Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/178



I. After  Christ  had  distributed  His  body  and  blood to His  Apostles,  He  addressed  to  them  that  long  sermon which is  recorded  in  the  Gospel  of  St. John. After com. munion, Christ  is  accustomed  to  treat  more  at  large  with the pious  soul  and  He  would  do  so  with  you,  were  you not accustomed  to  leave  Him  immediately,  or  to  shul your ears  to  His  holy  inspirations. In this  sermon  He; performed the  character  (1)  of  a  comforter,  by  alleviating the  grief  of  His  Apostles  for  His  future  absence showing them  how  expedient  it  was  for  them  that  He should  leave  the  world. (2) He  acted  the  part  of  a  master, by  teaching  them  what  He  wished  them  to  observe. (3) He  acted  as  an  intercessor  with  His  heavenly  Father in our  behalf,  praying  Him  to  preserve  us. " Examine how  you  observe  what  He  enjoins,"  and  be  thankful  for the lessons  which  you  have  received  from  Him.

II. As our  master,  Christ  chiefly  insists  on  our  love  of His  Father  and  Himself  above  all  things. "As the Father  hath  loved  Me,  I  also  have  loved  you.  Remain in  My  love." (John xv.  9.)  Examine  whether  you  love Him as  He  has  loved  you  and  yet  there  can  be  no  comparison between  the  effects  of  these  affections. His love for you  is  infinitely  beneficial  to  you;  yours  for  Him  is in  no  respect  profitable  to  Him. Notwithstanding this, out of  pure  affection  for  you,  and  to  gain  your  love,  He has  given  you  His  own  precious  body  and  blood,  and even His  life  on  the  cross,  for  your  redemption. "Greater love than  this  no  man  hath." (John xv.  13.)

III. " If  ye  love  Me,  keep  My  commandments;  if  any one  love  Me,  he  will  keep  My  word." (John xiv.  15.) "The performance  of  actions,"  says  St.  Gregory,  "  is  the