Meditations For Every Day In The Year/From Advent to Christmas
FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT.
SUNDAY.
Christ Your Judge.
"Behold the Lord cometh with thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all." (Jude, xiv. 15.)
I. The gospel of this day tells us, that Jesus Christ is to be the judge of all mankind. We ought to dread His judgment. 1. On account of His supreme jurisdiction, from which there can be no appeal. 2. On account of the rigor of His justice; for no entreaties can affect Him, no bribes divert the course of His justice. 3. On account of His infinite knowledge, from which nothing can be concealed. 4. Because Jesus Christ will not only be the judge, but also the party offended.
II. How great would be the favor, if the judge himself should in the most friendly manner visit a criminal in his prison, and inform him of the means by which he might secure success in his trial. This favor Christ will show you this day. Receive Him, therefore, as He deserves, with love and gratitude, and now, whilst you can, endeavor by earnest prayer to gain His favor against that dreadful day on which prayers and entreaties will have no avail. That day will certainly arrive, and perhaps sooner than you expect.
III. It is your duty, then, to take care that there exist nothing in your soul which may be displeasing in the eyes of your pure Judge when He condescends to visit you. He will search the inmost recesses of your heart. Purify it, therefore, most diligently from every imperfection. Say, with the humble prophet, "enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord " (Ps. cxlii. 2.), but rather, in the bowels of thy infinite mercy, "O orient, thou brightness of eternal light and sun of justice, come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death." Well, therefore, does Boethius observe that " it is necessary to live well, since we do everything in the presence of the Judge, who sees all things." Consider this well and prepare for judgment.
MONDAY.
Imitating the Life of Christ. I.
I. The Son of God descended into this world, from the bosom of His eternal Father, for two objects, as the holy Fathers unanimously assert. The first was to redeem us, and the second, to give us a model which we might imitate, and by that means become pleasing to His father. His life, then, should be the mirror of ours. Reflect on your obligations to God for having condescended to give you this model, and by that means facilitated your progress in virtue. It is much easier to imitate the actions of another than to do those actions if they are only commanded.
II. How glorious it is to follow so great an example! " It is glorious," says Ecclesiasticus, " to follow the Lord." (Ecclus. xxiii. 38.) By following the example of men, whoever they may be, you may err, because they are men, capable consequently of being themselves deceived, and of wishing to deceive others. But, by imitating the Son of God, you cannot wander astray, because He is " the way;" you cannot be deceived, because He is" the truth ;" you cannot perish, because He is " the life." " He is the way in example," writes St. Bernard, "the truth in promise, and the life in reward." Finally, Christ commands nothing, which He has not first performed Himself. He may justly say, as Gideon did, " What ye shall see me do, do ye the same." (Judges vii. 17.)
III. How foolishly you have acted,when in your conduct you followed any other rule than that of the life of Christ. Every other rule is incorrect and vicious. " The wisdom of this world (according to which every sinner acts when he sins), is foolishness with God." (1 Cor. iii. 19.) Ask pardon for your past folly, and beg our Lord to admit you among the number of His followers.
TUESDAY.
Imitating the Life of Christ. II.
I. The followers of Christ may be divided into three classes. Some are Christians in name only ; they confess Him in words only, "but in their deeds they deny him." (Titus i. 16.) They take no pains in avoiding sin, and their actions crucify (in as much as they can), their Redeemer afresh. They are, infact, only nominal Christians, for they do not follow Christ, but His enemy the devil. Reflect how often you have ranked in this class. Repent and amend.
II. Others follow Christ, but (like St. Peter, when his master was taken) at a great distance. This was probably the cause of Peter's fall and denial of our Lord. Persons of this second class follow Christ, but coldly. They purpose indeed to keep the commandments, but care not to aim at higher perfection, and therefore often fail even in the observance of these. When they are addressed in these words — " If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come follow me — they go away sorrowful," like the young man in the gospel (Matt. xix. 21.), and reject the Divine admonition. Examine whether or not you be one of these.
III. The third class consists of those who, with a generosity of mind and steadiness of resolution, attempt to follow Christ, even to the cross," through honor and dishonor, through infamy and good fame." (2. Cor. vi. 8.) With St. Paul, " they count everything as dung that they may gain Christ." (Phil. iii. 8.) Lastly, they endeavor to conform their actions in everything to His. Choose to which of these classes you will belong, and remember that your glory in the next life will be proportionate to the exactness with which you follow Christ in this.
WEDNESDAY.
The Divine Decree Concerning the Incarnation. I.
I. What was the state of creation before the coming of Christ? A great part of the angels had fallen, and all mankind were the guilty descendants of guilty parents. The apostate angels were banished from heaven, and sent into hell. All mankind were in a state of banishment, they were slaves to the devil and enemies to God; and falling from one sin into another, they exposed themselves to undergo all those pains which God had reserved for His enemies. There were no possible means of appeasing the justice of God; for no creature could make sufficient atonement for original sin.
II. The three divine persons are employed in consultation to remedy the distresses of mankind. The first person required satisfaction for the offense of original sin; and the second person voluntarily offered Himself as an atonement for that guilt. And when His Father said : " Sacrifice and oblation I did not desire," then He said, " behold I come." (Ps. xxxix. 7.) Admire this voluntary self-oblation of the Son, and admire, 100, the Father's acceptance of it. O, ineffable effect of charity! To redeem His slave, the Father did not refuse to deliver up His only Son. Give thanks to both, and uniting with Them the Holy Ghost, expand your heart in sentiments of gratitude.
