examination of the heart 468 2. “Jesus said to Peter, ‘Follow [M]e’” (cf. Jn 21:19). When the Lord commands Peter to follow in His footsteps, He at the same time exhorts you not to follow your senses and your desires, nor your own will, nor the allurements of the world, nor the attractions of the flesh, nor finally all that is transitory, vain, unstable; but follow Him alone, Who is eternal, immortal, wise, just and good in the highest degree. [f.150v] He commands you to take His road, the road of afflictions, calamities, adversities, slanders, mocking, reproaches, false accusations, and to bear with equanimity all the inconveniences of the present life. Consequently, don’t hesitate to accompany and to help the Lord Who carries the Cross to the top of mount Golgotha, and Whose presence refreshed you today. 3. “we know that his testimony is true” (Jn 21:24). Consider the praiseworthy modesty of the holy Evangelist. He does not say openly that he was Christ the Lord’s beloved disciple, confidant, and friend, and yet, since he could not conceal the truth, he reveals it in such a way as to hide himself, about whom it is true. He looks after his modesty, and manifests nevertheless the glory of Christ. As for you, learn from this not to think ambitiously, and much less to speak about your works. Declare the divine graces in such a way that the glory redounds to the One who operates, and not to the one who cooperates. FOR THE FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS Before Holy Communion 1. “Rise, take the [C]hild and [H]is mother, and flee to Egypt” (Mt 2:13). Consider that God wants you to be a zealous servant not only of His Son, but also of the Mother of God. He respects the Mother so much that He does not want her to be without the Son, nor the Son without the Mother. Hence, He commands Joseph to take
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