must divest ourselves of all carnal affections. In order to inculcate this lesson more deeply, Christ is never heard to address the Blessed Virgin, by the tender name of Mother, not even when He was hanging on the cross. Hence, Moses speaking of the Levites says, "He who hath said to his father and mother, I do not know you, and to his brethren, I know you not. These have kept Thy word and observed Thy covenant." (Deut. xxxiii. 9.)
TUESDAY.
The Marriage Feast at Cana. — II.
I. " His mother saith to the waiters, whatsoever He shall say to you, do ye." (John ii. 5.) Admire the confidence, which the Blessed Virgin reposed in her Divine Son, notwithstanding the apparent asperity of His answer. She speaks to the servants as if she were certain, that her request had been granted. Observe that the confidence of obtaining what was asked, was grounded on an exact compliance with what our Lord should enjoin. "If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, you shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done to you." (John xv. 7.) Be careful, therefore, to fulfil whatever God commands you, either by Himself, or by your superiors and directors.
II. Consider the injunction of Christ, " fill the water pots with water." (John ii. 7.) It was wine that was wanted, and He bids them to fill the vessels with water. He could as easily have created wine in them, as have changed the water into wine. But God frequently commands things, which seem to have little connection with the desired effect, in order to try our obedience. Besides, He wishes that we should concur with Him, in the
