Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/249

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mighty in work and word, before God and all the people." (Luke xxiv. 17, 19.) The testimony was honorable to our Saviour. Such ought to be the character of every one who is employed in gaining souls, and of every faithful Christian. They should join action to their words and professions, and first teach by example what they wish others to practise. " That discourse," says the great St. Gregory, " more easily penetrates the heart of an audience which is recommended by the orator's life."

III. Consider the words of their divine companion, " Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and so to enter into His glory?" (Luke xxiv. 26.) It was necessary thai His sufferings should precede His glory. How can ycu expect to enter into His glory when you are continually seeking your own ease, convenience, and satisfaction in everything, and when you cannot endure to suffer the least for Him. Reflect how little you have hitherto suffered in God's cause,' and remember at the same time that " the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent bear it away." (Matt. xi. 12.)

TUESDAY.

The Disciples Going to Emmaus- II.

I. Christ walks with His disciples, and explains to them the mysteries of His passion. How their hearts must have been inflamed with the fire of divine love, which burns in its proper element, so near them! They had reason to say to one another afterwards, "Was not our heart burning within us while He was speaking in the way?" (Luke xxiv. 32.) Fervor is a sign of Christ's presence in the soul, as are tepidity and coldness of His absence.