examination of the heart 374 If, therefore, vessels cannot brag of containing the most excellent wine for a moment, because they will hold the dregs a short while later, then how can you boast of abounding in many gifts of God and despise another that has none? For these goods may be soon taken away from you and granted to him. We are vessels. The liquid of talents and virtues that we contain can be changed into the dregs of vices, or be poured out according to the will of God. Consequently, let us not exalt ourselves because of these goods nor despise any of the little ones. FOR THE FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD Before Holy Communion 1. “Jesus appeared to them” (cf. Mk 16:14). Consider that Jesus Christ quite often appeared to the disciples after His Resurrection in order to both perfect and confirm them, still unskilled and imperfect, in their faith; or to encourage them by visions and sweet exhortations to endure many sufferings for His name. It is for no other reason that He arranges so often the holy banquet for you [f.118v] and wholly unites Himself with you in a most divine way, but that you may remove the old leaven of malice and appear more perfect in each virtue, as well as bear with a steady mind any adversities befalling you, because one passes into a place of refreshment through fire and water (cf. Ps 66:12). 2. “[H]e upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart” (Mk 16:14). As a teacher justly scolds a disciple and a superior his subordinate, when noticing that the latter does not behave in the manner that was so often impressed upon him, thus the Lord justly reprehends the apostles. Indeed, although they have seen Him after the Resurrection so many times; have been with Him for a long time before His death; have witnessed the miracles that He had performed; and have heard the words by which He announced that He would rise from the dead and restore in the
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