Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/432

 of the  poor,  and  partly  to  make  restitution  for  his  injustices. He overcomes  himself  in  a  most  difficult  encounter, the  abandoning  of  riches;  but  "  the  things which  are  impossible  with  men,  are  possible  with  God." (Luke xviii.  27.)  Examine  whether  you  have  as  yet overcome yourself,  at  least  in  divesting  yourself  of  the desire of  wealth,  and  particularly  in  renouncing  your own will.

III. Christ approved  of  the  piety  of  Zacheus;  "  this day,"  He  said,  "  salvation  is  come  to  thy  house"  (Luke xix.  9),  that  is,  to  the  whole  family  of  which  he  was  the head. Such is  the  effect  of  good  example  in  masters  of families  and  rulers. Entreat our  Lord  to  produce  the same salvation  in  your  soul,  especially  when  He  visits you during  the  time  of  Mass,  either  by  sacramental  or spiritual  communion.

I. The  servant  of  the  centurion  having  fallen  sick,  his master was  anxious  for  him,  and  sent  intercessors  to Christ,  saying,  "  Lord,  my  servant  lieth  at  home  sick  of the  palsy,  and  is  grievously  tormented." (Matt. viii.  6.) Observe the  master's  goodness  and  care  for  his  servant, and ponder  the  efficacy  of  the  prayers  of  such  masters; remark, also,  his  strong  faith,  for  he  believed  that  Christ although absent,  could  effect  the  cure. Learn hence,  to perform  works  of  charity  even  to  your  inferiors. " If thou  have  a  faithful  servant,"  says  the  Wise  Man,  "  let him  be  to  thee  as  thy  own  soul,  treat  him  as  a  brother," (Ecclus. xxxiii.  31.)  Meditate  deeply  on  this  injunction of the  Holy  Ghost.