399 part ii: meditations for more solemn feasts After Holy Communion 1. “For whom it is prepared by [M]y Father” (Mt 20:23). Consider that in this most blessed Kingdom the dwellings are prepared by the eternal Father Himself for the true followers of Christ the Lord. Hence, notice how much the Heavenly Father values those whom He knows firmly adhere to His Son. Consider at the same time what great happiness awaits the unhappy in Heaven; what great joy for the afflicted; what rewards await the coworkers of Christ, whom He adopted here as His own coheirs of the heavenly Kingdom. Indeed, since they were the companions of His afflictions in the world, He will have them in Heaven as companions of His consolations. If they were here the participants of His work, there He will share the respite with them. If, finally, He has them as participants of His persecution, He will also share beatitude with them. 2. “He that would like to be first among you, shall be your servant” (Mt 20:27). Consider that the heavenly Master teaches His disciples and wants them to abide by a manner of living that is contrary to the one accepted in the world. The magnates of this world do not like to serve anyone and would consider it an indignity if they rendered any kind of service to their subjects. But the eternal King instructs His disciples in an alternative moral philosophy, which greatly differs from this one, and lays it down as a law, saying: “He that would like to be first among you, shall be your servant.” It is as if He were saying: “It is fitting that the chiefs of My servants be not so much rulers and lords, as assistants and servants. For I Myself came not to ‘be served by others, but to serve’” (cf. Mt 20:28). Indeed, this is so, because three most excellent virtues are contained in this free servitude: obedience, humility, and charity. [f.127v] 3. “We can” (Mt 20:22). O fortunate apostles, who were so spirited that they nobly asserted their readiness to drink from the chalice of the Lord. You however, how weak in undergoing mortifications you are! Nothing comes to your mind in regard to bearing some suffering
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