207 part i: sunday meditations for the entire year Certainly, what also snatches blessed and heavenly peace away from you is that you seek peace in transient, external things, among your friends and family members. But the admonishment of the Divine Spirit is “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help” (Ps 146:3). The one who begs for peace from men will never enjoy peace. Whenever the Jews had recourse to God, they immediately received very efficacious help. But when, for the sake of obtaining peace, they asked the Egyptians to help, the Lord of hosts forsook them (cf. Is 30, 1-7; 31:1-3; Jer 42:11-22; 43:7-13; 44:1-14). Thus, heavenly peace is granted to no one who seeks earthly peace, and who, for the sake of peace, has recourse to the creation rather than to the Creator. Therefore, may your peace be with the peacemaking Solomon: Jesus Christ. When you do not have it, quickly perform an examination of your conscience, and just as quickly a sweet tranquility of heart will descend upon you. [f.45r] 3. “Fear not” (cf. Lk 24:36). The Lord knew the apostles as those who had already experienced delusions and deceptions, and therefore, by appearing to them, He exhorted them not to fear. For these holy disciples of the heavenly Master knew that both the evil one and the Jews were hostile to them, and therefore they were on their guard against the traps of each of these two enemies. For this reason, upon visiting them, this good and gracious Master advised them not to be afraid as soon as He appeared, and said, revealing Himself to them: “It is I” [cf. Lk 24:39]. Undoubtedly, a man should know that divine charisms, graces, illuminations, and heavenly visions will not cause any disturbance and fear in the soul, but will produce the greatest sense of security and peace. Indeed, who could fear with the Lord standing by his side? “Though a host encamp against me” (says the Jewish psalmist), and God will be near me, “my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident” (Ps 27:3). Surely, the one armed with the shield of the Divine Presence fights safely and boldly. O the blessed one, who shall receive today the Lord Himself, substantially, that is, in a sacramental
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==