1

DISCURSOS SOBRE LA FE JOHN H. NEWMAN Discourse 1. The Sal a!io" o# !he Hearer !he Mo!i e o# !he $reacher
%1& WHEN a 'o() o# *e" co*e i"!o a "ei+h'ourhoo( !o !he* u","o-". as -e are (oi"+. *) 're!hre". s!ra"+ers !o s!ra"+ers. a"( !here se! !he*sel es (o-". a"( raise a" al!ar. a"( o/e" a school. a"( i" i!e. or e e" e0hor! all *e" !o a!!e"( !he*. i! is "a!ural !ha! !he) -ho see !he*. a"( are (ra-" !o !hi", a'ou! !he*. shoul( as, !he 1ues!io". Wha! 'ri"+s !he* hi!her2 Who 'i(s !he* co*e2 Wha! (o !he) -a"!2 Wha! (o !he) /reach2 Wha! is !heir -arra"!2 Wha! (o !he) /ro*ise234ou ha e a ri+h!. *) 're!hre". !o as, !he 1ues!io". Ma"). ho-e er. -ill "o! s!o/ !o as, i!. as !hi",i"+ !he) ca" a"s-er i! -i!hou! (i##icul!) #or !he*sel es. Ma") !here are -ho -oul( /ro*/!l) a"( co"#i(e"!l) a"s-er i!. accor(i"+ !o !heir o-" ha'i!ual ie- o# !hi"+s. o" !heir o-" /ri"ci/les. !he /ri"ci/les o# !he -orl(. The ie-s. !he /ri"ci/les. !he ai*s o# !he -orl( are er) (e#i"i!e. are e er)-here ac,"o-le(+e(. a"( are i"cessa"!l) ac!e( o". The) su//l) a" e0/la"a!io" o# !he co"(uc! o# i"(i i(uals. -hoe er !he) 'e. %5& rea() a! ha"(. a"( so sure !o 'e !rue i" !he co**o" ru" o# cases. as !o 'e /ro'a'le a"( /lausi'le i" a") case i" /ar!icular. Whe" -e -oul( accou"! #or e##ec!s -hich -e see. -e o# course re#er !he* !o causes -hich -e ,"o- o#. To #a"c) causes o# -hich -e ,"o- "o!hi"+. is "o! !o accou"! #or !he* a! all. The -orl( !he" "a!urall) a"( "ecessaril) 6u(+es o# o!hers ') i!sel#. Those -ho li e !he li#e o# !he -orl(. a"( ac! #ro* *o!i es o# !he -orl(. a"( li e a"( ac! -i!h !hose -ho (o !he li,e. as a *a!!er o# course ascri'e !he ac!io"s o# o!hers. ho-e er (i##ere"! !he) *a) 'e #ro* !heir o-". !o o"e or o!her o# !he *o!i es -hich -ei+h -i!h !he*sel es7 #or so*e *o!i e or o!her !he) *us! assi+". a"( !he) ca" i*a+i"e "o"e 'u! !hose o# -hich !he) ha e e0/erie"ce. We ,"o- ho- !he -orl( +oes o". es/eciall) i" !his cou"!r)7 i! is a la'orious. e"er+e!ic. i"(e#a!i+a'le -orl(. I! !a,es u/ o'6ec!s e"!husias!icall). a"( i+orousl) carries !he* !hrou+h. Loo, i"!o !he -orl(. as i!s course is #ai!h#ull) !race( (a) ') (a) i" !hose /u'lica!io"s -hich are (e o!e( !o i!s ser ice. a"( )ou -ill see a! o"ce !he e"(s -hich s!i*ula!e i!. a"( !he ie-s -hich +o er" i!. 4ou -ill rea( o# +rea! a"( /erse eri"+ e0er!io"s. *a(e #or so*e !e*/oral e"(. +oo( or 'a(. 'u! s!ill !e*/oral. So*e !e*/oral e"( i! is. e e" i# i! 'e "o! a sel#ish o"e73+e"erall). i"(ee(. i! is such as "a*e. i"#lue"ce. /o-er. -eal!h. s!a!io"7 so*e!i*es i! is !he relie# o# !he ills

2 o# hu*a" li#e or socie!). o# i+"ora"ce. sic,"ess. /o er!). or ice3s!ill so*e !e*/oral e"( i! is. -hich is !he e0ci!i"+ a"( a"i*a!i"+ /ri"ci/le o# !hose %8& e0er!io"s. A"( so /leasa"! is !he e0ci!e*e"! -hich !hose !e*/oral o'6ec!s crea!e. !ha! i! is o#!e" i!s o-" re-ar(7 i"so*uch !ha!. #or+e!!i"+ !he e"( #or -hich !he) !oil. *e" #i"( a sa!is#ac!io" i" !he !oil i!sel#. a"( are su##icie"!l) re/ai( #or !heir !rou'le by !heir !rou'le.3') !he s!ru++le #or success. a"( !he ri alr) o# /ar!). a"( !he !rial o# !heir s,ill. a"( !he (e*a"( u/o" !heir resources. ') !he icissi!u(es a"( ha9ar(s. a"( e er "e- e*er+e"cies. a"( ar)i"+ re1uisi!io"s o# !he co"!es! -hich !he) carr) o". !hou+h !ha! co"!es! "e er co*es !o a" e"(. Such is !he -a) o# !he -orl(7 a"( !here#ore. I sa). i! is "o! u""a!ural. !ha!. -he" i! sees a") /erso"s -ha!e er a")-here 'e+i" !o -or, -i!h e"er+). a"( a!!e*/! !o +e! o!hers a'ou! !he*. a"( ac! i" ou!-ar( a//eara"ce li,e i!sel#. !hou+h i" a (i##ere"! (irec!io" a"( -i!h a reli+ious /ro#essio". i! shoul( u"hesi!a!i"+l) i*/u!e !o !he* !he *o!i es -hich i"#lue"ce. or -oul( i"#lue"ce. i!s o-" chil(re". O#!e" ') -a) o# 'la*e. 'u! so*e!i*es "o! as 'la*i"+. 'u! as *erel) s!a!i"+ a /lai" #ac!. -hich i! !hi",s u"(e"ia'le. i! !a,es #or +ra"!e( !ha! !he) are a*'i!ious. or res!less. or ea+er #or (is!i"c!io". or #o"( o# /o-er. I! ,"o-s "o 'e!!er7 a"( i! is e0e( a"( a""o)e( i#. as !i*e +oes o". o"e !hi"+ or a"o!her is see" i" !he co"(uc! o# !hose -ho* i! cri!icises. -hich is i"co"sis!e"! -i!h !he assu*/!io" o" -hich. i" !he #irs! i"s!a"ce. i! so su**aril) se!!le( !heir /osi!io" a"( a"!ici/a!e( !heir course. I! !oo, a +e"eral ie- o# !he*. loo,e( !he* !hrou+h. as i! !hou+h!. a"( #ro* so*e o"e ac!io" o# !heirs -hich ca*e !o i!s ,"o-le(+e. assi+"e( !o !he* %:& u"hesi!a!i"+l) so*e /ar!icular *o!i e as !heir ha'i!ual ac!ua!i"+ /ri"ci/le7 'u! /rese"!l) i! #i"(s i! is o'li+e( !o shi#! i!s +rou"(. !o !a,e u/ so*e "e- h)/o!hesis. a"( e0/lai" !o i!sel# !heir charac!er a"( !heir co"(uc! o er a+ai". O. *) (ear 're!hre". !he -orl( ca""o! hel/ (oi"+ so. 'ecause i! ,"o-s us "o!7 i! e er -ill 'e i*/a!ie"! -i!h us #or "o! 'ei"+ o# !he -orl(. 'ecause i! is !he -orl(7 i! is "ecessaril) 'li"( !o !he o"e s!ro"+ *o!i e -hich has i"#lue"ce -i!h us. a"(. !ire( ou! a! le"+!h -i!h hu"!i"+ !hrou+h i!s ca!alo+ues a"( "o!e'oo,s #or a (escri/!io" o# us. i! si!s (o-" i" (is+us!. a#!er i!s *a") co"6ec!ures. a"( #li"+s us asi(e as i"e0/lica'le. or ha!es us as i# *)s!erious a"( (esi+"i"+. M) 're!hre". -e have secre! ie-s3secre!. !ha! is #ro* *e" o# !his -orl(7 secre! #ro* /oli!icia"s. secre! #ro* !he sla es o# *a**o". secre! #ro* all a*'i!ious. co e!ous. sel#ish. a"( olu/!uous *e". For reli+io" i!sel#. li,e i!s Di i"e Au!hor a"( Teacher. is. as I ha e sai(. a hi((e" !hi"+ #ro* !he*7 a"( "o! ,"o-i"+ i!. !he) ca""o! use i! as a ,e) !o i"!er/re! !he co"(uc! o# !hose -ho are i"#lue"ce( ') i!. The) (o "o! ,"o- !he i(eas a"( *o!i es -hich reli+io" se!s 'e#ore !ha! *i"( -hich i! has *a(e i!s o-". The) (o "o! e"!er i"!o !he*. or realise !he*. e e" -he" !he) are !ol( !he*7 a"( !he) (o "o! 'elie e

3 !ha! a *a" ca" 'e i"#lue"ce( ') !he*. e e" -he" he /ro#esses !he*. The) ca""o! /u! !he*sel es i"!o !he /osi!io" o# a *a" si*/l) s!ri i"+. i" -ha! he (oes. !o /lease ;o(. The) are so "arro-<*i"(e(. such is !he *ea""ess o# !heir i"!ellec!ual *a,e. !ha!. -he" a Ca!holic %=& *a,es /ro#essio" o# !his or !ha! (oc!ri"e o# !he Church.3si". 6u(+*e"!. hea e" a"( hell. !he 'loo( o# Chris!. !he /o-er o# Sai"!s. !he i"!ercessio" o# !he Blesse( >ir+i". or !he real /rese"ce i" !he Eucharis!3a"( sa)s !ha! !hese are !he o'6ec!s -hich i"s/ire his !hou+h!s a"( (irec! his ac!io"s !hrou+h !he (a). !he) ca""o! !a,e i" !ha! he is i" ear"es!7 #or !he) !hi",. #orsoo!h. !ha! !hese /oi"!s ou+h! !o 'e his er) (i##icul!ies. a"( are a! *os! "o!hi"+ *ore !ha" !rials !o his #ai!h. a"( !ha! he +e!s o er !he* ') /u!!i"+ #orce o" his reaso". a"( !hi",s o# !he* as li!!le as he ca"7 a"( !he) (o "o! (rea* !ha! !ru!hs such as !hese ha e a hol( u/o" his hear!. a"( e0er! a" i"#lue"ce o" his li#e. No -o"(er. !he". !ha! !he se"sual. a"( -orl(l)< *i"(e(. a"( !he u"'elie i"+. are sus/icious o# o"e -ho* !he) ca""o! co*/rehe"(. a"( are so i"!rica!e a"( circui!ous i" !heir i*/u!a!io"s. -he" !he) ca""o! 'ri"+ !he*sel es !o acce/! a" e0/la"a!io" -hich is s!rai+h! 'e#ore !he*. So i! has 'ee" #ro* !he 'e+i""i"+7 !he Je-s /re#erre( !o ascri'e !he co"(uc! o# our Lor( a"( His #oreru""er !o a") *o!i e 'u! !ha! o# a (esire !o #ul#il !he -ill o# ;o(. To !he Je-s !he) -ere. as He sa)s. ?li,e chil(re" si!!i"+ i" !he *ar,e!</lace. -hich cr) !o !heir co*/a"io"s. sa)i"+. We ha e /i/e( !o )ou. a"( )ou ha e "o! (a"ce(7 -e ha e la*e"!e( !o )ou. a"( )ou ha e "o! *our"e(.? A"( !he" He +oes o" !o accou"! #or i!@ ?I !ha", Thee. Fa!her. Lor( o# hea e" a"( ear!h. !ha! Thou has! hi( !hese !hi"+s #ro* !he -ise a"( /ru(e"!. a"( has! re eale( !he* !o li!!le o"es. 4ea. Fa!her7 #or so ha!h i! 'ee" /leasi"+ !o Th) si+h!.? %A& Le! !he -orl( ha e i!s -a). le! i! sa) -ha! i! -ill a'ou! us. *) 're!hre"7 'u! !ha! (oes "o! hi"(er our sa)i"+ -ha! -e !hi",. a"( -ha! !he e!er"al ;o( !hi",s a"( sa)s. a'ou! !he -orl(. We ha e as +oo( a ri+h! !o ha e our o-" 6u(+*e"! a'ou! !he -orl(. as !he -orl( !o ha e i!s 6u(+*e"! a'ou! us@ a"( -e *ea" !o e0ercise !ha! ri+h!7 #or. -hile -e ,"o- -ell i! 6u(+es us a*iss. -e ha e ;o(Bs !es!i*o") !ha! -e 6u(+e i! !rul). While. !he". i! is ea+er i" ascri'i"+ our ear"es!"ess !o o"e or o!her o# i!s o-" *o!i es. lis!e" !o *e. -hile I sho- )ou. as i! is "o! (i##icul! !o (o. !ha! i! is our er) #ear a"( ha!re( o# !hose *o!i es. a"( our co*/assio" #or !he souls /ossesse( ') !he*. -hich *a,es us so 'us) a"( so !rou'leso*e. -hich /ro*/!s us !o se!!le (o-" i" a (is!ric!. so (es!i!u!e o# ou!-ar( reco**e"(a!io"s. 'u! so o erru" -i!h reli+ious error a"( so /o/ulous i" souls. O *) 're!hre". li!!le (oes !he -orl(. e"+rosse(. as i! is. -i!h !hi"+s o# !i*e a"( se"se. li!!le (oes i! !rou'le i!sel# a'ou! souls. a'ou! !he s!a!e o# souls i" ;o(Bs si+h!. a'ou! !heir /as! his!or). a"( a'ou! !heir /ros/ec!s #or !he #u!ure. The -orl( #or*s i!s ie-s o# !hi"+s #or i!sel#. a"( i" i!s o-" -a). a"( li es i" !he*. I! "e er s!o/s !o co"si(er

4 -he!her !he) are sou"( a"( !rue7 "or (oes i! co*e i"!o i!s !hou+h! !o see, #or a") e0!er"al s!a"(ar(. or cha""el o# i"#or*a!io". ') -hich !heir !ru!h ca" 'e ascer!ai"e(. I! is co"!e"! !o !a,e !hi"+s #or +ra"!e( accor(i"+ !o !heir #irs! a//eara"ce7 i! (oes "o! s!o/ !o !hi", o# ;o(7 i! li es #or !he (a). a"( Ci" a /er erse se"seD ?is "o! solici!ous #or !he *orro-.? Wha! i! sees. !as!es. ha"(les. is e"ou+h #or i!7 !his is %E& !he li*i! o# i!s ,"o-le(+e a"( o# i!s as/ira!io"s7 -ha! !ells. -ha! -or,s -ell. is alo"e res/ec!a'le7 e##icie"c) is !he *easure o# (u!). a"( /o-er is !he rule o# ri+h!. a"( success is !he !es! o# !ru!h. I! 'elie es -ha! i! e0/erie"ces. i! (is'elie es -ha! i! ca""o! (e*o"s!ra!e. A"(. i" co"se1ue"ce. i! !eaches !ha! a *a" has "o! *uch !o (o !o 'e sa e(7 !ha! ei!her he has co**i!!e( "o +rea! si"s. or !ha! he -ill. as a *a!!er o# course. 'e /ar(o"e( #or co**i!!i"+ !he*7 !ha! he *a) securel) !rus! i" ;o(Bs *erc) #or his /ros/ec!s i" e!er"i!)7 a"( !ha! he ou+h! !o (iscar( all sel#<re/roach. or (e/reca!io". or /e"a"ce. all *or!i#ica!io" a"( sel#<(isci/li"e. as a##ro"!i"+ or (ero+a!or) !o !ha! *erc). This is -ha! !he -orl( !eaches. ') i!s *a") sec!s a"( /hiloso/hies. a'ou! our co"(i!io" i" !his li#e. !his a"( !he li,e7 'u! -ha!. o" !he o!her ha"(. (oes !he Ca!holic Church !each co"cer"i"+ i!2 She !eaches !ha! *a" -as ori+i"all) *a(e i" ;o(Bs i*a+e. -as ;o(Bs a(o/!e( so". -as !he heir o# e!er"al +lor). a"(. i" #ore!as!e o# e!er"i!). -as /ar!a,er here o" ear!h o# +rea! +i#!s a"( *a"i#ol( +races7 a"( she !eaches !ha! "o- he is a #alle" 'ei"+. He is u"(er !he curse o# ori+i"al si"7 he is (e/ri e( o# !he +race o# ;o(7 he is a chil( o# -ra!h7 he ca""o! a!!ai" !o hea e". a"( he is i" /eril o# si",i"+ i"!o hell. I (o "o! *ea" he is #a!e( !o /er(i!io" ') so*e "ecessar) la-7 he ca""o! /erish -i!hou! his o-" real -ill a"( (ee(7 a"( ;o( +i es hi*. e e" i" his "a!ural s!a!e. a *ul!i!u(e o# i"s/ira!io"s a"( hel/s !o lea( hi* o" !o #ai!h a"( o'e(ie"ce. There is "o o"e 'or" o# A(a* 'u! *i+h! 'e sa e(. as #ar as (i i"e assis!a"ces are %F& co"cer"e(7 )e!. loo,i"+ a! !he /o-er o# !e*/!a!io". !he #orce o# !he /assio"s. !he s!re"+!h o# sel#<lo e a"( sel#<-ill. !he so erei+"!) o# /ri(e a"( slo!h. i" e er) o"e o# his chil(re". -ho -ill 'e 'ol( e"ou+h !o asser! o# a") /ar!icular soul. !ha! i! -ill 'e a'le !o *ai"!ai" i!sel# i" o'e(ie"ce. -i!hou! a" a'u"(a"ce. a /ro#usio" o# +race. "o! !o 'e e0/ec!e(. as 'eari"+ "o /ro/or!io". I (o "o! sa) si*/l) !o !he clai*s C#or !he) are "o"eD. 'u! !o !he 'are "ee(s o# hu*a" "a!ure2 We *a) securel) /ro/hes) o# e er) *a" 'or" i"!o !he -orl(. !ha!. i# he co*es !o )ears o# u"(ers!a"(i"+. he -ill. i" s/i!e o# ;o(Bs +e"eral assis!a"ces. #all i"!o *or!al si" a"( lose his soul. I! is "o li+h!. "o or(i"ar) succour. ') -hich *a" is !a,e" ou! o# his o-" ha"(s a"( (e#e"(e( a+ai"s! hi*sel#. He re1uires a" e0!raor(i"ar) re*e(). No- -ha! a !hou+h! is !hisG -ha! a li+h! (oes i! cas! u/o" *a"Bs /rese"! s!a!eG ho- (i##ere"! #ro* !he ie- -hich !he -orl( !a,es o# i!7 ho- /ierci"+. hoo er/o-eri"+ i" i!s i"#lue"ce o" !he hear!s !ha! a(*i! i!.

5 Co"!e*/la!e. *) 're!hre". *ore s!ea(il) !he his!or) o# a soul 'or" i"!o !he -orl(. a"( e(uca!e( accor(i"+ !o i!s /ri"ci/les. a"( !he i(ea. -hich I a* /u!!i"+ 'e#ore )ou. -ill +ro- o" )ou. The /oor i"#a"! /asses !hrou+h his !-o. or !hree. or #i e )ears o# i""oce"ce. 'lesse( i" !ha! he ca""o! )e! si"7 'u! a! le"+!h Coh -oe#ul (a)GD he 'e+i"s !o realise !he (is!i"c!io" 'e!-ee" ri+h! a"( -ro"+. AlasG soo"er or la!er. #or !he a+e aries. 'u! soo"er or la!er !he a-#ul (a) has co*e7 he has !he /o-er. !he +rea!. !he (rea(#ul. !he a-#ul /o-er o# (iscer"i"+ a"( /ro"ou"ci"+ a %H& !hi"+ !o 'e -ro"+. a"( )e! (oi"+ i!. He has a (is!i"c! ie- !ha! he shall +rie ousl) o##e"( his Ma,er a"( his Ju(+e ') (oi"+ !his or !ha!7 a"( -hile he is reall) a'le !o ,ee/ #ro* i!. he is a! li'er!) !o choose i!. a"( !o co**i! i!. He has !he (rea(#ul /o-er o# co**i!!i"+ a *or!al si". 4ou"+ as he is. he has as !rue a" a//rehe"sio" o# !ha! si". a"( ca" +i e as real a co"se"!. as (i( !he e il s/iri!. -he" he #ell. The (a) is co*e. a"( -ho shall sa) -he!her i! -ill ha e close(. -he!her i! -ill ha e ru" ou! *a") hours. 'e#ore he -ill ha e e0ercise( !ha! /o-er. a"( ha e /er/e!ra!e(. i" #ac!. -ha! he ou+h! "o! !o (o. -ha! he "ee( "o! (o. -ha! he ca" (o2 Who is !here -ho* -e e er ,"e-. o# -ho* -e ca" asser! !ha!. ha( he re*ai"e( i" a s!a!e o# "a!ure. he -oul( ha e use( !he /o-ers +i e" hi*.3!ha! i# he 'e i" a s!a!e o# "a!ure. he has use( !he /o-ers +i e" hi*.3i" such a -a) as !o esca/e !he +uil! a"( /e"al!) o# o##e"(i"+ Al*i+h!) ;o(2 No. *) 're!hre". a lar+e !o-" li,e !his is a #ear#ul si+h!. We -al, !he s!ree!s. a"( -ha! "u*'ers are !here o# !hose -ho *ee! us -ho ha e "e er 'ee" 'a/!i9e( a! allG A"( !he re*ai"(er. -ha! is i! *a(e u/ o#. 'u! #or !he *os! /ar! o# !hose -ho. !hou+h 'a/!i9e(. ha e si""e( a+ai"s! !he +race +i e" !he*. a"( e e" #ro* earl) )ou!h ha e !hro-" !he*sel es ou! o# !ha! #ol( i" -hich alo"e is sal a!io"G Reaso" a"( si" ha e +o"e !o+e!her #ro* !he #irs!. $oor chil(G he loo,s !he sa*e !o his /are"!s. The) (o "o! ,"o- -ha! has 'ee" +oi"+ o" i" hi*7 or /erha/s. (i( !he) ,"o- i!. !he) -oul( !hi", er) li!!le o# i!. #or !he) are i" a s!a!e o# *or!al si" as -ell as he. %1I& The) !oo. lo"+ 'e#ore !he) ,"e- each o!her. ha( si""e(. a"( *or!all) !oo. a"( -ere "e er reco"cile( !o ;o(7 !hus !he) li e( #or )ears. u"*i"(#ul o# !heir s!a!e. A! le"+!h !he) *arrie(7 i! -as a (a) o# 6o) !o !he*. 'u! "o! !o !he A"+els7 !he) *i+h! 'e i" hi+h li#e or i" lo- es!a!e. !he) *i+h! 'e /ros/erous or "o! i" !heir !e*/oral course. 'u! !heir u"io" -as "o! 'lesse( ') ;o(. The) +a e 'ir!h !o a chil(7 he -as "o! co"(e*"e( !o hell o" his 'ir!h. 'u! he ha( !he o*e"s o# e il u/o" hi*. i! see*e( !ha! he -oul( +o !he -a) o# all #lesh@ a"( "o!he !i*e is co*e7 !he /resa+e is 6us!i#ie(7 a"( he -illi"+l) (e/ar!s #ro* ;o(. A! le"+!h !he #or'i((e" #rui! has 'ee" ea!e"7 si" has 'ee" (e oure( -i!h a /lease( a//e!i!e7 !he +a!es o# hell ha e )a-"e( u/o" hi*. sile"!l) a"( -i!hou! his ,"o-i"+ i!7 he has "o e)es !o see i!s #la*es. 'u! i!s i"ha'i!a"!s are +a9i"+ u/o" hi*7 his /lace i" i! is #i0e( 'e)o"( (is/u!e73u"less his Ma,er i"!er#ere i" so*e e0!raor(i"ar) -a). he is (oo*e(.

6 4e! his i"!ellec! (oes "o! s!a) i!s +ro-!h. 'ecause he is !he sla e o# si". I! o/e"s7 !i*e /asses7 he lear"s /erha/s arious !hi"+s7 he *a) ha e +oo( a'ili!ies. a"( 'e !au+h! !o cul!i a!e !he*. He *a) ha e e"+a+i"+ *a""ers7 a")ho- he is li+h!<hear!e( a"( *err). as 'o)s are. He is +ra(uall) e(uca!e( #or !he -orl(7 he #or*s his o-" 6u(+*e"!s7 chooses his /ri"ci/les. a"( is *oul(e( !o a cer!ai" charac!er. Tha! charac!er *a) 'e *ore. or i! *a) 'e less a*ia'le7 i! *a) ha e *uch or li!!le o# "a!ural ir!ue@ i! *a!!ers "o!3!he *ischie# is -i!hi"7 i! is (o"e. a"( i! s/rea(s. The (e il is u"loose( a"( a'roa( i" hi*. For a -hile %11& he use( so*e sor! o# /ra)ers. 'u! he has le#! !he* o##7 !he) -ere 'u! a #or*. a"( he ha( "o hear! #or !he*7 -h) shoul( he co"!i"ue !he*2 a"( -ha! -as !he use o# !he*2 a"( -ha! !he o'li+a!io"2 So he has reaso"e(7 a"( he has ac!e( u/o" his reaso"i"+. a"( cease( !o /ra). $erha/s !his -as his #irs! si". !ha! ori+i"al *or!al si". -hich !hre- hi* ou! o# +race3a (is'elie# i" !he /o-er o# /ra)er. As a chil(. he re#use( !o /ra). a"( ar+ue( !ha! he -as !oo ol( !o /ra). a"( !ha! his /are"!s (i( "o! /ra). He +a e /ra)er u/. a"( i" ca*e !he (e il. a"( !oo, /ossessio" o# hi*. a"( *a(e hi*sel# a! ho*e. a"( re elle( i" his hear!. $oor chil(G E er) (a) a((s #resh a"( #resh *or!al si"s !o his accou"!7 !he /lea(i"+s o# +race ha e less a"( less e##ec! u/o" hi*7 he 'rea!hes !he 'rea!h o# e il. a"( (a) ') (a) 'eco*es *ore #a!all) corru/!e(. He has cas! o## !he !hou+h! o# ;o(. a"( se! u/ sel# i" His /lace. He has re6ec!e( !he !ra(i!io"s o# reli+io" -hich #loa! a'ou! hi*. a"( has chose" i"s!ea( !he *ore co"+e"ial !ra(i!io"s o# !he -orl(. !o 'e !he +ui(e o# his li#e. He is co"#i(e"! i" his o-" ie-s. a"( (oes "o! sus/ec! !ha! e il is 'e#ore hi*. a"( i" his /a!h. He lear"s !o sco## a! serious *e" a"( serious !hi"+s. ca!ches a! a") s!or) circula!e( a+ai"s! !he*. a"( s/ea,s /osi!i el) -he" he has "o *ea"s o# 6u(+i"+ or ,"o-i"+. The less he 'elie es o# re eale( (oc!ri"e. !he -iser he !hi",s hi*sel# !o 'e. Or. i# his "a!ural !e*/er ,ee/s hi* #ro* 'eco*i"+ har(<hear!e(. s!ill #ro* easi"ess a"( #ro* i*i!a!io" he 6oi"s i" *oc,er) o# hol) /erso"s a"( hol) !hi"+s. as #ar as %15& !he) co*e across hi*. He is shar/ a"( rea(). a"( hu*orous. a"( e*/lo)s !hese !ale"!s i" !he cause o# Sa!a". He has a secre! a"!i/a!h) !o reli+ious !ru!hs a"( reli+ious (oi"+s. a (is+us! -hich he is scarcel) a-are o#. a"( coul( "o! e0/lai". i# he -ere. So -as i! -i!h Cai". !he el(es! 'or" o# A(a*. -ho -e"! o" !o *ur(er his 'ro!her. 'ecause his -or,s -ere 6us!. So -as i! -i!h !hose /oor 'o)s a! Be!hel -ho *oc,e( !he +rea! /ro/he! Eliseus. cr)i"+ ou!. ;o u/. !hou 'al( hea(G A")!hi"+ ser es !he /ur/ose o# a sco## a"( !au"! !o !he "a!ural *a". -he" irri!a!e( ') !he si+h! o# reli+io". O *) 're!hre". I *i+h! +o o" !o *e"!io" !hose o!her *ore loa!hso*e a"( *ore hi((e" -ic,e("esses -hich +er*i"a!e a"( /ro/a+a!e -i!hi" hi*. as !i*e /rocee(s. a"( li#e o/e"s o" hi*. AlasG -ho shall sou"( !he (e/!hs o# !ha! e il -hose -a+es is (ea!h2 O -ha! a (rea(#ul si+h!

7 !o loo, o" is !his #alle" -orl(. s/ecious a"( #air ou!si(e. /lausi'le i" i!s /ro#essio"s. asha*e( o# i!s o-" si"s a"( hi(i"+ !he*. )e! a *ass o# corru/!io" u"(er !he sur#aceG Asha*e( o# i!s si"s. )e! "o! co"#essi"+ !o i!sel# !ha! !he) are si"s. 'u! (e#e"(i"+ !he* i# co"scie"ce u/'rai(s. a"( /erha/s 'ol(l) sa)i"+. or a! leas! i*/l)i"+. !ha!. i# a" i*/ulse 'e allo-a'le i" i!sel#. i! *us! 'e al-a)s ri+h! i" a" i"(i i(ual. "a). !ha! sel#<+ra!i#ica!io" is i!s o-" -arra"!. a"( !ha! !e*/!a!io" is !he oice o# ;o(. Wh) shoul( I a!!e*/! !o a"al)9e !he i"!er*i"+li"+ i"#lue"ces. or !o (escri'e !he co*'i"e( /o-er. o# /ri(e a"( lus!.3lus! e0/lori"+ a -a) !o e il. a"( /ri(e #or!i#)i"+ !he roa(.3 !ill !he #irs! ele*e"!ar) !ru!hs %18& o# Re ela!io" are loo,e( u/o" as *ere "urser) !ales2 No. I ha e i"!e"(e( "o!hi"+ *ore !ha" !o /u! -re!che( "a!ure u/o" i!s course. as I *a) call i!. a"( !here !o lea e i!. *) 're!hre". !o )our re#lec!io"s. !o !ha! i"(i i(ual co**e"! -hich each o# )ou *a) 'e a'le !o /u! o" !his #ai"! (eli"ea!io". realisi"+ i" )our o-" *i"( a"( )our o-" co"scie"ce -ha! "o -or(s ca" (ul) se! #or!h. His secular course /rocee(s@ !he 'o) has 'eco*e a *a"7 he has !a,e" u/ a /ro#essio" or a !ra(e7 he has #air success i" i!7 he *arries. as his #a!her (i( 'e#ore hi*. He /la)s his /ar! i" !he sce"e o# *or!al li#e7 his co""e0io"s e0!e"( as he +e!s ol(er@ -he!her i" a hi+her or a lo-er s/here o# socie!). he has his re/u!a!io" a"( his i"#lue"ce@ !he re/u!a!io" a"( !he i"#lue"ce o#. -e -ill sa). a se"si'le. /ru(e"!. a"( shre-( *a". His chil(re" +ro- u/ arou"( hi*7 *i((le a+e is o er.3 his su" (ecli"es i" !he hea e"s. I" !he 'ala"ce a"( ') !he *easure o# !he -orl(. he is co*e !o a" ho"oura'le a"( e"era'le ol( a+e7 he has 'ee" a chil( o# !he -orl(. a"( !he -orl( ac,"o-le(+es a"( /raises hi*. Bu! -ha! is he i" !he 'ala"ce o# hea e"2 Wha! shall -e sa) o# ;o(Bs 6u(+*e"! o# hi*2 Wha! a'ou! his soul23a'ou! his soul2 Ah. his soul7 he ha( #or+o!!e" !ha!7 he ha( #or+o!!e" he ha( a soul. 'u! i! re*ai"s #ro* #irs! !o las! i" !he si+h! o# i!s Ma,er. Posuisti sculum nostrum in illuminatione vults Tui 7 ?Thou has! /lace( our li#e i" !he illu*i"a!io" o# Th) cou"!e"a"ce.? AlasG alasG a'ou! his soul !he -orl( ,"o-s. !he -orl( cares. "ou+h!7 i! (oes "o! reco+"ise !he soul7 i! o-"s "o!hi"+ i" hi* 'u! a" i"!ellec! %1:& *a"i#es!e( i" a *or!al #ra*e7 i! cares #or !he *a" -hile he is here. i! loses si+h! o# hi* -he" he is there. S!ill !he !i*e is co*i"+ -he" he is lea i"+ here. a"( -ill #i"( hi*sel# there7 he is +oi"+ ou! o# si+h!. a*i( !he sha(o-s o# !ha! u"see" -orl(. a'ou! -hich !he isi'le -orl( is so sce/!ical7 so. i! co"cer"s us -ho ha e a 'elie# i" !ha! u"see" -orl(. !o i"1uire. ?Ho- #ares i! all !his -hile -i!h his soul2? AlasG he has ha( /leasures a"( sa!is#ac!io"s i" li#e. he has. I sa). a +oo( "a*e a*o"+ *e"7 he so'ere( his ie-s as li#e -e"! o". a"( he 'e+a" !o !hi", !ha! or(er a"( reli+io" -ere +oo( !hi"+s. !ha! a cer!ai" (e#ere"ce -as !o 'e /ai( !o !he reli+io" o# his cou"!r). a"( a cer!ai" a!!e"(a"ce !o 'e +i e" !o i!s /u'lic -orshi/7 'u! he is s!ill. i" our Lor(Bs -or(s. "o!hi"+ else 'u! a -hi!e( se/ulchre7 he is #oul -i!hi" -i!h !he 'o"es o# !he

8 (ea( a"( all u"clea""ess. All !he si"s o# his )ou!h. "e er re/e"!e( o#. "e er reall) /u! a-a). his ol( /ro#a"e"esses. his i*/uri!ies. his a"i*osi!ies. his i(ola!ries. are ro!!i"+ -i!h hi*7 o"l) co ere( o er a"( hi((e" ') successi e la)ers o# "e-er a"( la!er si"s. His hear! is !he ho*e o# (ar,"ess. i! has 'ee" ha"(le(. (e#ile(. /ossesse( ') e il s/iri!s7 he is a 'ei"+ -i!hou! #ai!h. a"( -i!hou! ho/e7 i# he hol(s a")!hi"+ #or !ru!h. i! is o"l) as a" o/i"io". a"( i# he has a sor! o# cal*"ess a"( /eace. i! is !he cal*"ess. "o! o# hea e". 'u! o# (eca) a"( (issolu!io". A"( "o- his ol( e"e*) has !hrus! asi(e his +oo( A"+el. a"( is si!!i"+ "ear hi*7 re6oici"+ i" his ic!or). a"( /a!ie"!l) -ai!i"+ #or his /re)7 "o! !e*/!i"+ hi* !o #resh si"s les! !he) shoul( (is!ur' his co"scie"ce. %1=& 'u! si*/l) le!!i"+ -ell alo"e7 le!!i"+ hi* a*use hi*sel# -i!h sha(o-s o# #ai!h. sha(o-s o# /ie!). sha(o-s o# -orshi/7 ai(i"+ hi* rea(il) i" (ressi"+ hi*sel# u/ i" so*e #or* o# reli+io" -hich *a) sa!is#) !he -ea,"ess o# his (ecli"i"+ a+e. as ,"o-i"+ -ell !ha! he ca""o! las! lo"+. !ha! his (ea!h is a *a!!er o# !i*e. a"( !ha! he shall soo" 'e a'le !o carr) hi* (o-" -i!h hi* !o his #ier) (-elli"+. O ho- a-#ulG a"( a! las! !he i"e i!a'le hour is co*e. He (ies3he (ies 1uie!l)3his #rie"(s are sa!is#ie( a'ou! hi*. The) re!ur" !ha",s !ha! ;o( has !a,e" hi*. has release( hi* #ro* !he !rou'les o# li#e a"( !he /ai"s o# sic,"ess7 ?a +oo( #a!her.? !he) sa). ?a +oo( "ei+h'our.? ?si"cerel) la*e"!e(.? ?la*e"!e( ') a lar+e circle o# #rie"(s.? $erha/s !he) a((. ?()i"+ -i!h a #ir* !rus! i" !he *erc) o# ;o(7?3"a). he has "ee( o# so*e!hi"+ 'e)o"( *erc). he has "ee( o# so*e a!!ri'u!e -hich is i"co"sis!e"! -i!h /er#ec!io". a"( -hich is "o!. ca""o! 'e. i" !he All<+lorious. All<hol) ;o(73?-i!h a !rus!.? #orsoo!h. ?i" !he /ro*ises o# !he ;os/el.? -hich "e er -ere his. or -ere earl) #or#ei!e(. A"( !he". as !i*e !ra els o". e er) "o- a"( !he" is hear( so*e /assi"+ re*e*'ra"ce o# hi*. res/ec!#ul or !e"(er7 'u! he all !he -hile Ci" s/i!e o# !his #alse -orl(. a"( !hou+h i!s chil(re" -ill "o! ha e i! so. a"( e0clai*. a"( /ro!es!. a"( are i"(i+"a"! -he" so sole*" a !ru!h is hi"!e( a!D. he is li#!i"+ u/ his e)es. 'ei"+ i" !or*e"!. a"( lies ?'urie( i" hell.? Such is !he his!or) o# a *a" i" a s!a!e o# "a!ure. or i" a s!a!e o# (e#ec!io". !o -ho* !he ;os/el has "e er %1A& 'ee" a reali!). i" -ho* !he +oo( see( has "e er !a,e" roo!. o" -ho* ;o(Bs +race has 'ee" she( i" ai". -i!h -ho* i! has "e er /re aile( so #ar as !o *a,e hi* see, His #ace a"( !o as, #or !hose hi+her +i#!s -hich lea( !o hea e". Such is his (ar, recor(. Bu! I ha e s/o,e" o# o"l) o"e *a"@ alasG *) (ear 're!hre". i! is !he recor( o# !housa"(s7 i! is. i" o"e sha/e or o!her. !he recor( o# all !he chil(re" o# !he -orl(. ?As soo" as !he) are 'or".? !he -ise *a" sa)s. ?!he) #or!h-i!h ha e cease( !o 'e. a"( !he) are /o-erless !o sho- a") si+" o# ir!ue. a"( are -as!e( a-a) i" !heir -ic,e("ess.? The) *a) 'e rich or /oor. lear"e( or i+"ora"!. /olishe( or ru(e. (ece"! ou!-ar(l) a"( sel#<

9 (isci/li"e(. or sca"(alous i" !heir li es.3'u! a! 'o!!o* !he) are all o"e a"( !he sa*e7 !he) ha e "o! #ai!h. !he) ha e "o! lo e7 !he) are i*/ure. !he) are /rou(7 !he) all a+ree !o+e!her er) -ell. 'o!h i" o/i"io"s a"( i" co"(uc!7 !he) see !ha! !he) a+ree7 a"( !his a+ree*e"! !he) !a,e as a /roo# !ha! !heir co"(uc! is ri+h! a"( !heir o/i"io"s !rue. Such as is !he !ree. such is !he #rui!7 "o -o"(er !he #rui! is !he sa*e i" all -he" i! co*es o# !he sa*e roo! o# u"re+e"era!e. u"re"e-e( "a!ure7 'u! !he) co"si(er i! +oo( a"( -holeso*e. 'ecause i! is *a!ure( i" so *a")7 a"( !he) chase a-a). as o(ious. u"'eara'le. a"( horri'le. !he /ure a"( hea e"l) (oc!ri"e o# Re ela!io". 'ecause i! is so se ere u/o" !he*sel es. No o"e li,es 'a( "e-s. "o o"e -elco*es -ha! co"(e*"s hi*7 !he -orl( sla"(ers !he Tru!h i" sel#<(e#e"ce. 'ecause !he Tru!h (e"ou"ces !he -orl(. M) 're!hre". i# !hese !hi"+s 'e so. or ra!her C#or %1E& !his is !he /oi"! hereD. i# -e. Ca!holics. #ir*l) 'elie e !he* !o 'e so. so #ir*l) 'elie e !he*. !ha! -e #eel i! -oul( 'e ha//) #or us !o (ie ra!her !ha" (ou'! !he*. is i! -o"(er#ul. (oes i! re1uire a") a's!ruse e0/la"a!io". !ha! *e" *i"(e( as -e are shoul( co*e i"!o !he *i(s! o# a /o/ula!io" such as !his. a"( i"!o a "ei+h'ourhoo( -here reli+ious error has s-a). a"( -here corru/!io" o# li#e /re ails 'o!h as i!s cause a"( as i!s co"se1ue"ce3a /o/ula!io". "o! -orse i"(ee( !ha" !he res! o# !he -orl(. 'u! "o! 'e!!er7 "o! 'e!!er. 'ecause i! has "o! -i!h i! !he +i#! o# Ca!holic !ru!h7 "o! /urer. 'ecause i! has "o! -i!hi" i! !ha! +i#! o# +race -hich alo"e ca" (es!ro) i*/uri!)7 a /o/ula!io". si"#ul. I a* cer!ai". +i e" !o u"la-#ul i"(ul+e"ces. la(e" -i!h +uil! a"( e0/ose( !o e!er"al rui". 'ecause i! is "o! 'lesse( -i!h !ha! $rese"ce o# !he Wor( I"car"a!e. -hich (i##uses s-ee!"ess. a"( !ra"1uilli!). a"( chas!i!) o er !he hear!73is i! a !hi"+ !o 'e *ar elle( a!. !ha! -e 'e+i" !o /reach !o such a /o/ula!io" as !his. #or -hich Chris! (ie(. a"( !r) !o co" er! i! !o Hi* a"( !o His Church2 Is i! "ecessar) !o as, #or reaso"s2 is i! "ecessar) !o assi+" *o!i es o# !his -orl(. #or a /rocee(i"+ -hich is so "a!ural i" !hose -ho 'elie e i" !he a""ou"ce*e"!s a"( re1uire*e"!s o# !he o!her2 M) (ear 're!hre". i# -e are sure !ha! !he Mos! Hol) Re(ee*er has she( His 'loo( #or all *e". is i! "o! a er) /lai" a"( si*/le co"se1ue"ce !ha! -e. His ser a"!s. His 're!hre". His /ries!s. shoul( 'e u"-illi"+ !o see !ha! 'loo( she( i" ai".3-as!e( I *a) sa). as re+ar(s )ou. a"( shoul( -ish !o *a,e )ou /ar!a,ers o# !hose 'e"e#i!s -hich ha e %1F& 'ee" ouchsa#e( !o oursel es2 Is i! "ecessar) #or a") ')s!a"(er !o call us ai"<+lorious. or a*'i!ious. or res!less. +ree() o# au!hori!). #o"( o# /o-er. rese"!#ul. /ar!)<s/iri!e(. or !he li,e. -he" here is so *uch *ore /o-er#ul. *ore /rese"!. *ore i"#lue"!ial a *o!i e !o -hich our ea+er"ess a"( 9eal *a) 'e ascri'e(2 Wha! is so /o-er#ul a" i"ce"!i e !o /reachi"+ as !he sure 'elie# !ha! i! is !he /reachi"+ o# !he !ru!h2 Wha! so co"s!rai"s !o !he co" ersio" o# souls. as !he co"scious"ess !ha! !he) are a! /rese"! i" +uil! a"( i" /eril2 Wha! so +rea! a /ersuasi e !o 'ri"+ *e" i"!o !he Church. as !he co" ic!io"

10 !ha! i! is !he s/ecial *ea"s ') -hich ;o( e##ec!s !he sal a!io" o# !hose -ho* !he -orl( !rai"s i" si" a"( u"'elie#2 O"l) a(*i! us !o 'elie e -ha! -e /ro#ess. a"( surel) !ha! is "o! as,i"+ a +rea! (eal C#or -ha! ha e -e (o"e !ha! -e shoul( 'e (is!rus!e(2D3o"l) a(*i! us !o 'elie e -ha! -e /ro#ess. a"( )ou -ill u"(ers!a"( -i!hou! (i##icul!) -ha! -e are (oi"+. We co*e a*o"+ )ou. 'ecause -e 'elie e !here is 'u! o"e -a) o# sal a!io". *ar,e( ou! #ro* !he 'e+i""i"+. a"( !ha! )ou are "o! -al,i"+ alo"+ i!7 -e co*e a*o"+ )ou as *i"is!ers o# !ha! e0!raor(i"ar) +race o# ;o(. -hich )ou "ee(7 -e co*e a*o"+ )ou 'ecause -e ha e recei e( a +rea! +i#! #ro* ;o( oursel es. a"( -ish )ou !o 'e /ar!a,ers o# our 6o)7 'ecause i! is -ri!!e". ?Freel) )e ha e recei e(. #reel) +i e7? 'ecause -e (are "o! hi(e i" a "a/,i" !hose *ercies. a"( !ha! +race o# ;o(. -hich ha e 'ee" +i e" us. "o! #or our o-" sa,e o"l). 'u! #or !he 'e"e#i! o# o!hers. Such a 9eal. /oor a"( #ee'le !hou+h i! 'e i" us. has %1H& 'ee" !he er) li#e o# !he Church. a"( !he 'rea!h o# her /reachers a"( *issio"aries i" all a+es. I! -as a #ire such as !his -hich 'rou+h! our Lor( #ro* hea e". a"( -hich He (esire(. -hich He !ra aile(. !o co**u"ica!e !o all arou"( Hi*. ?I a* co*e !o se"( #ire o" !he ear!h.? He sa)s. ?a"( -ha! -ill I. 'u! !ha! i! 'e ,i"(le(2? Such. !oo. -as !he #eeli"+ o# !he +rea! A/os!le !o -ho* his Lor( a//eare( i" or(er !o i*/ar! !o hi* !his #ire. ?I se"( !hee !o !he ;e"!iles.? He ha( sai( !o hi* o" his co" ersio". ?!o o/e" !heir e)es. !ha! !he) *a) 'e co" er!e( #ro* (ar,"ess !o li+h!. a"( #ro* !he /o-er o# Sa!a" u"!o ;o(.? A"(. accor(i"+l). he a! o"ce 'e+a" !o /reach !o !he*. !ha! !he) shoul( (o /e"a"ce. a"( !ur" !o ;o( -i!h -or!h) #rui!s o# /e"a"ce. ?#or.? as he sa)s. ?!he chari!) o# Chris! co"s!rai"e( hi*.? a"( he -as ?*a(e all !hi"+s !o all !ha! he *i+h! sa e all.? a"( he ?'ore all #or !he elec!Bs sa,e. !ha! !he) *i+h! o'!ai" !he sal a!io" -hich is i" Chris! Jesus. -i!h hea e"l) +lor).? Such. !oo. -as !he #ire o# 9eal -hich 'ur"e( -i!hi" !hose /reachers. !o -ho* -e E"+lish o-e our Chris!ia"i!). Wha! 'rou+h! !he* #ro* Ro*e !o !his (is!a"! isle a"( !o a 'ar'arous /eo/le. a*i( *a") #ears. a"( -i!h *uch su##eri"+. 'u! !he so erei+" u"co"!rolla'le (esire !o sa e !he /erishi"+. a"( !o ,"i! !he *e*'ers a"( sla es o# Sa!a" i"!o !he 'o() o# Chris!2 This has 'ee" !he secre! o# !he /ro/a+a!io" o# !he Church #ro* !he er) #irs!. a"( -ill 'e !o !he e"(7 !his is -h) !he Church. u"(er !he +race o# ;o(. !o !he sur/rise o# !he -orl(. co" er!s !he "a!io"s. a"( -h) "o sec! ca" (o !he li,e7 !his is -h) Ca!holic *issio"aries %5I& !hro- !he*sel es so +e"erousl) a*o"+ !he #ierces! sa a+es. a"( ris, !he *os! cruel !or*e"!s. as ,"o-i"+ !he -or!h o# !he soul. as realisi"+ !he -orl( !o co*e. as lo i"+ !heir 're!hre" (earl). !hou+h !he) "e er sa- !he*. as shu((eri"+ a! !he !hou+h! o# !he e!er"al -oe. a"( as (esiri"+ !o i"crease !he #rui! o# !heir Lor(Bs /assio". a"( !he !riu*/hs o# His +race.

11 We. *) 're!hre". are "o! -or!h) !o 'e "a*e( i" co""e0io" -i!h E a"+elis!s. Sai"!s. a"( Mar!)rs7 -e co*e !o )ou i" a /eacea'le !i*e a"( i" a -ell<or(ere( s!a!e o# socie!). a"( reco**e"(e( ') !ha! secre! a-e a"( re ere"ce. -hich. sa) -ha! !he) -ill. E"+lish*e" #or !he *os! /ar!. or i" +oo( /ar!. #eel #or !ha! Reli+io" o# !heir #a!hers. -hich has le#! i" !he la"( so *a") *e*orials o# i!s #or*er s-a). I! re1uires "o +rea! 9eal i" us. "o +rea! chari!). !o co*e !o )ou a! "o ris,. a"( e"!rea! )ou !o !ur" #ro* !he /a!h o# (ea!h. a"( 'e sa e(. I! re1uires "o!hi"+ +rea!. "o!hi"+ heroic. "o!hi"+ sai"!<li,e7 i! (oes 'u! re1uire co" ic!io". a"( !ha! -e ha e. !ha! !he Ca!holic Reli+io" is +i e" #ro* ;o( #or !he sal a!io" o# *a",i"(. a"( !ha! all o!her reli+io"s are 'u! *oc,eries7 i! re1uires "o!hi"+ *ore !ha" #ai!h. a si"+le /ur/ose. a" ho"es! hear!. a"( a (is!i"c! u!!era"ce. We co*e !o )ou i" !he "a*e o# ;o(7 -e as, "o *ore o# )ou !ha" !ha! )ou -oul( lis!e" !o us7 -e as, "o *ore !ha" !ha! )ou -oul( 6u(+e #or )oursel es -he!her or "o! -e s/ea, ;o(Bs -or(s7 i! shall res! -i!h )ou -he!her -e 'e ;o(Bs /ries!s a"( /ro/he!s or "o. This is "o! *uch !o as,. 'u! i! is *ore !ha" *os! *e" -ill +ra"!7 !he) (o "o! (are lis!e" !o us. !he) are %51& i*/a!ie"! !hrou+h /re6u(ice. or !he) (rea( co" ic!io". 4esG *a") a o"e !here is. -ho has e e" +oo( reaso" !o lis!e" !o us. "a). o" -ho* -e ha e a clai* !o 'e hear(. -ho ou+h! !o ha e a cer!ai" !rus! i" us. -ho )e! shu!s his ears. a"( !ur"s a-a). a"( chooses !o ha9ar( e!er"i!) -i!hou! -ei+hi"+ -ha! -e ha e !o sa). Ho- #ri+h!#ul is !hisG 'u! )ou are "o!. )ou ca""o! 'e such7 -e as, "o! your co"#i(e"ce. *) 're!hre". #or )ou ha e "e er ,"o-" us@ -e are "o! as,i"+ )ou !o !a,e #or +ra"!e( -ha! -e sa). #or -e are s!ra"+ers !o )ou7 -e (o 'u! si*/l) 'i( )ou #irs! !o co"si(er !ha! )ou ha e souls !o 'e sa e(. a"( "e0! !o 6u(+e #or )oursel es. -he!her. i# ;o( has re eale( a reli+io" o# His o-" -here') !o sa e !hose souls. !ha! reli+io" ca" 'e a") o!her !ha" !he #ai!h -hich -e /reach. J$reache( 5 Fe' 1F:H. a! !he o/e"i"+ o# !he Ora!or) a! Alces!er S!ree!3Ia" Ker. John Henry Newman. /. 8:5.L To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse 5. Ne+lec! o# Di i"e Calls a"( War"i"+s

%55& NO o"e si"s -i!hou! *a,i"+ so*e e0cuse !o hi*sel# #or si""i"+. He is o'li+e( !o (o so@ *a" is "o! li,e !he 'ru!e 'eas!s7 he has a

12 (i i"e +i#! -i!hi" hi* -hich -e call reaso". a"( -hich co"s!rai"s hi* !o accou"! 'e#ore i!s 6u(+*e"!<sea! #or -ha! he (oes. He ca""o! ac! a! ra"(o*7 ho-e er he ac!s. he *us! ac! ') so*e ,i"( o# rule. o" so*e sor! o# /ri"ci/le7 else he is e0e( a"( (issa!is#ie( -i!h hi*sel#. No! !ha! he is er) /ar!icular -he!her he #i"(s a +oo( reaso" or a 'a(. -he" he is er) *uch s!rai!e"e( #or a reaso"7 'u! a reaso" o# so*e sor! he *us! ha e. He"ce )ou so*e!i*es #i"( !hose -ho +i e u/ reli+ious (u!) al!o+e!her. a!!ac,i"+ !he co"(uc! o# reli+ious *e". -he!her !heir ac1uai"!a"ce. or !he *i"is!ers or /ro#essors o# reli+io". as a sor! o# e0cuse3a er) 'a( o"e3#or !heir "e+lec!. O!hers -ill *a,e !he e0cuse !ha! !he) are so #ar #ro* church. or so closel) occu/ie( a! ho*e. -he!her !he) -ill or "o!. !ha! !he) ca""o! ser e ;o( as !he) ou+h!. O!hers sa) !ha! i! is "o use !r)i"+ !o (o so. !ha! !he) ha e a+ai" a"( a+ai" +o"e !o co"#essio" a"( !rie( !o ,ee/ ou! o# *or!al si". a"( %58& ca""o!7 a"( so !he) +i e u/ !he a!!e*/! as ho/eless. O!hers. -he" !he) #all i"!o si". e0cuse !he*sel es o" !he /lea !ha! !he) are 'u! #ollo-i"+ "a!ure7 !ha! !he i*/ulses o# "a!ure are so er) s!ro"+. a"( !ha! i! ca""o! 'e -ro"+ !o #ollo- !ha! "a!ure -hich ;o( has +i e" us. O!hers are 'ol(er s!ill. a"( !he) cas! o## reli+io" al!o+e!her@ !he) (e") i!s !ru!h7 !he) (e") Church. ;os/el. a"( Bi'le7 !he) +o so #ar /erha/s as e e" !o (e") ;o(Bs +o er"a"ce o# His crea!ures. The) 'ol(l) (e") !ha! !here is a") li#e a#!er (ea!h@ a"(. !his 'ei"+ !he case. o# course !he) -oul( 'e #ools i"(ee( "o! !o !a,e !heir /leasure here. a"( !o *a,e as *uch o# !his /oor li#e as !he) ca". A"( !here are o!hers. a"( !o !hese I a* +oi"+ !o a((ress *)sel#. -ho !r) !o s/ea, /eace !o !he*sel es ') cherishi"+ !he !hou+h! !ha! so*e!hi"+ or o!her -ill ha//e" a#!er all !o ,ee/ !he* #ro* e!er"al rui". !hou+h !he) "o- co"!i"ue i" !heir "e+lec! o# ;o(7 !ha! i! is a lo"+ !i*e )e! !o (ea!h7 !ha! !here are *a") cha"ces i" !heir #a our7 !ha! !he) shall re/e"! i" /rocess o# !i*e -he" !he) +e! ol(. as a *a!!er o# course7 !ha! !he) *ea" !o re/e"! so*e (a)7 !ha! !he) *ea". soo"er or la!er. seriousl) !o !a,e !heir s!a!e i"!o accou"!. a"( !o *a,e !heir +rou"( +oo(7 a"(. i# !he) are Ca!holics. !he) a((. !ha! !he) -ill !a,e care !o (ie -i!h !he las! Sacra*e"!s. a"( !ha! !here#ore !he) "ee( "o! !rou'le !he*sel es a'ou! !he *a!!er. No- !hese /erso"s. *) 're!hre". !e*/! ;o(7 !he) !r) Hi*. ho- #ar His +oo("ess -ill +o7 a"(. i! *a) 'e. !he) -ill !r) Hi* !oo lo"+. a"( -ill ha e e0/erie"ce. "o! o# His +racious #or+i e"ess. 'u! o# His %5:& se eri!) a"( His 6us!ice. I" !his s/iri! i! -as !ha! !he Israeli!es i" !he (eser! co"(uc!e( !he*sel es !o-ar(s Al*i+h!) ;o(@ i"s!ea( o# #eeli"+ a-e o# Hi*. !he) -ere #ree -i!h Hi*. !rea!e( Hi* #a*iliarl). *a(e e0cuses. /re#erre( co*/lai"!s. u/'rai(e( Hi*7 as i# !he E!er"al ;o( ha( 'ee" a -ea, *a". as i# He ha( 'ee" !heir *i"is!er a"( ser a"!7 i" co"se1ue"ce. -e are !ol( ') !he i"s/ire( his!oria". ?The Lor( se"! a*o"+ !he /eo/le #ier) ser/e"!s?. To !his S!. $aul re#ers

13 -he" he sa)s. ?Nei!her le! us !e*/! Chris!. as so*e o# !he* !e*/!e(. a"( /erishe( ') !he ser/e"!s7? a -ar"i"+ !o us "o-. !ha! !hose -ho are #or-ar( a"( 'ol( -i!h !heir Al*i+h!) Sa iour. -ill +ai". "o! !he /ar(o" -hich !he) loo, #or. 'u! -ill #i"( !he*sel es -i!hi" !he #ol(s o# !he ol( ser/e"!. -ill (ri", i" his /oiso"ous 'rea!h. a"( a! le"+!h -ill (ie u"(er his #a"+s. Tha! se(uci"+ s/iri! a//eare( i" /erso" !o our Lor( i" !he (a)s o# His #lesh. a"( !rie( !o e"!a"+le Hi*. !he So" o# !he Hi+hes!. i" !his er) si". He /lace( Hi* o" !he /i""acle o# !he Te*/le. a"( sai( !o Hi*. ?I# Thou ar! !he So" o# ;o(. cas! Th)sel# (o-". #or i! is -ri!!e". He has +i e" His A"+els char+e o# Thee. a"( i" !heir ha"(s !he) shall li#! Thee. les! /ercha"ce Thou s!ri,e Th) #oo! a+ai"s! a s!o"e7? 'u! our Lor(Bs a"s-er -as. ?I! is also -ri!!e". Thou shall "o! !e*/! !he Lor( !h) ;o(?. A"( so "u*'ers are !e*/!e( "o- !o cas! !he*sel es hea(lo"+ (o-" !he /reci/ice o# si". assuri"+ !he*sel es !he -hile !ha! !he) -ill "e er reach !he hell -hich lies a! !he 'o!!o*. "e er (ash u/o" i!s shar/ roc,s. or 'e /lu"+e( i"!o i!s #la*es7 #or A"+els a"( Sai"!s are %5=& !here. i" !heir e0!re*i!). i" !heir #i"al "ee(.3or a! leas!. ;o(Bs +e"eral *ercies. or His /ar!icular /ro*ises.3!o i"!er/ose a"( 'ear !he* a-a) sa#el). Such is !he si" o# !hese *e". *) 're!hre". o# -hich I a* +oi"+ !o s/ea,7 "o! !he si" o# u"'elie#. or o# /ri(e. or o# (es/air. 'u! o# /resu*/!io". I -ill s!a!e *ore (is!i"c!l) !he ,i"( o# !hou+h!s -hich +o !hrou+h !heir *i"(s. a"( -hich 1uie! a"( sa!is#) !he* i" !heir course o# irreli+io". The) sa) !o !he*sel es. ?I ca""o! +i e u/ si" "o-7 I ca""o! +i e u/ !his or !ha! i"(ul+e"ce7 I ca""o! 'rea, *)sel# o# !his ha'i! o# i"!e*/era"ce7 I ca""o! (o -i!hou! !hese u"la-#ul +ai"s7 I ca""o! lea e !hese e*/lo)ers or su/eriors. -ho ,ee/ *e #ro* #ollo-i"+ *) co"scie"ce. I! is i*/ossi'le I shoul( ser e ;o( "o-7 a"( I ha e "o leisure !o loo, i"!o *)sel#7 a"( I (o "o! #eel !he -ish !o re/e"!7 I ha e "o hear! #or reli+io". Bu! i! -ill co*e easier ')<a"(<')7 i! -ill 'e as "a!ural !he" !o re/e"! a"( 'e reli+ious. as i! is "o- "a!ural !o si". I shall !he" ha e #e-er !e*/!a!io"s. #e-er (i##icul!ies. Ol( /eo/le are so*e!i*es i"(ee( re/ro'a!es. 'u!. +e"erall) s/ea,i"+. !he) are reli+ious7 !he) are reli+ious al*os! as a *a!!er o# course7 !he) *a) curse a"( s-ear a li!!le. a"( !ell lies. a"( (o such<li,e li!!le !hi"+s7 'u! s!ill !he) are clear o# *or!al si". a"( -oul( 'e sa#e i# !he) -ere su((e"l) !a,e" o##.? A"( -he" so*e /ar!icular !e*/!a!io" co*es o" !he*. !he) !hi",. ?I! is o"l) o"e si". a"( o"ce i" a -a)7 I "e er (i( !he li,e 'e#ore. a"( "e er -ill a+ai" -hile I li e7? or. ?I ha e (o"e as 'a( 'e#ore "o-. a"( i! is o"l) o"e si" *ore. a"( I shall %5A& ha e !o re/e"! a")ho-7 a"( -hile I a* a'ou! i!. i! -ill 'e as eas) !o re/e"! o# o"e si" *ore as o# o"e less. #or I shall ha e !o re/e"! o# all si"7? or a+ai". ?I# I /erish. I shall "o! -a"! co*/a")73-ha! -ill ha//e" !o !his /erso" or !ha!2 I a* 1ui!e a Sai"! co*/are( -i!h such a o"e7 a"( I ha e ,"o-" *e" re/e"!. -ho ha e (o"e *uch -orse !hi"+s !ha" I ha e (o"e?.

