129 part i: sunday meditations for the entire year by Christ the Lord. Therefore, be convinced that you should be applying yourself to acts of penance and humility rather than seeking gifts of prophecy and extraordinary graces. The certainty of possessing grace is not based on prophecies, and not all those who prophesied the future entered the Kingdom of salvation. Instead, it is in penance and humility that great hope of salvation is placed. Indeed, the exercise of penance is like a key to Heaven and the exercise of humility like a stairway. Ecstasies, spiritual exaltations, sweetness and delighting in piety do not help much toward sanctity; indeed, they are sometimes granted even to the greatest sinners; but sorrow for sins and penitential exercises strengthen the mind in hope, earn pardon, and win over the Divine Majesty for us. Saul was among the prophets, but the repentance of David was found more excellent than the prophecies of Saul.27 It is possible to find men who lead a most pious life and are renowned for their miracles, but are rejected by God. But you shall not find any penitent who will not be saved. For miracles, devotion, and knowledge of future things bring forth pride; but penance washes away sins, opens Heaven, wins God over, and fosters humility, which undoubtedly has a place in Heaven. 2. “Then why are you baptizing…?” (Jn 1:25). Notice the stupidity of the envoys sent to St. John by the deceitful synagogue: Who would not rebuke such a thing? They thought that he did all the things which they saw from the outside by his own human powers and not by the power of the Holy Spirit. They did not know that the Holy Spirit was dwelling in the saint’s heart, instructing and directing him. Learn from this that the commands, actions, and counsels of your superiors, spiritual fathers and elders are the works of God, by whom they are prompted, directed, and led. Therefore, when you see something admirable and holy accomplished by them, attribute it to God, and note, praise, and glorify the fact that this 27 When Saul entered Galgal (DRB) or Gibeah (RSV) andmet a group of prophets there, the Spirit of God also descended upon him and he began to prophesy with them. Hence it was said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (cf. 1 Sm 10:11-12).
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