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Messias, but he wished his disciples to be confirmed in their faith. Charity always seeks the advantage of others. Do you, on your part, rejoice and give thanks to God, for His having long ago come amongst us, and not having held the world any longer in suspense. Be grateful for the benefits resulting from his incarnation.

III. To this question Christ answers, " Go and relate to John, what you have heard and seen: The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel preached to them." Christ does not in express terms declare that He is the Messias, to avoid even the shadow of boasting, but proves it from His works. " Louder," says St. Bernard, " is the sound of works, than of words." It is your duty to prove yourself to be a good Christian, and a follower of Jesus Christ in your state of life, whatever it may be, not by words, but by actions. Professions are easily made, but they are of no avail unless they be supported by corresponding deeds. " Let her works," says the Wise Man of the virtuous woman, " praise her." (Prov. xxxi. 31.) Besides, since Christ has been so liberal in bestowing corporal favors, as sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and the like, you have every reason to hope for spiritual benefits from him.

TUESDAY.

John's Message to Christ— II.

I. When the disciples of St. John, had left Christ, He began to speak in commendation of their master. He praised his constancy in virtue; He said, that he was not like a reed tossed and bent in every direction, by the