examination of the heart 312 TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Before Holy Communion 1. “If I only touch [H]is garment, I shall be made well” (Mt 9:21). O faith! O trust! The Pharisees persecute Him, call Him an impostor and refuse to hear His teaching and truth, yet this woman believes firmly that she is to be healed by touching His garment. As for you, my soul: will you doubt that you are going to be healed by touching Christ’s Body, as that woman was healed by touching His garments? You also should trust that the divine [f.90r] help will never fail you, especially in the things that you will do for God’s glory, as well as for your own salvation and that of your neighbor. Moreover, consider that trust in prayer is most necessary for you. 2. “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well” (Mt 9:22). Reflect that faith is the greatest gift and light of God. Once removed, all things will be shrouded in darkness and gloom in the soul. Ponder at the same time that faith saves us; however, it only happens when it shines within us ever so brightly through good deeds. Therefore, resolve to apply yourself to performing good deeds with determination and God’s grace. To facilitate putting this resolution into effect, often bring to your mind these words: “their deeds follow them” (Rev 14:13). Consequently, although you are rather inclined by nature to all evil, keep remembering that you are obliged to do good, and that you have been called to practice only true virtues, and to accomplish heroic actions, like the ones performed by the apostles and great servants of God. Since this is so, you have to apply yourself with much greater zeal and diligence to your daily work. 3. “[H]e said, “Depart”” (Mt 9:24). Consider: if the noisy multitude and the minstrels were the greatest impediment to the healing of the ruler’s daughter, then when your soul is to be relieved of its spiritual fever how great an impediment shall be unsuitable thoughts and distractions? Therefore, chase this noisy crowd away from your heart and soul,
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