July 3
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeWednesday after Ascension Day
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1.
THE whole Church, all elect souls, each in its turn, is called to this necessary work. Once it was the turn of others, and now it is our turn. Once it was the Apostles' turn. It was S. Paul's turn once. He had all cares on him all at once; covered from head to foot with cares, as Job with sores. And as if all this was not enough, he had a thorn in the flesh added. Yet he did his part well. He was as a strong wrestler in his day, and at the close he was able to say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." After him the excellent of the earth, the white-robed army of martyrs, the cheerful company of confessors, each in his turn down to this very time, first one and then another, have been called out to exhibit before the Great King. Such is our state. Angels are looking on. Christ has gone before. Christ has given us an example that we may follow His steps. He went through infinitely more than we can be called upon to suffer. Our brethren have gone through much more, and they encourage us by their success.
Tell me, you bright stars that shine Round about the Lamb's high throne, How, through bodies once like mine, How are you thus glorious grown?
Hark, with one voice they reply, This was all our happy skill: We on Jesus fixed our eye, And His eminent followers, still.
We arrived at this bright place; Follow us, and never fear.