Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/90

 heart was  filled  with  the  most  ardent  affections  of  love,, she resigned  herself  with  perfect  conformity  to  the  will of God,  in  regard  to  the  time,  place,  and  manner  of  her delivery, because  she  was  convinced  that  "God  hath care  of  us." (1 Pet.  v.  7.)  Imitate  her  example,  and "cast all  your  solicitude  upon  God."

III. How well  the  divine  Infant  rewarded  His  mother whilst He  remained  shut  up  in  her  womb! If at  the  first moment of  His  conception  He  bestowed  upon  her  such extraordinary grace  and  favor,  what  increase  of  these did He  not  give  her  throughout  the  nine  months  during which she  carried  Him  in  her  womb. He illuminated  her understanding with  an  infused  light  and  knowledge  of the  mysteries  of  faith;  He  inflamed  her  will  with  more than seraphic  affections  of  love. He was  no  burden,  no pain,  no  trouble  to  her;  but  a  most  welcome  guest,  and an effectual  comforter  on  all  occasions. He would  be so  to  you,  with  due  proportion,  in  the  sacrament,  if  you would give  Him  a  similar  entertainment  and  not  immediately distract  your  mind  with  other  affairs.

I. This  expectation  existed  on  the  part  of  the  Fathers in Limbo;  they  prayed  and  cried  out  continually  with Isaias: "Drop  dew,  ye  heavens,  from  above,  and  let  the clouds  rain  the  just:  let  the  earth  be  opened  and  bud forth  a  saviour." (xlv. 8.)  They  longed  to  be  set  free from bondage  in  order  that  they  might  enjoy  the  beatific vision. "Shine forth,"  they  exclaimed  from  their prison-house, "  before  Ephraim,  Benjamin,  and  Manasses. Stir  up  thy  might,  and  come  to  save  us." (Ps. lxxix.  3.); Rouse your  sluggish  mind  with  these  inflamed  desires.