14 No-. *) (ear 're!hre". !hose -ho *a,e such e0cuses !o !he*sel es. ,"o- "ei!her -ha! si" is i" i!s o-" "a!ure. "or -ha! !heir o-" si"s are i" /ar!icular7 !he) u"(ers!a"( "ei!her !he hei"ous"ess "or !he *ul!i!u(e o# !heir si"s. I! is "ecessar). !he". !o s!a!e (is!i"c!l) o"e or !-o /oi"!s o# Ca!holic (oc!ri"e. -hich -ill ser e !o /u! !his *a!!er i" a clearer ie- !ha" *e" are accus!o*e( !o !a,e o# i!. These !ru!hs are er) si*/le a"( er) o' ious. 'u! are 1ui!e #or+o!!e" ') !he /erso"s o# -ho* I ha e 'ee" s/ea,i"+. or !he) -oul( "e er 'e a'le !o sa!is#) !heir reaso" a"( !heir co"scie"ce ') such #ri olous /leas a"( e0cuses. as !hose -hich I ha e 'ee" (ra-i"+ ou!. Firs! !he" o'ser e. !ha! -he" a /erso" sa)s. ?I ha e si""e( as 'a(l) 'e#ore "o-.? or. ?This is o"l) o"e si" *ore.? or. ?I *us! re/e"! a")ho-. a"( !he" -ill re/e"! o"ce #or all.? a"( !he li,e. he #or+e!s !ha! all his si"s are i" ;o(Bs ha"( a"( i" o"e /a+e o# !he 'oo, o# 6u(+*e"!. a"( alrea() a((e( u/ a+ai"s! hi*. accor(i"+ as each is co**i!!e(. u/ !o !he las! o# !he*7 !ha! !he si" he is "o- co**i!!i"+ is "o! a *ere si"+le. isola!e( si". 'u! !ha! i! is o"e o# a series. o# a lo"+ ca!alo+ue7 !ha! !hou+h i! 'e 'u! o"e. i! is "o! si" o"e. or %5E& si" !-o. or si" !hree i" !he lis!. 'u! i! is !he !housa"(!h. !he !e" !housa"(!h. or !he hu"(re(!h !housa"(!h. i" a lo"+ course o# si""i"+. I! is "o! !he #irs! o# his si"s. 'u! !he las!. a"( /erha/s !he er) las! a"( #i"ishi"+ si". He hi*sel# #or+e!s. *a"a+es !o #or+e!. or !ries !o #or+e!. -ishes !o #or+e!. all his a"!ece(e"! si"s. or re*e*'ers !he* *erel) as i"s!a"ces o# his ha i"+ si""e( -i!h i*/u"i!) 'e#ore. a"( /roo#s !ha! he *a) si" -i!h i*/u"i!) s!ill. Bu! e er) si" has a his!or)@ i! is "o! a" acci(e"!7 i! is !he #rui! o# #or*er si"s i" !hou+h! or i" (ee(7 i! is !he !o,e" o# a ha'i! (ee/l) sea!e( a"( -i(el) s/rea(7 i! is !he a++ra a!io" o# a irule"! (isease7 a"(. as !he las! s!ra- is sai( !o 'rea, !he horseBs 'ac,. so our las! si". -ha!e er i! is. is !ha! -hich (es!ro)s our ho/e. a"( #or#ei!s our /lace i" hea e". There#ore. *) 're!hre". i! is 'u! !he cra#! o# !he (e il. -hich *a,es )ou !a,e )our si"s o"e ') o"e. -hile ;o( ie-s !he* as a -hole. ?Signasti, quasi in sacculo, delicta mea.? sa)s hol) Jo'. ?Thou has! seale( u/ *) si"s as i" a 'a+.? a"( o"e (a) !he) -ill all 'e cou"!e( ou!. Se/ara!e si"s are li,e !he !ouches a"( s!ro,es -hich !he /ai"!er +i es. #irs! o"e a"( !he" a"o!her. !o !he /ic!ure o" his ca" as7 or li,e !he s!o"es -hich !he *aso" /iles u/ a"( ce*e"!s !o+e!her #or !he house he is 'uil(i"+. The) are all co""ec!e( !o+e!her7 !he) !e"( !o a -hole7 !he) loo, !o-ar(s a" e"(. a"( !he) has!e" o" !o !heir #ul#il*e"!. ;o. co**i! !his si". *) 're!hre". !o -hich )ou are !e*/!e(. -hich )ou /ersis! i" ie-i"+ i" i!sel# alo"e. loo, o" i! as E e loo,e( o" !he #or'i((e" #rui!. (-ell u/o" i!s li+h!"ess a"( i"si+"i#ica"ce7 a"( /erha/s %5F& )ou *a) #i"( i! a#!er all !o 'e 6us! !he co/i"+<s!o"e o# )our hi+h !o-er o# re'ellio". -hich co*es i"!o re*e*'ra"ce 'e#ore ;o(. a"( #ills u/ !he *easure o# )our i"i1ui!ies. ?Fill )e u/.? sa)s our

15 Lor( !o !he h)/ocri!ical $harisees. ?!he *easure o# )our #a!hers.? The -ra!h. -hich ca*e o" Jerusale*. -as "o! si*/l) cause( ') !he si"s o# !ha! (a). i" -hich Chris! ca*e. !hou+h i" !ha! (a) -as co**i!!e( !he *os! a-#ul o# all si"s. i9.. His re6ec!io"7 #or !ha! -as 'u! !he cro-"i"+ si" o# a lo"+ course o# re'ellio". So a+ai". i" a" earlier a+e. !he a+e o# A'raha*. ere !he chose" /eo/le ha( +o! /ossessio" o# !he la"( o# /ro*ise. !here -as alrea() +rea! a"( hei"ous si" a*o"+ !he hea!he" -ho i"ha'i!e( i!. )e! !he) -ere "o! /u! ou! a! o"ce. a"( A'raha* 'rou+h! i"73-h)2 'ecause ;o(Bs *ercies -ere "o! )e! e0haus!e( !o-ar(s !he*. He s!ill 'es!o-e( His +race o" !he a'a"(o"e( /eo/le. a"( -ai!e( #or !heir re/e"!a"ce. Bu! He #oresa!ha! He shoul( -ai! i" ai". a"( !ha! !he !i*e o# e"+ea"ce -oul( co*e7 a"( !his He i*/lie( -he" He sai(. !ha! He (i( "o! +i e !he chose" see( !he la"( a! o"ce. ?#or as )e! !he i"i1ui!ies o# !he A*orrhi!es -ere "o! a! !he #ull?. Bu! !he) (i( co*e !o !he #ull so*e hu"(re( )ears a#!er-ar(s. a"( !he" !he Israeli!es -ere 'rou+h! i". -i!h !he co**a"( !o (es!ro) !he* u!!erl) -i!h !he s-or(. A"( a+ai". )ou ,"o- !he his!or) o# !he i*/ious Bal!assar. I" his /rou( #eas!. -he" he -as "o- #ille( -i!h -i"e. he se"! #or !he +ol( a"( sil er essels -hich 'elo"+e( !o !he Te*/le a! Jerusale*. a"( ha( 'ee" 'rou+h! !o Ba')lo" o" !he !a,i"+ o# !he hol) ci!).3he se"! #or !hese sacre( %5H& essels. !ha! ou! o# !he* he *i+h! (ri", *ore -i"e. he. his "o'les. his -i es. a"( his co"cu'i"es. I" !ha! hour. !he #i"+ers as o# a *a"Bs ha"( -ere see" u/o" !he -all o# !he 'a"1ue!i"+<roo*. -ri!i"+ !he (oo* o# !he ,i"+ a"( o# his ,i"+(o*. The -or(s -ere !hese@ ?;o( ha!h "u*'ere( !h) ,i"+(o*. a"( ha!h #i"ishe( i!@ !hou ar! -ei+he( i" !he 'ala"ce. a"( ar! #ou"( -a"!i"+?. Tha! -re!che( /ri"ce ha( ,e/! "o accou"! o# his si"s7 as a s/e"(!hri#! ,ee/s "o accou"! o# his (e'!s. so he -e"! o" (a) a#!er (a) a"( )ear a#!er )ear. re elli"+ i" /ri(e. cruel!). a"( se"sual i"(ul+e"ce. a"( i"sul!i"+ his Mas!er. !ill a! le"+!h he e0haus!e( !he Di i"e Merc). a"( #ille( u/ !he chalice o# -ra!h. His hour ca*e@ o"e *ore si" he (i(. a"( !he cu/ o er#lo-e(7 e"+ea"ce o er!oo, hi* o" !he i"s!a"!. a"( he -as cu! o## #ro* !he ear!h. A"( !ha! las! si" "ee( "o! 'e a +rea! si". "ee( "o! 'e +rea!er !ha" !hose -hich ha e +o"e 'e#ore i!7 /erha/s i! *a) 'e less. There -as a rich *a". *e"!io"e( ') our Lor(. -ho. -he" his cro/s -ere /le"!i#ul. sai( -i!hi" hi*sel#. ?Wha! shall I (o. #or I ha e "o! -here !o 'es!o*) #rui!s2 I -ill /ull (o-" *) 'ar"s. a"( 'uil( +rea!er7 a"( I -ill sa) !o *) soul. Soul. !hou has! *uch +oo(s lai( u/ #or *a") )ears7 !a,e !h) res!. ea!. (ri",. *a,e +oo( cheer.? He -as carrie( o## !ha! er) "i+h!. This -as "o! a er) s!ri,i"+ si". a"( surel) i! -as "o! his #irs! +rea! si"7 i! -as !he las! i"s!a"ce o# a lo"+ course o# ac!s o# sel#< su##icie"c) a"( #or+e!#ul"ess o# ;o(. "o! +rea!er i" i"!e"si!) !ha" a") 'e#ore i!. 'u! co*/le!i"+ !heir "u*'er. A"( so a+ai". -he" !he #a!her o# !ha! %8I& i*/ious ,i"+. -ho* I 6us! "o- s/o,e o#7 -he" Na'ucho(o"osor ha( #or a -hole )ear "e+lec!e( !he -ar"i"+ o# !he

16 /ro/he! Da"iel. calli"+ hi* !o !ur" #ro* his /ri(e a"( !o re/e"!. o"e (a) as he -al,e( i" !he /alace o# Ba')lo". he sai(. ?Is "o! !his +rea! Ba')lo". -hich I ha e 'uil! #or !he ho*e o# !he ,i"+(o*. i" !he s!re"+!h o# *) /o-er a"( i" !he +lor) o# *) e0celle"ce2? a"( #or!h-i!h. -hile !he -or( -as )e! i" his *ou!h. 6u(+*e"! ca*e u/o" hi*. a"( he -as s*i!!e" -i!h a "e- a"( s!ra"+e (isease. so !ha! he -as (ri e" #ro* *e". a"( a!e ha) li,e !he o0. a"( +re- -il( i" his a//eara"ce. a"( li e( i" !he o/e" #iel(. His co"su**a!i"+ ac! o# /ri(e -as "o! +rea!er. /erha/s. !ha" a") o"e o# !hose -hich !hrou+h !he !-el e*o"!h ha( /rece(e( i!. No7 )ou ca""o! (eci(e. *) 're!hre". -he!her )ou are ou!ru""i"+ ;o(Bs *erc). *erel) 'ecause !he si" )ou "o- co**i! see*s !o 'e a s*all o"e7 i! is "o! al-a)s !he +rea!es! si" !ha! is !he las!. Moreo er )ou ca""o! calcula!e. -hich is !o 'e )our las! si". ') !he /ar!icular "u*'er o# !hose -hich ha e +o"e 'e#ore i!. e e" i# )ou coul( cou"! !he*. #or !he "u*'er aries i" (i##ere"! /erso"s. This is a"o!her er) serious circu*s!a"ce. 4ou *a) ha e co**i!!e( 'u! o"e or !-o si"s. a"( )e! #i"( !ha! )ou are rui"e( 'e)o"( re(e*/!io". !hou+h o!hers -ho ha e (o"e *ore are "o!. Wh) -e ,"o- "o!. 'u! ;o(. -ho sho-s *erc) a"( +i es +race !o all. sho-s +rea!er *erc) a"( +i es *ore a'u"(a"! +race !o o"e *a" !ha" a"o!her. To all He +i es +race su##icie"! #or !heir sal a!io"7 !o all He +i es #ar *ore !ha" !he) ha e a") ri+h! !o %81& e0/ec!. a"( !he) ca" clai* "o!hi"+7 'u! !o so*e He +i es #ar *ore !ha" !o o!hers. He !ells us Hi*sel#. !ha!. i# !he i"ha'i!a"!s o# T)re a"( Si(o" ha( see" !he *iracles (o"e i" Chora9i". !he) -oul( ha e (o"e /e"a"ce a"( !ur"e( !o Hi*. Tha! is. !here -as !ha! -hich -oul( ha e co" er!e( !he*. a"( i! -as "o! +ra"!e( !o !he*. Till -e se! !his 'e#ore oursel es. -e ha e "o! a ri+h! ie- ei!her o# si" i" i!sel#. or o# our o-" /ros/ec!s i# -e li e i" i!. As ;o( (e!er*i"es #or each !he *easure o# his s!a!ure. a"( !he co*/le0io" o# his *i"(. a"( !he "u*'er o# his (a)s. )e! "o! !he sa*e #or all7 as o"e chil( o# A(a* is /reor(ai"e( !o li e o"e (a). a"( a"o!her ei+h!) )ears. so is i! #i0e( !ha! o"e shoul( 'e reser e( #or his ei+h!ie!h si". a"o!her cu! o## a#!er his #irs!. Wh) !his is. -e ,"o- "o!7 'u! i! is /arallel !o -ha! is (o"e i" hu*a" *a!!ers -i!hou! e0ci!i"+ a") sur/rise. O# !-o co" ic!e( o##e"(ers o"e is /ar(o"e(. o"e is le#! !o su##er7 a"( !his *i+h! 'e (o"e i" a case -here !here -as "o!hi"+ !o choose 'e!-ee" !he +uil! o# !he o"e a"( o# !he o!her. a"( -here !he reaso"s -hich (e!er*i"e !he (i##ere"ce o# (eali"+ !o-ar(s !he o"e a"( !he o!her. -ha!e er !he) are. are e0!er"al !o !he i"(i i(uals !he*sel es. I" li,e *a""er )ou ha e hear(. I (aresa). o# (eci*a!i"+ re'els. -he" !he) ha( 'ee" ca/!ure(. !ha! is. o# e0ecu!i"+ e er) !e"!h a"( le!!i"+ o## !he res!. So i! is also -i!h ;o(Bs 6u(+*e"!s. !hou+h -e ca""o! sou"( !he reaso"s o# !he*. He is "o! 'ou"( !o 1e! o## a")7 He has !he /o-er !o co"(e*" all@ I o"l) 'ri"+ !his !o shoho- our rule o# 6us!ice here 'elo- (oes "o! /reclu(e a (i##ere"ce o# (eali"+ %85& -i!h o"e *a" a"( -i!h a"o!her. The Crea!or +i es o"e

17 *a" !i*e #or re/e"!a"ce. He carries o## a"o!her ') su((e" (ea!h. He allo-s o"e *a" !o (ie -i!h !he las! Sacra*e"!s7 a"o!her (ies -i!hou! a $ries! !o recei e his i*/er#ec! co"!ri!io". a"( !o a'sol e hi*7 !he o"e is /ar(o"e(. a"( -ill +o !o hea e"7 !he o!her +oes !o !he /lace o# e!er"al /u"ish*e"!. No o"e ca" sa) ho- i! -ill ha//e" i" his o-" case7 "o o"e ca" /ro*ise hi*sel# !ha! he shall ha e !i*e #or re/e"!a"ce7 or. i# he ha e !i*e. !ha! he shall ha e a") su/er"a!ural *o e*e"! o# !he hear! !o-ar(s ;o(7 or. e e" !he". !ha! a $ries! -ill 'e a! ha"( !o +i e hi* a'solu!io". We *a) ha e si""e( less !ha" our "e0!<(oor "ei+h'our. )e! !ha! "ei+h'our *a) 'e reser e( #or re/e"!a"ce a"( *a) rei+" -i!h Chris!. -hile -e *a) 'e /u"ishe( -i!h !he e il s/iri!. Na). so*e ha e 'ee" cu! o## a"( se"! !o hell #or !heir #irs! si". This -as !he case. as (i i"es !each. as re+ar(s !he re'el A"+els. For !heir #irs! si". a"( !ha! a si" o# !hou+h!. a si"+le /er#ec!e( ac! o# /ri(e. !he) los! !heir #irs! es!a!e. a"( 'eca*e (e ils. A"( Sai"!s a"( hol) /eo/le recor( i"s!a"ces o# *e". a"( e e" chil(re". -ho i" li,e *a""er ha e u!!ere( a #irs! 'las/he*) or o!her (eli'era!e si". a"( -ere cu! o## -i!hou! re*e(). A"( a "u*'er o# si*ilar i"s!a"ces occur i" Scri/!ure7 I *ea" o# !he a-#ul /u"ish*e"! o# a si"+le si". -i!hou! res/ec! !o !he ir!ue a"( +e"eral e0celle"ce o# !he si""er. A(a*. #or a si"+le si". s*all i" a//eara"ce. !he ea!i"+ o# !he #or'i((e" #rui!. los! $ara(ise. a"( i*/lica!e( all his /os!eri!) i" his o-" rui". The Be!hsa*i!es -ere %88& irre ere"! !o-ar(s !he ar, o# !he Lor(. a"( *ore !ha" #i#!) !housa"( o# !he* i" co"se1ue"ce -ere s*i!!e". O9a !ouche( i! -i!h his ha"(. as i# !o sa e i! #ro* #alli"+. a"( he -as s!ruc, (ea( o" !he s/o! #or his rash"ess. The *a" o# ;o( #ro* Ju(a a!e 'rea( a"( (ra", -a!er a! Be!hel. a+ai"s! !he co**a"( o# ;o(. a"( he -as #or!h-i!h ,ille( ') a lio" o" his re!ur". A"a"ias a"( Sa//hira !ol( o"e lie. a"( #ell (o-" (ea( al*os! as !he -or(s le#! !heir *ou!h. Who are -e. !ha! ;o( shoul( -ai! #or our re/e"!a"ce a") lo"+er. -he" He has "o! -ai!e( a! all. 'e#ore He cu! o## !hose -ho si""e( less !ha" -e2 O *) (ear 're!hre". !hese /resu*/!uous !hou+h!s o# ours arise #ro* a (e#ec!i e "o!io" o# !he *ali+"i!) o# si" ie-e( i" i!sel#. We are cri*i"als. a"( -e are "o 6u(+es i" our o-" case. We are #o"( o# oursel es. a"( -e !a,e our o-" /ar!. a"( -e are #a*iliar -i!h si". a"(. #ro* /ri(e. -e (o "o! li,e !o co"#ess oursel es los!. For all !hese reaso"s. -e ha e "o real i(ea -ha! si" is. -ha! i!s /u"ish*e"! is. a"( -ha! +race is. We (o "o! ,"o- -ha! si" is. 'ecause -e (o "o! ,"o- -ha! ;o( is7 -e ha e "o s!a"(ar( -i!h -hich !o co*/are i!. !ill -e ,"o- -ha! ;o( is. O"l) ;o(Bs +lories. His /er#ec!io"s. His holi"ess. His Ma6es!). His 'eau!). ca" !each us ') !he co"!ras! ho- !o !hi", o# si"7 a"( si"ce -e (o "o! see ;o( here. !ill -e see Hi*. -e ca""o! #or* a 6us! 6u(+*e"! -ha! si" is7 !ill -e e"!er hea e". -e *us! !a,e -ha! ;o( !ells us o# si". *ai"l) o" #ai!h. Na). e e" !he".

18 -e shall 'e a'le !o co"(e*" si". o"l) so #ar as -e are a'le !o see a"( /raise a"( +lori#) ;o(7 He alo"e ca" %8:& (ul) 6u(+e o# si" -ho ca" co*/rehe"( ;o(7 He o"l) 6u(+e( o# si" accor(i"+ !o !he #ul"ess o# i!s e il. -ho. ,"o-i"+ !he Fa!her #ro* e!er"i!) -i!h a /er#ec! ,"o-le(+e. sho-e( -ha! He !hou+h! o# si" ') ()i"+ #or i!7 He o"l). -ho -as -illi"+. !hou+h He -as ;o(. !o su##er i"co"cei a'le /ai"s o# soul a"( 'o() i" or(er !o *a,e a sa!is#ac!io" #or i!. Ta,e His -or(. or ra!her. His (ee(. #or !he !ru!h o# !his a-#ul (oc!ri"e.3!ha! a si"+le *or!al si" is e"ou+h !o cu! )ou o## #ro* ;o( #or e er. ;o (o-" !o !he +ra e -i!h a si"+le u"re/e"!e(. u"#or+i e" si" u/o" )ou. a"( )ou ha e e"ou+h !o si", )ou (o-" !o hell7 )ou ha e !ha!. -hich !o a cer!ai"!) -ill 'e )our rui". I! *a) 'e !he hu"(re(!h si". or i! *a) 'e !he #irs! si". "o *a!!er@ o"e is e"ou+h !o si", )ou7 !hou+h !he *ore )ou ha e. !he (ee/er )ou -ill si",. 4ou "ee( "o! ha e )our #ill o# si" i" or(er !o /erish -i!hou! re*e()7 !here are !hose -ho lose 'o!h !his -orl( a"( !he "e0!7 !he) choose re'ellio". a"( recei e. "o! i!s +ai"s. 'u! (ea!h. Or +ra"!. !ha! ;o(Bs a"+er (ela)s i!s course. a"( )ou ha e !i*e !o a(( si" !o si". !his is o"l) !o i"crease !he /u"ish*e"! -he" i! co*es. ;o( is !erri'le. -he" He s/ea,s !o !he si""er7 He is *ore !erri'le. -he" He re#rai"s7 He is *ore !erri'le. -he" He is sile"! a"( accu*ula!es -ra!h. AlasG !here are !hose -ho are allo-e( !o s/e"( a lo"+ li#e. a"( a ha//) li#e. i" "e+lec! o# Hi*. a"( ha e "o!hi"+ i" !he ou!-ar( course o# !hi"+s !o re*i"( !he* o# -ha! is co*i"+. !ill !heir irre ersi'le se"!e"ce 'urs!s u/o" !he*. As !he s!rea* #lo-s s*oo!hl) 'e#ore !he %8=& ca!arac!. so -i!h !hese /erso"s (oes li#e /ass alo"+ s-i#!l) a"( sile"!l). sere"el) a"( 6o)ousl). ?The) are "o! i" !he la'our o# *e". "ei!her shall !he) 'e scour+e( li,e o!her *e".? ?The) are #ille( -i!h hi((e" !hi"+s7 !he) are #ull o# chil(re". a"( lea e -ha! re*ai"s o# !he* !o !heir li!!le o"es.? ?Their houses are secure a"( a! /eace. "ei!her is !he ro( o# ;o( u/o" !he*. Their li!!le o"es +o ou! li,e a #loc,. a"( !heir chil(re" (a"ce a"( /la). The) !a,e !he !i*'rel a"( !he har/. a"( re6oice a! !he sou"( o# !he or+a". The) s/e"( !heir (a)s i" +oo(. a"( i" a *o*e"! !he) +o (o-" !o hell.? So -as i! -i!h Jerusale*. -he" ;o( ha( (eser!e( i!7 i! see*e( "e er so /ros/erous 'e#ore. Hero( !he ,i"+ ha( la!el) re'uil! !he Te*/le7 a"( !he *ar'les -i!h -hich i! -as case( -ere -o"(er#ul #or si9e a"( 'eau!). a"( i! rose 'ri+h! a"( +li!!eri"+ i" !he *or"i"+ su". The (isci/les calle( !heir Lor( !o loo, a! i!. 'u! He (i( 'u! see i" i! !he -hi!e( se/ulchre o# a re/ro'a!e /eo/le. a"( #ore!ol( i!s o er!hro-. ?See )e all !hese !hi"+s2? He a"s-ere( !he*. ?A*e". I sa) !o )ou. s!o"e shall "o! 'e here le#! u/o" s!o"e. -hich shall "o! 'e !hro-" (o-"?. A"( ?He 'ehel( !he ci!). a"( -e/! o er i!. sa)i"+. I# !hou ha(s! ,"o-". e e" !hou. a"( i" !his !h) (a). !he !hi"+s !ha! are #or !h) /eace. 'u! "o!he) are hi((e" #ro* !hi"e e)esG? Hi(. i"(ee(. -as her (oo*7 #or *illio"s cro-(e( -i!hi" !he +uil!) ci!) a! her )earl) #es!i al. a"( her

19 e"( see*e( a lo"+ -a) o##. a"( rui" !o 'elo"+ !o a #ar #u!ure a+e. -he" i! -as a! !he (oor. O !he cha"+e. *) 're!hre". !he (is*al cha"+e a! %8A& las! -he" !he se"!e"ce has +o"e #or!h. a"( li#e e"(s a"( e!er"al (ea!h 'e+i"sG The /oor si""er has +o"e o" so lo"+ i" si". !ha! he has #or+o!!e" he has si" !o re/e"! o#. He has lear"e( !o #or+e! !ha! he is li i"+ i" a s!a!e o# e"*i!) !o ;o(. He "o lo"+er *a,es e0cuses. as he (i( a! #irs!. He li es i" !he -orl(. a"( 'elie es "o!hi"+ a'ou! !he Sacra*e"!s. "or /u!s a") !rus! i" a $ries! i# he #alls i" -i!h o"e. $erha/s he has har(l) e er hear( !he Ca!holic reli+io" *e"!io"e( e0ce/! #or !he /ur/ose o# a'use7 a"( "e er has s/o,e" o# i!. 'u! !o ri(icule i!. His !hou+h!s are !a,e" u/ -i!h his #a*il) a"( -i!h his occu/a!io"7 a"( i# he !hi",s o# (ea!h. i! is -i!h re/u+"a"ce. as -ha! -ill se/ara!e hi* #ro* !his -orl(. "o! -i!h #ear. as -ha! -ill i"!ro(uce hi* !o a"o!her. He has e er 'ee" s!ro"+ a"( hale. He has "e er ha( a" ill"ess. His #a*il) is lo"+<li e(. a"( he rec,o"s he has a lo"+ !i*e 'e#ore hi*. His #rie"(s (ie 'e#ore hi*. a"( he #eels ra!her co"!e*/! a! !heir "o!hi"+"ess. !ha" sorro- a! !heir (e/ar!ure. He has 6us! *arrie( a (au+h!er. or es!a'lishe( a so" i" li#e. a"( he !hi",s o# re!iri"+ #ro* his la'ours. e0ce/! !ha! he is a! a loss !o ,"o- ho- he shall e*/lo) hi*sel# -he" he is ou! o# -or,. He ca""o! +e! hi*sel# !o (-ell u/o" !he !hou+h! o# -ha! a"( -here he -ill 'e. -he" li#e is o er. or. i# he 'e+i"s !o *use a-hile o er hi*sel# a"( his /ros/ec!s. !he" he is sure o# o"e !hi"+. !ha! !he Crea!or is a'solu!e a"( *ere 'e"e ole"ce. a"( he is i"(i+"a"! a"( i*/a!ie"! -he" he hears e!er"al /u"ish*e"! s/o,e" o#. A"( so he #ares. -he!her #or a lo"+ !i*e or a shor!7 'u! -ha!e er !he /erio(. i! %8E& *us! ha e a" e"(. a"( a! las! !he e"( co*es. Ti*e has +o"e #or-ar( "oiselessl). a"( co*es u/o" hi* li,e a !hie# i" !he "i+h!7 a! le"+!h !he hour o# (oo* s!ri,es. a"( he is !a,e" a-a). $erha/s. ho-e er. he -as a Ca!holic. a"( !he" !he er) *ercies o# ;o( ha e 'ee" /er er!e( ') hi* !o his rui". He has res!e( o" !he Sacra*e"!s. -i!hou! cari"+ !o ha e !he /ro/er (is/osi!io"s #or a!!e"(i"+ !he*. A! o"e !i*e he ha( li e( i" "e+lec! o# reli+io" al!o+e!her7 'u! !here -as a (a!e -he" he #el! a -ish !o se! hi*sel# ri+h! -i!h his Ma,er7 so he 'e+a". a"( has co"!i"ue( e er si"ce. !o +o !o Co"#essio" a"( Co**u"io" a! co" e"ie"! i"!er als. He co*es a+ai" a"( a+ai" !o !he $ries!7 he +oes !hrou+h his si"s7 !he $ries! is o'li+e( !o !a,e his accou"! o# !he*. -hich is a er) (e#ec!i e accou"!. a"( sees "o reaso" #or "o! +i i"+ hi* a'solu!io". He is a'sol e(. as #ar as -or(s ca" a'sol e hi*7 he co*es a+ai" !o !he $ries! -he" !he seaso" co*es rou"(7 a+ai" he co"#esses. a"( a+ai" he has !he #or* /ro"ou"ce( o er hi*. He #alls sic,. he recei es !he las! Sacra*e"!s@ he recei es !he las! ri!es o# !he Church. a"( he is los!. He is los!. 'ecause he has "e er reall) !ur"e( his hear! !o ;o(7 or. i# he ha( so*e /oor *easure o# co"!ri!io" #or a -hile i! (i( "o!

20 las! 'e)o"( his #irs! or seco"( co"#essio". He soo" !au+h! hi*sel# !o co*e !o !he Sacra*e"!s -i!hou! a") co"!ri!io" a! all7 he (ecei e( hi*sel#. a"( le#! ou! his /ri"ci/al a"( *os! i*/or!a"! si"s. So*ehohe (ecei e( hi*sel# i"!o !he "o!io" !ha! !he) -ere "o! si"s. or "o! *or!al si"s7 #or so*e reaso" or o!her he -as sile"!. a"( his co"#essio" %8F& 'eca*e as (e#ec!i e as his co"!ri!io". 4e! !his sca"!) sho- o# reli+io" -as su##icie"! !o soo!he a"( s!u/e#) his co"scie"ce@ so he -e"! o" )ear a#!er )ear. "e er *a,i"+ a +oo( co"#essio". co**u"ica!i"+ i" *or!al si". !ill he #ell ill7 a"( !he". I sa). !he ia!icu* a"( hol) oil -ere 'rou+h! !o hi*. a"( he co**i!!e( sacrile+e #or his las! !i*e.3a"( so he -e"! !o his ;o(. O -ha! a *o*e"! #or !he /oor soul. -he" i! co*es !o i!sel#. a"( #i"(s i!sel# su((e"l) 'e#ore !he 6u(+*e"!<sea! o# Chris!G O -ha! a *o*e"!. -he". 'rea!hless -i!h !he 6our"e). a"( (i99) -i!h !he 'ri+h!"ess. a"( o er-hel*e( -i!h !he s!ra"+e"ess o# -ha! is ha//e"i"+ !o hi*. a"( u"a'le !o realise -here he is. !he si""er hears !he oice o# !he accusi"+ s/iri!. 'ri"+i"+ u/ all !he si"s o# his /as! li#e. -hich he has #or+o!!e". or -hich he has e0/lai"e( a-a). -hich he -oul( "o! allo!o 'e si"s. !hou+h he sus/ec!e( !he) -ere7 -he" he hears hi* (e!aili"+ all !he *ercies o# ;o( -hich he has (es/ise(. all His -ar"i"+s -hich he has se! a! "ou+h!. all His 6u(+*e"!s -hich he has ou!li e(7 -he" !ha! e il o"e #ollo-s ou! i"!o (e!ail !he +ro-!h a"( /ro+ress o# a los! soul.3ho- i! e0/a"(e( a"( -as co"#ir*e( i" si".3 ho- i! 'u((e( #or!h i"!o lea es a"( #lo-ers. +re- i"!o 'ra"ches. a"( ri/e"e( i"!o #rui!.3!ill "o!hi"+ -as -a"!e( #or i!s #ull co"(e*"a!io"G A"(. ohG s!ill *ore !erri'le. s!ill *ore (is!rac!i"+. -he" !he Ju(+e s/ea,s. a"( co"si+"s i! !o !he 6ailors. !ill i! shall /a) !he e"(less (e'! -hich lies a+ai"s! i!G ?I*/ossi'le. I a los! soulG I se/ara!e( #ro* ho/e a"( #ro* /eace #or e erG I! is "o! I o# -ho* !he %8H& Ju(+e so s/a,eG There is a *is!a,e so*e-here7 Chris!. Sa iour. hol( Th) ha"(.3o"e *i"u!e !o e0/lai" i!G M) "a*e is De*as@ I a* 'u! De*as. "o! Ju(as. or Nicolas. or Ale0a"(er. or $hile!us. or Dio!re/hes. Wha!2 ho/eless /ai"G #or *eG i*/ossi'le. i! shall "o! 'e.? A"( !he /oor soul s!ru++les a"( -res!les i" !he +ras/ o# !he *i+h!) (e*o" -hich has hol( o# i!. a"( -hose er) !ouch is !or*e"!. ?Oh. a!rociousG? i! shrie,s i" a+o"). a"( i" a"+er !oo. as i# !he er) ,ee""ess o# !he a##lic!io" -ere a /roo# o# i!s i"6us!ice. ?A seco"(G a"( a !hir(G I ca" 'ear "o *oreG s!o/. horri'le #ie"(. +i e o er7 I a* a *a". a"( "o! such as !houG I a* "o! #oo( #or !hee. or s/or! #or !heeG I "e er -as i" hell as !hou. I ha e "o! o" *e !he s*ell o# #ire. "or !he !ai"! o# !he char"el<houseG I ,"o- -ha! hu*a" #eeli"+s are7 I ha e 'ee" !au+h! reli+io"7 I ha e ha( a co"scie"ce7 I ha e a cul!i a!e( *i"(7 I a* -ell erse( i" scie"ce a"( ar!7 I ha e 'ee" re#i"e( ') li!era!ure7 I ha e ha( a" e)e #or !he 'eau!ies o# "a!ure7 I a* a /hiloso/her or a /oe!. or a shre-( o'ser er o# *e". or a hero. or a s!a!es*a". or a" ora!or. or a *a" o# -i! a"( hu*our. Na).3I a* a Ca!holic7 I a* "o! a" u"re+e"era!e $ro!es!a"!7 I ha e recei e( !he

21 +race o# !he Re(ee*er7 I ha e a!!e"(e( !he Sacra*e"!s #or )ears7 I ha e 'ee" a Ca!holic #ro* a chil(7 I a* a so" o# !he Mar!)rs7 I (ie( i" co**u"io" -i!h !he Church@ "o!hi"+. "o!hi"+ -hich I ha e e er 'ee". -hich I ha e e er see". 'ears a") rese*'la"ce !o !hee. a"( !o !he #la*e a"( s!e"ch -hich e0hale #ro* !hee7 so I (e#) !hee. a"( a'6ure !hee. O e"e*) o# *a"G? %:I& AlasG /oor soul7 a"( -hils! i! !hus #i+h!s -i!h !ha! (es!i") -hich i! has 'rou+h! u/o" i!sel#. a"( -i!h !hose co*/a"io"s -ho* i! has chose". !he *a"Bs "a*e /erha/s is sole*"l) cha"!e( #or!h. a"( his *e*or) (ece"!l) cherishe( a*o"+ his #rie"(s o" ear!h. His rea(i"ess i" s/eech. his #er!ili!) i" !hou+h!. his sa+aci!). or his -is(o*. are "o! #or+o!!e". Me" !al, o# hi* #ro* !i*e !o !i*e7 !he) a//eal !o his au!hori!)7 !he) 1uo!e his -or(s7 /erha/s !he) e e" raise a *o"u*e"! !o his "a*e. or -ri!e his his!or). ?So co*/rehe"si e a *i"(G such a /o-er o# !hro-i"+ li+h! o" a /er/le0e( su'6ec!. a"( 'ri"+i"+ co"#lic!i"+ i(eas or #ac!s i"!o har*o")G? ?Such a s/eech i! -as !ha! he *a(e o" such a"( such a" occasio"7 I ha//e"e( !o 'e /rese"!. a"( "e er shall #or+e! i!7? or. ?I! -as !he sa)i"+ o# a er) se"si'le *a"7? or. ?A +rea! /erso"a+e. -ho* so*e o# us ,"e-7? or. ?I! -as a rule -i!h a er) -or!h) a"( e0celle"! #rie"( o# *i"e. "o- "o *ore7? or. ?Ne er -as his e1ual i" socie!). so 6us! i" his re*ar,s. so ersa!ile. so u"o'!rusi e7? or. ?I -as #or!u"a!e !o see hi* o"ce -he" I -as a 'o)7? or. ?So +rea! a 'e"e#ac!or !o his cou"!r) a"( !o his ,i"(G? ?His (isco eries so +rea!7? or. ?His /hiloso/h) so /ro#ou"(?. O a"i!)G a"i!) o# a"i!ies. all is a"i!)G Wha! /ro#i!e!h i!2 Wha! /ro#i!e!h i!2 His soul is i" hell. O )e chil(re" o# *e". -hile !hus )e s/ea,. his soul is i" !he 'e+i""i"+ o# !hose !or*e"!s i" -hich his 'o() -ill soo" ha e /ar!. a"( -hich -ill "e er (ie. >a"i!) o# a"i!iesG *iser) o# *iseriesG !he) -ill "o! a!!e"( !o us. !he) -ill "o! 'elie e us. We are %:1& 'u! a #e- i" "u*'er. a"( !he) are *a")7 a"( !he *a") -ill "o! +i e cre(i! !o !he #e-. O *iser) o# *iseriesG Thousa"(s are ()i"+ (ail)7 !he) are -a,i"+ u/ i"!o ;o(Bs e erlas!i"+ -ra!h7 !he) loo, 'ac, o" !he (a)s o# !he #lesh. a"( call !he* #e- a"( e il7 !he) (es/ise a"( scor" !he er) reaso"i"+s -hich !he" !he) !rus!e(. a"( -hich ha e 'ee" (is/ro e( ') !he e e"!7 !he) curse !he rec,less"ess -hich *a(e !he* /u! o## re/e"!a"ce7 !he) ha e #alle" u"(er His 6us!ice. -hose *erc) !he) /resu*e( u/o"73 a"( !heir co*/a"io"s a"( #rie"(s are +oi"+ o" as !he) (i(. a"( are soo" !o 6oi" !he*. As !he las! +e"era!io" /resu*e(. so (oes !he /rese"!. The #a!her -oul( "o! 'elie e !ha! ;o( coul( /u"ish. a"( "o!he so" -ill "o! 'elie e7 !he #a!her -as i"(i+"a"! -he" e!er"al /ai" -as s/o,e" o#. a"( !he so" +"ashes his !ee!h a"( s*iles co"!e*/!uousl). The -orl( s/o,e -ell o# i!sel# !hir!) )ears a+o. a"( so -ill i! !hir!) )ears !o co*e. A"( !hus i! is !ha! !his as! #loo( o# li#e is carrie( o" #ro* a+e !o a+e7 *)ria(s !ri#li"+ -i!h ;o(Bs lo e. !e*/!i"+ His 6us!ice. a"( li,e !he her( o# s-i"e. #alli"+ hea(lo"+

22 (o-" !he s!ee/G O *i+h!) ;o(G O ;o( o# lo eG i! is !oo *uchG i! 'ro,e !he hear! o# Th) s-ee! So" Jesus !o see !he *iser) o# *a" s/rea( ou! 'e#ore His e)es. He (ie( ') i! as -ell as #or i!. A"( -e. !oo. i" our *easure. our e)es ache. a"( our hear!s sic,e". a"( our hea(s reel. -he" -e 'u! #ee'l) co"!e*/la!e i!. O *os! !e"(er hear! o# Jesus. -h) -il! Thou "o! e"(. -he" -il! Thou e"(. !his e er<+ro-i"+ loa( o# si" a"( -oe2 Whe" -il! Thou chase a-a) !he (e il i"!o his o-" hell. a"( close %:5& !he /i!Bs *ou!h. !ha! Th) chose" *a) re6oice i" Thee. 1ui!!i"+ !he !hou+h! o# !hose -ho /erish i" !heir -il#ul"ess2 Bu!. ohG ') !hose #i e (ear Wou"(s i" Ha"(s. a"( Fee!. a"( Si(e3/er/e!ual #ou"!s o# *erc). #ro* -hich !he #ul"ess o# !he E!er"al Tri"i!) #lo-s e er #resh. e er /o-er#ul. e er 'ou"!i#ul !o all -ho see, Thee3i# !he -orl( *us! s!ill e"(ure. a! leas! +a!her Thou a lar+er a"( a lar+er har es!. a" a*/ler /ro/or!io" o# souls ou! o# i! i"!o Th) +ar"er. !ha! !hese la!!er !i*es *a). i" sa"c!i!). a"( +lor). a"( !he !riu*/hs o# Th) +race. e0cee( !he #or*er. ? eus misereatur nostri, et benedicat nobis7? ?;o(. ha e *erc) o" us. a"( 'less us7 a"( cause His #ace !o shi"e u/o" us. a"( ha e *erc) o" us7 !ha! -e *a) ,"o- Th) -a) u/o" ear!h. Th) sal a!io" a*o"+ all !he "a!io"s. Le! !he /eo/le /raise Thee. O ;o(7 le! all !he /eo/le /raise Thee. Le! !he "a!io"s 'e +la(. a"( lea/ #or 6o)7 'ecause Thou (os! 6u(+e !he /eo/le i" e1ui!). a"( (os! (irec! !he "a!io"s o" !he ear!h. ;o(. e e" our ;o(. 'less us. *a) ;o( 'less us7 a"( *a) all !he e"(s o# !he ear!h #ear Hi*.? To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse 8. Me". "o! A"+els. !he $ries!s o# !he ;os/el

%:8& WHEN Chris!. !he +rea! $ro/he!. !he +rea! $reacher. !he +rea! Missio"ar). ca*e i"!o !he -orl(. He ca*e i" a -a) !he *os! hol). !he *os! au+us!. !he *os! +lorious. Thou+h He ca*e i" hu*ilia!io". !hou+h He ca*e !o su##er. !hou+h He -as 'or" i" a s!a'le. !hou+h He -as lai( i" a *a"+er. )e! He issue( #ro* !he -o*' o# a" I**acula!e Mo!her. a"( His i"#a"! #or* sho"e -i!h hea e"l) li+h!. Sa"c!i!) *ar,e( e er) li"ea*e"! o# His charac!er a"( e er) circu*s!a"ce o# His *issio". ;a'riel a""ou"ce( His i"car"a!io"7 a >ir+i" co"cei e(. a

23 >ir+i" 'ore. a >ir+i" suc,le( Hi*7 His #os!er<#a!her -as !he /ure a"( sai"!l) Jose/h7 A"+els /roclai*e( His 'ir!h7 a lu*i"ous s!ar s/rea( !he "e-s a*o"+ !he hea!he"7 !he aus!ere Ba/!is! -e"! 'e#ore His #ace7 a"( a cro-( o# shri e" /e"i!e"!s. cla( i" -hi!e +ar*e"!s a"( ra(ia"! -i!h +race. #ollo-e( Hi* -here er He -e"!. As !he su" i" hea e" shi"es !hrou+h !he clou(s. a"( is re#lec!e( i" !he la"(sca/e. so !he e!er"al Su" o# 6us!ice. -he" He rose u/o" !he ear!h. !ur"e( %::& "i+h! i"!o (a). a"( i" His 'ri+h!"ess *a(e all !hi"+s 'ri+h!. He ca*e a"( He -e"!7 a"(. seei"+ !ha! He ca*e !o i"!ro(uce a "ea"( #i"al Dis/e"sa!io" i"!o !he -orl(. He le#! 'ehi"( Hi* /reachers. !eachers. a"( *issio"aries. i" His s!ea(. Well !he". *) 're!hre". )ou -ill sa). si"ce o" His co*i"+ all a'ou! Hi* -as so +lorious. such as He -as. such *us! His ser a"!s 'e. such His re/rese"!a!i es. His *i"is!ers. i" His a'se"ce7 as He -as -i!hou! si". !he) !oo *us! 'e -i!hou! si"7 as He -as !he So" o# ;o(. !he) *us! surel) 'e A"+els. A"+els. )ou -ill sa). *us! 'e a//oi"!e( !o !his hi+h o##ice. A"+els alo"e are #i! !o /reach !he 'ir!h. !he su##eri"+s. !he (ea!h o# ;o(. The) *i+h! i"(ee( ha e !o hi(e !heir 'ri+h!"ess. as He 'e#ore !he*. !heir Lor( a"( Mas!er. ha( /u! o" a (is+uise7 !he) *i+h! co*e. as !he) ca*e u"(er !he Ol( Co e"a"!. i" !he +ar' o# *e"7 'u! s!ill *e" !he) coul( "o! 'e. i# !he) -ere !o 'e /reachers o# !he e erlas!i"+ ;os/el. a"( (is/e"sers o# i!s (i i"e *)s!eries. I# !he) -ere !o sacri#ice. as He ha( sacri#ice(7 !o co"!i"ue. re/ea!. a//l). !he er) Sacri#ice -hich He ha( o##ere(7 !o !a,e i"!o !heir ha"(s !ha! er) >ic!i* -hich -as He Hi*sel#7 !o 'i"( a"( !o loose. !o 'less a"( !o 'a". !o recei e !he co"#essio"s o# His /eo/le. a"( !o +i e !he* a'solu!io" #or !heir si"s7 !o !each !he* !he -a) o# !ru!h. a"( !o +ui(e !he* alo"+ !he -a) o# /eace7 -ho -as su##icie"! #or !hese !hi"+s 'u! a" i"ha'i!a"! o# !hose 'lesse( real*s o# -hich !he Lor( is !he "e er< #aili"+ Li+h!2 A"( )e!. *) 're!hre". so i! is. He has se"! #or!h %:=& #or !he *i"is!r) o# reco"cilia!io". "o! A"+els. 'u! *e"7 He has se"! #or!h )our 're!hre" !o )ou. "o! 'ei"+s o# so*e u","o-" "a!ure a"( so*e s!ra"+e 'loo(. 'u! o# )our o-" 'o"e a"( )our o-" #lesh. !o /reach !o )ou. ?4e *e" o# ;alilee. -h) s!a"( )e +a9i"+ u/ i"!o hea e"2? Here is !he ro)al s!)le a"( !o"e i" -hich A"+els s/ea, !o *e". e e" !hou+h !hese *e" 'e A/os!les7 i! is !he !o"e o# !hose -ho. ha i"+ "e er si""e(. s/ea, #ro* !heir lo#!) e*i"e"ce !o !hose -ho ha e. Bu! such is "o! !he !o"e o# !hose -ho* Chris! has se"!7 #or i! is )our 're!hre" -ho* He has a//oi"!e(. a"( "o"e else.3so"s o# A(a*. so"s o# )our "a!ure. !he sa*e ') "a!ure. (i##eri"+ o"l) i" +race.3 *e". li,e )ou. e0/ose( !o !e*/!a!io"s. !o !he sa*e !e*/!a!io"s. !o !he sa*e -ar#are -i!hi" a"( -i!hou!7 -i!h !he sa*e !hree (ea(l) e"e*ies3!he -orl(. !he #lesh. a"( !he (e il7 -i!h !he sa*e hu*a". !he sa*e -a)-ar( hear!@ (i##eri"+ o"l) as !he /o-er o# ;o( has cha"+e( a"( rules i!. So i! is7 -e are "o! A"+els #ro* Hea e" !ha!

24 s/ea, !o )ou. 'u! *e". -ho* +race. a"( +race alo"e. has *a(e !o (i##er #ro* )ou. Lis!e" !o !he A/os!le@3Whe" !he 'ar'arous L)cao"ia"s. seei"+ his *iracle. -oul( ha e sacri#ice( !o hi* a"( S!. Bar"a'as. as !o +o(s. he rushe( i" a*o"+ !he*. cr)i"+ ou!. ?O *e". -h) (o )e !his2 -e also are *or!als. *e" li,e u"!o )ou7? or. as !he -or(s ru" *ore #orci'l) i" !he ori+i"al ;ree,. ?We are o# li,e /assio"s -i!h )ou?. A"( a+ai" !o !he Cori"!hia"s he -ri!es. ?We /reach "o! oursel es. 'u! Jesus Chris! our Lor(7 a"( oursel es )our ser a"!s !hrou+h Jesus. ;o(. -ho %:A& co**a"(e( !he li+h! !o shi"e ou! o# (ar,"ess. He ha!h shi"e( i" our hear!s. !o +i e !he li+h! o# !he ,"o-le(+e o# !he +lor) o# ;o( i" !he #ace o# Chris! Jesus@ but -e hol( !his !reasure in earthen vessels.? A"( #ur!her. he sa)s o# hi*sel# *os! -o"(er#ull). !ha!. ?les! he shoul( 'e e0al!e( ') !he +rea!"ess o# !he re ela!io"s.? !here -as +i e" hi* ?a" a"+el o# Sa!a"? i" his #lesh ?!o 'u##e! hi*?. Such are )our Mi"is!ers. )our $reachers. )our $ries!s. O *) 're!hre"7 "o! A"+els. "o! Sai"!s. "o! si"less. 'u! !hose -ho -oul( ha e li e( a"( (ie( i" si" e0ce/! #or ;o(Bs +race. a"( -ho. !hou+h !hrou+h ;o(Bs *erc) !he) 'e i" !rai"i"+ #or !he #ello-shi/ o# Sai"!s herea#!er. )e! a! /rese"! are i" !he *i(s! o# i"#ir*i!) a"( !e*/!a!io". a"( ha e "o ho/e. e0ce/! #ro* !he u"*eri!e( +race o# ;o(. o# /erse eri"+ u"!o !he e"(. Wha! a s!ra"+e. -ha! a s!ri,i"+ a"o*al) is !hisG All is /er#ec!. all is hea e"l). all is +lorious. i" !he Dis/e"sa!io" -hich Chris! has ouchsa#e( us. e0ce/! !he /erso"s o# His Mi"is!ers. He (-ells o" our al!ars Hi*sel#. !he Mos! Hol). !he Mos! Hi+h. i" li+h! i"accessi'le. a"( A"+els #all (o-" 'e#ore Hi* !here7 a"( ou! o# isi'le su's!a"ces a"( #or*s He chooses -ha! is choices! !o re/rese"! a"( !o hol( Hi*. The #i"es! -hea!<#lour. a"( !he /ures! -i"e. are !a,e" as His ou!-ar( s)*'ols7 !he *os! sacre( a"( *a6es!ic -or(s *i"is!er !o !he sacri#icial ri!e7 al!ar a"( sa"c!uar) are a(or"e( (ece"!l) or s/le"(i(l). as our *ea"s allo-7 a"( !he $ries!s /er#or* !heir o##ice i" 'e#i!!i"+ es!*e"!s. li#!i"+ u/ chas!e hear!s a"( hol) ha"(s7 )e! !hose er) $ries!s. so se! a/ar!. so co"secra!e(. %:E& !he). -i!h !heir +ir(le o# celi'ac) a"( !heir *a"i/le o# sorro-. are so"s o# A(a*. so"s o# si""ers. o# a #alle" "a!ure. -hich !he) ha e "o! /u! o##. !hou+h i! 'e re"e-e( !hrou+h +race. so !ha! i! is al*os! !he (e#i"i!io" o# a $ries! !ha! he has si"s o# his o-" !o o##er #or. ?E er) hi+h $ries!.? sa)s !he A/os!le. ?!a,e" #ro* a*o"+ *e". is a//oi"!e( #or *e". i" !he !hi"+s !ha! a//er!ai" u"!o ;o(. !ha! he *a) o##er +i#!s a"( sacri#ices #or si"s7 -ho ca" co"(ole -i!h !hose -ho are i" i+"ora"ce a"( error. 'ecause he also hi*sel# is co*/asse( -i!h i"#ir*i!). A"( !here#ore he ou+h!. as #or !he /eo/le. so also #or hi*sel#. !o o##er #or si"s.? A"( he"ce i" !he Mass. -he" he o##ers u/ !he Hos! 'e#ore co"secra!io". he sa)s. Susci!e, Sancte Pater, "mni!otens, terne eus. ?Acce/!. Hol) Fa!her. Al*i+h!). E erlas!i"+ ;o(. !his i**acula!e Hos!. -hich I. Thi"e u"-or!h) ser a"!. o##er !o Thee. *) Li i"+ a"( True ;o(. #or

25 mine i""u*era'le si"s. o##e"ces. a"( "e+li+e"ces. and #or all -ho s!a"( arou"(. a"( #or all #ai!h#ul Chris!ia"s. li i"+ a"( (ea(?. Mos! s!ra"+e is !his i" i!sel#. *) 're!hre". 'u! "o! s!ra"+e. -he" )ou co"si(er i! is !he a//oi"!*e"! o# a" all<*erci#ul ;o(7 "o! s!ra"+e i" Hi*. 'ecause !he A/os!le +i es !he reaso" o# i! i" !he /assa+e I ha e 1uo!e(. The /ries!s o# !he Ne- La- are *e". i" or(er !ha! !he) *a) ?co"(ole -i!h !hose -ho are i" i+"ora"ce a"( error. 'ecause !he) !oo are co*/asse( -i!h i"#ir*i!)?. Ha( A"+els 'ee" )our $ries!s. *) 're!hre". !he) coul( "o! ha e co"(ole( -i!h )ou. s)*/a!hise( -i!h )ou. ha e ha( co*/assio" o" )ou. %:F& #el! !e"(erl) #or )ou. a"( *a(e allo-a"ces #or )ou. as -e ca"7 !he) coul( "o! ha e 'ee" )our /a!!er"s a"( +ui(es. a"( ha e le( )ou o" #ro* )our ol( sel es i"!o a "e- li#e. as !he) ca" -ho co*e #ro* !he *i(s! o# )ou. -ho ha e 'ee" le( o" !he*sel es as )ou are !o 'e le(. -ho ,"o- -ell )our (i##icul!ies. -ho ha e ha( e0/erie"ce. a! leas! o# )our !e*/!a!io"s. -ho ,"o- !he s!re"+!h o# !he #lesh a"( !he -iles o# !he (e il. e e" !hou+h !he) ha e 'a##le( !he*. -ho are alrea() (is/ose( !o !a,e )our /ar!. a"( 'e i"(ul+e"! !o-ar(s )ou. a"( ca" a( ise )ou *os! /rac!icall). a"( -ar" )ou *os! seaso"a'l) a"( /ru(e"!l). There#ore (i( He se"( )ou *e" !o 'e !he *i"is!ers o# reco"cilia!io" a"( i"!ercessio"7 as He Hi*sel#. !hou+h He coul( "o! si". )e! e e" He. ') 'eco*i"+ *a". !oo, o" Hi*. as #ar as -as /ossi'le !o ;o(. *a"Bs 'ur(e" o# i"#ir*i!) a"( !rial i" His o-" /erso". He coul( "o! 'e a si""er. 'u! He coul( 'e a *a". a"( He !oo, !o Hi*sel# a *a"Bs hear! !ha! -e *i+h! e"!rus! our hear!s !o Hi*. a"( ?-as !e*/!e( i" all !hi"+s. li,e as -e are. )e! -i!hou! si"?. $o"(er !his !ru!h -ell. *) 're!hre". a"( le! i! 'e )our co*#or!. A*o"+ !he $reachers. a*o"+ !he $ries!s o# !he ;os/el. !here ha e 'ee" A/os!les. !here ha e 'ee" Mar!)rs. !here ha e 'ee" Doc!ors73 Sai"!s i" /le"!) a*o"+ !he*7 )e! ou! o# !he* all. hi+h as has 'ee" !heir sa"c!i!). arie( !heir +races. a-#ul !heir +i#!s. !here has "o! 'ee" o"e -ho (i( "o! 'e+i" -i!h !he ol( A(a*7 "o! o"e o# !he* -ho -as "o! he-" ou! o# !he sa*e roc, as !he *os! o'(ura!e o# re/ro'a!es7 "o! o"e o# !he* -ho -as "o! #ashio"e( u"!o %:H& ho"our ou! o# !he sa*e cla) -hich has 'ee" !he *a!erial o# !he *os! /ollu!e( a"( ile o# si""ers7 "o! o"e -ho -as "o! ') "a!ure 'ro!her o# !hose /oor souls -ho ha e "o- co**e"ce( a" e!er"al #ello-shi/ -i!h !he (e il. a"( are los! i" hell. ;race has a"1uishe( "a!ure7 !ha! is !he -hole his!or) o# !he Sai"!s. Salu!ar) !hou+h! #or !hose -ho are !e*/!e( !o /ri(e !he*sel es i" -ha! !he) (o. a"( -ha! !he) are7 -o"(er#ul "e-s #or !hose -ho sorro-#ull) reco+"ise i" !heir hear!s !he as! (i##ere"ce !ha! e0is!s 'e!-ee" !he* a"( !he Sai"!s7 a"( 6o)#ul "e-s. -he" *e" ha!e si". a"( -ish !o esca/e #ro* i!s *isera'le )o,e. )e! are !e*/!e( !o !hi", i! i*/ossi'leG

26 Co*e. *) 're!hre". le! us loo, a! !his !ru!h *ore "arro-l). a"( la) i! !o hear!. Firs! co"si(er. !ha!. si"ce A(a* #ell. "o"e o# his see( 'u! has 'ee" co"cei e( i" si"7 "o"e. sa e o"e. O"e e0ce/!io" !here has 'ee".3-ho is !ha! o"e2 "o! our Lor( Jesus. #or He -as "o! co"cei e( o# *a". 'u! o# !he Hol) ;hos!7 "o! our Lor(. 'u! I *ea" His >ir+i" Mo!her. -ho. !hou+h co"cei e( a"( 'or" o# hu*a" /are"!s. as o!hers. )e! -as rescue( ') a"!ici/a!io" #ro* !he co**o" co"(i!io" o# *a",i"(. a"( "e er -as /ar!a,er i" #ac! o# A(a*Bs !ra"s+ressio". She -as co"cei e( i" !he -a) o# "a!ure. she -as co"cei e( as o!hers are7 'u! +race i"!er#ere( a"( -as 'e#oreha"( -i!h si"7 +race #ille( her soul #ro* !he #irs! *o*e"! o# her e0is!e"ce. so !ha! !he e il o"e 'rea!he( "o! o" her. "or s!ai"e( !he -or, o# ;o(. Tota !ulchra es, #aria$ et macula originalis non est in te. ?Thou ar! all #air. O Mar). a"( !he s!ai" ori+i"al is "o! i" !hee.? Bu! %=I& /u!!i"+ asi(e !he Mos! Blesse( Mo!her o# ;o(. e er) o"e else. !he *os! +lorious Sai"!. a"( !he *os! 'lac, a"( o(ious o# si""ers. I *ea". !he soul -hich. i" !he e e"!. 'eca*e !he *os! +lorious. a"( !he soul -hich 'eca*e !he *os! (e ilish. -ere 'o!h 'or" i" o"e a"( !he sa*e ori+i"al si". 'o!h -ere chil(re" o# -ra!h. 'o!h -ere u"a'le !o a!!ai" hea e" ') !heir "a!ural /o-ers. 'o!h ha( !he /ros/ec! o# *eri!i"+ #or !he*sel es hell. The) -ere 'o!h 'or" i" si"7 !he) 'o!h la) i" si"7 a"( !he soul. -hich a#!er-ar(s 'eca*e a Sai"!. -oul( ha e co"!i"ue( i" si". -oul( ha e si""e( -il#ull). a"( -oul( ha e 'ee" los!. 'u! #or !he isi!i"+s o# a" u"*eri!e( su/er"a!ural i"#lue"ce u/o" i!. -hich (i( #or i! -ha! i! coul( "o! (o #or i!sel#. The /oor i"#a"!. (es!i"e( !o 'e a" heir o# +lor). la) #ee'le. sic,l). #re!#ul. -a)-ar(. a"( *isera'le7 !he chil( o# sorro-7 -i!hou! ho/e. a"( -i!hou! hea e"l) ai(. So i! la) #or *a") a lo"+ a"( -ear) (a) ere i! -as 'or"7 a"( -he" a! le"+!h i! o/e"e( i!s e)es a"( sa- !he li+h!. i! shra", 'ac,. a"( -e/! alou( !ha! i! ha( see" i!. Bu! ;o( hear( i!s cr) #ro* hea e" i" !his alle) o# !ears. a"( He 'e+a" !ha! course o# *ercies !o-ar(s i! -hich le( i! #ro* ear!h !o hea e". He se"! His $ries! !o a(*i"is!er !o i! !he #irs! sacra*e"!. a"( !o 'a/!ise i! -i!h His +race. The" a +rea! cha"+e !oo, /lace i" i!. #or. i"s!ea( o# i!s 'ei"+ a") *ore !he !hrall o# Sa!a" i! #or!h-i!h 'eca*e a chil( o# ;o(7 a"( ha( i! (ie( !ha! *i"u!e. a"( 'e#ore i! ca*e !o !he a+e o# reaso". i! -oul( ha e 'ee" carrie( !o hea e" -i!hou! (ela) ') A"+els. a"( 'ee" a(*i!!e( i"!o !he /rese"ce o# ;o(. %=1& Bu! i! (i( "o! (ie7 i! ca*e !o !he a+e o# reaso". a"(. oh. shall -e (are !o sa). !hou+h i" so*e 'lesse( cases i! *a) 'e sai(. shall -e (are !o sa). !ha! i! (i( "o! *isuse !he +rea! !ale"! -hich ha( 'ee" +i e" !o i!. /ro#a"e !he +race -hich (-el! i" i!. a"( #all i"!o *or!al si"2 I" so*e i"s!a"ces. /raise( 'e ;o(G -e (are a##ir* i!7 such see*s !o ha e 'ee" !he case -i!h *) o-" (ear #a!her. S!. $hili/. -ho surel) ,e/! his 'a/!is*al ro'e u"sullie( #ro* !he (a) he -as cla( i" i!. "e er los! his s!a!e o# +race. #ro* !he (a) he -as /u! i"!o i!. a"(

27 /rocee(e( #ro* s!re"+!h !o s!re"+!h. a"( #ro* *eri! !o *eri!. a"( #ro* +lor) !o +lor). !hrou+h !he -hole course o# his lo"+ li#e. !ill a! !he a+e o# ei+h!) he -as su**o"e( !o his accou"!. a"( -e"! 6o)#ull) !o *ee! i!. a"( -as carrie( across /ur+a!or). -i!hou! a") scorchi"+ o# i!s #la*es. s!rai+h! !o hea e". Such cer!ai"l) ha e so*e!i*es 'ee" !he (eali"+s o# ;o(Bs +race -i!h !he souls o# His elec!7 'u! *ore co**o"l). as i# *ore i"!i*a!el) !o associa!e !he* -i!h !heir 're!hre". a"( !o *a,e !he #ul"ess o# His #a ours !o !he* a +rou"( o# ho/e a"( a" e"coura+e*e"! !o !he /e"i!e"! si""er. !hose -ho ha e e"(e( i" 'ei"+ *iracles o# sa"c!i!). a"( heroes i" !he Church. ha e /asse( a !i*e i" -il#ul (iso'e(ie"ce. ha e !hro-" !he*sel es ou! o# !he li+h! o# ;o(Bs cou"!e"a"ce. ha e 'ee" le( ca/!i e ') !his or !ha! si". ') !his or !ha! reli+ious error. !ill a! le"+!h !he) -ere i" arious -a)s reco ere(. slo-l) or su((e"l). a"( re+ai"e( !he s!a!e o# +race. or ra!her a *uch hi+her s!a!e. !ha" !ha! -hich !he) ha( #or#ei!e(. Such -as !he 'lesse( Ma+(ale". %=5& -ho ha( li e( a li#e o# sha*e7 so *uch so. !ha! e e" !o 'e !ouche( ') her -as. accor(i"+ !o !he reli+ious 6u(+*e"! o# her (a). a /ollu!io". Ha//) i" !his -orl(Bs +oo(s. )ou"+ a"( /assio"a!e. she ha( +i e" her hear! !o !he crea!ure. 'e#ore !he +race o# ;o( /re aile( -i!h her. The" she cu! o## her lo"+ hair. a"( /u! asi(e her +a) a//arel. a"( 'eca*e so u!!erl) -ha! she ha( "o! 'ee". !ha!. ha( )ou ,"o-" her 'e#ore a"( a#!er. )ou ha( sai( i! -as !-o /erso"s )ou ha( see". "o! o"e7 #or !here -as "o !race o# !he si""er i" !he /e"i!e"!. e0ce/! !he a##ec!io"a!e hear!. "o- se! o" hea e" a"( Chris!7 "o !race 'esi(es. "o *e*or) o# !ha! +li!!eri"+ a"( se(uc!i e a//ari!io". i" !he *o(es! #or*. !he sere"e cou"!e"a"ce. !he co*/ose( +ai!. a"( !he +e"!le oice o# her -ho i" !he +ar(e" sou+h! a"( #ou"( her Rise" Sa iour. Such. !oo. -as he -ho #ro* a /u'lica" 'eca*e a" A/os!le a"( a" E a"+elis!7 o"e -ho #or #il!h) lucre scru/le( "o! !o e"!er !he ser ice o# !he hea!he" Ro*a"s. a"( !o o//ress his o-" /eo/le. Nor -ere !he res! o# !he A/os!les *a(e o# 'e!!er cla) !ha" !he o!her so"s o# A(a*7 !he) -ere ') "a!ure a"i*al. car"al. i+"ora"!7 le#! !o !he*sel es. !he) -oul(. li,e !he 'ru!es. ha e +ro elle( o" !he ear!h. a"( +a9e( u/o" !he ear!h. a"( #e( o" !he ear!h. ha( "o! !he +race o# ;o( !a,e" /ossessio" o# !he*. a"( se! !he* o" !heir #ee!. a"( raise( !heir #aces hea e"-ar(. A"( such -as !he lear"e( $harisee. -ho ca*e !o Jesus ') "i+h!. -ell sa!is#ie( -i!h his s!a!io". 6ealous o# his re/u!a!io". co"#i(e"! i" his reaso"7 'u! !he !i*e a! le"+!h ca*e. -he". e e" !hou+h (isci/les #le(. he re*ai"e( !o a"oi"! !he a'a"(o"e( cor/se o# Hi*. -ho* %=8& -he" li i"+ he ha( 'ee" asha*e( !o o-". 4ou see i! -as !he +race o# ;o( !ha! !riu*/he( i" Ma+(ale". i" Ma!!he-. a"( i" Nico(e*us7 hea e"l) +race ca*e (o-" u/o" corru/! "a!ure7 i! su'(ue( i*/uri!) i" !he )ou!h#ul -o*a". co e!ous"ess i" !he /u'lica". #ear o# *a" i" !he $harisee.

28 Le! *e s/ea, o# a"o!her cele'ra!e( co"1ues! o# ;o(Bs +race i" a" a#!er a+e. a"( )ou -ill see ho- i! /leases Hi* !o *a,e a Co"#essor. a Sai"! a"( Doc!or o# His Church. ou! o# si" a"( heres) 'o!h !o+e!her. I! -as "o! e"ou+h !ha! !he Fa!her o# !he Wes!er" Schools. !he au!hor o# a !housa"( -or,s. !he !riu*/ha"! co"!ro ersialis!. !he es/ecial cha*/io" o# +race. shoul( ha e 'ee" o"ce a /oor sla e o# !he #lesh. 'u! he -as !he ic!i* o# a /er er!e( i"!ellec! also. He. -ho o# all o!hers. -as !o e0!ol !he +race o# ;o(. -as le#! *ore !ha" o!hers !o e0/erie"ce !he hel/less"ess o# "a!ure. The +rea! S! Au+us!i"e CI a* "o! s/ea,i"+ o# !he hol) *issio"ar) o# !he sa*e "a*e. -ho ca*e !o E"+la"( a"( co" er!e( our /a+a" #ore#a!hers. a"( 'eca*e !he #irs! Arch'isho/ o# Ca"!er'ur). 'u! o# !he +rea! A#rica" Bisho/. !-o ce"!uries 'e#ore hi*D3Au+us!i"e. I sa). "o! 'ei"+ i" ear"es! a'ou! his soul. "o! as,i"+ hi*sel# !he 1ues!io". ho- -as si" !o 'e -ashe( a-a). 'u! ra!her 'ei"+ (esirous. -hile )ou!h a"( s!re"+!h las!e(. !o e"6o) !he #lesh a"( !he -orl(. a*'i!ious a"( se"sual. 6u(+e( o# !ru!h a"( #alsehoo( ') his /ri a!e 6u(+*e"! a"( his /ri a!e #a"c)7 (es/ise( !he Ca!holic Church 'ecause i! s/o,e so *uch o# #ai!h a"( su'6ec!io". !hou+h! !o *a,e his o-" reaso" !he *easure o# all !hi"+s. a"( accor(i"+l) %=:& 6oi"e( a #ar<s/rea( sec!. -hich a##ec!e( !o 'e /hiloso/hical a"( e"li+h!e"e(. !o !a,e lar+e ie-s o# !hi"+s. a"( !o correc! !he ul+ar. !ha! is !he Ca!holic "o!io"s o# ;o( a"( Chris!. o# si". a"( o# !he -a) !o hea e". I" !his sec! o# his he re*ai"e( #or so*e )ears7 )e! -ha! he -as !au+h! !here (i( "o! sa!is#) hi*. I! /lease( hi* #or a !i*e. a"( !he" he #ou"( he ha( 'ee" ea!i"+ as i# #oo( -ha! ha( "o "ourish*e"! i" i!7 he 'eca*e hu"+r) a"( !hirs!) a#!er so*e!hi"+ *ore su's!a"!ial. he ,"e- "o! -ha!7 he (es/ise( hi*sel# #or 'ei"+ a sla e !o !he #lesh. a"( he #ou"( his reli+io" (i( "o! hel/ hi* !o o erco*e i!7 !hus he u"(ers!oo( !ha! he ha( "o! +ai"e( !he !ru!h. a"( he crie( ou!. ?O. -ho -ill !ell *e -here !o see, i!. a"( -ho -ill 'ri"+ *e i"!o i!2? Wh) (i( he "o! 6oi" !he Ca!holic Church a! o"ce2 I ha e !ol( )ou -h)7 he sa- !ha! !ru!h -as "o-here else7 'u! he -as "o! sure i! -as !here. He !hou+h! !here -as so*e!hi"+ *ea". "arro-. irra!io"al. i" her s)s!e* o# (oc!ri"e7 he lac,e( !he +i#! o# #ai!h. The" a +rea! co"#lic! 'e+a" -i!hi" hi*.3!he co"#lic! o# "a!ure -i!h +race7 o# "a!ure a"( her chil(re". !he #lesh a"( #alse reaso". a+ai"s! co"scie"ce a"( !he /lea(i"+s o# !he Di i"e S/iri!. lea(i"+ hi* !o 'e!!er !hi"+s. Thou+h he -as s!ill i" a s!a!e o# /er(i!io". )e! ;o( -as isi!i"+ hi*. a"( +i i"+ hi* !he #irs! #rui!s o# !hose i"#lue"ces -hich -ere i" !he e e"! !o 'ri"+ hi* ou! o# i!. Ti*e -e"! o"7 a"( loo,i"+ a! hi*. as his ;uar(ia" A"+el *i+h! loo, a! hi*. )ou -oul( ha e sai( !ha!. i" s/i!e o# *uch /er erse"ess. a"( *a") a success#ul s!ru++le a+ai"s! his Al*i+h!) %==& A( ersar). i" s/i!e o# his s!ill 'ei"+. as 'e#ore. i" a s!a!e o# -ra!h. "e er!heless +race -as *a,i"+ -a) i" his soul.3he -as a( a"ci"+ !o-ar(s !he Church. He (i( "o! ,"o- i! hi*sel#. he coul( "o! reco+"ise i! hi*sel#7 'u! a" ea+er i"!eres! i"

29 hi*. a"( !he" a 6o). -as s/ri"+i"+ u/ i" hea e" a*o"+ !he A"+els o# ;o(. A! las! he ca*e -i!hi" !he ra"+e o# a +rea! Sai"! i" a #orei+" cou"!r)7 a"(. !hou+h he /re!e"(e( "o! !o ac,"o-le(+e hi*. his a!!e"!io" -as arres!e( ') hi*. a"( he coul( "o! hel/ co*i"+ !o sacre( /laces !o loo, a! hi* a+ai" a"( a+ai". He 'e+a" !o -a!ch hi* a"( s/ecula!e a'ou! hi*. a"( -o"(ere( -i!h hi*sel# -he!her he -as ha//). He #ou"( hi*sel# #re1ue"!l) i" Church. lis!e"i"+ !o !he hol) /reacher. a"( he o"ce as,e( his a( ice ho- !o #i"( -ha! he -as see,i"+. A"( "o- a #i"al co"#lic! ca*e o" hi* -i!h !he #lesh@ i! -as har(. er) har(. !o /ar! -i!h !he i"(ul+e"ces o# )ears. i! -as har( !o /ar! a"( "e er !o *ee! a+ai". O. si" -as so s-ee!. ho- coul( he 'i( i! #are-ell2 ho- coul( he !ear hi*sel# a-a) #ro* i!s e*'race. a"( 'e!a,e hi*sel# !o !ha! lo"el) a"( (rear) -a) -hich le( hea e"-ar(s2 Bu! ;o(Bs +race -as s-ee!er #ar. a"( i! co" i"ce( hi* -hile i! -o" hi*7 i! co" i"ce( his reaso". a"( /re aile(73a"( he -ho -i!hou! i! -oul( ha e li e( a"( (ie( a chil( o# Sa!a". 'eca*e. u"(er i!s -o"(er<-or,i"+ /o-er. a" oracle o# sa"c!i!) a"( !ru!h. A"( (o )ou "o! !hi",. *) 're!hre". !ha! he -as 'e!!er #i!!e( !ha" a"o!her !o /ersua(e his 're!hre" as he ha( 'ee" /ersua(e(. a"( !o /reach !he hol) (oc!ri"e -hich he ha( (es/ise(2 No! !ha! si" is 'e!!er !ha" %=A& o'e(ie"ce. or !he si""er !ha" !he 6us!7 'u! !ha! ;o( i" His *erc) *a,es use o# si" a+ai"s! i!sel#. !ha! He !ur"s /as! si" i"!o a /rese"! 'e"e#i!. !ha!. -hile He -ashes a-a) i!s +uil! a"( su'(ues i!s /o-er. He lea es i! i" !he /e"i!e"! i" such se"se as e"a'les hi*. #ro* his ,"o-le(+e o# i!s (e ices. !o assaul! i! *ore i+orousl). a"( s!ri,e a! i! *ore !rul). -he" i! *ee!s hi* i" o!her *e"7 !ha!. -hile our Lor(. ') His o*"i/o!e"! +race. ca" *a,e !he soul as clea" as i# i! ha( "e er 'ee" u"clea". He lea es i! i" /ossessio" o# a !e"(er"ess a"( co*/assio" #or o!her si""ers. a" e0/erie"ce ho- !o (eal -i!h !he*. +rea!er !ha" i# i! ha( "e er si""e(7 a"( a+ai" !ha!. i" !hose rare a"( s/ecial i"s!a"ces. o# o"e o# -hich I ha e 'ee" s/ea,i"+. He hol(s u/ !o us. #or our i"s!ruc!io" a"( our co*#or!. -ha! He ca" (o. e e" #or !he *os! +uil!). i# !he) si"cerel) co*e !o Hi* #or a /ar(o" a"( a cure. There is "o li*i! !o 'e /u! !o !he 'ou"!) a"( /o-er o# ;o(Bs +race7 a"( !ha! -e #eel sorro- #or our si"s. a"( su//lica!e His *erc). is a sor! o# /rese"! /le(+e !o us i" our hear!s. !ha! He -ill +ra"! us !he +oo( +i#!s -e are see,i"+. He ca" (o -ha! He -ill -i!h !he soul o# *a". He is i"#i"i!el) *ore /o-er#ul !ha" !he #oul s/iri! !o -ho* !he si""er has sol( hi*sel#. a"( ca" cas! hi* ou!. O *) (ear 're!hre". !hou+h )our co"scie"ce -i!"esses a+ai"s! )ou. He ca" (is'ur(e" i!7 -he!her )ou ha e si""e( less or -he!her )ou ha e si""e( *ore. He ca" *a,e )ou as clea" i" His si+h! a"( as acce/!a'le !o Hi* as i# )ou ha( "e er +o"e #ro* Hi*. ;ra(uall) -ill He (es!ro) )our si"#ul ha'i!s. a"( a! o"ce -ill He res!ore )ou !o His #a our. Such is !he /o-er o# !he %=E& Sacra*e"! o# $e"a"ce. !ha!. 'e )our loa( o# +uil! hea ier or 'e i! li+h!er. i! re*o es i!. -ha!e er i! is.

