Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/281

 court of  a  worldly  prince,  of  how  much  more  consequence is  it,  to  have  numerous  friends  in  the  court  ot heaven?

III. How diligent  you  ought  to  be  in  honoring  and  in invoking  the  Saints,  and  especially  those  of  your  name, and your  particular  patrons,  in  order  that  they  may  obtain for  you,  the  blessings  and  graces  of  heaven! Above all, reverence  and  pray  to  the  Queen  of  angels  and saints, who,  as  St.  Epiphanius  styles  her, "  is  the  mother of  the  living." She surpasses  all  the  citizens  of heaven,  both  in  her  affection  for  us,  and  in  power  with her divine  Son. Thank your  Saviour  for  having  committed your  cause  to  so  potent  an  advocate,  and  recommend yourself  with  all  earnestness  to  her  care,  "for  she never  denies  help  to  those,  who  petition  for  it,  nor  does she  ever  intercede  in  vain  with  her  Son."

I. Christ  tells  his  disciples  in  the  gospel  of  the  present Sunday. " Hitherto  you  have  not  asked  any  thing  in  my name,  ask,  and  you  shall  receive." (John xvi.  24.)  Imagine yourself,  on  one  hand,  to  be  a  poor,  forlorn,  naked beggar, standing  in  need  of  every  thing  necessary  for your spiritual  life,  and  Christ,  on  the  other,  infinitely rich, infinitely  liberal,  and  desirous  of  making  you  a partaker  of  His  bounty. Listen to  His  solemn  invitation, " Ask,  and  you  shall  receive." Never did  the  most  bounteous sovereign  make  so  liberal  a  promise. " Come  over to  Me,  all  ye  that  desire  me,  and  be  filled  with  My  fruits."