Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/82

 they  whom  we  had  some  time  in  derision,  and  for  a parable  of  reproach. We fools  esteemed  their  life  madness,  and  their  end  without honour. Behold, how  they  are  numbered  among  the  children  of  God, and their  lot  is  among  the  saints"  (Wisd.  5,  3 — 5).

You became  children  of  God  by  holy  Baptism. Have you  always  lived  as  such? Have you  always  prayed  willingly and  devoutly,  and  hated  sin? Think very  often  about  God, who is  everywhere,  and  sees  into  your  hearts. Henoch took delight in  meditating  about  God. Wherever he  went,  and  whatever he was  doing,  he  had  God  before  his  eyes. Each time  to-day that you  hear  the  clock  strike,  or  the  bell  ring,  make  short  acts of faith,  hope  and  charity.

The children  of  God  became  corrupt,  because  they  mixed with the  children  of  the  world. Man, being  naturally  inclined  to evil,  follows  bad  example  very  easily. “Evil communications  corrupt good  manners.”  One  bad  apple  taints  a hundred  sound  ones, but a hundred  sound  apples  cannot  make  the  bad  one  good again. Beware, in  future,  of  bad  companions. They are  not  true friends, but  the  enemies  of  your  soul. Seek the  company  of pious,  God  fearing  people. “My son,  if  sinners  shall  entice  thee, consent not  to  them”  (Prov.  1,  10).

Noe’s preaching  was  all  in  vain,  because  the  frivolous  people heard him  indeed  with  their  ears,  but  did  not  take  to  heart  what he said. In what  way  do  you  listen  to  sermons  and  instructions?

Noe feared  God,  but  did  not  fear  the  impious  world. Very often you  fear  men  more  than  God. Have you  never  been ashamed to  make  the  sign  of  the  cross,  or  to  kneel  down  to  say your prayers,  or  to  take  holy  water? Do not  ever  again  be  so cowardly! Pay no  attention  to  the  scoffs  of  bad  people,  but  be strong,  and  fearlessly  confess  your  faith! Pray earnestly  to  God the Holy  Ghost  for  the  gifts  of  fortitude  and  holy  fear!

OW God  remembered Noe  and  all  that  was  in  the  ark,  and He sent  a wind  upon  the  earth. This moved  the  waters, 2nd after  a hundred  and  fifty  days  they  began  to  abate. At length, the ark  rested  upon  a mountain  in  Armenia, called  Mount