603 chapter 8: the lamp of the mystical temple is cursed, [for] already it is. But you, who desire eagerly for better things and long to be perfect as your Heavenly Father, simply “keep the commandments”: “If you wish to enter into life,” (it is the voice of Truth) “keep the commandments” (Mt 19:17); if you do not wish to deprive yourself of the light of reason and the Divine vision, “keep the commandments”; if you do not wish to glide down to hell by straying through trackless wastes, “keep the commandments.” “The bidding [commandment] is a lamp, and the teaching [law] is a light” (Prov 6:23); as long as it shines forth hanging in our Mystical Temple, we see the brightness and go straight to Heaven. The Commandment is that column, fiery by night and cloudy by day, by which we are led to the land of eternal promise,80 certain that guided by this light we shall arrive there. “This commandment, which I enjoin on you today” (said God) “is not above you nor far off from you. But the word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it” (Dt 30:11, 14) [LV]. To what end? That Christ may dwell in you. Listen to him: “Whoever” (John explains) “loves me will keep my word,” meaning commands, “and my Father will love him, and we will come to Him and make our dwelling with him” (Jn 14:23). Oh most blessed guardians of the commandments of God; whomGod not only raises to Heaven but also comes down to, and, as if on a lofty throne, as if in a celestial [empyrean] abode, the One who dwells in inaccessible light remains and reigns in them! Oh happy Temple, in which this lamp of the commandments of God is never extinguished! Fr. John Dominic of the Cross, a conspicuous glory, and nearly the Founder, then indeed the Provincial of the Polish Province of the Pious Schools, who died quite a few years ago, was commended and loved for his many virtues and the holiness of his conduct.81 The lamp suspended before the Most Blessed Sacra80 Cf. Ex 13:22. 81 In the year 1642, under the leadership of Fr. John Dominic of the Cross Franchi (Franco), the Institute of the Pious Schools was established by Prince Lubomirski at Podoliniec, where Fr. John Dominic lived until his death. He served first as Rector and Novice Master (1642-1659), later as Provincial of
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