to God, as well as to our neighbors, require. They desire to make continual progress in virtue and perfection. They wish perfect justice to exist among all mankind, and do all in their power to gain that object. Finally, they hunger and thirst after Christ our Lord, who is our "justice and sanctification," (i Cor. i. 30.) by a lively faith and interior relish of His presence. Examine yourself on these points, and discover whether you do not rather loathe justice, than hunger and thirst after it, and ardently seek those things only, which the world loves and admires.
II. During the whole of His life, Christ sought nothing but the accomplishment of His Father's will. "My food," He says, " is to do the will of Him that sent Me." (John iv. 34.) When He hung upon the cross, He exclaimed, " I thirst," (lb. xix. 28.) — that is, for the sanctification and salvation of all mankind, for whom He died. Such ought to be your hunger and thirst, and not the appetite of the wicked whose God is their belly. (Philip, iii. 19.)
III. Consider the reward of those, who hunger and thirst after justice; "They shall be filled." God will bestow special graces and spiritual comforts on them during this life, and in the next, they will enjoy the beatific vision. " I shall be satisfied," says the Psalmist, " when Thy glory shall appear." (Ps. xvi. 15,) Reflect how this heavenly satiety ought to be desired. It never cloys, and endures for all eternity. Examine your dispositions, whether you would rather enjoy yourself in this world or in the next; you cannot enjoy the happiness of both.
