Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/441



I. A  great  multitude  was  gathered  together  in  and around the  house  in  which  Jesus  was,  "  so  that  there  was no  room,  no. not  even  at  the  door,  and  He  spoke  to  them the  word." (Mark ii.  2.)  Observe  our  Lord's  indefatigable zeal  in  laboring  for  the  salvation  of  mankind;  at no  time  and  in  no  place  does  He  spare  His  exertions  in this  great  cause,  but  freely  admits  and  instructs  all. Imitate His  example  and  embrace  the  sentiment  of  St. Paul,  who  followed  it  so  well;  "  I  most  gladly  will  spend, and  be  spent  myself  for  your  souls,  although  loving  you more,  I  beloved  less." (2 Cor.  xii.  15.)

II. " And  behold  men  brought  in  a  bed,  a  man,  who had  the  palsy,  and  when  they  could  not  find  by  what  way they  might  bring  him  in,  because  of  the  multitude,  they went  upon  the  roof  and  let  him  down  through  the  tiles, with  his  bed,  into  the  midst  before  Jesus." (Luke v.  18.) Admire the  faith  of  these  men,  for  they  undoubtedly  believed, that  Christ  would  cure  him,  and  hence,  they  took every pains  to  bring  the  sick  man  to  Him. Observe, also, their  courage  and  patience  in  overcoming  the  difficulties that  prevented  their  free  access  to  the  house. They forced  their  way  through  everything  until  they  had accomplished their  desire. "A true  belief,"  writes  St. Bonaventure,  "is  not  destroyed,  nor  cooled  by  impatience, but  rather  inflamed." Examine your  conduct  on similar  occasions,  and  see  how  easily  you  desist  from  a good  work,  through  fear.

III. Consider the  wonderful  mercy  of  Christ:  "  Son,  be of  good  heart,  thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee." (Matt. ix.  2.)