examination of the heart 404 After Holy Communion 1. “Blessed is the womb, that bore [Y]ou” (Lk 11:27). Consider that the most Holy Virgin was blessed indeed from her very conception, even being conceived in a blessed way, but she became ever more blessed as she conceived the Son of God, the author of blessedness. Hence, this woman from the crowd rightly proclaims in a raised voice: “Blessed is the womb, that bore You!” It is as if she were saying: “O fortunate! O blessed that Mother, whose womb You (who are so holy) sanctified still further, although it was already holy before it carried You!” Your heart is also blessed, because it contains today the Son of God. Beg that He remains in it always so that you may be blessed always. 2. “Blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it” (Lk 11:28). Hear the words of Christ the Lord, speaking inside you and giving you instructions: “Your happiness depends on keeping My words. My words are those that you find in religious books, in My commandments and evangelical counsels, as well as in your rules, which are further inculcated by your Superiors. As in times past I spoke to the Jews and set forth My commandments to them through Moses, so now I speak and reveal My will to My chosen people; to My servants, namely: to the religious, through their Superiors and spiritual directors. Therefore, he who hears the Superiors, as if he would be hearing Me, is blessed.” Oh, you are more than blessed if you set your present beatitude on this foundation! If you hear your directors as God, if you submit to them, as to God! [f. 129v]
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