examination of the heart 328 descend to the low places for saving everyone. He did not think it unworthy to turn away from the dignity of His majesty in order to also give a chance for seeking the heavenly Kingdom to the crowds of low rank, even the sinners. And thus, exposing His name to disgrace, He used to eat and associate with sinners, even if this was considered His greatest vice, for which the Pharisees slandered Him. What will happen when He soon comes to you, one of the sinful publicans? Having abandoned His own highness, He will stand in the plain place of your lowliness in order to elevate you to a higher degree of His love. 3. “Blessed are you who weep now” (Lk 6:21). Consider that by His teaching the heavenly Master wanted to refute completely the teaching of the world. The people of this transient world think themselves most unhappy when assaulted by various adversities, but He says: “When you fall in various distresses, rejoice [f.99v] and exult” (cf. Mt 5:11-12; Lk 6:22-23). Why so? Because “Blessed are those who mourn” (Mt 5:4), who are pressed by countless adversities, who are tested and cleansed by distresses, like gold by fire. And so, when you are unhappy, rejoice and believe that you are fortunate. Mourn, therefore, if you want to be blessed. Mourn that you live in exile from the heavenly Fatherland; mourn that you dwell in this valley of tears. Mourn, because of those moments in which you fall. Mourn, because you are so weighed down by your imperfections that you are not at all able to ascend after Jesus to the mountain of higher perfection. Mourn, for you will be separated from the highest good for as long as you remain in your mortal body. Mourn, because quite often you offend God, who loves you very much; mourn, because you do more evil than good. Mourn, because by nature you are inclined only to ruin. Mourn, because you delight more easily in sensuality than in mortification. Mourn, moreover, because you approach in such a poor preparation to consume the sweetest food of God. Mourn, finally, because you have countless reasons for mourning, and yet you are not able to mourn, but rather you laugh and rejoice.
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