Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/466

 concealed from  God,  "  Whose  eyes  are  open  upon  all  the ways  of  the  children  of  Adam." (Jer. xxxii.  19.)

III. Although the  multitude  pressed  on  Christ,  He asked,  "  Who  is  it  that  touched  me?" The others touched Him  corporally;  but  this  woman  touched  Him spiritually, and  therefore  she  was  cured. Thus, many touch Christ,  particularly  in  the  Eucharist;  but  do  it without  spiritual  feeling. Of such  as  these  the  Prophet speaks when  he  says:  "Forasmuch  as  this  people  draw near  Me  with  their  mouth,  and  with  their  lips  glorify  Me, but  their  hearts  are  far  from  Me." (Is. xxix.  13.)  Avoid being classed  with  that  kind  of  false  Christians.

I. "  Behold  there  came  a  man  (whose  name  was  Jairus),  and  he  was  a  ruler  of  the  synagogue,  and  he  fell down  at  the  feet  of  Jesus." (Luke viii.  41.)  Observe how misfortunes  humble  even  rulers,  and  force  them  to have  recourse  to  God. Hence, king  David  says,  "  It  is good  for  me  that  Thou  hast  humbled  me"  (Ps.  cxviii.  71); and again,  "  I  am  turned  in  my  anguish,  whilst  the  thorn is  fastened." (Ps. xxxi.  4.)  This  ruler  prays  for  his only daughter,  who  was  at  the  point  of  death. Examine whether your  soul  be  not  at  the  point  of  death,  in  consequence of  your  carelessness  in  resisting  some  grievous temptation, or  of  your  not  avoiding  venial  sins.

II. Consider Christ's  goodness  in  going  immediately to the  ruler's  house,  although  He  might  have  cured  her whilst he  was  at  a  distance. Besides, to  teach  us  humility, He  endeavors  as  much  as  He  can  to  conceal  the