," writes St. Basil, " is a robber of our spiritual riches, a flattering enemy of our souls, and the bane of virtue." Examine yourself, on the subject of this vice, and beware lest it may be said of you with truth, " You have received your reward." (Matt, vi. 5.)
II. " Go show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift, which Moses commanded for a testimony to them." (Matt. viii. 4.) The law of Moses reserved to the priests, both the judgment of the leprosy itself in case of doubt, and its cure. Remark, how observant Christ was of the law, and how He honored and respected the priests, however malicious they might be toward Him. He has granted much greater prerogatives to the priests of the new law, who have the power of healing every kind of spiritual leprosy. Therefore, as often as you feel yourself infected with this spiritual disorder, "go and show yourself to the priests."
III. According to the ancient law, the leper had to make an offering. He was commanded, after having cut off his hair and washed his clothes and himself, to offer in sacrifice, a lamb without spot. Let your offering be a sacrifice of praise; as often as you return from the sacrament of penance, "offer to God a sacrifice of praise." (Ps. xlix. 14.) You can offer the spotless Lamb of God, by hearing Mass.
WEDNESDAY.
Cure of the Ten Lepers.— I.
I. As Christ was passing through Samaria he entered town, where " there met Him ten lepers, who stood afar off, and they lifted up their voice saying, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." (Luke xvii. 12.) Their prayer was
