examination of the heart 262 Convert me, O God my Savior, and turn Your anger from me (cf. Ps 85:5). 2. “first be reconciled to your brother” (Mt 5:24). Consider that here it was made clear by the heavenly Master that he who does not burn with the love of neighbor, is unworthy of the love of God, and that he who is not reconciled with his brother and is not favorable to him, does not merit reconciliation with the Savior, or receive His favor. [f.68r] Woe to you, if returning from the altar and carrying within your heart the same self-love, you again irritate someone and fill him with sadness! Realize that the Lord wants you to be reconciled again with your brother. For love and hatred cannot agree, or linger in one heart. 3. “Settle with your opponent quickly” (Mt 5:25) [NAB]. Consider that your opponents are all those things that are opposed to your ill will and seemdifficult to accomplish, although they are very good. Therefore, it is a right thing that you quickly agree with them; that you undertake them without delay, without murmur and resistance, and that you bring about their perfect accomplishment. For what kind of virtue do you show if you execute cheerfully only those things that are required of you that are according to your liking? Indeed, if you want to be a hero, you should imitate the heroic deeds of the Redeemer whom you have just received; namely, His conformation,115 resignation and abnegation. Seek therefore occasions to let go of your own opinion. Indeed, since you have offered to hell so many victims of your own will, offer now to Heaven, (although late) only one victim: your entire will. 115 That is, of His will with the will of the Father. Cf. Lk 22:42.
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