examination of the heart 320 [f.95r] PART II Meditations for More Solemn Feasts Occurring Throughout the Whole Year [f.95v is empty] [f.96r] FOR THE FEAST OF THE CIRCUMCISION OF THE LORD Before Holy Communion 1. “After eight days had passed” (Lk 2:21). Do you hear what was done to the Son of God after eight days? He was circumcised. O you, the fortunate one! The Savior, still a child, pours out His Blood for you at the very beginning. Do you not circumcise your vices? You want them to grow: you do not restrain your passions, because your effort is meager. You refuse to defy your habits. You are advanced in years, yet you do not want to repress your hot temper; but the eight-day-old Jesus submits Himself to the stony knife. Be ashamed of your sluggishness. Why are you not running to the most gracious Infant and begging Him for the strength and desire to resist your passions; why are you not fervently pleading that He cut away immediately whatever displeases Him in you?
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