i. 46.) "The love of God," says St. Gregory, "is not idle." Philip, as soon as he discovered Christ, immediately hastened to bring others to Him. Ponder the words of Christ, " Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile." Examine if your conduct entitle you to such an honorable testimony; endeavor at least to merit it. Constantly preserve purity of intention, for " a heart that goeth two ways shall not have success." (Ecclus. iii. 28.)
III. Jesus said to Nathaniel, " Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee." Convince yourself practically that everything is exposed to the eyes of God, that the most secret of your actions cannot escape Him, and that He is perfectly acquainted with every one of your thoughts in all their bearings, and every one of your most private intentions. Take care to present to Him in yourself an object worthy of His approbation. Ponder also the noble confession of Nathaniel: " Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God, Thou art the King of Israel." (John i. 49.)
WEDNESDAY.
Second Call of Peter and Andrew.
I. "Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee saw two brothers." (Matt. iv. 18.) The first call of these two Apostles, says Augustine, was only to a familiarity, and they afterward returned to their ordinary occupation of fishing. The second, was to leave all to follow Him, and to become His Apostles. Thus a soul is disposed by degrees to perfection. Ponder the import of these words, " Come after Me and I will make you fishers of men." You must follow the footsteps of Christ if you wish to be a fisher of men.
