than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Luke xviii. 24.) If, therefore, you wish to enter heaven with ease, divest yourself of all superfluities, and of every inordinate inclination for riches and the conveniences which they procure; for " they who would become rich," writes St. Paul, "fall into temptation and the snare of the devil." (1 Tim. vi. 9.)
III. Consider the expression of St. Peter on this occasion: " Behold, we have left all things and followed Thee." Hence the holy Fathers infer that the Apostles had made a vow of poverty, and left everything, not only what they had, but what they might have, and even the desire of having. Ponder the greatness of the reward which Christ promises to all those who make these sacrifices for His sake: "They shall receive a hundred times as much now in this time, and in the world to come life everlasting." (Mark x. 30.) O incomparable purchase! Prefer eternal life to every earthly possession.
SATURDAY.
Vocation in General to Follow Christ.
I. Christ has prescribed certain laws to all those who wish to be members of His school. The most important ")f these laws are recorded in St. Luke: " He said to all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke ix. 23.) These, therefore, are the general laws of His school, viz., self-abnegation, daily carrying one's cross, and imitation of Christ in all things. Examine yourself on these subjects; for without a faithful practice of these virtues, and without an observance of these laws, you cannot be a disciple of Christ.
