June 20

Thursday of the Fourth Week after Easter

We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

WHEN our Lord was with His Apostles, there was as it were a veil upon their hearts; but when the blessed Spirit was given, this veil was taken away; from which time they and good Christians are thus described by S. Paul in the text. This is that "Living Way." The "perfect Gift," which is given alone by "the Father of lights," is so much higher and better than anything we can behold on earth, the highest and best of earthly affections. For what could have been more holy and heavenly than that love which the Apostles bore to Christ? To say nothing of the beloved disciple who lay on His Lord's breast; what tender earnest affection does S. Peter often evince? Even S. Thomas, slow to believe, when his Lord was going into danger said, "Let us go, that we may die with Him." In all this there was something of human as well as Divine love; but when the Holy Spirit, coming down from the Father of lights, turned all their hearts to Him Who had ascended into heaven, this was better, more spiritual and Divine, and partook more of the unchangeable, where there is "no variableness, neither shadow of turning." We, all of us, have to go out of the body, to leave it behind us here to decay, before we can be with Christ; and the more we wean our hearts from everything that is transient and visible, the more shall we be prepared to meet that great change.

Remembering that our home is not on earth,

Nor earthy the affections and the joys

Which must make glad that home, with steadfast aim

Pursue our heavenward path, from time to time

Refreshed, in this world's wilderness, by springs

Of worldly joyance; but still looking on

Beyond created things, to that full bliss