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CHAPTER XIII.
THE MOST BLESSED MARY COMMEMORATES OTHER BLESS
INGS WITH HER ANGELS, ESPECIALLY HER PRESEN
TATION AND THE FEAST DAYS OF SAINT JOACHIM,
SAINT ANNE AND SAINT JOSEPH.
625. Gratitude for the benefits received at the hands of
the Lord is a virtue so noble, that by means of it we may
preserve our intercourse and correspondence with God
himself :
He, as rich, generous and powerful conferring
upon us his gifts; we, as poor, humble and aware of our
needs, returning for them our thanks. It is natural that
he who gives liberally and generously should be content
with the thanks of him who, as the needy one, is
receiv
ing the benefit ;
and this thankfulness is a short, easy and
delightful return, which satisfies the liberal giver and
induces him to continue his liberality. If this ordinarily
happens among men of generous and magnanimous
heart, how much more in the dealings of God with men;
for we are misery and poverty itself, while He is rich,
most liberal, and if we could imagine any constraint in
Him, it would be that of receiving and not that of giving.
As this great Lord is so wise, just and equitous, He will
never reject us on account of our poverty, but only on
account of our ingratitude. He desires to give us plenti
fully, but at the same time He wishes us to be grateful,
rendering Him the glory, honor and praise contained in
gratitude. Such a return for small benefits, obliges Him
to confer other greater ones; if we are grateful for all,
He multiplies them.
the humble that
However it is only
secure them, since they are at the same time thankful.
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