October 16

Thirteenth Wednesday after Trinity

Fulfil your works, your daily tasks. Exodus 5:13.

REAL devotion to God is compatible with every state of life. It has been likened to the liquid we pour into a vessel, which at once adapts itself to any shape. What, then, do we mean by being devout in our own calling? We mean fulfilling every duty which it lays upon us with fervour, diligence, energy, and cheerfulness, for the love of God, and with a view to His honour and glory. Ordinary duties done with fervour become religious acts; energy and brightness in their performance promote charity; and thus he who carries out this rule is really devout in his vocation and serves God after His own heart, fulfilling His will. Love and devotion are as much akin to each other as flame is to fire. Love is a spiritual fire, and when it bursts forth into flame we call it devotion; devotion only adds to the fire of love that glowing flame which makes it ready, active, and diligent not merely in keeping God's commandments, but in obeying His heavenly inspirations and counsels. One who has God's grace and strives to preserve a pure heart need not fear; there is no position so dangerous but may be held safely under this heavenly protection. We find Abraham among idolaters, Lot amid the grossest sinners, and Job in the land of Uz. S. Bernard never ceased striving to advance in Divine love. Although he was occupied in the affairs of state, he always turned everything to God's glory. He was always united to God; His purity was ever spotless, His love and humility ever overflowing.

Serve God before the world; let Him not go

Until thou hast a blessing, then resign

The whole unto Him, and remember who

Prevailed by wrestling ere the sun did shine.

Pour oil upon the stones, weep for thy sin,

Then journey on and have an eye to heaven.