Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/398



I. Herod  made  a  supper  for  his  birthday  for  the princes." (Mark,  vi.  21.)  Worldly  men  place  their  happiness in  the  enjoyments  of  this  mortal  life,  which  however passes  away  like  a  shadow.  In  opposition  to  this the  Holy  Spirit  exclaims,  "  the  day  of  death  is  better,  than the day  of  one's  birth."  (Eccles.  vii.  2.)  The  day  of  our birth  introduces  us  into  a  world  of  misery  and  woe,  but the  day  of  our  death,  if  we  have  spent  life  well,  unites  us to  God  himself.  Constantly,  therefore,  fix  your  attention on  your  last  moment,  and  prepare  for  it  in  all  your actions.  Remember  your  last  end  and  you  will  never sin.

II. During the  festive  revelling  of  that  night,  the  head of a  most  innocent  and  holy  man  was  asked  for  and granted. Observe, to  what  crimes,  riot  and  luxury, hurry their  votaries! Hence, the  Wise  Man  says,  "Be not  in  the  feasts  of  great  drinkers." (Prov. xxiii.  20.) Herod fell  into  the  precipice  of  immorality  and  cruelty, because he  would  not  listen  to  the  words  of  St.  John, which signifies  grace. Beware, therefore,  lest  you  expose yourself  to  the  same  ruin,  by  resisting  God's  holy grace and  inspirations. "Thou that  despisest,  shalt  not thou  thyself  be  despised?" (Is. xxxiii.  1.)

III. St. John  received  his  sentence  of  death  with  great joy, and  with  equal  constancy  submitted  to  the  stroke, which separated  his  head  from  his  body. His soul  then winged her  flight  into  the  bosom  of  Abraham. " Precious in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  is  the  death  of  His  saints." (Ps. cxv.  6.)    Entreat  God,  that  you  may  die  the  death