'David was a prophet and, when he fell into the crime
of adultery and murder, he did not give up, but after he had swiftly had
recourse to repentance, he received the grace of prophecy once again.
Manasse perverted Israel for fifty two years, but when he repented, he
too found salvation. The prince of the Apostles, after his denial, by
the medicine of tears took up again the burden of the apostolate. Mary
of Egypt, to pass over the numberless others, had reached the uttermost
limit of debauchery, but once she had come to a remarkable repentance,
she attained the highest degree of virtue. So there is no excuse for
claiming incapacity for someone who chooses to be saved, unless they are
insensible or bent on death. But we hear the words, "Why would you die,
house of Israel?" [Ezekiel 18,31], and why do we choose everlasting
death rather than immortal life that is set before us? Our good Master
cries out each day, "Come to me all you that toil and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest" [Matthew 11,28].'
