examination of the heart 384 2. “and he will go before [H]im” (Lk 1:17). Consider this: similar to the marshals that usually go first, repelling the crowds and clearing the way for the kings, so this holy Forerunner of Christ took upon himself the duty of a marshal in paving the way for the immortal King who was about to come to mortals. Hence, he called himself the Voice of one crying in the wilderness (cf. Jn 1:23): “Prepare the way of the Lord, make [H]is paths straight” (Lk 3:4). As for you, acknowledge those impulses which incite you to rigor of life, to repentance, to a stricter way of perfection, to be the marshals of the divine grace that is about to come to you, and be obedient to them by all means. [f.122r] 3. “And her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her” (cf. Lk 1:58). Imagine how friends, families and neighbors all rushed together to Elizabeth; imagine them rejoicing, applauding, and congratulating their relative, friend, and neighbor, because she who was barren gave birth. Oh! When will you refresh your brothers and neighbors, closest relatives, and finally the saints in Heaven with an equal joy? Oh! When will you give birth, having overcome your barrenness? When will you bring consolation to this community and to the heavenly community through your constant exercise in virtues, abundance of good works and wise abundance of mortification, as if by a certain fruit of your barren spirit? Woe to you, if you would never cease to be barren! Woe, if you would never give birth! FOR THE FEAST OF STS. PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES Before Holy Communion 1. “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” (Mt 16:13). Consider that the Lord was born not of a human father, but of God. Nevertheless, He was regarded as the Son of man, the son of Joseph (cf. Lk 3:23; Jn 6:42). Thus, the human intellect is certainly blind, since it considers human what is divine. But Peter,
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