examination of the heart 370 2. “lays down [H]is life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11). Consider how much you would feel obliged to a sovereign, who [f.117r] having invited you to his own table, would treat you most sumptuously. Then he would load you with most abundant gifts and send you off in the royal carriage escorted by his guardsmen to your pitiable hut. You would understand this as the greatest favor. Indeed, the heavenly Sovereign showed you this kind of favor today. He invited you to the heavenly table; He fed you with the heavenly dishes and endowed you with great gifts of graces. Finally, instead of a carriage, having added to you the wings of love, He conducted you back to your chamber and remained with you, dwelling with you and wishing to be with you always to make you enjoy the delights. Oh, what a favor! What will you do for this Guest in turn? Give Him your heart. 3. “I know [M]y sheep” (cf. Jn 10:14). I think that obedience is the true sign and hallmark of the sheep of Christ for He says: “I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me” (cf. Jn 10:14) and “hear My voice” (cf. Jn 10:27). It is as if He were saying: “Those who are obedient to My orders are My true sheep. Souls that are rebellious, stubborn, despising My yoke, following their own will, are not My sheep. My sheep are these, who ‘hear My voice.’” It is precisely so: he who is not obedient to Christ and to the Deputies of Christ; that is, to any Superiors, does not belong to the flock of Christ. Saul disobeyed the voice of the prophet, or rather the voice of God speaking through Samuel, therefore he was reproved (cf. 1 Sam 15:1-28); and it seems that he was expelled forever from the sheepfold of God. Oh, whatever indications of sanctity you have, whatever good works you do, remember that you are not a sheep of Christ and do not carry His true distinguishing mark, unless you are obedient, unless you hear and follow His voice, regardless of the one through whom He speaks to you.
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