examination of the heart 348 See how he who did not want to be an eager informer nor a defamer merited the help of a heavenly adviser. Divine Goodness usually reveals the truth to those who cautiously question it and are not quick to admit suspicions. It is right, therefore, to heed this warning of the Religious Master: “We should not believe every word or suggestion, but we ought to carefully and patiently ponder the matter according to the mind of God.”158 “Oh, how good and peace-causing it is to keep silence about others; and not to believe everything immediately.”159 3. “[H]e will save [H]is people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). O words, full of hope! They raise the spirits of the fallen, strengthen the weak, and fill the righteous with joy! If this is the same one, your Lord and Savior, whom you received corporally and hold within your inmost heart; if this food is also your salvation, then what else could you beseech from Him but salvation? He personally tells you to ask for it when, as He says: “seek first [H]is kingdom” (Mt 6:33). Therefore, let the others ask for the transient riches of the world, whereas you ask for the eternal wealth of Heaven. Let them entreat [f.108r] honors and dignities, but you, through your self-contempt, try to reach Heaven. Let them entreat long life, learning, and whatever their heart desires, while you seek a happy eternity and ask earnestly for the divine will to be done to you. Beseech only salvation, the salvation of your soul. You will have the Infant Savior as the mediator in your entreaties, as the purveyor of your desires. 158 Cf. IC, Bk. I, Ch. 4, § 1. 159 Ibid., Bk. III, Ch. 45, § 5.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==