259 part i: sunday meditations for the entire year deeds; they feel loathing when they recognize their ugliness; and when by divine grace they conclude that they are the greatest sinners, they toil greatly for their salvation. You are wretched, if you do not see your faults, if you are blind at the examination of conscience and if, in spite of your hidden defects, you rejoice at being called a saint and believe yourself to be one. But, how will this beautiful sanctity of yours truly appear when God your Judge comes, descending from Heaven in the clouds, and “explores Jerusalem with lamps” (cf. Zeph 1:12). Therefore, admit being a sinner now, as He comes down to your inmost heart like the most gracious Father. 3. “Do not be afraid” (Lk 5:10). Consider that upon leaving the sacred table, many people are bothered by their imperfections: embarrassed and worried that they have received Holy Communion unworthily, they exclaim: “Depart from me, O Lord” (cf. Lk 5:8); however, nobody should fear, unless they received the Divine Body not for the sake of their salvation but out of derision. For if you fear that you are a sinner, remember that Jesus came to save sinners. If you fear that He came to you while you were not prepared, Jesus will remove the flaws of your preparation. If you are disturbed by the thought that you received Him unworthily, although you are not aware of committing any serious sin, know that none of those who receive Holy Communion can be sure of this, except for Jesus whom you received. If, finally, you fear lest suddenly you should lapse and fall into an illness of the soul, trust in Jesus. For the most gracious Jesus came to you so that He could strengthen, protect, and save you. Therefore, do not fear; but instead greatly rejoice, because “today salvation has come to your house” (cf. Lk 19:9). [f.67r]
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