examination of the heart 286 example of one unbeliever who showed gratitude, rather than of many believers who left gratitude unspoken. [f.78v] 2. “Were not ten cleansed?” (Lk 17:17). Consider more carefully that ingratitude is the cause, due to which the Divine Goodness departs, or does not grant you greater favors and more frequent graces. For he who is not grateful for one benefit makes himself unworthy of very many benefits. The Gentiles also hated the vice of ingratitude so much that they believed nothing else to be worse than it. Consider, therefore, what thanks you will give today to the Lord for the gift of Holy Communion. Be careful that you are not worse than dogs that repay a morsel or a crumb of bread thrown to them with at least a gentle wagging of the tail. 3. “Was no one found to return and give praise to God” (Lk 17:18). Consider, that we must exalt God with praises even for a single grace, but we must give Him special glory for a spiritual meal. In this banquet, the gift of creation is remembered, the gift of redemption is brought to memory, and the gift of vocation is recalled to mind. If you will one day rejoice in the vision of God in Heaven, if you will see there all the graces granted to you and you will try at the same time to compensate for all of them in a special way, why should you not do the same while you hold the same God in your heart? FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Before Holy Communion 1. “No one can serve two masters” (Mt 6:24). Consider that there are two masters: God and the world, spiritual and carnal desires, the love of God and self-love. Now, by entering religious life, you adhered to a better Master. Therefore, you should declare war upon the other master. And you should not doubt that heavenly assistance will be provided to enable you to do it constantly and successfully, if only you are
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