examination of the heart 406 commandments; and through Elijah, contemplation. Hence, you should learn obedience, poverty, and chastity, which Christ taught by example and word. You must add to them the observance of the divine laws. However, you will not yet be perfect: unless you also add the desire for contemplation; unless you unite your active life with a life of meditation. Where Christ is, Moses and Elijah should be. You say that you follow Christ because you observe the evangelical counsels; but you do nothing remarkable unless, at the same time, you observe the commandments of God and give yourself zealously and frequently to contemplation. [f.130r] After Holy Communion 1. “Lord, it is good for us to be here” (Mt 17:4) [DRB]. Consider that human nature is instinctively inclined toward what is sweet and soft and avoids what is hard and bitter. Yet, it must be led to where it refuses to go; and it must comply with what it refuses to bear. Thus, the mountain of Tabor, full of heavenly delights, with a wonderful vision, pleased the Prince of the Apostles, wherefore he says with feeling: “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” But to Christ the Lord, who was Courage itself, the mountain of Calvary, where He was to suffer for the salvation of humankind, was more pleasing. Following the example of Christ: you should flee from easy things; love what is difficult; avoid rest; desire to labor; contemn sensual delights; welcome the Cross. Abounding in delights shall come in the future and not in the present life. It is characteristic of the true follower of Christ to say not in prosperity, but in adversities: “It is good for us to be here.” 2. “let us make here three tabernacles, one for [You], and one for Moses, and one for [Elijah]” (Mt 17:4) [DRB]. Consider that solitude meant so much to St. Peter that he wished still to remain in it. It should not be annoying for you, either. But, ponder how it is proper for you to behave in a solitary place; say, in your cell (that is, in the earthly Heaven). You should have three tabernacles built up there: one for Christ, one
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