light, and light for darkness." (Is. v. 20.) We often make virtues of our vices, and real virtue we consider folly. To remedy this moral defect in man, the eternal Wisdom of the Father descended from heaven to be our Master, and teach us the ways of truth. "Ye call me master and Lord," He says of Himself, " and ye say well, for so I am." (John xiii. 13.)
II. How willingly and attentively you ought to listen to this Master, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!" (Col. ii. 3.) "The principal incitement to learn," says St. Ambrose, "is the excellency of the master." What master can be more excellent than Christ Himself, who being the infinite and uncreated wisdom of His Father, can neither deceive nor be deceived? "The Queen of the South came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, a greater than Solomon is here." (Matt. xii. 42.) He is ready in the Eucharist to receive you, and teach you the science of Saints, and the ways of salvation, if you present yourself with proper dispositions.
III. A due preparation is necessary on your part, if you wish to listen with profit to the lessons of this divine master. He requires that His scholars should be, first, pure from all sin; "for wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subject to sin:" (Wis. i. 4.) 2. Humble and little in their own eyes; for He says to His Father, "Thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to little ones;" (Matt. xi. 25.) 3. Mortified and detached from worldly things; for, "whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand the hearing? Those who are weaned from the milk, who are drawn away from the breasts." (Is. xxviii. 9.) Take care, then, that you be thus disposed and prepared to meet Him.