30 I! is as eas) !o Hi* !o -ash ou! !he *a") si"s as !he #e-. Do )ou recollec! i" !he Ol( Tes!a*e"! !he his!or) o# !he cure o# Naa*a" !he S)ria". ') !he /ro/he! Eliseus2 He ha( !ha! (rea(#ul. i"cura'le (isease calle( !he le/ros). -hich -as a -hi!e crus! u/o" !he s,i". *a,i"+ !he -hole /erso" hi(eous. a"( !)/i#)i"+ !he hi(eous"ess o# si". The /ro/he! 'a(e hi* 'a!he i" !he ri er Jor(a". a"( !he (isease (isa//eare(7 ?his #lesh.? sa)s !he i"s/ire( -ri!er. -as ?res!ore( !o hi* as !he #lesh o# a li!!le chil(?. Here. !he". -e ha e a re/rese"!a!io" "o! o"l) o# -ha! si" is. 'u! o# -ha! ;o(Bs +race is. I! ca" u"(o !he /as!. i! ca" realise !he ho/eless. No si""er. e er so o(ious. 'u! *a) 'eco*e a Sai"!7 "o Sai"!. e er so e0al!e(. 'u! has 'ee". or *i+h! ha e 'ee". a si""er. ;race o erco*es "a!ure. a"( +race o"l) o erco*es i!. Ta,e !ha! hol) chil(. !he 'lesse( S!. A+"es. -ho. a! !he a+e o# !hir!ee". resol e( !o (ie ra!her !ha" (e") !he #ai!h. a"( s!oo( e" elo/e( i" a" a!*os/here o# /uri!). a"( (i##use( arou"( her a hea e"l) i"#lue"ce. i" !he er) ho*e o# e il s/iri!s i"!o -hich !he hea!he" 'rou+h! her7 or co"si(er !he a"+elical Alo)sius. o# -ho* i! har(l) is le#! u/o" recor( !ha! he co**i!!e( e e" a e"ial si"7 or S!. A+a!ha. S!. Julia"a. S!. Rose. S!. Casi*ir. or S!. S!a"islas. !o -ho* !he er) "o!io" o# a") u"'eco*i"+ i*a+i"a!io" ha( 'ee" as (ea!h7 -ell. !here is "o! o"e o# !hese sera/hic souls 'u! *i+h! ha e 'ee" a (e+ra(e(. loa!hso*e le/er. e0ce/! #or ;o(Bs +race. a" ou!cas! #ro* his ,i"(7 "o! o"e 'u! *i+h!. or ra!her -oul(. %=F& ha e li e( !he li#e o# a 'ru!e crea!ure. a"( (ie( !he (ea!h o# a re/ro'a!e. a"( lai" (o-" i" hell e!er"all) i" !he (e ilBs ar*s. ha( "o! ;o( /u! a "ehear! a"( a "e- s/iri! -i!hi" hi*. a"( *a(e hi* -ha! he coul( "o! *a,e hi*sel#. All +oo( *e" are "o! Sai"!s. *) 're!hre"3all co" er!e( souls (o "o! 'eco*e Sai"!s. I -ill "o! /ro*ise. !ha!. i# )ou !ur" !o ;o(. )ou -ill reach !ha! hei+h! o# sa"c!i!) -hich !he Sai"!s ha e reache(@3!rue7 s!ill. I a* sho-i"+ )ou !ha! e e" !he Sai"!s are ') "a!ure "o 'e!!er !ha" )ou7 a"( so C*uch *oreD !ha! !he $ries!s. -ho ha e !he char+e o# !he #ai!h#ul. -ha!e er 'e !heir sa"c!i!). are ') "a!ure "o 'e!!er !ha" !hose -ho* !he) ha e !o co" er!. -ho* !he) ha e !o re#or*. I! is ;o(Bs s/ecial *erc) !o-ar(s )ou !ha! -e ') "a!ure are "o o!her !ha" )ou7 i! is His co"si(era!io" a"( co*/assio" #or )ou !ha! He has *a(e us. -ho are )our 're!hre". His le+a!es a"( *i"is!ers o# reco"cilia!io". This is -ha! !he -orl( ca""o! u"(ers!a"(7 "o! !ha! i! (oes "o! a//rehe"( clearl) e"ou+h !ha! -e are ') "a!ure o# li,e /assio"s -i!h i!sel#7 'u! -ha! i! is so 'li"(. so "arro-<*i"(e( as "o! !o co*/rehe"(. is. !ha!. 'ei"+ so li,e i!sel# ') "a!ure. -e *a) 'e *a(e so (i##ere"! ') +race. Me" o# !he -orl(. *) 're!hre". ,"o- !he /o-er o# "a!ure7 !he) ,"o- "o!. e0/erie"ce "o!. 'elie e "o!. !he /o-er o# ;o(Bs +race7 a"( si"ce !he) are "o! !he*sel es ac1uai"!e( -i!h a") /o-er !ha! ca" o erco*e "a!ure. !he) !hi", !ha! "o"e e0is!s. a"(

31 !here#ore. co"sis!e"!l). !he) 'elie e !ha! e er) o"e. $ries! or "o!. re*ai"s !o !he e"( such as "a!ure *a(e hi*. a"( !he) -ill "o! 'elie e i! /ossi'le !ha! a") o"e %=H& ca" lea( a su/er"a!ural li#e. No-. "o! $ries! o"l). 'u! e er) o"e -ho is i" !he +race o# ;o(. lea(s a su/er"a!ural li#e. *ore or less su/er"a!ural. accor(i"+ !o his calli"+. a"( !he *easure o# !he +i#!s +i e" hi*. a"( his #ai!h#ul"ess !o !he*. This !he) ,"o- "o!. a"( a(*i! "o!7 a"( -he" !he) hear o# !he li#e -hich a $ries! *us! lea( ') his /ro#essio" #ro* )ou!h !o a+e. !he) -ill "o! cre(i! !ha! he is -ha! he /ro#esses !o 'e. The) ,"o- "o!hi"+ o# !he /rese"ce o# ;o(. !he *eri!s o# Chris!. !he i"!ercessio" o# !he Blesse( >ir+i"7 !he ir!ue o# recurri"+ /ra)ers. o# #re1ue"! co"#essio". o# (ail) Masses7 !he) are s!ra"+ers !o !he !ra"s#or*i"+ /o-er o# !he Mos! Hol) Sacra*e"!. !he Brea( o# A"+els7 !he) (o "o! co"!e*/la!e !he e##icac) o# salu!ar) rules. o# hol) co*/a"io"s. o# lo"+<e"(uri"+ ha'i!. o# rea() s/o"!a"eous i+ila"ce. o# a'horre"ce o# si" a"( i"(i+"a!io" a! !he !e*/!er. !o secure !he soul #ro* e il. The) o"l) ,"o- !ha! -he" !he !e*/!er o"ce has ac!uall) /e"e!ra!e( i"!o !he hear!. he is irresis!i'le7 !he) o"l) ,"o- !ha! -he" !he soul has e0/ose( a"( surre"(ere( i!sel# !o his *alice. !here is Cso !o s/ea,D a "ecessi!) o# si""i"+. The) o"l) ,"o- !ha! -he" ;o( has a'a"(o"e( i!. a"( +oo( A"+els are -i!h(ra-". a"( all sa#e+uar(s. a"( /ro!ec!io"s. a"( /re e"!i es are "e+lec!e(. !ha! !he" C-hich is !heir o-" caseD. -he" !he ic!or) is all 'u! +ai"e( alrea(). i! is sure !o 'e +ai"e( al!o+e!her. The) !he*sel es ha e e er. i" !heir 'es! es!a!e. 'ee" all 'u! 'ea!e" ') !he E il O"e 'e#ore !he) 'e+a" !o #i+h!7 !his is !he o"l) s!a!e !he) ha e e0/erie"ce(@ !he) ,"o- !his. a"( !he) ,"o"o!hi"+ else. The) %AI& ha e "e er s!oo( o" a"!a+e +rou"(7 !he) ha e "e er 'ee" -i!hi" !he -alls o# !he s!ro"+ ci!). a'ou! -hich !he e"e*) /ro-ls i" ai". i"!o -hich he ca""o! /e"e!ra!e. a"( ou!si(e o# -hich !he #ai!h#ul soul -ill 'e !oo -ise !o e"!ure. The) 6u(+e. I sa). ') !heir e0/erie"ce. a"( -ill "o! 'elie e -ha! !he) "e er ,"e-. I# !here 'e !hose here /rese"!. *) (ear 're!hre". -ho -ill "o! 'elie e !ha! +race is e##ec!ual -i!hi" !he Church. 'ecause i! (oes li!!le ou!si(e o# i!. !o !he* I (o "o! s/ea,@ I s/ea, !o !hose -ho (o "o! "arro!heir 'elie# !o !heir e0/erie"ce7 I s/ea, !o !hose -ho a(*i! !ha! +race ca" *a,e hu*a" "a!ure -ha! i! is "o!7 a"( such /erso"s. I !hi",. -ill #eel i!. "o! a cause o# 6ealous) a"( sus/icio". 'u! a +rea! +ai". a +rea! *erc). !ha! !hose are se"! !o /reach !o !he*. !o recei e !heir co"#essio"s. a"( !o a( ise !he*. -ho ca" s)*/a!hise -i!h !heir si"s. e e" !hou+h !he) ha e "o! ,"o-" !he*. No! a !e*/!a!io". *) 're!hre". ca" 'e#all )ou. 'u! -ha! 'e#alls all !hose -ho share )our "a!ure. !hou+h )ou *a) ha e )iel(e( !o i!. a"( !he) *a) "o! ha e )iel(e(. The) ca" u"(ers!a"( )ou. !he) ca" a"!ici/a!e )ou. !he) ca" i"!er/re! )ou. !hou+h !he) ha e "o! ,e/! /ace -i!h )ou i" )our course. The) -ill 'e !e"(er !o )ou. !he) -ill ?i"s!ruc! )ou i" !he s/iri! o# *ee,"ess.? as !he A/os!le sa)s. ?co"si(eri"+ !he*sel es les! !he) also 'e !e*/!e(?. Co*e !he" u"!o us. all )e !ha! la'our a"( are

32 hea ) la(e". a"( )e shall #i"( res! !o )our souls7 co*e u"!o us. -ho "o- s!a"( !o )ou i" Chris!Bs s!ea(. a"( -ho s/ea, i" Chris!Bs "a*e7 #or -e !oo. li,e )ou. ha e 'ee" sa e( ') Chris!Bs all<sa i"+ 'loo(. We !oo. li,e %A1& )ou. shoul( 'e los! si""ers. u"less Chris! ha( ha( *erc) o" us. u"less His +race ha( clea"se( us. u"less His Church ha( recei e( us. u"less His sai"!s ha( i"!erce(e( #or us. Be )e sa e(. as -e ha e 'ee" sa e(7 ?co*e. lis!e". all )e !ha! #ear ;o(. a"( -e -ill !ell )ou -ha! He ha!h (o"e #or our souls?. Lis!e" !o our !es!i*o")7 'ehol( our 6o) o# hear!. a"( i"crease i! ') /ar!a,i"+ i" i! )oursel es. Choose !ha! +oo( /ar! -hich -e ha e chose"7 6oi" )e )oursel es !o our co*/a")7 i! -ill "e er re/e"! )ou. !a,e our -or( #or i!. -ho ha e a ri+h! !o s/ea,. i! -ill "e er re/e"! )ou !o ha e sou+h! /ar(o" a"( /eace #ro* !he Ca!holic Church. -hich alo"e has +race. -hich alo"e has /o-er. -hich alo"e has Sai"!s7 i! -ill "e er re/e"! )ou. !hou+h )ou +o !hrou+h !rou'le. !hou+h )ou ha e !o +i e u/ *uch #or her sa,e. I! -ill "e er re/e"! )ou. !o ha e /asse( #ro* !he sha(o-s o# se"se a"( !i*e. a"( !he (ece/!io"s o# hu*a" #eeli"+ a"( #alse reaso". !o !he +lorious li'er!) o# !he so"s o# ;o(. A"( O. *) 're!hre". -he" )ou ha e !a,e" !he +rea! s!e/. a"( s!a"( i" )our 'lesse( lo!. as si""ers reco"cile( !o !he Fa!her )ou ha e o##e"(e( C#or I -ill a"!ici/a!e. -ha! I surel) !rus! -ill 'e #ul#ille( as re+ar(s *a") o# )ouD. O !he" #or+e! "o! !hose -ho ha e 'ee" !he *i"is!ers o# )our reco"cilia!io"7 a"( as !he) "o- /ra) )ou !o *a,e )our /eace -i!h ;o(. so (o )ou. -he" reco"cile(. /ra) #or !he*. !ha! !he) *a) +ai" !he +rea! +i#! o# /erse era"ce. !ha! !he) *a) co"!i"ue !o s!a"( i" !he +race i" -hich !he) !rus! !he) s!a"( "o-. e e" !ill !he hour o# (ea!h. les!. /ercha"ce. a#!er !he) ha e /reache( !o o!hers. !he) !he*sel es 'eco*e re/ro'a!e. To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse :. $uri!) a"( Lo e

%A5& WE #i"( !-o es/ecial *a"i#es!a!io"s o# (i i"e +race i" !he hu*a" hear!. -he!her -e !ur" !o Scri/!ure #or i"s!a"ces o# i!. or !o !he his!or) o# !he Church7 -he!her -e !race i! i" !he case o# Sai"!s. or i" /erso"s o# hol) a"( reli+ious li#e7 a"( !he !-o are e e" #ou"( a*o"+ our Lor(Bs A/os!les. 'ei"+ re/rese"!e( ') !he !-o #ore*os! o# !ha! #a oure( co*/a"). S!. $e!er a"( S!. Joh". S!. Joh" is !he Sai"! o# /uri!). a"( S!. $e!er is !he Sai"! o# lo e. No! !ha! lo e a"( /uri!) ca" e er 'e se/ara!e(7 "o! as i# a Sai"! ha( "o! all ir!ues i" hi* a!

33 o"ce7 "o! as i# S!. $e!er -ere "o! /ure as -ell as lo i"+. a"( S!. Joh" lo i"+. #or all he -as so /ure. The +races o# !he S/iri! ca""o! 'e se/ara!e( #ro* each o!her7 o"e i*/lies !he res!7 -ha! is lo e 'u! a (eli+h! i" ;o(. a (e o!io" !o Hi*. a surre"(er o# !he -hole sel# !o Hi*2 -ha! is i*/uri!). o" !he o!her ha"(. 'u! !he !ur"i"+ !o so*e!hi"+ o# !his -orl(. so*e!hi"+ si"#ul. as !he o'6ec! o# our a##ec!io"s i"s!ea( o# ;o(2 Wha! is i! 'u! a (eli'era!e a'a"(o"*e"! o# !he Crea!or #or !he crea!ure. a"( see,i"+ /leasure i" !he sha(o- o# (ea!h. "o! i" !he all<'liss#ul %A8& $rese"ce o# li+h! a"( holi"ess2 The i*/ure !he" ca""o! lo e ;o(7 a"( !hose -ho are -i!hou! lo e o# ;o( ca""o! reall) 'e /ure. $uri!) /re/ares !he soul #or lo e. a"( lo e co"#ir*s !he soul i" /uri!). The #la*e o# lo e -ill "o! 'e 'ri+h! u"less !he su's!a"ce -hich #ee(s i! 'e /ure a"( u"a(ul!era!e7 a"( !he *os! (a99li"+ /uri!) is 'u! as ici"ess a"( (esola!io" u"less i! (ra-s i!s li#e #ro* #er e"! lo e. 4e!. cer!ai" as !his is. i! is cer!ai" also !ha! !he s/iri!ual -or,s o# ;o( sho- (i##ere"!l) #ro* each o!her !o our e)es. a"( !ha! !he) (is/la). i" !heir charac!er a"( !heir his!or). so*e o# !he* !his ir!ue *ore !ha" o!her ir!ues. a"( so*e !ha!. I" o!her -or(s. i! /leases !he ;i er o# +race !o e"(ue His Sai"!s s/eciall) -i!h cer!ai" +i#!s. #or His +lor). -hich li+h! u/ a"( 'eau!i#) o"e /ar!icular /or!io" or (e/ar!*e"! o# !heir souls. so as !o cas! !heir o!her e0celle"ces i"!o !he sha(e. A"( !he" !his s/ecial +i#! o# +race 'eco*es !heir charac!eris!ic. a"( -e /u! i! #irs! i" our !hou+h!s o# !he*. a"( co"si(er -ha! !he) ha e 'esi(es as i"clu(e( i" i!. or (e/e"(e"! u/o" i!. a"( s/ea, o# !he* as i# !he) ha( "o! !he res!. !hou+h -e ,"o!he) reall) ha e !he*7 a"( -e +i e !he* so*e !i!le or (escri/!io" !a,e" #ro* !ha! /ar!icular +race -hich is so e*/ha!icall) !heirs. A"( i" !his -a) -e *a) s/ea,. as I i"!e"( !o (o i" -ha! I a* +oi"+ !o sa). o# !-o chie# classes o# Sai"!s. -hose e*'le*s are !he lil) a"( !he rose. -ho are 'ri+h! -i!h a"+elic /uri!) or -ho 'ur" -i!h (i i"e lo e. The !-o S!. Joh"s are !he +rea! i"s!a"ces o# !he A"+elic li#e. Who*. *) 're!hre". ca" -e co"cei e %A:& !o ha e such *a6es!ic a"( se ere sa"c!i!) as !he Hol) Ba/!is!2 He ha( a /ri ile+e -hich reache( "ear u/o" !he /rero+a!i e o# !he Mos! Blesse( Mo!her o# ;o(7 #or. i# she -as co"cei e( -i!hou! si". a! leas! -i!hou! si" he -as 'or". She -as all</ure. all<hol). a"( si" ha( "o /ar! i" her@ 'u! S!. Joh" -as i" !he 'e+i""i"+ o# his e0is!e"ce a /ar!a,er o# A(a*Bs curse7 he la) u"(er ;o(Bs -ra!h. (e/ri e( o# !ha! +race -hich A(a* ha( recei e(. a"( -hich is !he li#e a"( s!re"+!h o# hu*a" "a!ure. 4e!. as soo" as Chris!. his Lor( a"( Sa iour. ca*e !o hi*. a"( Mar) salu!e( his o-" *o!her. Eli9a'e!h. #or!h-i!h !he +race o# ;o( -as +i e" !o hi*. a"( !he ori+i"al +uil! -as -i/e( a-a) #ro* his soul. A"( !here#ore i! is !ha! -e cele'ra!e !he "a!i i!) o# S!. Joh"7 "o!hi"+ u"hol) (oes !he Church cele'ra!e7 "o! S!. $e!erBs 'ir!h. "or S!. $aulBs. "or S!. Au+us!i"eBs. "or

34 S! ;re+or)Bs. "or S!. Ber"ar(Bs. "or S! Alo)siusBs. "or !he "a!i i!) o# a") o!her Sai"!. ho-e er +lorious. 'ecause !he) -ere all 'or" i" si". She cele'ra!es !heir co" ersio"s. !heir /rero+a!i es. !heir *ar!)r(o*s. !heir (ea!hs. !heir !ra"sla!io"s. 'u! "o! !heir 'ir!h. 'ecause i" "o case -as i! hol). Three "a!i i!ies alo"e (oes she co**e*ora!e. our Lor(Bs. His Mo!herBs. a"( las!l). S!. Joh"Bs. Wha! a s/ecial +i#! -as !his. *) 're!hre". se/ara!i"+ !he Ba/!is! o##. a"( (is!i"+uishi"+ hi* #ro* all /ro/he!s a"( /reachers. -ho e er li e(. ho-e er hol). e0ce/! /erha/s !he /ro/he! Jere*iasG A"( such as -as his co**e"ce*e"!. -as !he course o# his li#e. He -as carrie( a-a) ') !he S/iri! i"!o !he (eser!. a"( !here he li e( o" !he si*/les! #are. i" !he ru(es! clo!hi"+. i" !he ca es o# -il( 'eas!s. a/ar! #ro* *e". %A=& #or !hir!) )ears. lea(i"+ a li#e o# *or!i#ica!io" a"( o# /ra)er. !ill he -as calle( !o /reach /e"a"ce. !o /roclai* !he Chris!. a"( !o 'a/!ise Hi*7 a"( !he" ha i"+ (o"e his -or,. a"( ha i"+ le#! "o ac! o# si" o" recor(. he -as lai( asi(e as a" i"s!ru*e"! -hich ha( los! i!s use. a"( la"+uishe( i" /riso". !ill he -as su((e"l) cu! o## ') !he s-or( o# !he e0ecu!io"er. Sa"c!i!) is !he o"e i(ea o# hi* i*/resse( u/o" us #ro* #irs! !o las!7 a *os! *ar ellous Sai"!. a her*i! #ro* his chil(hoo(. !he" a /reacher !o a #alle" /eo/le. a"( !he" a Mar!)r. Surel) such a li#e #ul#ils !ha! e0/ec!a!io" co"cer"i"+ hi* !ha! #ollo-s o" Mar)Bs salu!a!io" o# his *o!her 'e#ore his 'ir!h. 4e! s!ill *ore 'eau!i#ul. a"( al*os! as *a6es!ic. is !he i*a+e o# his "a*esa,e. !ha! +rea! A/os!le. E a"+elis!. a"( $ro/he! o# !he Church. -ho ca*e so earl) i"!o our Lor(Bs chose" co*/a"). a"( li e( so lo"+ a#!er all his #ello-s. We ca" co"!e*/la!e hi* i" his )ou!h a"( i" his e"era'le a+e7 a"( o" his -hole li#e. #ro* #irs! !o las!. as his s/ecial +i#!. is *ar,e( /uri!). He is !he ir+i" A/os!le. -ho o" !ha! accou"! -as so (ear !o his Lor(. ?!he (isci/le -ho* Jesus lo e(.? -ho la) o" His Boso*. -ho recei e( His Mo!her #ro* Hi* -he" u/o" !he Cross. -ho ha( !he isio" o# all !he -o"(ers -hich -ere !o co*e !o /ass i" !he -orl( !o !he e"( o# !i*e. ?;rea!l) !o 'e ho"oure(.? sa)s !he Church. ?is 'lesse( Joh". -ho o" !he Lor(Bs Breas! la) a! su//er. !o -ho*. a ir+i". (i( Chris! o" !he Cross co**i! his >ir+i" Mo!her. He -as chose" a ir+i" ') !he Lor(. a"( -as *ore 'elo e( !ha" !he res!. The s/ecial /rero+a!i e o# chas!i!) ha( *a(e %AA& hi* *ee! #or his Lor(Bs lar+er lo e. 'ecause. 'ei"+ chose" ') Hi* a ir+i". a ir+i" he re*ai"e( u"!o !he e"(.? He i! -as -ho i" his )ou!h /ro#esse( his rea(i"ess !o (ri", Chris!Bs chalice -i!h Hi*7 -ho -ore a-a) a lo"+ li#e as a (esola!e s!ra"+er i" a #orei+" la"(7 -ho -as a! le"+!h carrie( !o Ro*e a"( /lu"+e( i"!o !he ho! oil. a"( !he" -as 'a"ishe( !o a #ar isla"(. !ill his (a)s (re- "ear !heir close. O ho- i*/ossi'le i! is -or!hil) !o co"cei e o# !he sa"c!i!) o# !hese !-o +rea! ser a"!s o# ;o(. so (i##ere"! is !heir -hole his!or). i" !heir li es a"( i" !heir (ea!hs. )e! a+reei"+ !o+e!her i" !heir seclusio" #ro* !he -orl(. i" !heir !ra"1uilli!). a"( i" !heir all 'u! si"less"essG Mor!al

35 si" ha( "e er !ouche( !he*. a"( -e *a) -ell 'elie e !ha! e e" #ro* (eli'era!e e"ial si" !he) -ere e er e0e*/!7 "a). !ha! a! /ar!icular seaso"s or o" cer!ai" occasio"s !he) (i( "o! si" a! all. The re'ellio" o# !he reaso". !he -a)-ar("ess o# !he #eeli"+s. !he (isor(er o# !he !hou+h!s. !he #e er o# /assio". !he !reacher) o# !he se"ses. !hese e ils (i( !he all</o-er#ul +race o# ;o( su'(ue i" !he*. The) li e( i" a -orl( o# !heir o-". u"i#or*. sere"e. a'i(i"+7 i" isio"s o# /eace. i" co**u"io" -i!h hea e". i" a"!ici/a!io" o# +lor)7 a"(. i# !he) s/o,e !o !he -orl( -i!hou!. as /reachers or as co"#essors. !he) s/o,e as #ro* so*e sacre( shri"e. "o! *i0i"+ -i!h *e" -hile !he) a((resse( !he*. as ?a oice cr)i"+ i" !he -il(er"ess? or ?i" !he S/iri! o" !he Lor(Bs Da)?. A"( !here#ore i! is -e s/ea, o# !he* ra!her as /a!!er"s o# sa"c!i!) !ha" o# lo e. 'ecause lo e re+ar(s a" e0!er"al o'6ec!. ru"s !o-ar(s i! a"( la'ours #or i!. -hereas %AE& such Sai"!s ca*e so close !o !he O'6ec! o# !heir lo e. !he) -ere +ra"!e( so !o recei e Hi* i"!o !heir 'reas!s. a"( so !o *a,e !he*sel es o"e -i!h Hi*. !ha! !heir hear!s (i( "o! so *uch lo e hea e" as -ere !he*sel es a hea e". (i( "o! so *uch see li+h! as -ere li+h!7 a"( !he) li e( a*o"+ *e" as !hose A"+els i" !he ol( !i*e. -ho ca*e !o !he /a!riarchs a"( s/a,e as !hou+h !he) -ere ;o(. #or ;o( -as i" !he*. a"( s/a,e ') !he*. Thus !hese !-o -ere al*os! a'sor'e( i" !he ;o(hea(. li i"+ a" a"+elical li#e. as #ar as *a" coul( lea( o"e. so cal*. so s!ill. so raise( a'o e sorro- a"( #ear. (isa//oi"!*e"! a"( re+re!. (esire a"( a ersio". as !o 'e !he *os! /er#ec! i*a+es !ha! ear!h has see" o# !he /eace a"( i**u!a'ili!) o# ;o(. Such !oo are !he *a") ir+i" Sai"!s -ho* his!or) recor(s #or our e"era!io". S!. Jose/h. !he +rea! S!. A"!o"). S!. Cecilia -ho -as -ai!e( o" ') A"+els. S!. Nicolas o# Bari. S!. $e!er Celes!i"e. S!. Rose o# >i!er'o. S!. Ca!hari"e o# Sie""a. a"( a hos! o# o!hers. a"( a'o e all. !he >ir+i" o# >ir+i"s. a"( Ouee" o# >ir+i"s. !he Blesse( Mar). -ho. !hou+h re/le!e a"( o er#lo-i"+ -i!h !he +race o# lo e. )e! #or !he er) reaso" !ha! she -as !he ?sea! o# -is(o*.? a"( !he ?ar, o# !he co e"a"!.? is *ore co**o"l) re/rese"!e( u"(er !he e*'le* o# !he lil) !ha" o# !he rose. Bu! "o-. *) 're!hre". le! us !ur" !o !he o!her class o# Sai"!s. I ha e 'ee" s/ea,i"+ o# !hose -ho i" a -o"(er#ul. so*e!i*es i" a *iraculous -a). ha e 'ee" (e#e"(e( #ro* si". a"( co"(uc!e( #ro* s!re"+!h !o s!re"+!h. #ro* )ou!h !ill (ea!h7 'u! "o- su//ose i! has 'ee" !he -ill o# ;o( !o she( !he li+h! a"( %AF& /o-er o# His S/iri! u/o" !hose -ho ha e *isuse( !he !ale"!s. a"( 1ue"che( !he +race alrea() +i e" !he*. a"( -ho !here#ore ha e a hos! o# e ils -i!hi" !he* o# -hich !he) are !o 'e (is/ossesse(7 -ho are u"(er !he (o*i"io" o# o's!i"a!e ha'i!s. i"(ul+e( /assio"s. #alse o/i"io"s7 -ho ha e ser e( Sa!a". "o! as i"#a"!s 'e#ore !heir 'a/!is*. 'u! -i!h !heir -ill. -i!h !heir reaso". -i!h !heir #acul!ies res/o"si'le. a"( !heir hear!s ali e a"( co"scious. Is He !o (ra- !hese elec! Souls !o Hi* -i!hou! !he*sel es. or ') *ea"s o# !he*sel es2 Is He !o cha"+e !he* a! His -or(. as He crea!e( !he*. as He -ill *a,e !he* (ie. as

36 He -ill raise !he* #ro* !he +ra e. or is He !o e"!er i"!o !heir souls. !o a((ress Hi*sel# !o !he*. !o /ersua(e !he*. a"( so !o -i" !he*2 Dou'!less He *i+h! ha e 'ee" ur+e"! -i!h !he*. a"( *as!er#ul7 He *i+h! ') a 'lesse( iole"ce ha e co*e u/o" !he*. a"( so !ur"e( !he* i"!o Sai"!s7 He *i+h! ha e su/erse(e( a") /rocess o# co" ersio". a"( ou! o# !he er) s!o"es ha e raise( u/ chil(re" !o A'raha*. Bu! He has -ille( o!her-ise7 else. -h) (i( He *a"i#es! Hi*sel# o" ear!h2 Wh) (i( He surrou"( Hi*sel# o" His co*i"+ -i!h so *uch !ha! -as !ouchi"+ a"( a!!rac!i e a"( su'(ui"+2 Wh) (i( He 'i( His a"+els /roclai* !ha! He -as !o 'e see" as a li!!le i"#a"!. i" a *a"+er a"( i" a >ir+i"Bs 'oso*. a! Be!hlehe*2 Wh) (i( He +o a'ou! (oi"+ +oo(2 Wh) (i( He (ie i" /u'lic. 'e#ore !he -orl(. -i!h His *o!her a"( His 'elo e( (isci/le ') Hi*2 Wh) (oes He "o- !ell us ho- He is e0al!e( i" Hea e" -i!h a hos! o# +lori#ie( Sai"!s. -ho are our i"!ercessors. a'ou! His !hro"e2 Wh) %AH& (oes He +i e us His o-" Mo!her Mar) #or our *o!her. !he *os! /er#ec! i*a+e a#!er Hi*sel# o# -ha! is 'eau!i#ul a"( !e"(er. a"( +e"!le a"( soo!hi"+. i" hu*a" "a!ure2 Wh) (oes He *a"i#es! Hi*sel# ') a" i"e##a'le co"(esce"sio" o" our Al!ars. s!ill hu*'li"+ Hi*sel#. !hou+h He rei+"s o" hi+h2 Wha! (oes all !his sho-. 'u! !ha!. -he" souls -a"(er a-a) #ro* Hi*. He reclai*s !he* ') *ea"s o# !he*sel es. ?') cor(s o# A(a*.? or o# hu*a" "a!ure. as !he /ro/he! s/ea,s.3co"1ueri"+ us i"(ee( a! His -ill. sa i"+ us i" s/i!e o# oursel es.3a"( )e! ') oursel es. so !ha! !he er) reaso" a"( a##ec!io"s o# !he ol( A(a*. -hich ha e 'ee" *a(e ?!he i"s!ru*e"!s o# i"i1ui!) u"!o si".? shoul(. u"(er !he /o-er o# His +race. 'eco*e ?!he i"s!ru*e"!s o# 6us!ice u"!o ;o(?2 4es. (ou'!less He (ra-s us ?') cor(s o# A(a*.? a"( -ha! are !hose cor(s. 'u!. as !he /ro/he! s/ea,s i" !he sa*e erse. ?!he cor(s.? or ?!he !-i"e o# lo e?2 I! is !he *a"i#es!a!io" o# !he +lor) o# ;o( i" !he Face o# Jesus Chris!7 i! is !ha! ie- o# !he a!!ri'u!es a"( /er#ec!io"s o# Al*i+h!) ;o(7 i! is !he 'eau!) o# His sa"c!i!). !he s-ee!"ess o# His *erc). !he 'ri+h!"ess o# His hea e". !he *a6es!) o# His la-. !he har*o") o# His /ro i(e"ces. !he !hrilli"+ *usic o# His oice. -hich is !he a"!a+o"is! o# !he #lesh. a"( !he soulBs cha*/io" a+ai"s! !he -orl( a"( !he (e il. ?Thou has! se(uce( *e. O Lor(.? sa)s !he /ro/he!. ?a"( I -as se(uce(7 Thou ar! s!ro"+er !ha" I. a"( has! /re aile(7? Thou has! !hro-" Th) "e! s,il#ull). a"( i!s su'!le !hrea(s are e"!-i"e( rou"( each a##ec!io" o# *) hear!. a"( i!s *eshes ha e 'ee" a /o-er o# ;o(. ?'ri"+i"+ %EI& i"!o ca/!i i!) !he -hole i"!ellec! !o !he ser ice o# Chris!?. I# !he -orl( has i!s #asci"a!io"s. so surel) has !he Al!ar o# !he li i"+ ;o(7 i# i!s /o*/s a"( a"i!ies (a99le. so *uch *ore shoul( !he isio" o# A"+els asce"(i"+ a"( (esce"(i"+ o" !he hea e"l) la((er7 i# si+h!s o# ear!h i"!o0ica!e. a"( i!s *usic is a s/ell u/o" !he soul. 'ehol( Mar) /lea(s -i!h us. o er a+ai"s! !he*. -i!h her chas!e e)es. a"( o##ers !he E!er"al Chil( #or our caress. -hile sou"(s o# cheru'i* are hear( all rou"( si"+i"+ #ro* ou! !he #ul"ess

37 o# !he Di i"e ;lor). Has (i i"e ho/e "o e*o!io"2 Has (i i"e chari!) "o !ra"s/or!2 ?Ho- (ear are Th) !a'er"acles. O Lor( o# hos!sG? sa)s !he /ro/he!7 ?*) soul (o!h lus!. a"( (o!h #ai"! #or !he cour!s o# !he Lor(7 *) hear! a"( *) #lesh ha e re6oice( i" !he li i"+ ;o(. Be!!er is o"e (a) i" Th) cour!s a'o e a !housa"(@ I ha e chose" !o 'e a" a'6ec! i" !he house o# *) ;o(. ra!her !ha" !o (-ell i" !he !a'er"acles o# si""ers.? So is i!. as a +rea! Doc!or a"( /e"i!e"! has sai(. S!. Au+us!i"e7 ?I! is "o! e"ou+h !o 'e (ra-" ') !he -ill7 !hou ar! also (ra-" ') !he se"se o# /leasure. Wha! is !o 'e (ra-" ') /leasure2 BDeli+h! !hou i" !he Lor(. a"( He -ill +i e !hee !he /e!i!io"s o# !h) hear!.B There is a cer!ai" /leasure o# hear!. -he" !ha! hea e"l) Brea( is s-ee! !o a *a". Moreo er. i# !he /oe! sai!h. BE er) o"e is (ra-" ') his o-" /leasure.B "o! ') "ecessi!). 'u! ') /leasure7 "o! ') o'li+a!io". 'u! ') (eli+h!7 ho- *uch *ore 'ol(l) ou+h! -e !o sa). !ha! *a" is (ra-" !o Chris!. -he" he is (eli+h!e( -i!h !ru!h. (eli+h!e( -i!h 'liss. (eli+h!e( -i!h 6us!ice. (eli+h!e( -i!h e!er"al li#e. all -hich is Chris!2 Ha e %E1& !he 'o(il) se"ses !heir /leasures. a"( is !he *i"( -i!hou! i!s o-"2 I# so. -he"ce is i! sai(. BThe so"s o# *e" shall ho/e u"(er !he co eri"+ o# Th) -i"+s7 !he) shall 'e i"!o0ica!e -i!h !he rich"ess o# Th) house. a"( -i!h !he !orre"! o# Th) /leasure shal! Thou +i e !he* !o (ri",@ #or -i!h Thee is !he -ell o# li#e. a"( i" Th) li+h! -e shall see li+h!B2 BHe. -ho* !he Fa!her (ra-e!h. co*e!h !o MeB2? he co"!i"ues7 ?Who* ha!h !he Fa!her (ra-"2 hi* -ho sai(. BThou ar! Chris!. !he So" o# !he li i"+ ;o(B. 4ou /rese"! a +ree" 'ra"ch !o !he shee/. a"( )ou (ra- i! #or-ar(7 #rui!s are o##ere( !o !he chil(. a"( he is (ra-"7 i" !ha! he ru"s. he is (ra-". he is (ra-" ') lo i"+. (ra-" -i!hou! 'o(il) hur!. (ra-" ') !he 'o"( o# !he hear!. I# !he" i! 'e !rue !ha! !he si+h! o# ear!hl) (eli+h! (ra-s o" !he lo er. (o!h "o! Chris! !oo (ra- us -he" re eale( ') !he Fa!her2 For -ha! (o!h !he soul (esire *ore s!ro"+l) !ha" !ru!h2? Such are !he *ea"s -hich ;o( has /ro i(e( #or !he crea!io" o# !he Sai"! ou! o# !he si""er7 He !a,es hi* as he is. a"( uses hi* a+ai"s! hi*sel#@ He !ur"s his a##ec!io"s i"!o a"o!her cha""el. a"( e0!i"+uishes a car"al lo e ') i"#usi"+ a hea e"l) chari!). No! as i# He use( hi* as a *ere irra!io"al crea!ure. -ho is i*/elle( ') i"s!i"c!s a"( +o er"e( ') e0!er"al i"ci!e*e"!s -i!hou! a") -ill o# his o-". a"( !o -ho* o"e /leasure is !he sa*e as a"o!her. !he sa*e i" ,i"(. !hou+h (i##ere"! i" (e+ree. I ha e alrea() sai(. i! is !he er) !riu*/h o# His +race. !ha! He e"!ers i"!o !he hear! o# *a". a"( /ersua(es i!. a"( /re ails -i!h i!. -hile He cha"+es i!. He iola!es i" "o!hi"+ !ha! %E5& ori+i"al co"s!i!u!io" o# *i"( -hich He +a e !o *a"@ He !rea!s hi* as *a"7 He lea es hi* !he li'er!) o# ac!i"+ !his -a) or !ha!7 He a//eals !o all his /o-ers a"( #acul!ies. !o his reaso". !o his /ru(e"ce. !o his *oral se"se. !o his co"scie"ce@ He rouses his #ears as -ell as his lo e7 He i"s!ruc!s hi* i" !he (e/ra i!) o# si". as -ell as i" !he

38 *erc) o# ;o(7 'u! s!ill. o" !he -hole. !he a"i*a!i"+ /ri"ci/le o# !he "e- li#e. ') -hich i! is 'o!h ,i"(le( a"( sus!ai"e(. is !he #la*e o# chari!). This o"l) is s!ro"+ e"ou+h !o (es!ro) !he ol( A(a*. !o (issol e !he !)ra"") o# ha'i!. !o 1ue"ch !he #ires o# co"cu/isce"ce. a"( !o 'ur" u/ !he s!ro"+hol(s o# /ri(e. A"( he"ce i! is !ha! lo e is /rese"!e( !o us as !he (is!i"+uishi"+ +race o# !hose -ho -ere si""ers 'e#ore !he) -ere Sai"!s7 "o! !ha! lo e is "o! !he li#e o# all Sai"!s. o# !hose -ho ha e "e er "ee(e( a co" ersio". o# !he Mos! Blesse( >ir+i". o# !he !-o S!. Joh"Bs. a"( o# !hose o!hers. *a") i" "u*'er. -ho are ?#irs!<#rui!s u"!o ;o( a"( !he La*'7? 'u! !ha!. -hile i" !hose -ho ha e "e er si""e( +ra el) lo e is so co"!e*/la!i e as al*os! !o resol e i!sel# i"!o !he sa"c!i!) o# ;o( Hi*sel#7 i" !hose. o" !he co"!rar). i" -ho* i! (-ells as a /ri"ci/le o# reco er). i! is so #ull o# (e o!io". o# 9eal. o# ac!i i!). a"( +oo( -or,s. !ha! i! +i es a isi'le charac!er !o !heir his!or). a"( is e er associa!i"+ i!sel# -i!h our !hou+h!s o# !he*. Such -as !he +rea! A/os!le. o" -ho* !he Church is 'uil!. a"( -ho* I co"!ras!e(. -he" I 'e+a". -i!h his #ello-<A/os!le S!. Joh"@ -he!her -e co"!e*/la!e hi* a#!er his #irs! calli"+. or o" his re/e"!a"ce. he -ho %E8& (e"ie( his Lor(. ou! o# all !he A/os!les. is !he *os! co"s/icuous #or his lo e o# Hi*. I! -as #or !his lo e o# Chris!. #lo-i"+ o". as i! (i(. #ro* i!s i*/e!uosi!) a"( e0u'era"ce. i"!o lo e o# !he 're!hre". !ha! he -as chose" !o 'e !he chie# $as!or o# !he #ol(. ?Si*o". so" o# Joh". lo es! !hou Me *ore !ha" !hese2? -as !he !rial /u! o" hi* ') his Lor(7 a"( !he re-ar( -as. ?Fee( M) la*'s. #ee( M) shee/?. Wo"(er#ul !o sa). !he A/os!le -ho* Jesus lo e(. -as )e! sur/asse( i" lo e #or Jesus ') a 'ro!her A/os!le. "o! ir+i"al as he7 #or i! is "o! Joh" o# -ho* our Lor( as,e( !his 1ues!io". a"( -ho -as re-ar(e( -i!h !his co**issio". 'u! $e!er. Loo, 'ac, a! a" earlier /assa+e o# !he sa*e "arra!i e7 !here. !oo. !he !-o A/os!les are si*ilarl) co"!ras!e( i" !heir res/ec!i e charac!ers7 #or -he" !he) -ere i" !he 'oa!. a"( !heir Lor( s/o,e !o !he* #ro* !he shore. a"( ?!he) ,"e- "o! !ha! i! -as Jesus.? #irs! ?!ha! (isci/le. -ho* Jesus lo e(. sai( !o $e!er. I! is !he Lor(.? #or ?!he clea" o# hear! shall see ;o(7? a"( !he" a! o"ce ?Si*o" $e!er.? i" !he i*/e!uosi!) o# his lo e. ?+ir! his !u"ic a'ou! hi*. a"( cas! hi*sel# i"!o !he sea.? !o reach Hi* !he 1uic,er. S!. Joh" 'ehol(s a"( S!. $e!er ac!s. Thus !he er) /rese"ce o# Jesus e",i"(le( $e!erBs hear!. a"( a! o"ce (re- hi* u"!o Hi*7 also a! a #or*er !i*e. -he" he sa- his Lor( -al,i"+ o" !he sea. his er) #irs! i*/ulse -as. as i" !he /assa+e !o -hich I ha e 'ee" re#erri"+. !o lea e !he essel a"( has!e" !o His si(e@ ?Lor(. i# i! 'e Thou. 'i( *e co*e !o Thee u/o" !he -a!ers?. A"( -he" he ha( 'ee" %E:& 'e!ra)e( i"!o his +rea! si". !he er) E)e o#

39 Jesus 'rou+h! hi* !o hi*sel#@ ?A"( !he Lor( !ur"e( a"( loo,e( u/o" $e!er7 a"( $e!er re*e*'ere( !he -or( o# !he Lor(. a"( he -e"! ou! a"( -e/! 'i!!erl)?. He"ce. o" a"o!her occasio". -he" *a") o# !he (isci/les #ell a-a). a"( ?Jesus sai( !o !he !-el e. Do )ou !oo -ish !o +o a-a)2? S!. $e!er a"s-ere(. ?Lor(. !o -ho* shall -e +o2 Thou has! !he -or(s o# e!er"al li#e7 a"( -e ha e 'elie e( a"( ha e ,"o-" !ha! Thou ar! Chris!. !he So" o# ;o(.? Such. !oo. -as !ha! o!her +rea! A/os!le. -ho. i" so *a") -a)s. is associa!e( -i!h S!. $e!er3!he Doc!or o# !he ;e"!iles. He i"(ee( -as co" er!e( *iraculousl). ') our Lor(Bs a//eari"+ !o hi*. -he" he -as o" his -a) !o carr) (ea!h !o !he Chris!ia"s o# Da*ascus@ 'u! ho(oes he s/ea,2 ?Whe!her -e are 'esi(e oursel es.? he sa)s. ?i! is !o ;o(7 or -he!her -e 'e so'er. i! is #or )ou@ #or !he chari!) o# Chris! co"s!rai"e!h us. I#. !here#ore. a") 'e a "e- crea!ure i" Chris!. ol( !hi"+s ha e /asse( a-a). 'ehol( all !hi"+s are *a(e "e-.? A"( so a+ai"@ ?Wi!h Chris! a* I "aile( !o !he cross7 'u! I li e. )e! "o lo"+er I. 'u! Chris! li e!h i" *e7 a"( !he li#e I "o- li e i" !he #lesh. I li e ') !he #ai!h o# !he So" o# ;o(. -ho lo e( *e. a"( +a e Hi*sel# #or *e?. A"( a+ai"@ ?I a* !he leas! o# !he A/os!les. -ho a* "o! -or!h) !o 'e calle( a" A/os!le. 'ecause I /ersecu!e( !he Church o# ;o(. Bu! ') !he +race o# ;o( I a* -ha! I a*7 a"( His +race i" *e ha!h "o! 'ee" oi(. 'u! I la'oure( *ore a'u"(a"!l) !ha" !he) all. )e! "o! I. 'u! !he +race o# ;o( -i!h *e.? A"( o"ce *ore@ %E=& ?Whe!her -e li e. u"!o !he Lor( -e li e7 -he!her -e (ie. u"!o !he Lor( -e (ie7 -he!her -e li e or -he!her -e (ie. -e are !he Lor(Bs?. 4ou see. *) 're!hre". !he charac!er o# S!. $aulBs lo e7 i! -as a lo e #er e"!. ea+er. e"er+e!ic. ac!i e. #ull o# +rea! -or,s. ?s!ro"+ as (ea!h.? as !he i"s/ire( Wor( sa)s. a #la*e -hich ?*a") -a!ers coul( "o! 1ue"ch. "or !he s!rea*s (ro-".? -hich las!e( !o !he e"(. -he" he coul( sa). ?I ha e #ou+h! !he +oo( #i+h!. I ha e #i"ishe( !he course. I ha e ,e/! !he #ai!h7 he"ce#or!h is lai( u/ #or *e !he cro-" o# 6us!ice. -hich !he Lor( -ill re"(er !o *e a! !ha! (a). !he 6us! Ju(+e?. A"( !here is a !hir(. *) 're!hre". !here is a" illus!rious !hir( i" Scri/!ure. -ho* -e *us! associa!e -i!h !hese !-o +rea! A/os!les. -he" -e s/ea, o# !he sai"!s o# /e"a"ce a"( lo e. Who is i! 'u! !he lo i"+ Ma+(ale"2 Who is i! so #ull) i"s!a"ces -ha! I a* sho-i"+. as ?!he -o*a" -ho -as a si""er.? -ho -a!ere( !he Lor(Bs #ee! -i!h her !ears. a"( (rie( !he* -i!h her hair. a"( a"oi"!e( !he* -i!h /recious oi"!*e"!2 Wha! a !i*e #or such a" ac!G She. -ho ha( co*e i"!o !he roo*. as i# #or a #es!i e /ur/ose. !o +o a'ou! a" ac! o# /e"a"ceG I! -as a #or*al 'a"1ue!. +i e" ') a rich $harisee. !o ho"our. )e! !o !r). our Lor(. Ma+(ale" ca*e. )ou"+ a"( 'eau!i#ul. a"( ?re6oici"+ i" her )ou!h.? ?-al,i"+ i" !he -a)s o# her hear! a"( !he +a9e o# her e)es@? she ca*e as i# !o ho"our !ha! #eas!. as -o*e" -ere -o"! !o ho"our such #es!i e (oi"+s. -i!h her s-ee! o(ours a"( cool u"+ue"!s #or !he #orehea( a"( hair o# !he +ues!s. A"( he. !he /rou( $harisee. su##ere(

40 her !o co*e. so %EA& !ha! she !ouche( "o! hi*7 le! her co*e as -e *i+h! su##er i"#erior a"i*als !o e"!er our a/ar!*e"!s. -i!hou! cari"+ #or !he*7 /erha/s su##ere( her as a "ecessar) e*'ellish*e"! o# !he e"!er!ai"*e"!. )e! as ha i"+ "o soul. or as (es!i"e( !o /er(i!io". 'u! a")ho- as "o!hi"+ !o hi*. He. /rou( 'ei"+. a"( his 're!hre" li,e hi*. *i+h! ?co*/ass sea a"( la"( !o *a,e o"e /rosel)!e7? 'u!. as !o loo,i"+ i"!o !ha! /rosel)!eBs hear!. /i!)i"+ i!s si". a"( !r)i"+ !o heal i!. !his (i( "o! e"!er i"!o !he circui! o# his !hou+h!s. No. he !hou+h! o"l) o# !he "ecessi!ies o# his 'a"1ue!. a"( he le! her co*e !o (o her /ar!. such as i! -as. careless -ha! her li#e -as. so !ha! she (i( !ha! /ar! -ell. a"( co"#i"e( hersel# !o i!. Bu!. lo. a -o"(rous si+h!G -as i! a su((e" i"s/ira!io". or a *a!ure resol e2 -as i! a" ac! o# !he *o*e"!. or !he resul! o# a lo"+ co"#lic!23'u! 'ehol(. !ha! /oor. *a")<coloure( chil( o# +uil! a//roaches !o cro-" -i!h her s-ee! oi"!*e"! !he hea( o# Hi* !o -ho* !he #eas! -as +i e"7 a"( see. she has s!a)e( her ha"(. She has loo,e(. a"( she (iscer"s !he I**acula!e. !he >ir+i"Bs So". ?!he 'ri+h!"ess o# !he E!er"al Li+h!. a"( !he s/o!less *irror o# ;o(Bs *a6es!)?. She loo,s. a"( she reco+"ises !he A"cie"! o# Da)s. !he Lor( o# li#e a"( (ea!h. her Ju(+e7 a"( a+ai" she loo,s. a"( she sees i" His #ace a"( i" His *ie" a 'eau!). a"( a s-ee!"ess. a-#ul. sere"e. *a6es!ic. *ore !ha" !ha! o# !he so"s o# *e". -hich /ale( all !he s/le"(our o# !ha! #es!i e roo*. A+ai" she loo,s. !i*i(l) )e! ea+erl). a"( she (iscer"s i" His e)e. a"( i" His s*ile. !he lo i"+<,i"("ess. !he !e"(er"ess. !he co*/assio". !he %EE& *erc) o# !he Sa iour o# *a". She loo,s a! hersel#. a"( ohG ho- ile. ho- hi(eous is she. -ho 'u! "o- -as so ai" o# her a!!rac!io"sG3ho- -i!here( is !ha! co*eli"ess. o# -hich !he /raises ra" !hrou+h !he *ou!hs o# her a(*irersG3ho- loa!hso*e has 'eco*e !he 'rea!h. -hich hi!her!o she !hou+h! so #ra+ra"!. sa ouri"+ o"l) o# !hose se e" 'a( s/iri!s -hich (-ell -i!hi" herG A"( !here she -oul( ha e s!a)e(. !here she -oul( ha e su", o" !he ear!h. -ra//e( i" her co"#usio" a"( i" her (es/air. ha( she "o! cas! o"e +la"ce a+ai" o" !ha! all<lo i"+. all<#or+i i"+ Cou"!e"a"ce. He is loo,i"+ a! her@ i! is !he She/her( loo,i"+ a! !he los! shee/. a"( !he los! shee/ surre"(ers hersel# !o Hi*. He s/ea,s "o!. 'u! He e)es her7 a"( she (ra-s "earer !o Hi*. Re6oice. )e A"+els. she (ra-s "ear. seei"+ "o!hi"+ 'u! Hi*. a"( cari"+ "ei!her #or !he scor" o# !he /rou(. "or !he 6es!s o# !he /ro#li+a!e. She (ra-s "ear. "o! ,"o-i"+ -he!her she shall 'e sa e( or "o!. "o! ,"o-i"+ -he!her she shall 'e recei e(. or -ha! -ill 'eco*e o# her7 !his o"l) ,"o-i"+ !ha! He is !he Fou"! o# holi"ess a"( !ru!h. as o# *erc). a"( !o -ho* shoul( she +o. 'u! !o Hi* -ho ha!h !he -or(s o# e!er"al li#e2 ?Des!ruc!io" is !hi"e o-". O Israel7 i" Me o"l) is !h) hel/. Re!ur" u"!o Me. a"( I -ill "o! !ur" a-a) M) #ace #ro* !hee@ #or I a* hol). a"( -ill "o! 'e a"+r) #or e er.? ?Behol( -e co*e u"!o !hee7 #or Thou ar! !he Lor( our ;o(. Trul) !he hills are #alse. a"( !he *ul!i!u(e o# !he *ou"!ai"s@ Trul) !he Lor( our ;o( is !he sal a!io" o# Israel.? Wo"(er#ul *ee!i"+ 'e!-ee"

41 -ha! -as *os! 'ase a"( -ha! is %EF& *os! /ureG Those -a"!o" ha"(s. !hose /ollu!e( li/s. ha e !ouche(. ha e ,isse( !he #ee! o# !he E!er"al. a"( He shra", "o! #ro* !he ho*a+e. A"( as she hu"+ o er !he*. a"( as she *ois!e"e( !he* #ro* her #ull e)es. ho- (i( her lo e #or O"e so +rea!. )e! so +e"!le. -a0 ehe*e"! -i!hi" her. li+h!i"+ u/ a #la*e -hich "e er -as !o (ie #ro* !ha! *o*e"! e e" #or e erG a"( -ha! e0cess (i( i! reach. -he" He recor(e( 'e#ore all *e" her #or+i e"ess. a"( !he cause o# i!G ?Ma") si"s are #or+i e" her. #or she lo e( *uch7 'u! !o -ho* less is #or+i e". !he sa*e lo e!h less. A"( He sai( u"!o her. Th) si"s are #or+i e" !hee7 !h) #ai!h ha!h *a(e !hee sa#e. +o i" /eace.? He"ce#or!h. *) 're!hre". lo e -as !o her. as !o S!. Au+us!i"e a"( !o S!. I+"a!ius Lo)ola a#!er-ar(s C+rea! /e"i!e"!s i" !heir o-" !i*eD. as a -ou"( i" !he soul. so #ull o# (esire as !o 'eco*e a"+uish. She coul( "o! li e ou! o# !he /rese"ce o# Hi* i" -ho* her 6o) la)@ her s/iri! la"+uishe( a#!er Hi*. -he" she sa- Hi* "o!7 a"( -ai!e( o" Hi* sile"!l). re ere"!l). -is!#ull). -he" she -as i" His 'liss#ul $rese"ce. We rea( o# her Ci# i! -as sheD. o" o"e occasio". si!!i"+ a! His #ee! !o hear His -or(s. a"( o# His !es!i#)i"+ !ha! she ha( chose" !ha! 'es! /ar! -hich shoul( "o! 'e !a,e" a-a) #ro* her. A"(. a#!er His resurrec!io". she. ') her /erse era"ce. *eri!e( !o see Hi* e e" 'e#ore !he A/os!les. She -oul( "o! lea e !he se/ulchre. -he" $e!er a"( Joh" re!ire(. 'u! s!oo( -i!hou!. -ee/i"+7 a"( -he" !he Lor( a//eare( !o her. a"( hel( her e)es !ha! she shoul( "o! ,"o- Hi*. she sai( /i!eousl) !o !he su//ose( ,ee/er o# !he +ar(e". %EH& ?Tell *e -here !hou has! lai( Hi*. a"( I -ill !a,e Hi* a-a)?. A"( -he" a! le"+!h He *a(e Hi*sel# ,"o-" !o her. she !ur"e( hersel#. a"( rushe( i*/e!uousl) !o e*'race His #ee!. as a! !he 'e+i""i"+. 'u! He. as i# !o /ro e !he (u!i#ul"ess o# her lo e. #or'a(e her@ ?Touch Me "o!.? He sai(. ?#or I ha e "o! )e! asce"(e( !o M) Fa!her7 'u! +o !o *) 're!hre" a"( sa) !o !he*. I asce"( !o *) Fa!her a"( )our Fa!her. !o *) ;o( a"( )our ;o(?. A"( so she -as le#! !o lo"+ #or !he !i*e -he" she shoul( see Hi*. a"( hear His oice. a"( e"6o) His s*ile. a"( 'e allo-e( !o *i"is!er !o Hi*. #or e er i" hea e". Such !he" is !he seco"( +rea! class o# Sai"!s. as ie-e( i" co"!ras! -i!h !he #irs!. Lo e is !he li#e o# 'o!h@ 'u! -hile !he lo e o# !he i""oce"! is cal* a"( sere"e. !he lo e o# !he /e"i!e"! is ar(e"! a"( i*/e!uous. co**o"l) e"+a+e( i" co"!es! -i!h !he -orl(. a"( ac!i e i" +oo( -or,s. A"( !his is !he lo e -hich )ou. *) 're!hre". *us! ha e i" )our *easure. i# )ou -oul( ha e a +oo( ho/e o# sal a!io". For )ou -ere o"ce si""ers7 ei!her ') o/e" a"( a o-e( co"!e*/! o# reli+io". or ') secre! !ra"s+ressio". or ') careless"ess a"( col("ess. or ') so*e i"(ul+e( 'a( ha'i!. or ') se!!i"+ )our hear! o" so*e o'6ec! o# !his -orl(. a"( (oi"+ )our o-" -ill i"s!ea( o# ;o(Bs. I !hi", I *a) sa) )ou ha e "ee(e(. or "o- "ee(. a reco"cilia!io" !o Hi*. 4ou ha e "ee(e(. or )ou "ee(. !o 'e 'rou+h! "ear !o Hi*. a"( !o

42 ha e )our si"s -ashe( a-a) i" His 'loo(. a"( )our /ar(o" recor(e( i" Hea e". A"( -ha! -ill (o !his #or )ou. 'u! co"!ri!io"2 a"( -ha! is co"!ri!io" -i!hou! lo e2 I (o "o! sa) !ha! )ou *us! %FI& ha e !he lo e -hich Sai"!s ha e. i" or(er !o )our #or+i e"ess. !he lo e o# S!. $e!er or o# S!. Mar) Ma+(ale"7 'u! s!ill -i!hou! )our /or!io" o# !ha! sa*e hea e"l) +race. ho- ca" )ou 'e #or+i e" a! all2 I# )ou -oul( (o -or,s *ee! #or /e"a"ce. !he) *us! /rocee( #ro* a li i"+ #la*e o# chari!). I# )ou -oul( secure /erse era"ce !o !he e"(. )ou *us! +ai" i! ') co"!i"ual lo i"+ /ra)er !o !he Au!hor a"( Fi"isher o# #ai!h a"( o'e(ie"ce. I# )ou -oul( ha e a +oo( /ros/ec! o# His acce/!a"ce o# )ou i" )our las! *o*e"!s. s!ill i! is lo e alo"e -hich secures His lo e. a"( 'lo!s ou! si". M) 're!hre". a! !ha! a-#ul hour )ou *a) 'e u"a'le !o o'!ai" !he las! Sacra*e"!s7 (ea!h *a) co*e o" )ou su((e"l). or )ou *a) 'e a! a (is!a"ce #ro* a $ries!. 4ou *a) 'e !hro-" o" )oursel es. si*/l) o" )our o-" co*/u"c!io" o# hear!. )our o-" re/e"!a"ce. )our o-" resolu!io"s o# a*e"(*e"!. 4ou *a) ha e 'ee" -ee,s a"( -ee,s a! a (is!a"ce #ro* s/iri!ual ai(7 )ou *a) ha e !o *ee! )our ;o( -i!hou! !he sa#e+uar(. !he co*/e"sa!io". !he *e(ia!io" o# a") hol) ri!e7 a"( ohG -ha! -ill sa e )ou a! such (isa( a"!a+e. 'u! !he e0ercise o# (i i"e lo e ?/oure( o er )our hear!s ') !he Hol) ;hos! -ho is +i e" !o )ou?2 A! !ha! hour "o!hi"+ 'u! a #ir* ha'i! o# chari!). -hich has ,e/! )ou #ro* *or!al si"s. or a /o-er#ul ac! o# chari!) -hich 'lo!s !he* ou!. -ill 'e o# a") a ail !o )ou. No!hi"+ 'u! chari!) ca" e"a'le )ou !o li e -ell or !o (ie -ell. Ho- ca" )ou 'ear !o lie (o-" a! "i+h!. ho- ca" )ou 'ear !o +o a 6our"e). ho- ca" )ou 'ear !he /rese"ce o# /es!ile"ce. or !he a!!ac, o# e er so sli+h! a" i"(is/osi!io". i# )ou are ill /ro i(e( i" )oursel es %F1& -i!h (i i"e lo e a+ai"s! !ha! cha"+e. -hich -ill co*e o" )ou so*e (a). )e! -he" a"( ho- )ou ,"o- "o!2 AlasG ho- -ill )ou /rese"! )oursel es 'e#ore !he 6u(+*e"!<sea! o# Chris!. -i!h !he i*/er#ec! *i0e( #eeli"+s -hich "o- sa!is#) )ou. -i!h a cer!ai" a*ou"! o# #ai!h. a"( !rus!. a"( #ear o# ;o(Bs 6u(+*e"!s. 'u! -i!h "o!hi"+ o# !ha! real (eli+h! i" Hi*. i" His a!!ri'u!es. i" His -ill. i" His co**a"(*e"!s. i" His ser ice. -hich Sai"!s /ossess i" such #ul"ess. a"( -hich alo"e ca" +i e !he soul a co*#or!a'le !i!le !o !he *eri!s o# His (ea!h a"( /assio"2 Ho- (i##ere"! is !he #eeli"+ -i!h -hich !he lo i"+ soul. o" i!s se/ara!io" #ro* !he 'o(). a//roaches !he 6u(+*e"!<sea! o# i!s Re(ee*erG I! ,"o-s ho- +rea! a (e'! o# /u"ish*e"! re*ai"s u/o" i!. !hou+h i! has #or *a") )ears 'ee" reco"cile( !o Hi*7 i! ,"o-s !ha! /ur+a!or) lies 'e#ore i!. a"( !ha! !he 'es! i! ca" reaso"a'l) ho/e #or is !o 'e se"! !here. Bu! !o see His #ace. !hou+h #or a *o*e"!G !o hear His oice. !o hear Hi* s/ea,. !hou+h i! 'e !o /u"ishG O Sa iour o# *e". i! sa)s. I co*e !o Thee. !hou+h i! 'e i" or(er !o 'e a! o"ce re*a"(e( #ro* Thee7 I co*e !o Thee -ho ar! *) Li#e a"( *) All7 I co*e !o Thee o" !he !hou+h! o# -ho* I ha e li e( all *) li#e lo"+. To Thee I +a e *)sel# -he" #irs! I ha( !o !a,e a /ar! i" !he -orl(7 I

