Why did Our Saviour say that St. John was more than a prophet?
Because he was destined to see the Messias, to preach to men, and declare Him to be the Saviour of the world. And as he was a messenger of God, to announce the coming of Christ and prepare His way, he was called an angel (Malach. iii. 7).
Why did Jesus add, " Blessed is he that shall not be scandalized in Me "?
On account of those who would be scandalized at His humility, His poverty, His ignominious suffering and death upon the cross, and who would, accordingly, despise and reject Him; although the more He humbled Himself for them the more they ought rather to love and honor Him.
Why does the Church set before us this gospel?
In order that we, like the disciples of St. John, may, by His works, recognize Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, and that we may make ourselves worthy of the grace of redemption by doing penance earnestly and firmly, thus preparing the way of the Lord in our hearts.
Consolation in Adversities and Afflictions.
What can and should console us in adversity?
1. A firm belief that everything is ordered by God's wise providence, and that no evil can befall us except by His permission, Who never allows us to suffer more than is for our good. 2. That if we call upon Him in adversity God will help us, whenever it is expedient for our salvation. Thus to encourage us He says, " Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee " (Ps. xlix. 15); and, " If God be for us, who is against us?" (Rom. viii. 31); and " Can a woman forget her infant so as not to have pity on the son of her womb? and if she should forget, yet will not I forget thee: behold, I have graven thee in My hands" (Isaias xlix. 15, 16). 3. That it is useless to resist Divine Providence, for all who have done so have been filled with shame and ignominy: " Who hath resisted Him and hath had peace?" (Job ix. 4.) 4. That our sufferings when borne with patience and submission lose their sharpness, and bring us merit and reward. " For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation, worketh for us, above
