examination of the heart 392 After Holy Communion 1. “who, on finding one pearl of great value, went” (cf. Mt 13:46). Consider that the pearl of great price signifies the divine consolation and that there is no other way of acquiring it except by selling all that you have and buying it. That is, if you desire to abound in heavenly consolations, it is necessary that you say goodbye to other delights and that you reject all vain, little consolations. Indeed, you should listen to the rebuke of the mellifluous Doctor: “Divine consolation is a pearl of great price, but it is not given at all to those who receive contrary consolation.”181 Hence it is that, although a little while ago you came back from the sacred table, you nevertheless feel no abundance of heavenly sweetness because you try to fill your heart with vain (and hopefully not decidedly evil) enjoyments. Oh, if only you were a good judge of things! Sell everything and buy this precious jewel of divine consolation. Having it, you would certainly be very richly endowed. 2. “separate the evil from the righteous” (Mt 13:49). Consider that you will appear at the divine judgment with those who were your companions in this life. Therefore, if you do not want to be associated with and condemned with the impure, irascible, gluttonous, and proud in that dreadful tribunal, [f.125r] flee not only their company, but also their vices. May you be helped rather by the company and imitation of the just; that is, of the obedient, of those intent on mortifications, those striving after humility, poverty, modesty, patience, charity, and purity of soul; so that you may appear to be judged among them and may be taken up on high into the air, to the heavenly Fatherland. But today, first and foremost converse with Christ, Whom you have received, so that He may admit you among the righteous and receive you into the inheritance of His Kingdom. 181 Cf. Bernardus, Gaufridi Abbatis Declamationes De Colloquio Simonis cum Jesu — Ex S. Bernardi Sermonibus collectæ, in: PL, vol. 184, Ateliers catholiques du Petit-Montrouge, Paris 1862, p. 472 (n. 309): where the Latin text is slightly different, but the meaning is the same: “Pretiosa siquidem divina consolatio est, nec omnino tribuitur admittentibus alienam.”
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