Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/348

 and John,  in  order  that  on  these,  as  on  four  pillars,  he might  build  His  Church. He also  wished  to  teach  us, that His  disciples  ought  to  be  well  grounded  in  fraternal affection, according  to  His  own  expressions,  used  afterwards, "  By  this  shall  all  men  know,  that  you  are  My disciples,  if  you  have  love  one  for  another." (John xiii. 35.)  Examine  yourself,  therefore,  most  seriously  upon this point,  and  remember,  that  fraternal  charity  is  an essential  characteristic  of  Christianity.

II. "And they  immediately  left  their  nets  and  their father,  and  followed  him." Those who  aspire  to  the  perfection of  a  religious  life,  or  who  wish  to  lead  an  apostolic life,  must  not  only  renounce  their  worldly  possessions, but  even  their  parents,  for  Christ's  sake. They must convert  their  human  affections  into  Spiritual  love, and make  them  subordinate  to  the  Divine  service. Examine whether your  human  affections  do  not  sometimes prevent you  from  aspiring  to  higher  perfection  and  from leading a  more  virtuous  and  regular  life.

III. The word  immediately  is  not  inserted  in  the  text  by the  sacred  writer,  without  mystery. The two  brothers were mending  their  nets  with  their  aged  parent,  but  as soon  as  Christ  called  them,  they  left  their  nets  as  they were. The age  of  their  father,  his  probable  wants,  and the need  that  he  might  have  of  their  services,  presented no opposition  to  their  calling. They knew  that  the  God, whom they  followed,  when  they  left  their  parent,  would in His  kind  providence  protect  him;  and  would  take better care  of  him  than  they  could. Their obedience was prompt  and  perfect. Let your  obedience  be  like theirs; avoid  making  excuses  when  God  calls  you,  or  the voice of  obedience  speaks.