CHRIST, THE SPOUSE OF YOUR SOUL.

"Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go forth to meet Him." (Matt. 25:6)

I.

"The third day, there was a marriage feast in Cana of Galilee." (John 2:1) A similar event will take place today, between Christ and your soul, in the Holy Eucharist, provided you assent to it, according to His words uttered by Hosea: "I will espouse thee to Me forever, and I will espouse thee to Me in justice, and judgment, and in loving-kindness, and in tender mercies." (Hos. 2:19) Although you have frequently been faithless to your heavenly Spouse, by entertaining inordinate affections, and cherishing undue attachment to creatures, He is nevertheless ready to pardon you, and He even invites a renewal of your affection by His prophet: "Thou hast prostituted thyself to many lovers: nevertheless, return to Me, saith the Lord, and I will receive thee." (Jer. 3:1)

II.

How highly worldly characters consider themselves honored by being espoused to great or noble personages! How much greater is your honor, when you are espoused to the King of Heaven! Reflect on the heavenly beauty of your Divine Spouse, and say to Him: "Thou art beautiful above the sons of men." (Ps. 44:3.) Meditate on His dignity, glory, riches, wisdom, and power; and inflame your heart with an ardent love for your Holy Spouse.

III.

Since you are to be espoused to Christ, you must surrender to Him everything which you have in this world, and never forsake Him by sin, on any consideration. Adorn your soul, then, with every virtue, or you never will be pleasing in the eyes of your divine Spouse. Direct all your thoughts and actions according to His will, and study His pleasure in everything.

PURIFICATION OF THE VIRGIN.

I.

The Blessed Virgin, after having buried herself in retirement for forty days after the birth of her Son, appears in the temple, in compliance with a double law, that ordained her own purification and the presentation of her child. The law, in fact, did not regard her, for she conceived by the Holy Ghost; but she subjected herself to it in order to imitate the conduct of her Son. who submitted to the law of circumcision. Besides, she was unwilling to give offence or scandal to the Jews, who were ignorant of the great Mystery which had been operated in her. She was anxious, also, to conform her conduct in what was lawful to that of others of her sex, and thus to avoid singularity, as well as to perform works of greater perfection and supererogation. Study to imitate her example.

II.

What admirable virtues she exercised in this action! Her obedience was perfect; for she fulfilled exactly what the law required of others, without pleading exemption, privilege, or dispensation, when she might lawfully have done so. Oh that you would imitate her conduct, even in things which you are obliged to perform! Her profound humility dictated the propriety of concealing her mysterious conception, and the birth of her Son, and of being considered unclean. Be ashamed of your pride, which prompts you to wish for the esteem of others and the reputation of sanctity, whilst you ought to acknowledge yourself a sinner, as did the Prophet: "We are all become as one unclean; we are fallen as a leaf, and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away." (Isa. 64:6)

III.

Consider her incomparable purity, in which virtue, although she excelled every other creature, still, from a desire of becoming more pure, she performed the ceremonial purification which the law required in others. Learn hence to cherish that virtue, and continually to improve in it, however perfect you may conceive yourself to be. Ponder, in fine, her singular devotion in hastening to the temple, to offer in a solemn manner to the eternal Father His and her only Son. Mark this conduct, and imitate it, as often as you are present at the solemn sacrifice of the Mass.

CHRIST'S PRESENTATION.

I.

"After the days of her purification were accomplished, they carried Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord." (Luke 2:22) Ponder the acts of virtue which the divine mother exercised on this occasion, viz., of faith, devotion, and thanksgiving, towards God; and of charity, in relation to mankind, for whom she offered her own Son. Reflect how the Divine Infant rejoiced that the moment had arrived which He had so earnestly longed for, in which He was to be publicly presented to His eternal Father, as a living sacrifice for the sins of the whole world — and yours in particular. This action was infinitely acceptable to the eternal Father Himself; for, if at the offerings of Noe and other just men "the Lord smelled a sweet savor" (Gen. 8:21), with what complacency must He have looked down on this oblation of His beloved Son in the arms of His holy Mother!