43 sou+h! Thee #or *) chie# +oo( earl). #or earl) (i(s! Thou !each *e. !ha! +oo( else-here !here -as "o"e. Who* ha e I i" hea e" 'u! Thee2 -ho* ha e I (esire( o" ear!h. -ho* ha e I ha( o" ear!h. 'u! Thee2 -ho* shall I ha e a*i( !he shar/ #la*e 'u! Thee2 4ea. !hou+h I 'e "o- (esce"(i"+ !hi!her. %F5& i"!o ?a la"( (eser!. /a!hless a"( -i!hou! -a!er.? I -ill #ear "o ill. #or Thou ar! -i!h *e. I ha e see" Thee !his (a) #ace !o #ace. a"( i! su##ice!h7 I ha e see" Thee. a"( !ha! +la"ce o# Thi"e is su##icie"! #or a ce"!ur) o# sorro-. i" !he "e!her /riso". I -ill li e o" !ha! loo, o# Thi"e. !hou+h I see Thee "o!. !ill I see Thee a+ai". "e er !o /ar! #ro* Thee. Tha! e)e o# Thi"e shall 'e su"shi"e a"( co*#or! !o *) -ear). lo"+i"+ soul7 !ha! oice o# Thi"e shall 'e e erlas!i"+ *usic i" *) ears. No!hi"+ ca" har* *e. "o!hi"+ shall (isco*/ose *e@ I -ill 'ear !he a//oi"!e( )ears. !ill !he e"( co*es. 'ra el) a"( s-ee!l). I -ill raise *) oice. a"( cha"! a /er/e!ual %on&iteor !o Thee a"( !o Th) Sai"!s i" !ha! (rear) alle)7 3?!o ;o( O*"i/o!e"!. a"( !o !he Blesse( Mar) E er<>ir+i".? CTh) Mo!her a"( *i"e. i**acula!e i" her co"ce/!io"D. ?a"( !o 'lesse( Michael Archa"+el.? Ccrea!e( i" his /uri!) ') !he er) ha"( o# ;o(D. a"( ?!o Blesse( Joh" Ba/!is!.? Csa"c!i#ie( e e" i" his *o!herBs -o*'D7 a"( a#!er !hese !hree. ?!o !he Hol) A/os!les $e!er a"( $aul.? C/e"i!e"!s. -ho co*/assio"a!e !he si""er #ro* !heir e0/erie"ce o# si"D7 ?!o all Sai"!s.? C-he!her !he) ha e li e( i" co"!e*/la!io" or i" !oil. (uri"+ !he (a)s o# !heir /il+ri*a+eD. !o all Sai"!s -ill I a((ress *) su//lica!io". !ha! !he) *a) ?re*e*'er *e. si"ce i! is -ell -i!h !he*. a"( (o *erc) ') *e. a"( *a,e *e"!io" o# *e u"!o !he Ki"+ !ha! He 'ri"+ *e ou! o# /riso"?. A"( !he" a! le"+!h ?;o( shall -i/e a-a) e er) !ear #ro* *) e)es. a"( (ea!h shall 'e "o lo"+er. "or *our"i"+. "or cr)i"+. "or /ai" a") *ore. #or !he #or*er !hi"+s are /asse( a-a)?. To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse =. Sai"!li"ess !he S!a"(ar( o# Chris!ia" $ri"ci/le

%F8& 4OU ,"o- er) -ell. *) 're!hre". a"( !here are #e- /erso"s a")-here -ho (e") i!. !ha! i" !he 'reas! o# e er) o"e !here (-ells a #eeli"+ or /erce/!io". -hich !ells hi* !he (i##ere"ce 'e!-ee" ri+h! a"( -ro"+. a"( is !he s!a"(ar( ') -hich !o *easure !hou+h!s a"( ac!io"s. I! is calle( co"scie"ce7 a"( e e" !hou+h i! 'e "o! a! all !i*es /o-er#ul e"ou+h !o rule us. s!ill i! is (is!i"c! a"( (ecisi e e"ou+h !o

44 i"#lue"ce our ie-s a"( #or* our 6u(+*e"!s i" !he arious *a!!ers -hich co*e 'e#ore us. 4e! e e" !his o##ice i! ca""o! /er#or* a(e1ua!el) -i!hou! e0!er"al assis!a"ce7 i! "ee(s !o 'e re+ula!e( a"( sus!ai"e(. Le#! !o i!sel#. !hou+h i! !ells !rul) a! #irs!. i! soo" 'eco*es -a eri"+. a*'i+uous. a"( #alse7 i! "ee(s +oo( !eachers a"( +oo( e0a*/les !o ,ee/ i! u/ !o !he *ar, a"( li"e o# (u!)7 a"( !he *iser) is. !ha! !hese e0!er"al hel/s. !eachers. a"( e0a*/les are i" *a") i"s!a"ces -a"!i"+. Na). !o !he +rea! *ul!i!u(e o# *e" !he) are so #ar -a"!i"+. !ha! co"scie"ce loses i!s -a) a"( +ui(es !he %F:& soul i" i!s 6our"e) hea e"-ar( 'u! i"(irec!l) a"( circui!ousl). E e" i" cou"!ries calle( Chris!ia". !he "a!ural i"-ar( li+h! +ro-s (i*. 'ecause !he Li+h!. -hich li+h!e"s e er) o"e 'or" i"!o !he -orl(. is re*o e( ou! o# si+h!. I sa). i! is a *os! *isera'le a"( #ri+h!#ul !hou+h!. !ha!. i" !his cou"!r). a*o"+ !his /eo/le -hich 'oas!s !ha! i! is so Chris!ia" a"( so e"li+h!e"e(. !he su" i" !he hea e"s is so ecli/se( !ha! !he *irror o# co"scie"ce ca" ca!ch a"( re#lec! #e- ra)s. a"( ser es 'u! /oorl) a"( sca"!il) !o /reser e !he #oo! #ro* error. Tha! i"-ar( li+h!. +i e" as i! is ') ;o(. is /o-erless !o illu*i"a!e !he hori9o". !o *ar, ou! #or us our (irec!io". a"( !o co*#or! us -i!h !he cer!ai"!) !ha! -e are *a,i"+ #or our E!er"al Ho*e. Tha! li+h! -as i"!e"(e( !o se! u/ -i!hi" us a s!a"(ar( o# ri+h! a"( o# !ru!h7 !o !ell us our (u!) o" e er) e*er+e"c). !o i"s!ruc! us i" (e!ail -ha! si" is. !o 6u(+e 'e!-ee" all !hi"+s -hich co*e 'e#ore us. !o (iscri*i"a!e !he /recious #ro* !he ile. !o hi"(er us #ro* 'ei"+ se(uce( ') -ha! is /leasa"! a"( a+reea'le. a"( !o (issi/a!e !he so/his*s o# our reaso". Bu! alasG -ha! i(eas o# !ru!h. -ha! i(eas o# holi"ess. -ha! i(eas o# herois*. -ha! i(eas o# !he +oo( a"( +rea!. ha e !he *ul!i!u(e o# *e"2 I a* "o! as,i"+ -he!her !he) ac! u/ !o a") i(eas. or are s-a)e( ') a") i(eas. o# !hese hi+h o'6ec!s7 !ha! is a #ur!her /oi"!7 I o"l) as,. ha e !he) a") i(eas o# !he* a! all2 or. i# !he) ca""o! al!o+e!her 'lo! ou! #ro* !heir souls !heir i(eas o# +rea!"ess a"( +oo("ess. I as, s!ill. -he!her !heir *o(e o# co"cei i"+ o# !he*. a"( !he !hi"+s a"( /erso"s i" -hich !he) e*'o() !he*. 'e %F=& "o! such. !ha! -e *a) !rul) sa) o# !he 'ul, o# *a",i"(. !ha! ?!he li+h! !ha! is i" !he* is (ar,"ess?. A!!e"( !o *e. *) (ear 're!hre". I a* sa)i"+ "o!hi"+ er) a's!ruse. "o!hi"+ er) (i##icul! !o u"(ers!a"(. "o!hi"+ u"i*/or!a"!7 'u! so*e!hi"+ i"!elli+i'le. u"(e"ia'le. a"( o# er) +e"eral co"cer". 4ou ,"o- !here are /erso"s -ho "e er see !he li+h! o# (a)7 !he) li e i" /i!s a"( *i"es. a"( !here !he) -or,. !here !he) !a,e !heir /leasure. a"( !here /erha/s !he) (ie. Do )ou !hi", !he) ha e a") ri+h! i(ea. !hou+h !he) ha e e)es. o# !he su"Bs ra(ia"ce. o# !he su"Bs -ar*!h2 a") i(ea o# !he 'eau!i#ul archi"+ hea e"s. !he 'lue s,). !he so#! clou(s. a"( !he *oo" a"( s!ars ') "i+h!2 a") i(ea o# !he hi+h *ou"!ai". a"( !he +ree" s*ili"+ ear!h2 O -ha! a" hour i! is #or hi*

45 -ho is su((e"l) 'rou+h! #ro* such a /i! or ca e. #ro* !he (ull re( +lo- a"( !he #lic,eri"+ +lare o# !orches. a"( !ha! *o"o!o") o# a" ar!i#icial !-ili+h!. i" -hich (a) a"( "i+h! are los!.3is su((e"l). I sa). 'rou+h! !he"ce. a"( #or !he #irs! !i*e sees !he 'ri+h! su" *o i"+ *a6es!icall) #ro* Eas! !o Wes!. a"( -i!"esses !he +ra(ual +race#ul cha"+es o# !he air a"( s,) #ro* *or" !ill #ra+ra"! e e"i"+G A"( ohG -ha! a si+h! #or o"e 'or" 'li"( !o 'e+i" !o see.3a se"se al!o+e!her #orei+" !o all his /re ious co"ce/!io"sG Wha! a *ar ellous "e- s!a!e o# 'ei"+. -hich. !hou+h he e er ha( !he se"ses o# heari"+ a"( o# !ouch. "e er ha( he 'ee" a'le. ') !he -or(s o# o!hers. or a") *ea"s o# i"#or*a!io" he /ossesse(. !o 'ri"+ ho*e !o hi*sel# i" !he #ai"!es! *easureG Woul( he "o! #i"( hi*sel#. as i! is sai(. i" a ?"e- -orl(?2 Wha! a %FA& re olu!io" -oul( !a,e /lace i" his *o(es o# !hou+h!. i" his ha'i!s. i" his -a)s. a"( i" his (oi"+s hour ') hourG He -oul( "o lo"+er (irec! hi*sel# -i!h his ha"(s a"( his heari"+. he -oul( "o lo"+er +ro/e a'ou!7 he -oul( see73he -oul( a! a +la"ce !a,e i" !e" !housa"( o'6ec!s. a"(. -ha! is *ore. !heir rela!io"s a"( !heir /osi!io"s !he o"e !o-ar(s !he o!her. He -oul( ,"o- -ha! -as +rea! a"( -ha! -as li!!le. -ha! -as "ear. -ha! -as (is!a"!. -ha! !hi"+s co" er+e( !o+e!her a"( -ha! !hi"+s -ere e er se/ara!e3i" a -or(. he -oul( see all !hi"+s as a -hole. a"( i" su'6ec!io" !o hi*sel# as a ce"!re. Bu! #ur!her. he -oul( +ai" ,"o-le(+e o# so*e!hi"+ closer !o hi*sel# a"( *ore /erso"al !ha" all !hese arious o'6ec!s7 o# so*e!hi"+ er) (i##ere"! #ro* !he #or*s a"( +rou/s i" -hich li+h! (-el! as i" a !a'er"acle. a"( -hich e0ci!e( his a(*ira!io" a"( lo e. He -oul( (isco er l)i"+ u/o" hi*. s/rea(i"+ o er hi*. /e"e!ra!i"+ hi*. !he #es!eri"+ see(s o# u"heal!hi"ess a"( (isease i" !heir /ri*ar) a"( *i"u!es! #or*s. The air arou"( us is char+e( -i!h a su'!le /o-(er or (us!. -hich #alls (o-" so#!l) o" e er)!hi"+. sile"!l) she(s i!sel# o" e er)!hi"+. soils a"( s!ai"s e er)!hi"+. a"(. i# su##ere( !o re*ai" u"(is!ur'e(. i"(uces sic,"ess a"( e"+e"(ers /es!ile"ce. I! is li,e !hose ashes o# !he #ur"ace -hich Moses -as i"s!ruc!e( !o !a,e u/ a"( sca!!er i" !he #ace o# hea e". !ha! !he) *i+h! 'eco*e ulcers a"( 'lis!ers u/o" !he #lesh o# !he E+)/!ia"s. This su'!le /la+ue is #el! i" i!s ul!i*a!e co"se1ue"ces ') all. !he 'li"( as -ell as !hose -ho see. 'u! i! is ') !he e)esi+h! !ha! %FE& -e (iscer" i! i" i!s ori+i" a"( i" i!s /ro+ress7 i! is ') !he su"Bs li+h! !ha! -e (iscer" our o-" (e#ile*e"!. a"( !he "ee( -e ha e o# co"!i"ual clea"si"+ !o ri( oursel es o# i!. No- -ha! is !his (us! a"( (ir!. *) 're!hre". 'u! a #i+ure o# si"2 so su'!le i" i!s a//roach. so *ul!i!u(i"ous i" i!s arra). so i"cessa"! i" i!s solici!a!io"s. so i"si+"i#ica"! i" i!s a//eara"ce. so o(ious. so /oiso"ous i" i!s e##ec!s. I! #alls o" !he soul +e"!l) a"( i*/erce/!i'l)7 'u! i! +ra(uall) 'ree(s -ou"(s a"( sores. a"( e"(s i" e erlas!i"+ (ea!h. A"( as -e ca""o! see !he a!o*s o# (us! !ha! ha e se!!le( o" us -i!hou! !he li+h!. a"( as !ha! sa*e li+h!. -hich e"a'les us !o see

46 !he*. !eaches us -i!hal. ') !heir er) co"!ras! -i!h i!sel#. !heir u"see*li"ess a"( (isho"our. so !he li+h! o# !he i" isi'le -orl(. !he !eachi"+s a"( e0a*/les o# re eale( !ru!h. 'ri"+ ho*e !o us 'o!h !he e0is!e"ce a"( also !he (e#or*i!) o# si". o# -hich -e shoul( 'e u"*i"(#ul or #or+e!#ul -i!hou! !he*. A"( as !here are *e" -ho li e i" ca er"s a"( *i"es. a"( "e er see !he #ace o# (a). a"( (o !heir -or, as 'es! !he) ca" ') !orchli+h!. so !here are *ul!i!u(es. "a). -hole races o# *e". -ho. !hou+h /ossesse( o# e)es ') "a!ure. ca""o! use !he* (ul). 'ecause !he) li e i" !he s/iri!ual /i!. i" !he re+io" o# (ar,"ess. ?i" !he la"( o# -re!che("ess a"( +loo*. -here !here is !he sha(o- o# (ea!h. a"( -here or(er is "o!?. There !he) are 'or". !here !he) li e. !here !he) (ie7 a"( i"s!ea( o# !he 'ri+h!. 'roa(. a"( all<re eali"+ lu*i"ous"ess o# !he su". !he) +ro/e !heir -a) #ro* %FF& /lace !o /lace -i!h !orches. as 'es! !he) *a). or #i0 u/ la*/s a! cer!ai" /oi"!s. a"( ?-al, i" !he li+h! o# !heir #ire. a"( i" !he #la*es -hich !he) ha e ,i"(le(7? 'ecause !he) ha e "o!hi"+ clearer. "o!hi"+ /urer. !o ser e !he "ee(s o# !he (a) a"( !he )ear. Li+h! o# so*e ,i"( !he) *us! secure. a"(. -he" !he) ca" (o "o 'e!!er. !he) *a,e i! #or !he*sel es. Ma". a 'ei"+ e"(ue( -i!h reaso". ca""o! o" !ha! er) accou"! li e al!o+e!her a! ra"(o*7 he is o'li+e( i" so*e se"se !o li e o" /ri"ci/le. !o li e ') rule. !o /ro#ess a ie- o# li#e. !o ha e a" ai*. !o se! u/ a s!a"(ar(. a"( !o !a,e !o hi* such e0a*/les as see* !o hi* !o #ul#il i!. His reaso" (oes "o! *a,e hi* i"(e/e"(e"! Cas *e" so*e!i*es s/ea,D7 i! #orces o" hi* a (e/e"(e"c) o" (e#i"i!e /ri"ci/les a"( la-s. i" or(er !o sa!is#) i!s o-" (e*a"(s. He *us!. ') !he "ecessi!) o# his "a!ure. loo, u/ !o so*e!hi"+7 a"( he crea!es. i# he ca""o! (isco er. a" o'6ec! #or his e"era!io". He !eaches hi*sel#. or is !au+h! ') his "ei+h'our. #alsehoo(s. i# he is "o! !au+h! !ru!h #ro* a'o e7 he *a,es !o hi*sel# i(ols. i# he ,"o-s "o! o# !he E!er"al ;o( a"( His Sai"!s. No-. o# -hich o# !he !-o. !hi", )ou. *) 're!hre". are our o-" cou"!r)*e" i" /ossessio"2 ha e !he) /ossessio" o# !he !rue O'6ec! o# -orshi/. or ha e !he) a #alse o"e2 ha e !he) crea!e( -ha! is "o!. or (isco ere( -ha! is2 (o !he) -al, ') !he lu*i"aries o# hea e". or are !he) as !hose -ho are 'or" a"( li e i" ca er"s. a"( -ho s!ri,e !heir li+h! as 'es! !he) *a). ') *ea"s o# !he s!o"es a"( *e!als o# !he ear!h2 Loo, arou"(. *) 're!hre". a"( a"s-er #or )oursel es. Co"!e*/la!e !he o'6ec!s o# !his /eo/leBs %FH& /raise. sur e) !heir s!a"(ar(s. /o"(er !heir i(eas a"( 6u(+*e"!s. a"( !he" !ell *e -he!her i! is "o! *os! e i(e"!. #ro* !heir er) "o!io" o# !he (esira'le a"( !he e0celle"!. !ha! +rea!"ess. a"( +oo("ess. a"( sa"c!i!). a"( su'li*i!). a"( !ru!h are u","o-" !o !he*7 a"( !ha! !he) "o! o"l) (o "o! /ursue. 'u! (o "o! e e" a(*ire. !hose hi+h a!!ri'u!es o# !he Di i"e Na!ure. This is -ha! I a* i"sis!i"+ o". "o! -ha! !he) ac!uall) (o or -ha! !he) are. 'u! -ha! !he) re ere. -ha! !he) a(ore. -ha! !heir +o(s are. Their +o( is *a**o"7 I (o "o! *ea" !o sa) !ha! all see, !o

47 'e -eal!h). 'u! !ha! all 'o- (o-" 'e#ore -eal!h. Weal!h is !ha! !o -hich !he *ul!i!u(e o# *e" /a) a" i"s!i"c!i e ho*a+e. The) *easure ha//i"ess ') -eal!h7 a"( ') -eal!h !he) *easure res/ec!a'ili!). Nu*'ers. I sa). !here are -ho "e er (rea* !ha! !he) shall e er 'e rich !he*sel es. 'u! -ho s!ill a! !he si+h! o# -eal!h #eel a" i" olu"!ar) re ere"ce a"( a-e. 6us! as i# a rich *a" *us! 'e a +oo( *a". The) li,e !o 'e "o!ice( ') so*e /ar!icular rich *a"7 !he) li,e o" so*e occasio" !o ha e s/o,e" -i!h hi*7 !he) li,e !o ,"o- !hose -ho ,"o- hi*. !o 'e i"!i*a!e -i!h his (e/e"(a"!s. !o ha e e"!ere( his house. "a). !o ,"o- hi* ') si+h!. No!. I re/ea!. !ha! i! e er co*es i"!o !heir *i"( !ha! !he li,e -eal!h -ill o"e (a) 'e !heirs7 "o! !ha! !he) see !he -eal!h. #or !he *a" -ho has i! *a) (ress. a"( li e. a"( loo, li,e o!her *e"7 "o! !ha! !he) e0/ec! !o +ai" so*e 'e"e#i! #ro* i!@ "o. !heirs is a (isi"!eres!e( ho*a+e. i! is a ho*a+e resul!i"+ #ro* a" ho"es!. +e"ui"e. hear!) a(*ira!io" o# -eal!h #or i!s o-" sa,e. such as !ha! /ure lo e -hich hol) *e" #eel #or !he %HI& Ma,er o# all7 i! is a ho*a+e resul!i"+ #ro* a /ro#ou"( #ai!h i" -eal!h. #ro* !he i"!i*a!e se"!i*e"! o# !heir hear!s. !ha!. ho-e er a *a" *a) loo,.3/oor. *ea". s!ar e(. (ecre/i!. ul+ar7 or a+ai". !hou+h he *a) 'e i+"ora"!. or (isease(. or #ee'le<*i"(e(. !hou+h he ha e !he charac!er o# 'ei"+ a !)ra"! or a /ro#li+a!e. )e!. i# he 'e rich. he (i##ers #ro* all o!hers7 i# he 'e rich. he has a +i#!. a s/ell. a" o*"i/o!e"ce73 !ha! -i!h -eal!h he *a) (o all !hi"+s. Weal!h is o"e i(ol o# !he (a). a"( "o!orie!) is a seco"(. I a* "o! s/ea,i"+. I re/ea!. o# -ha! *e" ac!uall) /ursue. 'u! o# -ha! !he) loo, u/ !o. -ha! !he) re ere. Me" *a) "o! ha e !he o//or!u"i!) o# /ursui"+ -ha! !he) a(*ire s!ill. Ne er coul( "o!orie!) e0is! as i! (oes "o-. i" a") #or*er a+e o# !he -orl(7 "o- !ha! !he "e-s o# !he hour #ro* all /ar!s o# !he -orl(. /ri a!e "e-s as -ell as /u'lic. is 'rou+h! (a) ') (a) !o e er) i"(i i(ual. as I *a) sa). o# !he co**u"i!). !o !he /oores! ar!isa" a"( !he *os! seclu(e( /easa"!. ') /rocesses so u"i#or*. so u" ar)i"+. so s/o"!a"eous. !ha! !he) al*os! 'ear !he se*'la"ce o# a "a!ural la-. A"( he"ce "o!orie!). or !he *a,i"+ a "oise i" !he -orl(. has co*e !o 'e co"si(ere( a +rea! +oo( i" i!sel#. a"( a +rou"( o# e"era!io". Ti*e -as -he" *e" coul( o"l) *a,e a (is/la) ') *ea"s o# e0/e"(i!ure7 a"( !he -orl( use( !o +a9e -i!h -o"(er o" !hose -ho ha( lar+e es!a'lish*e"!s. *a") ser a"!s. *a") horses. richl)<#ur"ishe( houses. +ar(e"s. a"( /ar,s@ i! (oes so s!ill. !ha! is. -he" i! has !he o//or!u"i!) o# (oi"+ so@ #or such *a+"i#ice"ce is !he #or!u"e o# !he #e-. a"( co*/ara!i el) #e- are i!s -i!"esses. %H1& No!orie!). or. as i! *a) 'e calle(. "e-s/a/er #a*e. is !o !he *a") -ha! s!)le a"( #ashio". !o use !he la"+ua+e o# !he -orl(. are !o !hose -ho are -i!hi" or 'elo"+ !o !he hi+her circles7 i! 'eco*es !o !he* a sor! o# i(ol. -orshi//e( #or i!s o-" sa,e. a"( -i!hou! a") re#ere"ce !o !he sha/e i" -hich i! co*es 'e#ore !he*. I! *a) 'e a" e il #a*e or a +oo( #a*e7 i! *a) 'e !he "o!orie!) o# a +rea! s!a!es*a". or o# a +rea! /reacher. or o# a +rea! s/ecula!or. or

48 o# a +rea! e0/eri*e"!alis!. or o# a +rea! cri*i"al7 o# o"e -ho has la'oure( i" !he i*/ro e*e"! o# our schools. or hos/i!als. or /riso"s. or -or,houses. or o# o"e -ho has ro''e( his "ei+h'our o# his -i#e. I! *a!!ers "o!7 so !ha! a *a" is !al,e( *uch o#. a"( rea( *uch o#. he is !hou+h! *uch o#7 "a). le! hi* e e" ha e (ie( 6us!l) u"(er !he ha"(s o# !he la-. s!ill he -ill 'e *a(e a sor! o# *ar!)r o#. His clo!hes. his ha"(-ri!i"+. !he circu*s!a"ces o# his +uil!. !he i"s!ru*e"!s o# his (ee( o# 'loo(. -ill 'e sho-" a'ou!. +a9e( o". !reasure( u/ as so *a") relics7 #or !he 1ues!io" -i!h *e" is. "o! -he!her he is +rea!. or +oo(. or -ise. or hol)7 "o! -he!her he is 'ase. a"( ile. a"( o(ious. 'u! -he!her he is i" !he *ou!hs o# *e". -he!her he has ce"!re( o" hi*sel# !he a!!e"!io" o# *a"). -he!her he has (o"e so*e!hi"+ ou! o# !he -a). -he!her he has 'ee" Cas i! -ereD ca"o"ise( i" !he /u'lica!io"s o# !he hour. All *e" ca""o! 'e "o!orious@ !he *ul!i!u(es -ho !hus ho"our "o!orie!). (o "o! see, i! !he*sel es7 "or a* I s/ea,i"+ o# -ha! *e" (o. 'u! ho- !he) 6u(+e7 )e! i"s!a"ces (o occur #ro* !i*e !o !i*e o# -re!che( *e". so s*i!!e" -i!h /assio" #or "o!orie!). as e e" !o (are i" #ac! so*e (e!es!a'le a"( %H5& -a"!o" ac!. "o! #ro* lo e o# i!. "o! #ro* li,i"+ or (isli,e o# !he /erso" a+ai"s! -ho* i! is (irec!e(. 'u! si*/l) i" or(er !here') !o +ra!i#) !his i*/ure (esire o# 'ei"+ !al,e( a'ou!. a"( +a9e( u/o". ?These are !h) +o(s. O IsraelG? AlasG AlasG !his +rea! a"( "o'le /eo/le. 'or" !o as/ire. 'or" #or re ere"ce. 'ehol( !he* -al,i"+ !o a"( #ro ') !he !orchli+h! o# !he ca er". or /ursui"+ !he -il(#ires o# !he *arsh. "o! u"(ers!a"(i"+ !he*sel es. !heir (es!i"ies. !heir (e#ile*e"!s. !heir "ee(s. 'ecause !he) ha e "o! !he +lorious lu*i"aries o# hea e" !o see. !o co"sul!. a"( !o a(*ireG Bu! ohG -ha! a cha"+e. *) 're!hre". -he" !he +oo( ha"( o# ;o( 'ri"+s !he* ') so*e *ar ellous /ro i(e"ce !o !he /i!Bs *ou!h. a"( !he" ou! i"!o !he 'lesse( li+h! o# (a)G -ha! a cha"+e #or !he* -he" !he) #irs! 'e+i" !o see -i!h !he e)es o# !he soul. -i!h !he i"!ui!io" -hich +race +i es. Jesus. !he Su" o# Jus!ice7 a"( !he hea e" o# A"+els a"( Archa"+els i" -hich He (-ells7 a"( !he 'ri+h! Mor"i"+ S!ar. -hich is His Blesse( Mo!her7 a"( !he co"!i"ual #loo(s o# li+h! #alli"+ a"( s!ri,i"+ a+ai"s! !he ear!h. a"( !ra"s#or*e(. as !he) #all. i"!o a" i"#i"i!) o# hues. -hich are His Sai"!s7 a"( !he 'ou"(less sea. -hich is !he i*a+e o# His (i i"e i**e"si!)7 a"( !he" a+ai" !he cal*. /laci( Moo" ') "i+h!. -hich i*a+es His Church7 a"( !he sile"! s!ars. li,e +oo( a"( hol) *e". !ra elli"+ o" i" lo"el) /il+ri*a+e !o !heir e!er"al res!G Such -as !he sur/rise. such !he !ra"s/or!. -hich ca*e u/o" !he #a oure( (isci/les. -ho* o" o"e occasio" our Lor( !oo, u/ -i!h Hi* !o !he *ou"!ai"Bs !o/. He le#! !he sic, -orl(. !he !or*e"!e(. res!less *ul!i!u(e. a! i!s %H8& #oo!. a"( He !oo, !he* u/. a"( -as !ra"s#i+ure( 'e#ore !he*. ?His #ace (i( shi"e as !he su". a"( His rai*e"! -as -hi!e as !he li+h!7? a"( !he) li#!e( !heir e)es. a"( sao" ei!her si(e o# Hi* a 'ri+h! #or*73!hese -ere !-o Sai"!s o# !he el(er co e"a"!. Moses a"( Elias. -ho -ere co" ersi"+ -i!h Hi*. Ho-

49 !rul) -as !his a +li*/se o# Hea e"G !he hol) A/os!les -ere i"!ro(uce( i"!o a "e- ra"+e o# i(eas. i"!o a "e- s/here o# co"!e*/la!io". !ill S!. $e!er. o erco*e ') !he isio". crie( ou!. ?Lor(. i! is +oo( !o 'e here7 a"( le! us *a,e !hree !a'er"acles?. He -oul( #ai" ha e ,e/! !hose hea e"l) +lories al-a)s -i!h hi*7 e er)!hi"+ o" ear!h. !he 'ri+h!es!. !he #aires!. !he "o'les!. /ale( a"( (-i"(le( a-a). a"( !ur"e( !o corru/!io" 'e#ore !he*7 i!s *os! su's!a"!ial +oo( -as a"i!). i!s riches! +ai" -as (ross. i!s ,ee"es! 6o) a -eari"ess. a"( i!s si" a loa!hso*e"ess a"( a'o*i"a!io". A"( such as !his i" i!s *easure is !he co"!ras!. !o -hich !he a-a,e"e( soul is -i!"ess. 'e!-ee" !he o'6ec!s o# i!s a(*ira!io" a"( /ursui! i" i!s "a!ural s!a!e. a"( !hose -hich 'urs! u/o" i! -he" i! has e"!ere( i"!o co**u"io" -i!h !he Church I" isi'le. -he" i! has co*e ?!o Mou"! Sio". a"( !o !he ci!) o# !he Li i"+ ;o(. !he hea e"l) Jerusale*. a"( !o a co*/a") o# *a") !housa"( A"+els. a"( !o !he Church o# !he #irs!<'or". -ho are e"rolle( i" hea e". a"( !o ;o( !he Ju(+e o# all. a"( !o !he s/iri!s o# !he 6us! "o- /er#ec!e(. a"( !o Jesus !he Me(ia!or o# !he NeTes!a*e"!?. Fro* !ha! (a) i! has 'e+u" a "e- li#e@ I a* "o! s/ea,i"+ o# a") *oral co" ersio" -hich !a,es /lace i" i!7 -he!her or "o! i! is *o e( Cas surel) %H:& -e 'elie e i! -ill 'eD !o ac! u/o" !he si+h!s -hich i! sees. s!ill co"si(er o"l) -ha! a cha"+e !here -ill 'e i" i!s ie-s a"( es!i*a!io" o# !hi"+s. as soo" as i! has hear( a"( has #ai!h i" !he -or( o# ;o(. as soo" as i! u"(ers!a"(s !ha! -eal!h. a"( "o!orie!). a"( i"#lue"ce. a"( hi+h /lace. are "o! !he #irs! o# 'lessi"+s a"( !he real s!a"(ar( o# +oo(7 'u! !ha! sai"!li"ess a"( all i!s a!!e"(a"!s.3sai"!l) /uri!). sai"!l) /o er!). heroic #or!i!u(e a"( /a!ie"ce. sel#<sacri#ice #or !he sa,e o# o!hers. re"ou"ce*e"! o# !he -orl(. !he #a our o# Hea e". !he /ro!ec!io" o# A"+els. !he s*ile o# !he Blesse( >ir+i". !he +i#!s o# +race. !he i"!er/osi!io"s o# *iracle. !he i"!erco**u"io" o# *eri!s.3!ha! !hese are !he hi+h a"( /recious !hi"+s. !he !hi"+s !o 'e loo,e( u/ !o. !he !hi"+s !o 'e re ere"!l) s/o,e" o#. He"ce -orl(l)<*i"(e( *e". ho-e er rich. i# !he) are Ca!holics. ca""o!. !ill !he) u!!erl) lose !heir #ai!h. 'e !he sa*e as !hose -ho are e0!er"al !o !he Church7 !he) ha e a" i"s!i"c!i e e"era!io" #or !hose -ho ha e !he !races o# hea e" u/o" !he*. a"( !he) /raise -ha! !he) (o "o! i*i!a!e. Such *e" ha e a" i(ea 'e#ore !he* -hich a $ro!es!a"! "a!io" has "o!7 !he) ha e !he i(ea o# a Sai"!7 !he) 'elie e. !he) realise !he e0is!e"ce o# !hose rare ser a"!s o# ;o(. -ho rise u/ #ro* !i*e !o !i*e i" !he Ca!holic Church li,e A"+els i" (is+uise. a"( she( arou"( !he* a li+h!. as !he) -al, o" !heir -a) hea e"<-ar(. Such Ca!holics *a) "o! i" /rac!ice (o -ha! is ri+h! a"( +oo(. 'u! !he) ,"o- -ha! is !rue7 !he) ,"o- -ha! !o !hi", a"( ho- !o 6u(+e. The) ha e a s!a"(ar( #or !heir /ri"ci/les o# co"(uc!. a"( i! is !he i*a+e o# %H=& Sai"!s -hich #or*s i! #or !he*. A Sai"! is 'or" li,e a"o!her *a"7 ') "a!ure a chil( o# -ra!h. a"( "ee(i"+ ;o(Bs +race !o re+e"era!e hi*. He is 'a/!ise( li,e a"o!her. he lies hel/less a"( se"seless li,e

50 a"o!her. a"( li,e a"o!her chil( he co*es !o )ears o# reaso". Bu! soo" his /are"!s a"( !heir "ei+h'ours 'e+i" !o sa). ?This is a s!ra"+e chil(. he is u"li,e a") o!her chil(7? his 'ro!hers a"( his /la)*a!es #eel a" a-e o# hi*. !he) (o "o! ,"o- -h)7 !he) 'o!h li,e hi* a"( (isli,e hi*. /erha/s lo e hi* *uch i" s/i!e o# his s!ra"+e"ess. /erha/s res/ec! hi* *ore !ha" !he) lo e hi*. Bu! i# !here -ere a") hol) $ries! !here. or o!hers -ho ha( lo"+ ser e( ;o( i" /ra)er a"( o'e(ie"ce. !hese -oul( sa). ?This !rul) is a -o"(er#ul chil(7 !his chil( 'i(s #air !o 'e a Sai"!?. A"( so he +ro-s u/. -he!her a! #irs! he is (ul) /ri9e( ') his /are"!s or "o!7 #or so i! is -i!h all +rea!"ess. !ha!. 'ecause i! is +rea!. i! ca""o! 'e co*/rehe"(e( ') or(i"ar) *i"(s a! o"ce7 'u! !i*e. a"( (is!a"ce. a"( co"!e*/la!io" are "ecessar) #or i!s 'ei"+ reco+"ise( ') 'ehol(ers. a"(. !here#ore. !his s/ecial heir o# +lor) o# -ho* I a* s/ea,i"+. #or a !i*e a! leas! e0ci!es "o er) (e#i"i!e o'ser a!io". u"less i"(ee( Cas so*e!i*es ha//e"sD a") !hi"+ o# *iracle occurs #ro* !i*e !o !i*e !o *ar, hi* ou!. He has co*e !o !he a+e o# reaso". a"(. -o"(er#ul !o sa). he has "e er #alle" a-a) i"!o si". O!her chil(re" 'e+i" !o use !he +i#! o# reaso" ') a'usi"+ i!7 !he) u"(ers!a"( -ha! is ri+h!. o"l) !o +o cou"!er !o i!7 i! is o!her-ise -i!h hi*.3"o! !ha! he *a) "o! si" i" *a") !hi"+s. -he" -e /lace hi* i" !he a-#ul ra) o# (i i"e Sa"c!i!). 'u! %HA& !ha! he (oes "o! si" -il#ull) a"( +rie ousl).3he is /reser e( #ro* *or!al si". he is "e er se/ara!e( #ro* ;o( ') si". "a). /erha/s. he is 'e!ra)e( o"l) a! i"!er als. or "e er a! all. i"!o a") (eli'era!e si". 'e i! e er so sli+h!. a"( he is e er a oi(i"+ !he occasio"s o# si" a"( resis!i"+ !e*/!a!io". He e er li es i" !he /rese"ce o# ;o(. a"( is !here') /reser e( #ro* e il. #or ?!he -ic,e( o"e !ouche!h hi* "o!?. Nor. a+ai". as i# i" o!her a"( or(i"ar) *a!!ers he "ecessaril) (i##ere( #ro* o!her 'o)s7 he *a) 'e i+"ora"!. !hou+h!less. i*/ro i(e"! o# !he #u!ure. rash. i*/e!uous7 he is a chil(. a"( has !he i"#ir*i!ies. #aili"+s. #ears. a"( ho/es o# a chil(. He *a) 'e *o e( !o a"+er. he *a) sa) a harsh -or(. he *a) o##e"( his /are"!s. he *a) 'e ola!ile a"( ca/ricious. he *a) ha e "o #i0e( ie- o# !hi"+s. such as a *a" has. This is "o! *uch !o allo-7 such !hi"+s are acci(e"!s. a"( are co*/a!i'le -i!h !he /rese"ce o# a (e!er*i"a!e i"#lue"ce o# +race. u"i!i"+ his hear! !o ;o(. O !ha! !he *ul!i!u(e o# *e" -ere as reli+ious i" !heir 'es! seaso"s. as !he Sai"!s are i" !heir -ors!G !hou+h !here ha e 'ee" Sai"!s -ho see* !o ha e 'ee" /reser e( e e" #ro* !he i*/er#ec!io"s I ha e 'ee" *e"!io"i"+. There ha e 'ee" Sai"!s -hose reaso" !he all</o-er#ul +race o# ;o( see*s -o"(er#ull) !o ha e o/e"e( #ro* !he er) !i*e o# !heir 'a/!is*. so !ha! !he) ha e o##ere( !o !heir Lor( a"( Sa iour. ?a li i"+. hol). acce/!a'le sacri#ice.? ?a ra!io"al ser ice.? e e" -hile !he) ha e 'ee" i"#a"!s. A"(. a")ho-. -ha!e er are !he ac!s o# i"#ir*i!) a"( si" i" !he chil( I a* i*a+i"i"+. s!ill !he) are !he e0ce/!io" i" his (a)Bs course7 !he course %HE& o# each (a) is reli+ious@ -hile o!her chil(re" are li+h!<*i"(e(. a"( ca""o! #i0 !heir !hou+h!s i" /ra)er. /ra)er a"( /raise a"( *e(i!a!io" are his *ea!

51 a"( (ri",. He #re1ue"!s !he Churches. a"( /laces hi*sel# 'e#ore !he Blesse( Sacra*e"!@ or he is #ou"( 'e#ore so*e hol) i*a+e7 or he sees isio"s o# !he Blesse( >ir+i". or o# !he Sai"!s !o -ho* he is (e o!e(. He li es i" i"!i*a!e co" erse -i!h his +uar(ia" A"+el. a"( he shri",s #ro* !he er) sha(o- o# /ro#a"e"ess or i*/uri!). A"( !hus he is a s/ecial -i!"ess o# !he -orl( u"see". a"( he #ul#ils !he a+ue i(eas a"( !he (rea*s o# !he su/er"a!ural. -hich o"e rea(s o# i" /oe*s or ro*a"ces. -i!h -hich )ou"+ /eo/le are so *uch !a,e". a"( a#!er -hich !he) ca""o! hel/ si+hi"+. 'e#ore !he -orl( corru/!s !he*. He +ro-s u/. a"( he has 6us! !he sa*e !e*/!a!io"s as o!hers. /erha/s *ore iole"! o"es. Me" o# !his -orl(. car"al *e". u"'elie i"+ *e". (o "o! 'elie e !ha! !he !e*/!a!io"s -hich !he) !he*sel es e0/erie"ce a"( !o -hich !he) )iel(. ca" 'e o erco*e. The) reaso" !he*sel es i"!o !he "o!io" !ha! !o si" is !heir er) "a!ure. a"(. !here#ore. is "o #aul! o# !heirs7 !ha! is. !he) (e") !he e0is!e"ce o# si". A"( accor(i"+l). -he" !he) rea( a'ou! !he Sai"!s or a'ou! hol) *e" +e"erall). !he) co"clu(e ei!her !ha! !hese ha e "o! ha( !he !e*/!a!io"s -hich !he) e0/erie"ce( !he*sel es. or !ha! !he) ha e "o! o erco*e !he*. The) ei!her co"si(er such a" o"e !o 'e a h)/ocri!e. -ho /rac!ises i" /ri a!e !he si"s -hich he (e"ou"ces i" /u'lic7 or. i# !he) ha e (ece"c) e"ou+h !o a's!ai" #ro* !hese calu*"ies. !he" !he) co"si(er !ha! he "e er #el! !he !e*/!a!io". a"( !he) %HF& re+ar( hi* as a col( a"( si*/le /erso". -ho has "e er ou!+ro-" his chil(hoo(. -ho has a co"!rac!e( *i"(. -ho (oes "o! ,"o- !he -orl( a"( li#e. -ho is (es/ica'le -hile he is -i!hou! i"#lue"ce. a"( (a"+erous a"( (e!es!a'le #ro* his er) i+"ora"ce -he" he is i" /o-er. Bu! "o. *) 're!hre"7 rea( !he li es o# !he Sai"!s. )ou -ill see ho- #alse a"( "arro- a ie- !his is7 !hese *e". -ho !hi",. #orsoo!h. !he) ,"o- !he -orl( so -ell. a"( !he "a!ure o# *a" so (ee/l). !he) ,"o- "o!hi"+ o# o"e +rea! #ar<s/rea(i"+ /he"o*e"o" i" *a".3a"( !ha! is. his "a!ure u"(er !he o/era!io" o# +race7 !he) ,"o- "o!hi"+ o# !he seco"( "a!ure. o# !he su/er"a!ural +i#!. i"(uce( ') !he Al*i+h!) S/iri! u/o" our #irs! a"( #alle" "a!ure7 !he) ha e "e er *e!. !he) ha e "e er rea( o#. a"( !he) ha e #or*e( "o co"ce/!io" o#. a Sai"!. He has. I sa). !he sa*e !e*/!a!io"s as a"o!her7 /erha/s +rea!er. 'ecause he is !o 'e !rie( as i" a #ur"ace. 'ecause he is !o 'eco*e rich i" *eri!s. 'ecause !here is a 'ri+h! cro-" reser e( #or hi* i" Hea e"7 s!ill !e*/!a!io" he has. a"( he (i##ers #ro* o!hers. "o! i" 'ei"+ shiel(e( #ro* i!. 'u! i" 'ei"+ ar*e( a+ai"s! i!. ;race o erco*es "a!ure7 i! o erco*es i"(ee( i" all -ho shall 'e sa e(@ "o"e -ill see ;o(Bs #ace herea#!er -ho (o "o!. -hile here. /u! a-a) #ro* !he* *or!al si" o# e er) ,i"(7 'u! !he Sai"!s o erco*e -i!h a (e!er*i"a!io" a"( a i+our. a /ro*/!i!u(e a"( a success. 'e)o"( a") o"e else. 4ou rea(. *) 're!hre". i" !he li es o# Sai"!s. !he -o"(er#ul

52 accou"! o# !heir co"#lic!s. a"( !heir !riu*/hs o er !he e"e*). The) are. as I -as sa)i"+. li,e heroes o# ro*a"ce. so +race#ull). so "o'l). %HH& so ro)all) (o !he) 'ear !he*sel es. Their ac!io"s are as 'eau!i#ul as #ic!io". )e! as real as #ac!. There -as S!. Be"e(ic!. -ho. -he" a 'o). le#! Ro*e. a"( 'e!oo, hi*sel# !o !he A/e""i"es i" !he "ei+h'ourhoo(. Three )ears (i( he li e i" /ra)er. #as!i"+. a"( soli!u(e. -hile !he E il O"e assaul!e( hi* -i!h !e*/!a!io". O"e (a). -he" i! +re- so #ierce !ha! he #eare( #or his /erse era"ce. he su((e"l) #lu"+ hi*sel#. i" his sca"!) her*i!Bs +ar'. a*o"+ !he !hor"s a"( "e!!les "ear hi*. !hus !ur"i"+ !he curre"! o# his !hou+h!s. a"( chas!isi"+ !he -a)-ar("ess o# !he #lesh. ') se"si'le s!i"+s a"( s*ar!s. There -as S!. Tho*as. !oo. !he A"+elical Doc!or. as he is calle(. as hol) as he -as /ro#ou"(. or ra!her !he *ore /ro#ou"( i" !heolo+ical scie"ce. 'ecause he -as so hol). ?E e" #ro* a )ou!h? he ha( ?sou+h! -is(o*. he ha( s!re!che( ou! his ha"(s o" hi+h. a"( (irec!e( his soul !o her. a"( /ossesse( his hear! -i!h her #ro* !he 'e+i""i"+7? a"( so. -he" !he *i"is!er o# Sa!a" ca*e i"!o his er) roo*. a"( "o o!her (e#e"ce -as a! ha"(. he sei9e( a 'ur"i"+ 'ra"( #ro* !he hear!h. a"( (ro e !ha! -ic,e( o"e. scare( a"( 'a##le(. ou! o# his /rese"ce. A"( !here -as !ha! /oor )ou!h i" !he earl) /ersecu!io"s. -ho* !he i*/ious hea!he" 'ou"( (o-" -i!h cor(s. a"( !he" 'rou+h! i" u/o" hi* a isio" o# e il7 a"( he i" his a+o") 'i! o## his !o"+ue. a"( s/i! i! ou! i"!o !he #ace o# !he !e*/!ress. !ha! so !he i"!e"se"ess o# !he /ai" *i+h! /reser e hi* #ro* !he se(uc!io". Such ac!s as !hese. *) 're!hre". are a" o/e"i"+ o# !he hea e"s. a su((e" +lea* o# su/er"a!ural 'ri+h!"ess across a (ar, s,). The) e"lar+e !he *i"( -i!h i(eas i! ha( "o! 'e#ore. a"( !he) sho- !o !he *ul!i!u(e %1II& -ha! ;o( ca" (o. a"( -ha! *a" ca" 'e. No! !ha! all Sai"!s ha e 'ee" such i" )ou!h@ #or !here are !hose o" !he co"!rar). -ho. "o! !ill a#!er a )ou!h o# si". ha e 'ee" 'rou+h! ') !he so erei+" +race o# ;o( !o re/e"!a"ce. s!ill. -he" o"ce co" er!e(. !he) (i##ere( i" "o!hi"+ #ro* !hose -ho ha( e er ser e( Hi*.3"o! i" su/er"a!ural +i#!s. "o! i" acce/!a'le"ess. "o! i" (e!ach*e"! #ro* !he -orl(. "or i" u"io" -i!h Chris!. "or i" e0ac!"ess o# o'e(ie"ce.3i" "ou+h! sa e i" !he se eri!) o# !heir /e"a"ce. O!hers ha e 'ee" calle(. "o! #ro* ice a"( u"+o(li"ess. 'u! #ro* a li#e o# *ere or(i"ar) 'la*eless"ess. or #ro* a s!a!e o# lu,e-ar*"ess. or #ro* !hou+h!less"ess. !o heroical +rea!"ess7 a"( !hese ha e o#!e" +i e" u/ la"(s. a"( /ro/er!). a"( ho"ours. a"( s!a!io". a"( re/u!e. #or Chris!Bs sa,e. Ki"+s ha e (esce"(e( #ro* !heir !hro"es. 'isho/s ha e +i e" u/ !heir ra", a"( i"#lue"ce. !he lear"e( ha e +i e" u/ !heir /ri(e o# i"!ellec!. !o 'eco*e /oor *o",s. !o li e o" coarse #are. !o 'e cla( i" hu*'le -ee(s. !o rise a"( /ra) -hile o!hers sle/!. !o *or!i#) !he !o"+ue -i!h sile"ce a"( !he li*'s -i!h !oil. a"( !o a o- a" u"co"(i!io"al o'e(ie"ce !o a"o!her. I" earl) !i*es -ere !he Mar!)rs. *a") o# !he* +irls a"( e e" chil(re". -ho 'ore !he *os! cruel. !he *os! /rolo"+e(. !he *os! (i ersi#ie( !or!ures. ra!her !ha" (e") !he #ai!h o# Chris!.

53 The" ca*e !he Missio"aries a*o"+ !he hea!he". -ho. #or !he lo e o# souls. !hre- !he*sel es i"!o !he *i(s! o# sa a+es. ris,i"+ a"( /erha/s losi"+ !heir li es i" !he a!!e*/! !o e0!e"( !he e*/ire o# !heir Lor( a"( Sa iour. a"( -ho. -he!her li i"+ or ()i"+. ha e ') %1I1& !heir li es or ') !heir (ea!hs succee(e( i" 'ri"+i"+ o er -hole "a!io"s i"!o !he Church. O!hers ha e (e o!e( !he*sel es i" !he !i*e o# -ar or ca/!i i!). !o !he re(e*/!io" o# Chris!ia" sla es #ro* /a+a" or Maho*e!a" *as!ers or co"1uerors7 o!hers !o !he care o# !he sic, i" /es!ile"ces. or i" hos/i!als7 o!hers !o !he i"s!ruc!io" o# !he /oor7 o!hers !o !he e(uca!io" o# chil(re"7 o!hers !o i"cessa"! /reachi"+ a"( !he (u!ies o# !he co"#essio"al7 o!hers !o (e ou! s!u() a"( *e(i!a!io"7 o!hers !o a li#e o# i"!ercessio" a"( /ra)er. >er) arious are !he Sai"!s. !heir er) arie!) is a !o,e" o# ;o(Bs -or,*a"shi/7 'u! ho-e er arious. a"( -ha!e er -as !heir s/ecial li"e o# (u!). !he) ha e 'ee" heroes i" i!7 !he) ha e a!!ai"e( such "o'le sel#<co**a"(. !he) ha e so cruci#ie( !he #lesh. !he) ha e so re"ou"ce( !he -orl(7 !he) are so *ee,. so +e"!le. so !e"(er<hear!e(. so *erci#ul. so s-ee!. so cheer#ul. so #ull o# /ra)er. so (ili+e"!. so #or+e!#ul o# i"6uries7 !he) ha e sus!ai"e( such +rea! a"( co"!i"ue( /ai"s. !he) ha e /erse ere( i" such as! la'ours. !he) ha e *a(e such alia"! co"#essio"s. !he) ha e -rou+h! such a'u"(a"! *iracles. !he) ha e 'ee" 'lesse( -i!h such s!ra"+e successes. !ha! !he) ha e 'ee" !he *ea"s o# se!!i"+ u/ a s!a"(ar( 'e#ore us o# !ru!h. o# *a+"a"i*i!). o# holi"ess. o# lo e. The) are "o! al-a)s our e0a*/les. -e are "o! al-a)s 'ou"( !o #ollo- !he*7 "o! *ore !ha" -e are 'ou"( !o o'e) li!erall) so*e o# our Lor(Bs /rece/!s. such as !ur"i"+ !he chee, or +i i"+ a-a) !he coa!7 "o! *ore !ha" -e ca" #ollo- !he course o# !he su". *oo". or s!ars i" !he hea e"s7 'u!. !hou+h "o! al-a)s our e0a*/les. %1I5& !he) are al-a)s our s!a"(ar( o# ri+h! a"( +oo(7 !he) are raise( u/ !o 'e *o"u*e"!s a"( lesso"s. !he) re*i"( us o# ;o(. !he) i"!ro(uce us i"!o !he u"see" -orl(. !he) !each us -ha! Chris! lo es. !he) !rac, ou! #or us !he -a) -hich lea(s hea e"-ar(. The) are !o us -ho see !he*. -ha! -eal!h. "o!orie!). ra",. a"( "a*e are !o !he *ul!i!u(e o# *e" -ho li e i" (ar,"ess.3o'6ec!s o# our e"era!io" a"( o# our ho*a+e. O -ho ca" (ou'! 'e!-ee" !he !-o2 The "a!io"al reli+io" has *a") a!!rac!io"s7 i! lea(s !o (ece"c) a"( or(er. /ro/rie!) o# co"(uc!. 6us!"ess o# !hou+h!. 'eau!i#ul (o*es!ic !as!es7 'u! i! has "o! /o-er !o lea( !he *ul!i!u(e u/-ar(. or !o (eli"ea!e #or !he* !he Hea e"l) Ci!). I! co*es o# *ere "a!ure. a"( i!s !eachi"+ is o# "a!ure. I! uses reli+ious -or(s. o# course. else i! coul( "o! 'e calle( a reli+io"7 'u! i! (oes "o! i*/ress o" !he i*a+i"a!io". i! (oes "o! e"+ra e u/o" !he hear!. i! (oes "o! i"#lic! u/o" !he co"scie"ce. !he su/er"a!ural7 i! (oes "o! i"!ro(uce i"!o !he /o/ular *i"( a") +rea! i(eas. such as are !o 'e reco+"ise( ') o"e a"( all. as co**o" /ro/er!). a"( #irs! /ri"ci/les or (o+*as #ro* -hich !o s!ar!. !o 'e !a,e" #or +ra"!e( o" all ha"(s. a"( ha"(e( (o-" as #or*s a"( s/eci*e"s o# e!er"al !ru!h

54 #ro* a+e !o a+e. I! i" "o !rue se"se i"culca!es !he U"see"7 a"( ') co"se1ue"ce. si+h!s o# !his -orl(. *a!erial !a"+i'le o'6ec!s. 'eco*e !he i(ols a"( !he rui" o# i!s chil(re". o# souls -hich -ere *a(e #or ;o( a"( Hea e". I! is /o-erless !o resis! !he -orl( a"( !he -orl(Bs !eachi"+@ i! ca""o! su//la"! error ') !ru!h7 i! #ollo-s %1I8& -he" i! shoul( lea(. There is 'u! o"e real A"!a+o"is! o# !he -orl(. a"( !ha! is !he #ai!h o# Ca!holics73Chris! se! !ha! #ai!h u/. a"( i! -ill (o i!s -or, o" ear!h. as i! e er has (o"e. !ill He co*es a+ai". To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse A. ;o(Bs Will !he E"( o# Li#e

%1I:& I AM +oi"+ !o as, )ou a 1ues!io". *) (ear 're!hre". so !ri!e. a"( !here#ore so u"i"!eres!i"+ a! #irs! si+h!. !ha! )ou *a) -o"(er -h) I /u! i!. a"( *a) o'6ec! !ha! i! -ill 'e (i##icul! !o #i0 !he *i"( o" i!. a"( *a) a"!ici/a!e !ha! "o!hi"+ /ro#i!a'le ca" 'e *a(e o# i!. I! is !his@3?Wh) -ere )ou se"! i"!o !he -orl(2? 4e!. a#!er all. i! is /erha/s a !hou+h! *ore o' ious !ha" i! is co**o". *ore eas) !ha" i! is #a*iliar7 I *ea" i! ou+h! !o co*e i"!o )our *i"(s. 'u! i! (oes "o!. a"( )ou "e er ha( *ore !ha" a (is!a"! ac1uai"!a"ce -i!h i!. !hou+h !ha! sor! o# ac1uai"!a"ce -i!h i! )ou ha e ha( #or *a") )ears. Na). o"ce or !-ice. /erha/s )ou ha e 'ee" !hro-" across !he !hou+h! so*e-ha! i"!i*a!el). #or a shor! seaso". 'u! !his -as a" acci(e"! -hich (i( "o! las!. There are !hose -ho recollec! !he #irs! !i*e. as i! -oul( see*. -he" i! ca*e ho*e !o !he*. The) -ere 'u! li!!le chil(re". a"( !he) -ere ') !he*sel es. a"( !he) s/o"!a"eousl) as,e( !he*sel es. or ra!her ;o( s/a,e i" !he*. ?Wh) a* I here2 ho- ca*e I here2 -ho 'rou+h! *e here2 Wha! a* I !o (o here2? $erha/s i! -as %1I=& !he #irs! ac! o# reaso". !he 'e+i""i"+ o# !heir real res/o"si'ili!). !he co**e"ce*e"! o# !heir !rial7 /erha/s #ro* !ha! (a) !he) *a) (a!e !heir ca/aci!). !heir a-#ul /o-er. o# choosi"+ 'e!-ee" +oo( a"( e il. a"( o# co**i!!i"+ *or!al si". A"( so. as li#e +oes o". !he !hou+h! co*es i i(l). #ro* !i*e !o !i*e. #or a shor! seaso" across !heir co"scie"ce7 -he!her i" ill"ess. or i" so*e a"0ie!). or a! so*e seaso" o# soli!u(e. or o" heari"+ so*e /reacher. or rea(i"+ so*e reli+ious -or,. A i i( #eeli"+ co*es o er !he* o# !he a"i!) a"( u"/ro#i!a'le"ess o# !he -orl(. a"( !he" !he 1ues!io" recurs. ?Wh) !he" a* I se"! i"!o i!2? A"( a +rea! co"!ras! i"(ee( (oes !his ai". u"/ro#i!a'le. )e! o er'eari"+ -orl( /rese"! -i!h such a 1ues!io" as !ha!. I! see*s ou!

