December 22

Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. Philippians 3:17.

S. PAUL taught the Gospel not only by his words, but also by his life. He wrought by his own hands, to show them "that by so labouring they ought to support the weak." He was able to say with confidence, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." Thus it pleased God not only to afford us a perfect pattern in His Son, but in His Apostles and Saints also living ensamples, in men subject to like passions as we are. They shine like lights in the world amidst the darkness that surrounds us, living by a higher rule, and as it were walking in heaven. "Yes; their deeds and trophies," says a saintly man, "have always been one of the dearest subjects to me since I was a mere child. According to my poor skill, I have tried, however imperfectly, to set forth their glorious and valiant deeds here to others. The thought of thoughts, the older I grew, the more it fixed itself on me, is this, that they were sinners. I can despair of nothing when I remember that. I see how hard they had to struggle with timidity and despair. S. Peter, though our Lord was by his side, began to sink in the sea. I see how valiantly they had to do battle with their tempers. I see Peter warming himself when his Master was before the seat of unrighteous judgment. Can I be surprised if in you or in myself I should see a desire of ease that is not in unison with the Cross?"

The faith that highest shines No deed of charity declines, And seeks no rest and shuns no strife In working out a holy life.