whether a happy one of the Promised Land or a miserable one of eternal damnation. May your conversation with God be filled with repentance for offenses, sins and all imperfections followed by seeing their repugnance and making holy, noble and irrevocable resolutions to prac- tice heroic virtues, accompanied by a strong desire to improve your whole life. L EST Y OU R EMAIN W ITHOUT W ORK IN THE V INEYARD OF THE L ORD 46