sessions, united with sincere expressions of gratitude, as well for their own particular favor as for the general benefits resulting from His incarnation, and the vocation of the Gentiles. To these they added the most ardent affections of love and desire, that all the world might know and serve their new-born King. Observe what admirable effects a lively faith produces in the soul; and learn with what affections you ought to approach the same Lord in the Eucharist.
JANUARY 11, OR 12.
Offerings of the Wise Men.
I. "And opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. " With the above-mentioned affections of faith, reverence, and love, they offer gifts to their supreme Lord, the most valuable that they had in their treasures, in order that you may learn to employ the best things, and not the worst, in the divine service. Consider the gifts of the Wise Men in particular: and present yours conjointly with theirs. They offer gold, as a tribute to their King and their Lord. Offer Him, on your part, the gold of charity; for as gold is the most precious of metals, so is charity the queen of virtues. Present to Him all your earthly possessions, with an affection and love of poverty, considering them as nothing in comparison with His divine service; and be ready to leave all, rather than offend Him even venially.
II. They offer frankincense to Him, as an acknowledgment of His divinity. Offer you, also, the frankincense of fervent and frequent prayer. Say with David, "Let my prayer be directed as incense in Thy sight." (Ps.
