heart was filled with the most ardent affections of love,, she resigned herself with perfect conformity to the will of God, in regard to the time, place, and manner of her delivery, because she was convinced that "God hath care of us." (1 Pet. v. 7.) Imitate her example, and "cast all your solicitude upon God."
III. How well the divine Infant rewarded His mother whilst He remained shut up in her womb! If at the first moment of His conception He bestowed upon her such extraordinary grace and favor, what increase of these did He not give her throughout the nine months during which she carried Him in her womb. He illuminated her understanding with an infused light and knowledge of the mysteries of faith; He inflamed her will with more than seraphic affections of love. He was no burden, no pain, no trouble to her; but a most welcome guest, and an effectual comforter on all occasions. He would be so to you, with due proportion, in the sacrament, if you would give Him a similar entertainment and not immediately distract your mind with other affairs.
THURSDAY.
The Expectation of Delivery. — II.
I. This expectation existed on the part of the Fathers in Limbo; they prayed and cried out continually with Isaias: "Drop dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened and bud forth a saviour." (xlv. 8.) They longed to be set free from bondage in order that they might enjoy the beatific vision. "Shine forth," they exclaimed from their prison-house, " before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses. Stir up thy might, and come to save us." (Ps. lxxix. 3.); Rouse your sluggish mind with these inflamed desires.
