examination of the heart 382 immediately go from the sacred table back to the ignominious abyss of vices. As for you, try not to turn to vain things immediately after Holy Communion, so that you will not turn the most healthful medicine into a most horrible poison. At the same time beg Jesus that He deign to preserve you from the unworthy reception of Himself. FOR THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Before Holy Communion 1. “your prayer is heard” (Lk 1:13). Consider how many people complain about their prayers not being heard. But the reason why a prayer is not heard lies with the man, and not with God. The reason is none other than a mortal sin, a wicked deed. God does not favorably hear sinners, namely those who are obstinate in their lack of contrition. Hence, notice how great a justice we need so that our prayers may be favorably heard. Indeed, the voice of a just man praying pierces the clouds (cf. Sir 35:21). Consider, however, what this justice consists of: you must be without grave sins and in the state of God’s grace, as is evident in case of John’s parents: “they were both just” (Lk 1:6) [DRB]. If nothing is to be obtained from an angry friend, so much less from the offended God. Try, therefore, to keep yourself in the state of grace so that your prayers may be always heard. 2. “he shall drink no wine nor strong drink” (Lk 1:15). Consider how God, about to choose the son of Zechariah to be a great herald of Christ, predicts his future temperance and abstinence. Deduce, therefore: nobody can become a true promoter of the Divine Word without temperance and abstinence. Still, this task requires wisdom; but in fact, wisdom cannot be attained without abstinence. Now, if the task of a preacher is to convince the people to turn from vices to virtues, he should first
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