475 part iii: meditations for the commons way. Although the greeting in itself is good, yet, an enormous evil can come out from this good. For we know, especially from experience, that from these little greetings people go to chats, from chats to slanders, and afterwards to quarrels, altercations, hostilities, abuses, and blasphemies. Let us assume that these things are not found in the servants of God; and yet the Lord forbade the disciples to greet people along the way, lest they procrastinate in the work entrusted to their completion, so that, while doing it, they would not waste time even on sincere greetings. Conclude from this, what a great caution you should adopt as you leave the table of the Lord, that you do not lose yourself in unnecessary conversations, not busy yourself with vain small matters, not allow your mind to be distracted by useless things. Greet no one along the way, but do what needs to be done. 2. “First say, ‘peace be to this house!’” (Lk 10:5). Note what the Lord said to you: that in the course of all things you must look after the peace of your spirit and not get freely involved in conflicts. For it is fitting to enjoy internal peace in the highest degree as you have in your heart the Prince of Peace. At the same time, you must fervently endeavor not to disturb in any way the peace of the house, namely of the community, in which you live. Rather, make it your foremost effort amongst all others to bring people’s hearts closer to each other. For “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Mt 5:9). FOR THE COMMON OF A MARTYR Before Holy Communion 1. “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after [M]e, cannot be [M]y disciple” (Lk 14:27). [f.153v] The words of the Savior, Who greatly desires your salvation, are most clear: He informs you that no one can become His disciple if he is not patiently brave and bravely patient. Almost foolish
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