the mystical temple of god 646 But now we turn to other works of mercy, which are called spiritual because they have effect on the soul, not on the body. Giving advice, sincere and salutary, to one who needs it, is the mark of a most virtuous mind. God creates wise men, so that those who lack wisdommay be assisted and directed by them. He who does this without a desire for a reward is truly merciful. For at some time or other, right advice is more useful than whatever great financial support. Many would fall into hell, unless they met excellent advisors; not a few would perish if they were not saved by another’s advice. Experts should therefore give the advice they consider most salutary in the forum of conscience, in the forum of law, in the Chancery, and in military service, motivated by love, and so, by this admirable virtue, they will provide much for their own salvation. How great are things that one young virgin Teresa accomplished in the Church of God when, in addition to the Holy Spirit, she made use of the best counselors!187 How many mortals, not just her, did St. Peter of Alcantara advance to Heaven with his advice!188 The gifts of the Holy Spirit should be spread out. It is either envy or malice to refuse to show what is virtue to one who desires it, and it is greed to want a reward for one’s advice. To forgive those who wrong us, and to be reconciled with our enemies, this — I say — is not just peculiarly Christian but distinctly divine. For in what manner do we more express the goodness of God than in forgiving offenses and loving our enemies? Indeed the Goodness of God shone out most brightly for us in this, that He reconciled us to Himself through His Son while we were His enemies, not only granting us forgiveness of our sins, but willing to sacrifice Him for us, in order to satisfy justice. 187 St. Teresa of Avila (d. 1582). Among her “best counselors” one should name the Jesuit Fathers: D. de Celtina, J. de Pradanos and B. Alvarez. In the latter part of her life, she received counsel from St. Francis Borgia (d. 1572) and St. Peter of Alcantara (d. 1562). Cf. Valentino di St. Maria, Theresa of Jesus: BS XII, 396. 188 St. Peter gave counsel to many, including St. Teresa (as mentioned by the author), John III of Portugal and others in a collective manner as a famous preacher (popular missions in Spain and Portugal). Cf. Blasucci, Antonio, Peter of Alcantara: BS X, 653-654, 660.
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