II.

"And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons." Observe how the Blessed Virgin does not disdain the idea of being considered poor; for this was the offering specified for that class of the community: nor the idea of being reputed a sinner. Be not ashamed, then, to own either character, and follow her example. Ponder the import of those gifts, which God required. By the turtle-doves, mourning is signified; by the pigeons, simplicity; and by the lamb, mildness. With these virtues, present yourself to God, and the offering will be acceptable.

III.

Christ's parents, to fulfill the law, "redeem their son with five sides" (Exod. 13:13 and Lev. 27:6), although the Evangelists are silent on the subject. Reflect who the person is that buys Him. His holy Mother: and she purchases him for our sakes. Of whom does she purchase Him? From his eternal Father to whom He has been presented. Thus, He wishes His divine Son to be ours by a double title. Oh, that you were as liberal to God as He is to you! What was the price ordained by the law? Five sides, or pieces of silver. Reflect how easily you may make God your own: and blush for your folly, in refusing to give the pains and labors to God, which you bestow on idle vanities and transitory pleasures.

SIMEON'S PROPHECY. I.

I.

"And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout." (Luke 2:25) Here the sanctity of those who gave testimony of Christ is described, for there is nothing of greater credit and authority than innocence of life. Simeon was just and devout; afraid of offending God in the least, "for he that feareth God neglecteth nothing." (Eccles. 7:19) "He was waiting for the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25), by fervent desires and holy aspirations. "And the Holy Ghost was in him," inspiring him to fix his thoughts on God and heavenly things alone, and not on the vain and empty objects which the world presents. Such ought to be the conduct of all good Christians, especially those who, like Simeon, have consecrated themselves to God — "waiting," not for earthly enjoyments, but, as the Apostle says, "for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." (Tit. 2:13)

II.

"And he came by the Spirit into the temple." Reflect on the different motives which induce men to frequent the house of God. Some are actuated by human respect, or led by custom or curiosity. Observe how soon Simeon discovered the Expected of All Nations, whom the ancient Patriarchs and Prophets had so anxiously desired to see. Observe the veneration and devotion with which the holy man approaches the world's Redeemer. Oh, what a flame of divine love must have been kindled in his heart when he had the Son of God so near! Imitate his veneration and devotion as often as you receive the same God in the Eucharist, and when you enter into His house.

III.

How abundantly the divine Infant recompensed the longing desires of Simeon to see Him! He not only rejoiced him with His corporal presence, but filled his soul with divine grace, producing so powerful an effect as to make him bid adieu to all earthly things, and even to life itself. He burst forth into that admirable canticle: "Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word, in peace, because my eyes have seen Thy salvation." (Luke 2:29-30) Oh, that you would also bid farewell to all earthly things, and say with the Apostle: "But I am straitened, having a desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ." (Phil. 1:23)

SIMEON'S PROPHECY. II.

I.

Consider the words of Simeon regarding Christ: "Behold, this child is set up for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel." (Luke 2:34) The Incarnation and Birth of Christ will increase the guilt and punishment both of the unbeliever and of those who believe but will not obey His will. To the just, they will be the cause of resurrection to eternal life. Reflect in which of these two ways you would wish the birth of Christ to be applied to you; and observe how even the holiest things may be perverted to our own reprobation, if we do not make a proper use of them. Examine your own conduct with fear and trembling, and see if you do not abuse the favors of God and the means of salvation which your state of life affords you.

II.

"And for a sign, which shall be contradicted.'" Wonder at the folly of mankind. Christ is the uncreated Wisdom of God, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:3); and, yet, men have contradicted, and still contradict, His Divine Doctrine. His words and actions were continually contradicted, and He was perpetually misrepresented and calumniated, and do you wonder and complain that you are sometimes contradicted and reproved? Learn to suffer patiently, as He did. If you wish to be a disciple of Christ, you must be content to be set up as an object of reproof and contradiction; for "the disciple is not above his master." (Matt. 10:24)

III.

