Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/440

 could neither  move  himself  nor  cause  the  waters  of  the probatic pond  to  move;  "  I  have  no  man,"  he  said,  "when the  water  is  troubled." (John v.  7.)  In  consequence  of his  humble  confession,  he  immediately  received  a  cure from Christ;  for  an  humble  acknowledgement  of  our own weakness  is  the  best  disposition  to  receive  God's assistance. Perhaps you  have  reason  to  say,  "  I  have  no man,"  that  is,  I  have  not  the  heart,  nor  the  courage  of  a man  to  overcome  myself. Christ our  Lord  is  ready  to raise  you  with  His  grace  from  the  state  of  lethargy  and spiritual languor,  into  which  you  have  fallen,  if  you  be willing  on  your  part. You have  also  preachers,  superiors and directors,  to  admonish  and  help  you.

II. The efficacy  of  Christ's  words  cured  the  sick  man. "Arise," said  He,  "take  up  thy  bed  and  walk." Speak, O Lord,  in  the  same  manner  to  me;  "  Say  to  my  soul,  I am  thy  salvation." (Ps. xxxiv.  3.)  Reflect  on  the  obedience of  this  man;  he  immediately  rose,  and  though  it was  the  Sabbath  day,  he  took  his  bed  upon  his  shoulders and walked. This is  a  perfect  example  of  blind  obedience. Do you  therefore,  on  your  part,  take  up  this  yoke of obedience  and  walk  in  the  paths  of  justice. Walk before God  and  be  perfect.

III. After Christ  had  performed  this  miracle,  "  He went  aside  from  the  multitude"  (John  v.  13),  to  give  us an  example  of  shunning  the  applause  of  men. " Afterward Jesus  finding  him  in  the  temple,  said  to  him,  behold thou  art  made  whole,  sin  no  more,  lest  some  worse  thing happen  to  thee." Imagine the  same  words  to  be  spoken to you,  when  you  approach  the  sacrament  of  penance, " Go  and  sin  no  more,  lest  some  worse  thing  happen  to thee."