Prayer.
O Adonai and leader of the house of Israel! Who didst appear to Moses in the fire of the flaming bush, and didst give him the Law of Sinai: come and save us with a stretched-forth arm. Amen.
Twenty-sixth Day.
We are often solicitous about temporal affairs: our eating, drinking, clothing, and that which is dependent on us. We are right in making all necessary efforts, but we must not forget God, or lose confidence in Him. The Magi left their kingdoms, palaces, families, their great comforts of home, and went on a long journey, led by the star, without being clearly told how far their journey was to carry them. They had to travel through unknown lands, under a burning sun, exposed to wild beasts, and the enmity of wandering tribes. Still they persevered until they were rewarded by the sight of the Messias, the Redeemer of the world. Then “they rejoiced [pg 036] with exceeding great joy.” This is also a lesson to us to quiet our fears. God knows what we have done for Him, and a thousand-fold will He reward our generous actions, and at the same time our families will be protected and our wants supplied. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice: and all these things shall be added unto you.”—Luke xii. 31.
Prayer.
O Root of Jesse! Who art a signal to the people, in Whose presence kings shall be silent, and to Whom the Gentiles shall pray: come and deliver us now and delay not. Amen.
Twenty-seventh Day.
The revelation which you have received from God ought to enter deeply into your soul. Mary's heart was full of grace. You should receive God's word into your hearts, that it may be the nourishment of your souls, that it may fill you with holy sentiments and desires, and model you according to the life of Christ. During these days you have given much thought to the birth of Our Lord. Be careful in your prayers not to keep it on your lips only, but let it take deep root in your hearts, so that Christ may be born again in your souls. Pray to Mary, to the angels, and to the saints, that they may assist you; that you may preserve the deposit of faith with fidelity as they preserved it, for the nourishment of the spirit and the sanctification of your soul, and of others that may be intrusted to your care. Your piety and love of the Lord should increase with these [pg 037] meditations. “Thy word is exceedingly refined: and Thy servant hath loved it.”—Ps. cxviii. 140.