445 part ii: meditations for more solemn feasts plan. For the difficult work of subordinating the world to Himself, the Lord does not choose princes, does not call rulers, does not send invincible commanders, but fishermen. 1) He did it so that the called ones would realize that they were raised to the highest dignity from such a low state; so that by recognizing the benefit of such a great vocation, they would love the gracious Lord ever more, and by fulfilling His will they would more steadfastly overcome all dangers. 2) He did it so that His power would shine more, when He would subjugate through these ordinary and simple men so many kings, rulers, and philosophers, indeed the whole world. 3) Finally, He did it in order to show us that: — We should not despise people of a lower state and take them away from heroic works, which they take upon themselves by the grace of God; and that we should not spurn them if they would admonish us in some matters; and that we should not dismiss them empty handed if they would request something; — He does not favor anybody: He truly imparts His grace to whomever He pleases; raises whomever He chooses; and chooses whomever He wishes. As for you, learn to esteem not the origin of people, but their virtues; to do and follow not the words of God’s heralds, but the deed of a great man. Then, being aware of your worthlessness and wickedness, give thanks to God, that He has called you along with other better people to the religious state (which is like the apostolic state), and that He is going to soon invite you to His table; you, whom not long ago He was justly obliged to sentence to infernal torments. [f.143r] After Holy Communion 1. “Immediately they left their nets and followed [H]im” (Mt 4:20). Think attentively about the haste and self-renunciation with which the disciples, Peter and Andrew, the brotherly souls, obeyed the voice of the Lord and followed Him. They immedi-
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