151 part i: sunday meditations for the entire year 2. “show yourself ” (Mt 8:4). Contrary to the previous point of meditation, this one states that divine favors and benefits are to be revealed. But to whom? To the priests. Concealing the great works of God is a grave sin. Not revealing one’s conscience would be a dangerous thing to do, partly to avoid being deceived and partly in order to receive guidance. For this very reason, God appointed in His Church wise men who can discern various kinds of spiritual leprosy, and judge, counsel, and instruct. Failure to entrust one’s soul to them is evidence of either distrust, or presumption, or vain fear, or deceit. Those traveling with a guide cannot go astray; the same is true for those who, on their spiritual journey, depend upon the leadership of others and are led by their counsels: They cannot be deceived. Recognize, therefore, and acknowledge that you are ignorant of spiritual matters, and do not go journeying without a guide on the difficult and perilous road of perfection, on which many persons without a guide have lost their way; but let yourself be led by your guide’s counsels, admonitions, and instructions, as if you were lacking eyesight. 3. “offer the gift” (Mt 8:4). The Lord tells the leper to offer a gift for his recovered health. You who have been cleansed from so many and such great diseases of spirit in the pure and saving bath of the Blood of Christ, will you not think of offering something in return? It is fitting that you should offer to Him the gift of penance. First, be careful to keep your soul from being tarnished again, [f.19r] even with the least stain of sin. Secondly, in accordance with your utmost ability and the grace granted to you, imitate with your penance the ardor, example, spirit, and perseverance of the ancient Fathers. Then you must offer another gift, that of gratitude. For this sublime favor of Holy Communion cannot be repaid in any other way than with gratitude. We give thanks to those whose bread and kindness sometimes sustain us. Since God has refreshed
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