Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/23



I. Almighty  God,  though  He  be  infinitely  powerful  and rich, and  in  regard  to  whom  all  His  creatures  are  as  "a drop  of  a  bucket,  and  as  the  smallest  grain  of  a  balance" (Is. xl.  15),  does  not  disdain  to  be  called,  and  to  be  really, our Father. He condescends  in  some  respect  to  be  our only Father;  for  Jesus  Christ  says,  "Call  none  your father  upon  earth,  for  One  is  your  Father  who  is  in heaven." (Matt, xxiii.  9.)  Christ  Himself  would  be  styled by a  special  title  the  "Father  of  the  world  to  come" (Is. ix.  6),  and  not  content  with  this,  He  assumes  something more  than  even  the  affection  of  a  mother:  "If  she should  forget  her  child,"  He  says,  "yet  will  not  I  forget thee." (Is. xlix.  15.)  Reflect  deeply  how  Christ  performs both  of  these  offices. — He not  only  gives  us  a spiritual  life,  but  He  nourishes  us  with  His  own  most precious body  and  blood.

II. Consider how,  like  another  prodigal  son,  you  have abandoned a  father  so  good  and  so  affectionate;  and employed yourself  in  feeding  swine. He is,  however, still ready  to  receive  you  again,  and  clothe  you  with  His costly robe;  for,  "as  a  father  hath  compassion  on  his children,  so  hath  the  Lord  compassion  on  them  that  fear Him;  for  He  knoweth  our  frame." (Ps. cii.  13.)  He awaits  you  to-day  in  the  Eucharist,  and  with  open  arms wishes to  embrace  you. Dispose yourself,  then,  to  receive Him  in  the  most  worthy  manner.

III. To dispose  your  soul  in  the  best  manner  to  receive