St. Thomas Aquinas returns, holding the little purse that he had yesterday. He says: “Praise be to Jesus.”

“Dear messenger, forgive me for belaboring the example of this little purse. It is offering such a sound example of the human heart, I cannot resist. The little purse is capable of holding many treasures. The human heart likewise can be a storehouse of treasure. Say, for instance, that this purse represents Holy Love. Inside are hidden the treasures of all the virtues, for every virtue is clothed in Holy Love. If there is a flaw in Holy Love [a hole in the purse], the virtues begin to slip out just as a coin might fall from a hole in the purse.”

“To continue our analogy, the owner of the purse only has to be certain the purse is sound and in no need of repair to know that the coins inside are secure. He doesn't need to keep counting them. Similarly, the soul needs only to be certain that the Holy Love that embraces his heart is sound. He shouldn't search his heart looking for every virtue. If he is living in Holy Love, he is embracing all the virtues. To think that you are, for instance – now humble, then wise, and so on – is a temptation to pride.”

“So the little purse has served us well if you are listening. Be perfected in Holy Love is the lesson – all else is passing.”