August 21

Fifth Wednesday after Trinity

Not rendering evil for evil: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 1 S. PETER iii. 9.

NOTHING tends so much to train us in calmness under this life's vexations as constant recollection of all the contempt and insult which beset our dear Lord. By the side of such trials we can scarce call our petty troubles adversities. A little humility would enable us to bear all insults with quiet endurance. There is a rich harvest to be reaped from insult and injury, which call forth many graces in us, i.e. Justice. Has some one offended you? Bethink you how often you have offended God. If justly accused, acknowledge the fault, asking forgiveness, and thank him who brings the fault home to us. Disagreeable medicine is very useful in its effects. If unjustly accused, bear witness of the truth calmly. If still accused, "give place unto wrath," exercise silence, meekness. Take no heed of a false accusation, and it will die away. Then follows Discretion, the essence of which is to be moderate. Courage and Resolution, as attained by self-mastery. Temperance, which restrains headlong impulses. Humility, the force of which lies in not merely realizing but accepting abjection. Faith, which "stopped the mouth of lions," teaches us to look to Jesus, Who beneath His load of insult openeth not His mouth. Hope bids us to look to a crown which never fades; and Charity is patient, tender, compassionate, gracious.

This is his work whose heart to God is true.