55 o# /lace !o as, such a 1ues!io" i" so *a+"i#ice"!. so i*/osi"+ a /rese"ce. as !ha! o# !he +rea! Ba')lo". The -orl( /ro#esses !o su//l) all !ha! -e "ee(. as i# -e -ere se"! i"!o i! #or !he sa,e o# 'ei"+ se"! here. a"( #or "o!hi"+ 'e)o"( !he se"(i"+. I! is a +rea! #a our !o ha e a" i"!ro(uc!io" !o !his au+us! -orl(. This is !o 'e our e0/osi!io". #orsoo!h. o# !he *)s!er) o# li#e. E er) *a" is (oi"+ his o-" -ill here. see,i"+ his o-" /leasure. /ursui"+ his o-" e"(s. a"( !ha! is -h) he -as 'rou+h! i"!o e0is!e"ce. ;o a'roa( i"!o !he s!ree!s o# !he /o/ulous ci!). co"!e*/la!e !he co"!i"uous ou!/ouri"+ !here o# hu*a" e"er+). a"( !he cou"!less arie!ies o# hu*a" charac!er. a"( 'e sa!is#ie(G The -a)s are !hro"+e(. carria+e<-a) a"( /a e*e"!7 *ul!i!u(es are hurr)i"+ !o a"( #ro. each o" his o-" erra"(. or are loi!eri"+ a'ou! #ro* lis!less"ess. or #ro* -a"! o# -or,. or ha e %1IA& co*e #or!h i"!o !he /u'lic co"course. !o see a"( !o 'e see". #or a*use*e"! or #or (is/la). or o" !he e0cuse o# 'usi"ess. The carria+es o# !he -eal!h) *i"+le -i!h !he slo- -ai"s la(e" -i!h /ro isio"s or *ercha"(ise. !he /ro(uc!io"s o# ar! or !he (e*a"(s o# lu0ur). The s!ree!s are li"e( -i!h sho/s. o/e" a"( +a). i" i!i"+ cus!o*ers. a"( -i(e" "o- a"( !he" i"!o so*e s/acious s1uare or /lace. -i!h lo#!) *asses o# 'ric,-or, or o# s!o"e. +lea*i"+ i" !he #i!#ul su"'ea*. a"( surrou"(e( or #ro"!e( -i!h -ha! si*ula!es a +ar(e"Bs #olia+e. Follo- !he* i" a"o!her (irec!io". a"( )ou #i"( !he -hole +rou"(s!ea( co ere( -i!h lar+e 'uil(i"+s. /la"!e( !hic,l) u/ a"( (o-". !he ho*es o# !he *echa"ical ar!s. The air is #ille(. 'elo-. -i!h a ceaseless. i*/or!u"a!e. *o"o!o"ous (i". -hich /e"e!ra!es e e" !o )our *os! i""er*os! cha*'er. a"( ri"+s i" )our ears e e" -he" )ou are "o! co"scious o# i!7 a"( o erhea(. -i!h a ca"o/) o# s*o,e. shrou(i"+ ;o(Bs (a) #ro* !he real*s o# o's!i"a!e sulle" !oil. This is !he e"( o# *a"G Or s!a) a! ho*e. a"( !a,e u/ o"e o# !hose (ail) /ri"!s. -hich are so !rue a /ic!ure o# !he -orl(7 loo, (o-" !he colu*"s o# a( er!ise*e"!s. a"( )ou -ill see !he ca!alo+ue o# /ursui!s. /ro6ec!s. ai*s. a"0ie!ies. a*use*e"!s. i"(ul+e"ces -hich occu/) !he *i"( o# *a". He /la)s *a") /ar!s@ here he has +oo(s !o sell. !here he -a"!s e*/lo)*e"!7 !here a+ai" he see,s !o 'orro- *o"e). here he o##ers )ou houses. +rea! sea!s or s*all !e"e*e"!s7 he has #oo( #or !he *illio". a"( lu0uries #or !he -eal!h). a"( so erei+" *e(ici"es #or !he cre(ulous. a"( 'oo,s. "e- a"( %1IE& chea/. #or !he i"1uisi!i e. $ass o" !o !he "e-s o# !he (a). a"( )ou -ill lear" -ha! +rea! *e" are (oi"+ a! ho*e a"( a'roa(@ )ou -ill rea( o# -ars a"( ru*ours o# -ars7 o# (e'a!es i" !he Le+isla!ure7 o# risi"+ *e". a"( ol( s!a!es*e" +oi"+ o## !he sce"e7 o# /oli!ical co"!es!s i" !his ci!) or !ha! cou"!)7 o# !he collisio" o# ri al i"!eres!s. 4ou -ill rea( o# !he *o"e) *ar,e!. a"( !he /ro isio" *ar,e!. a"( !he *ar,e! #or *e!als7 o# !he s!a!e o# !ra(e. !he call #or *a"u#ac!ures. "e-s o# shi/s arri e( i" /or!. o# acci(e"!s a! sea. o# e0/or!s a"( i*/or!s. o# +ai"s a"( losses. o# #rau(s a"( !heir (e!ec!io". ;o #or-ar(. a"( )ou arri e a! (isco eries i" ar! a"(

56 scie"ce. (isco eries Cso<calle(D i" reli+io". !he cour! a"( ro)al!). !he e"!er!ai"*e"!s o# !he +rea!. /laces o# a*use*e"!. s!ra"+e !rials. o##e"ces. acci(e"!s. esca/es. e0/loi!s. e0/eri*e"!s. co"!es!s. e"!ures. O !his curious. res!less. cla*orous. /a"!i"+ 'ei"+. -hich -e call li#eG3a"( is !here !o 'e "o e"( !o all !his2 Is !here "o o'6ec! i" i!2 I! "e er has a" e"(. i! is #orsoo!h i!s o-" o'6ec!G A"( "o-. o"ce *ore. *) 're!hre". /u! asi(e -ha! )ou see a"( -ha! )ou rea( o# !he -orl(. a"( !r) !o /e"e!ra!e i"!o !he hear!s. a"( !o reach !he i(eas a"( !he #eeli"+s o# !hose -ho co"s!i!u!e i!7 loo, i"!o !he* as closel) as )ou ca"7 e"!er i"!o !heir houses a"( /ri a!e roo*s7 s!ri,e a! ra"(o* !hrou+h !he s!ree!s a"( la"es@ !a,e as !he) co*e. /alace a"( ho el. o##ice or #ac!or). a"( -ha! -ill )ou #i"(2 Lis!e" !o !heir -or(s. -i!"ess. alasG !heir -or,s7 )ou -ill #i"( i" !he *ai" !he sa*e la-less !hou+h!s. %1IF& !he sa*e u"res!rai"e( (esires. !he sa*e u"+o er"e( /assio"s. !he sa*e ear!hl) o/i"io"s. !he sa*e -il#ul (ee(s. i" hi+h a"( lo-. lear"e( a"( u"lear"e(7 )ou -ill #i"( !he* all !o 'e li i"+ #or !he sa,e o# li i"+7 !he) o"e a"( all see* !o !ell )ou. ?We are our o-" ce"!re. our o-" e"(?. Wh) are !he) !oili"+2 -h) are !he) sche*i"+2 #or -ha! are !he) li i"+2 ?We li e !o /lease oursel es7 li#e is -or!hless e0ce/! -e ha e our o-" -a)7 -e are "o! sent here a! all. 'u! -e #i"( oursel es here. a"( -e are 'u! sla es u"less -e ca" !hi", -ha! -e -ill. 'elie e -ha! -e -ill. lo e -ha! -e -ill. ha!e -ha! -e -ill. (o -ha! -e -ill. We (e!es! i"!er#ere"ce o" !he /ar! o# ;o( or *a". We (o "o! 'ar+ai" !o 'e rich or !o 'e +rea!7 'u! -e (o 'ar+ai". -he!her rich or /oor. hi+h or lo-. !o li e #or oursel es. !o li e #or !he lus! o# !he *o*e"!. or. accor(i"+ !o !he (oc!ri"e o# !he hour. !hi",i"+ o# !he #u!ure a"( !he u"see" 6us! as *uch or as li!!le as -e /lease.? O *) 're!hre". is i! "o! a shoc,i"+ !hou+h!. 'u! -ho ca" (e") i!s !ru!h2 The *ul!i!u(e o# *e" are li i"+ -i!hou! a") ai* 'e)o"( !his isi'le sce"e7 !he) *a) #ro* !i*e !o !i*e use reli+ious -or(s. or !he) *a) /ro#ess a co**u"io" or a -orshi/. as a *a!!er o# course. or o# e0/e(ie"ce. or o# (u!). 'u!. i# !here -as a") si"ceri!) i" such /ro#essio". !he course o# !he -orl( coul( "o! ru" as i! (oes. Wha! a co"!ras! is all !his !o !he e"( o# li#e. as i! is se! 'e#ore us i" our *os! hol) Fai!hG I# !here -as o"e a*o"+ !he so"s o# *e". -ho *i+h! allo-a'l) ha e !a,e" His /leasure. a"( ha e (o"e His o-" -ill here 'elo-. %1IH& surel) i! -as He -ho ca*e (o-" o" ear!h #ro* !he 'oso* o# !he Fa!her. a"( -ho -as so /ure a"( s/o!less i" !ha! hu*a" "a!ure -hich He /u! o" Hi*. !ha! He coul( ha e "o hu*a" /ur/ose or ai* i"co"sis!e"! -i!h !he -ill o# His Fa!her. 4e! He. !he So" o# ;o(. !he E!er"al Wor(. ca*e. "o! !o (o His o-" -ill. 'u! His -ho se"! Hi*. as )ou ,"o- er) -ell is !ol( us a+ai" a"( a+ai" i" Scri/!ure. Thus !he $ro/he! i" !he $sal!er. s/ea,i"+ i" His /erso". sa)s. ?Lo. I co*e !o (o Th) -ill. O ;o(?. A"( He sa)s i" !he $ro/he! Isaias. ?The Lor( ;o( ha!h o/e"e( Mi"e ear. a"( I (o "o! resis!7 I

57 ha e "o! +o"e 'ac,?. A"( i" !he ;os/el. -he" He ha( co*e o" ear!h. ?M) #oo( is !o (o !he -ill o# Hi* !ha! se"! Me. a"( !o #i"ish His -or,?. He"ce. !oo. i" His a+o"). He crie( ou!. ?No! M) -ill. 'u! Thi"e. 'e (o"e7? a"( S!. $aul. i" li,e *a""er. sa)s. !ha! ?Chris! /lease( "o! Hi*sel#7? a"( else-here. !ha!. ?!hou+h He -as ;o(Bs So". )e! lear"e( He o'e(ie"ce ') !he !hi"+s -hich He su##ere(?. Surel) so i! -as7 as 'ei"+ i"(ee( !he E!er"al Co<e1ual So". His -ill -as o"e a"( !he sa*e -i!h !he Fa!herBs -ill. a"( He ha( "o su'*issio" o# -ill !o *a,e7 'u! He chose !o !a,e o" Hi* *a"Bs "a!ure. a"( !he -ill o# !ha! "a!ure7 He chose !o !a,e o" Hi* a##ec!io"s. #eeli"+s. a"( i"cli"a!io"s /ro/er !o *a". a -ill i""oce"! i"(ee( a"( +oo(. 'u! s!ill a *a"Bs -ill. (is!i"c! #ro* ;o(Bs -ill7 a -ill. -hich. ha( i! ac!e( si*/l) accor(i"+ !o -ha! -as /leasi"+ !o i!s "a!ure. -oul(. -he" /ai" a"( !oil -ere !o 'e e"(ure(. ha e hel( 'ac, #ro* a" ac!i e coo/era!io" -i!h !he -ill o# ;o(. Bu!. !hou+h He %11I& !oo, o" Hi*sel# !he "a!ure o# *a". He !oo, "o! o" Hi* !ha! sel#ish"ess. -i!h -hich #alle" *a" -ra/s hi*sel# rou"(. 'u! i" all !hi"+s He (e o!e( Hi*sel# as a rea() sacri#ice !o His Fa!her. He ca*e o" ear!h. "o! !o !a,e His /leasure. "o! !o #ollo- His !as!e. "o! #or !he *ere e0ercise o# hu*a" a##ec!io". 'u! si*/l) !o +lori#) His Fa!her a"( !o (o His -ill. He ca*e char+e( -i!h a *issio". (e/u!e( #or a -or,7 He loo,e( "o! !o !he ri+h! "or !o !he le#!. He !hou+h! "o! o# Hi*sel#. He o##ere( Hi*sel# u/ !o ;o(. He"ce i! is !ha! He -as carrie( i" !he -o*' o# a /oor -o*a". -ho. 'e#ore His 'ir!h. ha( !-o 6our"e)s !o *a,e. o# lo e a"( o# o'e(ie"ce. !o !he *ou"!ai"s a"( !o Be!hlehe*. He -as 'or" i" a s!a'le. a"( lai( i" a *a"+er. He -as hurrie( o## !o E+)/! !o so6our" !here7 !he" He li e( !ill He -as !hir!) )ears o# a+e i" a /oor -a). ') a rou+h !ra(e. i" a s*all house. i" a (es/ise( !o-". The". -he" He -e"! ou! !o /reach. He ha( "o! -here !o la) His hea(7 He -a"(ere( u/ a"( (o-" !he cou"!r). as a s!ra"+er u/o" ear!h. He -as (ri e" ou! i"!o !he -il(er"ess. a"( (-el! a*o"+ !he -il( 'eas!s. He e"(ure( hea! a"( col(. hu"+er a"( -eari"ess. re/roach a"( calu*"). His #oo( -as coarse 'rea(. a"( #ish #ro* !he la,e. or (e/e"(e( o" !he hos/i!ali!) o# s!ra"+ers. A"( as He ha( alrea() le#! His Fa!herBs +rea!"ess o" hi+h. a"( ha( chose" a" ear!hl) ho*e7 so a+ai". a! !ha! Fa!herBs 'i((i"+. He +a e u/ !he sole solace +i e" Hi* i" !his -orl(. a"( (e"ie( Hi*sel# His Mo!herBs /rese"ce. He /ar!e( -i!h her -ho 'ore Hi*7 He e"(ure( !o 'e %111& s!ra"+e !o her7 He e"(ure( !o call her col(l) ?-o*a".? -ho -as His o-" u"(e#ile( o"e. all 'eau!i#ul. all +racious. !he 'es! crea!ure o# His ha"(s7 a"( !he s-ee! "urse o# His i"#a"c). He /u! her asi(e. as Le i. His !)/e. *eri!e( !he sacre( *i"is!r). ') sa)i"+ !o His /are"!s a"( ,i"s*e". ?I ,"o- )ou "o!?. He e0e*/li#ie( i" His o-" /erso" !he se ere *a0i*. -hich He +a e !o His (isci/les. ?He !ha! lo e!h *o!her *ore !ha" Me is "o! -or!h) o# Me?. I" all !hese *a") -a)s He sacri#ice( e er) -ish o# His o-"7 !ha! -e *i+h! u"(ers!a"(. !ha!. i# He. !he Crea!or. ca*e i"!o His o-" -orl(. "o! #or His o-" /leasure. 'u! !o (o His Fa!herBs -ill. -e !oo

58 ha e *os! surel) so*e -or, !o (o. a"( ha e seriousl) !o 'e!hi", oursel es -ha! !ha! -or, is. 4es. so i! is7 realise i!. *) 're!hre"73e er) o"e -ho 'rea!hes. hi+h a"( lo-. e(uca!e( a"( i+"ora"!. )ou"+ a"( ol(. *a" a"( -o*a". has a *issio". has a -or,. We are "o! se"! i"!o !his -orl( #or "o!hi"+7 -e are "o! 'or" a! ra"(o*7 -e are "o! here. !ha! -e *a) +o !o 'e( a! "i+h!. a"( +e! u/ i" !he *or"i"+. !oil #or our 'rea(. ea! a"( (ri",. lau+h a"( 6o,e. si" -he" -e ha e a *i"(. a"( re#or* -he" -e are !ire( o# si""i"+. rear a #a*il) a"( (ie. ;o( sees e er) o"e o# us7 He crea!es e er) soul. He lo(+es i! i" !he 'o(). o"e ') o"e. #or a /ur/ose. He "ee(s. He (ei+"s !o "ee(. e er) o"e o# us. He has a" e"( #or each o# us7 -e are all e1ual i" His si+h!. a"( -e are /lace( i" our (i##ere"! ra",s a"( s!a!io"s. "o! !o +e! -ha! -e ca" ou! o# !he* #or oursel es. 'u! !o la'our i" !he* #or Hi*. As Chris! has His -or,. -e !oo ha e ours7 %115& as He re6oice( !o (o His -or,. -e *us! re6oice i" ours also. S!. $aul o" o"e occasio" s/ea,s o# !he -orl( as a sce"e i" a !hea!re. Co"si(er -ha! is *ea"! ') !his. 4ou ,"o-. ac!ors o" a s!a+e are o" a" e1uali!) -i!h each o!her reall). 'u! #or !he occasio" !he) assu*e a (i##ere"ce o# charac!er7 so*e are hi+h. so*e are lo-. so*e are *err). a"( so*e sa(. Well. -oul( i! "o! 'e a si*/le a'sur(i!) i" a") ac!or !o /ri(e hi*sel# o" his *oc, (ia(e*. or his e(+eless s-or(. i"s!ea( o# a!!e"(i"+ !o his /ar!2 -ha!. i# he (i( 'u! +a9e a! hi*sel# a"( his (ress2 -ha!. i# he secre!e(. or !ur"e( !o his o-" use. -ha! -as alua'le i" i!2 Is i! "o! his 'usi"ess. a"( "o!hi"+ else. !o ac! his /ar! -ell2 co**o" se"se !ells us so. No- -e are all 'u! ac!ors i" !his -orl(7 -e are o"e a"( all e1ual. -e shall 'e 6u(+e( as e1uals as soo" as li#e is o er7 )e!. e1ual a"( si*ilar i" oursel es. each has his s/ecial /ar! a! /rese"!. each has his -or,. each has his *issio".3"o! !o i"(ul+e his /assio"s. "o! !o *a,e *o"e). "o! !o +e! a "a*e i" !he -orl(. "o! !o sa e hi*sel# !rou'le. "o! !o #ollo- his 'e"!. "o! !o 'e sel#ish a"( sel#<-ille(. 'u! !o (o -ha! ;o( /u!s o" hi* !o (o. Loo, a! !ha! /oor /ro#li+a!e i" !he ;os/el. loo, a! Di es7 (o )ou !hi", he u"(ers!oo( !ha! his -eal!h -as !o 'e s/e"!. "o! o" hi*sel#. 'u! #or !he +lor) o# ;o(23)e! #or #or+e!!i"+ !his. he -as los! #or e er a"( e er. I -ill !ell )ou -ha! he !hou+h!. a"( ho- he ie-e( !hi"+s@3he -as a )ou"+ *a". a"( ha( succee(e( !o a +oo( es!a!e. a"( he (e!er*i"e( !o %118& e"6o) hi*sel#. I! (i( "o! s!ri,e hi* !ha! his -eal!h ha( a") o!her use !ha" !ha! o# e"a'li"+ hi* !o !a,e his /leasure. La9arus la) a! his +a!e7 he *i+h! ha e relie e( La9arus7 that -as ;o(Bs -ill7 'u! he *a"a+e( !o /u! co"scie"ce asi(e. a"( he /ersua(e( hi*sel# he shoul( 'e a #ool. i# he (i( "o! *a,e !he *os! o# !his -orl(. -hile he ha( !he *ea"s. So he resol e( !o ha e his #ill o# /leasure7 a"( #eas!i"+ -as !o his *i"( a /ri"ci/al /ar! o# i!. ?He #are( su*/!uousl) e er) (a)7? e er)!hi"+ 'elo"+i"+ !o hi* -as i" !he 'es!

59 s!)le. as *e" s/ea,7 his house. his #ur"i!ure. his /la!e o# sil er a"( +ol(. his a!!e"(a"!s. his es!a'lish*e"!s. E er)!hi"+ -as #or e"6o)*e"!. a"( #or sho- !oo7 !o a!!rac! !he e)es o# !he -orl(. a"( !o +ai" !he a//lause a"( a(*ira!io" o# his e1uals. -ho -ere !he co*/a"io"s o# his si"s. These co*/a"io"s -ere (ou'!less such as 'eca*e a /erso" o# such /re!e"sio"s7 !he) -ere #ashio"a'le *e"7 a collec!io" o# re#i"e(. hi+h<'re(. hau+h!) *e". ea!i"+. "o! +lu!!o"ousl). 'u! -ha! -as rare a"( cos!l)7 (elica!e. e0ac!. #as!i(ious i" !heir !as!e. #ro* !heir er) ha'i!s o# i"(ul+e"ce7 "o! ea!i"+ #or !he *ere sa,e o# ea!i"+. or (ri",i"+ #or !he *ere sa,e o# (ri",i"+. 'u! *a,i"+ a sor! o# scie"ce o# !heir se"suali!)7 se"sual. car"al. as #lesh a"( 'loo( ca" 'e. -i!h e)es. ears. !o"+ue. s!ee/e( i" i*/uri!). e er) !hou+h!. loo,. a"( se"se. -i!"essi"+ or *i"is!eri"+ !o !he e il o"e -ho rule( !he*7 )e!. -i!h e01uisi!e correc!"ess o# i(ea a"( 6u(+*e"!. la)i"+ (o-" rules #or si""i"+73hear!less a"( sel#ish. hi+h. /u"c!ilious. a"( (is(ai"#ul i" !heir ou!-ar( (e/or!*e"!. a"( shri",i"+ #ro* La9arus. %11:& -ho la) a! !he +a!e. as a" e)e<sore. -ho ou+h! #or !he sa,e o# (ece"c) !o 'e /u! ou! o# !he -a). Di es -as o"e o# such. a"( so he li e( his shor! s/a". !hi",i"+ o# "o!hi"+. lo i"+ "o!hi"+. 'u! hi*sel#. !ill o"e (a) he +o! i"!o a #a!al 1uarrel -i!h o"e o# his +o(less associa!es. or he cau+h! so*e 'a( ill"ess7 a"( !he" he la) hel/less o" his 'e( o# /ai". cursi"+ #or!u"e a"( his /h)sicia". !ha! he -as "o 'e!!er. a"( i*/a!ie"! !ha! he -as !hus ,e/! #ro* e"6o)i"+ his )ou!h. !r)i"+ !o #a"c) hi*sel# *e"(i"+ -he" he -as +e!!i"+ -orse. a"( (is+us!e( a! !hose -ho -oul( "o! !hro- hi* so*e -or( o# co*#or! i" his sus/e"se. a"( !ur"i"+ *ore resolu!el) #ro* his Crea!or i" /ro/or!io" !o his su##eri"+73a"( !he" a! las! his (a) ca*e. a"( he (ie(. a"( CohG *isera'leGD ?-as 'urie( i" hell?. A"( so e"(e( he a"( his *issio". This -as !he #a!e o# )our /a!!er" a"( i(ol. O )e. i# a") o# )ou 'e /rese"!. )ou"+ *e". -ho. !hou+h "o! /ossesse( o# -eal!h a"( ra",. )e! a##ec! !he #ashio"s o# !hose -ho ha e !he*. 4ou. *) 're!hre". ha e "o! 'ee" 'or" s/le"(i(l) or "o'l)7 )ou ha e "o! 'ee" 'rou+h! u/ i" !he sea!s o# li'eral e(uca!io"7 )ou ha e "o hi+h co""e0io"s7 )ou ha e "o! lear"e( !he *a""ers "or cau+h! !he !o"e o# +oo( socie!)7 )ou ha e "o share o# !he lar+e"ess o# *i"(. !he ca"(our. !he ro*a"!ic se"se o# ho"our. !he correc!"ess o# !as!e. !he co"si(era!io" #or o!hers. a"( !he +e"!le"ess -hich !he -orl( /u!s #or!h as i!s hi+hes! !)/e o# e0celle"ce7 )ou ha e "o! co*e "ear !he cour!s or !he *a"sio"s o# !he +rea!7 )e! )ou a/e !he si" o# Di es. -hile )ou are s!ra"+ers !o his re#i"e*e"!. 4ou !hi", i! !he si+" o# %11=& a +e"!le*a" !o se! )oursel es a'o e reli+io". !o cri!icise !he reli+ious a"( /ro#essors o# reli+io". !o loo, a! Ca!holic a"( Me!ho(is! -i!h i*/ar!ial co"!e*/!. !o +ai" a s*a!!eri"+ o# ,"o-le(+e o" a "u*'er o# su'6ec!s. !o (i/ i"!o a "u*'er o# #ri olous /u'lica!io"s. i# !he) are /o/ular. !o ha e rea( !he la!es! "o el. !o ha e hear( !he si"+er a"( see" !he ac!or o# !he (a). !o 'e -ell u/ -i!h !he "e-s. !o ,"o- !he

60 "a*es a"(. i# so 'e. !he /erso"s o# /u'lic *e". !o 'e a'le !o 'o- !o !he*. !o -al, u/ a"( (o-" !he s!ree! -i!h )our hea(s o" hi+h. a"( !o s!are a! -ha!e er *ee!s )ou7 a"( !o sa) a"( (o -orse !hi"+s. o# -hich !hese ou!-ar( e0!ra a+a"ces are 'u! !he s)*'ol. A"( !his is -ha! )ou co"cei e )ou ha e co*e u/o" ear!h #orG The Crea!or *a(e )ou. i! see*s. O *) chil(re". #or !his -or, a"( o##ice. !o 'e a 'a( i*i!a!io" o# /olishe( u"+o(li"ess. !o 'e a /iece o# !a-(r) a"( #a(e( #i"er). or a sce"! -hich has los! i!s #resh"ess. a"( (oes 'u! o##e"( !he se"seG OG !ha! )ou coul( see ho- a'sur( a"( 'ase are such /re!e"ces i" !he e)es o# a") 'u! )oursel esG No calli"+ o# li#e 'u! is ho"oura'le7 "o o"e is ri(iculous -ho ac!s sui!a'l) !o his calli"+ a"( es!a!e7 "o o"e. -ho has +oo( se"se a"( hu*ili!). 'u! *a). i" a") s!a!io" o# li#e. 'e !rul) -ell<'re( a"( re#i"e(7 'u! os!e"!a!io". a##ec!a!io". a"( a*'i!ious e##or!s are. i" e er) s!a!io" o# li#e. hi+h or lo-. "o!hi"+ 'u! ul+ari!ies. $u! !he* asi(e. (es/ise !he* )oursel es. O *) er) (ear so"s. -ho* I lo e. a"( -ho* I -oul( #ai" ser e73ohG !ha! )ou coul( #eel !ha! )ou ha e soulsG oh. !ha! )ou -oul( ha e *erc) o" )our soulsG oh. !ha!. 'e#ore i! is !oo la!e. )ou %11A& -oul( 'e!a,e )oursel es !o Hi* -ho is !he Source o# all !ha! is !rul) hi+h a"( *a+"i#ice"! a"( 'eau!i#ul. all !ha! is 'ri+h! a"( /leasa"!. a"( secure -ha! )ou i+"ora"!l) see,. i" Hi* -ho* )ou so -il#ull). so a-#ull) (es/iseG He alo"e. !he So" o# ;o(. ?!he 'ri+h!"ess o# !he E!er"al Li+h!. a"( !he s/o!less *irror o# His Ma6es!).? is !he source o# all +oo( a"( all ha//i"ess !o rich a"( /oor. hi+h a"( lo-. I# )ou -ere e er so hi+h. )ou -oul( "ee( Hi*7 i# )ou -ere e er so lo-. )ou coul( o##e"( Hi*. The /oor ca" o##e"( Hi*7 !he /oor *a" ca" "e+lec! his (i i"el) a//oi"!e( *issio" as -ell as !he rich. Do "o! su//ose. *) 're!hre". !ha! -ha! I ha e sai( a+ai"s! !he u//er o# !he *i((le class. -ill "o!. i# )ou ha//e" !o 'e /oor. also lie a+ai"s! )ou. Thou+h a *a" -ere as /oor as La9arus. he coul( 'e as +uil!) as Di es. I# )ou are resol e( !o (e+ra(e )oursel es !o !he 'ru!es o# !he #iel(. -ho ha e "o reaso" a"( "o co"scie"ce. )ou "ee( "o! -eal!h or ra", !o e"a'le )ou !o (o so. Bru!es ha e "o -eal!h7 !he) ha e "o /ri(e o# li#e7 !he) ha e "o /ur/le a"( #i"e li"e". "o s/le"(i( !a'le. "o re!i"ue o# ser a"!s. a"( )e! !he) are 'ru!es. The) are 'ru!es ') !he la- o# !heir "a!ure@ !he) are !he /oores! a*o"+ !he /oor7 !here is "o! a a+ra"! a"( ou!cas! -ho is so /oor as !he)7 !he) (i##er #ro* hi*. "o! i" !heir /ossessio"s. 'u! i" !heir -a"! o# a soul. i" !ha! he has a *issio" a"( !he) ha e "o!. he ca" si" a"( !he) ca" "o!. O *) 're!hre". i! s!a"(s !o reaso". a *a" *a) i"!o0ica!e hi*sel# -i!h a chea/ (rau+h!. as -ell as -i!h a cos!l) o"e7 he *a) s!eal a"o!herBs %11E& *o"e) #or his a//e!i!es. !hou+h he (oes "o! -as!e his o-" u/o" !he*7 he *a) 'rea, !hrou+h !he "a!ural a"( social la-s -hich e"circle hi*. a"( /ro#a"e !he sa"c!i!) o# #a*il) (u!ies. !hou+h he 'e. "o! a chil( o# "o'les. 'u! a /easa"! or ar!isa".3"a). a"( /erha/s he (oes so *ore #re1ue"!l) !ha" !he). This is "o! !he /oorBs 'lesse("ess. !ha! he has less

61 !e*/!a!io"s !o sel#<i"(ul+e"ce. #or he has as *a"). 'u! !ha! #ro* his circu*s!a"ces he recei es !he /e"a"ces a"( correc!io"s o# sel#< i"(ul+e"ce. $o er!) is !he *o!her o# *a") /ai"s a"( sorro-s i" !heir seaso". a"( !hese are ;o(Bs *esse"+ers !o lea( !he soul !o re/e"!a"ce7 'u!. alasG i# !he /oor *a" i"(ul+es his /assio"s. !hi",s li!!le o# reli+io". /u!s o## re/e"!a"ce. re#uses !o *a,e a" e##or!. a"( (ies -i!hou! co" ersio". i! *a!!ers "o!hi"+ !ha! he -as /oor i" !his -orl(. i! *a!!ers "o!hi"+ !ha! he -as less (ari"+ !ha" !he rich. i! *a!!ers "o! !ha! he /ro*ise( hi*sel# ;o(Bs #a our. !ha! he se"! #or !he $ries! -he" (ea!h ca*e. a"( recei e( !he las! Sacra*e"!s7 La9arus !oo. i" !ha! case. shall 'e 'urie( -i!h Di es i" hell. a"( shall ha e ha( his co"sola!io" "ei!her i" !his -orl( "or i" !he -orl( !o co*e. M) 're!hre". !he si*/le 1ues!io" is. -ha!e er a *a"Bs ra", i" li#e *a) 'e. (oes he i" !ha! ra", /er#or* !he -or, -hich ;o( has +i e" hi* !o (o2 No- !he". le! *e !ur" !o o!hers. o# a er) (i##ere"! (escri/!io". a"( le! *e hear -ha! !he) -ill sa). -he" !he 1ues!io" is as,e( !he*73-h). !he) -ill /arr) i! !hus@3?4ou +i e us "o al!er"a!i e.? !he) -ill sa) !o *e. ?e0ce/! !ha! o# 'ei"+ si""ers or Sai"!s. 4ou /u! %11F& 'e#ore us our Lor(Bs /a!!er". a"( )ou s/rea( 'e#ore us !he +uil! a"( !he rui" o# !he (eli'era!e !ra"s+ressor7 -hereas -e ha e "o i"!e"!io" o# +oi"+ so #ar o"e -a) or !he o!her7 -e (o "o! ai* a! 'ei"+ Sai"!s. 'u! -e ha e "o (esire a! all !o 'e si""ers. We "ei!her i"!e"( !o (iso'e) ;o(Bs -ill. "or !o +i e u/ our o-". Surel) !here is a *i((le -a). a"( a sa#e o"e. i" -hich ;o(Bs -ill a"( our -ill *a) 'o!h 'e sa!is#ie(. We *ea" !o e"6o) 'o!h !his -orl( a"( !he "e0!. We -ill +uar( a+ai"s! *or!al si"7 -e are "o! o'li+e( !o +uar( a+ai"s! e"ial7 i"(ee( i! -oul( 'e e"(less !o a!!e*/! i!. No"e 'u! Sai"!s (o so7 i! is !he -or, o# a li#e7 -e "ee( ha e "o!hi"+ else !o (o. We are "o! *o",s. -e are i" !he -orl(. -e are i" 'usi"ess. -e are /are"!s. -e ha e #a*ilies7 -e *us! li e #or !he (a). I! is a co"sola!io" !o ,ee/ #ro* *or!al si"7 !ha! -e (o. a"( i! is e"ou+h #or sal a!io". I! is a +rea! !hi"+ !o ,ee/ i" ;o(Bs #a our7 -ha! i"(ee( ca" -e (esire *ore2 We co*e a! (ue !i*e !o !he Sacra*e"!s7 !his is our co*#or! a"( our s!a)7 (i( -e (ie. -e shoul( (ie i" +race. a"( esca/e !he (oo* o# !he -ic,e(. Bu! i# -e o"ce a!!e*/!e( !o +o #ur!her. -here shoul( -e s!o/2 ho- -ill )ou (ra- !he li"e #or us2 !he li"e 'e!-ee" *or!al a"( e"ial si" is er) (is!i"c!7 -e u"(ers!a"( !ha!7 'u! (o )ou "o! see !ha!. i# -e a!!e"(e( !o our e"ial si"s. !here -oul( 'e 6us! as *uch reaso" !o a!!e"( !o o"e as !o a"o!her2 I# -e 'e+a" !o re/ress our a"+er. -h) "o! also re/ress ai"+lor)2 -h) "o! also +uar( a+ai"s! "i++ar(li"ess2 -h) "o! also ,ee/ #ro* #alsehoo(2 #ro* +ossi/i"+. #ro* i(li"+. #ro* e0cess i" ea!i"+2 A"(. a#!er all. -i!hou! e"ial si" -e %11H& "e er ca" 'e. u"less i"(ee( -e ha e !he /rero+a!i e o# !he Mo!her o# ;o(. -hich i! -oul( 'e al*os! heres) !o ascri'e !o a") o"e 'u! her. 4ou are "o! as,i"+ us !o 'e co" er!e(7 !ha! -e u"(ers!a"(7 -e are co" er!e(. -e -ere co" er!e( a lo"+

62 !i*e a+o. 4ou 'i( us ai* a! a" i"(e#i"i!e a+ue so*e!hi"+. -hich is less !ha" /er#ec!io". )e! *ore !ha" o'e(ie"ce. a"( -hich. -i!hou! resul!i"+ i" a") !a"+i'le a( a"!a+e. (e'ars us #ro* !he /leasures a"( e*'arrasses us i" !he (u!ies o# !his -orl(.? This is -ha! )ou -ill sa)7 'u! )our /re*isses. *) 're!hre". are 'e!!er !ha" )our reaso"i"+. a"( )our co"clusio"s -ill "o! s!a"(. 4ou ha e a ri+h! ie- -h) ;o( has se"! )ou i"!o !he -orl(. i9.. i" or(er !ha! )ou *a) +e! !o hea e"7 i! is 1ui!e !rue also !ha! )ou -oul( #are -ell i"(ee( i# )ou #ou"( )oursel es !here. )ou coul( (esire "o!hi"+ 'e!!er7 "or. i! is !rue. ca" )ou li e a") !i*e -i!hou! e"ial si". I! is !rue also !ha! )ou are "o! o'li+e( !o ai* a! 'ei"+ Sai"!s7 i! is "o si" "o! !o ai* a! /er#ec!io". So *uch is !rue a"( !o !he /ur/ose7 'u! i! (oes "o! #ollo- #ro* i! !ha! )ou. -i!h such ie-s a"( #eeli"+s as )ou ha e e0/resse(. are usi"+ su##icie"! e0er!io"s e e" #or a!!ai"i"+ !o /ur+a!or). Has )our reli+io" a") (i##icul!) i" i!. or is i! i" all res/ec!s eas) !o )ou2 Are )ou si*/l) !a,i"+ )our o-" /leasure i" )our *o(e o# li i"+. or (o )ou #i"( )our /leasure i" su'*i!!i"+ )oursel# !o ;o(Bs /leasure2 I" a -or(. is )our reli+io" a -or,2 #or i# i! 'e "o!. i! is "o! reli+io" a! all. Here a! o"ce. 'e#ore +oi"+ i"!o )our ar+u*e"!. is a /roo# !ha! i! is a" u"sou"( o"e. 'ecause i! 'ri"+s )ou !o !he co"clusio" %15I& !ha!. -hereas Chris! ca*e !o (o a -or,. a"( all Sai"!s. "a). "a). a"( si""ers (o a -or, !oo. )ou. o" !he co"!rar). ha e "o -or, !o (o. 'ecause. #orsoo!h. )ou are "ei!her si""ers "or Sai"!s7 or. i# )ou o"ce ha( a -or,. a! leas! !ha! )ou ha e (es/a!che( i! alrea(). a"( )ou ha e "o!hi"+ u/o" )our ha"(s. 4ou ha e a!!ai"e( )our sal a!io". i! see*s. 'e#ore )our !i*e. a"( ha e "o!hi"+ !o occu/) )ou. a"( are (e!ai"e( o" ear!h !oo lo"+. The -or, (a)s are o er. a"( )our /er/e!ual holi(a) is 'e+u". Di( !he" ;o( se"( )ou. a'o e all o!her *e". i"!o !he -orl( !o 'e i(le i" s/iri!ual *a!!ers2 Is i! )our *issio" o"l) !o #i"( /leasure i" !his -orl(. i" -hich )ou are 'u! as /il+ri*s a"( so6our"ers2 Are )ou *ore !ha" so"s o# A(a*. -ho. ') !he s-ea! o# !heir 'ro-. are !o ea! 'rea( !ill !he) re!ur" !o !he ear!h ou! o# -hich !he) are !a,e"2 U"less )ou ha e so*e -or, i" ha"(. u"less )ou are s!ru++li"+. u"less )ou are #i+h!i"+ -i!h )oursel es. )ou are "o #ollo-ers o# !hose -ho ?!hrou+h *a") !ri'ula!io"s e"!ere( i"!o !he ,i"+(o* o# ;o(?. A #i+h! is !he er) !o,e" o# a Chris!ia". He is a sol(ier o# Chris!7 hi+h or lo-. he is !his a"( "o!hi"+ else. I# )ou ha e !riu*/he( o er all *or!al si". as )ou see* !o !hi",. !he" )ou *us! a!!ac, )our e"ial si"s7 !here is "o hel/ #or i!7 !here is "o!hi"+ else !o (o. i# )ou -oul( 'e sol(iers o# Jesus Chris!. Bu!. O si*/le soulsG !o !hi", )ou ha e +ai"e( a") !riu*/h a! allG No@ )ou ca""o! sa#el) 'e a! /eace -i!h a"). e e" !he leas! *ali+"a"!. o# !he #oes o# ;o(7 i# )ou are a! /eace -i!h e"ial si"s. 'e cer!ai" !ha! i" !heir co*/a") a"( u"(er !heir sha(o- *or!al si"s are lur,i"+. %151& Mor!al si"s are !he chil(re" o# e"ial. -hich. !hou+h !he) 'e "o! (ea(l) !he*sel es. )e! are /roli#ic o# (ea!h. 4ou *a) !hi", !ha! )ou ha e ,ille( !he +ia"!s -ho ha( /ossessio" o# )our

63 hear!s. a"( !ha! )ou ha e "o!hi"+ !o #ear. 'u! *a) si! a! res! u"(er )our i"e a"( u"(er )our #i+<!ree7 'u! !he +ia"!s -ill li e a+ai". !he) -ill rise #ro* !he (us!. a"(. 'e#ore )ou ,"o- -here )ou are. )ou -ill 'e !a,e" ca/!i e a"( slau+h!ere( ') !he #ierce. /o-er#ul. a"( e!er"al e"e*ies o# ;o(. The e"( o# a !hi"+ is !he !es!. I! -as our Lor(Bs re6oici"+ i" His las! sole*" hour. !ha! He ha( (o"e !he -or, #or -hich He -as se"!. ?I ha e +lori#ie( Thee o" ear!h.? He sa)s i" His /ra)er. ?I ha e #i"ishe( !he -or, -hich Thou +a es! Me !o (o7 I ha e *a"i#es!e( Th) "a*e !o !he *e" -ho* Thou has! +i e" Me ou! o# !he -orl(.? I! -as S!. $aulBs co"sola!io" also7 ?I ha e #ou+h! !he +oo( #i+h!. I ha e #i"ishe( !he course. I ha e ,e/! !he #ai!h7 he"ce#or!h !here is lai( u/ #or *e a cro-" o# 6us!ice. -hich !he Lor( shall re"(er !o *e i" !ha! (a). !he 6us! Ju(+e?. AlasG alasG ho- (i##ere"! -ill 'e our ie- o# !hi"+s -he" -e co*e !o (ie. or -he" -e ha e /asse( i"!o e!er"i!). #ro* !he (rea*s a"( /re!e"ces -i!h -hich -e 'e+uile oursel es "o-G Wha! -ill Ba'el (o #or us !he"2 Will i! rescue our souls #ro* !he /ur+a!or) or !he hell !o -hich i! se"(s !he*2 I# -e -ere crea!e(. i! -as !ha! -e *i+h! ser e ;o(7 i# -e ha e His +i#!s. i! is !ha! -e *a) +lori#) Hi*7 i# -e ha e a co"scie"ce. i! is !ha! -e *a) o'e) i!7 i# -e ha e !he /ros/ec! o# hea e". i! is !ha! -e *a) ,ee/ i! 'e#ore %155& us7 i# -e ha e li+h!. !ha! -e *a) #ollo- i!7 i# -e ha e +race. !ha! -e *a) sa e oursel es ') *ea"s o# i!. AlasG alasG #or !hose -ho (ie -i!hou! #ul#illi"+ !heir *issio"G -ho -ere calle( !o 'e hol). a"( li e( i" si"7 -ho -ere calle( !o -orshi/ Chris!. a"( -ho /lu"+e( i"!o !his +i(() a"( u"'elie i"+ -orl(7 -ho -ere calle( !o #i+h!. a"( -ho re*ai"e( i(le7 -ho -ere calle( !o 'e Ca!holics. a"( -ho (i( 'u! re*ai" i" !he reli+io" o# !heir 'ir!hG Alas #or !hose -ho ha e ha( +i#!s a"( !ale"!. a"( ha e "o! use(. or ha e *isuse(. or a'use( !he*7 -ho ha e ha( -eal!h. a"( ha e s/e"! i! o" !he*sel es7 -ho ha e ha( a'ili!ies. a"( ha e a( oca!e( -ha! -as si"#ul. or ri(icule( -ha! -as !rue. or sca!!ere( (ou'!s a+ai"s! -ha! -as sacre(7 -ho ha e ha( leisure. a"( ha e -as!e( i! o" -ic,e( co*/a"io"s. or e il 'oo,s. or #oolish a*use*e"!sG AlasG #or !hose. o# -ho* !he 'es! !ha! ca" 'e sai( is. !ha! !he) are har*less a"( "a!urall) 'la*eless. -hile !he) "e er ha e a!!e*/!e( !o clea"se !heir hear!s or !o li e i" ;o(Bs si+h!G The -orl( +oes o" #ro* a+e !o a+e. 'u! !he hol) A"+els a"( 'lesse( Sai"!s are al-a)s cr)i"+ alas. alasG a"( -oe. -oeG o er !he loss o# oca!io"s. a"( !he (isa//oi"!*e"! o# ho/es. a"( !he scor" o# ;o(Bs lo e. a"( !he rui" o# souls. O"e +e"era!io" succee(s a"o!her. a"( -he"e er !he) loo, (o-" u/o" ear!h #ro* !heir +ol(e" !hro"es. !he) see scarcel) a")!hi"+ 'u! a *ul!i!u(e o# +uar(ia" s/iri!s. (o-"cas! a"( sa(. each #ollo-i"+ his o-" char+e. i" a"0ie!). or i" !error. or i" (es/air. ai"l) e"(ea ouri"+ !o shiel( hi* #ro* !he e"e*). a"( #aili"+ 'ecause he -ill "o! 'e shiel(e(. %158& Ti*es co*e a"( +o. a"( *a" -ill "o! 'elie e. !ha! !ha! is !o 'e -hich is "o! )e!. or !ha!

64 -ha! "o- is o"l) co"!i"ues #or a seaso". a"( is "o! e!er"i!). The e"( is !he !rial7 !he -orl( /asses7 i! is 'u! a /a+ea"! a"( a sce"e7 !he lo#!) /alace cru*'les. !he 'us) ci!) is *u!e. !he shi/s o# Tarshish ha e s/e( a-a). O" hear! a"( #lesh (ea!h is co*i"+7 !he eil is 'rea,i"+. De/ar!i"+ soul. ho- has! !hou use( !h) !ale"!s. !h) o//or!u"i!ies. !he li+h! /oure( arou"( !hee. !he -ar"i"+s +i e" !hee. !he +race i"s/ire( i"!o !hee2 O *) Lor( a"( Sa iour. su//or! *e i" !ha! hour i" !he s!ro"+ ar*s o# Th) Sacra*e"!s. a"( ') !he #resh #ra+ra"ce o# Th) co"sola!io"s. Le! !he a'sol i"+ -or(s 'e sai( o er *e. a"( !he hol) oil si+" a"( seal *e. a"( Th) o-" Bo() 'e *) #oo(. a"( Th) Bloo( *) s/ri",li"+7 a"( le! *) s-ee! Mo!her Mar) 'rea!he o" *e. a"( *) A"+el -his/er /eace !o *e. a"( *) +lorious Sai"!s. a"( *) o-" (ear Fa!her. $hili/. s*ile o" *e7 !ha! i" !he* all. a"( !hrou+h !he* all. I *a) recei e !he +i#! o# /erse era"ce. a"( (ie. as I (esire !o li e. i" Th) #ai!h. i" Th) Church. i" Th) ser ice. a"( i" Th) lo e. To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse E. $erse era"ce i" ;race

%15:& THERE is "o !ru!h. *) 're!hre". -hich Hol) Church is *ore ear"es! i" i*/ressi"+ u/o" us !ha" !ha! our sal a!io" #ro* #irs! !o las! is !he +i#! o# ;o(. I! is !rue i"(ee( !ha! -e *eri! e!er"al li#e ') our -or,s o# o'e(ie"ce7 'u! !ha! !hose -or,s are *eri!orious o# such a re-ar(. !his !a,es /lace. "o! #ro* !heir i"!ri"sic -or!h. 'u! #ro* !he #ree a//oi"!*e"! a"( 'ou"!i#ul /ro*ise o# ;o(7 a"( !ha! -e are a'le !o (o !he* a! all. is !he si*/le resul! o# His +race. Tha! -e are 6us!i#ie( is o# His +race7 !ha! -e ha e !he (is/osi!io"s #or 6us!i#ica!io" is o# His +race7 !ha! -e are a'le !o (o +oo( -or,s -he" 6us!i#ie( is o# His +race7 a"( !ha! -e /erse ere i" !hose +oo( -or,s is o# His +race. No! o"l) (o -e ac!uall) (e/e"( o" His /o-er #ro* #irs! !o las!. 'u! our (es!i"ies (e/e"( o" His so erei+" /leasure a"( i"scru!a'le cou"sel. He hol(s !he ar'i!ra!io" o# our #u!ure i" His ha"(s7 -i!hou! a" ac! o# His -ill. i"(e/e"(e"! o# ours. -e shoul( "o! ha e 'ee" 'rou+h! i"!o !he +race o# !he Ca!holic Church7 a"( -i!hou! a #ur!her ac! o# His -ill. !hou+h -e are "o- *e*'ers o# i!. -e shall "o! %15=& 'e 'rou+h! o" !o !he +lor) o# !he ,i"+(o* o# Hea e". Thou+h a soul 6us!i#ie( ca" *eri! e!er"al li#e. )e! "ei!her ca" i! *eri! !o 'e 6us!i#ie(. "or ca" i! *eri! !o re*ai" 6us!i#ie( !o !he e"(7 "o! o"l) is a s!a!e o# +race !he co"(i!io" a"( !he li#e o# all *eri!. 'u! +race 'ri"+s us i"!o

65 !ha! s!a!e o# +race. a"( +race co"!i"ues us i" i!7 a"( !hus. as I 'e+a" ') sa)i"+. our sal a!io" #ro* #irs! !o las! is !he +i#! o# ;o(. $recise a"( a'solu!e as is !he !eachi"+ o# Hol) Church co"cer"i"+ !he so erei+" +race o# ;o(. she is as clear a"( as ear"es! i" !eachi"+ also !ha! -e are reall) #ree a"( res/o"si'le. E er) o"e u/o" ear!h *i+h!. -i!hou! a") er'al e asio". 'e sa e(. as #ar as ;o(Bs assis!a"ces are co"cer"e(. E er) *a" 'or" o# A(a*Bs see(. si*/l) a"( !rul). *i+h! sa e hi*sel#. i# he -oul(. a"( e er) *a" *i+h! -ill !o sa e hi*sel#7 #or +race is +i e" !o e er) o"e #or !his e"(. Ho- i! is. ho-e er. !ha! i" s/i!e o# !his real #ree(o* o# *a"Bs -ill. our sal a!io" s!ill (e/e"(s so a'solu!el) o" ;o(Bs +oo( /leasure. is u"re eale(7 (i i"es ha e (e ise( arious *o(es o# reco"cili"+ !-o !ru!hs -hich a! #irs! si+h! see* so co"!rar) !o each o!her7 a"( !hese e0/la"a!io"s ha e se erall) 'ee" recei e( ') so*e !heolo+ia"s. a"( "o! recei e( ') o!hers. a"( (o "o! co"cer" us "o-. Ho- *a" is a'le #ull) a"( e"!irel) !o (o -ha! he -ill. -hile ;o( acco*/lishes His o-" su/re*e -ill also. is hi((e" #ro* us. as i! is hi((e" #ro* us ho- ;o( crea!e( ou! o# "o!hi"+. or ho- He #oresees !he #u!ure. or ho- His a!!ri'u!e o# 6us!ice is co*/a!i'le -i!h His a!!ri'u!e o# lo e. I! is o"e o# !hose ?hi((e" !hi"+s -hich 'elo"+ u"!o %15A& !he Lor( our ;o(7? 'u! ?-ha! are re eale(.? as !he i"s/ire( -ri!er +oes o" !o sa). ?are #or us a"( our chil(re" e e" #or e erlas!i"+?. A"( !his is -ha! is re eale(. i9.@3 o" !he o"e ha"(. !ha! our sal a!io" (e/e"(s o" oursel es. a"( o" !he o!her. !ha! i! (e/e"(s o" ;o(. Di( -e "o! (e/e"( o" oursel es. -e shoul( 'eco*e careless a"( rec,less. "o!hi"+ -e (i( or (i( "o! (o ha i"+ a") 'eari"+ o" our sal a!io"7 (i( -e "o! (e/e"( o" ;o(. -e shoul( 'e /resu*/!uous a"( sel#<su##icie"!. I 'e+a" ') !elli"+ )ou. *) 're!hre". a"( I shall /rocee( i" -ha! is !o co*e *ore (is!i"c!l) !o !ell )ou. !ha! )ou (e/e"( u/o" ;o(7 'u! such a(*o"i!io"s "ecessaril) i*/l) )our (e/e"(e"ce u/o" )oursel es also7 #or. (i( "o! )our sal a!io" i" so*e su##icie"! se"se (e/e"( o" )oursel es. -ha! -oul( 'e !he use o# a//eali"+ !o )ou "o! !o &orget )our (e/e"(e"ce o" ;o(2 I! is 'ecause )ou ha e so +rea! a share i" )our o-" sal a!io". !ha! i! a ails. !ha! i! is /er!i"e"!. !o s/ea, !o )ou o# ;o(Bs /ar! i" i!. He is !he Al/ha a"( O*e+a. !he 'e+i""i"+ a"( !he e"(i"+. as o# all !hi"+s. so o# our sal a!io". We shoul( ha e li e( a"( (ie(. e er) o"e o# us. (es!i!u!e o# all sa i"+ ,"o-le(+e a"( lo e o# Hi*. 'u! #or a +i#! -hich -e coul( "o! (o a")!hi"+ oursel es !o secure. ha( -e li e( e er so -ell.3'u! #or His +race7 a"( "o- !ha! -e ha e ,"o-" Hi*. a"( ha e 'ee" clea"se( #ro* our si"s ') Hi*. i! is 1ui!e cer!ai" !ha! -e ca""o! (o a")!hi"+. e e" -i!h !he hel/ o# +race. !o /urchase #or oursel es /erse era"ce i" 6us!ice a"( sa"c!i!). !hou+h -e li e e er so -ell. His +race %15E& 'e+i"s !he -or,. His +race also #i"ishes i!7 a"( "o- I a* +oi"+ !o s/ea, !o )ou o# His #i"ishi"+ i!7 I *ea" o# !he "ecessi!) u"(er -hich -e lie o# His #i"ishi"+ i!7 else i! -ill "e er 'e #i"ishe(. or ra!her -ill 'e re erse(7 I a* +oi"+ !o s/ea, !o )ou o# !he

66 +i#! o# /erse era"ce i" +race. o# i!s e0!re*e /recious"ess. a"( o# our u!!er ho/eless"ess. i" s/i!e o# all !ha! -e are. -i!hou! i!. I! is !his +i#! -hich our Lor( s/ea,s o#. -he" He /ra)s His Fa!her #or His (isci/les. 'e#ore He (e/ar!s #ro* !he*@ ?Hol) Fa!her. 'ee! i" Th) "a*e !hose -ho* Thou has! +i e" Me7 ... I as, "o! !ha! Thou !a,e !he* ou! o# !he -orl(. 'u! !ha! Thou /reser e !he* #ro* e il?. A"( S!. $aul i"!e"(s i! -he" he (eclares !o !he $hili//ia"s !ha! ?He -ho ha( 'e+u" a +oo( -or,? i" His (isci/les. ?-oul( /er#ec! i! u"!o !he (a) o# Chris! Jesus?. S!. $e!er. !oo. -he" he sa)s i" li,e *a""er. !ha! ?;o(. -ho ha( calle( His 're!hre" i"!o His e!er"al +lor). -oul( /er#ec!. co"#ir*. a"( es!a'lish !he*?. A"( so !he $ro/he! i" !he $sal*s /ra)s !ha! ;o( -oul( ?/er#ec! his -al,i"+ i" His /a!hs. !ha! his s!e/s *i+h! "o! 'e *o e(7? a"( !he $ro/he! Jere*ias (eclares i" ;o(Bs "a*e. ?I -ill /u! M) #ear i" !heir hear!s. !ha! !he) (ra- "o! 'ac, #ro* Me?. I" !hese a"( *a") o!her /assa+es o# Scri/!ure !he 'lessi"+ s/o,e" o# is !he +i#! o# #i"al /erse era"ce. a"( I -ill !ell )ou ho- a"( -h) i! is "ecessar). This is -ha! -e #i"( !o 'e !he case. "o! o"l) i" *a!!ers o# reli+io". 'u! o# !his -orl(. i9.. !ha!. le! a /erso" (o a !hi"+ e er so -ell. !he cha"ce is !ha! he %15F& -ill "o! 'e a'le !o (o i! a "u*'er o# !i*es ru""i"+ -i!hou! a *is!a,e. Le! a /erso" 'e e er so +oo( a" accou"!a"!. he -ill a(( u/ a su* -ro"+l) "o- a"( !he". !hou+h )ou coul( "o! +uess 'e#oreha"( -he" or -h) he -as !o #ail. Le! hi* +e! ') hear! a "u*'er o# li"es e er so /er#ec!l). a"( sa) !he* accura!el) o er. )e! i! (oes "o! #ollo- !ha! he -ill sa) !he* a (o9e" !i*es a"( 'e accura!e !hrou+hou!. So i! is -i!h our reli+ious (u!ies7 -e *a) 'e a'le !o ,ee/ #ro* e er) si" i" /ar!icular as !he /ar!icular !e*/!a!io" co*es. 'u! !his (oes "o! hi"(er i!s 'ei"+ cer!ai" !ha! -e shall "o! i" #ac! ,ee/ #ro* all si"s. !hou+h !ha! ?all? is *a(e u/ o# !hose /ar!icular si"s. This is ho- !he +rea!es! Sai"!s co*e !o co**i! e"ial or lesser si"s. !hou+h +race !he) ha e su##icie"! !o ,ee/ !he* #ro* a") si" -ha!e er. I! is !he resul! o# hu*a" #rail!)7 "o!hi"+ coul( ,ee/ !he Sai"!s #ro* such #alls. li+h! as !he) *a) 'e. 'u! a s/ecial /rero+a!i e. a"( !his. !he Church !eaches. has 'ee" +ra"!e( !o !he Blesse( >ir+i". a"( a//are"!l) !o her alo"e. No- !hese lesser or e"ial si"s (o "o! se/ara!e !he soul #ro* ;o(. or #or#ei! i!s /erse era"ce i" +race7 a"( !he) are /er*i!!e( ') !he ;i er o# all +race #or a +oo( /ur/ose. !o hu*'le us. a"( !o +i e us a" i"ce"!i e !o -or,s o# /e"a"ce. No e0e*/!io" !he" #ro* !hese is +i e" us. 'ecause i! is "o! "ecessar) i" or(er !o our /erse era"ce !ha! -e shoul( 'e e0e*/!e(7 o" !he o!her ha"(. -ha! is *os! "ecessar) is. !ha! -e shoul( 'e /reser e( #ro* *or!al si"s. )e! here !oo !ha! er) (i##icul!) 'ese!s us i" our -ar#are -i!h !he* -hich *ee!s us i" !he case o# e"ial. Here !oo. !hou+h a *a" *a) ha e +race %15H& su##icie"! !o ,ee/ hi* clear o# all *or!al si"s -ha!e er. !a,e" o"e ') o"e. s!ill -e *a) /ro/hes) surel). !ha! !he hour -ill co*e. soo"er or

67 la!er. -he" he -ill "e+lec! a"( 'a##le !ha! +race. u"less he has so*e #ur!her +i#! 'es!o-e( o" hi* !o +uar( hi* a+ai"s! hi*sel#. He "ee(s +race !o use +race7 he "ee(s so*e!hi"+ o er a"( a'o e !o secure his 'ei"+ #ai!h#ul !o -ha! he has alrea(). A"( he "ee(s i! i*/era!i el)7 #or. si"ce e e" o"e *or!al si" se/ara!es #ro* ;o(. he is i" i**e(ia!e ris, o# his sal a!io". i# he has i! "o!. This a((i!io"al +i#! is calle( !he +i#! o# /erse era"ce7 a"( i! co"sis!s i" a" e er<-a!ch#ul su/eri"!e"(e"ce o# us. o" !he /ar! o# our All<*erci#ul Lor(. re*o i"+ !e*/!a!io"s -hich He sees -ill 'e #a!al !o us. succouri"+ us a! !hose !i*es -he" -e are i" /ar!icular /eril. -he!her #ro* our "e+li+e"ce or o!her cause. a"( or(eri"+ !he course o# our li#e so. !ha! -e *a) (ie a! a !i*e -he" He sees !ha! -e are i" a s!a!e o# +race. A"(. si"ce i! is so si*/l) "ecessar) #or us. ;o( +ra"!s i! !o us7 "a). (i( He "o!. "o o"e coul( 'e sa e(. He +ra"!s i! !o us. !hou+h He (oes "o! +ra"! e e" !o Sai"!s !he /rero+a!i e o# a oi(i"+ e er) e"ial si"7 He +ra"!s i!. ou! o# His 'ou"!). !o our /ra)ers. !hou+h -e ca""o! *eri! i! ') a")!hi"+ -e (o #or Hi* or sa) !o Hi*. e e" -i!h !he ai( o# His +race. Wha! a lesso" o# hu*ili!) a"( -a!ch#ul"ess ha e -e i" !his (oc!ri"e as "o- e0/lai"e(G I! is o"e +rou"( o# hu*ilia!io". !ha!. (o -ha! -e -ill. s!ri e as -e -ill. -e ca""o! esca/e #ro* lesser si"s -hile -e are o" ear!h. Thou+h !he ai(s -hich ;o( +i es us are su##icie"! !o e"a'le us !o li e -i!hou! si". )e! our %18I& i"#ir*i!) o# -ill a"( o# a!!e"!io" is a *a!ch #or !he*. a"( -e (o "o! (o i" #ac! !ha! -hich -e *i+h! (o. A"( a+ai". -ha! is "o! o"l) hu*'li"+. 'u! e e" #ri+h!#ul a"( a//alli"+. -e are i" (a"+er o# *or!al si" as -ell as i" cer!ai"!) o# e"ial7 a"( !he o"l) reaso" -h) -e are "o! i" cer!ai"!) o# *or!al is. !ha! a" e0!raor(i"ar) +i#! is +i e" !o !hose -ho su//lica!e #or i!. !o secure !he* #ro* *or!al. !hou+h "o such e0!raor(i"ar) +i#! is +i e" !o secure !he* #ro* e"ial. I" s/i!e o# !he /rese"ce o# +race i" our souls. i" s/i!e o# !he ac!ual assis!a"ces +i e" us. -e o-e a") ho/e -e ha e o# hea e". "o! !o !ha! i"-ar( +race si*/l). "or !o !hose ai(s. 'u!. I re/ea!. !o a su//le*e"!ar) *erc) -hich /ro!ec!s us a+ai"s! oursel es. rescues us #ro* occasio"s o# si". s!re"+!he"s us i" our hour o# (a"+er. a"( e"(s our (a)s a! !ha! er) !i*e. /erha/s cu!s shor! our li#e i" or(er !o secure a !i*e. -he" "o *or!al si" has se/ara!e( us #ro* ;o(. No!hi"+ -e are. "o!hi"+ -e (o. is a") +uara"!ee !o us !ha! !his su//le*e"!ar) *erc) has 'ee" accor(e( !o us7 -e ca""o! ,"o- !ill !he e"(7 all -e ,"o- is. !ha! ;o( has hel/e( us hi!her!o. a"( -e !rus! He -ill hel/ us s!ill. Bu! )e! !he e0/erie"ce o# -ha! He has alrea() (o"e is "o /roo# !ha! He -ill (o *ore7 our /rese"! reli+ious"ess "ee( "o! 'e !he co"se1ue"ce o# !he +i#! o# /erse era"ce as 'es!o-e( u/o" us7 i! *a) ha e 'ee" i"!e"(e( *erel) !o /ro*/! a"( e"a'le us !o /ra) ear"es!l) a"( co"!i"uall) #or !ha! +i#!. There are *e" -ho. ha( !he) (ie( a! a /ar!icular !i*e. -oul( ha e (ie( !he (ea!h o# Sai"!s. a"( -ho li e( !o #all. The) li e( o" here !o (ie e!er"all). O (rea(#ul %181& !hou+h!G Ne er 'e )ou o##e"(e(. *) 're!hre". or o er-hel*e(. -he" )ou #i"( !ha! !he +oo(

68 a"( +e"!le. or !he 9ealous a"( use#ul. is cu! (o-" a"( !a,e" o## i" !he *i(s! o# his course7 i! is har( !o 'ear. 'u! -ho ,"o-s !ha! he is "o! !a,e" a-a) ( &acie maliti. ?#ro* !he /rese"ce o# e il.? #ro* !he e il !o co*e2 ?He -as !a,e" a-a).? as !he Wise Ma" sa)s. ?les! -ic,e("ess shoul( al!er his u"(ers!a"(i"+. or (ecei! 'e+uile his soul. For !he 'e-i!chi"+ o# a"i!) o'scure!h +oo( !hi"+s. a"( !he -a"(eri"+ o# co"cu/isce"ce o er!ur"e!h !he i""oce"! *i"(. Bei"+ *a(e /er#ec! i" a shor! s/ace. he #ul#ille( a lo"+ !i*e. For his soul /lease( ;o(7 a"( !here#ore He has!e"e( !o 'ri"+ hi* ou! o# !he *i(s! o# i"i1ui!ies. Bu! !he /eo/le see !his a"( u"(ers!a"( "o!. "or la) such !hi"+s i" !heir hear!s@ !ha! !he +race o# ;o( a"( His *erc) is -i!h His Sai"!s. a"( !ha! He ha!h res/ec! u"!o His chose".? Ba( is i! !o 'ear. -he" such a o"e is !a,e" a-a)7 cruel !o his #rie"(s. sa( e e" !o s!ra"+ers. a"( a sur/rise !o !he -orl(7 'u! O. ho- *uch 'e!!er. ho- ha//) so !o (ie. i"s!ea( o# 'ei"+ reser e( !o si"G 4ou *a) -o"(er ho- si" -as /ossi'le i" hi*. *) 're!hre"7 he ha( so *a") +races. he ha( li e( a"( *a!ure( i" !he* so lo"+7 he ha( o erco*e so *a") !e*/!a!io"s. He ha( s!ruc, his roo!s (ee/l). a"( s/rea( a'roa( his 'ra"ches o" hi+h. O"e +race +re- ou! o# a"o!her7 a"( all !hi"+s i" hi* -ere (ou'le o"e a+ai"s! a"o!her. He see*e( #ro* !he er) co*/le!e"ess o# his sa"c!i!). -hich e"circle( hi* o" e er) si(e. !o (e#) assaul! a"( !o 'e /roo# a+ai"s! i"6ur). He. i# %185& a") o"e. coul( ha e sai( -i!h !he /rou( Church i" !he A/ocal)/se. ?I a* -eal!h) a"( e"riche(. a"( ha e "ee( o# "o!hi"+7? !ha! he ha( s!ar!e( -ell. see*e( a reaso" -h) he shoul( +o o" -ell7 s!re"+!h -oul( lea( !o s!re"+!h. a"( *eri! !o *eri!7 as a #la*e i"creases a"( s-ee/s alo"+ a"( rou"( a'ou!. as soo" as. a"( #or !he er) reaso" !ha!. i! is o"ce ,i"(le(. so he ha( o" hi* !he /resa+e o# +rea!er a"( +rea!er !riu*/hs as !i*e /rocee(e(. He -as #i! !o scale Hea e" ') a" i"here"! /o-er. -hich. !hou+h a! #irs! o# +race. )e!. -he" o"ce +i e". 'eca*e "o! so *uch +race as a clai* #or *ore +race3as ') !he ac!io" o# a la- a"( !he /rocess o# a series. i" -hich +race a"( *eri! al!er"a!e(. *a" *eri!i"+ a"( *eri!i"+. a"( !he ;o( o# +race 'ei"+ #orce( !o +i e a"( +i e a+ai". i# He -oul( 'e !rue !o His /ro*ise. Thus -e *i+h! loo, a! hi*. a"( !hi", -e ha( alrea() i" our ha"(s all !he (a!a o# a +rea! a"( +lorious a"( i"#alli'le co"clusio". a"( *i+h! (e") !ha! a re erse or a #all -as /ossi'le. M) 're!hre". !here -as o"ce a" Eas!er" ,i"+. i" his (a) !he riches! o# *e"7 a"( a ;recia" sa+e ca*e !o isi! hi*. a"(. ha i"+ see" all his +lor) a"( his *a6es!). -as /resse( ') !his /oor chil( o# a"i!) !o sa) -he!her he -as "o! !he ha//ies! o# *e". To -ho* !he -ise *a" (i( 'u! re/l). !ha! he shoul( -ai! !ill he sa- !he e"(. So i! is as re+ar(s s/iri!ual -eal!h7 'ecause Al*i+h!) ;o(. i" s/i!e o# His a*/le /ro*ises. a"( His #ai!h#ul /er#or*a"ce o# !he*. has "o! /u! ou! o# His o-" ha"(s !he issues o# li#e a"( (ea!h. a"( !he e"( co*es #ro* Hi* as -ell as !he 'e+i""i"+. Whe" He has o"ce +i e" +race. He has "o! !here#ore si*/l) %188& *a(e o er !o !he crea!ure his o-"

69 sal a!io". The crea!ure ca" *eri! *uch7 'u! as he coul( "o! *eri! !he +race o# co" ersio". "ei!her ca" he *eri! !he +i#! o# /erse era"ce. Fro* #irs! !o las! he is (e/e"(e"! o" Hi* -ho *a(e hi*7 he ca""o! 'e e0!or!io"a!e -i!h Hi*. he ca""o! !ur" His 'ou"!) !o !he /re6u(ice o# !he Bou"!i#ul7 he *a) "o! e0al! hi*sel#. he (are "o! /resu*e. 'u! ?i# he !hi",e!h he s!a"(e!h. le! hi* !a,e hee( les! he #all?. He *us! -a!ch a"( /ra). he *us! #ear a"( !re*'le. he *us! ?chas!ise his 'o() a"( 'ri"+ i! i"!o su'6ec!io". les!. a#!er he has /reache( !o o!hers. he hi*sel# shoul( 'e re/ro'a!e?. Bu! I "ee( "o! +o !o hea!he" his!or) #or a" i"s!a"ce i" /oi"!7 Scri/!ure #ur"ishes o"e a !housa"( !i*es *ore a//osi!e a"( *ore i*/ressi e. Who -as so ariousl) +i#!e(. so i"-ar(l) e"(o-e(. so la(e" -i!h e0!er"al 'lessi"+s. as Solo*o"2 o" -ho* are la ishe(. as o" hi*. !he !i!les a"( !he +lories o# !he E!er"al So". ;o( a"( *a"2 The o"l) as/ec! o# Chris!Bs a(ora'le $erso". -hich his his!or) (oes "o! re/rese"!. (oes 'u! 'ri"+ ou! !o us !he /eculiari!) o# his /ri ile+es. He (oes "o! s)*'olise Chris!Bs su##eri"+s7 he -as "ei!her a /ries!. "or. li,e Da i( his #a!her. ha( he 'ee" a *a" o# s!ri#e a"( !oil a"( 'loo(. E er)!hi"+ -hich 'e!o,e"s *or!ali!). e er)!hi"+ -hich sa ours o# !he #all. is e0clu(e( #ro* our i(ea o# Solo*o". He is as i# a" i(eal o# /er#ec!io"7 !he ,i"+ o# /eace. !he 'uil(er o# !he !e*/le. !he #a!her o# a ha//) /eo/le. !he heir o# a" e*/ire. !he -o"(er o# all "a!io"s7 a /ri"ce. )e! a sa+e7 /alace<'re(. )e! !au+h! i" !he %18:& schools7 a s!u(e"!. )e! a *a" o# !he -orl(7 (ee/l) rea( i" hu*a" "a!ure. )e! lear"e( !oo i" a"i*als a"( /la"!s. He has !he cro-" -i!hou! !he cross. /eace -i!hou! -ar. e0/erie"ce -i!hou! su##eri"+7 a"( all !his is "o! i" !he *ere -a) o# *e". or #ro* !he +e"eral /ro i(e"ce o# ;o(. 'u! ouchsa#e( !o hi* #ro* !he er) ha"(s o# his Crea!or. ') a /ar!icular (esi+"a!io". a"( as !he resul! o# i"s/ira!io". He o'!ai"e( i! -he" )ou"+7 a"( -here shall -e #i"( a")!hi"+ so !ouchi"+ i" !he -hole o# Scri/!ure as !he circu*s!a"ces o# his o'!ai"i"+2 -ho shall accuse hi* o# -a"! o# reli+ious #ear a"( !rue lo e. -hose (a-"i"+ is so 'eau!i#ul2 Whe" !he Al*i+h!) a//eare( !o hi* i" a (rea* o" his co*i"+ !o !he !hro"e a"( sai(. ?As, -ha! I shall +i e !hee7? ?O Lor( ;o(.? he *a(e a"s-er. ?Thou has! *a(e Th) ser a"! ,i"+ i"s!ea( o# Da i( *) #a!her7 a"( I a* 'u! a chil(. a"( ,"o- "o! ho- !o +o ou! a"( co*e i". A"( Th) ser a"! is i" !he *i(s! o# !he /eo/le -hich Thou has! chose". a" i**e"se /eo/le. -hich ca""o! 'e "u*'ere( "or cou"!e( #or *ul!i!u(e.? Accor(i"+l). he as,e( #or "o!hi"+ else 'u! !he +i#! o# -is(o* !o e"a'le hi* !o +o er" his /eo/le -ell7 a"( as his re-ar( #or so e0celle"! a /e!i!io". he recei e(. "o! o"l) !he -is(o* #or -hich he ha( as,e(. 'u! !hose o!her +i#!s #or -hich he ha( "o! as,e(@ ?A"( !he Lor( sai( u"!o Solo*o". Because !hou has! as,e( !his !hi"+. a"( has! "o! as,e( #or !h)sel# lo"+ li#e. "or riches. "or !he li es o# !hi"e e"e*ies. 'u! has! as,e( #or !h)sel# -is(o* !o (iscer" 6u(+*e"!. 'ehol( I ha e (o"e !o !hee accor(i"+ !o !h) -or(s. a"( I ha e +i e" !o !hee a -ise a"(

