cusing one's self. Would to God that we all practiced this virtue as well as the Baptist did!
III. The Jews sent their message to the precursor, instead of sending it to Christ, by whom they might have been much better informed. So we often seek comfort from creatures rather than from the Creator. Observe, moreover, the blindness of these Jews, who although they heard that Christ was among them, neglected, notwithstanding, to inquire for Him. For your part, use all diligence in discovering the will of God in your regard; and when you have found it be faithful in putting it into execution.
FRIDAY.
Christ's Baptism. — I.
I. The first act of Christ's public life was to present Himself to be baptized by His precursor, to teach us that those who are employed in the work of God should carry with them a pure and uncorrupted heart. He therefore takes leave of His divine Mother, who, although she grieved at the absence of such a Son, rejoiced that the redemption of Israel was at hand. He takes a long journey to the Baptist. The Lord goes to the servant to be baptized by him as a common sinner, among publicans and soldiers and the lowest order of the vulgar. Admire the humility of the Son of God, and convince yourself that humility is the best preparation for great works. "That which shall be saved of the house of Judah and which is left, shall take root downward, and shall bear fruit upward." (Is. xxxvii. 31.)
II. John by divine revelation knew our Lord at His approach, and modestly refused to baptize Him. "I
