September 5

Seventh Thursday after Trinity

So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and He sent them away. S. Mark 8:8, 9.

CHRIST teaches us in the same way not to be wasteful. "Gather up the fragments that remain that nothing be lost." What was it to Him, the Maker and Owner of all, Him Who "openeth His Hand and filleth all things living with plenteousness," whether those few crumbs which remained over and above unto them that had eaten were carefully preserved or no? To Him it could make no difference: the difference is to us His reasonable creatures, whether we will deal reverently and gratefully with the provision which His love makes for us, or whether we will waste it, as no object to us. We should think more of this than we are apt to do. Would that we were always thankful for His unspeakable gifts, never wasteful of them!

My Lord and God, Whose gracious Hand Hath led me hitherto, Whatever duty may command, O give me strength to do!

My duty is, all diligence To use, and promptness too, And instantly Thy work commence I know I ought to do.

Then help me, that from day to day, With busy hand and true, The work appointed me I may Unweariedly pursue.

O let my aim at all times be Thy glory, Lord, and praise! Let me in all acknowledge Thee, And Thou direct my ways.