Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/149

 whose parents  are  strict. “He that  spareth  the  rod,  hateth  his  son,  but he  that  loveth  him,  correcteth  him  betimes”  (Prov.  13,  24).

Economy. Joseph practised  economy  in  the  time  of  plenty,  in  order to be  able  to  help  others  in  the  time  of  need. The wise  son  of  Sirach says: “Remember  poverty  in  the  time  of  abundance,  and  the  necessities of  poverty  in  the  day  of  riches”  (Ecclus.  18,  25).

Feeding the  hungry. On  one  hand,  we  should  guard  against  extravagance, on  the  other,  against  the  detestable  vice  of  avarice. Joseph fed the  hungry  Egyptians  with  bread:  we  too  ought  to  be  willing  to help  those  in  need.

A bad conscience.  It  was  really  from  kindness  that  Joseph  secretly returned their  money  to  his  brothers,  and  gave  them  provisions  for their journey. But his  generosity  caused  them  no  joy,  only  anxiety  and fear, because  their  consciences  were  guilty. They feared  that  God meant to  punish  them  for  the  crime  they  had  committed  against  Joseph, and had  brought  it  about  that  their  money  should  be  left  in  their  sacks, so that  they  might  be  regarded  and  punished  as  thieves. An evil conscience spoils  every  joy. It fills  the  sinner  with  fear,  and  follows him about  wherever  he  goes.

The treasury  of  Christ's  merits.  Even  as  Pharao  said  to  the  hungry Egyptians: “Go  to  Joseph”,  so  does  the  Heavenly  King  say  to  all those who  are  laden  with  sin  and  misery:  “Go  to  Jesus,  and  do  all that He  tells  you”,  even  as  He  said  at  the  Transfiguration:  “This  is  my beloved  Son,  hear  ye  Him.”  If  we  obey  this  command,  we  shall  be saved  from  death. Jesus Christ  bequeathed  to  His  Church  a treasury of His  superabundant  merits  and  graces,  from  which,  by  means  of  the seven Sacraments,  we  can  draw  for  all  our  needs.

St. Joseph.  The  Church  applies  those  words:  “Go  to  Joseph”,  to the  holy  foster-father  of  our  Lord,  to  whom  the  Joseph  of  Egypt  bore much resemblance. St. Joseph  was  holy,  chaste,  and  innocent,  received revelations from  God,  was  put  in  charge  of  the  Holy  Family,  and  is now  in  heaven,  the  true  guardian  and  protector  of  every  child  of Jesus. His powerful  intercession  opens  to  us  the  treasury  of  divine grace. He is  the  special  patron  of  Holy  Church. We ought  to  venerate St.  Joseph  very  much,  follow  his  virtuous  example,  and  implore his intercession.

If you  have  any  pain  to  bear,  such  as  toothache &amp;c.,  offer  it  to  God,  and  resolve  to  lead  a better  life  for the future. If you  are  punished  by  your  parents,  say  to  yourself: “It is  what  I deserve.”

Have you  not  often  been  extravagant? Do not  waste  anything, and  do  not  spend  money  unnecessarily,  for  instance,  on sweets. Do not  purposely  spoil  your  clothes,  books  &amp;c.; and willingly give  of  your  savings  to  the  poor.