ought to be baptized by Thee," he says, "and comest Thou to me?" (Matt. iii. 14.) Think what affections of joy, reverence, and submission the holy Baptist experienced in his heart, when he saw the Creator humbling Himself so low as to receive baptism from His creature. Excite the same affections when He visits you in sacrament.
III. Christ answers, " Suffer it now, for so it becometh us to fulfil all justice." Ponder the import of the words all justice," and learn to omit nothing in the way of virtue that may be beneficial to yourself or give edification to your neighbor. Examine yourself whether or not you do so, whether you put in practice the lessons and advice which you give to others; for, as St. Ambrose observes, "that pastor fulfils justice who makes good by deeds what he teaches by words."
SATURDAY.
Christ's Baptism.— II.
I. "Jesus being baptized and praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape as a dove upon Him." (Luke iii. 21.) God always exalts the humble. Christ is therefore honored here (1.) by the opening of the heavens, to show mankind that by His means the gates of heaven were to be thrown open to them. (2.) By the descent of the Holy Ghost, to express the fulness of grace and heavenly gifts which He possessed, and which were to be imparted to mankind. (3.) He is proclaimed the Son of God by nature, and deserving of every homage from His creatures.
II. The Holy Ghost appeared in the form of a dove, to show mankind what kind of a life those ought to lead who are baptized. " In order that every one may under
