257 part i: sunday meditations for the entire year cence, we resort to penance, and with its help we strive to make it to the shore of the heavenly Fatherland. Thus, delight these heavenly beings by doing solid penance. FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Before Holy Communion 1. “But at [Y]our word I will let down the nets” (Lk 5:5). Consider that distrust is the greatest impediment in undertaking all heroic works, in our efforts to uproot vice, and in our desire to exercise virtue. On the other hand, trust is the most powerful help in accomplishing very great things, as David boasts: “O my God, in [Y]ou I trust, let me not be put to shame” (Ps 25:2). At the same time, consider that the efforts of many people become ineffectual in their many works, because they do not let down the nets at the word of the Lord. Also, those fishers of men who seek by their teaching their own praise and not the praise of God, not the salvation of souls, will not make a catch. You take care then, that having a good intention, you may do all things at the word of the Lord. 2. “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!” (Lk 5:5). Consider that those holy fishermen, having despaired of the success of their fishing and washed their nets, were getting ready to go ashore when [f.66r] the Master suddenly appeared and told them not to lose heart and to throw their nets into the water. Then a large previously unseen multitude of fish was drawn out. Thus, sometimes we dedicate ourselves to fishing with great effort for the whole night; namely, for many years and many decades; but with no fruit, and, beginning to despair, we abandon the care of our neighbor as if our work were futile; and then, suddenly the help of divine grace comes and sends a great catch into our nets. Learn from this, or rather resolve, that no weariness, no injury nor inconvenience shall drive you away from work undertaken for your own or someone else’s perfection, but that you will do it
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