November 4

Sixteenth Monday after Trinity

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Ephesians 3:14, 15.

THE Angels in heaven and the Saints on earth are all the sons of God, making the same family, the one universal Church of Christ. They are all one, yet how many Patriarchs, Prophets, and Apostles, Martyrs, Saints are there. They are for ever with the Lord. "They see Him as He is," and though we be on earth, yet if our conversation be in heaven, we must join with them in their worship. Praise our God, all ye His servants, ye that fear Him both small and great. None of us can be too small to fear Him; none, be they even babes, can be too insignificant to join in praise with the Church. The Saints in heaven see Him as He is, for they are made by Him meet to partake of His glory. We see Him not as He is, but as He once became for us; for such a sight is most needful for us, that in His humiliation we may be humble, in His sorrows we may grieve, beholding what He hath become for our sakes and for our sins. "Not to all His members," says a father, "doth He appear alike; for to some it is as the Head rough with thorns, bowed down on the Cross, that they together with Him might be abased. To others He appears glorious, that they in Him may be glorious. He that would be His where He wears His crown of glory, must be His also where He wears His crown of thorns.

And now, my soul, canst thou forget That thy whole life is one long debt Of love to Him Who on this tree The flesh paid back He took for thee?