Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

430 ST. MATTHEW.
and how worthy to be imitated by every Christian
on the like occasion ! The captivity of holy persons
is never idle and inactive ;
their charity is always free,
and always intent on the benefit of their neighbour.
Nothing but a total inability can hinder a pastor from
discharging his ministry. If captive, he draws from
captivity itself an occasion to open the eyes of his
most furious and blind persecutors, by reflections
suited to their condition.
" 56. But all this was done, that the scriptures of
the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the dis-
ciples forsook him, and fled."
Jesus, exactly faithful in fulfilling the Scriptures,
presents the light of them to his enemies, as well as
to his disciples, in order to dispel their darkness.
The word of God has always infallibly its eflPect.
All the steps of our blessed Saviour are steps of obe-
dience. The cowardice of the disciples convinces
them at last, that Christ knows better what is in man
than man himself. Lord, I cannot adhere to thee
but by thy assistance; forsake me not therefore, I
beseech thee, that so I may not forsake thee.
Sect. VII. Jesus led to Caiaphas^ condemned
and abused.
" 57. f And they that had laid hold on Jesus led
him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the
scribes and the elders were assembled."
Let us adore Jesus Christ, humbled in his three
oflnces or qualities of High Priest, Prophet, and King,
by appearing before those who possessed these quali-
ties among the Jews. Would to God that this sort
of humiliation were not often renewed in succeeding