examination of the heart 420 bravely resisted those pagans and continued the construction of the temple. 3. “Of whom was born Jesus” (Mt 1:16). Consider the dignity of the Mother, which she received from the eminence of the Son. Due to the very fact that she became the Mother of the Son of God, the Lord of the angels and the King of the universe, she became not only the Bride of God, but at the same time the Mistress of the angels and the Queen of all creation. Therefore, all the Virgin’s honors, favors, prerogatives, privileges, and exemptions depend solely on her Maternity just as your whole salvation and the means of salvation depend solely on the redemption accomplished by her Son, whom you have received today. Thus, rejoice with the Virgin Mother about such a remarkable Maternity. Moreover, on your part, rejoice in such a fortunate, salutary, and excellent redemption. Give thanks to the Mother, that she provided her most pure blood for creating and shaping the body of your Savior. Moreover, ceaselessly give thanks to the Son who poured out for you, from the same Most Sacred Body, abundant streams of the Most Holy Blood. FOR THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Before Holy Communion 1. “Now is the judgment of the world” (Jn 12:31). Consider that the judgment on the world was indeed established by Christ the Lord, when He came to destroy its works and to hand down to men a new rule of life, according to the spirit and the flesh. But He still postpones His judgment on you so that you would judge and punish yourself, leaving Him nothing to punish at the end of your life. Therefore, judge yourself now; apply yourself now to the examination of your conscience that you may appear justified in the sight of the highest Judge. For “the mind of the just” (says Gregory the Great) “always anxiously
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