III. What would have become of you "had not Christ acted as your mediator? You would have remained involved in all the consequences of sin, and you would besides have been subjected to the pains of hell. So that you might justly say, "unless the Lord had been my helper, my soul had dwelt in hell." (Ps. xciii. 17.) Learn hence to esteem the benefit conferred on you; and since God has given Himself to you, do you give yourself to God. Say with the Royal Prophet, " my heart is ready, O, God, my heart is ready." (Ps. cvii. 2.) Do not recall or take back the gift which you have offered to God.
THURSDAY.
The Decree Concerning the Incarnation. II.
I. Consider the admirable perfections of God displayed in this decree. His infinite wisdom dictated that our moral evils should be cured by their opposite virtues. Man sinned through pride, vainly affecting an equality with God. The tempter told our first parents in Paradise; "You shall be as gods." (Gen. iii. 5.) This vice was to be cured by the Redeemer, who "debased Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men." (Phil. ii. 7.) Detest pride, which has introduced so much evil into the world, and imitate the example of humility which Christ has given in His incarnation.
II. Consider His ineffable charity; " For God so loved the world as to give His only begotten Son." (John iii, 16.) The Son Himself had such an affection for it that He willingly surrendered Himself. Who, and for whom? The God of majesty, for a vile and ungrateful slave. Love, therefore, so loving a God with your whole heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength; and feeling convinced that you cannot love Him sufficiently, endeavor according to your state and calling to draw as. many as you can into the love and service of so good a God.
III. Consider His infinite goodness in communicating Himself to man in the highest possible degree; His mercy, in taking upon Himself our miseries and their relief; His justice, which induced Him to satisfy His Father to the utmost, by making the whole of our debt His own; lastly, His power, in uniting two extremes of infinite distance from one another, God and man, the Creator and His creature. " Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle, because He hath done wonderful things. The Lord hath made known His salvation: He hath revealed His justice in the sight of the Gentiles." (Ps. xcvii. 1 and 2.)
FRIDAY.
Choice of a Mother for the Word Incarnate. I.
I. After the Incarnation had been decreed, the eternal Word might have assumed the perfect body of a man, such as was formed for Adam, without infringing the rigor of God's justice, which He desired to satisfy. He chose, however, to be born of a mother: first, in order to honor both sexes, man in His own person, and woman by taking flesh and blood of her; secondly, that in her we also might have a mother to plead in our behalf with her son, who will be our Judge; thirdly, that becoming Himself a helpless infant, and subject to His mother, He might give us a striking example of humility and subjection. Reflect how in all these things, which were subject to His own will, He always chooses the worst and most repugnant to sense. Reflect and imitate.
II. The divine Word did not make choice of this individual mother for any merits of her own, which were none, but in order that she might have merit. He therefore bestowed upon her the fulness of grace and the perfection of virtue, in order that she might become worthy of the dignity which was designed for her. Congratulate her for this choice, and her predestination from all eternity. " I was set up from all eternity and of old before the earth was made." (Prov. viii. 23.) Offer yourself to be her eternal client, and earnestly implore her assistance and protection.
III. The Word incarnate did not choose for His mother a rich personage or princess, but one that was poor and from the lower walks of life. Thus he confounds our pride and vanity, which prompt us to seek after those things which appear great in the eyes of the world. " O, ye sons of men, how long will ye be dull of heart? Why do ye love vanity and seek after lying?" (Ps. iv. 3.) Learn to contemn the judgments of the world, and to consider those things only great which are so in the sight of God; and be convinced that much worth and
virtue often lie concealed under a poor and humble appearance. SATURDAY.
Choice of a Mother for the Word Incarnate. II.
I. It was proper that the eternal Word should honor His mother, and raise her above the common condition of mortals by special privileges. If " king Solomon made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with the finest gold — so that there was no such work made in any kingdom" (3 Kings x. 18), with how much more reason might the King of heaven adorn His throne, and decorate the habitation in which He was to remain for nine months.
II. Some of her special privileges were: 1. The greatest sanctity that ever fell to the lot of any pure creature was communicated to her from the first moment of her conception; for it was not proper that the mother of God should ever have been subject to the devil, even for a moment. 2. She never felt the stings of concupisence. 3. She was confirmed in grace, which she never lost by mortal sin, and which was never diminished by venial sin. 4. This grace was continually increased by her heroic acts of virtue. 5. She conceived and remained a virgin. 6. She brought forth her Son without pain, and without detriment to her virginal integrity. 7. She is finally an ocean of all kinds of grace, and her perfection surpassed the united perfections of all the Saints and angels.
III. Consider the exalted titles to which she has a just claim. She is in a special manner the daughter of the eternal Father, the chosen mother of the only begotten Son, and the spouse of the Holy Ghost. She is the sovereign of men and angels. She is the mother of mercy and the refuge of sinners. Conceive what a refuge you have and what a protection you may find in such a mother. Recommend yourself earnestly to her, "for/ as St. Bernard says, " it is the will of Christ that we should have all through Mary."
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT.
Christ the Expectation of the Gentiles.
" I will look towards the Lord: I will wait for God my Saviour."— (Micheas vii. 7.)
I. Consider what is read in this day's gospel: "Art thou he, that art to come, or do we look for another?" (Matt. xi. 3.) Christ was the expected of all nations: as it is said in Genesis, " he shall be the expectation of nations" (Gen. xlix. 10), and by the prophet Aggeus, " the desired of all nations shall come." (Agg. ii. 8.) Christ with good reason was the expectation of the Gentiles, for He came to enlighten those that sat in darkness and in the shadow of death; He came to give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and the use of their limbs to the lame; He came, in fine, to bring salvation to all. " He shall save His people from their sins." (Matt. i. 21.)
II. This Messias, this expectation of the Gentiles, will visit you to-day in the Eucharist, to free you from your iniquities, to cure your infirmities, to bestow on you the gifts of His grace, in a wTord, to save you. O, what a benefit is this! " Behold God is my Saviour," says Isaias, "I will deal confidently and will not fear." (Is. xii. 2.) Do you also act confidently with Him and surrender yourself entirely to His holy will.
III. In order to prepare for His coming, you must exercise yourself beforehand in fervent desires and longing sighs for Him. He is hence called " the expectation of nations and the desire of the everlasting hills (Gen xlix. 10. 26), that is, of the holy Patriarchs and Prophets: hence royal David sings, "with expectation I have waited for the Lord, and He was attentive to me." (Ps. xxxix. 1.) Expect him, therefore, with an ardent desire "purify your soul, lest being defiled with sin you may offend His pure eyes, and " bring upon yourself a curse instead of a blessing." (Gen. xxvii, 12.)
MONDAY
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin.
I. " The angel Gabriel was sent from God into the city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin, etc." (Luke i. 26.) Never did the world witness an embassy so solemn. The person who sends it is the God of majesty, the most holy and divine Trinity. The messenger is the archangel Gabriel, which signifies fortitude, that is to say, that the message which he brought, though it might appear difficult, or even impossible, must nevertheless be executed. Observe how promptly he undertakes his commission and learn to imitate him on similar occasions.
II. To whom is this message sent? Who, if he had seen such an ambassador dispatched immediately from God Himself, and descending from heaven to this lower world, would not have imagined that he had been dispatched to some mighty potentate? And yet he is sent to a city so obscure as to provoke the remark of Nathaniel, "can anything of good come from Nazareth?" (John i. 46.) He is sent to a small cottage, to a poor virgin, espoused to a carpenter. Be ashamed that you should so miserably love and seek after those things which appear great and pleasing to the eyes of the world. Convince yourself that this affection is erroneous, and labor to correct it.
III. The principal object of the embassy was to require the consent of the Virgin to be the mother of God. God has a right to exact anything that He pleases from His creatures, but he wishes that our correspondence with His will should be voluntary. " He who created you without your own concurrence," says St. Augustine, " will not save you without it." Alas! how often does God send you His invisible angels, His holy inspirations, to gain your good will, and consent that He may be conceived spiritually in your soul, and you refuse Him. Ask pardon for your obstinacy, and " if to-day you shall hear His voice harden not your hearts." (Ps. xciv. 8.)
TUESDAY.
The Angel's Salutation.
I. " And the angel having come in, said to her, Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee." (Luke i. 28.) The grave comportment of the angel and the modesty of his countenance corresponded to his veneration of the Virgin. Learn hence to act like an angel in your intercourse with men, but more especially so with God in prayer. The Virgin was pronounced by the angel to be full of grace, by excellence, and far superior to all other pure creatures. Reflect what you are full of, whether of grace and virtue, or not rather of pride, vanity and self-love. " Our Lord is with thee," continued the angel, by His special presence and the effects of His grace; and she was with God in her thoughts, desires, and affections. Happy communication! Examine your actions and affections, and try to unite them to God.
II. Consider the actions and thoughts of the Virgin at that time. She was alone and praying in her closet (as the holy Fathers tell us), to teach you how you ought to entertain yourself with God in solitude, if you desire to be visited by Him. “And when she had heard, she was troubled at his saying” (Luke i. 29), that is, at her own praises uttered by the angel, as whosoever that is truly humble will be; for he believes that praise belongs to God and not to himself. “She thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be,” prudently examining everything, lest she might be deceived. O, that the first woman had been so prudent and so humble, and had so carefully weighed the words of the fallen angel.
III. How different are your proceedings! On every occasion you seek your own praises and applaud yourself when you hear them spoken by others ; and not satisfied to be commended by others you do it yourself. When you hear those things which are pleasing, you do not imitate the Virgin, and examine “ what manner of salutation this should be,” but immediately embrace it with your whole heart. Your first duty is to examine every affair with prudence before you undertake it, and following the advice of the wise man, “let your eyelids go before your steps.” (Prov. iv. 25.)
WEDNESDAY.
The Delivery of the Message.
I. “Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son.” (Luke i. 30.) Reflect how the angel dispels all fear from the mind of the Virgin, and observe that it is the character of a good spirit to bring peace and security to the soul. “Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found grace with God ;” for true joy and security are only to be found in the grace of God, and not in worldly gratifications and pleasures, in which we have too often sought them. This grace the Virgin possessed in an eminent degree over every other creature, in such a, manner that the words spoken of queen Esther may be applied to her : " And the King loved her more than all the women, and she had favor and kindness before him above all the women." (Esth. ii. 17.)
II. Consider the substance of the message which the angel bore: " Thou shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus," that is, Saviour. " He shall be great," by nature, since He is God; by His office, for He is the mediator between God and man; in consequence of His perfections, "for in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead, corporally." (Coloss. ii. 9.) "He shall be called the Son of the Most High," not by adoption, as are all the just, but by nature. "And the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David, His father," but in a far more eminent degree. "And He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever," that is in the church of the faithful. (Luke i. 32.) Rejoice at these glorious prerogatives of your Saviour, and congratulate the mother on the greatness of the son.
III. Consider with St. Bernard, these words: "He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever." Learn to imitate the conduct of Jacob, and expel the influence of the devil from your soul. Struggle with your vicious inclinations and propensities. "Let not sin reign in your mortal body" (Rom. vi. 12), but let Jesus Christ reign in your soul forever. Say with St. Bernard, "I have no other king but my Lord Jesus Christ."
THURSDAY.
The Blessed Virgin's Reply.
I. " How shall this be done, because I know not man?" (Luke i. 34.) The blessed Virgin, who had hitherto been silent, began at last to speak in defence of her virginity, which she would not forfeit even to become the mother of God. O, admirable purity! In this virtue she was truly singular and without example. Learn from her> i, both to speak and to be silent at proper times and on proper occasions. 2, not to be withdrawn from your good purposes or obligations, on any account or pretext without carefully examining as she did " how this may be done." 3, to be cautious in point of chastity, and to avoid every danger in regard to that delicate virtue, for "we have this treasure in earthen vessels." (2 Cor. iv. 7.)
II, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee." (Luke i. 35.) Ponder the excellency of Virginity, of which Christ was so great a lover, that, whilst He took upon Himself all our other miseries, yet He would not be conceived and born but of a Virgin. And because the Virgin herself was devotedly attached to this virtue, the Divine Spirit of purity Himself, effected that her son, who as God was born only of the Father, as man was born only of herself. Beseech the Lord to visit you with His holy grace, and " to overshadow you with His shoulders," especially "in the day of battle," when you have to fight against the concupiscence of the flesh. (Ps. xc. 4, and cxxxix. 8.)
III. " Behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age." (Luke i. 36.) She that was barren has become fruitful, in order that you may discover that nothing is impossible to God. Therefore although you have hitherto been fruitless in good works, yet by the divine grace and your own concurrence, you may produce many, not only in yourself, but also in your neighbors, according to your condition and state of life. Therefore, begin now to co-operate with God's grace; for He will not be wanting to you, " who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children." (Ps. cxii. 9.)
Friday
The Virgin's Consent.
I. How earnestly the Angel and the whole court of
heaven awaited the consent of the Virgin! "Speak but
the word," says St. Bernard, "holy Virgin, which heaven
and earth, and the world below, expect from you."
She gives her consent, and says, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord." (Luke i. 38.) Admire that singular humility, which prompted her, who is styled the
mother of God, to retain the name of a handmaid.
This is the humility, which our " Lord regarded" and
loved so much in her, as she proclaims in her Canticle. Embrace the same humility in your life and actions, if you wish the Holy Ghost to dwell in you; for
"He sendeth forth springs in the vales." (Ps. ciii. 10.)
He bestows on the humble, the waters of His grace; but
He deprives the proud of their moisture.
II. The quality of handmaid, or servant, though contemptible amongst men, in relation to God is honorable. We stand in that relation to Him, by the several titles of creation, redemption, and preservation. For Him alone we ought to labor, to His glory we ought to direct all our actions, as did His blessed handmaid. Offer yourself, therefore, to God, as His constant servant: and say with royal David, " O Lord, I am Thy servant, and the son of Thy handmaid." (Ps. cxv. 6.) Remember that that handmaid was the blessed Virgin Mary.
III. Consider the admirable obedience and resignation of the blessed Virgin in conforming her will to the Divine pleasure. "Be it done to me according to Thy word." (Luke i. 38.) Conceive how agreeable this answer was to God, to angels, and to men. Imitate her resignation, and the resignation of her divine son, who afterwards prayed, " Not as I will, but as Thou wilt." (Matt. xxvi. 39 ) The angel had fulfilled his commission, the holy Trinity was rejoiced, and the Virgin arrested the attention of God. of angels, and of man. Let your conduct prove that she has gained some of your attention.
SATURDAY.
Accomplishment of the Incarnation.
I. After the Virgin's consent, the eternal Word, "as a bridegroom coming out of his bride-chamber," to celebrate his nuptials with human nature, "rejoiced as a giant to run the way" (Ps. xviii. 6), to unite Himself to the weakness of human nature, and to commence the work of our redemption. He took flesh of the Virgin Mary; to this He united a rational soul, and He communicated His divinity to both. Thus, "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." (John i. 14.) Conceive what joy the angels in heaven felt, and the Saints in limbo, at the accomplishment of this salutary mystery.
II. Consider what kind of a body the eternal Word assumed in the Virgin's womb. He might have assumed a body immortal and glorious (for this was His due); but He preferred to take to Himself the mortal flesh of a helpless infant. 1. In order that He might "in all things be made like to His brethren." (Heb. ii. 17.) 2. In order to induce us to love Him more tenderly. 3. To remove all fear from us, and to inspire us with confidence. 4. To give us an example of humility, patience and mortification, by remaining nine months imprisoned in His mother's womb, in the most distressing situation. 5. In order that He might satisfy, in the flesh, for our debts, like a condemned criminal. You, who are but dust and ashes, learn to be humble, when you see the Lord of hosts thus humbled for your sake.
III. What were the first acts of the divine infant immediately after His conception? He offered Himself and His whole life to the eternal Father, as a holocaust and a sacrifice for our sins, He said, in the inspired language of His prophet, " Behold, I come." (Ps. xxxix. 8.) The eternal Father was pleased with His new born Son, and He might well have said, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten Thee." (Ps. ii. 7.) This day was a day of joy to heaven and to earth. — On this day, " Mercy and truth met each other: and justice and peace kissed. Truth has sprung out of the earth: and justice has looked down from heaven." (Ps. lxxxiv. 11, 12.)
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT.
Christ the Anointed of the Lord.
" Draw me, we will run after Thee to the odor of Thy ointments." — (Cant. i. 3.)
I. The Pharisees, in the gospel of to-day, sent to St. John, to inquire whether or not he were the Christ. This title belongs to none but the Redeemer, or the anointed of the Lord. He was anointed by a triple unction, as King, Prophet, and High Priest. — " Thy name is as oil poured out." (Cant. i. 2.) "Thy God hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows." (Ps. xliv. 8.) Who, then, would not "run after Him to the odor of His ointments." (Cant. i. 3.)
II. This anointed of the Lord will visit you to-day in the Eucharist, to make you partaker of His sweet ointments. "Myrrh, and stacte, and cassia perfume thy garments" (Ps. xliv. 9), that is the sacramental forms under which Christ is clothed in the Eucharist. At His visit He will anoint you with His three-fold unction: 1. With the unction of mercy He will efface all your sins. 2. With the unction of fortitude He will strengthen you against your spiritual enemies. 3. With the unction of wisdom He will instruct and enlighten your understanding. "For His unction teacheth you concerning all things." (1 John ii. 27.)
III. You ought to prepare yourself against His coming. "I have prepared a lamp for my anointed." (Ps. cxxxi. 27.) This expression the holy Fathers interpret of John the Baptist; for "he was a burning and a shining light." (John v. 35.) Prepare, also, in the same manner, the lamp of your soul; purify it from sin, and give it the lustre of good works. Let the flame of divine love burn interiorly in your soul; and prove its existence there by external virtuous actions and good example.
MONDAY.
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin.
I. As soon as the Word incarnate was conceived in the womb of the Virgin, He hastened to sanctify His precursor and commence His office as Saviour. He inspired His mother to visit her cousin Elizabeth, in order that she, who was to be the mediatrix between us and her son, might in some manner concur to the first sanctification which He wrought. She readily obeyed the divine impulse, and willingly embraced the occasion of doing a good office. Learn of her to be zealous in assisting others and to lose no occasion of exercising charity.
II. " And Mary rising up in those days, went into the mountainous country with haste, into a city of Judea." (Luke i. 39.) Admire the promptness of her obedience to the divine Spirit. Neither the tediousness nor the difficulties attending a long journey, neither the delicacy of her sex, nor her lately acquired dignity, could deter her from undertaking the journey. This journey was not undertaken from vain ceremony nor compliment; not out of curiosity nor doubt in regard to what the angel had said, but from a motive of pure zeal for the glory of God and a desire of assisting her neighbor. Meditate on her singular modesty, recollection, and devotion, with which she entertained the Son of God; and learn how you ought to entertain the same God when you carry Him in your breast under the sacramental forms.
III. All those who are full of the divine Spirit naturally tend towards the mountain of perfection. They despise the world and soar above it, and their thoughts are centred in heaven. " Save thyself in the mountain," said the angel to Lot. (Gen. xix. 17.) Besides, they act with vigor, with speed, and with fervor; for, as St. Ambrose writes, " The grace of the Holy Ghost knows no lingering delays." Examine whether or not, in your thoughts and desires, you adhere to inferior things, and linger in the way that leads to the mountain of perfection.
TUESDAY.
Entrance into the House of Elizabeth.
I. Mary having entered into the house of Elizabeth, Saluted her first, though herself the greater in dignity. Thus Christian charity should prompt every one to act. Imagine what modesty and charity were displayed upon the occasion. There were no empty compliments nor unmeaning worldly ceremonies; but all was real expression of mutual joy. At the voice of Mary the eternal Word sanctified His precursor, purified him from original sin, enriched him with the gifts of grace and sanctity, endowed him with the use of reason, and made him sensible, even then, of the mystery of the Incarnation and his own happiness. — " For behold," exclaimed the enraptured Elizabeth, " as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy." (Luke i. 44.)
II. At the voice of Mary, " Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost." (Luke i, 41, 42.) She was endowed with the spirit of prophecy, " and cried out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." Learn hence, how beneficial is the mediation of the Virgin, by whose means the eternal Word wrought such admirable effects in the infant and his mother. Salute her in the spirit of Elizabeth; acknowledge and praise her excellence, arising from her divine maternity.
III. Consider those other words of Elizabeth: "Whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke i. 43.) The spirit of God always prompts humility, and humility attends all His gifts. Observe how by divine inspiration she styles her Mother of God, which the Church acknowledges as her chief title. Learn from the infant and his mother how you ought to entertain Christ in the Eucharist.
WEDNESDAY.
The Canticle "Magnificat."
After Elizabeth had uttered these praises, the blessed Virgin poured forth her sentiments of gratitude and humility, in the words of the admirable Canticle Magnificat, Remark that she does not entertain Elizabeth with the same praises which she had received from her, as worldly principles would dictate; nor does she, from a dissembling pretence of humility, as worldlings generally do, deny the favors which she had received: she refers all to God, and ascribes nothing to herself. Learn hence, that it is not real humility to deny or dissemble the natural or supernatural gifts which we possess. You must, however, acknowledge that they proceed from the mere goodness of God, — not from yourself or your own deserts; and you must refer to Him all the praise and honor resulting from them, and usurp nothing of them to yourself.
II. In this Canticle we are taught two important lessons: First, to rejoice and delight in God alone and in those things which appertain to our salvation, and not in the vanities and pleasures nor in the praises and favors of the world. It was God alone who had " done great things" to the blessed Virgin, and who daily does great things for His Church. " He alone is mighty, His name alone is holy, His mercy is from generation to generation, to those who fear Him." (Luke i. 49.) Not to those who contemn Him, and provoke His anger by their sins. Examine in what things you take the most delight, and whether you be in the class of those who " rejoice in most wicked things." (Prov. ii. 14.)
III. The second important lesson which we are taught in the Magnificat is, that humility is a virtue of the greatest efficacy. It was so, 1, in regard to the Virgin herself; for it was the foundation of all her greatness. She acknowledges it herself when she says, "He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid: for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." 2. It was so in regard to all mankind: For God "hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble; He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent away empty." (Luke i. 52.) If you, therefore, wish to be favored by Almighty God, if you desire to be exalted, and if you wish to be filled with good things, learn to be humble, and, with St. Bernard, " love to be unknown and not regarded."
THURSDAY.
The Stay with Elizabeth.
I. Although the presence of the virgin mother and her divine son were so beneficial to Elizabeth and the Baptist, it did not restore speech to Zachary. We may piously believe, however, that he received many spiritual favors. The restoration of his speech was reserved by Christ for the honor of His precursor, at His birth. Learn hence, to reverence the divine providence of God in the dispensation of His favors, and respectfully abstain from prescribing to it the time and manner of affording assistance; but patiently wait, with Zachary, the divine pleasure.
II. The Virgin remained in the house of Zachary about the space of three months, displaying in her words and actions that humility and charity which had rendered her worthy to become the Mother of God. Conceive how holy was the conversation of the blessed company, and what benefit was derived from it. " If at the first entrance," says St. Ambrose, " the benefit was so great, that at Mary's salutation the infant leaped for joy, and his mother was filled with the Holy Ghost, what do we think ought Mary's presence to have added by the benefit of so long a time?" Love, therefore, to converse with the good, and take care that others may profit by your company and conversation.
III. Consider the inspired words of Scripture: " The ark of the Lord abode in the house of Obededom, the Gethite, three months; and the Lord blessed Obededom and all his household. (2 Kings vi. 11.) How much more may we suppose did He bless the house of Zachary, in which the living ark of the Lord and the mother of God dwelt so long. The same blessings will be received by you when He visits you in the holy sacrament if you give Him a proper reception.
FRIDAY.
Nativity of John the Baptist.— I.
I. The parents of the Baptist were pronounced by the Evangelist to be "both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame." (Luke i. 6.) Here strengthen your faith on the important dogma that it is possible to observe all the commandments of God ; for Zachary and Elizabeth observed them. It is possible, too, to observe the counsels; for they walked in all the justifications of the Lord without blame. Aim at the perfection of your calling, and be just in the sight of God and blameless in your conversation with men.
II. God honored the birth of His precursor. 1. By sending the same angel to announce his birth that was employed in announcing the birth of His own Son. 2. The manner in which his birth was announced was more solemn than that by which the Redeemer was made known ; for his birth was announced to the high priest in the temple at the time of public sacrifice, when all the people were filled with wonder and expectation. 3. The angel himself gave him a name, and we do not read that this ever happened to any other except to Christ. This was not an unmeaning name, but full of mystery, and it imports that the Baptist was specially favored by Almighty God.
III. Consider the dignity of the Baptist's office : " He shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias." (Luke i. 17.) It was his duty to bear witness to the truth of the Incarnation, and to point out the Messias. He was to do this in the spirit and power of Elias, that is, with an undaunted courage and undiminished zeal, which accompanied him during the whole course of his life — in the wilderness, at the river Jordan, in cities, in the court of Herod, in prison, and in death itself. " He prepared for the Lord a perfect people" (Luke i. 17), by his baptism, by his preaching penance, and by the austerity of his life. Examine whether it be not your duty to do all or something of this, and excite yourself to imitate the example of St. John.
SATURDAY.
Nativity of John the Baptist.— II.
I. " Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come, and she brought forth a son." (Luke i. 57.) Reflect on the joy of the parents, and the congratulations of their friends, for this blessing. Such is the joy of the Saints and angels, and such the internal satisfaction of the soul when it conceives virtuous resolutions and is fruitful in good works. Be not discouraged if you do not immediately attain that virtue, or overcome that vice, which you desire. God is accustomed to delay his gifts and favors, in order to inflame your desires of them. " Trust, therefore, in the Lord, and do good, and He will give thee the request of thy heart." (Ps. xxxvi. 3, 4.)
II. " He shall be called John" (Luke 1. 60), which signifies grace ; for no Saint whatever, Christ's blessed mother alone excepted, possessed such an abundance of grace. He was by his office and by the purity of his life an angel; he was an Elias in spirit; he was more than a prophet; he was sanctified in his mother's womb ; and, as Christ Himself tells us, " a greater than he never rose from a woman." Reverence this Saint, so singularly beloved and so nearly allied to our Lord, and endeavor to imitate his heroic virtues.
III. Consider what happened at his birth : 1. His mother, by divine inspiration, gives him his name. 2. His father writing the same name, "his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed ; and he spoke, blessing God." 3. He was "filled with the Holy Ghost." 4. " Fear came upon all their neighbors : and all these words were divulged over the mountainous country of Judea." 5. " All they who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What kind of child think you shall this be? For the hand of the Lord was with him." (Luke i. 64 to 66.) Do you, in like manner, lay these things up in your heart by serious meditation, and pray that the hand of the Lord may be also with you.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT.
Christ the Guest of your Soul.
"Zacheus, make haste and come down; for to-day I must abide in thy house." — (Luke xix. 5.)
I. Christ, although He be the King of glory, whom myriads of angels attend in heaven, ardently desires, notwithstanding, to become the guest of your soul. Hence He says, in the Apocalypse, " Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man shall hear my voice and open to me the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him,, and he with me." (Apoc. iii. 20.) Consider the greatness of the favor; reflect who you are, and who He is.
II. Consider what is said in the gospel of this day : " Prepare ye the ways of the Lord, make straight His paths." (Luke iii. 4.) You must prepare your heart to entertain so great a guest. Your guest is content even with what is mean, provided it be pure; hence he would take flesh in the purest womb of the Virgin, be laid in a new sepulchre, and wrapt in a clean winding-sheet. He is highly pleased with humility, and as much offended with pride and self-conceit. If there be a "valley" of imperfection in your soul you must fill it up, as is said in the gospel of to-day, if there be a " hill" of pride you must level it. Meet your guest, then, with acts of adoration and humility, and say, from the bottom of your soul, " Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof." (Luke vii. 6.)
III. With what pomp, kindness and hearty welcome the Saints in the Scripture received their guests! Abraham, the three angels (Gen. xviii. 3); the Sunamite woman, the prophet Eliseus (4. King. iv. 8); Martha, Christ Himself. (Luke x. 38.) Imitate their holy example, and present your whole heart undivided to your guest. This is all that He requires. " My Son," He says, " give me thy heart." (Prov. xxiii. 26.) He will not receive this heart, if it be either divided by self-love or a prey to inordinate affection or undue propensities.
MONDAY.
Mary's Virginity Revealed to Joseph.— I.
I. The singular sanctity of St. Joseph corresponded with his exalted office. God had not yet revealed to him the mystery of the Incarnation in order to prove both his and the Virgin's virtue. When he perceived her pregnancy, he was much troubled, and " being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, he thought of putting her away privately." (Matt. i. 19.) Thus, God frequently tries the virtue and perseverance of His servants, though only for a time; for " He shall not suffer the just to waver forever." (Ps. liv. 23.)
II. Consider the many virtues which the holy man exercised in this perplexity of mind : Patience, in supporting and concealing the matter; charity, in not reproaching her; prudence, in taking mature deliberation with himself in regard to what ought to be done. Imitate his example when you discover anything apparently wrong in the conduct of your neighbor; avoid rash judgment, and follow the advice of St. Bernard : "excuse the intention, if you cannot the fact; consider it a mistake, judge it a surprise, think it a chance."
III. Consider the admirable virtues which the Virgin also exercised during this perplexity of St. Joseph. She alleges nothing in her own defence, although she might have done so. Her honor was in question in a matter of the highest and most delicate importance. She chooses to be silent, however, and rather to commit the matter to God alone than publish anything which might redound to her own praise. "My secret to myself," she might have said with Isaias. (Is. xxiv. 16.) This is, perhaps, not your conduct: you immediately reveal whatever tends to your own commendation; and, though you may be criminal, you attempt even " to excuse yourself in your sins." (Ps. cxl. 4.)
TUESDAY.
Mary's Virginity Revealed to Joseph.— II.
I. " Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep." (Matt. i. 20.) This angel honors St. Joseph with the title of son of David. He removes from his mind all trouble and anxiety, in relation to his spouse, by informing him of the mystery of the Incarnation. Observe how God, in due time, assists holy souls who are in distress; when all human means fail, He sends them succor from heaven. Admire the providence of God, which never abandons us, although it seems to leave us for a time. " For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercy will I gather thee." (Is. liv. 7.)
II. Consider the feelings of joy which St. Joseph experienced when he was informed of the mystery of the Incarnation, the perfect innocence of the Virgin, and her election to be the mother of God. He felt the importance of the dignity to which he was raised; he was not only the guardian and spouse of the mother of God, but he was also the reputed father of the Son of God; and, as father, he was to give Him the name of Jesus. Congratulate Him on His elevation to this honor, and reverence with singular devotion him whom both the mother and the Son so highly honored.
III. Consider the mutual joy of the Virgin and St. Joseph after the angel had revealed to him the mystery of the Incarnation. Conceive and reverence their mutual congratulations when he informed her of the angel vision. St. Joseph probably condemned himself of suspicion, in consequence of the anxiety which he had experienced. Learn the importance of the virtue of charity, and convince yourself that it is more safe to err from an excess of charity than to be correct with defect of charity. Learn, also, to put your trust in God alone, in every perplexing event of life; for it is He alone who, after a storm, "makes a calm; and after tears and weeping pours in joyfulness." (Tob. iii. 22.)
WEDNESDAY.
The Expectation of Delivery. — I.
I. The infant Jesus, shut up in His mother's womb, earnestly desired that hour in which He was to appear to the world and commence the work of our salvation. He might have then said, as He afterwards did, " I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized; and how am I straitened until it be accomplished!" (Luke xii. 50.) He remained in this state, however, for nine months, and would not exempt Himself for one day. He had embraced our common nature, and He would not refuse any of the inconveniences or sufferings which were attached to it. What man would suffer himself to be so long imprisoned when he could avoid it? Christ suffered it, and for your sake. Be ashamed, then, to complain of small inconveniences, when God suffered so much.
II. The desire of the blessed Virgin to see her Son, whom she knew to be "God of God," increased in proportion as the happy moment approached. She might well apply to herself those words of the Canticle: "Who shall give thee to me, that I may find thee and kiss thee." (Cant. viii. 1.) In the mean time, whilst her heart was filled with the most ardent affections of love,, she resigned herself with perfect conformity to the will of God, in regard to the time, place, and manner of her delivery, because she was convinced that "God hath care of us." (1 Pet. v. 7.) Imitate her example, and "cast all your solicitude upon God."
III. How well the divine Infant rewarded His mother whilst He remained shut up in her womb! If at the first moment of His conception He bestowed upon her such extraordinary grace and favor, what increase of these did He not give her throughout the nine months during which she carried Him in her womb. He illuminated her understanding with an infused light and knowledge of the mysteries of faith; He inflamed her will with more than seraphic affections of love. He was no burden, no pain, no trouble to her; but a most welcome guest, and an effectual comforter on all occasions. He would be so to you, with due proportion, in the sacrament, if you would give Him a similar entertainment and not immediately distract your mind with other affairs.
THURSDAY.
The Expectation of Delivery. — II.
I. This expectation existed on the part of the Fathers in Limbo; they prayed and cried out continually with Isaias: "Drop dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened and bud forth a saviour." (xlv. 8.) They longed to be set free from bondage in order that they might enjoy the beatific vision. "Shine forth," they exclaimed from their prison-house, " before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses. Stir up thy might, and come to save us." (Ps. lxxix. 3.); Rouse your sluggish mind with these inflamed desires. "Be ashamed " (it was the reflection of St. Bernard), " that the display of so much kindness does not cause in you a joy corresponding to that inflamed desire, which the mere promise excited in the hearts of the ancient Saints."
II. What expectation a devout soul ought to entertain of having Christ spiritually born in itself by grace! "What is my hope? is it not the Lord?" (Ps. xxxviii. S.) In this expectation we ought to employ all the faculties of our souls: our memories and understandings should attentively consider His admirable virtues and perfections: our wills should be exercised in ardent affections of love, and in desires of representing in ourselves what we behold in Him, in order that- we may with the Apostle " behold the glory of the Lord with face uncovered, and be transformed into the same image." (2 Cor. iii. 18.)
III. We ought not to content ourselves with mere affections and desires, for by these we only conceive Christ; but we must bring Him forth by actions. We must labor in the exercise of Christian perfection " till Christ be formed in us." (Gal. iv. 19.) If our desires do not display themselves in acts of virtue, they will only torture our consciences and prove our ruin. "Desires," says the Wise Man, "kill the slothful." (Prov. xxi. 25.) Encourage yourself, therefore, and inflame your heart with the antiphons of the Church used during this holy time. "O wisdom, which issued from the mouth of the Most High, extending from end to end mightily, and sweetly disposing all things, come and teach us the way of prudence, etc."
FRIDAY.
The Journey to Bethlehem.
I. " In those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. " (Luke ii. i.) The disposition of divine Providence was most wonderful. Christ might have been born where, and when, and in whatever circumstances He pleased, but He refused every convenience for Himself, in order to teach us that the spirit of poverty was His favorite virtue. He was born in the middle of winter, when His parents, in consequence of Caesar's edict, were far from Nazareth, in order that He night deprive Himself of those small conveniences which their house might afford Him. " Oh the depth of the riches, of the wisdom, and of the knowledge of God!" (Rom. xi. 33.) Reflect upon this, you who are constantly employed in seeking your own ease and conveniences, and learn what ought to be your practice. Speaking upon this, St. Bernard observes: " Either God is deceived or the world is in an error," because their manners of acting are diametrically opposite. Examine which it is better to follow.
II. St. Joseph and the Virgin obeyed the edict, though the motive of the Emperor was not the best, and though their obedience was attended with inconvenience. View the holy travellers: they present an object worthy of the divine approbation and of the admiration of men, in consequence of their conformity to the will of God, their patience, and their modesty. Imagine the divine entertainment which the Virgin received from her Son; respect the holy travellers, and venerate that divine poverty which rendered them so pleasing to God.
III. When they arrived at Bethlehem, they went from one inn to another, but they could not find any entertainment. Good God! there was a place for every other kind of character; but there was no room to be found for the Son of God. "He came unto His own; and His own received Him not." (John i. n.) Observe with what patience they support this trial, and retire into a stable. " The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests: but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head." (Matt. viii. 20.) Pity, admire, adore. How often have you denied Him entertainment, when your heart was occupied with worldly vanities and earthly follies!
CHRISTMAS DAY.
Christ a Little One.
"Whoever is a little one, let him come to me." (Prov. ix. 4.)
I. Consider the words of the prophet Isaias: " A little one is born to us, and a son is given to us" (Is. ix. 6); and the corresponding words of the gospel: "You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling-clothes, and laid in a manger." (Luke ii. 12.) Thus does the Lord of majesty delight in the name of a little one; and, that He might gratify this delight, He reduced Himself almost to nothing. Contemplate this little one in His crib; and remember that it is that Being " who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and weighed the heavens with a span; who hath poised with three fingers the bulk of the earth, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance." (Is. xl. 12.)
II. This little one will be spiritually born in your soul this day, by holy communion, if you will prepare Him a crib in Bethlehem, that is, " in the house of bread." He appeared to mankind first clothed in flesh; but now He communicates Himself to you under the form of bread, in order to impart to your soul the living bread of immortality. Approach, then, this divine mystery in such a manner that this little one may again be born in your heart; and convince yourself that this will be the case, if you begin to lead a life conformable to His own; if you love nothing but what He loved, so that you may be able to say, with the Apostle, " I live, now not I; but Christ liveth in me." (Gal. ii. 20.)
III. In order that you may enjoy this little one, you must become such a one yourself. " Amen, I say to you, unless ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matt, xviii. 13.) "Be little in your own eyes," that you may be the " head of the tribes of Israel" (1 Kings xv. 17), that is, great among the Saints. To such as these only God communicates the secrets of His wisdom. "I give thanks to Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth," says Christ Himself, " because Thou hast hidden these things from the wise and the prudent, and hast revealed them to little ones." (Matt. xi. 25.) And David says: " The testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones." (Ps. xviii. 8.)