examination of the heart 330 because of the people’s hatred, so Christ calls “blessed” those of His servants who adhere to Him inseparably even though they lose favor with people or become hated by them on His account. Wherefore work hard so that the world pursues you with hatred if you want to please God and be “blessed”; since “blessed” are those whom “men hate,” you should value human hatred more than favor. 3. “And all in the crowd were trying to touch [H]im, for power came out from [H]im and healed all of them” (Lk 6:19). If the touch of the Lord is such that virtues are acquired and diseases are chased away through it, how fortunate therefore, are those who quite often not only touch Him, but also consume Him; and more fortunate those who do so every day. Indeed, they are adorned with virtues more than the others, and they are completely healed should they be afflicted with some diseases of the soul. Know that today you were made a sharer in this happiness, and therefore, give to Christ the Lord the greatest thanks that you can for His permitting you not only to touch, but also to consume Him. FOR THE FEAST OF ST. AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR Before Holy Communion 1. “they took no oil with them” (Mt 25:3). Truly St. Matthew, the most zealous herald of the Lord’s Word, quite rightly labels “foolish” these virgins who did not prepare any light while going at night to celebrate the wedding with [f.100v] the bridegroom when they did not take with them any oil for their lamps. Oh, how often this foolishness befalls you as well! How often this ridiculous foolishness takes possession of you when you approach the table of the immaculate Lamb, the wedding of the
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