Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/363

 work of  our  salvation. " He  who  created  you,"  says  St. Augustine,  "  without  your  own  exertions,  will  not  save you  without  them."

III. Consider the  perfect  example  of  obedience  given by the  servants. They make  no  reply;  they  inquire  for no reason  for  the  command,  but  instantly  fill  the  vessels completely. Thus ought  we  to  fulfil  the  commands  of God,  and  the  injunctions  of  His  vicegerents,  readily, entirely and  fully. Almighty God  will  have  nothing maimed or  imperfect  offered  to  Him  in  sacrifice. Take care that  your  works  are  full  and  perfect,  lest  you  hear the complaint  of  God,  "  I  find  not  thy  works  full  before my  God." (Apoc. iii.  2.)

WEDNESDAY.

The Marriage  Feast  at  Cana.— III.

I. Consider  the  greatness  of  the  miracle;  the  creature obeyed the  will  of  Christ,  and  the  water  was  immediately changed into  wine. Imagine the  joy  which  the  Virgin experienced on  this  occasion;  how  the  Apostles  were strengthened in  their  faith,  and  how  all  the  guests  were astonished. Mark the  efficacy  of  the  Holy  Virgin's  intercession; by  her  means  He  wrought  His  precusor's  sanctification  and  performed  His  first  miracle. Learn hence, that all  blessings,  spiritual  and  temporal,  are  derived through her.

II. Consider the  words  of  the  chief  steward:  "Every man  at  first  setteth  forth  good  wine,  then  that  which  is worse." (John ii.  10.)  Thus  the  world  ever  acts  with  its votaries; at  first  it  presents  them  the  cup  of  joy,  allurements and  pleasures. " Let  us  crown  ourselves  with roses,"  it  says,  "before  they  be   withered.    Let  no