70 %18=& u"(ers!a"(i"+ hear!. so !ha! "o"e has 'ee" li,e !hee 'e#ore !hee. "or shall rise a#!er !hee. 4ea. a"( !he !hi"+s also. -hich !hou (i(s! "o! as,. I ha e +i e" !o !hee. !o -i!. riches a"( +lor). so !ha! "o"e has 'ee" li,e !o !hee a*o"+ !he ,i"+s i" all (a)s here!o#ore.? Rare i"au+ura!io" !o his +rea!"essG !he *os! s/le"(i( o# *o"archs o-es "o!hi"+ !o i"6us!ice. or !o cruel!). or !o iole"ce. or !o !reacher). "o!hi"+ !o hu*a" ar! or !o hu*a" ar*. !ha! he is so /o-er#ul. so #a*ous. a"( so -ise7 i! is a (i i"e +i#! -hich e"(ue( hi* -i!hi". -hich clo!he( hi* -i!hou!. Wha! -as -a"!i"+ !o his 'lesse("ess2 see,i"+ ;o( i" his )ou!h. +ro-i"+ u/ )ear a#!er )ear i" sa"c!i!). #or!i#)i"+ his #ai!h ') -is(o*. a"( his o'e(ie"ce ') e0/erie"ce. a"( his as/ira!io"s ') ha'i!. -ha! shall he "o! 'e i" !he "e0! -orl(. -ho is so +lorious i" !his2 He is a Sai"! rea() *a(e7 he is i" his )ou!h -ha! o!hers are i" !heir a+e7 he is #i! #or hea e" ere o!hers 'e+i" !he -a) hea e"-ar(@ -h) shoul( he (ela)2 -ha! lac,s he )e!2 -h) !arr) !he -heels o# his chario!2 -h) (oes he re*ai" lo"+er o" ear!h. -he" he has alrea() -o" his cro-". a"( *a) 'e carrie( a-a) i" a ha//) )ou!h. a"( 'e securel) !a,e" i"!o ;o(Bs ,ee/i"+. "o! -i!h !he co**o" !hro"+ o# hol) souls. 'u!. li,e E"och a"( Elias. /assi"+ his lo"+ *)s!erious a+es u/ o" hi+h. i" so*e #i! secre! /ara(ise !ill !he (a) o# re(e*/!io"2 AlasG he re*ai"s o" ear!h !o sho- us !ha! !here *i+h! 'e o"e !hi"+ lac,i"+ a*i(s! !ha! *ul!i!u(e o# +races7 !o sho- !ha! !hou+h !here 'e i" a *a" all #ai!h. all ho/e. all lo e. all %18A& -is(o*. !hou+h !here 'e a" e0u'era"ce o# *eri!s. i! is all 'u! a a"i!). i! is o"l) a -oe i" !he e e"!. i# o"e +i#! 'e -a"!i"+.3!he +i#! o# /erse era"ceG He -as i" his )ou!h. -ha! o!hers har(l) are i" a+e7 -ell -ere i!. ha( he 'ee" i" his e"(. -ha! !he #ee'les! o# ;o(Bs ser a"!s is i" his 'e+i""i"+G His +rea! #a!her. -hose sa"c!i!) ha( 'ee" -rou+h! i"!o hi* ') *a") a #i+h! -i!h Sa!a". a"( -ho ,"e- ho- (i##icul! i! -as !o /erse ere. -he" his (ea!h (re- "ear. as i# i" /ro/hec) ra!her !ha" i" /ra)er. ha( s/o,e" !hus o# a"( !o his so" a"( his /eo/le@ ?;o( sai( !o *e. Thou shal! "o! 'uil( a house !o M) "a*e. 'ecause !hou ar! a *a" o# -ar. a"( has! she( 'loo(7 Solo*o". !h) so". shall 'uil( M) house a"( M) cour!s7 #or I ha e chose" hi* !o Me #or a so". a"( I -ill 'e !o hi* a #a!her7 a"( I -ill es!a'lish his ,i"+(o* e e" #or e er. i# he shall !ersevere !o (o M) /rece/!s a"( 6u(+*e"!s. as a! !his (a). A"( !hou. Solo*o". *) so". ,"o- !he ;o( o# !h) #a!her. a"( ser e Hi* -i!h a /er#ec! hear! a"( a -illi"+ *i"(. #or i# !hou shal! #orsa,e Hi*. He -ill cas! !hee o## #or e er.? A"( !he". -he" he ha( collec!e( !o+e!her !he /recious *a!erials #or !ha! house -hich he hi*sel# -as "o! !o 'uil(. a"( -as resi+"i"+ !he ,i"+(o* !o his so". ?I ,"o-.? he sai(. ?O *) ;o(. !ha! Thou /ro es! hear!s. a"( lo es! si*/lici!). -here#ore. ha e I i" !he si*/lici!) o# *) hear! a"( -i!h 6o) o##ere( !o Thee all !hese !hi"+s7 a"( Th) /eo/le !oo. -hich are /rese"! here. ha e I see" -i!h +rea! 6o) !o o##er !o Thee !heir +i#!s. O Lor( ;o( o#

71 A'raha*. a"( Isaac. a"( Israel. our #a!hers. ,ee/ #or e er !his %18E& -ill o# our hear!s. a"( le! !his *i"( re*ai" al-a)s #or !he -orshi/ o# Thee. A"( !o Solo*o" also. *) so". +i e a /er#ec! hear!. !ha! he *a) ,ee/ Th) co**a"(*e"!s. a"( Th) !es!i*o"ies. a"( Th) cere*o"ies. a"( (o all !hi"+s. a"( 'uil( !he 'uil(i"+ #or !he -hich I ha e /ro i(e( !he char+es.? Such ha( 'ee" !he (i* #ore'o(i"+ o# !he #a!her. #eari"+ /erha/s #or his so" #ro* !he er) a'u"(a"ce o# !ha! so"Bs /ros/eri!). A"( i" !ru!h. i! is "o! +oo( #or a *a" !o li e i" so clou(less a s/le"(our. a"( u"(er so u"che1uere( a hea e". There is a *oral i" !he his!or). !ha! he -ho /re#i+ure( !he co*i"+ Sa iour i" all His o##ices 'u! !ha! o# su##eri"+. shoul( #all7 !ha! !he Ki"+ a"( !he $ro/he!. -ho -as "ei!her $ries! "or Warrior. shoul( co*e shor!73!here') !o sho- !ha! /e"a"ce is !he o"l) sure *o!her o# lo e. ?The) -ho so- i" !ears shall rea/ i" e0ul!a!io"7? 'u! Solo*o". li,e !he #lo-ers o# !he #iel( -hich are so 'eau!i#ul. )e! are cas! i"!o !he o e". so he !oo. -i!h all his +lor). re!ai"e( "o! his co*eli"ess. 'u! -i!here( i" his /lace. He -ho -as -ises! 'eca*e as !he *os! 'ru!ish7 he -ho -as !he *os! (e ou! -as li#!e( u/ a"( #ell7 he -ho -ro!e !he So"+ o# So"+s 'eca*e !he sla e a"( !he /re) o# ile a##ec!io"s. ?Ki"+ Solo*o" lo e( *a") s!ra"+e -o*e". u"!o !he* he cla e -i!h !he *os! 'ur"i"+ lo e. A"( -he" he -as "o- ol(. his hear! -as (e/ra e( ') -o*e". !o #olloo!her +o(s. As!ar!e. +o((ess o# !he Si(o"ia"s. a"( Moloch !he i(ol o# !he A**o"i!es7 a"( so (i( he #or all his s!ra"+e -i es. -ho (i( 'ur" i"ce"se a"( sacri#ice u"!o !heir +o(s.? O. %18F& -ha! a co"!ras! 'e!-ee" !ha! +re)<hea(e( a/os!a!e. la(e" -i!h )ears a"( -i!h si"s. 'o-i"+ (o-" !o -o*e" a"( !o i(ols. a"( !he 'ri+h! a"( )ou!h#ul #or* s!a"(i"+. o" !he (a) o# De(ica!io". i" !he Te*/le he ha( 'uil!. as a *e(ia!or 'e!-ee" ;o( a"( his /eo/le. -he" he ac,"o-le(+e( so si*/l). so #er e"!l). ;o(Bs *ercies a"( ;o(Bs #ai!h#ul"ess. a"( /ra)e( !ha! He -oul( ?i"cli"e !heir hear!s u"!o Hi*sel#. !ha! !he) *i+h! -al, i" all His -a)s. a"( ,ee/ His co**a"(*e"!s. a"( His cere*o"ies. a"( His 6u(+*e"!s. -ha!e er He ha( co**a"(e( !o !heir #a!hersG? Well -ere i! #or us. *) (ear 're!hre". -ere i! o"l) ,i"+s a"( /ro/he!s a"( sa+es. a"( o!her rare crea!io"s o# ;o(Bs +race. !o -ho* !his -ar"i"+ a//lie(7 'u! i! a//lies !o all o# us. I! is i"(ee( *os! !rue !ha! !he holier a *a" is. a"( !he hi+her i" !he ,i"+(o* o# hea e". so *uch !he +rea!er "ee( has he !o loo, care#ull) !o his #oo!i"+. les! he s!u*'le a"( 'e los!7 a"( a (ee/ co" ic!io" o# !his "ecessi!) has 'ee" !he sole /reser a!io" o# !he Sai"!s. Ha( !he) "o! #eare(. !he) "e er -oul( ha e /erse ere(. He"ce. li,e S!. $aul. !he) are al-a)s #ull o# !heir si" a"( !heir /eril. 4ou -oul( !hi", !he* !he *os! /ollu!e( o# si""ers. a"( !he *os! u"s!a'le o# /e"i!e"!s. Such -as !he 'lesse( Mar!)r I+"a!ius. -ho. -he" o" his -a) !o his (ea!h. sai(. ?No- I 'e+i" !o 'e Chris!Bs (isci/le?. Such -as !he +rea! Basil. -ho -as e er

72 ascri'i"+ !he cala*i!ies o# !he Church a"( o# his cou"!r) !o !he -ra!h o# Hea e" u/o" his o-" si"s. Such -as S!. ;re+or). -ho su'*i!!e( !o his ele a!io" !o !he $o/e(o*. as i# i! -ere his s/iri!ual (ea!h. Such !oo %18H& -as *) o-" (ear Fa!her S!. $hili/. -ho -as e er sho-i"+. i" !he *i(s! o# !he +i#!s he recei e( #ro* ;o(. !he a"0ie!) a"( 6ealous) -i!h -hich he re+ar(e( hi*sel# a"( his /ros/ec!s. ?E er) (a).? sa)s his 'io+ra/her. ?he use( !o *a,e a /ro!es! !o ;o( -i!h !he Blesse( Sacra*e"! i" his ha"(s. sa)i"+. BLor(. 'e-are o# *e !o(a). les! I shoul( 'e!ra) Thee. a"( (o Thee all !he *ischie# i" !he -orl(B.? A! o!her !i*es he -oul( sa). ?The -ou"( i" Chris!Bs si(e is lar+e. 'u!. i# ;o( (i( "o! +uar( *e. I shoul( *a,e i! lar+er?. I" his las! ill"ess. ?Lor(. i# I reco er. so #ar as I a* co"cer"e(. I shall (o *ore e il !ha" e er. 'ecause I ha e /ro*ise( so *a") !i*es 'e#ore !o cha"+e *) li#e. a"( ha e "o! ,e/! *) -or(. so !ha! I (es/air o# *)sel#?. He -oul( she( a'u"(a"ce o# !ears a"( sa). ?I ha e "e er (o"e o"e +oo( ac!io"?. Whe" he sa- )ou"+ /erso"s. he 'e+a" co"si(eri"+ ho*uch !i*e !he) ha( 'e#ore !he* !o (o +oo( i". a"( sai(. ?O. ha//) )ouG O. ha//) )ouG? He o#!e" sai(. ?I a* /as! ho/e.? a"(. -he" ur+e(. he a((e(. ?'u! I !rus! i" ;o(?. Whe" a /e"i!e"! o# his calle( hi* a Sai"!. he !ur"e( !o her -i!h a #ace #ull o# a"+er. a"( sai(. ?Be+o"e -i!h )ou. I a* a (e il. "o! a Sai"!?. Whe" a"o!her sai( !o hi*. ?Fa!her. a !e*/!a!io" has co*e !o *e !o !hi", )ou are "o! -ha! !he -orl( !a,es )ou #or.? he a"s-ere(. ?Be sure o# !his. !ha! I a* a *a" li,e *) "ei+h'ours. a"( "o!hi"+ *ore?. Wha! a re#lec!io" o" or(i"ar) Chris!ia"s is !he la"+ua+e o# Sai"!s a'ou! !he*sel esG Mul!i!u(es i"(ee( li e i" *or!al si". a"( ha e "o co"cer" a! all %1:I& a'ou! /rese"!. /as!. or #u!ure. Bu! e e" !hose -ho +o so #ar as !o co*e !o !he Sacra*e"!s. "e er !rou'le !he*sel es -i!h !he !hou+h! o# /erse era"ce. The) see* !o !a,e i! as a *a!!er o# course !ha!. i# !he) are i" a +oo( s!a!e o# *i"( a! /rese"!. i! -ill co"!i"ue. $erha/s !he) ha e 'ee" co" er!e( #ro* a si"#ul li#e. a"( are er) (i##ere"! #ro* -ha! !he) ha e 'ee". The) #eel !he co*#or! o# !he cha"+e. !he) #eel !he /eace a"( sa!is#ac!io" o# a clea"se( co"scie"ce. 'u! !he) are so !a,e" u/ -i!h !ha! co*#or! a"( /eace. !ha! !he) res! i" i! a"( 'eco*e secure. The) (o "o! +uar( a+ai"s! !e*/!a!io". or /ra) #or su//or! u"(er i!7 i! (oes "o! occur !o !he* !ha!. as !he) ha e cha"+e( #ro* si" !o reli+io". so !he) *a). i# so 'e. cha"+e 'ac, a+ai" #ro* reli+io" !o si". The) (o "o! realise e"ou+h !heir co"!i"ual (e/e"(e"ce o" ;o(7 so*e !e*/!a!io" co*es o" !he*. or so*e icissi!u(e o# li#e. !he) are sur/rise(. !he) #all. a"( /erha/s !he) "e er reco er. Wha! a sce"e is !his li#e. a sce"e o# al*os! u"i ersal (isa//oi"!*e"!G o# s/ri"+s 'li+h!e(.3o# har es!s 'ea!e" (o-" ') !he s!or*. -he" !he) shoul( ha e 'ee" +a!here( i"!o !he s!orehousesG o# !ar() a"( i*/er#ec! re/e"!a"ces. -he" !here is "o!hi"+ else le#! !o 'e (o"e. o# u"sa!is#ac!or) resol es a"( /oor e##or!s. -he" !he e"( o# li#e is co*eG

73 O *) (ear chil(re". ho- su'(ue( our re6oici"+ i" )ou is. e e" -he" )ou are -al,i"+ -ell a"( ho/e#ull)G ho- a"0ious are -e #or )ou. e e" -he" )ou are cheer#ul #ro* !he li+h!"ess o# )our co"scie"ce a"( !he si"ceri!) o# )our hear!sG ho- -e si+h -he" -e +i e !ha",s #or )ou. %1:1& a"( !re*'le e e" -hile -e re6oice i" heari"+ )our co"#essio"s a"( a'sol i"+ )ouG A"( -h)2 'ecause -e ,"o- ho- +rea! a"( hi+h is !he +i#! o# /erse era"ce. Whe" Ha9ael ca*e -i!h his /rese"!s !o !he /ro/he! Eliseus. !he *a" o# ;o( s!oo( o er a+ai"s! hi*. i" sile"ce a"( i" 'i!!er !hou+h!. !ill a! las! !he 'loo( *ou"!e( u/ i"!o his cou"!e"a"ce. a"( he -e/!. He -e/!. !o Ha9aelBs sur/rise. a! !he /ros/ec! o# !he (rea(#ul 'u!cheries -hich !he sol(ier 'e#ore hi*. li!!le as he hi*sel# e0/ec!e( i!. -as !o /er/e!ra!e -he" he succee(e( !o !he !hro"e o# S)ria. We. O ho"es! a"( cheer#ul hear!s. are "o! /ro/he!s as Eliseus. "or are )ou (es!i"e( !o hi+h es!a!e a"( e0!raor(i"ar) !e*/!a!io" as Ha9ael7 'u! s!ill !he !ears -hich !he *a" o# ;o( she(. -ha! i# so*e A"+el shoul( 'e she((i"+ !he li,e o er a") o# )ou. -ha! !i*e )ou are recei i"+ /ar(o" a"( +race #ro* !he oice a"( ha"( o# !he $ries!s o# Chris!G O. ho- *a") are !here -ho /ass -ell a"( ho/e#ull) !hrou+h -ha! see* !o 'e !heir *os! cri!ical )ears. a"( #all 6us! -he" o"e *i+h! co"si(er !he* 'e)o"( (a"+erG Ho*a") are +oo( )ou!hs. )e! careless *e"7 'la*eless #ro* #i#!ee" !o !-e"!). )e! ca/!i es !o ha'i!s o# si" 'e!-ee" !-e"!) a"( !hir!)G Ho*a") /erse ere !ill !he) *arr). a"( !he" /erha/s +e! i"e0!rica'l) e"!a"+le( i" !he cares or /leasures o# !his -orl(. a"( +i e u/ a!!e"(a"ce o" !he Sacra*e"!s. a"( o!her hol) /rac!ices. -hich !he) ha e hi!her!o o'ser e(G ho- *a") /ass !hrou+h !heir *arrie( li#e -ell. 'u! la/se i"!o si" o" !he (ea!h o# -i#e or hus'a"(G Ho- *a") are !here -ho ') *ere cha"+e o# /lace lose !heir reli+ious ha'i!s. a"( 'eco*e %1:5& #irs! careless a"( !he" sha*elessG Ho- *a") u/o" !he co**issio" o# o"e si" #all i"!o re*orse. (is+us! o# !he*sel es. a"( rec,less"ess. a oi( !he Co"#essio"al #ro* sha*e a"( (es/air. a"( li e o" )ear a#!er )ear. 'ur(e"e( -i!h !he cus!o() o# so*e *isera'le secre!G Ho- *a") #all i"!o !rou'le. lose !heir s/iri! a"( hear!. shu! !he*sel es u/ i" !he*sel es. a"( #eel a sor! o# a ersio" !o reli+io". -he" reli+io" -oul( 'e all i" all !o !he*G Ho- *a") co*e !o so*e +rea! /ros/eri!). a"(. carrie( a-a) ') i!. ?-a0 #a! a"( ,ic,. a"( lea e ;o( !heir Ma,er. a"( rece(e #ro* ;o( !heir Sa iour?G Ho*a") #all i"!o lu,e-ar*"ess al*os! li,e (ea!h. a#!er !heir #irs! #er ourG Ho- *a") lose !he +races 'e+u" i" !he* ') sel#<co"#i(e"ce a"( arro+a"! i*/e!uosi!)G Ho- *a"). "o! )e! Ca!holics. -ho u"(er ;o(Bs +ui(a"ce -ere *a,i"+ ri+h! #or !he Ca!holic Church. su((e"l) !ur" shor! a"( *iss. ?li,e a croo,e( 'o-?G Ho- *a"). -he" le( #or-ar( ') ;o(Bs u"*eri!e( +race. are i"#lue"ce( ') !he /ersuasio"s o# rela!i es or !he i"(uce*e"!s o# s!a!io" or o# -eal!h. a"( 'eco*e i" !he e e"! sce/!ics or i"#i(els -he" !he) *i+h! ha e al*os! (ie( i" !he o(our o# sa"c!i!)G Ho- *a"). -hose co"!ri!io" o"ce +ai"e( #or !he* e e" !he +race o# 6us!i#ica!io". )e! a#!er-ar(s. ') re#usi"+ !o +o

74 #or-ar(. ha e +o"e 'ac,-ar(s. !hou+h !he) *ai"!ai" a se*'la"ce o# -ha! !he) o"ce -ere. ') *ea"s o# !he *ere "a!ural ha'i!s -hich su/er"a!ural +race has #or*e( -i!hi" !he*. Wha! a *isera'le -rec, is !he -orl(. ho/es -i!hou! su's!a"ce. /ro*ises -i!hou! #ul#il*e"!. re/e"!a"ce -i!hou! %1:8& a*e"(*e"!. 'losso* -i!hou! #rui!. co"!i"ua"ce a"( /ro+ress -i!hou! /erse era"ceG O *) (eares! chil(re". le! *e "o! (e/ress )ou7 i! is )our (u!). )our /ri ile+e !o re6oice7 I -oul( "o! #ri+h!e" )ou *ore !ha" i! is +oo( #or )ou !o 'e #ri+h!e"e(. So*e o# )ou -ill !a,e i! !oo *uch !o hear!. a"( -ill #re! )oursel es u"(ul). as I #ear. I (o "o! -ish !o sa((e" )ou. 'u! !o *a,e )ou cau!ious7 (ou'! "o! )ou -ill 'e le( o". #ear "o! !o #all. /ro i(e( )ou (o 'u! #ear a #all. Feari"+ -ill secure )ou #ro* -ha! )ou #ear. O"l) ?'e so'er. 'e i+ila"!.? as S!. $e!er sa)s. 'e-are o# !a,i"+ sa!is#ac!io" i" -ha! )ou are. u"(ers!a"( !ha! !he o"l) -a) !o a oi( #alli"+ 'ac, is !o /ress #or-ar(. Drea( all occasio"s o# si". +e! a ha'i! o# shri",i"+ #ro* !he 'e+i""i"+s o# !e*/!a!io". Ne er s/ea, co"#i(e"!l) a'ou! )oursel es. "or co"!e*/!uousl) o# !he reli+ious"ess o# o!hers. "or li+h!l) o# sacre( !hi"+s7 +uar( )our e)es. +uar( !he #irs! s/ri"+s o# !hou+h!. 'e 6ealous o# )oursel es -he" alo"e. "e+lec! "o! )our (ail) /ra)ers7 a'o e all. /ra) s/eciall) a"( co"!i"uall) #or !he +i#! o# /erse era"ce. Co*e !o Mass as o#!e" as )ou ca". isi! !he Blesse( Sacra*e"!. *a,e #re1ue"! ac!s o# #ai!h a"( lo e. a"( !r) !o li e i" !he $rese"ce o# ;o(. A"( #ur!her s!ill. i"!eres! )our (ear Mo!her. !he Mo!her o# ;o(. i" )our success7 /ra) !o her ear"es!l) #or i!7 she ca" (o *ore #or )ou !ha" a") o"e else. $ra) her ') !he /ai" she su##ere(. -he" !he shar/ s-or( -e"! !hrou+h her. /ra) her. ') her o-" /erse era"ce. -hich -as i" her !he +i#! o# !he sa*e ;o( o# -ho* )ou as, i! #or )oursel es. ;o( %1::& -ill "o! re#use )ou. He -ill "o! re#use her. i# )ou ha e recourse !o her succour. I! -ill 'e a 'lesse( !hi"+. i" )our las! hour. -he" #lesh a"( hear! are #aili"+. i" !he *i(s! o# !he /ai". !he -eari"ess. !he res!less"ess. !he /ros!ra!io" o# s!re"+!h. a"( !he e0haus!io" o# s/iri!s. -hich !he" -ill 'e )our /or!io". i! -ill 'e 'lesse( i"(ee( !o ha e her a! )our si(e. *ore !e"(er !ha" a" ear!hl) *o!her. !o "urse )ou a"( !o -his/er /eace. I! -ill 'e *os! 'lesse(. -he" !he e il o"e is *a,i"+ his las! e##or!. -he" he is co*i"+ o" )ou i" his *i+h! !o /luc, )ou a-a) #ro* )our Fa!herBs ha"(. i# he ca"3i! -ill 'e 'lesse( i"(ee( i# Jesus. i# Mar) a"( Jose/h are !he" -i!h )ou. -ai!i"+ !o shiel( )ou #ro* his assaul!s a"( !o recei e )our soul. I# !he) are !here. all are !here7 A"+els are !here. Sai"!s are !here. hea e" is !here. hea e" is 'e+u" i" )ou. a"( !he (e il has "o /ar! i" )ou. Tha! (rea( (a) *a) 'e soo"er or la!er. )ou *a) 'e !a,e" a-a) )ou"+. )ou *a) li e !o #ourscore. )ou *a) (ie i" )our 'e(. )ou *a) (ie i" !he o/e" #iel(. 'u! i# Mar) i"!erce(es #or )ou. !ha! (a) -ill #i"( )ou -a!chi"+ a"( rea(). All !hi"+s -ill 'e #i0e( !o secure )our sal a!io"7 all (a"+ers -ill 'e #oresee". all o's!acles re*o e(. all ai(s

75 /ro i(e(. The hour -ill co*e. a"( i" a *o*e"! )ou -ill 'e !ra"sla!e( 'e)o"( #ear a"( ris,. )ou -ill 'e !ra"sla!e( i"!o a "e- s!a!e -here si" is "o!. "or i+"ora"ce o# !he #u!ure. 'u! /er#ec! #ai!h a"( sere"e 6o). a"( assura"ce a"( lo e e erlas!i"+. To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse F. Na!ure a"( ;race

%1:=& IN !he $ara'le o# !he ;oo( She/her( our Lor( se!s 'e#ore us a (is/e"sa!io" or s!a!e o# !hi"+s. -hich is er) s!ra"+e i" !he e)es o# !he -orl(. He s/ea,s o# *a",i"( as co"sis!i"+ o# !-o 'o(ies. (is!i"c! #ro* each o!her. (i i(e( ') as real a li"e o# (e*arca!io" as !he #e"ce -hich e"closes !he shee/#ol(. ?I a* !he Door.? He sa)s. ?') Me i# a") *a" shall ha e e"!ere( i". he shall 'e sa e(@ a"( he shall +o i" a"( +o ou!. a"( shall #i"( /as!ures. M) shee/ hear M) oice. a"( I ,"o!he*. a"( !he) #ollo- Me a"( I +i e !he* li#e e erlas!i"+7 a"( !he) shall "o! /erish #or e er. a"( "o *a" shall s"a!ch !he* ou! o# M) Ha"(.? A"( i" His las! /ra)er #or His (isci/les !o His E!er"al Fa!her. He sa)s. ?I ha e *a"i#es!e( Th) Na*e !o !he *e" -ho* Thou has! +i e" Me ou! o# !he -orl(. Thi"e !he) -ere. a"( Thou has! +i e" !he* !o Me. a"( !he) ha e ,e/! Th) -or(. I /ra) #or !he*. I /ra) "o! #or !he -orl(. 'u! #or !hose -ho* Thou has! +i e" Me. #or !he) are Thi"e. Hol) Fa!her. ,ee/ !he* i" Th) Na*e -ho* Thou has! +i e" Me. !ha! !he) *a) 'e o"e. as We also.? %1:A& Nor are !hese /assa+es soli!ar) or si"+ular7 ?Fear "o!. li!!le #loc,.? He sa)s ') a"o!her E a"+elis!. ?#or i! ha!h /lease( )our Fa!her !o +i e )ou !he ,i"+(o*?. A"( a+ai". ?I !ha", Thee. Fa!her. Lor( o# hea e" a"( ear!h. !ha! Thou has! hi( !hese !hi"+s #ro* !he -ise a"( /ru(e"!. a"( has! re eale( !he* u"!o li!!le o"es7? a"( a+ai". ?Ho- "arro- is !he +a!e. a"( s!rai! !he -a) -hich lea(e!h !o li#e. a"( #e- !here are -ho #i"( i!G? S!. $aul re/ea!s a"( i"sis!s o" !his (oc!ri"e o# his Lor(. ?4e -ere o"ce (ar,"ess. 'u! "o- are li+h! i" !he Lor(7? ?He ha!h (eli ere( us #ro* !he /o-er o# (ar,"ess. a"( ha!h !ra"sla!e( us i"!o !he ,i"+(o* o# !he So" o# His lo e?. A"( S!. Joh". ?;rea!er is He !ha! is i" )ou !ha" he !ha! is i" !he -orl(. The) are o# !he -orl(. -e are o# ;o(.? Thus !here are !-o /ar!ies o" !his ear!h. a"( !-o o"l). i# -e ie- *e" i" !heir reli+ious as/ec!7 !hose. !he #e-. -ho hear Chris!Bs -or(s a"( #ollo- Hi*. -ho are i" !he li+h!. a"( -al, i" !he "arro-a). a"( ha e !he /ro*ise o# hea e"7 a"( !hose. o" !he o!her ha"(. -ho are *a"). #or -ho* Chris! /ra)s "o!. !hou+h He has (ie( #or

76 !he*. -ho are -ise a"( /ru(e"! i" !heir o-" e)es. -ho are /ossesse( ') !he E il O"e. a"( are su'6ec! !o his rule. A"( such is !he ie- !a,e" o# *a",i"(. as ') !heir Ma,er a"( Re(ee*er. so also ') !he s*all co*/a") i" -ho* He li es a"( is +lori#ie(7 'u! #ar (i##ere"!l) (oes !he lar+er 'o(). !he -orl( i!sel#. loo, u/o" *a",i"( a! lar+e. u/o" i!s o-" as! *ul!i!u(es. a"( u/o" !hose -ho* ;o( has !a,e" ou! o# i! #or His o-" s/ecial %1:E& i"heri!a"ce. I! co"si(ers !ha! all *e" are /re!!) *uch o" a le el. or !ha!. (i##er !hou+h !he) *a). !he) (i##er ') such #i"e sha(es #ro* each o!her. !ha! i! is i*/ossi'le. 'ecause #orsoo!h i! -oul( 'e u"!rue a"( u"6us!. !o (i i(e !he* i"!o !-o 'o(ies. or !o (i i(e !he* a! all. ?Each *a" is li,e hi*sel# a"( "o o"e else7 each *a" has his o-" o/i"io"s. his o-" rule o# #ai!h a"( co"(uc!. his o-" -orshi/7 i# a "u*'er 6oi" !o+e!her i" a reli+ious #or*. !his is a" acci(e"!. #or !he sa,e o# co" e"ie"ce7 #or each is co*/le!e i" hi*sel#7 reli+io" is si*/l) a /erso"al co"cer"7 !here is "o such !hi"+ reall) as a co**o" or 6oi"! reli+io". !ha! is. o"e i" -hich a "u*'er o# *e". s!ric!l) s/ea,i"+. /ar!a,e7 i! is all *a!!er o# /ri a!e 6u(+*e"!. He"ce. as !he) so*e!i*es /rocee( e e" !o a o-. !here is "o such !hi"+ as a !rue reli+io" or a #alse7 !ha! is !rue !o each. -hich each si"cerel) 'elie es !o 'e !rue7 a"( -ha! is !rue !o o"e. is "o! !rue !o his "ei+h'our. There are "o s/ecial (oc!ri"es. "ecessar) !o 'e 'elie e( i" or(er !o sal a!io"7 i! is "o! er) (i##icul! !o 'e sa e(7 a"( *os! *e" *a) !a,e i! #or +ra"!e( !ha! !he) shall 'e sa e(. All *e" are i" ;o(Bs #a our. e0ce/! so #ar as. a"( -hile. !he) co**i! ac!s o# si"7 'u! -he" !he si" is o er. !he) +e! 'ac, i"!o His #a our a+ai". "a!urall) a"( as a !hi"+ o# course. "o o"e ,"o-s ho-. o-i"+ !o ;o(Bs i"#i"i!e i"(ul+e"ce. u"less i"(ee( !he) /erse ere a"( (ie i" a course o# si". a"( /erha/s e e" !he". There is "o such /lace as hell. or a! leas! /u"ish*e"! is "o! e!er"al. $re(es!i"a!io". elec!io". +race. /erse era"ce. #ai!h. sa"c!i!). u"'elie#. a"( re/ro'a!io" are s!ra"+e i(eas. %1:F& a"(. as !he) !hi",. er) #alse o"es.? This is !he cas! o# o/i"io" o# *e" i" +e"eral. i" /ro/or!io" as !he) e0ercise !heir *i"(s o" !he su'6ec! o# reli+io". a"( !hi", #or !he*sel es7 a"( i# i" a") res/ec! !he) (e/ar! #ro* !he eas). cheer#ul. a"( !ra"1uil !e*/er o# *i"( -hich i! e0/resses. i! is -he" !he) are le( !o !hi", o# !hose -ho /resu*e !o !a,e !he co"!rar) ie-. !ha! is. -ho !a,e !he ie- se! #or!h ') Chris! a"( His A/os!les. O" !hese !he) are co**o"l) se ere. !ha! is. o" !he er) /erso"s -ho* ;o( ac,"o-le(+es as His. a"( is !rai"i"+ hea e"-ar(.3o" Ca!holics. -ho are !he -i!"esses a"( /reachers o# !hose a-#ul (oc!ri"es o# +race. -hich co"(e*" !he -orl(. a"( -hich !he -orl( ca""o! e"(ure. I" !ru!h !he -orl( (oes "o! ,"o- o# !he e0is!e"ce o# +race7 "or is i! -o"(er#ul. #or i! is e er co"!e"!e( -i!h i!sel# a"( has "e er !ur"e( !o accou"! !he su/er"a!ural ai(s 'es!o-e( u/o" i!. I!s hi+hes! i(ea o# *a" lies i" !he or(er o# "a!ure7 i!s /a!!er" *a" is !he "a!ural *a"7 i!

77 !hi",s i! -ro"+ !o 'e a")!hi"+ else !ha" a "a!ural *a". I! sees !ha! "a!ure has a "u*'er o# !e"(e"cies. i"cli"a!io"s. a"( /assio"s7 a"( 'ecause !hese are "a!ural. i! !hi",s !ha! each o# !he* *a) 'e i"(ul+e( #or i!s o-" sa,e. so #ar as i! (oes "o har* !o o!hers. or !o a /erso"Bs 'o(il). *e"!al. a"( !e*/oral -ell<'ei"+. I! co"si(ers !ha! -a"! o# *o(era!io". or e0cess. is !he er) (e#i"i!io" o# si". i# i! +oes so #ar as !o reco+"ise !ha! -or(. I! !hi",s !ha! he is !he /er#ec! *a" -ho ea!s. a"( (ri",s. a"( slee/s. a"( -al,s. a"( (i er!s hi*sel#. a"( s!u(ies. a"( -ri!es. a"( a!!e"(s !o reli+io". i" *o(era!io". The (e o!io"al %1:H& #eeli"+ a"( !he i"!ellec!. a"( !he #lesh. ha e each i!s clai* u/o" us. a"( each *us! ha e /la). i# !he Crea!or is !o 'e (ul) ho"oure(. I! (oes "o! u"(ers!a"(. i! -ill "o! a(*i!. !ha! i*/ulses a"( /ro/e"si!ies. -hich are #ou"( i" our "a!ure. as ;o( crea!e( i!. *a) "e er!heless. i# i"(ul+e(. 'eco*e si"s. o" !he +rou"( !ha! He has su'6ec!e( !he* !o hi+her /ri"ci/les. -he!her !hese /ri"ci/les 'e i" our "a!ure. or 'e su/era((e( !o our "a!ure. He"ce i! is er) slo- !o 'elie e !ha! e il !hou+h!s are reall) (is/leasi"+ !o ;o(. a"( i"cur /u"ish*e"!. Wor,s. i"(ee(. !a"+i'le ac!io"s. -hich are see" a"( -hich ha e i"#lue"ce. i! -ill allo- !o 'e -ro"+7 'u! i! -ill "o! 'elie e e e" !ha! (ee(s are si"#ul. or !ha! !he) are *ore !ha" re/rehe"si'le. i# !he) are /ri a!e or /erso"al7 a"( i! is 'li"( u!!erl) !o !he *alice o# !hou+h!s. o# i*a+i"a!io"s. o# -ishes. a"( o# -or(s. Because !he -il( e*o!io"s o# a"+er. lus!. +ree(i"ess. cra#!. cruel!). are "o si" i" !he 'ru!e crea!io". -hich has "ei!her !he *ea"s "or !he co**a"( !o re/ress !he*. !here#ore !he) are "o si"s i" a 'ei"+ -ho has a (i i"er se"se a"( a co"!rolli"+ /o-er. Co"cu/isce"ce. i! co"si(ers. *a) 'e i"(ul+e(. 'ecause i! is i" i!s #irs! ele*e"!s "a!ural. Behol( here !he !rue ori+i" a"( #ou"!ai"<hea( o# !he -ar#are 'e!-ee" !he Church a"( !he -orl(7 here !he) 6oi" issue. a"( (i er+e #ro* each o!her. The Church is 'uil! u/o" !he (oc!ri"e !ha! i*/uri!) is ha!e#ul !o ;o(. a"( !ha! co"cu/isce"ce is i!s roo!7 -i!h !he $ri"ce o# !he A/os!les. her isi'le Hea(. she (e"ou"ces ?!he corru/!io" o# co"cu/isce"ce -hich is i" !he -orl(.? or. !ha! corru/!io" i" !he -orl( -hich %1=I& co*es o# co"cu/isce"ce7 -hereas !he corru/! -orl( (e#e"(s. "a). I *a) e e" sa). sa"c!i#ies !ha! er) co"cu/isce"ce -hich is !he -orl(Bs corru/!io". Jus! as i!s 'ol(er !eachers. as )ou ,"o-. *) 're!hre". hol( !ha! !he la-s o# !his /h)sical crea!io" are so su/re*e. as !o allo- o# !heir u!!erl) (is'elie i"+ i" !he e0is!e"ce o# *iracles. so. i" li,e *a""er. i! (ei#ies a"( -orshi/s hu*a" "a!ure a"( i!s i*/ulses. a"( (e"ies !he /o-er a"( !he +ra"! o# +race. This is !he source o# !he ha!re( -hich !he -orl( 'ears !o !he Church7 i! #i"(s a -hole ca!alo+ue o# si"s 'rou+h! i"!o li+h! a"( (e"ou"ce(. -hich i! -oul( #ai" 'elie e !o 'e "o si"s a! all7 i! #i"(s i!sel# !o i!s i"(i+"a!io" a"( i*/a!ie"ce. surrou"(e( -i!h si". *or"i"+. "oo". a"( "i+h!7 i! #i"(s !ha! a s!er" la- lies a+ai"s! i! i" *a!!ers -here i! 'elie e( i! -as i!s o-" *as!er a"( "ee( "o! !hi", o# ;o(7 i! #i"(s +uil! accu*ula!i"+ u/o" i! hourl). -hich "o!hi"+ ca" /re e"!. "o!hi"+

78 re*o e. 'u! a hi+her /o-er. !he +race o# ;o(. I! #i"(s i!sel# i" (a"+er o# 'ei"+ hu*'le( !o !he ear!h as a re'el. i"s!ea( o# 'ei"+ allo-e( !o i"(ul+e i!s sel#<(e/e"(e"ce a"( sel#<co*/lace"c). He"ce i! !a,es i!s s!a"( o" "a!ure. a"( (e"ies or re6ec!s (i i"e +race. Li,e !he /rou( s/iri! i" !he 'e+i""i"+. i! -ishes !o #i"( i!s su/re*e +oo( i" i!s o-" i!sel#. a"( "o!hi"+ a'o e i!7 i! u"(er!a,es !o 'e su##icie"! #or i!s o-" ha//i"ess7 i! has "o (esire #or !he su/er"a!ural. a"( !here#ore (oes "o! 'elie e i" i!. A"( 'ecause "a!ure ca""o! rise a'o e "a!ure. i! -ill "o! 'elie e !ha! !he "arro- -a) is /ossi'le7 i! ha!es !hose -ho e"!er u/o" i! as i# /re!e"(ers a"( h)/ocri!es. or lau+hs a! !heir %1=1& as/ira!io"s as ro*a"ce a"( #a"a!icis*7 les! i! shoul( ha e !o 'elie e i" !he e0is!e"ce o# +race. No- )ou *a) !hi",. *) 're!hre". #ro* !he -a) i" -hich I ha e 'ee" co"!ras!i"+ "a!ure a"( +race. !ha! !he) ca""o! /ossi'l) 'e *is!a,e" #or each o!her7 'u! I -ish !o sho- )ou. i" !he "e0! /lace. ho- +race *a) 'e *is!a,e" #or "a!ure. a"( "a!ure *is!a,e" #or +race. A"( i" e0/lai"i"+ !his er) +ra e *a!!er. I -ish. les! I shoul( 'e *isu"(ers!oo(. #irs! !o sa) (is!i"c!l). !ha! I a* *erel) co*/ari"+ a"( co"!ras!i"+ "a!ure a"( +race o"e -i!h a"o!her i" !heir se eral charac!ers. a"( ') "o *ea"s /resu*i"+ !o a//l) -ha! I shall sa) o# !he* !o ac!ual i"(i i(uals. or !o 6u(+e -ha! /erso"s. li i"+ or (ea(. are s/eci*e"s o# !he o"e or o# !he o!her. This !he" 'ei"+ *) o'6ec!. I re/ea! !ha!. co"!rar) !o -ha! *i+h! 'e !hou+h!. !he) *a) easil) 'e *is!a,e" #or each o!her. 'ecause. as i! is /lai" #ro* -ha! I ha e sai(. !he (i##ere"ce is i" a +rea! *easure a" i"-ar(. a"( !here#ore a secre! o"e. ;race is lo(+e( i" !he hear!7 i! /uri#ies !he !hou+h!s a"( *o!i es. i! raises !he soul !o ;o(. i! sa"c!i#ies !he 'o(). i! correc!s a"( e0al!s hu*a" "a!ure i" re+ar( !o !hose si"s o# -hich *e" are asha*e(. a"( (o "o! *a,e a /u'lic (is/la). Accor(i"+l). i" ou!-ar( sho-. i" si"+le ac!io"s. i" -or(. i" /ro#essio". i" !eachi"+. i" !he social a"( /oli!ical ir!ues. i" s!ri,i"+ a"( heroical e0/loi!s. o" !he /u'lic !ra"si!or) sce"e o# !hi"+s. "a!ure *a) cou"!er#ei! +race. "a) e e" !o !he (ece/!io" o# !he *a" hi*sel# i" -ho* !he cou"!er#ei! occurs. Recollec! !ha! i! is ') "a!ure. "o! ') +race. !ha! *a" has !he +i#!s o# %1=5& reaso" a"( co"scie"ce7 a"( *ere reaso" a"( co"scie"ce -ill lea( hi* !o (isco er. a"( i" a *easure /ursue. o'6ec!s -hich are. /ro/erl) s/ea,i"+. su/er"a!ural a"( (i i"e. Fro* !he !hi"+s -hich are see". #ro* !he oice o# !ra(i!io". #ro* !he e0is!e"ce o# !he soul. a"( #ro* !he "ecessi!) o# !he case. !he "a!ural reaso" ca" i"#er !he e0is!e"ce o# ;o(. The "a!ural hear! ca" 'urs! #or!h ') #i!s a"( s!ar!s i"!o e*o!io"s o# lo e !o-ar(s Hi*7 !he "a!ural i*a+i"a!io" ca" (e/ic! !he 'eau!) a"( +lor) o# His a!!ri'u!es7 !he "a!ural co"scie"ce *a) ascer!ai" a"( /u! i" or(er !he !ru!hs o# !he +rea! *oral la-. "a) e e" !o !he co"(e*"a!io" o# !ha! co"cu/isce"ce. -hich i! is !oo -ea, !o su'(ue. a"( is !here#ore /ersua(e( !o !olera!e. The "a!ural -ill ca" (o *a") !hi"+s reall) +oo( a"( /raise-or!h)7 "a). i" /ar!icular cases. or a! /ar!icular

79 seaso"s. -he" !e*/!a!io" is a-a). i! *a) see* !o ha e a s!re"+!h -hich i! has "o!. a"( !o 'e i*i!a!i"+ !he aus!eri!) a"( /uri!) o# a Sai"!. O"e *a" has "o !e*/!a!io" !o !his si". "or a"o!her !o !ha!7 he"ce hu*a" "a!ure *a) o#!e" sho- !o +rea! a( a"!a+e7 a"(. as see" i" i!s ha//ier s/eci*e"s. i! *a) 'eco*e 1ui!e a !rial !o #ai!h. seei"+ !ha! i" i!s 'es! es!a!e i! has reall) "o rela!io"shi/ !o !he #a*il) o# Chris!. a"( "o clai* -ha!e er !o a hea e"l) re-ar(.3!hou+h i! ca" !al, o# Chris! a"( hea e" !oo. rea( Scri/!ure. a"( ?(o *a") !hi"+s -illi"+l)? i" co"se1ue"ce o# rea(i"+ i!. a"( ca" e0ercise a cer!ai" sor! o# 'elie#. ho-e er (i##ere"! #ro* !ha! #ai!h -hich is i*/ar!e( !o us ') +race. For i"s!a"ce. i! is a *os! *our"#ul. o#!e" 1ui!e a /ierci"+ !hou+h!. !o co"!e*/la!e !he co"(uc! a"( !he %1=8& charac!er o# !hose -ho ha e "e er recei e( !he ele*e"!ar) +race o# ;o( i" !he Sacra*e"! o# Ba/!is* JNo!eL. The) *a) 'e i" #ac!. so 'e"e ole"!. so ac!i e a"( u"!iri"+ i" !heir 'e"e ole"ce7 !he) *a) 'e so -ise a"( so co"si(era!e7 !he) *a) ha e so *uch i" !he* !o e"+a+e !he a##ec!io"s o# !hose -ho see !he*G Well. le! us lea e !he* !o ;o(7 His +race is o er all !he ear!h7 i# !ha! +race co*es !o +oo( e##ec! a"( 'ears #rui! i" !he hear!s o# !he u"'a/!ise(. He -ill re-ar( i!7 'u!. -here +race is "o!. !here (ou'!less -ha! loo,s so #air has i!s re-ar( i" !his -orl(. such +oo( as is i" i! ha i"+ "o 'e!!er clai* o" a hea e"l) re-ar( !ha" s,ill i" a") ar! or scie"ce. !ha" elo1ue"ce or -i!. A"( *oreo er. i! o#!e" ha//e"s. !ha!. -here !here is *uch !ha! is s/ecious a"( a*ia'le. !here is also *uch !ha! is si"#ul. a"( #ri+h!#ull) so. Me" sho- !heir 'es! #ace i" !he -orl(7 'u! #or !he +rea!er /ar! o# !heir !i*e. !he *a") hours o# !he (a) a"( !he "i+h!. !he) are shu! u/ i" !heir o-" !hou+h!s. The) are !heir o-" -i!"esses. "o"e see !he* 'esi(es. sa e ;o( a"( His A"+els7 !here#ore i" such cases -e ca" o"l) 6u(+e o# -ha! -e ac!uall) see. a"( ca" o"l) a(*ire -ha! is i" i!sel# +oo(. -i!hou! ha i"+ a") *ea"s o# (e!er*i"i"+ !he real *oral co"(i!io" o# !hose -ho (is/la) i!. Jus! as chil(re" are cau+h! ') !he *ere +oo(<"a!ure a"( #a*iliari!) -i!h -hich !he) are !rea!e( ') so*e +ro-" *a". a"( ha e "o *ea"s or !hou+h! o# #or*i"+ a 6u(+*e"! a'ou! hi* i" o!her res/ec!s. a"( *a) 'e sur/rise(. -he" !he) +ro- u/. !o #i"( ho- u"-or!h) he is o# !heir res/ec! or a##ec!io"7 as !he %1=:& u"e(uca!e(. -ho ha e see" er) li!!le o# !he -orl(. ha e "o #acul!ies #or (is!i"+uishi"+ 'e!-ee" o"e ra", o# *e" a"( a"o!her. a"( co"si(er all /erso"s o" a le el -ho are res/ec!a'l) (resse(. -ha!e er 'e !heir acce"!. !heir carria+e. or !heir cou"!e"a"ce7 so all o# us. "o! chil(re" o"l) or !he u"cul!i a!e(. are 'u! "o ices. or less !ha" "o ices. i" !he 'usi"ess o# (eci(i"+ -ha! is !he real s!a!e i" ;o(Bs si+h! o# !his or !ha! *a". -ho is e0!er"al !o !he Church. )e! i" charac!er or co"(uc! rese*'les her !rue so"s. No! e"!eri"+ !he" u/o" !his /oi"!. -hich is 'e)o"( us. so *uch -e e e" ca" see a"( are sure o#. !ha! hu*a" "a!ure is. i" a (e+ree

80 'e)o"( all -or(s. i"co"sis!e"!. a"( !ha! -e *us! "o! !a,e #or +ra"!e( !ha! i! ca" (o a")!hi"+ a! all *ore !ha" i! ac!uall) (oes. or !ha! !hose. i" -ho* i! sho-s *os! /lausi'l). are a -hi! 'e!!er !ha" !he) loo,. We see !he 'es!. a"( Cas #ar as *oral e0celle"ce +oesD !he -hole o# !he*. We ca""o! ar+ue #ro* -ha! -e see i" #a our o# -ha! -e (o "o! see7 -e ca""o! !a,e -ha! -e see as a s/eci*e" o# -ha! !he) reall) are. Sa(. !he". as !he s/ec!acle o# such a *a" is !o a Ca!holic. he is "o (i##icul!) !o hi*. He *a) ha e *a") ir!ues. )e! he *a) ha e "o!hi"+ o# a s/ecial Chris!ia" cas! a'ou! hi*. hu*ili!). /uri!). or (e o!io". He *a) li,e his o-" -a) i"!e"sel). ha e a +rea! o/i"io" o# his o-" /o-ers. sco## a! #ai!h a"( reli+ious #ear. a"( sel(o* or "e er ha e sai( a /ra)er i" his li#e. Na). e e" ou!-ar( +ra i!) o# (e/or!*e"! is "o -arra"! !ha! !here is "o! -i!hi" a" ha'i!ual i"(ul+e"ce o# e il !hou+h!s. a"( secre! o##e"ces o(ious !o Al*i+h!) ;o(. We a(*ire. #or %1==& i"s!a"ce. -ha!e er is e0celle"! i" !he a"cie"! hea!he"7 -e ac,"o-le(+e -i!hou! 6ealous) -ha!e er !he) ha e (o"e ir!uous a"( /raise-or!h). 'u! -e u"(ers!a"( as li!!le o# !he charac!er or (es!i") o# !he 'ei"+ i" -ho* !ha! +oo("ess is #ou"(. as -e u"(ers!a"( !he "a!ure o# !he *a!erial su's!a"ces -hich /rese"! !he*sel es !o us u"(er !he ou!-ar( +ar' o# sha/e a"( colour. The) are !o us as u","o-" causes -hich ha e i"#lue"ce( or (is!ur'e( !he -orl(. a"( -hich *a"i#es! !he*sel es i" cer!ai" +rea! e##ec!s. /oli!ical. social. or e!hical7 !he) are !o us as /ic!ures. -hich a//eal !o !he e)e. 'u! "o! !o !he !ouch. We (o "o! ,"o- !ha! !he) -oul( /ro e !o 'e *ore real !ha" a /ai"!i"+. i# -e coul( !ouch !he*. Thus *uch -e ,"o-. !ha!. i# !he) ha e a!!ai"e( !o hea e". i! has 'ee" ') !he +race o# ;o( a"( !heir coo/era!io" -i!h i!7 i# !he) ha e li e( -i!hou! usi"+ !ha! +race -hich is +i e" !o all. !he) ha e "o ho/e o# li#e7 a"(. i# !he) ha e li e( a"( (ie( i" *or!al si". !he) are i" !he s!a!e o# 'a( Ca!holics. a"( ha e !he /ros/ec! o# "e er<e"(i"+ (ea!h. 4e!. i# -e allo- oursel es !o !a,e !he *ere ou!-ar( a//eara"ce o# !hi"+s. a"( !he ha//ier. !hou+h /ar!ial a"( occasio"al. e##or!s o# hu*a" "a!ure. ho- +rea! i! is. ho- a*ia'le. ho- 'rillia"!.3!ha! is. i# -e *a) /re!e"( !o !he /o-er o# ie-i"+ i! (is!i"c! #ro* !he su/er"a!ural i"#lue"ces -hich ha e e er hau"!e( i!G Ho- +rea! are !he ol( ;ree, la-+i ers a"( s!a!es*e". -hose his!ories a"( -or,s are ,"o-" !o so*e o# us. a"( -hose "a*es !o *a") *oreG Ho+rea! are !hose s!er" Ro*a" heroes. -ho co"1uere( !he -orl(. a"( /re/are( !he -a) #or Chris!G Ho- -ise. ho- /ro#ou"(. %1=A& are !hose a"cie"! !eachers a"( sa+esG -ha! /o-er o# i*a+i"a!io". -ha! a se*'la"ce o# /ro/hec). is *a"i#es! i" !heir /oe!sG The /rese"! -orl( is i" *a") res/ec!s "o! so +rea! as i" !ha! ol( !i*e. 'u! e e" "o!here is e"ou+h i" i! !o sho- 'o!h !he s!re"+!h o# hu*a" "a!ure i" !his res/ec!. a"( i!s -ea,"ess. Co"si(er !he soli(i!) o# our o-" /oli!ical #a'ric a! ho*e. a"( !he e0/a"sio" o# our e*/ire a'roa(. a"( )ou -ill ha e *a!!er e"ou+h s/rea( ou! 'e#ore )ou !o occu/) *a") a lo"+ (a) i" a(*ira!io" o# !he +e"ius. !he ir!ues. a"( !he resources o#

81 hu*a" "a!ure. Ta,e a seco"( *e(i!a!io" u/o" i!7 alasG )ou -ill #i"( "o!hi"+ o# #ai!h !here. 'u! *ai"l) e0/e(ie"ce as !he *easure o# ri+h! a"( -ro"+. a"( !e*/oral -ell<'ei"+ as !he e"( o# ac!io". A+ai". *a") are !he !ales a"( /oe*s -ri!!e" "o-<a<(a)s. e0/ressi"+ hi+h a"( 'eau!i#ul se"!i*e"!s7 I (are sa) so*e o# )ou. *) 're!hre". ha e #alle" i" -i!h !he*. a"( /erha/s )ou ha e !hou+h! !o )oursel es. !ha! he *us! 'e a *a" o# (ee/ reli+ious #eeli"+ a"( hi+h reli+ious /ro#essio" -ho coul( -ri!e so -ell. Is i! so i" #ac!. *) 're!hre"2 i! is "o! so7 -h)2 'ecause a#!er all i! is but /oe!r). "o! reli+io"7 i! is hu*a" "a!ure e0er!i"+ !he /o-ers o# i*a+i"a!io" a"( reaso". -hich i! has. !ill i! see*s also !o ha e /o-ers -hich i! has "o!. There are. )ou ,"o-. i" !he a"i*al -orl( arious crea!ures. -hich are a'le !o i*i!a!e !he oice o# *a"7 "a!ure i" li,e *a""er is o#!e" a *oc,er) o# +race. The !ru!h is. !he "a!ural *a" sees !his or !ha! /ri"ci/le !o 'e +oo( or !rue #ro* !he li+h! o# co"scie"ce7 a"( !he". si"ce he has !he /o-er o# reaso"i"+. he ,"o-s !ha!. i# !his 'e !rue. *a") o!her !hi"+s are !rue li,e-ise7 %1=E& a"( !he". ha i"+ !he /o-er o# i*a+i"a!io". he /ic!ures !o hi*sel# !hose o!her !hi"+s as !rue. !hou+h he (oes "o! reall) u"(ers!a"( !he*. A"( !he" he 'ri"+s !o his ai( -ha! he has rea( a"( +ai"e( #ro* o!hers -ho have ha( +race. a"( !hus he co*/le!es his s,e!ch7 a"( !he" he !hro-s his #eeli"+s a"( his hear! i"!o i!. *e(i!a!es o" i!. a"( ,i"(les i" hi*sel# a sor! o# e"!husias*. a"( !hus he is a'le !o -ri!e 'eau!i#ull) a"( !ouchi"+l) a'ou! -ha! !o o!hers i"(ee( *a) 'e a reali!). 'u! !o hi* is "o!hi"+ *ore !ha" a #ic!io". Thus so*e ca" -ri!e a'ou! !he earl) Mar!)rs. a"( o!hers (escri'e so*e +rea! Sai"! o# !he Mi((le A+es. "o! e0ac!l) as a Ca!holic -oul(. 'u! as i# !he) ha( a /ie!) a"( a serious"ess !o -hich reall) !he) are s!ra"+ers. So. !oo. ac!ors o" a s!a+e ca" e0ci!e !he*sel es !ill !he) !hi", !he) are !he /erso"s !he) re/rese"!7 a"(. as )ou ,"o-. /re6u(ice( /erso"s. -ho -ish !o 1uarrel -i!h a"o!her. i*/u!e so*e!hi"+ !o hi*. -hich a! #irs! !he) scarcel) 'elie e !he*sel es7 'u! !he) -ish !o 'elie e i! a"( ac! as i# i! -ere !rue. a"( raise a"( cherish a"+er a! !he !hou+h! o# i!. !ill a! las! !he) co*e si*/l) !o 'elie e i!. So i! is. I sa). i" !he case o# *a") a" au!hor i" erse a"( /rose7 rea(ers are (ecei e( ') his #i"e -ri!i"+7 !he) "o! o"l) /raise !his or !ha! se"!i*e"!. or ar+u*e"!. or (escri/!io". i" -ha! !he) rea(. -hich ha//e"s !o 'e !rue. 'u! !he) /u! #ai!h i" !he -ri!er hi*sel#7 a"( !he) 'elie e se"!i*e"!s or s!a!e*e"!s -hich are #alse o" !he cre(i! o# !he !ru!h. Thus i! is !ha! /eo/le are le( a-a) i"!o #alse reli+io"s a"( #alse /hiloso/hies7 a /reacher or s/ea,er. -ho is i" a s!a!e o# "a!ure. or has #alle" #ro* +race. is a'le !o sa) %1=F& *a") !hi"+s !o !ouch !he hear! o# a si""er or !o s!ri,e his co"scie"ce. -he!her #ro* his "a!ural /o-ers. or #ro* -ha! he has rea( i" 'oo,s7 a"( !he la!!er #or!h-i!h !a,es hi* #or his /ro/he! a"( +ui(e. o" !he -arra"! o# !hese acci(e"!al !ru!hs -hich i! re1uire( "o su/er"a!ural +i#!s !o (isco er a"( e"#orce.

82 Scri/!ure /ro i(es us a" i"s!a"ce o# such a /ro/he! C"a). o# o"e #ar *ore #a oure( a"( ho"oure( !ha" a") #alse !eacher is "o-D. -ho "e er!heless -as !he e"e*) o# ;o(7 I *ea" !he /ro/he! Balaa*. He -e"! #or!h !o curse !he chose" /eo/le i" s/i!e o# a" e0/ress /rohi'i!io" #ro* hea e". a"( !ha! #or *o"e)7 a"( a! le"+!h he (ie( #i+h!i"+ a+ai"s! !he* i" 'a!!le. Such -as he i" his li#e a"( i" his (ea!h7 such -ere his (ee(s7 'u! -ha! -ere his -or(s2 *os! reli+ious. *os! co"scie"!ious. *os! i"s!ruc!i e. ?I# Balac.? he sa)s. ?shall +i e *e his house #ull o# sil er a"( +ol(. I ca""o! al!er !he -or( o# !he Lor( *) ;o(.? A+ai". ?Le! *) soul (ie !he (ea!h o# !he 6us!. a"( le! *) e"( 'e li,e !o !heirsG? A"( a+ai". ?I -ill sho- !hee. O *a". -ha! is +oo(. a"( -ha! !he Lor( re1uire!h o# !hee7 !o (o 6u(+*e"! a"( !o lo e *erc). a"( !o -al, hee(#ull) -i!h !h) ;o(?. Here is a *a". -ho is "o! i" a s!a!e o# +race. s/ea,i"+ so reli+iousl). !ha! a! #irs! si+h! )ou *i+h! ha e !hou+h! he -as !o 'e #ollo-e( i" -ha!e er he sai(. a"( !ha! )our soul -oul( ha e 'ee" sa#e -i!h his. A"( !hus i! o#!e" ha//e"s. !ha! !hose -ho see* so a*ia'le a"( +oo(. a"( so !rus!-or!h). -he" -e o"l) ,"o- !he* #ro* !heir -ri!i"+s. (isa//oi"! us so /ai"#ull). i# a! le"+!h -e co*e !o ha e a /erso"al ac1uai"!a"ce %1=H& -i!h !he*. We (o "o! reco+"ise i" !he li i"+ 'ei"+ !he elo1ue"ce or !he -is(o* -hich so *uch e"cha"!e( us. He is ru(e. /erha/s. a"( u"#eeli"+7 he is sel#ish. he is (ic!a!orial. he is se"sual. he is e*/!)<*i"(e( a"( #ri olous7 -hile -e i" our si*/lici!) ha( a"!ece(e"!l) !hou+h! hi* !he er) e*'o(i*e"! o# /uri!) a"( !e"(er"ess. or a" oracle o# hea e"l) !ru!h. No-. *) (ear 're!hre". I ha e 'ee" e"+a+e( i" 'ri"+i"+ 'e#ore )ou -ha! hu*a" "a!ure ca" (o. a"( -ha! i! ca" a//ear. -i!hou! 'ei"+ reco"cile( !o ;o(. -i!hou! a") ho/e o# hea e". -i!hou! a") securi!) a+ai"s! si". -i!hou! a") /ar(o" o# !he ori+i"al curse. "a). i" !he *i(s! o# *or!al si"7 'u! i! is a s!a!e -hich has "e er e0is!e( i" #ac!. -i!hou! +rea! *o(i#ica!io"s. No o"e has e er 'ee" (e/ri e( o# !he assis!a"ce o# +race. 'o!h #or illu*i"a!io" a"( co" ersio"7 e e" !he hea!he" -orl( as a -hole ha( !o a cer!ai" e0!e"! i!s (ar,"ess relie e( ') !hese #i!#ul a"( recurre"! +lea*s o# li+h!7 'u! I ha e !hou+h! i! use#ul !o +e! )ou !o co"!e*/la!e -ha! hu*a" "a!ure is. ie-e( i" i!sel# #or arious reaso"s. I! e0/lai"s ho- i! is !ha! *e" loo, so li,e each o!her as !he) (o.3+race 'ei"+ i*i!a!e(. a"(. as i! -ere. ri alle( ') "a!ure. 'o!h i" socie!) a! lar+e. a"( i" !he hear!s o# /ar!icular /erso"s. He"ce !he -orl( -ill "o! 'elie e !he se/ara!io" reall) e0is!i"+ 'e!-ee" i! a"( !he Church. a"( !he s*all"ess o# !he #loc, o# Chris!. A"( he"ce !oo i! is. !ha! "u*'ers -ho ha e hear( !he Na*e o# Chris!. a"( /ro#ess !o 'elie e i" !he ;os/el. -ill "o! 'e /ersua(e( as re+ar(s !he*sel es !ha! !he) are e0!erior !o !he Church. a"( (o "o! e"6o) her /ri ile+es7 *erel) 'ecause %1AI& !he) (o !heir (u!) i" so*e +e"eral -a). or 'ecause !he) are co"scious !o

83 !he*sel es o# 'ei"+ 'e"e ole"! or u/ri+h!. A"( !his is a /oi"! -hich co"cer"s Ca!holics !oo. as I "o- /rocee( !o sho- )ou. Ma,e )oursel es 1ui!e sure !he". *) 're!hre". o# !he *a!!er o# #ac!. 'e#ore )ou +o a-a) -i!h !he 'elie#. !ha! )ou are "o! co"#usi"+. i" )our o-" case. "a!ure a"( +race. a"( !a,i"+ cre(i! !o )oursel es #or su/er"a!ural -or,s. -hich *eri! hea e". -he" )ou are 'u! (oi"+ !he -or,s o# a hea!he". are u"#or+i e". a"( lie u"(er a" e!er"al se"!e"ce. O. i! is a (rea(#ul !hou+h!. !ha! a *a" *a) (ecei e hi*sel# -i!h !he "o!io" !ha! he is secure. *erel) 'ecause he is a Ca!holic. a"( 'ecause he has so*e ,i"( o# lo e a"( #ear o# ;o(. -hereas he *a) 'e "o 'e!!er !ha" *a") a $ro!es!a"! rou"( a'ou! hi*. -ho ei!her "e er -as 'a/!ise(. or !hre- hi*sel# o"ce #or all ou! o# +race o" co*i"+ !o )ears o# u"(ers!a"(i"+. This i(ea is e"!irel) co"cei a'le7 i! is -ell i# i! 'e "o! !rue i" *a!!er o# #ac!. 4ou ,"o-. i! is o"e o/i"io" e"!er!ai"e( a*o"+ (i i"es a"( hol) *e". !ha! !he "u*'er o# Ca!holics !ha! are !o 'e sa e( -ill o" !he -hole 'e s*all. Mul!i!u(es o# !hose -ho "e er ,"e- !he ;os/el -ill rise u/ i" !he 6u(+*e"! a+ai"s! !he chil(re" o# !he Church. a"( -ill 'e sho-" !o ha e (o"e *ore -i!h sca"!ier o//or!u"i!ies. Our Lor( s/ea,s o# His /eo/le as a s*all #loc,. as I ci!e( His -or(s -he" I 'e+a"@ He sa)s. ?Ma") are calle(. #e- are chose"?. S!. $aul. s/ea,i"+ i" !he #irs! i"s!a"ce o# !he Je-s. sa)s !ha! 'u! ?a re*"a"! is sa e( accor(i"+ !o !he elec!io" o# +race?. He s/ea,s e e" o# !he /ossi'ili!) o# his o-" re/ro'a!io". %1A1& Wha! a !hou+h! i" a" A/os!leG )e! i! is o"e -i!h -hich Sai"!s are #a*iliar7 !he) #ear 'o!h #or !he*sel es a"( #or o!hers. I! is rela!e( i" !he his!or) o# *) o-" (ear $a!ro". S!. $hili/ Neri. !ha! so*e !i*e a#!er his (ea!h he a//eare( !o a hol) reli+ious. a"( 'a(e hi* !a,e a *essa+e o# co"sola!io" !o his chil(re". !he Fa!hers o# !he Ora!or). The co"sola!io" -as !his. !ha!. ') !he +race o# ;o(. u/ !o !ha! (a) "o! o"e o# !he Co"+re+a!io" ha( 'ee" los!. ?No"e o# !he* los!G? a *a" *a) cr) ou!7 ?-ell. ha( his co"sola!io" #or his chil(re" 'ee". !ha! !he) -ere all i" /ara(ise. ha i"+ esca/e( !he (ar, la,e o# /ur+a!or). !ha! -oul( ha e 'ee" so*e!hi"+ -or!h !elli"+7 'u! all he ha( !o sa) -as. !ha! "o"e o# !he* -ere i" hellG S!ra"+e i# !he) -ereG Here -as a successio" o# *e". -ho ha( +i e" u/ !he -orl( #or a reli+ious li#e. -ho ha( +i e" u/ sel# #or ;o( a"( !heir "ei+h'our. -ho ha( /asse( !heir (a)s i" /ra)er a"( +oo( -or,s. -ho ha( (ie( ha//il) -i!h !he las! Sacra*e"!s. a"( i! is re eale( a'ou! !he*. as a +rea! co"sola!io". !ha! "o! e e" o"e o# !he* -as los!G? S!ill such a#!er all is our hol) Fa!herBs co"sola!io"7 a"(. !ha! i! shoul( 'e such. o"l) /ro es !ha! sal a!io" is "o! so eas) a *a!!er. or so chea/ a /ossessio". as -e are a/! !o su//ose. I! is "o! o'!ai"e( ') !he *ere -ishi"+. A"(. i# i! -as a +i#! so !o 'e co e!e( ') *e". -ho ha( *a(e sacri#ices #or Chris!. a"( -ere li i"+ i" sa"c!i!). ho- *uch *ore rare a"( ar(uous o# a!!ai"*e"! is i! i" !hose -ho ha e co"#esse(l) lo e( !he -orl( *ore !ha" ;o(. a"( ha e "e er (rea*e( o# (oi"+ a") (u!) !o -hich !he Church (i( "o! o'li+e !he*G %1A5&

