court of a worldly prince, of how much more consequence is it, to have numerous friends in the court ot heaven?
III. How diligent you ought to be in honoring and in invoking the Saints, and especially those of your name, and your particular patrons, in order that they may obtain for you, the blessings and graces of heaven! Above all, reverence and pray to the Queen of angels and saints, who, as St. Epiphanius styles her, " is the mother of the living." She surpasses all the citizens of heaven, both in her affection for us, and in power with her divine Son. Thank your Saviour for having committed your cause to so potent an advocate, and recommend yourself with all earnestness to her care, "for she never denies help to those, who petition for it, nor does she ever intercede in vain with her Son."
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.
Christ the Bestower of all Good Gifts.
"Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hear me, for I am needy and poor." (Ps. lxxxi. i.)
I. Christ tells his disciples in the gospel of the present Sunday. " Hitherto you have not asked any thing in my name, ask, and you shall receive." (John xvi. 24.) Imagine yourself, on one hand, to be a poor, forlorn, naked beggar, standing in need of every thing necessary for your spiritual life, and Christ, on the other, infinitely rich, infinitely liberal, and desirous of making you a partaker of His bounty. Listen to His solemn invitation, " Ask, and you shall receive." Never did the most bounteous sovereign make so liberal a promise. " Come over to Me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with My fruits."
