examination of the heart 336 Do not attempt to adorn it too soon [f.103r] with brilliant qualities, until it has been well washed and cleaned with the tears of repentance. Thus, see that you don’t go blind by seeking to obtain light as soon as possible. 3. “And he neither ate, nor drank” (Acts 9:9). Such is the conduct of the truly converted spirit; it abstains from things permitted, when a little while before it treated itself to unlawful things. It does not eat or drink, since it once worshiped as a god the belly and gluttony. The Truth Himself speaks through the prophet: “Be converted to [M]e with all your heart, in fasting, and weeping, and mourning” (cf. Joel 2:12). Behold the drink of those who are converting themselves to God: weeping and mourning! Behold the nourishment, which is wholesome and salutary: fasting! Therefore, in like manner, you should restrain the gluttony of your belly if you greatly desire to obtain the true conversion of your soul to God. FOR THE FEAST OF THE PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Before Holy Communion 1. “they carried [Jesus] to Jerusalem” (Lk 2:22) [DRB]. Why is He who walks upon the wings of the winds being carried? (cf. Ps 104:3). Why is He who is present everywhere being carried to Jerusalem? Why does the Lawmaker succumb to the law? All of this has to do with humility alone, and it has your instruction in view. The Child Jesus gave you an example, so that you would act as He Himself acted. Do not be ashamed to learn from the Child, indeed from the wisest Child, because He is meek and humble of heart (cf. Mt 11:29). Listen, listen to Him: unless you become like this Child, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven (cf. Mt 18:3).
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