527 part iv: meditations for weekly retreats desires; and having removed all of the pestilential infirmities of the spirit, that He may grant you health and refreshment; better than which nothing can be neither desired, nor possessed; and that He may transform you from the blackest demon266 into a dazzling white angel. Moreover, have hope that you shall obtain from this fount and spring of eternal delight such an abundance of pearls, that is, of graces, as great as you may need for gaining the everlasting Kingdom of Heaven. MEDITATION XVII UPON RETURNING FROM THE HOLY ALTAR 1. “See, you are well! Sin no more” (Jn 5:14). With these very gracious words the heavenly Doctor of souls addresses you, a religious. Behold, the most merciful Lord, who is truly more merciful than can be said or thought, forgave you whatever great imperfections you have committed until now. He forgave you every offense, no matter how enormous. Even if your soul was covered and afflicted by the sores of so many grave and shameful sins, they were completely removed by the most efficacious medicine: the most holy food of His Body, and the most excellent ablution of His own Blood.267 Thanks to this, you can piously and certainly hope, nay rather believe, that the forgiveness of all your sins committed both in the world, and outside of the world,268 was granted to you. But it is necessary that you apply yourself henceforth to good deeds, so that the roses of the best virtues may be found in the garden of your soul among the thorns of sins. Resolve, therefore, to care266 The phrase used in the original Latin is: Aethiope nigerrimo, which is an allegorical expression used in olden times to describe the evil spirit. 267 However, “the Eucharist is not ordered to the forgiveness of mortal sins, that is proper to the sacrament of Reconciliation” (CCC, 1395). 268 When St. Stanislaus says “outside of the world,” he is referring to the religious life.
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