examination of the heart 318 The mustard seed is healthy, but bitter to taste. Thus, those who seek the Kingdom of Heaven must undergo many difficulties and endure many frustrations, crosses, and afflictions. Be not surprised by this. For if the goods of this world, which are transient and destined to perish, cannot be possessed without great pain and toil, how can one hope to obtain without struggle everlasting, immortal and heavenly goods? Think about how many torments the Son of God Himself endured in order to return to the Kingdom of His inheritance! Do you believe that you will come to it by an easy and delightful path, strewn with roses and lilies, and not studded with thorns? You, who are about to take the Kingdom of Heaven by storm, get ready for work, mortification, and carrying the cross; and God will assist your efforts. He will impart to you strength, graces and perseverance at His banquet today. 2. Consider how the mustard seed grows to become a tree. First, it is planted in the earth and dies; then it comes to live and gradually develops. You have to do the same [f.93r] if you desire to become the tree of a perfect servant of God. Learn to live in obscurity, learn to die, and rise up little by little as the divine grace waters you. Indeed, always remember this: he who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted (cf. Mt 23:12). Beseech the Lord, that He Himself lead you to the state of perfection, which is pleasing to His eyes. After Holy Communion 1. “the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches” (Mt 13:32). May it happen to you upon coming back from the divine banquet that by God’s favor, from now on, or at least today, all your conversation may be in Heaven; that saints may come and dwell with you; that pious, humble, and salutary thoughts may occupy your mind; that your will may be kindled with the desire to suffer for Christ and with Christ; that your heart may be inflamed with
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