examination of the heart 314 But put your complete trust solely in Him, in God who fights for you, and not in your own many skills. [Trust in Him] as did those who said on the verge of battle: “Some rely on chariots, others on horses, but we on the name of the Lord our God.” (Ps 20:8). Certainly, in this name you will conquer any enemy, having employed the shield of perseverance and the sword of prayer. [f.91r] 3. “and the girl arose” (Mt 9:25). Since it was such a great miracle, ponder with increased attention the deceased virgin brought back to life by the divine power. But an even greater miracle is when the grace of God raises someone from sin to do penance. Realize that this has happened to you. For when you were called to the religious life, you were revived by the grace of God from the death of sin to do penance. Indeed, today you have consumed the Bread of Life, which is an incentive for doing penance. Wherefore, will you be so foolish as to use the time granted for expiating your faults to commit further offenses? Will you burden your soul with new faults when the penance for your previous evil deeds remains to be done? Come on! In the acceptable time of salvation (cf. 2 Cor 6:2), bring forth worthy fruit of penance (cf. Mt 3:8). TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Before Holy Communion 1. “When you see the desolating abomination” (Mt 24:15) [NAB]. Consider that grieving over your soul can be compared with grieving over the city of Jerusalem. For abomination within it is predicted; while such is already found in you. Such desolation oppresses you so that you neither know nor feel how it is to burn with the Spirit of God, and how it is to commune solely with Jesus, the Bridegroom. Your sins have dried up your soul so thoroughly that you can truly say with the royal psalmist: “My soul thirsts for [Y]ou like a parched land.” (Ps 143:6).
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