“And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And seeing Him they adored; but some doubted” (Matt. 28, 16-17).
First Prelude: Behold Jesus on the mountain in Galilee, in the midst of His Apostles and the other disciples who had come to see their beloved Master.
Second Prelude: Grant me the grace, O my Saviour, to serve Thee with humility and love, that I may be made worthy of Thy divine promises.
First Point
THE LORD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES
At the Last Supper, Jesus had foretold His disciples that He would appear to them in Galilee. The angels at the sepulchre had reminded the disciples of Christ’s promise, by the message they entrusted to the holy women. How faithfully Jesus abides by His word, as regards time and place,—another proof of His absolute fidelity to His promises! Heaven and earth shall sooner pass away, than that Jesus shall fail to verify His word. How consoling for us, who, trusting in His glorious promises, have left all to follow Him! How often has not the remembrance of these promises renewed our courage! We will, therefore, be ever mindful in future that we are serving a faithful Lord. When the labors ordinarily connected with our religious duties become irksome or oppressive, we will revive our spirits by recalling Christ’s promise that not the slightest good deed, not even a cup of cold water given in charity, shall go unrewarded. If the recollection of our sins would make us fear and tremble at the thought of the pending judgment, let us call to mind the words of Christ: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5, 7), and “They that instruct many unto justice, shall shine as stars for all eternity” (Daniel 12, 3). In truth, the Lord is faithful to His promises. We will, therefore, serve Him with inviolable fidelity. But, alas, how few serve the Lord faithfully! Not infrequently the holiest promises made in moments of fervor are forgotten, and the best resolutions, violated. If even among men it is considered a disgrace to break one’s word, how much greater must be the insult offered to God by our frequent infidelities!
Have I not just cause to lament my repeated acts of unfaithfulness, and to implore God’s pardon? Which evil inclination is the chief cause of my failure to carry out my good resolutions?
Second Point
THE ZEAL OF THE DISCIPLES TO SEE THE LORD
St. Paul relates: “Then was He seen by more than five hundred brethren at once” (1 Cor. 15, 6). Jesus excludes none from His love. He appeared not only to the Apostles but willed by His presence to rejoice the hearts of all who had come thither. In imitation of our Divine Saviour, we should be charitable and kind toward all with whom we come in contact, for Christian charity must embrace the whole world. The hearts of religious, especially, be they dispensers of the corporal works of mercy or instructors of youth, must beat warmly for those in corporal or spiritual distress. They must serve all with equal fervor, cheerfully fulfilling every commission imposed by obedience. Should they entertain any preference, it must be for those whom Jesus also preferred, namely, the poor, the suffering, those in need of spiritual aid and instruction. Furthermore, let us ponder the holy zeal of the Apostles in urging the other disciples to hasten to Galilee, there to have the happiness of beholding the risen Saviour.
Am I eager to share with others the favors and blessings imparted to me by Almighty God? The Lord has dealt out such diverse talents for a wise purpose. Religious life derives its peculiar charm and merit from the circumstance of mutual participation in the prayers and good works of the members. Should it not be our earnest endeavor to lend assistance and support to one another in the striving for perfection? We should not come to our beloved Saviour alone, but in union with our fellow religious and those confided to our care, whose interests and needs we must commend to Him as fervently as if they were our own. Oh, how gladly will the Lord hear such a prayer! Do I love all with the same tender, affectionate and self-immolating love?
Affections: O my Jesus, how ardently did the disciples await the realization of Thy promises! How great was their joy in Thy presence, how profound their reverence, how ardent their gratitude! But, still I have no cause for envying their happiness. Thou dwellest continually in our midst, and we dare approach Thee, to receive Thy blessing, to beg Thee for graces as often as we choose. Oh, that I would utilize such an incomparable privilege to my advantage! O my Saviour, infuse into my heart the sentiments with which Thou didst replenish the hearts of Thy disciples. Give me a loving solicitude to please Thee in all things, constant fervor in the works of my vocation, a tender, benign and generous love for all my associates. Let us all be united by the bond of mutual charity, in union with Thee.
Resolution: For the love of God, I will generously devote my talents and abilities to the service of others.
Spiritual Bouquet: “The Lord is faithful, Who hath chosen you.”
Prayer: Take, O Lord …
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