examination of the heart 210 hiding, fleeing, and gathering together, because the Jews were persecuting them day and night. But their good and gracious Master never abandoned them. In all things He was near to them, whom He wanted to test in all things. As for you, in imitation of your Savior and of that afflicted group of apostles, desire to carry the cross with a joyful spirit and to suffer torments, whenever it would please the highest Good, the Eternal Wisdom, to impose them upon you. No matter how long He would want you to be harassed by them, trust that you will never lack the help or the counsel of His Majesty. 2. “Jesus came” (Jn 20:19). Consider how much the Lord values unity and concord, since He appeared in the middle of His disciples soon after He saw them gathered together and united; for unity thrives among those who live in harmony; and where there is unity, there is love. Where there is true love there is Jesus, who Himself is Love. Therefore, whenever you break the bond of charity or disturb this unity, you exclude Christ and keep Him away from the midst of His disciples, your own brethren. Thus, remember how the Seraphic Patriarch, St. Francis, did not let a certain brother, whose soul was tormented by resentment of another brother, go to bed before he would purge from his heart this virus of negative fervor, if not hatred. It is much more appropriate and necessary that you approach the sacred table of Jesus without similar gall. Therefore, be promptly [f.46v] reconciled with your brother (cf. Mt 5:24). 3. “[Jesus] said to them, ‘Peace be with you’” (cf. Jn 20:19). Your Savior demonstrated that peace is a great good, for each time He visited His disciples after the Resurrection He bestowed upon them this greeting: “Peace be with you.” For this reason, you shall desire, nay, you shall beseech Jesus, that upon His entering into the disturbed dwelling of your soul, He would bring His peace with Him. Not the kind of peace that would make you free of adversities and every kind of cross, because it is better to be tried than to live undisturbed, since even the waters, unless they are stirred, begin to fester. But rather His is the kind of peace
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