WEDNESDAY.
Martyrdom of John the Baptist.
I. Herod made a supper for his birthday for the
princes." (Mark, vi. 21.) Worldly men place their happiness in the enjoyments of this mortal life, which however passes away like a shadow. In opposition to this
the Holy Spirit exclaims, " the day of death is better, than
the day of one's birth." (Eccles. vii. 2.) The day of our
birth introduces us into a world of misery and woe, but
the day of our death, if we have spent life well, unites us
to God himself. Constantly, therefore, fix your attention on your last moment, and prepare for it in all your
actions. Remember your last end and you will never
sin.
II. During the festive revelling of that night, the head of a most innocent and holy man was asked for and granted. Observe, to what crimes, riot and luxury, hurry their votaries! Hence, the Wise Man says, "Be not in the feasts of great drinkers." (Prov. xxiii. 20.) Herod fell into the precipice of immorality and cruelty, because he would not listen to the words of St. John, which signifies grace. Beware, therefore, lest you expose yourself to the same ruin, by resisting God's holy grace and inspirations. "Thou that despisest, shalt not thou thyself be despised?" (Is. xxxiii. 1.)
III. St. John received his sentence of death with great joy, and with equal constancy submitted to the stroke, which separated his head from his body. His soul then winged her flight into the bosom of Abraham. " Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." (Ps. cxv. 6.) Entreat God, that you may die the death
