ing implicitly in the omnipotence and Messiasship of Jesus and deeming himself unworthy that the Lord should enter under his roof. Humanly speaking, what a glad surprise for Christ to find in these strangers the genuine faith He so vainly sought even in Israeli For all time He has made their blind, unquestioning assent the model for doubting seekers of signs and wonders. " Blessed are they that have not seen and have believed. For many such shall come from the east and the west and shall sit down in the kingdom of the Father, but the children of the kingdom shall be cast out." Brethren, you will doubtless say to me: "This is a harsh doctrine, offensive to Catholic ears. It is destructive of old and popular ideas, rather than constructive of new. It were better left unsaid." Brethren, apart from the ' fact that it is the true teaching of Christ, it also, to my mind, serves a double purpose. It throws a flood of light on certain obscure passages of the Gospel narrative, and imparts practical advice for our guidance. Have you ever reflected why Christ so often enjoined secrecy regarding His miracles on the spectators and those who were cured? The explanation offered by some, viz., that it was lest His whereabouts should become known to His enemies seems almost blasphemous. No; the real reason was lest men should be tempted to base their belief in Him on His works rather than His words, thereby conceiving imperfect and unenduring faith. Had all men minds and hearts as docile and tenacious as the Virgin Mary's, miracles would be things unknown.
