examination of the heart 398 2. “You do not know, what you are asking” (Mt 20:22). Consider that the Savior used great prudence in dealing with this request of this mother beseeching on behalf of her sons. The disciples were watching and awaiting the response, which was to be given to the ambitious claim of the relatives. Whereas He, to avoid stirring any suspicion in their minds, answered in quite a divine manner, showing that no human feeling towards these brothers remains in Him: “You do not know, what you are asking.” Evidently, He censured the ambitious request. But at the same time, He wants to teach you the feeling and intention, with which you should do good to others and with which you should treat people, namely: not out of regard for blood relation or friendly feeling, but out of regard for justice and charity. 3. “Can you drink the chalice, that I shall drink?” (Mt 20:22). Consider that by these words, the Savior clearly indicated to us that the heavenly Kingdom and all its magnificence are based on much patience. Thus, the number of the predestined is composed from “those whom [God] foreknew,” as the Apostle asserts, and “also predestined to be conformed to the image of [H]is Son” (Rom 8:29). In this testimony [f.127r] the following meaning is concealed: those who accept and drink with all resignation the chalice of suffering as did the Son of God; those who are repaid with evils for their good deeds; those who are unjustly accused and condemned; those who meet with groundless hate and derision; those who in imitation of Christ, with cheerful spirit sustain for the love of Christ any contempt, adversities, labors, afflictions, crosses, and persecutions; such as these will possess heavenly glory and be the coheirs of the Son of God. Do not prepare yourself, therefore, for quiet, but rather pray to the Lord Who is about to come to you, that He may prepare your soul for a trial.
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