examination of the heart 134 Then, just as John’s preaching was preparing people through penance for receiving the Messiah, so it is also necessary that this Word, speaking in your heart, prepares you likewise through penance for the coming of the same Word who will judge mortal men. At that time the people devoted to penance shall look at that Judge with a joyful heart and serene countenance; and even though in their conscience they will be aware of their sins, yet they shall no longer shed tears and blush with shame because of them, but — seeing them destroyed by the baptism of penance — they will exult in wonderful joy. 3. “for the forgiveness of sins” (Lk 3:3). If John’s baptismal immersion was preparing the Jews for obtaining the forgiveness of sins or striving for it, the Most Holy Body of our Lord is much more efficacious in attaining it. There, it was the servant who immersed bodies in the river, here it is the Lord who purifies souls with His Blood; there it was the prophetic words taking effect, here it is the ongoing work of Christ’s powers within you. By the singular grace and efficacy of speaking, John was rousing people to beg for forgiveness of sins, and he believed that they would obtain it as the fruit of penance. Christ, whom you received, speaks Himself to you from the chair of the heart. It is He who animates you to penance, remits evil deeds, imparts forgiveness, and grants remission of punishment. [f.11r] Therefore, to show gratitude to your Lord, bear fruits that befit repentance and — out of love for Him — mortify yourself in some matters, especially where your own judgment, evil desires, and perverse will are concerned, offering something of your own to such a great Majesty.
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