219 part i: sunday meditations for the entire year divine oracles, words, commands, and discourses, which He would undoubtedly do as He was used to doing for many. But since various interpreters, such as doctors and teachers, were appointed by Him for this purpose in His Church (while for you your religious Superiors, spiritual teachers, and directors of conscience were appointed to declare His pronouncements), it would be pleasing to Him and salutary for you if you turn to them when you have doubts to clear up. In fact, God values this so much that He stopped the rich man, who eagerly desired to come out of hell in order to admonish his brothers, by saying: “They have Moses and the prophets” (Lk 16:29). In this way He instructed us that it is fitting for people to be taught by persons who have been filled for this purpose with Divine Wisdom. 2. “What is this that [H]e says to us” (cf. Jn 16:17). Notice that sorting through doubts in convoluted matters, questioning, and getting advice signify great prudence. You hear that the apostles did so, for they said one to another, when they did not understand the words of their Master: “What is this thing that [H]e is telling us?” Oh, if only you would use such prudence when assailed by various thoughts immediately after departing from the sacred table; if you only knew how to question them — “What kind of thoughts are you?” — before letting them into the depths of your heart. If only you would have enough cleverness to properly establish where they come from. Whether from God, or from the evil one? What kind are they? Are they useful and salvific? Or are they useless, vain, hurtful, and sinful? How very fortunate would you be if only you would carefully check prior to lending your ear to those abusing another person’s good name: What is it that this person is saying? What is it that I want to hear from Him? If only, I say, you would abound in this prudence of doubting, questioning, and getting advice. [f.50v] 3. “you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice” (Jn 16:20).
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