seems to be the product of virtuous zeal ought not to be followed. For the Apostle admonishes us to "believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God" (i John iv. i); and St. Paul tells us that even "Satan himself transformeth himself into an angel of light." (2 Cor. xi. 14.)
II. The sages immediately obeyed the admonition, and " went back another way" into their own country. (Matt, i. 12.) Such ought to be our obedience to the inspirations of God, when He calls us to a more perfect knowledge of Himself, or to pursue a life of greater exactness and perfection. " We have deviated from our heavenly country," says St. Gregory, "by pleasures; and we should return to it by the way of sorrow and repentance." Reflect what joy the visit of the Magi gave to the blessed Virgin, and what delight she felt in seeing her Son adored by them, and the prophecy fulfilled — "The kings of Tharsis and the Islands shall offer presents; the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts." (Ps. lxxi. 10.) Recommend yourself earnestly to her, and say, with St. Bernard, " By you, O Virgin Mother! permit us to have access to your Son."
III. The divine Infant did not suffer the Wise Men to go away without being rewarded for their pains and devotion. He bestowed upon them supernatural gifts, in return for theirs. For their gold, He gave them the rich treasures of wisdom and charity; for their frankincense, the gifts of prayer and devotion; for their myrrh, His divine grace, which is a sovereign antidote against the corruptions of sinful nature. You can give nothing to God which He will not return with immense profit to yourself. The more you give, therefore, the more you will receive. Be liberal, then, to God, in order that He may be generous to you — remembering the sentence of
