Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/402

 (John vi.  14.)  They  were  astonished  at  the  prodigious multiplication of  the  loaves  and  fishes,  and,  therefore,  resolved  to  make  Christ  their  king. God performs  greater miracles than  this  every  day,  by  raising  harvests  from  a few  grains  of  corn,  and  thus  supporting  all  living  creatures. Why then  do  we  not  make  Him  the  king  of  our hearts, and  obey  Him  in  all  things? Why do  we  not address Him,  "  Thou  art  Thyself  my  king  and  my  God." Ps. xliii. 5.)

II. "When Jesus  therefore  perceived,  that  they  would come  to  take  Him  by  force,  and  make  Him  king,  He  fled into  the  mountain  Himself  alone." (John vi.  15.)  Sovereignty was  due  to  Christ,  because  He  was  the  Son  of God;  it  was  due  to  His  merits,  and  in  consequence  of the  benefits,  which  He  had  bestowed  on  mankind;  but He refused  to  accept  of  it,  and  wThen  there  was  any question concerning  it,  He  fled  away  and  hid  Himself. How few  are  there  now  in  the  world  who  would  closely follow Christ's  example,  on  a  similar  occasion. By His  example Christ  wishes  to  teach  us  to  fly  from  honors,  and to court  humility. Examine your  conscience  on  this  pointy and see  whether  you  do  not  rather  seek  after  such  occupations as  are  attended  with  lustre  and  reputation,  than follow the  humble  example  of  your  Lord  and  master. See whether  you  do  not  at  least  prefer  yourself  to  your companions or  neighbors.

III. St. Matthew  writes  of  Christ  on  this  occasion:  "He went  up  into  the  mountain  alone,  to  pray." (Matt. xiv.  23.) He thus  teaches  us  to  have  recourse  to  prayer  when  we are  tempted  by  pride  or  ambition. It was  His  usual  custom to  retire  from  society  to  pray  alone,  not  that  He stood  in  need  of  prayer,  as  we  do,  since  He  always  beheld the  face  of  God  by  the  beatific  vision,  but  He wished  to  give  us  an  example. Imitate Him  therefore,