same God in the Eucharist, and when you enter into His house.
III. How abundantly the divine Infant recompensed the longing desires of Simeon to see Him! He not only rejoiced him with His corporal presence, but filled his soul with divine grace, producing so powerful an effect as to make him bid adieu to all earthly things, and even to life itself. He burst forth into that admirable canticle: " Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word, in peace, because my eyes have seen Thy salvation." (Luke ii. 29, 30.) Oh that you would also bid farewell to all earthly things, and say with the Apostle, " But I am straitened — having a desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ." (Phil. i. 23.)
THURSDAY.
Simeon's Prophecy. — II.
I. Consider the words of Simeon regarding Christ: "Behold, this child is set up for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel." (Luke ii. 34.) The Incarnation and birth of Christ will increase the guilt and punishment both of the unbeliever and of those who believe but will not obey His will. To the just they will be the cause of resurrection to eternal life. Reflect in which of these two ways you would wish the birth of Christ to be applied to you; and observe how even the holiest things may be perverted to our own reprobation, if we do not make a proper use of them. Examine your own conduct with fear and trembling, and see if you do not abuse the favors of God and the means of salvation which your state of life affords you.
II. "And for a sign, which shall be contradicted." Wonder at the folly of mankind. Christ is the uncreated
