Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/687

   You  can  see  by  the  case  of  Judas  how  low a man can  fall  who  despises  warnings  and  resists  the  inspirations of grace. By degrees  he  becomes  so  hardened  and  indifferent,  that he is  capable  of  any  sin. Examine yourself! Do you  take  good advice to  heart,  and  act  on  it? or do  you  prefer  listening  to  the suggestions of  bad  companions  rather  than  to  the  inspirations  of the  Holy  Ghost,  and  the  advice  of  those  set  over  you? Do not harden your  heart  and  follow  the  example  of  Judas!

AVING given  His  apostles  this  great  proof  of  His  love — His own  Body  and  Blood,  Jesus  vouchsafed  to  give  them also a new  commandment  of  love. “Little children”, said  He, “yet a little  while  I am  with  you. I give you  a new  commandment, that  you  love  one  another,  as  I have  loved  you. By this shall all  men  know  that  you  are  My  disciples,  if  you  have  love one for  another.”

Simon Peter  said  to  Him:  “Lord,  whither  goest  Thou?” Jesus answered:  “Whither  I go,  thou  canst  not  follow  Me  now, but thou  shalt  follow  Me  afterwards.”  Peter  said  to  Him:  “Why cannot I follow  Thee  now? I will lay  down  my  life  for  Thee.” Jesus answered  Him:  “Wilt  thou  lay  down  thy  life  for  Me? Amen, amen, I say  unto  thee,  the  cock  shall  not  crow  twice  before  thou deny Me  thrice!”

Then the  Lord  addressed  Peter:  “Simon,  Simon,  behold, Satan hath  desired  to  sift  you  as  wheat. But I have  prayed  for