Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/494



I. "  There  was  a  certain  master  of  a  family,  who  planted a  vineyard  and  made  a  hedge  round  about  it." (Matt, xxi. 23,  Mark  xii.)  God  has  planted  a  vineyard,  which  is His  universal  Church,  and  has  bestowed  great  care  on it. In the  first  place,  He  has  "made  a  hedge  round about  it,"  by  fencing  it  with  excellent  laws  and  precepts, by placing  it  under  the  protection  of  His  angels,  who defend it  against  the  incursions  of  the  Devil. Secondly, He has  "  dug  in  it  a  wine  press,"  by  instituting  the  sacraments, which  derive  their  efficacy  from  Christ's  precious blood, that  continually  flows  for  our  sins. Thirdly, He has  "  built  a  tower;"  that  is,  His  Divine  Providence  is  always  employed  in  defending  it  from  evil,  and  in  providing it  with  every  good  thing  which  is  necessary. How happy is  it  to  be  placed  in  such  a  vineyard  under  such  a guardian!

II. Having thus  arranged  his  vineyard,  "the  master  of a  family,"  "  let  it  out  to  husbandmen;"  that  is,  to  all mankind, in  order  that  each  one  might  labor  in  it  according to  his  state  and  calling. After he  had  done this, "he  went  into  a  strange  country." God seems  to be  absent  from  us,  and  to  leave  us  to  ourselves,  in  order that we  may  act  from  the  impulse  of  free  will. Although He can  have  whatever  good  act  He  wishes  from  His creatures, whenever  He  wishes,  yet  He  waits  with  patience. Who would  not  admire  and  love  so  much  goodness and  mercy!

III. Almighty God,  to  put  these  husbandmen  in  mind