32. Strive to equal her, my daughters:
“It is good to be zealously affected in a good
thing.” Gal. iv. 18.
“Covet earnestly the best gifts.” 1 Cor. xii. 31. The Lord is ever looking upon
you, Jesus looks upon you when He goes to the treasury, and you think
that of the gain of your good works assistance is to be given to those
in need. What is it, then, that you should give your two mites
and gain in return the Lord’s Body? Go not, then, empty
into the sight of the Lord your God, Exod. xxxiv. 20. empty of
mercy, empty of faith, empty of chastity; for the Lord Jesus is wont to
look upon and to commend not the empty, but those who are rich in
virtues. Let the maiden see you at work, let her see you
ministering to others. For this is the return which you owe to
God, that you should make your return to God from the progress of
others. No return is more acceptable to God than the offerings of
piety.