examination of the heart 124 fruit you have gained from the graces given to you so far; what return, what honest interest have you added to the heavenly treasure with the talents poured out upon you most generously? With what motive, ardor, and zeal have you cooperated with the divine help? Therefore, approaching today this Lord who will require an account from you of all His gifts, make a serious resolution that from now on you will never neglect good works and the amendment of your life; that you will strive to fulfill what is essential. 3. “Are you...?” (Mt 11:3). Think about what method of prayer, what manner of beseeching, what pattern or sort of entreaty will you use when you come to the King of Heaven. Use this humble, solemn prayer, saying: “Lord, You are my Savior, who long awaits my conversion, which I — a vile servant and fugitive — still delay. You, Lord, are the One who most justly could thrust me innumerable times into hell because of my evil deeds, but You have waited for me to return to my senses. It is You, prompted by mercy alone, who — upon seeing me fouled by innumerable and most abominable stains of wicked deeds — have called me to this sacred bath of Your Most Precious Blood in order to wash me. Behold I come, having converted in spirit and already knowing my illness, which is a very dangerous leprosy and severe consumption of vices and tepidity. Here I am, standing at the gate of the holy and salutary bath; I knock and most humbly urge You, Most Merciful Jesus, to wash away all the filth of my soul. Once washed and purified, I will throw myself into Your embrace and will offer sweet thanksgiving. Having received the Most Sacred Eucharist and resting in the bosom of Your guidance and love, I will sing: O Lord, “My soul clings [f.6r] to [Y]ou; [Y]our right hand upholds me.” (Ps 63:8). After Holy Communion 1. “The blind see” (Mt 11:5) [DRB]. Consider the response of the Teacher of Truth: He does not say openly that He is the true Messiah, but only reveals to the disciples of John the signs by which they may recognize Him. For
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