659 chapter 22: the reconciliation of the mystical temple initiative, since discreet confessors, although for various reasons give a small penance, they wish nevertheless that penitents should voluntarily do more when they can. For in this way, they will gain both a more assured remission of punishment and a more abundant grace of amendment. In addition, he should not neglect the acts which help to gain indulgences. For in this way, through God’s kindness, by performing a few works, he will be freed from many punishments and will become a perfect friend of God. Concerning Holy Communion, I hardly dare to say anything, because of the Majesty of so great a Lord who is contained therein. Consider that you are approaching God, before whom all power becomes powerless, all strength trembles, all majesty becomes insignificant and all wisdom vanishes. Yet because He is of unbounded goodness, He not only kindly waits for you, but — what is more — calls you to Himself, so that He may cleanse and sanctify your inner being by the sharing of Himself. What are you now feeling, you impious one, as you draw near to such great mercy? Be confounded by your wickedness, be encouraged by His clemency and pray that He may have as much mercy on you as you need. I do not prescribe how often you should use this reconciliation of your Mystical Temple. I point out this: those first faithful Christians were always most ready to die for Christ because they refreshed themselves by Holy Communion almost every day. You should allow yourself to be guided by the advice of your Spiritual Father, mindful of what was written most rightly by Cyril:212 “Do you suffer from pride? Receive the Eucharist, that is, Christ humiliating Himself down to flesh, indeed down to bread, and this humble bread will make you humble. Are you afflicted with temptation of lust? Receive the wine that generates virgins.213 Are you afflicted with anger and impatience? Receive 212 St. Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria and Doctor of the Church (d. 444). The works of St. Cyril are found in: PG, LXVIII-LXXVII. Of his exegetical works the Commentary on the Gospel of St. John is “one of the more important writings;” cf. Vona C., “Cyril of Alexandria, Doctor, Saint: BS III, 1309-1315. 213 Cf. Zach 9:17.
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