May 1 — On St, philip and St. James

Consider, first, that St. Philip and St. James were both disciples of Christ, trained up in his heavenly school. In quality of Christians, we ought all to be such, as the very name of a Christian signifies a disciple that is, a scholar, and follower of Jesus Christ. They were both called by Christ, and readily left all things else to follow him, and from that time inseparably adhered to him. How often have we also been called by him, by his interior graces I But have we ever yet followed him in earnest? Have we ever yet seriously renounced the love of the world, and every tie that offered to keep us from him 1 Have we as yet ever stuck to him, so as to be his constant attendants? They were both chosen by Christ to be of the number of the twelve apostles; they were both zealous preachers of the faith, and, after gaining innumerable souls to God, they both sealed their doctrine with their blood. Happy we, if, by our words or works, we can also be instrumental in gaining souls to God! Happy we, if we might suffer, or even lay down our lives for so good a cause!

Consider, secondly, that St. Philip had no sooner found Christ, but he was willing to make his friend Nathanael partaker of the same happiness; and therefore brought him also to Christ. This was friendship indeed; this was true charity, to take his friend with him to Christ. Alas! how many now-a-days engage their friends in a partnership of their errors and vices 1 How many lead them with them to their criminal diversions, or otherwise bring them into sin! But how few have the charity to carry them effectually to Christ! How few labour to reclaim them from the errors of their ways, and from the broad road in which they are walking! How few suggest to their friends, how they may find Christ, by a spiritual retreat, by a good general confession, by the daily practice of meditation, &c. This would be friendship indeed.

Consider, thirdly, that St. James was remarkable for the great austerity of his life, and for his continual prayer. Do we desire to come to a share in his heavenly glory? The mortification of our own humours and passions, frequent voluntary self denials, and a spirit of penance for our sins, joined with constant and fervent prayer, will bring us effectually to his company. We are told that, by reason of the great sanctity of his life, he alone was allowed to enter into the sancta sanctorum, or the inward sanctuary of the temple. But what was a much greater advantage to him, was, that he was allowed to enter into the true sanctuary of God, in his own interior, as often as he pleased, and there to find him all alone, and to converse as familiarly with him as pleased, by the means of mental prayer. This kind of entering into the sanctuary, God is both willing and desirous to allow to us all; and it is the practice of this which is the securest way to introduce us hereafter into his eternal sanctuary.

Conclude to honour and to imitate these blessed saints, in such manner, during thy mortal pilgrimage, that they may receive thee one day into the everlasting mansions of bliss.