Wednesday. [I Cor. 16:4-12; Matt. 21:28-32]

   In the parable about the two sons, the second promptly said, “I go,” and went not. This is an image for all hasty good intentions that lack the constancy, will and patience to fulfil them. A light heart is immediately ready for every good thing presented to it, but a soft and lazy will refuses to do it from the very beginning. This infirmity is found in nearly everyone. How can one avoid such unreliability before one’s own self and others? This is how: do not begin anything without thinking it over and calculating whether there will be enough strength for the undertaking. This is what the Lord asked us to do in the parables about the man who set off to war, and the other who set about building a house. In what lies this calculation? These parables are related by the Lord in order to instruct us to arm ourselves in advance with self-denial and patience. Look to see whether you have these buttresses that all laborers for goodness have. If you have them, begin the undertaking; but if not, then first store them up. If you stock yourself up with them, then no matter what you meet on the path to what you intend to do, you will endure and overcome it all, and you will bring what you have begun to a finish. Calculating does not mean that as soon as the deed becomes a bit difficult you drop it, but rather that you should inspire yourself for every labor. From this there will come firmness of will and constancy in deeds. And it will never be the case with you that you say—“I go,” and then go not.