and John, in order that on these, as on four pillars, he might build His Church. He also wished to teach us, that His disciples ought to be well grounded in fraternal affection, according to His own expressions, used afterwards, " By this shall all men know, that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another." (John xiii. 35.) Examine yourself, therefore, most seriously upon this point, and remember, that fraternal charity is an essential characteristic of Christianity.
II. "And they immediately left their nets and their father, and followed him." Those who aspire to the perfection of a religious life, or who wish to lead an apostolic life, must not only renounce their worldly possessions, but even their parents, for Christ's sake. They must convert their human affections into Spiritual love, and make them subordinate to the Divine service. Examine whether your human affections do not sometimes prevent you from aspiring to higher perfection and from leading a more virtuous and regular life.
III. The word immediately is not inserted in the text by the sacred writer, without mystery. The two brothers were mending their nets with their aged parent, but as soon as Christ called them, they left their nets as they were. The age of their father, his probable wants, and the need that he might have of their services, presented no opposition to their calling. They knew that the God, whom they followed, when they left their parent, would in His kind providence protect him; and would take better care of him than they could. Their obedience was prompt and perfect. Let your obedience be like theirs; avoid making excuses when God calls you, or the voice of obedience speaks.
