XXII. Anima, materia bonorum operum.

XXII. Anima, materia bonorum operum.

But just as the earth produces many things, for which God is glorified, so too does the soul of man, who pursues good works, bring forth many seeds of virtue for the glory of God's name. The soul, in which God dwells, is like the earth, as it possesses the potential to reach the strength of perfection in good and holy works; it is like a body from the knees to the shins, filled with sighs and prayers, and with holy actions directed toward God, like moisture and greenery, and like a seed that holds the grace of God within itself. All these things are the beauty and adornment of divine inspiration, like the flourishing and grace of God's virtue, which is glorified through it. For when the soul, in which God dwells, performs good works, it glorifies Him, since it proceeds from Him and is celebrated with heavenly praises. The soul, through the grace of God, is fruitful in blessed powers and virtues, as if it were fertile in various kinds; its works build tabernacles in heaven, because they proceed from the same source, just as things formed from the earth are produced from the earth. But the soul is also the source of good works and a better life, namely a contemplative one, and the divine power of the same soul, since it is from God, exists in man, who also prepared just and well-ordered actions for himself through divine command, and began to do those things which later the incarnate Son of God completed in the perfection of blessed virtues and in the manifestation of true holiness through himself, and being life, gave life to those who believe in him. The Son of God became man in the heart of the Father. For life lay hidden in the midst of power, and it remained silent until the bright cloud obscured the light so much that it barely shone. Then the dawn arose and surrounded the sun; but it sent forth its rays, and built a great city, and produced twelve lights, and in the third part of the sleep, it raised those who had slept in the midst of sleep. Therefore, all the eagles that were dwelling in the bright cloud and those that were looking at the sacrifice on the tablets were ashamed when the same sun revealed the mirror of holiness in the eye of integrity. Then a new world also appeared in fire, which came forth from the water; in which the mountains and hills, drenched, sing an angelic song, and with their eyes they behold the supreme light in true faith, because the Son of God, coming into the world, did all these things, and showed the way of righteousness to those who believe in Him through Himself, just as David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, speaks, saying: