JANUARY 8, OR 9.
Journey of the Wise Men. — II.
I. When the Wise Men came near Jerusalem, the star that had accompanied them disappeared, to try their faith and constancy. Thus does God often withdraw spiritual consolations from His servants, in order that they may feel that these are pure gifts of God, and not their own, and that their patience and fidelity to Him maybe increased. The sages might have been troubled at the disappearance of the star, but they did not, therefore, desist from their journey. Imitate their conduct; and, in the absence of spiritual comfort, have recourse to ordinary means, and inquire of others, with the spouse in the Canticles, " Have you seen Him whom my soul loveth?" (Cant. iii. 3.) The Church, anxious for your spiritual welfare, has given you abundant means of finding Him.
II. The Wise Men, having entered the city, boldly inquire, Where is He that is born King of the Jews?" (Matt. ii. 2. ) Meditate on their singular faith: they entertain no doubt concerning the fact, and only wish to be informed of the place. They were not afraid, even in the royal city, and under the eye of Herod himself, to make inquiries concerning another king. They were not ashamed openly to confess Christ, and to acknowledge that they came to do Him homage. " We have seen His star," they said, " in the east, and have come to adore Him." Learn to act in the same manner, and, with St. Paul, " Not to be ashamed of the Gospel." (Rom. i. 16.)
III. "And King Herod hearing this, was troubled." (Matt. ii. 3.) Thus the impious always grieve when they ought to rejoice: "They are glad when they have done
