EASTER TUESDAY.
Christ's Apparition to His Mother.
I. Christ made known His resurrection by different means: 1. By Saints, who rose in their bodies and appeared to many; 2. By angels, who appeared at the sepulchre; 3. By appearing in His own proper person, "showing Himself alive, after His passion, by many proofs; for forty days appearing." (Acts i. 3.) In the same manner is he accustomed to display Himself to His faithful servants, by the agency of pious men, by their guardian angels, and immediately by Himself. " He who loveth me," He says Himself, " shall be loved by My Father; and I will love Him, and will manifest Myself to Him." (John xiv. 21.) Love Him, therefore, in order that you may receive this favor.
II. It is piously believed that Christ first appeared to His blessed mother in order that she, who had drunk deepest of the cup of His affliction, might be the first to enjoy the glory of His resurrection. " As ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." (2 Cor. i. 7.) She believed with the most certain faith, and expected with the most ardent hope the hour of His resurrection, and therefore her desires were not frustrated. Learn hence to desire heavenly things with fervor, and patiently to wait for the destined hour. " If it make any delay, wait for it; for it shall surely come, and it will not be slack." (Hab. ii. 3.)
III. What were the feelings which Christ and His mother experienced at this joyful meeting? What expressions of affection passed between them! The Saints who had long been dead, Adam, Abraham, Moses, and David, might well congratulate her in the language of the
