Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/176

 what humility,  reverence,  and  devotion  each  one  communicates. Do you  imitate  them  when  you  approach  the same table,  and  avoid  following  the  example  of  Judas, who "ate  and  drank  unworthily,  eating  and  drinking judgment  to  himself,  and  not  discerning  the  body  of  the Lord." (1 Cor.  xi.  29.)

III. " Do  this  for  a  commemoration  of  Me."'  (Luke xxii.  19.)  Ponder  the  infinite  liberality  and  charity  of Christ,  who,  intending  that  this  divine  benefit  should  be continued  through  all  ages,  by  these  words  gave  power to the  Apostles  and  their  successors  to  consecrate  His precious body  and  blood. This power  was  never  granted even to  angels. Reflect what  a  dignity  it  is;  respect those whom  Christ  has  honored  so  highly,  and  listen with obedience  to  those  to  whose  voice  Christ  Himself is so  obedient  at  the  altar. Be ever  grateful  for  this  divine mystery,  and  always  prepare  yourself  well  to  receive it.

I. Christ  instituted  the  sacrament  of  the  Eucharist  immediately before  His  passion,  to  show  His  excess  of  love towards mankind  by  preparing  for  them  a  heavenly  banquet, even  at  the  very  time  when  they  were  plotting  His death. By this  institution  He  also  manifested  the  desire which He  had  of  always  remaining  with  us,  even  corporeally. The time  was  at  hand  when  He  was  to  leave this world:  but  He  would  not  leave  it  without  leaving  us Himself  in  a  peculiar  manner. He wished,  also,  by  this institution to  leave  us  a  memorial  of  His  passion  and death, as  well  as  a  living  sacrifice  (for  the  virtue  of  the ancient  sacrifices  ceased  at  His  death),  by which  the  fruit