When the Lord Jesus was in the midst of His labours, preaching and healing the sick, there came to Him a woman of Canaan,1 that is, of the land of Canaan, who was of the race of the Gentiles and not of the Jews, praying Him to deliver her daughter, who was vexed with a devil. For she had faith in Him, that He could do this. And though our Lord made no answer, she still urged her request, and persevered in crying after Him, and seeking from Him this act of mercy, so that the disciples joined their entreaty with hers. And when the Lord answered, that it was not meet to take the children’s bread and to cast it to dogs, she, humbling herself, replied, that at least, like the dogs, she might eat of the crumbs, and thus she was thought worthy to be heard.
Behold here our Lord and His disciples at this occurrence, and refer to the general method of meditation which has been already suggested. However, consider the three chief virtues which this woman manifested, and bring the whole matter to bear on your own spiritual life. The first was her great faith, which even extended itself to her daughter, and for which she was especially commended by our Lord. The second was her perseverance in prayer, which was not only persevering but also importunate. And this importunity was acceptable to our Lord, and called forth by Him, as I have clearly shown in a former chapter. The third was her deep lowliness, for she declined not to be likened to a dog, nor deemed herself worthy to be reckoned among the children, or to receive a piece of bread, but was content to have crumbs only. Wherefore she greatly humbled herself, and thus what she asked for she obtained. In the same way you may most surely believe, if, with a sincere, faithful, and pure heart, with persevering prayer, you humble yourself before God, counting yourself unworthy of any good thing, that you also shall obtain whatever you ask. And as the Apostles prayed for the Canaanite, so, too, shall your angel be interested in your behalf, and bring your prayer before God. Upon which subject hear what S. Bernard has to say : “When my soul has been often sighing after God, yea, praying without ceasing, and consuming itself with desire, and the Beloved, after being so longed for, mercifully condescended to manifest Himself, I have thought that the words of Jeremiah might express my own experience, ‘The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.’2 Nay, the very angel, one of the companions of the Spouse, to whom it deputed the office of attending on and assisting at this secret and mutual salutation — this angel, I say, how does he with exultation and congratulatory joy turn to the Lord and say, 4 I give Thee thanks, O Lord of Majesty, because Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not denied him the request of his lips .’3 He it is who in every place assiduously waits upon the soul, ever following it as a faithful attendant, and never ceasing to admonish it by continual suggestions ; saying, 4 Delight thou in the Lord, and He shall give thee thy heart’s desire.’4 And again, 4 Wait for the Lord, and keep His way.’ i Though He tarry, wait for Him ; because He will surely come, He will not tarry .’5 But to our Lord he says,6 Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks, so longeth my soul after Thee, O God .’ 4 My soul hath desired Thee in the night, and Thy Spirit is within the recesses of my heart She hath sought Thee early. And again, all the day long hath she stretched forth her hands unto Thee. 4 Send her away, for she crieth after Thee .’7 Turn Thee a little, and be gracious. Look down from heaven, behold and visit thy desolate servant The faithful friend of the bridegroom who is conscious, but without envy, of this mutual love, seeks not anything for self, but only the glory of the Lord. He passes, as it were, between the bridegroom and the bride, offering her vows, and bringing back gifts, calling out her love, and moving His pity. Sometimes also, although rarely, he seems to introduce them to each other, either attracting her, or inviting Him. For indeed he is a wellknown attendant in the Heavenly Court, and fears not repulse, seeing that he daily beholds the Father’s face.”8 Thus far S. Bernard.
You see how faithfully our angels wait upon us; and I take this opportunity of saying more on this subject. I wish you to know that we ought to have great reverence for them, and daily praise and honour them ; and we are bound to render God thanks for their continual presence with us, and to keep ourselves from everything wrong or shameful, either in thought, word, or deed. Concerning this, S. Bernard admonishes us, when he says, on the ninety-first Psalm, 19 ( He shall give His angels charge concerning thee, to keep thee in all thy ways/ How should this saying fill you with reverence, affect you with devotion, and impart to you confidence — reverence on account of their presence, devotion because of their benevolence, confidence from their guardianship. Walk circumspectly when angels are in your path, for they are bidden to have charge over thee in all thy ways. In every place of retirement, and in every corner of the street, be reverently conscious of the angel’s presence. Dare not do in his presence what you would not dare to do in his sight” And again S. Bernard says, “The angels are not only with you, but for you. They are with you to protect you, they are with you to help you. What should you render unto the Lord, for all the benefits that He hath done unto you ? For to Him alone be the honour and glory. Why to Him alone? Because it is He who so orders it, and from Whom is every perfect gift. Nevertheless, although it is He Who gives His angels charge over us, yet it is they who with such love obey His bidding, and succour us in all our necessities. Let us, therefore, cultivate a pious and grateful spirit towards our noble guardians ; let us love and honour them as much as we can and as is fitting .” 1 All we have said is in commendation of the service of the angels, their help, and the power of prayer. Keep these things in memory, and testify your reverence for the presence of the Holy Angels to the best of your power.
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