when He said to him, "0 thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?" (Matt. xiv. 31.) Examine with what temptations and passions you are most assailed; and approaching Him with confidence at the Eucharistic table, cry out with the Apostles, " Lord, save us: we perish" (Matt. viii. 25); or with holy David, "Let not the tempest of water drown me, nor the deep swallow me up" (Ps. lxviii. 16).
MONDAY.
Christ's Going to the Temple. — I.
I. The Jewish law required that thrice in the year every male should present himself before the Lord at Jerusalem. Hence St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin also went: he, from a motive of obedience to the law; she, of devotion to the house of God. Christ accompanied them both to glorify the eternal Father, and to give Him solemn thanks for all His benefits received, as well general as particular, in consequence of the institution of the law. Learn, hence, to visit the house of God willingly, and to behave in it with all the respect that the sanctity of the place requires.
II. " His parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the Pasch." (Luke ii. 41.) Learn, hence, constancy and perseverance in good works. They did not present themselves in the house of God through custom, although the custom was a good one, but they were actuated by a spirit of real devotion. Such should be your case when you are employed in things that regard the service of God, particularly when you frequent the sacraments. Nothing in religion should be done merely from custom or human respect.
III. "And after they had; fulfilled the days, the child
