493 part iv: meditations for weekly retreats in someone else’s arms; it means always walking and delighting in the pleasantest paradise of inner peace; having Heaven in the earthly life; it is, finally, subduing passions and gaining virtues. Obedience, as somebody said, introduces other virtues into the soul, protects those introduced and crowns those protected.240 Finally, obeying is being an angel in human flesh and a true imitator of Christ the Lord. Moreover, he who makes his steps under somebody else’s leadership advances in the securest way, and this is what the obedient ones do. No one whose conscience is held in another’s hands and directed by another’s judgment shall run or fear any danger to salvation. The obedient distinguish themselves by this happiness. Therefore, grieve with a sincere heart your every shortcoming in obedience and eagerly desire to possess this virtue. Ask for it through the merits of the obedient Virgin Mary, and promise to exercise it in imitation of the most obedient Son of God, your Lord and Savior. 1 Our Father. 1 Hail Mary. MEDITATION V ON THE VIRTUE OF CHASTITY 1. Consider that this is an angelic virtue; indeed, more than angelic with regard to the fragile vase in which this very precious and very fragrant liquid is contained. Consider that you should observe chastity not because you treasure it, but because you promised so under oath; and not only by the precept of virtue, but also by the power of vow. Ponder this: as compared with others, chaste souls please God more, those given to impurity displease Him and move Him to repugnance. Consider here, therefore, how you have fulfilled this vow. 2. Consider that everybody is obliged to preserve chastity not only out of Divine Law, but also out of the laws of nature. 240 Cf. ibid., p. 765 (n. 1155).
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