upon continually by distractions and idle thoughts; and whether it be stony and full of the cares and occupations of this life, and consequently not susceptible of the divine influence of heavenly grace. If this be unfortunately your case, reform your state, and render yourself capable of profiting by this divine seed.
III. This seed, although sown in a good soil, does not " bring forth fruit" except " in patience." (Luke viii. 15.) Learn, therefore, to persevere with patience in expectation of the effect. Do not desist from cultivating the soil of your soul because, perhaps, you do not immediately discover the fruit which you desire to reap. " Behold," says St. James, " the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, patiently bearing till he receive the early and the latter rain." (James v. 7.) Act in the same manner, and the divine seed will not be sown in your soul in vain.
MONDAY.
Christ Foretells His Passion.
I. " Behold, we go up to Jerusalem." (Matt. xx. 18.) The time had now arrived in which Christ had decreed from all eternity to suffer for the redemption of tlr* world. He therefore went up to Jerusalem with great cheerfulness and speed; for "He went before them, and they were astonished, and following were afraid." (Mark x. 32.) Thus did He hasten to death, carried along by the force of His love for us. You, on the contrary, are tardy in suffering anything for Christ. He also went before in order to teach you to show by example what you would wish to teach by words.
II. He revealed His approaching passion to His disciples: "And the Son of man shall be betrayed to the
