examination of the heart 434 ing the utmost poverty, do not fear the shortage of things, since according to that well-known author: “A monk stripped-bare is the lord of the whole world.”208 2. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Mt 5:4). Consider, that Christ taught meekness both by words and example. He taught it verbally, by saying: “Learn from [M]e, for I am meek” (Mt 11:29) [DRB]. He taught it by example when He, as a Lamb, was led to the slaughter and did not open His mouth before His shearers (cf. Is 53:7). Therefore, meekness is expected of you in suffering insults and false accusations, so that you endure them in silence, rather than magnify them by anger. It is also expected when giving answers and commands and when admonishing and rebuking; unless the necessity indicates perhaps that zeal is to be used in place of meekness. Although the heavenly Master was converting sinners and tax collectors with kindness, He sometimes also harshly reproached, especially the Pharisees. For what cannot be broken with a supple wooden tool must be broken with a hard hammer. 3. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Mt 5:5). Consider that mourning is not a bad thing. After all, we live in a valley of tears; hence, sometimes we are bound to break down in tears, caused either by piety or distress. In fact, you should desire to grieve. For if mourning comes first, happiness will follow; if there is an affliction, a consolation will not be lacking. Now, if the sweetest delight of heavenly consolation cannot be gained in any other manner except by mourning, why would you consider yourself unhappy while mourning, when [f.139r] 208 In the manuscript’s margin, St. Stanislaus writes “Cassian,” but according to available resources this quote comes from a book entitled Scala Paradisi, by John Climacus. Cf. Joannes Climacus, Scala Paradisi: Gradus XVI — De Avaritia, in: Doctoris Ecstatici D. Dionysii Cartusiani: Opera omnia, Ex Editione Coloniensi ed., Typis Cartusiæ S. M. de Pratis, Tornaci 1905, p. 570. Cf. IC crit. ed., p. 313 (footnote 89).
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