Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/123

 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.  viii.  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  fulfil  the  law,  "redeem  their son  with  five  sides,"  (Exod.  xiii.  13  and  Lev.  xxvii.  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.