seasonable hour, and majses no exception of persons. Recollect that the same word was used by the angel Gabriel to the blessed Virgin, and believe that it produced in their hearts the effects which are signified. Thus speak to my soul, O Lord, " Let thy voice sound in My ears, for thy voice is sweet, and thy face comely." (Cant. ii. 14.)
II. " But they came up, and took hold of His feet, and worshipped Him." (Matt, xxviii. 9.) Thus were they permitted to touch and kiss His sacred feet. With what reverence and joy they do it! To reward their good desires of anointing the body of their Lord in the sepulchre, Christ " anointed them with the oil of gladness above their fellows." (Ps. xliv. 8.) Conceive hence with what affection you ought to embrace, not the feet only, but the whole of Christ in the sacrament, as often as you approach it. Do not suffer Him to depart from you, until He has given you His blessing, as the angel did to the devoutly-importunate Jacob.
III. "Jesus said to them, Be not afraid. Go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee; there they shall see Me." (Matt, xxviii. 10.) Admire the sweet conduct of Christ in removing all fear from His servants, and in comforting them. Meditate on the title which He gives to His disciples, " My Brethren." He who is the King of glory does not disdain to call poor, ignorant fishermen His brethren. Oh what a happiness it is to have such a brother! Love Him, therefore, as your brother, and place all your confidence in Him; for if " a brother that is helped by his brother," as the Wise Man says, "is as a strong city" (Prov. xviii. 19), how much more is he who is assisted by such a brother as Christ?
