examination of the heart 438 a cellar; that is, that you do not obscure and cover it by the darkness of imperfections and vain thoughts, by distracted senses, by clamoring occupations, by disputes, talkativeness, and other defects or transgressions; and thus, deprived of all light, you would deviate from the true way of perfection and you would fall into the dark abyss of so many errors. Indeed, that would happen to you which usually happens to those who, walking by night, do not know where to turn, when their light goes out accidentally. 2. “If your eye is simple, your whole body will be filled with light” (cf. Lk 11:34). Consider, that here the eye signifies a right intention, according to which we should direct all our actions and interpret those of the others. And indeed, this intention is of such great importance that all our perfection, merit, and reward depend upon it entirely. See, therefore, of how great a fruit of merit you deprive yourself when you do not establish in advance a right intention for your actions. In truth, a right intention is an intention focused not one’s own interest but on that of another, and on the glory and pleasure of God Himself. This is exactly what St. Martin teaches by his example. Asked by his disciples to beseech God for the prolongation of his life, he thus prayed: “Lord, if I am still necessary for your people, I do not refuse the labor.”209 3. “Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness” (Lk 11:35). Consider these words as being said to you, in whose heart the uncreated Sun is contained: that Light, “that enlightens every man coming into the world” (cf. Jn 1:9). This is the Light, which was sent from Heaven to enlighten the Gentiles (cf. Lk 2:32). “Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness” and that the Egyptian darkness, such as in times past that punished the evil deeds of the Pharaoh, and especially his incredulity (cf. Ex 209 This phrase is contained in a letter by Sulpicius Severus and it is somewhat differently translated in LHE, vol. IV, p. 1553 (Nov. 11 —Martin of Tours, Bishop: Office of Readings) as: “Lord, if your people still need me, I am ready for the task.”
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