who reject the banquet of this Heavenly King and adhere to vile and transitory pursuits, particularly when they reflect that, by acting otherwise, they may pass from the Church militant on earth to the triumphant Church in heaven. Take care that you yourself be not entangled in the snares of this world, lest you be shut out from the heavenly banquet. " Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." (Luke xiv. 15.) Aspire with all your soul to the enjoyment of this happiness.
THURSDAY.
The Invitation to the Marriage Feast.— II.
I. " Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the feeble, and the blind, and the lame." (Luke xiv. 21.) The mercy of God is not diminished by the wretchedness or ingratitude of mankind. He provides other guests to take the places of those who were invited. Instead of the rich and voluptuous, who excuse themselves, He calls the poor and the feeble, that is, those who are free from earthly cares and impediments. He even compels them to enter, making use of afflictions and tribulations as so many scourges, by which He drives them into His banquet. Admire the mercies and goodness of God, and beg of Him with the Church, "to bend your rebellious will towards Himself."
II. " And the king went to see the guests, and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment." (Matt. xxii. 11.) This wedding garment is charity or the grace of God, without which no one must presume to approach the holy sacraments. Reflect how God