84 Tell *e. -ha! is !he s!a!e o# )our souls a"( !he rule o# )our li es2 4ou co*e !o Co"#essio". o"ce a )ear73#our !i*es a )ear73a! !he I"(ul+e"ces73)ou co**u"ica!e as o#!e"7 (o )ou "o! *iss Mass o" (a)s o# o'li+a!io"7 )ou are "o! co"scious o# a") +rea! si".3There )ou co*e !o a" e"(7 )ou ha e "o!hi"+ *ore !o sa). Wha!2 (o )ou "o! !a,e ;o(Bs "a*e i" ai"2 o"l) -he" )ou are a"+r)7 !ha! is. I su//ose. )ou are su'6ec! !o #i!s o# iole"! /assio". i" -hich )ou use e er) shoc,i"+ -or( -hich !he (e il /u!s i"!o )our *ou!h. a"( a'use a"( curse. a"( /erha/s s!ri,e !he o'6ec!s o# )our a"+er23O"l) "oa"( !he". )ou sa). -he" )ou are i" li1uor. The" i! see*s )ou are +i e" !o i"!o0ica!io"23)ou a"s-er. )ou "e er (ri", so *uch as "o! !o ,"o- -ha! )ou are (oi"+. Do )ou reall) *ea" !ha! #or a" e0cuseG Well. ha e )ou i*/ro e( i" !hese res/ec!s i" !he course o# se eral )ears /as!2 4ou ca""o! sa) )ou ha e. 'u! such si"s are "o! *or!al a! !he *os!. The". I su//ose. )ou ha e "o! la!el) #alle" i"!o *or!al si" a! all2 4ou /ause. a"( !he" )ou are o'li+e( !o co"#ess !ha! )ou ha e. a"( !ha! o"ce a"( a+ai"7 a"( !he *ore I 1ues!io" )ou. /erha/s !he lo"+er 'eco*es !he ca!alo+ue o# o##e"ces -hich ha e se/ara!e( )ou #ro* ;o(. Bu! !his is "o! all7 )our sole i(ea o# si" is. !he si""i"+ i" ac! a"( i" (ee(7 si"s o# ha'i!. -hich cli"+ so close !o )ou !ha! !he) are (i##icul! !o (e!ec!. a"( *a"i#es! !he*sel es i" sli+h! 'u! co"!i"ual i"#lue"ces o" )our !hou+h!s. -or(s. a"( -or,s. (o "o! e"+a+e )our a!!e"!io" a! all. 4ou are sel#ish. a"( o's!i"a!e. a"( -orl(l). a"( sel#< i"(ul+e"!7 )ou "e+lec! )our chil(re"7 %1A8& )ou are #o"( o# i(le a*use*e"!s7 )ou scarcel) e er !hi", o# ;o( #ro* (a) !o (a). #or I ca""o! call )our hurrie( /ra)ers *or"i"+ a"( "i+h! a") !hi",i"+ o# Hi* a! all. 4ou are #rie"(s -i!h !he -orl(. a"( li e a +oo( (eal a*o"+ !hose -ho ha e "o se"se o# reli+io". No- -ha! ha e )ou !o !ell *e -hich -ill se! a+ai"s! !his2 -ha! +oo( ha e )ou (o"e2 i" -ha! is )our ho/e o# hea e"2 -he"ce (o )ou +ai" i!2 4ou /erha/s a"s-er *e. !ha! !he Sacra*e"! o# $e"a"ce reco"ciles )ou #ro* !i*e !o !i*e !o ;o(7 !ha! )ou li e i" !he -orl(7 !ha! )ou are "o! calle( !o !he reli+ious s!a!e7 !ha! i! is !rue )ou lo e !he -orl( *ore !ha" ;o(. 'u! !ha! )ou lo e ;o( su##icie"!l) #or sal a!io". a"( !ha! )ou rel) i" !he hour o# (ea!h u/o" !he /o-er#ul i"!ercessio" o# !he Blesse( Mo!her o# ;o(. The" 'esi(es. )ou ha e a "u*'er o# +oo( /oi"!s. -hich )ou +o !hrou+h. a"( -hich are !o )ou si+"s !ha! )ou are i" !he +race o# ;o(7 )ou co"cei e !ha! )our s!a!e a! -ors! is o"e o# !e/i(i!). Te/i(i!)G I !ell )ou. )ou ha e "o *ar,s o# !e/i(i!)7 (o )ou -ish !o ,"o- -ha! a !e/i( /erso" is2 o"e -ho has 'e+u" !o lea( al*os! !he li#e o# a Sai"!. a"( has #alle" #ro* his #er our7 o"e -ho re!ai"s his +oo( /rac!ices. 'u! (oes !he* -i!hou! (e o!io"7 o"e -ho (oes so *uch. !ha! -e o"l) 'la*e hi* #or "o! (oi"+ *ore. No. )ou "ee( "o! co"#ess !e/i(i!). *) 'ro!her73(o )ou -ish !o ha e !he 6u(+*e"! -hich I a* le( !o #or* a'ou! )ou2 i! is. !ha! /ro'a'l) )ou are "o! i" !he +race o# ;o( a! all. The /ro'a'ili!) is. !ha! #or a lo"+ -hile /as! )ou ha e +o"e !o Co"#essio" -i!hou! !he /ro/er

85 (is/osi!io"s. -i!hou! real +rie#. a"( -i!hou! si"cere /ur/ose o# %1A:& a*e"(*e"! #or )our si"s. 4ou are /ro'a'l) such. !ha! -ere )ou !o (ie !his "i+h!. )ou -oul( 'e los! #or e er. Wha! (o )ou (o *ore !ha" "a!ure (oes2 4ou (o cer!ai" +oo( !hi"+s7 ?-ha! re-ar( ha e )e2 (o "o! e e" !he /u'lica"s so2 -ha! (o )e *ore !ha" o!hers2 (o "o! e e" !he hea!he" so2? 4ou ha e !he or(i"ar) ir!ues o# hu*a" "a!ure. or so*e o# !he*7 )ou are -ha! "a!ure *a(e )ou. a"( care "o! !o 'e 'e!!er. 4ou *a) 'e "a!urall) ,i"(<hear!e(. a"( !he" )ou (o chari!a'le ac!io"s !o o!hers7 )ou ha e a "a!ural s!re"+!h o# charac!er. 3i# so. )ou are a'le !o 'ri"+ )our /assio"s u"(er !he /o-er o# reaso"7 )ou ha e a "a!ural e"er+). a"( )ou la'our #or )our #a*il)7 )ou are "a!urall) *il(. a"( so )ou (o "o! 1uarrel7 )ou ha e a (isli,e o# i"!e*/era"ce. a"( !here#ore )ou are so'er. 4ou ha e !he ir!ues o# )our $ro!es!a"! "ei+h'ours. a"( !heir #aul!s !oo7 -ha! are )ou 'e!!er !ha" !he)2 Here is a"o!her +ra e *a!!er a+ai"s! )ou. !ha! )ou are so -ell -i!h !he $ro!es!a"!s a'ou! )ou7 I (o "o! *ea" !o sa) !ha! )ou are "o! 'ou"( !o cul!i a!e /eace -i!h all *e". a"( !o (o !he* all !he o##ices o# chari!) i" )our /o-er. O# course )ou are. a"( i# !he) res/ec!. es!ee*. a"( lo e )ou. i! re(ou"(s !o )our /raise a"( -ill +ai" )ou a re-ar(7 'u! I *ea" *ore !ha" !his7 I *ea" !he) (o not res/ec! )ou. 'u! !he) li,e )ou. 'ecause !he) !hi", o# )ou as o# !he*sel es. !he) see "o (i##ere"ce 'e!-ee" !he*sel es a"( )ou. This is !he er) reaso" -h) !he) so o#!e" !a,e )our /ar!. a"( asser! or (e#e"( )our /oli!ical ri+h!s. Here a+ai". !here is a se"se. o# course. i" -hich our ci il ri+h!s *a) 'e a( oca!e( ') $ro!es!a"!s -i!hou! a") re#lec!io" o" us. a"( %1A=& -i!h ho"our !o !he*. We are li,e o!hers i" !his. !ha! -e are *e"7 !ha! -e are *e*'ers o# !he sa*e s!a!e -i!h !he*. su'6ec!s. co"!e"!e( su'6ec!s. o# !he sa*e So erei+". !ha! -e ha e a (e/e"(e"ce o" !he*. a"( ha e !he* (e/e"(e"! o" us7 !ha!. li,e !he*. -e #eel /ai" -he" ill<use(. a"( are +ra!e#ul -he" -ell<!rea!e(. We "ee( "o! 'e asha*e( o# a #ello-shi/ li,e !his. a"( !hose -ho reco+"ise i! i" us are +e"erous i" (oi"+ so. Bu! -e ha e *uch cause !o 'e asha*e(. a"( *uch cause !o 'e a"0ious -ha! ;o( !hi",s o# us. i# -e +ai" !heir su//or! ') +i i"+ !he* a #alse i*/ressio" i" our /erso"s o# -ha! !he Ca!holic Church is a"( -ha! Ca!holics are 'ou"( !o 'e. -ha! 'ou"( !o 'elie e. a"( !o (o7 a"( is "o! !his !he case o#!e". *) 're!hre". !ha! !he -orl( !a,es u/ )our i"!eres!s. 'ecause )ou share i!s si"s2 Na!ure is o"e -i!h "a!ure. +race -i!h +race7 !he -orl( !he" -i!"esses a+ai"s! )ou ') 'ei"+ +oo( #rie"(s -i!h )ou7 )ou coul( "o! ha e +o! o" -i!h !he -orl( so -ell. -i!hou! surre"(eri"+ so*e!hi"+ -hich -as /recious a"( sacre(. The -orl( li,es )ou. all 'u! )our /ro#esse( cree(7 (is!i"+uishes )ou #ro* )our cree( i" i!s 6u(+*e"! o# )ou. a"( -oul( #ai" se/ara!e )ou #ro* i! i" #ac!. Me" sa). ?These /erso"s are 'e!!er !ha" !heir Church7 -e ha e "o! a -or( !o sa) #or !heir Church7

86 'u! Ca!holics are "o! -ha! !he) -ere. !he) are er) *uch li,e o!her *e" "o-. Their Cree( cer!ai"l) is 'i+o!e( a"( cruel. 'u! -ha! -oul( )ou ha e o# !he*2 4ou ca""o! e0/ec! !he* !o co"#ess !his7 le! !he* cha"+e 1uie!l). "o o"e cha"+es i" /u'lic.3'e sa!is#ie( !ha! !he) are cha"+e(. The) are %1AA& as #o"( o# !he -orl( as -e are7 !he) !a,e u/ /oli!ical o'6ec!s as -ar*l)7 !he) li,e !heir o-" -a) 6us! as -ell7 !he) (o "o! li,e s!ric!"ess a -hi! 'e!!er7 !he) ha!e s/iri!ual !hral(o*. a"( !he) are hal# asha*e( o# !he $o/e a"( his Cou"cils. The) har(l) 'elie e a") *iracles "o-. a"( are a""o)e( -he" !heir o-" 're!hre" co"#ess !ha! !here are such7 !he) "e er s/ea, o# /ur+a!or)7 !he) are sore a'ou! i*a+es7 !he) a oi( !he su'6ec! o# I"(ul+e"ces7 a"( !he) -ill "o! co**i! !he*sel es !o !he (oc!ri"e o# e0clusi e sal a!io". The Ca!holic (oc!ri"es are "o- *ere 'a(+es o# /ar!). Ca!holics !hi", #or !he*sel es a"( 6u(+e #or !he*sel es. 6us! as -e (o7 !he) are ,e/! i" !heir Church ') a /oi"! o# ho"our. a"( a reluc!a"ce a! see*i"+ !o a'a"(o" a #alle" cause.? Such is !he 6u(+*e"! o# !he -orl(. a"( )ou. *) 're!hre". are shoc,e( !o hear i!73'u! *a) i! "o! 'e. !ha! !he -orl( ,"o-s *ore a'ou! )ou !ha" )ou ,"o- a'ou! )oursel es2 ?I# )e ha( 'ee" o# !he -orl(.? sa)s Chris!. ?!he -orl( -oul( lo e i!s o-"7 'u! 'ecause )e are "o! o# !he -orl(. 'u! I ha e chose" )ou ou! o# !he -orl(. !here#ore !he -orl( ha!e!h )ou.? So s/ea,s Chris! o# His A/os!les. Ho- ru" His -or(s -he" a//lie( !o )ou2 ?I# )e 'e o# !he -orl(. !he -orl( -ill lo e i!s o-"7 !here#ore )e are o# !he -orl(. a"( I ha e not chose" )ou ou! o# !he -orl(. 'ecause !he -orl( doth lo e )ou.? Do "o! co*/lai" o# !he -orl(Bs i*/u!i"+ !o )ou *ore !ha" is !rue7 !hose -ho li e as !he -orl( li es +i e cou"!e"a"ce !o !hose -ho !hi", !he* o# !he -orl(. a"( see* !o #or* 'u! o"e /ar!) -i!h !he*. I" /ro/or!io" as )ou /u! o## !he )o,e %1AE& o# Chris!. so (oes !he -orl( ') a sor! o# i"s!i"c! reco+"ise )ou. a"( !hi", -ell o# )ou accor(i"+l). I!s hi+hes! co*/li*e"! is !o !ell )ou !ha! )ou (is'elie e. O *) 're!hre". !here is a" e!er"al e"*i!) 'e!-ee" !he -orl( a"( !he Church. The Church (eclares ') !he *ou!h o# a" A/os!le. ?Whoso -ill 'e a #rie"( o# !he -orl(. 'eco*es a" e"e*) o# ;o(7? a"( !he -orl( re!or!s. a"( calls !he Church a/os!a!e. sorceress. Beel9e'u'. a"( A"!ichris!. She is !he i*a+e a"( !he *o!her o# !he /re(es!i"a!e. a"(. i# )ou -oul( 'e #ou"( a*o"+ her chil(re" -he" )ou (ie. )ou *us! ha e /ar! i" her re/roach -hile )ou li e. Does "o! !he -orl( sco## a! all !ha! is +lorious. all !ha! is *a6es!ic. i" our hol) reli+io"2 Does i! "o! s/ea, a+ai"s! !he s/ecial crea!io"s o# ;o(Bs +race2 Does i! "o! (is'elie e !he /ossi'ili!) o# /uri!) a"( chas!i!)2 Does i! "o! sla"(er !he /ro#essio" o# celi'ac)2 Does i! "o! (e") !he ir+i"i!) o# Mar)2 Does i! "o! cas! ou! her er) "a*e as e il2 Does i! "o! scor" her as ?a (ea( -o*a".? -ho* )ou ,"o- !o 'e !he Mo!her o# all !he li i"+. a"( !he +rea! I"!ercessor o# !he #ai!h#ul2 Does i! "o! ri(icule !he Sai"!s2 Does i! "o! *a,e li+h! o# !heir relics2 Does i! "o! (es/ise !he Sacra*e"!s2 Does i! "o! 'las/he*e !he a-#ul $rese"ce -hich (-ells

87 u/o" our al!ars. a"( *oc, 'i!!erl) a"( #iercel) a! our 'elie i"+ !ha! -ha! i! calls 'rea( a"( -i"e is !ha! er) sa*e Bo() a"( Bloo( o# !he La*'. -hich la) i" Mar)Bs -o*' a"( hu"+ o" !he Cross2 Wha! are -e. !ha! -e shoul( 'e 'e!!er !rea!e( !ha" our Lor(. a"( His Mo!her. a"( His ser a"!s. a"( His -or,s2 Na). -ha! are -e. i# -e be 'e!!er !rea!e(. %1AF& 'u! #rie"(s o# !hose -ho !hus !rea! us -ell. a"( -ho ill<!rea! Hi*2 O *) (ear 're!hre". 'e chil(re" o# +race. "o! o# "a!ure7 'e "o! se(uce( ') !his -orl(Bs so/his!ries a"( assu*/!io"s7 i! /re!e"(s !o 'e !he -or, o# ;o(. 'u! i" reali!) i! co*es o# Sa!a". ?I ,"o- M) shee/.? sa)s our Lor(. ?a"( Mi"e ,"o- Me. a"( !he) #ollo- Me.? ?Sho- *e. O Thou -ho* *) soul lo e!h.? sa)s !he Bri(e i" !he Ca"!icle. ?-here Thou #ee(es!. -here Thou res!es! a! "oo"@? a"( He a"s-ers her. ?;o #or!h. a"( #ollo- a#!er !he s!e/s o# !he #loc,s. a"( #ee( !h) ,i(s 'esi(e !he she/her(sB !e"!s?. Le! us #ollo- !he Sai"!s. as !he) #ollo- Chris!7 so !ha!. -he" He co*es i" 6u(+*e"!. a"( !he -re!che( -orl( si",s !o /er(i!io". ?o" us si""ers. His ser a"!s. ho/i"+ i" !he *ul!i!u(e o# His *ercies. He *a) ouchsa#e !o 'es!oso*e /or!io" a"( #ello-shi/ -i!h His Hol) A/os!les a"( Mar!)rs. -i!h Joh". S!e/he". Ma!!hias. Bar"a'as. I+"a!ius. Ale0a"(er. Marcelli"e. $e!er. Felici!). $er/e!ua. A+a!ha. Luc). A+"es. Cicel). A"as!asia. a"( all His Sai"!s. "o! #or !he alue o# our *eri!. 'u! accor(i"+ !o !he 'ou"!) o# His /ar(o". !hrou+h !he sa*e Chris! our Lor(?. To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e

Note
)id. Ser*o"s o" Su'6ec!s o# !he Da). //. AF<EI. Re!ur" !o !e0! To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse H. Illu*i"a!i"+ ;race

%1AH& WHEN *a" -as crea!e(. he -as e"(o-e( -i!hal -i!h +i#!s a'o e his o-" "a!ure. ') *ea"s o# -hich !ha! "a!ure -as /er#ec!e(. As so*e /o!e"! s!i*ula"! -hich is "o! "ourish*e"!. a sce"! or a (rau+h!. rouses. i" i+ora!es. co"ce"!ra!es our a"i*al /o-ers. +i es ,ee""ess !o our /erce/!io"s. a"( i"!e"si!) !o our e##or!s. so. or

88 ra!her i" so*e #ar hi+her se"se. a"( i" *ore (i ersi#ie( -a)s. (i( !he su/er"a!ural +race o# ;o( +i e a *ea"i"+. a"( a" ai*. a"( a su##icie"c). a"( a co"sis!e"c). a"( a cer!ai"!). !o !he *a") #acul!ies o# !ha! co*/ou"( o# soul a"( 'o(). -hich co"s!i!u!es *a". A"( -he" *a" #ell. he los! !his (i i"e. u"*eri!e( +i#!. a"(. i"s!ea( o# soari"+ hea e"-ar(s. #ell (o-" #ee'le !o !he ear!h. i" a s!a!e o# e0haus!io" a"( colla/se. A"(. a+ai". -he" ;o(. #or Chris!Bs sa,e. is a'ou! !o res!ore a") o"e !o His #a our. His #irs! ac! o# *erc) is !o i*/ar! !o hi* a /or!io" o# !his +race7 !he #irs!<#rui!s o# !ha! so erei+". e"er+e!ic /o-er. -hich #or*s a"( har*o"ises his -hole "a!ure. a"( e"a'les i! !o #ul#il i!s o-" e"(. -hile i! #ul#ils o"e hi+her !ha" i!s o-". No-. o"e o# !he (e#ec!s -hich *a" i"curre( o" !he #all -as i+"ora"ce. or s/iri!ual 'li"("ess7 a"( o"e o# %1EI& !he +i#!s recei e( o" his res!ora!io" is a /erce/!io" o# !hi"+s s/iri!ual7 so !ha!. 'e#ore he is 'rou+h! u"(er !he +race o# Chris!. he ca" 'u! i"1uire. reaso". ar+ue. a"( co"clu(e. a'ou! reli+ious !ru!h7 'u! a#!er-ar(s he sees i!. ?Blesse( ar! Thou. Si*o". So" o# Jo"a.? sai( our Lor( !o S!. $e!er. -he" he co"#esse( !he I"car"a!io". ?#or #lesh a"( 'loo( ha!h "o! re eale( i! !o !hee. 'u! M) Fa!her. -hich is i" hea e".? A+ai"@ ?I !ha", Thee. O Fa!her. Lor( o# hea e" a"( ear!h. 'ecause Thou has! hi( !hese !hi"+s #ro* !he -ise a"( /ru(e"!. a"( ha!h re eale( !he* u"!o li!!le o"es ... No o"e ,"o-e!h !he Fa!her. sa e !he So". a"( "o o"e ,"o-e!h !he So" 'u! !he Fa!her. a"( he !o -ho* i! shall /lease !he So" !o re eal Hi*.? I" li,e *a""er S!. $aul sa)s. ?The a"i*al? or "a!ural ?*a" /ercei e!h "o! !he !hi"+s o# !he S/iri! o# ;o(7? a"( else-here. ?No o"e ca" sa) !he Lor( Jesus. 'u! i" !he Hol) ;hos!?. A"( S!. Joh". ?4e ha e a" u"c!io" #ro* !he Hol) O"e. a"( )e ,"o- all !hi"+s?. The $ro/he!s ha( /ro*ise( !he sa*e +i#! 'e#ore Chris! ca*e7 3?I -ill *a,e all !h) so"s !au+h! o# !he Lor(.? sa)s Isaias. ?a"( !he *ul!i!u(e o# /eace u/o" !h) so"s7? ?No *ore.? sa)s Jere*ias. ?shall *a" !each his "ei+h'our. a"( *a" his 'ro!her. sa)i"+. K"o- !he Lor(. #or all shall ,"o- Me #ro* !he leas! o# !he* e e" !o !he +rea!es! o# !he*?. No- here )ou *a) sa). *) 're!hre". ?Wha! is !he *ea"i"+ o# !his2 are -e *e". or are -e "o!2 ha e -e los! /ar! o# our "a!ure ') !he #all. or ha e -e "o!2 is "o! !he Reaso" a /ar! o# *a"Bs "a!ure2 (oes "o! !he Reaso" see. as !he e)e (oes2 ca""o! -e. ') !he %1E1& "a!ural /o-er o# our Reaso". u"(ers!a"( all ,i"(s o# !ru!hs. a'ou! !his ear!h. a'ou! hu*a" socie!). a'ou! !he real*s o# s/ace. a'ou! *a!!er. a'ou! !he soul2 -h) shoul( reli+io" 'e a" e0ce/!io"2 Wh). !he". ca""o! -e u"(ers!a"( ') our "a!ural reaso" a'ou! Al*i+h!) ;o( a"( hea e"23i# -e ca" i"1uire i"!o o"e !hi"+. -e ca" i"1uire i"!o a"o!her7 i# -e ca" i*a+i"e o"e !hi"+. -e ca" i*a+i"e a"o!her7 ho- !he" is i! !ha! -e ca""o! arri e a! !he !ru!hs o# reli+io" -i!hou! !he su/er"a!ural ai( o# +race2? This is a 1ues!io" -hich *a) +i e rise !o so*e /ro#i!a'le re#lec!io"s. a"( I shall "o- a!!e*/! !o a"s-er i!.

89 4ou as,. -ha! i! is )ou "ee(. 'esi(es e)es. i" or(er !o see !he !ru!hs o# re ela!io"@ I -ill !ell )ou a! o"ce7 )ou "ee( li+h!. No! !he ,ee"es! e)es ca" see i" !he (ar,. No-. !hou+h )our *i"( 'e !he e)e. !he +race o# ;o( is !he li+h!7 a"( )ou -ill as easil) e0ercise )our e)es i" !his se"si'le -orl( -i!hou! !he su". as )ou -ill 'e a'le !o e0ercise )our *i"( i" !he s/iri!ual -orl( -i!hou! a /arallel +i#! #ro* -i!hou!. No-. )ou are 'or" u"(er a /ri a!io" o# !his 'lesse( s/iri!ual li+h!7 a"(. -hile i! re*ai"s. )ou -ill "o!. ca""o!. reall) see ;o(. I (o "o! sa) )ou -ill ha e "o !hou+h! a! all a'ou! ;o(. "or 'e a'le !o !al, a'ou! Hi*. True. 'u! )ou -ill "o! 'e a'le !o (o *ore !ha" reaso" a'ou! Hi*. 4our !hou+h!s a"( )our -or(s -ill "o! +e! 'e)o"( a *ere reaso"i"+. I +ra"! !he" -ha! )ou clai*7 )ou clai* !o 'e a'le ') )our *e"!al /o-ers !o reaso" a'ou! ;o(7 (ou'!less )ou ca". 'u! !o i"#er a !hi"+ is "o! !o see i! i" res/ec! !o !he /h)sical -orl(. "or is i! i" !he s/iri!ual. %1E5& Co"si(er !he case o# a *a" -i!hou! e)es !al,i"+ a'ou! #or*s a"( colours. a"( )ou -ill u"(ers!a"( -ha! I *ea". A 'li"( *a" *a) /ic, u/ a +oo( (eal o# i"#or*a!io" o# arious ,i"(s. a"( 'e er) co" ersa"! -i!h !he o'6ec!s o# si+h!. !hou+h he (oes "o! see. He *a) 'e a'le !o !al, a'ou! !he* #lue"!l). a"( *a) 'e #o"( o# (oi"+ so7 he *a) e e" !al, o# seei"+ as i# he reall) sa-. !ill he al*os! see*s !o /re!e"( !o !he #acul!) o# si+h!. He s/ea,s o# hei+h!s a"( (is!a"ces a"( (irec!io"s. a"( !he (is/osi!io"s o# /laces. a"( sha/es. a"( a//eara"ces. as "a!urall) as o!her *e"7 a"( he is "o! (ul) a-are o# his o-" e0!re*e /ri a!io"7 a"(. i# )ou as, ho- !his co*es a'ou!. i! is /ar!l) 'ecause he hears -ha! o!her *e" sa) a'ou! !hese !hi"+s. a"( he is a'le !o i*i!a!e !he*. a"( /ar!l) 'ecause he ca""o! hel/ reaso"i"+ u/o" !he !hi"+s he hears. a"( (ra-i"+ co"clusio"s #ro* !he*7 a"( !hus he co*es !o !hi", he ,"o-s -ha! he (oes "o! ,"oa! all. He hears *e" co" erse7 he *a) ha e 'oo,s rea( !o hi*7 he +ai"s a+ue i(eas o# o'6ec!s o# si+h!. a"( -he" he 'e+i"s !o s/ea,. his -or(s are !olera'l) correc!. a"( (o "o! a! o"ce 'e!ra) ho- li!!le he ,"o-s -ha! he is !al,i"+ a'ou!. He i"#ers o"e !hi"+ #ro* a"o!her. a"( !hus is a'le !o s/ea, o# *a") !hi"+s -hich he (oes "o! see. 'u! o"l) /ercei es *us! 'e so. +ra"!i"+ o!her !hi"+s are so. For i"s!a"ce. i# he ,"o-s !ha! 'lue a"( )ello- *a,e +ree". he *a) /ro"ou"ce. -i!hou! a cha"ce o# *is!a,e. !ha! +ree" is *ore li,e 'lue !ha" )ellois7 i# he ha//e"s !o ,"o- !ha! o"e *a" is u"(er si0 #ee! i" hei+h!. a"( a"o!her %1E8& is #ull si0 #ee!. he *a). -he" !he) are 'o!h 'e#ore hi*. 'ol(l) (eclare. as i# he sa-. !ha! !he la!!er is !he !aller o# !he !-o. I! is "o! !ha! he 6u(+es ') si+h!. 'u! !ha! reaso" !a,es !he /lace o# i!. There -as *uch !al, i" !he -orl( so*e li!!le !i*e si"ce o# a *a" o# scie"ce. -ho -as sai( !o ha e #ou"( ou! a "e- /la"e!7 ho- (i( he (o i!2 Di( he -a!ch "i+h! a#!er "i+h!. -earil) a"( /erse eri"+l). i" !he chill air. !hrou+h !he !e(ious course o# !he s!arr) hea e"s. #or

90 -ha! he *i+h! /ossi'l) #i"( !here. !ill a! le"+!h. ') *ea"s o# so*e /o-er#ul +lass. he (isco ere( i" !he (i* (is!a"ce !his u"e0/ec!e( a((i!io" !o our /la"e!ar) s)s!e*2 Far #ro* i!7 i! is sai( !ha! he sa! a! his ease i" his li'rar). a"( *a(e calcula!io"s o" /a/er i" !he (a)!i*e. a"( !hus. -i!hou! loo,i"+ o"ce u/ a! !he s,). he (e!er*i"e(. #ro* -ha! -as alrea() ,"o-" o# !he su" a"( !he /la"e!s. o# !heir "u*'er. !heir /osi!io"s. !heir *o!io"s. a"( !heir i"#lue"ces. !ha!. i" a((i!io" !o !he* all. !here *us! 'e so*e o!her 'o() i" !ha! er) /lace -here he sai( i! -oul( 'e #ou"(. i# as!ro"o*ers (i( 'u! !ur" !heir i"s!ru*e"!s u/o" i!. Here -as a *a" rea(i"+ !he hea e"s. "o! -i!h e)es. 'u! ') reaso". Reaso". !he". is a sor! o# su's!i!u!e #or si+h!7 a"( so i" *a") res/ec!s are !he o!her se"ses. as is o' ious. 4ou ,"o- ho- 1uic, !he 'li"( are o#!e" #ou"( !o 'e i" (isco eri"+ !he /rese"ce o# #rie"(s. a"( !he #eeli"+s o# s!ra"+ers. ') !he oice. a"( !he !o"e. a"( !he !rea(7 so !ha! !he) see* !o u"(ers!a"( loo,s. a"( +es!ures. a"( (u*' sho-. as i# !he) sa-. !o !he sur/rise o# !hose -ho -ish !o ,ee/ !heir *ea"i"+ secre! #ro* !he*. %1E:& No- !his -ill e0/lai" !he -a) i" -hich !he "a!ural *a" is a'le /ar!l) !o u"(ers!a"(. a"( s!ill *ore !o s/ea, u/o". su/er"a!ural su'6ec!s. There is a lar+e #loa!i"+ 'o() o# Ca!holic !ru!h i" !he -orl(7 i! co*es (o-" ') !ra(i!io" #ro* a+e !o a+e7 i! is carrie( #or-ar( ') /reachi"+ a"( /ro#essio" #ro* o"e +e"era!io" !o a"o!her. a"( is /oure( a'ou! i"!o all 1uar!ers o# !he -orl(. I! is #ou"( i" #ul"ess a"( /uri!) i" !he Church alo"e. 'u! /or!io"s o# i!. lar+er or s*aller. esca/e #ar a"( -i(e. a"( /e"e!ra!e i"!o /laces -hich ha e "e er 'ee" 'les! -i!h her /rese"ce a"( *i"is!ra!io". No- *e" *a) !a,e u/ a"( /ro#ess !hese sca!!ere( !ru!hs. *erel) 'ecause !he) #all i" -i!h !he*7 !hese #ra+*e"!s o# Re ela!io". such as !he (oc!ri"e o# !he Hol) Tri"i!). or !he A!o"e*e"!. are !he reli+io" -hich !he) ha e 'ee" !au+h! i" !heir chil(hoo(7 a"( !here#ore !he) *a) re!ai" !he*. a"( /ro#ess !he*. a"( re/ea! !he*. -i!hou! reall) seei"+ !he*. as !he Ca!holic sees !he*. 'u! as recei i"+ !he* *erel) ') -or( o# *ou!h. #ro* i*i!a!io" o# o!hers. A"( i" !his -a) i! o#!e" ha//e"s !ha! a *a" e0!er"al !o !he Ca!holic Church -ri!es ser*o"s a"( i"s!ruc!io"s. (ra-s u/ a"( arra"+es (e o!io"s. or co*/oses h)*"s. -hich are #aul!less. or "earl) so7 -hich are !he #rui!. "o! o# his o-" illu*i"a!e( *i"(. 'u! o# his care#ul s!u(). so*e!i*es o# his accura!e !ra"sla!io". o# Ca!holic ori+i"als. The". a+ai". Ca!holic !ru!hs a"( ri!es are so 'eau!i#ul. so +rea!. so co"sola!or). !ha! !he) (ra- o"e o" !o lo e a"( a(*ire !he* -i!h a "a!ural lo e. as a /ros/ec! *i+h! a!!rac! us. or a s,il#ul /iece o# *echa"is*. He"ce *e" o# li el) i*a+i"a!io" *a) /ro#ess !his (oc!ri"e %1E=& or !ha!. or a(o/! !his or !ha! cere*o") or usa+e. #or i!s er) 'eau!) sa,e. "o! as,i"+ !he*sel es -he!her i! 'e !rue. a"( ha i"+ "o real /erce/!io" or *e"!al hol( o# i!. Thus. !oo. !he) -ill (ecora!e !heir churches. s!re!ch a"( s!rai" !heir ri!ual. i"!ro(uce ca"(les. es!*e"!s. #lo-ers. i"ce"se. a"( /rocessio"s. "o! #ro* #ai!h. 'u! #ro* /oe!ical #eeli"+. A"(. *oreo er. !he Ca!holic Cree(. as

91 co*i"+ #ro* ;o(. is so har*o"ious. so co"sis!e"! -i!h i!sel#. hol(s !o+e!her so /er#ec!l). so corres/o"(s /ar! !o /ar!. !ha! a" acu!e *i"(. ,"o-i"+ o"e /or!io" o# i!. -oul( o#!e" i"#er a"o!her /or!io". *erel) as a *a!!er o# 6us! reaso"i"+. Thus a correc! !hi",er *i+h! 'e sure. !ha! i# ;o( is i"#i"i!e a"( *a" #i"i!e. !here *us! 'e *)s!eries i" reli+io". I! is "o! !ha! he reall) #eels !he *)s!erious"ess o# reli+io". 'u! he i"#ers i!7 he is le( !o i! as a *a!!er o# "ecessi!). a"( #ro* *ere clear"ess o# *i"( a"( lo e o# co"sis!e"c). he *ai"!ai"s i!. A+ai". a *a" *a) sa). ?Si"ce !his or !ha! (oc!ri"e has so *uch his!orical e i(e"ce i" i!s #a our. I *us! acce/! i!7? he has "o real si+h! or (irec! /erce/!io" o# i!. 'u! he !a,es u/ !he /ro#essio" o# i!. 'ecause he #eels i! -oul( 'e a'sur(. u"(er !he co"(i!io"s -i!h -hich he s!ar!s. !o (o o!her-ise. He (oes "o *ore !ha" loa( hi*sel# -i!h a #or* o# -or(s i"s!ea( o# co"!e*/la!i"+. -i!h !he e)e o# !he soul. ;o( Hi*sel#. !he source o# all !ru!h. a"( !his (oc!ri"e as /rocee(i"+ #ro* His *ou!h. A ,ee". sa+acious i"!ellec! -ill carr) a *a" a +rea! -a) i" a"!ici/a!i"+ (oc!ri"es -hich he has "e er 'ee" !ol(73!hus. 'e#ore i! ,"e- -ha! Scri/!ure sai( o" !he su'6ec!. i! *i+h! ar+ue7 ?Si" is a" o##e"ce a+ai"s! ;o( 'e)o"( co"ce/!io" %1EA& +rea!. a"( i" ol i"+ as! e ils o" !he si""er. #or. i# i! -ere "o! so. -h) shoul( Chris! ha e su##ere(2? !ha! is. he sees !ha! i! is "ecessar) #or !he Chris!ia" s)s!e* o# (oc!ri"e !ha! si" shoul( 'e a +rea! e il. -i!hou! "ecessaril) #eeli"+ i" his co"scie"ce !ha! i! is so. Na). I ca" #a"c) a *a" co"6ec!uri"+ !ha! our 'o(ies -oul( rise a+ai". as ar+ui"+ i! ou! #ro* !he #ac! !ha! !he E!er"al ;o( has so ho"oure( our *or!al #lesh as !o !a,e i! u/o" Hi* as /ar! o# Hi*sel#. Thus he -oul( 'e recei i"+ !he resurrec!io". "a). e!er"al /u"ish*e"!. *erel) as !ru!hs -hich #ollo#ro* -ha! he ,"e- alrea(). A"( i" li,e *a""er lear"e( *e". ou!si(e !he Church. *a) co*/ose *os! use#ul -or,s o" !he E i(e"ces o# reli+io". or i" (e#e"ce o# /ar!icular (oc!ri"es. or i" e0/la"a!io" o# !he -hole sche*e o# Ca!holici!)7 i" !hese cases reaso" 'eco*es !he ha"(*ai( o# #ai!h@ s!ill i! is "o! #ai!h7 i! (oes "o! rise a'o e a" i"!ellec!ual ie- or "o!io"7 i! a##ir*s. "o! as +ras/i"+ !he !ru!h. "o! as seei"+. 'u! as ?'ei"+ o# o/i"io".? as ?6u(+i"+.? as ?co*i"+ !o a co"clusio"?. Here. !he". )ou see -ha! !he "a!ural *a" ca" (o7 he ca" #eel. he ca" i*a+i"e. he ca" a(*ire. he ca" reaso". he ca" i"#er7 i" all !hese -a)s he *a) /rocee( !o recei e !he -hole or /ar! o# Ca!holic !ru!h7 'u! he ca""o! see. he ca""o! lo e. 4e! he -ill /er/le0 reli+ious /erso"s -ho (o "o! u"(ers!a"( !he secre! ') -hich he is a'le !o *a,e so i*/osi"+ a (is/la)7 #or !he) -ill 'e a! a loss !o u"(ers!a"( ho- i! is !ha! he is a'le !o s/ea, so -ell. e0ce/! he s/ea,. !hou+h he 'e ou! o# !he Church. ') !he S/iri! o# ;o(. Thus %1EE& i! is -i!h !he -ri!i"+ o# so*e o# !he a"cie"! here!ics. -ho -ro!e u/o" !he I"car"a!io"7 so i! is -i!h here!ics o# *o(er" !i*es -ho ha e -ri!!e" o" !he (oc!ri"e o# +race7 !he) -ri!e so*e!i*es -i!h such 'eau!) a"( (e/!h. !ha! o"e ca""o! hel/ a(*iri"+ -ha! !he) sa) o" !hose er)

92 su'6ec!s. as !o -hich -e ,"o- -i!hal !ha! a! !he 'o!!o* !he) are u"sou"(. Bu!. *) 're!hre". !he se"!i*e"!s *a) 'e ri+h! a"( +oo( i" !he*sel es. 'u! "o! i" !hose *e"7 !hese are !he soli!ar) !ru!hs -hich !he) ha e ha//e"e( !o i"#er i" a ra"+e o# *a!!ers a'ou! -hich !he) see a"( ,"o- "o!hi"+. a"( !heir heres) o" o!her /oi"!s. -hich are close u/o" !he acce/!a"ce o# !hese !ru!hs. is a /roo# !ha! !he) (o "o! see -ha! !he) s/ea, o#. A 'li"( *a". (iscoursi"+ u/o" #or* a"( colour. *i+h! sa) so*e !hi"+s !rul). a"( so*e !hi"+s #alsel)7 'u! e e" o"e *is!a,e -hich he ha//e"e( !o *a,e. !hou+h o"l) o"e. -oul( 'e e"ou+h !o 'e!ra) !ha! he ha( "o real /ossessio" o# !he !ru!hs -hich he e"u"cia!e(. !hou+h !he) -ere *a")7 #or. ha( he ha( e)es. he "o! o"l) -oul( ha e 'ee" correc! i" *a"). 'u! -oul( ha e 'ee" *is!a,e" i" "o"e. For i"s!a"ce. su//osi"+ !ha! he ,"e- !ha! !-o 'uil(i"+s -ere !he sa*e i" hei+h!. he *i+h! /erha/s 'e le( 'ol(l) !o /ro"ou"ce !ha! !heir a//eara"ce -as !he sa*e -he" he loo,e( a! !he*. "o! ,"o-i"+ !ha! !he +rea!er (is!a"ce o# !he o"e o# !he* #ro* us *i+h! re(uce i! !o !he e)e !o hal# or a #our!h o# !he o!her. A"( !hus *e" -ho are "o! i" !he Church a"( -ho ha e "o /rac!ical e0/erie"ce o# Ca!holic (e o!io" !o !he Blesse( Mo!her o# ;o(. -he" !he) rea( our /ra)ers a"( li!a"ies. a"( o'ser e !he s!re"+!h o# %1EF& !heir la"+ua+e. a"( !he le"+!h !o -hich !he) +o. co"#i(e"!l) asser! !ha! she is. i" e er) se"se a"( -a). !he o'6ec! o# our -orshi/. !o !he e0clusio". or i" ri alr). o# !he Su/re*e ;o(7 "o! u"(ers!a"(i"+ !ha! He ?i" -ho* -e li e. a"( *o e a"( are.? -ho "e-<crea!es us -i!h His +race. a"( -ho #ee(s us -i!h His o-" Bo() a"( Bloo(. is closer !o us a"( *ore i"!i*a!el) -i!h us !ha" a") crea!ure7 !ha! Sai"!s a"( A"+els. a"( !he Blesse( >ir+i" hersel#. are "ecessaril) a! a (is!a"ce #ro* us. co*/are( -i!h Hi*. a"(. !ha! -ha!e er la"+ua+e -e use !o-ar(s !he*. !hou+h i! 'e !he sa*e as !ha! -hich -e use !o our Ma,er. i! o"l) carries -i!h i! a se"se -hich is (ue a"( /ro/or!io"a!e !o !he o'6ec! -e a((ress. A"( !hus !hese o'6ec!ors are (e!ec!e(. as Ca!holics #eel. ') !heir o'6ec!io" i!sel#. as reall) ,"o-i"+ a"( seei"+ "o!hi"+ o# -ha! !he) (is/u!e a'ou!. A"( "o- I ha e e0/lai"e( su##icie"!l) -ha! is *ea"! ') sa)i"+ !ha! !he "a!ural *a" hol(s (i i"e !ru!hs *erel) as a" o/i"io". a"( "o! as a /oi"! o# #ai!h7 +race 'elie es. reaso" (oes 'u! o/i"e7 +race +i es cer!ai"!). reaso" is "e er (eci(e(. No- i! is re*ar,a'le !ha! !his charac!eris!ic o# reaso" is so clearl) u"(ers!oo( ') !he /erso"s !he*sel es o# -ho* I a* s/ea,i"+. !ha!. i" s/i!e o# !he co"#i(e"ce -hich !he) ha e i" !heir o-" o/i"io"s. -ha!e er !ha! 'e. s!ill. co"scious !ha! !he) ha e "o +rou"(s #or real a"( #i0e( co" ic!io" a'ou! re eale( !ru!h. !he) 'ol(l) #ace !he (i##icul!). a"( co"si(er i! a #aul! !o 'e cer!ai" a'ou! re eale( !ru!h. a"( a *eri! !o (ou'!. For i"s!a"ce. ?!he Hol) Ca!holic Church? is a /oi"! o# %1EH& #ai!h. as 'ei"+ o"e o# !he ar!icles o# !he A/os!lesB Cree(7 )e! !he) !hi", i! a" i*/a!ie"ce !o 'e (issa!is#ie( -i!h u"cer!ai"!) as !o -here !he Ca!holic Church is. a"( -ha! she sa)s. The) are -ell a-are !ha! "o *a" ali e

93 o# #air a'ili!ies -oul( /u! u"(ou'!i"+ #ai!h a"( relia"ce i" !he Church Es!a'lishe(. e0ce/! ') (oi"+ iole"ce !o his reaso"7 !he) ,"o- !ha! !he +rea! *ass o# i!s *e*'ers i" "o se"se 'elie e i" i!. a"( !ha! o# !he re*ai"(er "o o"e coul( sa) *ore !ha" !ha! i! i"(irec!l) co*es #ro* ;o(. a"( !ha! i! is sa#es! !o re*ai" i" i!. There is. i" !hese /erso"s. "o #ai!h. o"l) a *ere o/i"io". a'ou! !his ar!icle o# !he Cree(. Accor(i"+l) !he) are o'li+e( !o sa). i" *ere (e#e"ce o# !heir o-" /osi!io". !ha! #ai!h is "o! "ecessar). a"( a s!a!e o# (ou'! is su##icie"!. a"( all !ha! is e0/ec!e( o# us. I" co"se1ue"ce !he) a!!ri'u!e i! !o *ere res!less"ess. -he" o"e o# !heir o-" *e*'ers see,s !o e0ercise #ai!h i" !he Hol) Ca!holic Church as a re eale( !ru!h. as !he) !he*sel es /ro#ess !o e0ercise i! i" !he Hol) Tri"i!) or our Lor(Bs resurrec!io". a"( -he" i" co"se1ue"ce he hu"!s a'ou!. a"( as,s o" all si(es. ho- he is !o (o so. Na). !he) +o so #ar as !o i*/u!e i! !o a Ca!holic as a #aul!. -he" he *a"i#es!s a si*/le !rus! i" !he Church a"( her !eachi"+. I! so*e!i*es ha//e"s !ha! !hose -ho 6oi" !he Ca!holic Church #ro* so*e $ro!es!a"! co**u"io". are o'ser e( !o cha"+e !he u"cer!ai"!) a"( hesi!a!io" o# *i"( o" reli+ious su'6ec!s. -hich !he) sho-e( 'e#ore !heir co" ersio". i"!o a clear a"( #earless co"#i(e"ce7 !he) (ou'!e( a'ou! !heir ol( co**u"io". !he) ha e "o (ou'! a'ou! !heir "e-. The) ha e "o #ears. "o %1FI& a"0ie!ies. "o (i##icul!ies. "o scru/les. The) s/ea,. accor(i"+l). as !he) #eel7 a"( !he -orl(. "o! u"(ers!a"(i"+ !ha! !his is !he e##ec! o# !he +race -hich Cas -e *a) hu*'l) !rus!D !hese ha//) souls ha e recei e(.3"o! u"(ers!a"(i"+ !ha!. !hou+h i! has #ull e0/erie"ce o# !he re+io" o# !he sha(o- o# (ea!h i" -hich i! lies. i! has "o"e a! all o# !ha! ci!). -hereo# !he Lor( ;o( a"( !he La*' is !he li+h!.3*easuri"+ -ha! Ca!holics ha e ') -ha! i!sel# has "o!. !he -orl(. I sa). cries ou!. ?Ho- #or-ar(. ho- u""a!ural. ho- e0ci!e(. ho- e0!ra a+a"!?7 a"( i! co"si(ers !ha! such a cha"+e is a cha"+e #or !he -orse. a"( is /ro e( !o 'e a *is!a,e a"( a #aul!. 'ecause i! /ro(uces /recisel) !ha! e##ec!. -hich i! -oul( /ro(uce -ere i! a cha"+e #or !he 'e!!er. I! !ells us !ha! cer!ai"!). a"( co"#i(e"ce. a"( 'ol("ess i" s/eech are u"chris!ia"7 is !his /lea(i"+ a cause. or a 6u(+*e"! #ro* #ac!s2 Was i! co"#i(e"ce or (ou'!. -as i! 9eal or col("ess. -as i! ,ee""ess or irresolu!io" i" ac!io". -hich (is!i"+uishe( !he Mar!)rs i" !he #irs! a+es o# !he Church2 Was !he reli+io" o# Chris! /ro/a+a!e( ') !he ehe*e"ce o# #ai!h a"( lo e. or ') a /hiloso/hical 'ala"ce o# ar+u*e"!s2 Loo, 'ac, a! !he earl) Mar!)rs. *) 're!hre". -ha! -ere !he)2 -h). !he) -ere er) co**o"l) )ou!hs a"( *ai(e"s. sol(iers a"( sla es73a se! o# ho!<hea(e( )ou"+ *e". -ho -oul( ha e li e( !o 'e -ise. ha( !he) "o! 'ee" o's!i"a!el) se! o" ()i"+ #irs!7 -ho !ore (o-" i*/erial *a"i#es!oes. 'ro,e !he /eace. challe"+e( !he 6u(+es !o (is/u!e. -oul( "o! res! !ill !he) +o! i"!o !he sa*e (e" -i!h a lio". a"( -ho. i# chase( ou! o# %1F1& o"e ci!). 'e+a" /reachi"+ i" a"o!herG So sai( !he 'li"( -orl( a'ou! !hose -ho sa- !he U"see". 4esG i! -as !he s/iri!ual si+h! o# ;o( -hich *a(e !he* -ha! !he) -ere. No o"e is a

94 Mar!)r #or a co"clusio". "o o"e is a Mar!)r #or a" o/i"io"7 i! is #ai!h !ha! *a,es Mar!)rs. He -ho ,"o-s a"( lo es !he !hi"+s o# ;o( has "o /o-er !o (e") !he*7 he *a) ha e a "a!ural shri",i"+ #ro* !or!ure a"( (ea!h. 'u! such !error is i"co**e"sura!e -i!h #ai!h. a"( as li!!le ac!s u/o" i! as (us! a"( *ire !ouch !he su"Bs li+h!. or sce"!s or oices coul( s!o/ a -heel i" *o!io". The Mar!)rs sa-. a"( hocoul( !he) 'u! s/ea, -ha! !he) ha( see"2 The) *i+h! shu((er a! !he /ai". 'u! !he) ha( "o! !he /o-er "o! !o see7 i# !hrea!s coul( u"(o !he hea e"l) !ru!hs. !he" *i+h! /ai" sile"ce !heir co"#essio" o# !he*. O *) 're!hre". !he -orl( is i"1uiri"+. a"( lar+e<*i"(e(. a"( ,"o-s *a") !hi"+s7 i! !al,s -ell a"( /ro#ou"(l)7 'u! is !here o"e a*o"+ i!s Ba'el o# reli+ious o/i"io"s -hich i! -oul( 'e a Mar!)r #or2 So*e o# !he* *a) 'e !rue. a"( so*e #alse7 le! i! choose a") o"e o# !he* !o (ie #or. I!s chil(re" !al, lou(l). !he) (eclai* a"+ril) a+ai"s! !he (oc!ri"e !ha! ;o( is a" a e"+er7 -oul( !he) (ie ra!her !ha" co"#ess i!2 The) !al, elo1ue"!l) o# !he i"#i"i!e i"(ul+e"ce o# ;o(7 -oul( !he) (ie ra!her !ha" (e") i!2 I# "o!. !he) ha e "o! e e" e"!husias*. !he) ha e "o! e e" o's!i"ac). !he) ha e "o! e e" 'i+o!r). !he) ha e "o! e e" /ar!) s/iri! !o sus!ai" !he*.3*uch less ha e !he) +race7 !he) s/ea, u/o" o/i"io" o"l). a"( ') a" i"#ere"ce. A+ai". !here are !hose -ho call o" *e" !o !rus! !he Es!a'lishe( Co**u"io". as co"si(eri"+ %1F5& i! !o 'e a 'ra"ch o# !he Ca!holic Church7 !he) *a) ur+e !ha! !his o/i"io" ca" 'e co+e"!l) (e#e"(e(. 'u! a" o/i"io" i! is7 #or sa). O )e -ho hol( i!. ho- *a") o# )ou -oul( (ie ra!her !ha" a(*i! a (ou'! a'ou! i!2 Do )ou "o- hol( i! si"#ul !o (ou'! i!2 or ra!her. as I ha e sai(. (o )ou "o! !hi", i! allo-a'le. "a!ural. "ecessar). 'eco*i"+. hu*'le<*i"(e( a"( so'er<*i"(e( !o (ou'! i!2 (o )ou "o! al*os! !hi", 'e!!er o# a *a" #or (ou'!i"+ i!. /ro i(e( he (oes "o! #ollo- his (ou'!s ou!. a"( e"( i" (is'elie i"+ i!2 He"ce !hese er) sa*e /erso"s. -ho s/ea, so se erel) o# a") o"e -ho lea es !he co**u"io" i" -hich he -as 'or". (ou'!i"+ o# i! !he*sel es. are i" co"se1ue"ce le( !o ie- his ac! as a" a##ro"! (o"e !o !heir 'o(). ra!her !ha" as a" e il !o hi*sel#. The) co"si(er i! as a /erso"al a##ro"! !o a /ar!) a"( a" i"6ur) !o a cause. a"( !he a##ro"! is +rea!er or less accor(i"+ !o !he *ischie# -hich i! (oes !he* i" !he /ar!icular case. I! is "o! his loss 'u! !heir i"co" e"ie"ce. -hich is !he real *easure o# his si". I# a /erso" is i" a") -a) i*/or!a"! or use#ul !o !he*. !he) -ill /ro!es! a+ai"s! his ac!7 i# he is !rou'leso*e !o !he*. i# he +oes Cas !he) sa)D !oo #ar. i# he is a sca"(al. or a ce"!re o# /er erse i"#lue"ce. or i" a") -a) (is!ur's !he or(er a"( -el#are o# !heir 'o(). !he) are easil) reco"cile( !o his lea i"+ !he*7 !he *ore cour!eous o# !he* co"+ra!ula!e hi* o" his ho"es!). a"( !he *ore 'i!!er co"+ra!ula!e !he*sel es o" 'ei"+ ri( o# hi*. Is such !he #eeli"+ o# a *o!her a"( o# ,i"s*e" !o-ar(s a so" a"( a 'ro!her2 ?ca" a -o*a" #or+e! her 'a'e. !ha! she shoul( "o! ha e co*/assio" %1F8& o" !he so" o# her -o*'2? Di( a *a" lea e !he Ca!holic Church. our #irs! #eeli"+. *) 're!hre". as )ou ,"o- so -ell. -oul( 'e o"e o#

95 co*/assio" a"( #ear7 -e shoul( co"si(er !ha!. !hou+h -e -ere e e" losi"+ o"e -ho -as a sca"(al !o us. s!ill !ha! our +ai" -oul( 'e "o!hi"+ i" co*/ariso" o# his loss. We ,"o- !ha! a *a" ca""o! (eser! !he Church -i!hou! 1ue"chi"+ a" i"es!i*a'le +i#! o# +race7 !ha! he has alrea() recei e( a (e#i"i!e i"#lue"ce a"( e##ec! u/o" his soul. such. !ha! he ca""o! (is/ossess hi*sel# o# i! -i!hou! !he +ra es! si"7 !ha!. !hou+h he *a) ha e ha( *a") !e*/!a!io"s !o (is'elie e. !he) are o"l) li,e !e*/!a!io"s !o se"suali!). har*less -i!hou! his -illi"+ coo/era!io". This is -h) !he Church ca""o! sa"c!io" hi* i" his reco"si(eri"+ !he 1ues!io" o# her o-" Di i"e *issio"7 she hol(s !ha! such i"1uiries. !hou+h !he a//oi"!e( *ea"s o# e"!eri"+ her /ale. are su/erse(e( o" his e"!ra"ce ') !he +i#! o# a s/iri!ual si+h!. a +i#! -hich co"su*es (ou'! so u!!erl). i" a") /ro/er se"se o# !he -or(. !ha! he"ce#or!h i! is "o! !ha! he *us! "o!. 'u! !ha! he ca""o! e"!er!ai" i!7 ca""o! e"!er!ai" i! e0ce/! ') his o-" +rea! cul/a'ili!)7 a"( !here#ore *us! "o!. 'ecause he ca""o!. This is -ha! -e hol( a"( are co"scious o#. *) 're!hre"7 a"(. as hol(i"+ i!. -e "e er coul( #eel sa!is#ac!io" a"( relie#. o" #irs! heari"+ o# !he (e#ec!io" o# a 'ro!her. 'e he e er so u"-or!h). e er so sca"(alous7 our #irs! #eeli"+ -oul( 'e sorro-. We are. i" #ac!. o#!e" o'li+e( !o 'ear -i!h sca"(alous *e*'ers a+ai"s! our -ill #ro* chari!) !o !he*7 'u! !hose. -hose hi+hes! 'elie# is 'u! a" i"#ere"ce. -ho are o'li+e( !o +o o er i" !heir %1F:& *i"(s #ro* !i*e !o !i*e !he reaso"s a"( !he +rou"( o# !heir cree(. les! !he) shoul( su((e"l) #i"( !he*sel es le#! -i!hou! !heir co"clusio". !hese /erso"s "o! ha i"+ #ai!h. ha e "o o//or!u"i!) #or chari!). a"( !hi", !ha! -he" a *a" lea es !he* -ho has +i e" !he* a") !rou'le. i! is a (ou'le +ai"3!o hi*. !ha! he is -here he is 'e!!er #i!!e( !o 'e7 !o !he*sel es. !ha! !he) are a! /eace. Wha! I ha e 'ee" sa)i"+ -ill accou"! #or a"o!her !hi"+. -hich o!her-ise -ill sur/rise us. The -orl( ca""o! 'elie e !ha! Ca!holics reall) hol( -ha! !he) /ro#ess !o hol(7 a"( su//oses !ha!. i# !he) are e(uca!e( *e". !he) are ,e/! u/ !o !heir /ro#essio" ') e0!er"al i"#lue"ce. ') su/ers!i!ious #ear. ') /ri(e. ') i"!eres!. or o!her 'a( or u"-or!h) *o!i e. Me" o# !he -orl( ha e "e er 'elie e( i" !heir -hole li#e. "e er ha e ha( si*/le #ai!h i" !hi"+s u"see". "e er ha e ha( *ore !ha" a" o/i"io" a'ou! !he*. !ha! !he) *i+h! 'e !rue a"( *i+h! 'e #alse. 'u! /ro'a'l) -ere !rue. or (ou'!less -ere !rue7 a"( i" co"se1ue"ce !he) !hi", a" a'solu!e. u"hesi!a!i"+ #ai!h i" a")!hi"+ u"see" !o 'e si*/l) a" e0!ra a+a"ce. a"( es/eciall) -he" i! is e0ercise( o" o'6ec!s -hich !he) (o "o! 'elie e !he*sel es. or e e" re6ec! -i!h scor" or a'horre"ce. A"( he"ce !he) /ro/hes) !ha! !he Ca!holic Church *us! lose. i" /ro/or!io" as *e" are (irec!e( !o !he so'er e0a*i"a!io" o# !heir o-" !hou+h!s a"( #eeli"+s. a"( !o !he se/ara!io" o# -ha! is real a"( !rue #ro* -ha! is a *a!!er o# -or(s a"( /re!e"ce. The) ca""o! u"(ers!a"( ho- our #ai!h i" !he Blesse( Sacra*e"! is a +e"ui"e. li i"+ /or!io" o# our *i"(s7 !he) !hi", i! a %1F=& *ere /ro#essio" -hich -e e*'race -i!h "o i"-ar( asse"!. 'u!

96 o"l) 'ecause -e are !ol( !ha! -e shoul( 'e los! u"less -e /ro#ess i!7 or 'ecause. !he Ca!holic Church ha i"+ i" (ar, a+es co**i!!e( hersel# !o i!. -e ca""o! hel/ oursel es. !hou+h -e -oul( i# -e coul(. a"( !here#ore recei e i! ') co"s!rai"!. #ro* a se"se o# (u!) !o-ar(s our cause. or i" a s/iri! o# /ar!). The) -ill "o! 'elie e !ha! -e -oul( "o! +la(l) +e! ri( o# !he (oc!ri"e o# !ra"su's!a"!ia!io". as a hea ) s!o"e a'ou! our "ec,s. i# -e coul(. Wha! shoc,i"+ -or(s !o useG I! -oul( 'e -ro"+ !o use !he*. -ere !he) "o! "ecessar) !o *a,e )ou u"(ers!a"(. *) 're!hre". !he /ri ile+e -hich )ou ha e. a"( !he -orl( has "o!. Shoc,i"+ i"(ee( a"( *os! /ro#a"eG a relie# !o ri( oursel es o# !he (oc!ri"e !ha! Jesus is o" our Al!arsG as -ell sa) a relie# !o ri( oursel es o# !he 'elie# !ha! Jesus is ;o(. !o ri( oursel es o# !he 'elie# !ha! !here is a ;o(. 4es. !ha! I su//ose is !he !rue relie#. !o 'elie e "o!hi"+ a! all. or. a! leas!. "o! !o 'e 'ou"( !o 'elie e a")!hi"+7 !o 'elie e #irs! o"e !hi"+. !he" a"o!her7 !o 'elie e -ha! -e /lease #or as lo"+ as -e /lease7 !ha! is. "o! reall) !o 'elie e. 'u! !o ha e a" o/i"io" a'ou! e er)!hi"+. a"( le! "o!hi"+ si! close u/o" us. !o co**i! oursel es !o "o!hi"+. !o ,ee/ !he u"see" -orl( al!o+e!her a! a (is!a"ce. Bu! i# -e are !o 'elie e a")!hi"+ a! all. i# -e are !o *a,e a") o"e hea e"l) (oc!ri"e our o-". i# -e are !o !a,e so*e (o+*as as !rue. -h). i" !ha! case. i! shoul( 'e a 'ur(e" !o 'elie e -ha! is so +racious a"( -ha! so co"cer"s us. ra!her !ha" -ha! is less i"!i*a!e a"( less -i""i"+.3-h) -e *us! "o! 'elie e !ha! ;o( is a*o"+ %1FA& us. i# ;o( !here is. -h) -e *a) "o! 'elie e !ha! ;o( (-ells o" our Al!ars as -ell as !ha! He (-ells i" !he s,). cer!ai"l) is "o! so sel#<e i(e"!. 'u! !ha! -e ha e a clai* !o as, !he reaso"s #or i! o# !hose. -ho /ro#ess !o 'e so ra!io"al a"( so "a!ural i" !heir (e!er*i"a!io"s. O *) 're!hre". ho- "arro-<*i"(e( is !his -orl( a! 'o!!o* a#!er all. i" s/i!e o# i!s /re!e"ces a"( i" s/i!e o# a//eara"cesG Here )ou see. i! ca""o! ') a s!re!ch o# i*a+i"a!io" co"cei e !ha! a")!hi"+ e0is!s. o# -hich i! has "o! co+"isa"ce i" i!s o-" hear!7 i! -ill "o! a(*i! i"!o i!s i*a+i"a!io" !he *ere i(ea !ha! -e ha e #ai!h. 'ecause i! (oes "o! ,"o- -ha! #ai!h is #ro* e0/erie"ce. a"( i! -ill "o! a(*i! !ha! !here is a")!hi"+ i" !he *i"( o# *a" -hich i! (oes "o! e0/erie"ce i!sel#. #or !ha! -oul( 'e all o"e -i!h a(*i!!i"+ a#!er all !ha! !here is such a !hi"+ as a *)s!er). I! *us! ,"o-. i! *us! 'e !he *easure o# all !hi"+s7 a"( so i" sel#<(e#e"ce i! co"si(ers us h)/ocri!ical. as /ro#essi"+ -ha! -e ca""o! 'elie e. les! i! shoul( 'e #orce( !o co"#ess i!sel# 'li"(. ?Behol( -ha! *a""er o# lo e !he Fa!her ha( 'es!o-e( o" us. !ha! -e shoul( 'e "a*e(. a"( shoul( 'e. !he so"s o# ;o(7 !here#ore !he -orl( ,"o-e!h "o! us. 'ecause i! ,"o-e!h "o! Hi*G? I! is #or !he sa*e reaso" !ha! i"1uirers. -ho are a//roachi"+ !he Church. #i"( i! (i##icul! !o /ersua(e !he*sel es !ha! !heir (ou'!s -ill "o! co"!i"ue a#!er !he) ha e e"!ere( i!. This is !he reaso" !he) assi+" #or "o! 'eco*i"+ Ca!holics7 #or -ha! is !o 'eco*e o# !he*. !he) as,. i# !heir /rese"! (ou'!s co"!i"ue a#!er !heir co" ersio"2 !he) -ill ha e

97 "o!hi"+ !o #all 'ac, u/o". %1FE& The) (o "o! re#lec! !ha! !heir /rese"! (i##icul!ies are *oral o"es. "o! i"!ellec!ual73I *ea". !ha! i! is "o! !ha! !he) reall) (ou'! -he!her !he co"clusio" a! -hich !he) ha e arri e(. !ha! !he Ca!holic Church co*es #ro* ;o(. is !rue7 !his !he) (o "o! (ou'! i" !heir reaso" a! all. 'u! !ha! !he) ca""o! rule !heir *i"( !o +ras/ a"( ,ee/ hol( o# !his !ru!h. The) reco+"ise i! (i*l). !hou+h cer!ai"l). as !he su" !hrou+h *is!s a"( clou(s. a"( !he) #or+e! !ha! i! is !he o##ice o# +race !o clear u/ +loo* a"( ha9i"ess. !o s!ea() !ha! #i!#ul isio". !o /er#ec! reaso" ') #ai!h. a"( !o co" er! a lo+ical co"clusio" i"!o a" o'6ec! o# i"!ellec!ual si+h!. A"( !hus !he) -ill "o! cre(i! i! as /ossi'le. -he" -e assure !he* o# -ha! -e ha e see" i" so *a") i"s!a"ces. !ha! all !heir !rou'le -ill +o. -he" o"ce !he) ha e e"!ere( !he co**u"io" o# Sai"!s a"( !he a!*os/here o# +race a"( li+h!. a"( !ha! !he) -ill 'e so #ull o# /eace a"( 6o) as "o! !o ,"o- ho- !o !ha", ;o( e"ou+h. a"( #ro* !he er) #orce o# !heir #eeli"+s a"( !he "ecessi!) o# relie i"+ !he*. !he) -ill se! a'ou! co" er!i"+ o!hers -i!h a su((e" 9eal -hich co"!ras!s s!ra"+el) -i!h !heir la!e acilla!io". T-o re*ar,s I *us! a(( i" co"clusio". i" e0/la"a!io" o# -ha! I ha e 'ee" sa)i"+. Firs!. (o "o! su//ose I ha e 'ee" s/ea,i"+ i" (is/ara+e*e"! o# hu*a" reaso"@ i! is !he -a) !o #ai!h7 i!s co"clusio"s are o#!e" !he er) o'6ec!s o# #ai!h. I! /rece(es #ai!h. -he" souls are co" er!e( !o !he Ca!holic Church7 a"( i! is !he i"s!ru*e"! -hich !he Church hersel# is +ui(e( !o *a,e use o#. -he" she is calle( u/o" !o /u! #or!h !hose (e#i"i!io"s o# (oc!ri"e. %1FF& i" -hich. accor(i"+ !o !he /ro*ise a"( /o-er o# her Lor( a"( Sa iour. she is i"#alli'le7 'u! s!ill reaso" is o"e !hi"+ a"( #ai!h is a"o!her. a"( reaso" ca" as li!!le 'e *a(e a su's!i!u!e #or #ai!h. as #ai!h ca" 'e *a(e a su's!i!u!e #or reaso". A+ai". I ha e 'ee" s/ea,i"+ as i# a s!a!e o# "a!ure -ere u!!erl) (es!i!u!e o# !he i"#lue"ces o# +race. a"( as i# !hose -ho are e0!er"al !o !he Church ac!e( si*/l) #ro* "a!ure. Recollec!. I ha e so s/o,e" #or !he sa,e o# (is!i"c!"ess. !ha! +race a"( "a!ure *i+h! clearl) 'e co"!ras!e( -i!h each o!her7 'u! i! is "o! !he #ac!. ;o( +i es His +race !o all *e". a"( !o !hose -ho /ro#i! ') i! He +i es *ore +race. a"( e e" !hose -ho 1ue"ch i! s!ill ha e !he o##er. He"ce so*e *e" ac! si*/l) #ro* "a!ure7 so*e ac! #ro* "a!ure i" so*e res/ec!s. "o! i" o!hers7 o!hers are )iel(i"+ !he*sel es !o !he +ui(a"ce o# !he assis!a"ces +i e" !he*7 o!hers. -ho ha e #ai!h#ull) a aile( !he*sel es o# !ha! +ui(a"ce a"( are si"cerel) i" search o# !he Church a"( her +i#!s. *a) e e" alrea() 'e i" a s!a!e o# 6us!i#ica!io". He"ce i! is i*/ossi'le !o a//l) -ha! has 'ee" sai( a'o e !o i"(i i(uals. -hose hear!s are a secre! -i!h ;o(. Ma"). I re/ea!. are u"(er !he i"#lue"ce /ar!l) o# reaso" a"( /ar!l) o# #ai!h. 'elie e so*e !hi"+s #ir*l). a"( ha e 'u! a" o/i"io" o" o!hers. Ma") are i" co"#lic! -i!h !he*sel es.

