Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/259

 forward in  works  of  piety  and  zeal. Apply yourself  to both  states  in  proper  proportion,  in  order  that  by  contemplation you  may  discover  the  will  of  God,  and  reduce it to  practice  in  the  state  of  active  life.

II. "As soon  as  they  came  to  land  they  saw  hot  coals lying,  and  a  fish  laid  thereon,  and  bread." He Himself invites them  to  eat,  to  show  His  goodness  and  paternal providence to  mankind  in  general,  and  to  His  Apostles and their  successors  in  particular. He will  not  suffer those who  are  employed  in  His  service  to  endure  want, if they  place  their  confidence  in  Him,  and  "  seek  first  the kingdom  of  God  and  His  justice." (Luke xii.  31.)  He invites  all  to  partake  of  His  munificence:  "Come  to  Me, all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  refresh you." (Matt. xi.  28.)  Accept  of  His  invitation,  and "cast thy  care  upon  the  Lord,  and  He  shall  sustain  thee." (Ps. liv.  23.)

III. Those whose  duty  it  is  to  exercise  the  office  of "fishers  of  men"  ought  to  follow  the  injunction  of  their Master, Jesus  Christ,  and  cast  their  net  on  the  "right side." In nothing  whatsoever  are  purity  of  motive  and right intention  more  necessary  than  in  the  works  of  the ministry. " The  Apostles,"  writes  St.  Bernard,  "  spread their  nets  to  catch  fish,  and  not  gold  and  silver." It is  the  duty  of  every  Christian,  as  well  as  of  the ministers of  the  Gospel,  to  aim  at  the  salvation  of  their neighbors' souls. " God  has  given  charge  to  every  one, of  his  brother." In his  proper  sphere  and  department of life  every  one  ought  to  be  an  apostle. Examine how you perform  this  duty,  and  whether  you  be  actuated  by right  intentions  and  purity  of  motives.