the mystical temple of god 660 Christ the crucified, the most patient, He will give you a share in His patience” (in John c. 6).214 What more shall I discuss with you? “Whoever eats this bread” (it is the oracle of eternal Truth), [this] holy, heavenly, Angelic, supernatural bread, having all sweetness and all the delight of grace, “will live forever” (Jn 6:58). From what has been said rather concisely, both the matter and manner of reconciling the Mystical Temple is clear, which St. Augustine also expressed in these rather brief words: “Let the dwelling place of our heart” (he said), “be emptied of vices and filled with virtues: let it be closed to the devil, and opened to Christ; and let us strive in such a way as to be able to open the door of the heavenly kingdom with the keys of our good works. And therefore, dearest brethren, let each of you examine his conscience, and when he realizes that he has been wounded by some crime, let him take pains to cleanse his conscience first with prayers, fasts or almsgiving, and in this way let him presume to receive the Eucharist” (sermon 232).215 The invocation of Almighty God for the reform of our morals and life. “O Lord my God! Bestow desire upon my heart, that I may desire you; that by desiring You, I may seek You; that by seeking You, I may find You; that by finding You I may love You, that by loving You, I may be freed from all my sins; and that once being freed, I may return to them no more. O Lord my God! Grant repentance to my heart, contrition to my spirit, a fountain of tears to my eyes, and liberality in giving alms, to my hands. O my King! Extinguish all desires of the flesh and kindle the fire of Your love in me. O You my Redeemer, drive away the spirit of pride; and grant me, through Your mercy, the treasure of Your humility. 214 This citation from the sixth chapter from the Gospel according to John seems to not match the quotation in question. 215 This quotation was not found in sermon 232 of St. Augustine, in which there is a discussion of quite a different matter. Cf. The Entire Works of St. Augustine Bishop of Hippo, New Edition, Acc. D.A.B. Caillau and others, Paris 1841-1850.
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