examination of the heart 432 following the example of Jesus, you would pray to the eternal Father: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Lk 23:34). And truly it is fitting that you forgive your debtors, if you want God to forgive you your debts. After Holy Communion 1. “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin” (Jn 15:22). Consider that the Jews’ conscience is burdened more than others because they saw and heard Jesus, and yet did not believe in Him. Thus, you sin more gravely if, frequently receiving Christ the Lord in your heart, you do not become more perfect and conversing with Him so frequently, does not make you better, more obedient, more humble, and more zealous. O you, the miserable one! What a great account shall you give for so many Holy Communions if you do not now become better? 2. “but now they have no excuse for their sin” (Jn 15:22). Consider that ignorance might be helpful for many; but for you who are more enlightened, more cognizant of divine laws, what excuse shall be of able use when you will be judged for your faults? Therefore, see to it that you do not heedlessly violate the commandments of God, the precepts of the Church, and your religious Constitutions; since you will not be able to say at the judgment: I did these things out of ignorance. But realize that most of all today you should guard against imperfections, because you have received and keep in your heart Jesus, perfection itself. 3. “if they kept [M]y word, they will keep yours also” (Jn 15:20). Regard it as the most certain proof that someone does not neglect the will of God when he does not despise the admonitions of the servants of God, especially of Superiors. On the contrary, not at all fit for fulfilling the divine commands is the one who rejects fraternal admonitions and not only turns a deaf ear to them, but moreover grumbles against and derides the one who admonishes him.
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