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 The ‘ single eye’ means purity of intention. The eye is single when the intention is upright; and the intention is upright when the heart is undivided. This is what we mean by simplicity and straightforwardness. The ‘ intention ’ is the eye of the soul. We cannot look fixedly at more than one object; and the soul can seize upon only a single good. Uncertain and wandering glances see everything and nothing at the same time; and, in like manner, when the soul squanders itself in vague longings it knows not what it wants, and sinks into indifference. God demands a fixed and determined gaze.

This is confirmed by the words that follow: ‘No man can serve two masters' — or love two things at once. When we know not what we love, and divide our affections between God and the creature, then God refuses the share that we offer Him, and the creature keeps all. We must, therefore, be decided and vigorous in following the path of devotion.

A good intention sanctifies every act of the soul, just as a direct look guides and secures our bodily steps. We ought to renew such an intention often in every day, and continually beg God to strengthen it. We need to be