" Whom seek ye? They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith to them, I am He." (John xviii. 4.) These words cast them on the ground. This was an evident testimony of His divinity; for it showed them that they could not apprehend Him unless He pleased. Ponder the singular comfort contained in those words, " I am He," to the virtuous and just soul. They import, I am your father, your protector, and your comforter, your sanctification and redemption. " Be of good heart, it is I; be not afraid." (Matt. xiv. 27.) The wicked have reason to fear; for to them they are words full of indignation and terror, threatening punishment. If these words, now, struck such terror into His enemies, when it was, as He Himself said, " their hour and the power of darkness" (Luke xxii. 53), what terror will they not cause when it shall be His day, and the hour of exercising His power shall arrive?
II. " As soon as He had said to them, I am He, they went backwards, and fell to the ground." (John xviii. 6.) This is an emblem of obstinate and impenitent sinners, who fall without considering their misfortune. Beseech your Lord, that should it be your misfortune to fall, you may immediately acknowledge it by humility and rise again by penance. St. Peter draws his sword, and cuts off the ear of Malchus, but Christ reprehended him for it, forbade all violence and resistance, and healed the servant's ear. Hence you should learn to return good for evil. "All that take the sword shall perish with the sword.' (Matt. xxvi. 52.)
III. Christ then said, " If, therefore, ye seek Me, let these go their way." (John xviii. 8.) He forgot Himself, and was only solicitous for His disciples. "Then they came up, and laid hands on Jesus, and held Him." (Matt. xxvi. 50.) Observe the rage and fury with which
