examination of the heart 188 such an attentive tenderness; He fed them with such a magnanimous liberality, that none of these people went away suffering from hunger or longing for food. [f.36v] He cares for our souls with the same attentiveness and goodness. With what clemency and zeal He provides spiritual food for those who follow Him; with what prodigal liberality He refreshes, nurtures, educates them, and strengthens their steps on the paths of holiness! How magnificently and sumptuously He is used to treating them, lest they fall while running to the summit of perfection. How many resources and graces He generously lavishes on them so that they may complete the work of their salvation! Think it over in regard to yourself, pondering the many gifts, many charisms, and copious spiritual nourishment with which the divine Generosity has filled you, although you are a worthless servant. How much strength He gave you to strive for perfection, and how many countless ways of supporting, nurturing, and saving your soul He showed you. Other things aside, how often did He revive and strengthen you, the weary one, with the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist? When you were dispirited, sad, and nearly falling into the abyss of despair, how many times did He refresh you, cheer you up, and restore your best hope with the consolations that this Sacrament provides? And yet, what a bad use you have made of all these helps! Therefore, come to your senses and improve! 3. “Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost” (Jn 6:12). Convince yourself firmly that great and numerous graces are granted to all those who care for their neighbor, so that they may be able to attain not only their own salvation, but also that of others, and to gain the souls of many. Why, therefore, are you so sluggish that no concern or love for your neighbor can touch, move, or trouble you? You say that you are busy with your own salvation. But you, who look so well after your own salvation, should know that by caring for your neighbor you also care for yourself. In fact, if you give great attention to yourself alone, it is to be feared that you may fail in saving your-
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