Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/127

 tion, 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. xxxviii.  5.)

II. " Now  she  at  the  same  time  coming  in,  gave  praise to  the  Lord." (Luke ii.)  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. xx.  16.)  "Labor,  therefore,  the more,"  as  St.  Peter  advises  you,  "that  by  good  works you  may  make  sure  your  calling  and  election." (2 Peter i.  10.)