the dead is a work of mercy and a duty of brotherly love. “Pray for one another that you may be saved”, writes St. James (5, 16).
The hatred and power of the devil. The devil hates and envies man, and does all he can to injure him. Before our Lord came, the devil had obtained a great power over men, especially over idolators; and when our Blessed Redeemer came to conquer Satan, the latter made a last and desperate effort to maintain his supremacy. This is why, during our Lord’s sojourn on earth, there were so many cases of possession. They were by the eternal counsel of God permitted, in order that the object of our Lord’s mission as well as His power and glory might be made manifest.
Exorcisms. Cases of possession still occur: but the Church, by exorcisms, drives away the evil spirit in the name of Jesus.
The cruelty of the devil. Jesus allowed the devil to throw down the possessed man and rend him, to show us from how cruel an enemy He has delivered us; and to put us on our guard, lest we should allow ourselves to be subjected to his everlasting rage.
Jesus the Physician of our souls. We too are sick of a fever — the fever of anger, ambition, covetousness, gluttony, and all other passions, which incite us to evil and keep us from what is good. Jesus alone can cure us. He can give us grace to overcome our evil inclinations, if only we will ask Him for it; and He will cool the ardour of our passions by His Presence, if we worthily receive Him in Holy Communion.
Application. Are you prompt in getting up in the morning, or have you to be called several times? Prize the golden hours of the morning.
Do you say your morning prayers devoutly every day? and do you make good resolutions, when you say them? Begin the day with God, and your day will not be spent without Him.
Chapter XIX.
THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISH.
[Luke 5, 1 — 11. Mat. 4, 18 — 22. Mark 1, 16 — 20.]
JESUS preached one day near the Lake of Genesareth[1], which is also called the Sea of Galilee. A great crowd came to Him to hear the word of God[2]. He saw moored on the shore two
- ↑ Lake of Genesareth. This lake (Fig. 71, p.462), which is about thirteen miles long and six broad, is oval and surrounded by mountains. To this day it is well stocked with fish. In the time of our Lord, its shores and the plain between it and the foot of the mountains were covered with populous towns and villages.
- ↑ The word of God. The preaching of Jesus, the Son of God.
