examination of the heart 226 obliges God” (cf. Sir 35:16-21).93 Consequently, there is altogether nothing that exists or that can be conceived of, which would not be obtained from God by pious, fervent, proper, and humble prayer. Therefore, you should always, and particularly today, apply yourself to prayer, not only coming by the will of God into the Lord’s presence, but receiving God Himself, who having laid down His majesty, descends to you, a miserable worm. 2. “ask, and you will receive” (Jn 16:24). Ponder this: Although the Savior said that those who ask shall receive everything, [f.53r] there are yet certain things that are considered altogether unfit to be requested by a Christian and a religious, either because they are opposed to justice or are contrary to charity. Indeed, seeking to harm somebody’s life or goods, or asking and wishing for someone’s death in order to seize his inheritance are violations of justice. On the other hand, beseeching God to punish your enemies is contrary to charity, which tells us to love our enemies. And so, as it is, you will request the three most proper things from the Heavenly Father in the Name of the Son who is about to sojourn with you: the forgiveness of sins, the grace of persevering in good, and immortal glory. Indeed, if you heed the Truth you shall seek first the Kingdom of God, and all the other things shall be given to you (cf. Lk 12:31). 3. “Until now you have asked nothing in [M]y [N]ame” (Jn 16:24). You may consider here the power of the Name of Jesus: In His name those possessed by an evil spirit are liberated, the sick are healed, the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame walk (cf. Mt 11:5; 15:31; Lk 7:22). The Savior Himself says: “in My [N]ame they will cast out demons” (Mk 16:17); and also, we read elsewhere: “that at the [N]ame of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Phil 2:10). 93 The text has not been accurately quoted by St. Stanislaus. Sirach says only that: “The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and it will not rest until it reaches its goal.”
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