July 31

Second Wednesday after Trinity

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. S. Luke 14:18:20.

THESE three excuses seem intended to express all the various influences which prevail in the world, and which prevent men from being conformed to that love of God and of our neighbour, from realizing the kingdom of heaven which is within us. The occasions of hindrances are matters innocent and perhaps necessary, the invitation does not require that they should be relinquished. The bountiful Friend does not ask of one to forfeit the piece of ground nor the yoke of oxen, nor the third to forsake his wife. They might have kept all these and attended to them, without refusing to come. The rejection consists in this, that their hearts were filled with these pursuits. Christ knew us better than we know ourselves. A little business, a little pleasure, a little worldly society, household cares or engagements, the prospect of gain, or some national or political excitement, cross the path and divert the thoughts. All these excuses mentioned in the parable consist of considerations which are selfish; they are of self-interest, self-indulgence. It is self taking the first place. Let God be first, and all things will be sanctified. For occupations which are pursued for the good of our neighbour, or in the service of God, or for the humiliation of self, always dispose the heart to that love in which consists eternal life.

If I in golden idol build my trust, Or reedy palaces of earth-born fame, By enchanted streams, therein to glass my name, Do Thou, great God, do Thou the gilded bust To shivers rend!