Consider the words which holy Simeon addressed to the Virgin: "Thy own soul a sword shall pierce." (Luke 2:35) Ponder how Divine Providence mixes sorrow with joy, and amidst the immense pleasure which she must have experienced on seeing such honors bestowed on her Son, he reminds her of her future grief. Admire her singular resignation to the will of Heaven in accepting this piercing sword of sorrow from the hands of God. Imitate her example, and learn not to be immoderately overjoyed in time of consolation and prosperity, but always bear in mind the sorrow that may follow. "In the day of good things," Ecclesiasticus advises, "be not unmindful of evils." (Ecclus. 11:27)

THE PROPHETESS ANNA. I.

I.

The virtues of this holy woman are here proposed for our imitation. After seven years of a married life, she lived continually in the temple, "by fasting and prayer, serving night and day" (Luke 2:37); and she was then eighty-four years old. Meditate on her great love of purity, her continual exercise of prayer and mortification, and her perseverance for so many years in this holy conduct. Compare these virtues with your inconstancy and tepidity; and pray with David: "O Lord, make me know my end, that I may know what is wanting to me." (Ps. 38:5)

II.

"Now she at the same time coming in, gave praise to the Lord." (Luke 2:38) Ponder the sweet providence of God in inspiring her to enter the temple at that very time, and in revealing to her the mystery of His Son's Incarnation. She concurred with the divine inspiration, and did not lose a moment; but immediately hastened to enjoy the blessings which were designed for her. How different is your conduct from hers; how many delays and impediments do you put to divine grace ! You know not the hour in which God may have designed some special favor for you: let your mind and heart, then, be always prepared. You may lose many graces by neglecting one.

III.

There were certainly many others in the temple at the same time: but Simeon and Anna alone knew the great Mystery of the Incarnation; for the Blessed Infant displayed no external appearances of divinity, nor appeared different from ordinary children. Learn from this example to conceal your own good qualities, and not to condemn others from outward appearances. Learn, also, that of all those who approach the Holy Eucharist, those only discover the hidden God and relish His heavenly sweetness who appear at the sacred table with the spirit of true and genuine devotion. Finally, learn this all-important truth, that "many are called but few chosen." (Matt. 20:16) "Labor, therefore, the more," as St. Peter advises you, "that by good works you may make sure your calling and election." (2 Peter 1:10)

THE PROPHETESS ANNA. II.

I.

Consider the interior acts of virtue which this holy woman exercised when she beheld the Divine Infant. They were those of faith, hope, and love, then of joy and self-congratulation, together with perfect resignation to the will of God. Take care to imitate her when you appear in the presence of the same God at the Eucharistic table. If you have faith, where is your humility, reverence and devotion? If you hope in Him, where is your resignation to the will of God in crosses and adversities? If you love Him, why do you fix your heart and affections on creatures? If your joy be in Him, why do you seek for satisfaction and happiness in earthly comforts? If you have resigned yourself to His holy will, why do you so often retract and seek your own will?

II.

Her affections immediately prompted her "to give praise to the Lord, and to speak of Him to all." She acknowledged Him to be the long-expected Messiah; she admired His humility, extolled His mercy; and she invited all to acknowledge Him, to reverence and love Him as their Lord and Savior. Oh, how true is it that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh"! (Matt. 12:34) The reason why you are so dumb in the praises of God is because your affections are so cold or tepid. Learn from this holy woman to speak freely of God and heavenly things in your conversation with others. Be not satisfied with enjoying God alone, but endeavor to lead others to Him by word and example.

III.

"And His father and mother were wondering at these things which were spoken concerning Him." They admired and adored the providence of God in revealing these sublime Mysteries to a few only, and in concealing them from the rest of mankind. They adored the divine dispensation, when He revealed them to the poor and humble of this world, and concealed them from the great and the proud. "And after they had performed all things, according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee." (Luke 2:39) It is your duty to follow their example; to perform "all things according to the law;" and to fulfill the commands of God in what may seem to you of trivial importance. Accompany this Holy Family home, and observe their religious demeanor on the way. They returned to Bethlehem, where they lived in holy obscurity, and where they endeavored to do their duty in respect to their new-born Savior.