383 part ii: meditations for more solemn feasts show by his life’s example what he is about to preach by word. Indeed, deeds teach better thanwords, since they aremoremoving. Hence, the heavenly Teacher used this method in teaching His disciples, as He said: “For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you” (Jn 13:15). [f.121v] 3. “And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God” (Lk 1:16). Consider that those who attribute little value to or have no love and zeal for the matter of converting sinners and those deviating from the way of perfection act foolishly and are not yet truly enlightened. Yet, this work is of the utmost importance, inasmuch as in it contains both the love of God and of neighbor, on which all perfection depends. Indeed, consider that those who call the morally ruined back to the path of eternal life truly cooperate with Christ the Lord in the salvation of souls. For Christ assumed human flesh for no other purpose than for saving what was lost (cf. Lk 19:10). Hence, the repentant king, wanting to reconcile the angry God to himself, uses no other means than the intention of converting sinners: “I will teach,” he says, “transgressors [Y]our ways, and sinners will return to [Y]ou” (Ps 51:13). Stir up in yourself this most perfect desire to convert the morally fallen and make sure that it increases each day. While you intend to do this, first turn yourself back to the Lord wholeheartedly. After Holy Communion 1. “you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass” (Lk 1:20). Consider how strongly the incredulity, hesitation, and doubt in divine matters must have displeased God, if indeed He punished Zechariah because of them. He takes away from him the use of speech because Zechariah did not believe the words of the angel, as he was justly expected to do. Hence, be convinced that you should not hesitate at all in matters of faith. As indeed, in executing the orders of Superiors, avoid all mental debate, but receive them with simple faith and fulfill them with simple obedience.
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