III. After the third repulse, " the devil left Him, and behold angels came and ministered to Him. " (Matt. iv. 11.) Think with what alacrity those heavenly spirits come, sent by the eternal Father, and with what reverence they serve their Lord. Those who serve or help others, even in the meanest offices, serve Christ in His little ones. Recollect the remark of St. Luke: " When all the temptation was ended, the devil departed from Him for a time." (Matt, iv. 1 1.) Do not, therefore, consider yourself secure from the attacks of your spiritual enemies although you may have several timers repulsed them. "It is necessary," writes the eloquent St. Chrysostom, " that we should employ great vigilance, because we are in continual war, and enjoy no peace."
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Christ a Sacrifice.
"I will go into Thy house with burnt offerings; I will pay Thee my vows which my lips have uttered." (Ps. lxv. 13.)
I. " If thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath anything against thee, leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother, and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift." (Matt. v. 23, 24.) The Eucharist is, of all others, the most excellent offering that can be made to God as a propitiation for the living and the dead. "Christ hath loved us and hath delivered Himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweetness." (Eph. v. 2.) What a treasure we possess in this sacrifice!
II. This Divine sacrifice possesses three excellences and advantages above all the excellences and advan-