98 a"( are a( a"ci"+ !o a crisis. a#!er -hich !he) e*'race or rece(e #ro* !he !ru!h. Ma") are usi"+ !he assis!a"ces o# +race so -ell. !ha! !he) are i" !he -a) !o recei e i!s /er*a"e"! i"(-elli"+ i" !heir hear!s. Ma"). -e *a) !rus!. are e"6o)i"+ !ha! /er*a"e"! li+h!. a"( are co*i"+ s!ea(il) a"( %1FH& securel) i"!o !he Church7 so*e. alasG *a) ha e recei e( i!. a"(. as "o! a( a"ci"+ !o-ar(s !he Hol) House i" -hich i! is s!ore(. are losi"+ i!. a"(. !hou+h !he) ,"o- i! "o!. are li i"+ o"l) ') !he recollec!io"s o# -ha! -as o"ce /rese"! -i!hi" !he*. These are secre! !hi"+s -i!h ;o(7 'u! !he +rea! a"( +e"eral !ru!hs re*ai". !ha! "a!ure ca""o! see ;o(. a"( !ha! +race is !he sole *ea"s o# seei"+ Hi*7 a"( !ha!. -hile +race e"a'les us !o (o so. i! also 'ri"+s us i"!o His Church. a"( is "e er +i e" us #or our illu*i"a!io". -i!hou! 'ei"+ also +i e" !o *a,e us Ca!holics. O *) (ear 're!hre". -ha! 6o) a"( -ha! !ha",#ul"ess shoul( 'e ours. !ha! ;o( has 'rou+h! us i"!o !he Church o# His So"G Wha! +i#! is e1ual !o i! i" !he -hole -orl( i" i!s /recious"ess a"( i" i!s rari!)2 I" !his cou"!r) i" /ar!icular. -here heres) ra"+es #ar a"( -i(e. -here u"cul!i a!e( "a!ure has so u"(is/u!e( a #iel( all her o-". -here +race is +i e" !o +rea! "u*'ers o"l) !o 'e /ro#a"e( a"( 1ue"che(. -here 'a/!is*s o"l) re*ai" i" !heir i*/ress a"( charac!er. a"( #ai!h is ri(icule( #or i!s er) #ir*"ess. #or us !o #i"( oursel es here i" !he re+io" o# li+h!. i" !he ho*e o# /eace. i" !he /rese"ce o# Sai"!s. !o #i"( oursel es -here -e ca" use e er) #acul!) o# !he *i"( a"( a##ec!io" o# !he hear! i" i!s /er#ec!io". 'ecause i" i!s a//oi"!e( /lace a"( o##ice. !o #i"( oursel es i" !he /ossessio" o# cer!ai"!). co"sis!e"c). s!a'ili!). o" !he hi+hes! a"( holies! su'6ec!s o# hu*a" !hou+h!. !o ha e ho/e here a"( hea e" herea#!er. !o 'e o" !he Mou"! -i!h Chris!. -hile !he /oor -orl( is +uessi"+ a"( 1uarrelli"+ a! i!s #oo!. -ho a*o"+ us shall "o! %1HI& -o"(er a! his o-" 'lesse("ess2 -ho shall "o! 'e a-e<s!ruc, a! !he i"scru!a'le +race o# ;o(. -hich has 'rou+h! hi*sel#. "o! o!hers. -here he s!a"(s2 As !he A/os!le sa)s. ?BThrou+h our Lor( Jesus Chris! le! us ha e ') #ai!h access i"!o !his +race -herei" -e s!a"(. a"( +lor) i" !he ho/e o# !he +lor) o# !he so"s o# ;o(. A"( ho/e co"#ou"(e!h "o!7 'ecause !he lo e o# ;o( is /oure( ou! i"!o our hear!s ') !he Hol) ;hos! -ho is +i e" !o us.? A"(. as S!. Joh" sa)s. s!ill *ore e0ac!l) !o our /ur/ose. ?4e ha e a" u"c!io" #ro* !he Hol) O"e?73)our e)es are a"oi"!e( ') Hi* -ho /u! cla) o" !he e)es o# !he 'li"( *a"7 ?#ro* Hi* ha e )ou a" u"c!io". a"( )e ,"o-.? "o! co"6ec!ure. or su//ose. or o/i"e. 'u! ?,"o-.? see. ?all !hi"+s?. ?So le! !he u"c!io" -hich )ou ha e recei e( o# Hi* a'i(e i" )ou. Nor "ee( )e !ha! a") o"e !each )ou. 'u! as His u"c!io" !eaches )ou o# all !hi"+s. a"( is !rue a"( "o lie. a"( ha!h !au+h! )ou. so a'i(e i" Hi*.? 4ou ca" a'i(e i" "o!hi"+ else7 o/i"io"s cha"+e. co"clusio"s are #ee'le. i"1uiries ru" !heir course. reaso" s!o/s shor!. 'u! #ai!h alo"e reaches !o !he e"(. #ai!h o"l) e"(ures. Fai!h a"( /ra)er alo"e -ill e"(ure i" !ha! las! (ar, hour. -he" Sa!a" ur+es all his /o-ers a"( resources a+ai"s! !he si",i"+ soul. Wha! -ill i! a ail

99 JNo!eL us !he". !o ha e (e ise( so*e %1H1& su'!le ar+u*e"!. or !o ha e le( so*e 'rillia"! a!!ac,. or !o ha e *a//e( ou! !he #iel( o# his!or). or !o ha e "u*'ere( a"( sor!e( !he -ea/o"s o# co"!ro ers). a"( !o ha e !he ho*a+e o# #rie"(s a"( !he res/ec! o# !he -orl( #or our successes.3-ha! -ill i! a ail !o ha e ha( a /osi!io". !o ha e #ollo-e( ou! a -or,. !o ha e re<a"i*a!e( a" i(ea. !o ha e *a(e a cause !o !riu*/h. i# a#!er all -e ha e "o! !he li+h! o# #ai!h !o +ui(e us o" #ro* !his -orl( !o !he "e0!2 Oh. ho- #ai" shall -e 'e i" !ha! (a) !o e0cha"+e our /lace -i!h !he hu*'les!. a"( (ulles!. a"( *os! i+"ora"! o# !he so"s o# *e". ra!her !ha" !o s!a"( 'e#ore !he 6u(+*e"!<sea! i" !he lo! o# hi* -ho has recei e( +rea! +i#!s #ro* ;o(. a"( use( !he* #or sel# a"( #or *a". -ho has shu! his e)es. -ho has !ri#le( -i!h !ru!h. -ho has re/resse( his *is+i i"+s. -ho has 'ee" le( o" ') ;o(Bs +race. 'u! s!o//e( shor! o# i!s sco/e. -ho has "eare( !he la"( o# /ro*ise. )e! "o! +o"e #or-ar( !o !a,e /ossessio" o# i!G To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e

Note
Te *aris e! !errP. "u*ero1ue care"!is are"P Me"sore* cohi'e"!. Arch)!a. $ul eris e0i+ui /ro/e li!!us /ar a Ma!i"u* Mu"era7 "ec 1uic1ua* !i'i /ro(es! Aerios !e"!asse (o*os. a"i*o1ue ro!u"(u* $ercurrisse /olu*. *ori!uroG Re!ur" !o !e0! To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse 1I. Fai!h a"( $ri a!e Ju(+*e"!

%1H5& WHEN -e co"si(er !he 'eau!). !he *a6es!). !he co*/le!e"ess. !he resources. !he co"sola!io"s. o# !he Ca!holic Reli+io". i! *a) s!ri,e us -i!h -o"(er. *) 're!hre". !ha! i! (oes "o! co" er! !he *ul!i!u(e o# !hose -ho co*e i" i!s -a). $erha/s )ou ha e #el! !his sur/rise )oursel es7 es/eciall) !hose o# )ou -ho ha e 'ee" rece"!l) co" er!e(. a"( ca" co*/are i!. #ro* e0/erie"ce. -i!h !hose reli+io"s -hich !he *illio"s o# !his cou"!r) choose i"s!ea( o# i!. 4ou ,"o- #ro*

100 e0/erie"ce ho- 'arre". u"*ea"i"+. a"( 'aseless !hose reli+io"s are7 -ha! /oor a!!rac!io"s !he) ha e. a"( ho- li!!le !he) ha e !o sa) #or !he*sel es. Mul!i!u(es. i"(ee(. are o# "o reli+io" a! all7 a"( )ou *a) "o! 'e sur/rise( !ha! !hose -ho ca""o! e e" 'ear !he !hou+h! o# ;o(. shoul( "o! #eel (ra-" !o His Church7 "u*'ers. !oo. hear er) li!!le a'ou! Ca!holicis*. or a +rea! (eal o# a'use a"( calu*") a+ai"s! i!. a"( )ou *a) "o! 'e sur/rise( !ha! !he) (o "o! all a! o"ce 'eco*e Ca!holics7 'u! -ha! *a) #airl) sur/rise !hose -ho e"6o) !he #ul"ess o# Ca!holic 'lessi"+s is. !ha! !hose -ho see !he Church e er so (is!a"!l). -ho see e e" +lea*s or !he #ai"! lus!re o# her %1H8& *a6es!). "e er!heless shoul( "o! 'e so #ar a!!rac!e( ') -ha! !he) see as !o see, !o see *ore.3shoul( "o! a! leas! /u! !he*sel es i" !he -a) !o 'e le( o" !o !he Tru!h. -hich o# course is "o! or(i"aril) reco+"ise( i" i!s Di i"e au!hori!) e0ce/! ') (e+rees. Moses. -he" he sa- !he 'ur"i"+ 'ush. !ur"e( asi(e !o see ?!ha! +rea! si+h!?7 Na!ha"iel. !hou+h he !hou+h! "o +oo( coul( co*e ou! o# Na9are!h. a! leas! #ollo-e( $hili/ !o Chris!. -he" $hili/ sai( !o hi*. ?Co*e a"( see?7 'u! !he *ul!i!u(es a'ou! us see a"( hear. i" so*e *easure. surel).3 *a") i" a*/le *easure.3a"( )e! are "o! /ersua(e( !here') !o see a"( hear *ore. are "o! *o e( !o ac! u/o" !heir ,"o-le(+e. Seei"+ !he) see "o!. a"( heari"+ !he) hear "o!7 !he) are co"!e"!e( !o re*ai" as !he) are7 !he) are "o! (ra-" !o i"1uire. or a! leas! "o! (ra-" o" !o e*'race. Ma") e0/la"a!io"s *a) 'e +i e" o# !his (i##icul!)7 I -ill /rocee( !o su++es! !o )ou o"e. -hich -ill sou"( li,e a !ruis*. 'u! )e! has a *ea"i"+ i" i!. Me" (o "o! 'eco*e Ca!holics. 'ecause !he) ha e "o! #ai!h. No- )ou *a) as, *e. ho- !his is sa)i"+ *ore !ha" !ha! *e" (o "o! 'elie e !he Ca!holic Church because !he) (o "o! 'elie e i!7 -hich is sa)i"+ "o!hi"+ a! all. Our Lor(. #or i"s!a"ce. sa)s. ?He -ho co*e!h !o Me shall "o! hu"+er. a"( he -ho 'elie e!h i" Me shall "e er !hirs!?73!o 'elie e !he" a"( !o co*e are !he sa*e !hi"+. I# !he) ha( #ai!h. o# course !he) -oul( 6oi" !he Church. #or !he er) *ea"i"+. !he er) e0ercise o# #ai!h. is 6oi"i"+ !he Church. Bu! I *ea" so*e!hi"+ *ore !ha" !his@ #ai!h is a s!a!e o# *i"(. i! is a /ar!icular *o(e o# !hi",i"+ a"( ac!i"+. -hich is %1H:& e0ercise(. al-a)s i"(ee( !o-ar(s ;o(. 'u! i" er) arious -a)s. No- I *ea" !o sa). !ha! !he *ul!i!u(e o# *e" i" !his cou"!r) ha e "o! !his ha'i! or charac!er o# *i"(. We coul( co"cei e. #or i"s!a"ce. !heir 'elie i"+ i" !heir o-" reli+io"s. e e" i# !he) (i( "o! 'elie e i" !he Church7 !his -oul( 'e #ai!h. !hou+h a #ai!h i*/ro/erl) (irec!e(7 'u! !he) (o "o! 'elie e e e" !heir o-" reli+io"s7 !he) (o "o! 'elie e i" a")!hi"+ a! all. I! is a (e#i"i!e (e#ec! i" !heir *i"(s@ as -e *i+h! sa) !ha! a /erso" ha( "o! !he ir!ue o# *ee,"ess. or o# li'erali!). or o# /ru(e"ce. 1ui!e i"(e/e"(e"!l) o# !his or !ha! e0ercise o# !he ir!ue. so !here is such a reli+ious ir!ue as #ai!h. a"( !here is such a (e#ec! as !he a'se"ce o# i!. No- I *ea" !o sa) !ha! !he +rea! *ass o# *e" i" !his cou"!r) ha e "o! !his /ar!icular ir!ue calle( #ai!h. ha e "o! !his ir!ue a! all. As a

101 *a" *i+h! 'e -i!hou! e)es or -i!hou! ha"(s. so !he) are -i!hou! #ai!h7 i! is a (is!i"c! -a"! or #aul! i" !heir soul7 a"( -ha! I sa) is. !ha! since !he) ha e "o! !his #acul!) o# reli+ious 'elie#. "o -o"(er !he) (o "o! e*'race !ha!. -hich ca""o! reall) 'e e*'race( -i!hou! i!. The) (o "o! 'elie e a") !eachi"+ a! all i" a") !rue se"se7 a"( !here#ore !he) (o "o! 'elie e !he Church i" /ar!icular. No-. i" !he #irs! /lace. -ha! is #ai!h2 i! is asse"!i"+ !o a (oc!ri"e as !rue. -hich -e (o "o! see. -hich -e ca""o! /ro e. 'ecause ;o( sa)s i! is !rue. -ho ca""o! lie. A"( #ur!her !ha" !his. si"ce ;o( sa)s i! is !rue. "o! -i!h His o-" oice. 'u! ') !he oice o# His *esse"+ers. i! is asse"!i"+ !o -ha! *a" sa)s. "o! si*/l) ie-e( as a *a". 'u! !o -ha! he is co**issio"e( !o %1H=& (eclare. as a *esse"+er. /ro/he!. or a*'assa(or #ro* ;o(. I" !he or(i"ar) course o# !his -orl( -e accou"! !hi"+s !rue ei!her 'ecause -e see !he*. or 'ecause -e ca" /ercei e !ha! !he) #ollo- a"( are (e(uci'le #ro* -ha! -e (o see7 !ha! is. -e +ai" !ru!h ') si+h! or ') reaso". "o! ') #ai!h. 4ou -ill sa) i"(ee(. !ha! -e acce/! a "u*'er o# !hi"+s -hich -e ca""o! /ro e or see. o" !he -or( o# o!hers7 cer!ai"l). 'u! !he" -e acce/! -ha! !he) sa) o"l) as !he -or( o# *a"7 a"( -e ha e "o! co**o"l) !ha! a'solu!e a"( u"reser e( co"#i(e"ce i" !he*. -hich "o!hi"+ ca" sha,e. We ,"o- !ha! *a" is o/e" !o *is!a,e. a"( -e are al-a)s +la( !o #i"( so*e co"#ir*a!io" o# -ha! he sa)s. #ro* o!her 1uar!ers. i" a") i*/or!a"! *a!!er7 or -e recei e his i"#or*a!io" -i!h "e+li+e"ce a"( u"co"cer". as so*e!hi"+ o# li!!le co"se1ue"ce. as a *a!!er o# o/i"io"7 or. i# -e ac! u/o" i!. i! is as a *a!!er o# /ru(e"ce. !hi",i"+ i! 'es! a"( sa#es! !o (o so. We !a,e his -or( #or -ha! i! is -or!h. a"( -e use i! ei!her accor(i"+ !o our "ecessi!). or i!s /ro'a'ili!). We ,ee/ !he (ecisio" i" our o-" ha"(s. a"( reser e !o oursel es !he ri+h! o# reo/e"i"+ !he 1ues!io" -he"e er -e /lease. This is er) (i##ere"! #ro* Di i"e #ai!h7 he -ho 'elie es !ha! ;o( is !rue. a"( !ha! !his is His -or(. -hich He has co**i!!e( !o *a". has "o (ou'! a! all. He is as cer!ai" !ha! !he (oc!ri"e !au+h! is !rue. as !ha! ;o( is !rue7 a"( he is cer!ai". because ;o( is !rue. because ;o( has s/o,e". "o! 'ecause he sees i!s !ru!h or ca" /ro e i!s !ru!h. Tha! is. #ai!h has !-o /eculiari!ies73i! is *os! cer!ai". (eci(e(. /osi!i e. i**o a'le %1HA& i" i!s asse"!. a"( i! +i es !his asse"! "o! 'ecause i! sees -i!h e)e. or sees -i!h !he reaso". 'u! 'ecause i! recei es !he !i(i"+s #ro* o"e -ho co*es #ro* ;o(. This is -ha! #ai!h -as i" !he !i*e o# !he A/os!les. as "o o"e ca" (e")7 a"( -ha! i! -as !he". i! *us! 'e "o-. else i! ceases !o 'e !he sa*e !hi"+. I sa). i! cer!ai"l) -as !his i" !he A/os!lesB !i*e. #or )ou ,"o- !he) /reache( !o !he -orl( !ha! Chris! -as !he So" o# ;o(. !ha! He -as 'or" o# a >ir+i". !ha! He ha( asce"(e( o" hi+h. !ha! He -oul( co*e a+ai" !o 6u(+e all. !he li i"+ a"( !he (ea(. Coul( !he -orl( see all !his2 coul( i! /ro e i!2 ho- !he" -ere *e" !o recei e i!2 -h) (i( so *a") e*'race i!2 o" !he -or( o# !he A/os!les. -ho -ere. as !heir

102 /o-ers sho-e(. *esse"+ers #ro* ;o(. Me" -ere !ol( !o su'*i! !heir reaso" !o a li i"+ au!hori!). Moreo er. -ha!e er a" A/os!le sai(. his co" er!s -ere 'ou"( !o 'elie e7 -he" !he) e"!ere( !he Church. !he) e"!ere( i! i" or(er !o lear". The Church -as !heir !eacher7 !he) (i( "o! co*e !o ar+ue. !o e0a*i"e. !o /ic, a"( choose. 'u! !o acce/! -ha!e er -as /u! 'e#ore !he*. No o"e (ou'!s. "o o"e ca" (ou'! !his. o# !hose /ri*i!i e !i*es. A Chris!ia" -as 'ou"( !o !a,e -i!hou! (ou'!i"+ all !ha! !he A/os!les (eclare( !o 'e re eale(7 i# !he A/os!les s/o,e. he ha( !o )iel( a" i"!er"al asse"! o# his *i"(7 i! -oul( "o! 'e e"ou+h !o ,ee/ sile"ce. i! -oul( "o! 'e e"ou+h "o! !o o//ose@ i! -as "o! allo-a'le !o cre(i! i" a *easure7 i! -as "o! allo-a'le !o (ou'!. No7 i# a co" er! ha( his o-" /ri a!e !hou+h!s o# -ha! -as %1HE& sai(. a"( o"l) ,e/! !he* !o hi*sel#. i# he *a(e so*e secre! o//osi!io" !o !he !eachi"+. i# he -ai!e( #or #ur!her /roo# 'e#ore he 'elie e( i!. !his -oul( 'e a /roo# !ha! he (i( "o! !hi", !he A/os!les -ere se"! #ro* ;o( !o re eal His -ill7 i! -oul( 'e a /roo# !ha! he (i( "o! i" a") !rue se"se 'elie e a! all. I**e(ia!e. i*/lici! su'*issio" o# !he *i"( -as. i" !he li#e!i*e o# !he A/os!les. !he o"l). !he "ecessar) !o,e" o# #ai!h7 !he" !here -as "o roo* -ha!e er #or -ha! is "ocalle( /ri a!e 6u(+*e"!. No o"e coul( sa)@ ?I -ill choose *) reli+io" #or *)sel#. I -ill 'elie e !his. I -ill "o! 'elie e !ha!7 I -ill /le(+e *)sel# !o "o!hi"+7 I -ill 'elie e 6us! as lo"+ as I /lease. a"( "o lo"+er7 -ha! I 'elie e !o(a) I -ill re6ec! !o*orro-. i# I choose. I -ill 'elie e -ha! !he A/os!les ha e as )e! sai(. 'u! I -ill "o! 'elie e -ha! !he) shall sa) i" !i*e !o co*e.? No7 ei!her !he A/os!les -ere #ro* ;o(. or !he) -ere "o!7 i# !he) -ere. e er)!hi"+ !ha! !he) /reache( -as !o 'e 'elie e( ') !heir hearers7 i# !he) -ere "o!. !here -as "o!hi"+ #or !heir hearers !o 'elie e. To 'elie e a li!!le. !o 'elie e *ore or less. -as i*/ossi'le7 i! co"!ra(ic!e( !he er) "o!io" o# 'elie i"+@ i# o"e /ar! -as !o 'e 'elie e(. e er) /ar! -as !o 'e 'elie e(7 i! -as a" a'sur(i!) !o 'elie e o"e !hi"+ a"( "o! a"o!her7 #or !he -or( o# !he A/os!les. -hich *a(e !he o"e !rue. *a(e !he o!her !rue !oo7 !he) -ere "o!hi"+ i" !he*sel es. !he) -ere all !hi"+s. !he) -ere a" i"#alli'le au!hori!). as co*i"+ #ro* ;o(. The -orl( ha( ei!her !o 'eco*e Chris!ia". or !o le! i! alo"e7 !here -as "o roo* #or /ri a!e !as!es a"( #a"cies. "o roo* #or /ri a!e 6u(+*e"!. %1HF& No- surel) !his is 1ui!e clear #ro* !he "a!ure o# !he case7 'u! is also clear #ro* !he -or(s o# Scri/!ure. ?We +i e !ha",s !o ;o(.? sa)s S!. $aul. ?-i!hou! ceasi"+. 'ecause -he" )e ha( recei e( #ro* us !he -or( o# heari"+. -hich is o# ;o(. )e recei e( i!. "o! as !he -or( o# *e". 'u! Cas i! is i"(ee(D !he Wor( o# ;o(.? Here )ou see S!. $aul e0/resses -ha! I ha e sai( a'o e7 !ha! !he Wor( co*es #ro* ;o(. !ha! i! is s/o,e" ') *e". !ha! i! *us! 'e recei e(. "o! as *a"Bs -or(. 'u! as ;o(Bs -or(. So i" a"o!her /lace he sa)s@ ?He -ho (es/ise!h !hese !hi"+s. (es/ise!h "o! *a". 'u! ;o(. -ho ha!h also +i e" i" us His Hol) S/iri!?. Our Sa iour ha( *a(e a li,e (eclara!io" alrea()@ ?He !ha! heare!h )ou. heare!h Me7 a"( he !ha! (es/ise!h )ou. (es/ise!h

103 Me7 a"( he !ha! (es/ise!h Me. (es/ise!h Hi* !ha! se"! Me?. Accor(i"+l). S!. $e!er o" !he (a) o# $e"!ecos! sai(@ ?Me" o# Israel. hear !hese -or(s. ;o( ha!h raise( u/ !his Jesus. -hereo# we are witnesses. Le! all !he house o# Israel 'now most certainly !ha! ;o( ha!h *a(e !his Jesus. -ho* )ou ha e cruci#ie(. 'o!h Lor( a"( Chris!.? A! a"o!her !i*e he sai(@ ?We ou+h! !o o'e) ;o(. ra!her !ha" *a"7 -e are witnesses o# !hese !hi"+s. a"( so is the Holy *host. -ho* ;o( has +i e" !o all -ho o'e) Hi*?. A"( a+ai"@ ?He co**a"(e( us !o /reach !o !he /eo/le. a"( !o !es!i#) !ha! i! is He CJesusD -ho ha!h 'ee" a//oi"!e( ') ;o( !o 'e !he Ju(+e o# !he li i"+ a"( o# !he (ea(?. A"( )ou ,"o- !ha! !he /ersis!e"! (eclara!io" o# !he #irs! /reachers -as@ ?Belie e a"( !hou shal! 'e sa e(?@ !he) (o "o! sa). ?/ro e our (oc!ri"e ') )our o-" reaso".? %1HH& "or ?-ai! !ill )ou see 'e#ore )ou 'elie e?7 'u!. ?'elie e -i!hou! seei"+ a"( -i!hou! /ro i"+. 'ecause our -or( is "o! our o-". 'u! ;o(Bs -or(?. Me" *i+h! i"(ee( use !heir reaso" i" i"1uiri"+ i"!o !he /re!e"sio"s o# !he A/os!les7 !he) *i+h! i"1uire -he!her or "o! !he) (i( *iracles7 !he) *i+h! i"1uire -he!her !he) -ere /re(ic!e( i" !he Ol( Tes!a*e"! as co*i"+ #ro* ;o(7 'u! -he" !he) ha( ascer!ai"e( !his #airl) i" -ha!e er -a). !he) -ere !o !a,e all !he A/os!les sai( #or +ra"!e( -i!hou! /roo#7 !he) -ere !o e0ercise !heir #ai!h. !he) -ere !o 'e sa e( ') heari"+. He"ce. as )ou /erha/s o'ser e(. S!. $aul si+"i#ica"!l) calls !he re eale( (oc!ri"e ?!he -or( o# heari"+.? i" !he /assa+e I 1uo!e(7 *e" ca*e !o hear. !o acce/!. !o o'e). "o! !o cri!icise -ha! -as sai(7 a"( i" accor(a"ce -i!h !his he as,s else-here@ ?Ho- shall !he) 'elie e Hi*. -ho* !he) ha e "o! hear(2 a"( ho- shall !he) hear -i!hou! a /reacher2 Fai!h co*e!h ') heari"+. a"( heari"+ ') !he -or( o# Chris!.? No-. *) (ear 're!hre". co"si(er. are "o! !hese !-o s!a!es or ac!s o# *i"( 1ui!e (is!i"c! #ro* each o!her73!o 'elie e si*/l) -ha! a li i"+ au!hori!) !ells )ou. a"( !o !a,e a 'oo,. such as Scri/!ure. a"( !o use i! as )ou /lease. !o *as!er i!. !ha! is. !o *a,e )oursel# !he *as!er o# i!. !o i"!er/re! i! #or )oursel#. a"( !o a(*i! 6us! -ha! )ou choose !o see i" i!. a"( "o!hi"+ *ore2 Are "o! !hese !-o /roce(ures (is!i"c! i" !his. !ha! i" !he #or*er )ou su'*i!. i" !he la!!er )ou 6u(+e2 A! !his *o*e"! I a* "o! as,i"+ )ou -hich is !he 'e!!er. I a* "o! as,i"+ -he!her !his or !ha! is /rac!ica'le "o-. 'u! are !he) "o! !-o -a)s o# !a,i"+ %5II& u/ a (oc!ri"e. a"( "o! o"e2 is "o! su'*issio" 1ui!e co"!rar) !o 6u(+i"+2 No-. is i! "o! cer!ai" !ha! #ai!h i" !he !i*e o# !he A/os!les co"sis!e( i" su'*i!!i"+2 a"( is i! "o! cer!ai" !ha! i! (i( "o! co"sis! i" 6u(+i"+ #or o"eBs sel#. I! is i" ai" !o sa) !ha! !he *a" -ho 6u(+es #ro* !he A/os!lesB -ri!i"+s. (oes su'*i! !o !hose -ri!i"+s i" !he #irs! i"s!a"ce. a"( !here#ore has #ai!h i" !he*7 else -h) shoul( he re#er !o !he* a! all2 There is. I re/ea!. a" esse"!ial (i##ere"ce 'e!-ee" !he ac! o# su'*i!!i"+ !o a li i"+ oracle. a"( !o his -ri!!e" -or(s7 i" !he #or*er case !here is "o a//eal #ro* !he s/ea,er. i" !he la!!er !he #i"al (ecisio" re*ai"s -i!h !he rea(er. Co"si(er ho-

104 (i##ere"! is !he co"#i(e"ce -i!h -hich )ou re/or! a"o!herBs -or(s i" his /rese"ce a"( i" his a'se"ce. I# he 'e a'se"!. )ou 'ol(l) sa) !ha! he hol(s so a"( so. or sai( so a"( so7 'u! le! hi* co*e i"!o !he roo* i" !he *i(s! o# !he co" ersa!io". a"( )our !o"e is i**e(ia!el) cha"+e(. I! is !he". ?I thin' I ha e hear( )ou sa) so*e!hi"+ li'e !his. or -ha! I too' !o 'e !his?7 or )ou *o(i#) co"si(era'l) !he s!a!e*e"! or !he #ac! !o -hich )ou ori+i"all) /le(+e( hi*. (ro//i"+ o"e<hal# o# i! #or sa#e!) sa,e. or re!re"chi"+ !he *os! s!ar!li"+ /or!io"s o# i!7 a"( !he" a#!er all )ou -ai! -i!h so*e a"0ie!) !o see -he!her he -ill acce/! a") /or!io" o# i! a! all. The sa*e sor! o# /rocess !a,es /lace i" !he case o# !he -ri!!e" (ocu*e"! o# a /erso" "o- (ea(. I ca" #a"c) a *a" *a+is!eriall) e0/ou"(i"+ S!. $aulBs E/is!le !o !he ;ala!ia"s or !o !he E/hesia"s. -ho -oul( 'e 'e!!er co"!e"! -i!h !he -ri!erBs a'se"ce !ha" his su((e" rea//eara"ce a*o"+ us7 %5I1& les! !he A/os!le shoul( !a,e his o-" *ea"i"+ ou! o# his co**e"!a!orBs ha"(s a"( e0/lai" i! #or hi*sel#. I" a -or(. !hou+h he sa)s he has #ai!h i" S!. $aulBs -ri!i"+s. he co"#esse(l) has "o #ai!h i" S!. $aul7 a"( !hou+h he *a) s/ea, *uch a'ou! !ru!h as #ou"( i" Scri/!ure. he has "o -ish a! all !o 'e li,e o"e o# !hese Chris!ia"s -hose "a*es a"( (ee(s occur i" i!. I !hi", I *a) assu*e !ha! !his ir!ue. -hich -as e0ercise( ') !he #irs! Chris!ia"s. is "o! ,"o-" a! all a*o"+ $ro!es!a"!s "o-7 or a! leas! i# !here are i"s!a"ces o# i!. i! is e0ercise( !o-ar(s !hose. I *ea" !heir o-" !eachers a"( (i i"es. -ho e0/ressl) (isclai* !ha! !he) are #i! o'6ec!s o# i!. a"( -ho e0hor! !heir /eo/le !o 6u(+e #or !he*sel es. $ro!es!a"!s. +e"erall) s/ea,i"+. ha e "o! #ai!h. i" !he /ri*i!i e *ea"i"+ o# !ha! -or(7 !his is clear #ro* -ha! I ha e 'ee" sa)i"+. a"( here is a co"#ir*a!io" o# i!. I# *e" 'elie e( "o- as !he) (i( i" !he !i*es o# !he A/os!les. !he) coul( "o! (ou'! "or cha"+e. No o"e ca" (ou'! -he!her a -or( s/o,e" ') ;o( is !o 'e 'elie e(7 o# course i! is7 -hereas a") o"e. -ho is *o(es! a"( hu*'le. *a) easil) 'e 'rou+h! !o (ou'! o# his o-" i"#ere"ces a"( (e(uc!io"s. Si"ce *e" "o-<a<(a)s (e(uce #ro* Scri/!ure. i"s!ea( o# 'elie i"+ a !eacher. )ou *a) e0/ec! !o see !he* -a er a'ou!7 !he) -ill #eel !he #orce o# !heir o-" (e(uc!io"s *ore s!ro"+l) a! o"e !i*e !ha" a! a"o!her. !he) -ill cha"+e !heir *i"(s a'ou! !he*. or /erha/s (e") !he* al!o+e!her7 -hereas !his ca""o! 'e. -hile a *a" has #ai!h. !ha! is. 'elie# !ha! -ha! a /reacher sa)s !o hi* co*es #ro* ;o(. This is -ha! S!. $aul es/eciall) i"sis!s o". !elli"+ us !ha! %5I5& A/os!les. /ro/he!s. e a"+elis!s. /as!ors. a"( !eachers. are +i e" us !ha! ?-e *a) all a!!ai" !o u"i!) o# #ai!h.? a"(. o" !he co"!rar). i" or(er ?!ha! -e 'e not as chil(re" !osse( !o a"( #ro. a"( carrie( a'ou! ') e er) +ale o# (oc!ri"e?. No-. i" *a!!er o# #ac!. (o "o! *e" i" !his (a) cha"+e a'ou! i" !heir reli+ious o/i"io"s -i!hou! a") li*i!2 Is "o! !his. !he". a /roo# !ha! !he) ha e "o! !ha! #ai!h -hich !he A/os!les (e*a"(e( o# !heir co" er!s2 I# !he) ha( #ai!h. !he) -oul( "o! cha"+e. O"ce 'elie e !ha! ;o( has s/o,e". a"( )ou are sure He

105 ca""o! u"sa) -ha! He has alrea() sai(7 He ca""o! (ecei e7 He ca""o! cha"+e7 )ou ha e recei e( i! o"ce #or all7 )ou -ill 'elie e i! e er. Such is !he o"l) ra!io"al. co"sis!e"! accou"! o# #ai!h7 'u! so #ar are $ro!es!a"!s #ro* /ro#essi"+ i!. !ha! !he) lau+h a! !he er) "o!io" o# i!. The) lau+h a! !he "o!io" i!sel# o# *e" /i""i"+ !heir #ai!h Cas !he) e0/ress !he*sel esD u/o" $o/e or Cou"cil7 !he) !hi", i! si*/l) su/ers!i!ious a"( "arro-<*i"(e(. !o /ro#ess !o 'elie e 6us! -ha! !he Church 'elie es. a"( !o asse"! !o -ha!e er she -ill sa) i" !i*e !o co*e o" *a!!ers o# (oc!ri"e. Tha! is. !he) lau+h a! !he 'are "o!io" o# (oi"+ -ha! Chris!ia"s u"(e"ia'l) (i( i" !he !i*e o# !he A/os!les. O'ser e. !he) (o "o! *erel) as, -he!her !he Ca!holic Church has a clai* !o !each. has au!hori!). has !he +i#!s73!his is a reaso"a'le 1ues!io"73"o. !he) !hi", !ha! !he er) s!a!e o# *i"( -hich such a clai* i" ol es i" !hose -ho a(*i! i!. "a*el). !he (is/osi!io" !o acce/! -i!hou! reser e or 1ues!io". !ha! this is sla ish. The) call i! /ries!cra#! !o i"sis! o" !his surre"(er o# !he reaso". a"( su/ers!i!io" !o %5I8& *a,e i!. Tha! is. !he) 1uarrel -i!h !he er) s!a!e o# *i"( -hich all Chris!ia"s ha( i" !he a+e o# !he A/os!les7 "or is !here a") (ou'! C-ho -ill (e") i!2D !ha! !hose -ho !hus 'oas! o# "o! 'ei"+ le( 'li"(#ol(. o# 6u(+i"+ #or !he*sel es. o# 'elie i"+ 6us! as *uch a"( 6us! as li!!le as !he) /lease. o# ha!i"+ (ic!a!io". a"( so #or!h. -oul( ha e #ou"( i! a" e0!re*e (i##icul!) !o ha"+ o" !he li/s o# !he A/os!les. ha( !he) li e( a! !heir (a!e. or ra!her -oul( ha e si*/l) resis!e( !he sacri#ice o# !heir o-" li'er!) o# !hou+h!. -oul( ha e !hou+h! li#e e!er"al !oo (earl) /urchase( a! such a /rice. a"( -oul( ha e (ie( i" !heir u"'elie#. A"( !he) -oul( ha e (e#e"(e( !he*sel es o" !he /lea !ha! i! -as a'sur( a"( chil(ish !o as, !he* !o 'elie e -i!hou! /roo#. !o 'i( !he* +i e u/ !heir e(uca!io". a"( !heir i"!elli+e"ce. a"( !heir scie"ce. a"( i" s/i!e o# all !hose (i##icul!ies -hich reaso" a"( se"se #i"( i" !he Chris!ia" (oc!ri"e. i" s/i!e o# i!s *)s!erious"ess. i!s o'scuri!). i!s s!ra"+e"ess. i!s u"acce/!a'le"ess. i!s se eri!). !o re1uire !he* !o surre"(er !he*sel es !o !he !eachi"+ o# a #eu"le!!ere( ;alilPa"s. or a lear"e( i"(ee( 'u! #a"a!ical $harisee. This is -ha! !he) -oul( ha e sai( !he"7 a"( i# so. is i! -o"(er#ul !he) (o "o! 'eco*e Ca!holics "o-2 The si*/le accou"! o# !heir re*ai"i"+ as !he) are. is. !ha! !he) lac, o"e !hi"+.3!he) ha e "o! #ai!h7 i! is a s!a!e o# *i"(. i! is a ir!ue. -hich !he) (o "o! reco+"ise !o 'e /raise-or!h). -hich !he) (o "o! ai* a! /ossessi"+. Wha! !he) #eel "o-. *) 're!hre". is 6us! -ha! 'o!h Je- a"( ;ree, #el! 'e#ore !he* i" !he !i*e o# !he A/os!les. a"( -ha! !he "a!ural *a" has #el! e er si"ce. %5I:& The +rea! a"( -ise *e" o# !he (a) loo,e( (o-" u/o" #ai!h. !he" as "o-. as i# i! -ere u"-or!h) !he (i+"i!) o# hu*a" "a!ure@ ?See )our oca!io". 're!hre". !ha! !here are "o!.? a*o"+ )ou. ?*a") -ise accor(i"+ !o !he #lesh. "o! *a") *i+h!). "o! *a") "o'le7 'u! !he #oolish !hi"+s o# !he -orl( ha!h ;o(

106 chose" !o co"#ou"( !he s!ro"+. a"( !he *ea" !hi"+s o# !he -orl(. a"( !he !hi"+s !ha! are co"!e*/!i'le. ha!h ;o( chose". a"( !hi"+s !ha! are "o!. !ha! He *i+h! (es!ro) !he !hi"+s !ha! are. !ha! "o #lesh *i+h! +lor) i" His si+h!?. He"ce !he sa*e A/os!le s/ea,s o# ?!he #oolish"ess o# /reachi"+?. Si*ilar !o !his is -ha! our Lor( ha( sai( i" His /ra)er !o !he Fa!her@ ?I !ha", Thee. Fa!her. Lor( o# hea e" a"( ear!h. 'ecause !hou has! hi( !hese !hi"+s #ro* !he -ise a"( /ru(e"!. a"( has! re eale( !he* u"!o li!!le o"es?. No-. is i! "o! /lai" !ha! *e" o# !his (a) ha e 6us! i"heri!e( !he #eeli"+s a"( !ra(i!io"s o# !hese #alsel) -ise a"( #a!all) /ru(e"! /erso"s i" our Lor(Bs (a)2 The) ha e !he sa*e o's!ruc!io" i" !heir hear!s !o e"!eri"+ !he Ca!holic Church. -hich $harisees a"( So/his!s ha( 'e#ore !he*7 i! +oes a+ai"s! !he* !o 'elie e her (oc!ri"e. "o! so *uch #or -a"! o# e i(e"ce !ha! she is #ro* ;o(. as 'ecause. i# so. !he) shall ha e !o su'*i! !heir *i"(s !o li i"+ *e". -ho ha e "o! !heir o-" cul!i a!io" or (e/!h o# i"!ellec!. a"( 'ecause !he) *us! recei e a "u*'er o# (oc!ri"es. -he!her !he) -ill or "o. -hich are s!ra"+e !o !heir i*a+i"a!io" a"( (i##icul! !o !heir reaso". The er) charac!eris!ic o# !he Ca!holic !eachi"+ a"( o# !he Ca!holic !eacher is !o !he* a /reli*i"ar) o'6ec!io" !o !heir 'eco*i"+ %5I=& Ca!holics. so +rea!. as !o !hro- i"!o !he sha(e a") ar+u*e"! ho-e er s!ro"+. -hich is /ro(uci'le i" 'ehal# o# !he *issio" o# !hose !eachers a"( !he ori+i" o# !ha! !eachi"+. I" shor!. !he) ha e "o! #ai!h. The) ha e "o! i" !he* !he /ri"ci/le o# #ai!h7 a"( I re/ea!. i! is "o!hi"+ !o !he /ur/ose !o ur+e !ha! a! leas! !he) #ir*l) 'elie e Scri/!ure !o 'e !he Wor( o# ;o(. I" !ru!h. i! is *uch !o 'e #eare( !ha! !heir acce/!a"ce o# Scri/!ure i!sel# is "o!hi"+ 'e!!er !ha" a /re6u(ice or i" e!era!e #eeli"+ i*/resse( o" !he* -he" !he) -ere chil(re". A /roo# o# i! is !his7 !ha!. -hile !he) /ro#ess !o 'e so shoc,e( a! Ca!holic *iracles. a"( are "o! slo- !o call !he* ?l)i"+ -o"(ers.? !he) ha e "o (i##icul!) a! all a'ou! Scri/!ure "arra!i es. -hich are 1ui!e as (i##icul! !o !he reaso" as a") *iracles recor(e( i" !he his!or) o# !he Sai"!s. I ha e hear( o" !he co"!rar) o# Ca!holics -ho ha e 'ee" s!ar!le( a! #irs! rea(i"+ i" Scri/!ure !he "arra!i es o# !he ar, i" !he (elu+e. o# !he !o-er o# Ba'el. o# Balaa* a"( Balac. o# !he Israeli!esB #li+h! #ro* E+)/! a"( e"!ra"ce i"!o !he /ro*ise( la"(. a"( o# EsauBs a"( SaulBs re6ec!io"7 -hich !he 'ul, o# $ro!es!a"!s recei e -i!hou! a") e##or! o# *i"(. Ho-. !he". (o !hese Ca!holics acce/! !he*2 ') #ai!h. The) sa). ?;o( is !rue. a"( e er) *a" a liar?. Ho- co*e $ro!es!a"!s so easil) !o recei e !he*2 ') #ai!h2 Na). I co"cei e !ha! i" *os! cases !here is "o su'*issio" o# !he reaso" a! all7 si*/l) !he) are so #a*iliar -i!h !he /assa+es i" 1ues!io". !ha! !he "arra!i e /rese"!s "o (i##icul!ies !o !heir i*a+i"a!io"7 !he) ha e "o!hi"+ !o o erco*e. I#. ho-e er. !he) are le( !o co"!e*/la!e !hese /assa+es %5IA& i" !he*sel es. a"( !o !r) !he* i" !he 'ala"ce o# /ro'a'ili!). a"( !o 'e+i" !o 1ues!io" a'ou! !he*. as -ill ha//e" -he" !heir i"!ellec! is cul!i a!e(. !he" !here is "o!hi"+ !o 'ri"+ !he* 'ac, !o !heir #or*er ha'i!ual or *echa"ical 'elie#7 !he) ,"o- "o!hi"+ o#

107 su'*i!!i"+ !o au!hori!). !ha! is. !he) ,"o- "o!hi"+ o# #ai!h7 #or !he) ha e "o au!hori!) !o su'*i! !o. The) ei!her re*ai" i" a s!a!e o# (ou'! -i!hou! a") +rea! !rou'le o# *i"(. or !he) +o o" !o ri/e" i"!o u!!er (is'elie# o" !he su'6ec!s i" 1ues!io". !hou+h !he) *a) sa) "o!hi"+ a'ou! i!. Nei!her 'e#ore !he) (ou'!. "or -he" !he) (ou'!. is !here a") !o,e" o# !he /rese"ce i" !he* o# a /o-er su'6ec!i"+ reaso" !o !he Wor( o# ;o(. No7 -ha! loo,s li,e #ai!h. is a *ere here(i!ar) /ersuasio". "o! a /erso"al /ri"ci/le7 i! is a ha'i! -hich !he) ha e lear"e( i" !he "urser). -hich has "e er cha"+e( i"!o a")!hi"+ hi+her. a"( -hich is sca!!ere( a"( (isa//ears. li,e a *is!. 'e#ore !he li+h!. such as i! is. o# reaso". I#. ho-e er. !here are $ro!es!a"!s. -ho are "o! i" o"e or o!her o# !hese !-o s!a!es. ei!her o# cre(uli!) or o# (ou'!. 'u! -ho #ir*l) 'elie e i" s/i!e o# all (i##icul!ies. !he) cer!ai"l) ha e so*e clai* !o 'e co"si(ere( u"(er !he i"#lue"ce o# #ai!h7 'u! !here is "o!hi"+ !o sho- !ha! such /erso"s. -here !he) are #ou"(. are "o! i" !he -a) !o 'eco*e Ca!holics. a"( /erha/s !he) are alrea() calle( so ') !heir #rie"(s. sho-i"+ i" !heir o-" e0a*/les !he lo+ical. i"(is/u!a'le co""e0io" -hich e0is!s 'e!-ee" /ossessi"+ #ai!h a"( 6oi"i"+ !he Church. I#. !he". #ai!h 'e "o- !he sa*e #acul!) o# *i"(. !he sa*e sor! o# ha'i! or ac!. -hich i! -as i" !he (a)s o# %5IE& !he A/os!les. I ha e *a(e +oo( -ha! I se! a'ou! sho-i"+. Bu! i! *us! 'e !he sa*e7 i! ca""o! *ea" !-o !hi"+s7 !he Wor( ca""o! ha e cha"+e( i!s *ea"i"+. Ei!her sa) !ha! #ai!h is "o! "ecessar) "o- a! all. or !a,e i! !o 'e -ha! !he A/os!les *ea"! ') i!. 'u! (o "o! sa) !ha! )ou ha e i!. a"( !he" sho- *e so*e!hi"+ 1ui!e (i##ere"!. -hich )ou ha e /u! i" !he /lace o# i!. I" !he A/os!lesB (a)s !he /eculiari!) o# #ai!h -as su'*issio" !o a li i"+ au!hori!)7 !his is -ha! *a(e i! so (is!i"c!i e7 !his is -ha! *a(e i! a" ac! o# su'*issio" a! all7 !his is -ha! (es!ro)e( /ri a!e 6u(+*e"! i" *a!!ers o# reli+io". I# )ou -ill "o! loo, ou! #or a li i"+ au!hori!). a"( -ill 'ar+ai" #or /ri a!e 6u(+*e"!. !he" sa) a! o"ce !ha! )ou ha e "o! A/os!olic #ai!h. A"( i" #ac! )ou ha e i! "o!7 !he 'ul, o# !his "a!io" has i! "o!7 co"#ess )ou ha e i! "o!7 a"( !he" co"#ess !ha! !his is !he reaso" -h) )ou are "o! Ca!holics. 4ou are "o! Ca!holics 'ecause )ou ha e "o! #ai!h. Wh) (o "o! 'li"( *e" see !he su"2 'ecause !he) ha e "o e)es7 i" li,e *a""er i! is ai" !o (iscourse u/o" !he 'eau!). !he sa"c!i!). !he su'li*i!) o# !he Ca!holic (oc!ri"e a"( -orshi/. -here *e" ha e "o #ai!h !o acce/! i! as Di i"e. The) *a) co"#ess i!s 'eau!). su'li*i!). a"( sa"c!i!). -i!hou! 'elie i"+ i!7 !he) *a) ac,"o-le(+e !ha! !he Ca!holic reli+io" is "o'le a"( *a6es!ic7 !he) *a) 'e s!ruc, -i!h i!s -is(o*. !he) *a) a(*ire i!s a(a/!a!io" !o hu*a" "a!ure. !he) *a) 'e /e"e!ra!e( ') i!s !e"(er a"( -i""i"+ 'eari"+. !he) *a) 'e a-e( ') i!s co"sis!e"c). Bu! !o co**i! !he*sel es !o i!. !ha! is a"o!her *a!!er7 !o choose i! #or !heir /or!io". !o sa) -i!h !he #a oure( Moa'i!ess. %5IF& ?Whi!hersoe er !hou shal! +o. I -ill +oG a"( -here !hou shal! (-ell. I -ill (-ell7 !h) /eo/le shall 'e *) /eo/le. a"( !h) ;o( *) ;o(.? !his is !he la"+ua+e o# #ai!h. A

108 *a" *a) re ere. a *a" *a) e0!ol. -ho has "o !e"(e"c) -ha!e er !o o'e). "o "o!io" -ha!e er o# /ro#essi"+. A"( !his o#!e" ha//e"s i" #ac!@ *e" are res/ec!#ul !o !he Ca!holic reli+io"7 !he) ac,"o-le(+e i!s ser ices !o *a",i"(. !he) e"coura+e i! a"( i!s /ro#essors7 !he) li,e !o ,"o- !he*. !he) are i"!eres!e( i" heari"+ o# !heir *o e*e"!s. 'u! !he) are "o!. a"( "e er -ill 'e Ca!holics. The) -ill (ie as !he) ha e li e(. ou! o# !he Church. 'ecause !he) ha e "o! /ossesse( !he*sel es o# !ha! #acul!) ') -hich !he Church is !o 'e a//roache(. Ca!holics -ho ha e "o! s!u(ie( !he* or hu*a" "a!ure. -ill -o"(er !he) re*ai" -here !he) are7 "a). !he) !he*sel es. alas #or !he*G -ill so*e!i*es la*e"! !he) ca""o! 'eco*e Ca!holics. The) -ill #eel so i"!i*a!el) !he 'lesse("ess o# 'ei"+ a Ca!holic. !ha! !he) -ill cr) ou!. ?Oh. -ha! -oul( I +i e !o 'e a Ca!holicG Oh. !ha! I coul( 'elie e -ha! I a(*ireG 'u! I (o "o!. a"( I ca" "o *ore 'elie e *erel) 'ecause I -ish !o (o so. !ha" I ca" lea/ o er a *ou"!ai". I shoul( 'e *uch ha//ier -ere I a Ca!holic7 'u! I a* "o!7 i! is "o use (ecei i"+ *)sel#7 I a* -ha! I a*7 I re ere. I ca""o! acce/!.? Oh. (e/lora'le s!a!eG (e/lora'le 'ecause i! is u!!erl) a"( a'solu!el) !heir o-" #aul!. a"( 'ecause such +rea! s!ress is lai( i" Scri/!ure. as !he) ,"o-. o" !he "ecessi!) o# #ai!h #or sal a!io". Fai!h is !here *a(e !he #ou"(a!io" a"( co**e"ce*e"! o# all acce/!a'le o'e(ie"ce. I! is (escri'e( as !he ?ar+u*e"!? or ?/roo# %5IH& o# !hi"+s "o! see"?7 ') #ai!h *e" ha e u"(ers!oo( !ha! ;o( is. !ha! He *a(e !he -orl(. !ha! He is a re-ar(er o# !hose -ho see, Hi*. !ha! !he #loo( -as co*i"+. !ha! !heir Sa iour -as !o 'e 'or". ?Wi!hou! #ai!h i! is i*/ossi'le !o /lease ;o(?7 ?') #ai!h -e s!a"(?7 ?') #ai!h -e -al,?7 ?') #ai!h -e o erco*e !he -orl(?. Whe" our Lor( +a e !o !he A/os!les !heir co**issio" !o /reach all o er !he -orl(. He co"!i"ue(. ?He !ha! 'elie e!h a"( is 'a/!ise(. shall 'e sa e(7 'u! he !ha! 'elie e!h "o!. shall 'e co"(e*"e(?. A"( He (eclare( !o Nico(e*us. ?He !ha! 'elie e!h i" !he So". is "o! 6u(+e(7 'u! he !ha! (o!h "o! 'elie e is alrea() 6u(+e(. 'ecause he 'elie e!h "o! i" !he Na*e o# !he O"l)< 'e+o!!e" So" o# ;o(?. He sai( !o !he $harisees. ?I# )ou 'elie e "o! !ha! I a* He. )e shall (ie i" )our si"s?. To !he Je-s. ?4e 'elie e "o!. 'ecause )e are "o! o# M) shee/?. A"( )ou *a) recollec! !ha! 'e#ore His *iracles. He co**o"l) (e*a"(s #ai!h o# !he su//lica"!@ ?All !hi"+s are /ossi'le.? He sa)s. ?!o hi* !ha! 'elie e!h?7 a"( -e #i"( i" o"e /lace. ?He coul( "o! (o a") *iracle.? o" accou"! o# !he u"'elie# o# !he i"ha'i!a"!s. Has #ai!h cha"+e( i!s *ea"i"+. or is i! less "ecessar) "o-2 Is i! "o! s!ill -ha! i! -as i" !he A/os!lesB (a). !he er) charac!eris!ic o# Chris!ia"i!). !he s/ecial i"s!ru*e"! o# re"o a!io". !he #irs! (is/osi!io" #or 6us!i#ica!io". o"e ou! o# !he !hree !heolo+ical ir!ues2 ;o( *i+h! ha e re"e-e( us ') o!her *ea"s. ') si+h!. ') reaso". ') lo e. 'u! He has chose" !o ?/uri#) our hear!s ') #ai!h?7 i! has 'ee" His -ill !o selec! a" i"s!ru*e"! -hich !he -orl( (es/ises. 'u! -hich is o# %51I&

109 i**e"se /o-er. He /re#erre( i!. i" His i"#i"i!e -is(o*. !o e er) o!her7 a"( i# *e" ha e i! "o!. !he) ha e "o! !he er) ele*e"! a"( ru(i*e"!. ou! o# -hich are #or*e(. o" -hich are 'uil!. !he Sai"!s a"( Ser a"!s o# ;o(. A"( !he) ha e i! "o!7 !he) are li i"+. !he) are ()i"+. -i!hou! !he ho/es. -i!hou! !he ai(s o# !he ;os/el. 'ecause. i" s/i!e o# so *uch !ha! is +oo( i" !he*. i" s/i!e o# !heir se"se o# (u!). !heir !e"(er"ess o# co"scie"ce o" *a") /oi"!s. !heir 'e"e ole"ce. !heir u/ri+h!"ess. !heir +e"erosi!). !he) are u"(er !he (o*i"io" CI *us! sa) i!D o# a /rou( #ie"(7 !he) ha e !his s!ou! s/iri! -i!hi" !he*. !he) (e!er*i"e !o 'e !heir o-" *as!ers i" *a!!ers o# !hou+h!. a'ou! -hich !he) ,"o- so li!!le7 !he) co"si(er !heir o-" reaso" 'e!!er !ha" a") o"eBs else7 !he) -ill "o! a(*i! !ha! a") o"e co*es #ro* ;o( -ho co"!ra(ic!s !heir o-" ie- o# !ru!h. Wha!G is "o"e !heir e1ual i" -is(o* a")-here2 is !here "o"e o!her -hose -or( is !o 'e !a,e" o" reli+io"2 is !here "o"e !o -res! #ro* !he* !heir ul!i*a!e a//eal !o !he*sel es2 Ha e !he) i" "o /ossi'le -a) !he occasio" or o//or!u"i!) o# #ai!h2 Is i! a ir!ue. -hich. i" co"se1ue"ce o# !heir !ra"sce"(e"! sa+aci!). !heir /rero+a!i e o# o*"iscie"ce. !he) *us! +i e u/ ho/e o# e0ercisi"+2 I# !he /re!e"sio"s o# !he Ca!holic Church (o "o! sa!is#) !he*. le! !he* +o so*e-here else. i# !he) ca". I# !he) are so #as!i(ious !ha! !he) ca""o! !rus! her as !he oracle o# ;o(. le! !he* #i"( a"o!her *ore cer!ai"l) #ro* Hi* !ha" !he House o# His o-" i"s!i!u!io". -hich has e er 'ee" calle( ') His "a*e. has e er *ai"!ai"e( !he sa*e clai*s. has e er !au+h! o"e su's!a"ce o# (oc!ri"e. %511& a"( has !riu*/he( o er !hose -ho /reache( a") o!her. Si"ce A/os!olic #ai!h -as i" !he 'e+i""i"+ relia"ce o" *a"Bs -or(. as 'ei"+ ;o(Bs -or(. si"ce -ha! #ai!h -as !he" such i! is "o-. si"ce #ai!h is "ecessar) #or sal a!io". le! !he* a!!e*/! !o e0ercise i! !o-ar(s a"o!her. i# !he) -ill "o! acce/! !he Bri(e o# !he La*'. Le! !he*. i# !he) ca". /u! #ai!h i" so*e o# !hose reli+io"s -hich ha e las!e( a -hole !-o or !hree ce"!uries i" a cor"er o# !he ear!h. Le! !he* s!a,e !heir e!er"al /ros/ec!s o" ,i"+s a"( "o'les a"( /arlia*e"!s a"( sol(ier). le! !he* !a,e so*e *ere #ic!io" o# !he la-. or a'or!io" o# !he schools. or i(ol o# a /o/ulace. or u/s!ar! o# a crisis. or oracle o# lec!ure<roo*s. as !he /ro/he! o# ;o(. AlasG !he) are har(l) 'es!ea( i# !he) *us! /ossess a ir!ue. -hich !he) ha e "o *ea"s o# e0ercisi"+.3i# !he) *us! *a,e a" ac! o# #ai!h. !he) ,"o"o! o" -ho*. a"( ,"o- "o! -h)G Wha! !ha",s ou+h! -e !o re"(er !o Al*i+h!) ;o(. *) (ear 're!hre". !ha! He has *a(e us -ha! -e areG I! is a *a!!er o# +race. There are. !o 'e sure. *a") co+e"! ar+u*e"!s !o lea( o"e !o 6oi" !he Ca!holic Church. 'u! !he) (o "o! #orce !he -ill. We *a) ,"o- !he*. a"( "o! 'e *o e( !o ac! u/o" !he*. We *a) 'e co" i"ce( -i!hou! 'ei"+ /ersua(e(. The !-o !hi"+s are 1ui!e (is!i"c! #ro* each o!her. seei"+ )ou ou+h! !o 'elie e. a"( 'elie i"+7 reaso". i# le#! !o i!sel#. -ill 'ri"+ )ou !o !he co"clusio" !ha! )ou ha e su##icie"! +rou"(s #or 'elie i"+. 'u! 'elie# is !he +i#! o# +race. 4ou are !he" -ha! )ou are. "o! #ro*

110 a") e0celle"ce or *eri! o# )our o-". 'u! ') !he +race o# ;o( -ho has chose" )ou !o 'elie e. 4ou *i+h! ha e %515& 'ee" as !he 'ar'aria" o# A#rica. or !he #ree!hi",er o# Euro/e. -i!h +race su##icie"! !o co"(e*" )ou. 'ecause i! ha( "o! #ur!here( )our sal a!io". 4ou *i+h! ha e ha( s!ro"+ i"s/ira!io"s o# +race a"( ha e resis!e( !he*. a"( !he" a((i!io"al +race *i+h! "o! ha e 'ee" +i e" !o o erco*e )our resis!a"ce. ;o( +i es "o! !he sa*e *easure o# +race !o all. Has He "o! isi!e( )ou -i!h o er<a'u"(a"! +race2 a"( -as i! "o! "ecessar) #or )our har( hear!s !o recei e *ore !ha" o!her /eo/le2 $raise a"( 'less Hi* co"!i"uall) #or !he 'e"e#i!7 (o "o! #or+e!. as !i*e +oes o". !ha! i! is o# +race7 (o "o! /ri(e )oursel es u/o" i!7 /ra) e er "o! !o lose i!7 a"( (o )our 'es! !o *a,e o!hers /ar!a,ers o# i!. A"( )ou. *) 're!hre". also. i# such 'e /rese"!. -ho are "o! as )e! Ca!holics. 'u! -ho ') )our co*i"+ hi!her see* !o sho- )our i"!eres! i" our !eachi"+. a"( )ou -ish !o ,"o- *ore a'ou! i!. )ou !oo re*e*'er. !ha! !hou+h )ou *a) "o! )e! ha e #ai!h i" !he Church. s!ill ;o( has 'rou+h! )ou i"!o !he -a) o# o'!ai"i"+ i!. 4ou are u"(er !he i"#lue"ce o# His +race7 He has 'rou+h! )ou a s!e/ o" )our 6our"e)7 He -ishes !o 'ri"+ )ou #ur!her. He -ishes !o 'es!o- o" )ou !he #ul"ess o# His 'lessi"+s. a"( !o *a,e )ou Ca!holics. 4ou are s!ill i" )our si"s7 /ro'a'l) )ou are la(e" -i!h !he +uil! o# *a") )ears. !he accu*ula!e( +uil! o# *a") a (ee/. *or!al o##e"ce. -hich "o co"!ri!io" has -ashe( a-a). a"( !o -hich "o Sacra*e"! has 'ee" a//lie(. 4ou a! /rese"! are !rou'le( -i!h a" u"eas) co"scie"ce. a (issa!is#ie( reaso". a" u"clea" hear!. a"( a (i i(e( -ill7 )ou "ee( !o 'e co" er!e(. 4e! "o- !he #irs! su++es!io"s o# +race are -or,i"+ i" )our souls. %518& a"( are !o issue i" /ar(o" #or !he /as! a"( sa"c!i!) #or !he #u!ure. ;o( is *o i"+ )ou !o ac!s o# #ai!h. ho/e. lo e. ha!re( o# si". re/e"!a"ce7 (o "o! (isa//oi"! Hi*. (o "o! !h-ar! Hi*. co"cur -i!h Hi*. o'e) Hi*. 4ou loo, u/. a"( )ou see. as i! -ere. a +rea! *ou"!ai" !o 'e scale(7 )ou sa). ?Ho- ca" I /ossi'l) #i"( a /a!h o er !hese +ia"! o's!acles. -hich I #i"( i" !he -a) o# *) 'eco*i"+ Ca!holic2 I (o "o! co*/rehe"( !his (oc!ri"e. a"( I a* /ai"e( a! !ha!7 a !hir( see*s i*/ossi'le7 I "e er ca" 'e #a*iliar -i!h o"e /rac!ice. I a* a#rai( o# a"o!her7 i! is o"e *a9e a"( (isco*#or! !o *e. a"( I a* le( !o si", (o-" i" (es/air.? Sa) "o! so. *) (ear 're!hre". loo, u/ i" ho/e. !rus! i" Hi* -ho calls )ou #or-ar(. ?Who ar! !hou. O +rea! *ou"!ai". 'e#ore Qoro'a'el2 'u! a /lai".? He -ill lea( )ou #or-ar( s!e/ ') s!e/. as He has le( #or-ar( *a") a o"e 'e#ore )ou. He -ill *a,e !he croo,e( s!rai+h! a"( !he rou+h /lai". He -ill !ur" !he s!rea*s. a"( (r) u/ !he ri ers. -hich lie i" )our /a!h. ?He shall s!re"+!he" )our #ee! li,e har!sB #ee!. a"( se! )ou u/ o" hi+h /laces. He shall -i(e" )our s!e/s u"(er )ou. a"( )our !rea( shall "o! 'e -ea,e"e(.? ?There is "o ;o( li,e !he ;o( o# !he ri+h!eous7 He !ha! *ou"!s !he hea e" is !h) Hel/er7 ') His *i+h!) -or,i"+ !he clou(s (is/erse. His (-elli"+ is a'o e. a"( u"(er"ea!h are !he e erlas!i"+ ar*s7 He shall cas! ou! !he e"e*) #ro* 'e#ore !hee. a"( shall sa).

111 Cru*'le a-a).? ?The )ou"+ shall #ai"!. a"( )ou!hs shall #all7 'u! !he) !ha! ho/e i" !he Lor( shall 'e "e-<#le(+e( i" s!re"+!h. !he) shall !a,e #ea!hers li,e ea+les. !he) shall ru" a"( "o! la'our. !he) shall -al, a"( "o! #ai"!.? To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse 11. Fai!h a"( Dou'!

%51:& THOSE -ho are (ra-" ') curiosi!) or a 'e!!er *o!i e !o i"1uire i"!o !he Ca!holic Reli+io". so*e!i*es /u! !o us a s!ra"+e 1ues!io".3 -he!her. i# !he) !oo, u/ !he /ro#essio" o# i!. !he) -oul( 'e a! li'er!). -he" !he) #el! i"cli"e(. !o reco"si(er !he 1ues!io" o# i!s Di i"e au!hori!)7 *ea"i"+. ') ?reco"si(era!io".? a" i"1uir) s/ri"+i"+ #ro* (ou'! o# i!. a"( /ossi'l) e"(i"+ i" a (e"ial. The sa*e 1ues!io". i" !he #or* o# a" o'6ec!io". is o#!e" as,e( ') !hose -ho ha e "o !hou+h!s a! all o# 'eco*i"+ Ca!holics. a"( -ho e"lar+e u/o" i!. as so*e!hi"+ !erri'le. !ha! -hoe er o"ce e"!ers !he /ale o# !he Church. o" hi* !he (oor o# e+ress is shu! #or e er7 !ha!. o"ce a Ca!holic. he "e er. "e er ca" (ou'! a+ai"7 !ha!. -ha!e er his *is+i i"+s *a) 'e. he *us! s!i#le !he*. "a) *us! s!ar! #ro* !he* as !he su++es!io"s o# !he e il s/iri!7 i" shor!. !ha! he *us! +i e u/ al!o+e!her !he search a#!er !ru!h. a"( (o a iole"ce !o his *i"(. -hich is "o!hi"+ shor! o# i**oral. This is -ha! is sai(. *) 're!hre". ') cer!ai" o'6ec!ors. a"( !heir o-" ie- is. or ou+h! !o 'e. i# !he) are co"sis!e"!. !his.3!ha! i! is a #aul! %51=& e er !o *a,e u/ our *i"( o"ce #or all o" a") reli+ious su'6ec! -ha!e er7 a"( !ha!. ho-e er sacre( a (oc!ri"e *a) 'e. a"( ho-e er e i(e"! !o us.3le! us sa). #or i"s!a"ce. !he (i i"i!) o# our Lor(. or !he e0is!e"ce o# ;o(.3-e ou+h! al-a)s !o reser e !o oursel es !he li'er!) o# (ou'!i"+ a'ou! i!. I ca""o! hel/ !hi",i"+ !ha! so e0!ra a+a"! a /osi!io". as !his is. co"#u!es i!sel#7 ho-e er. I -ill co"si(er !he co"!rar) C!ha! is. !he Ca!holicD ie- o# !he su'6ec!. o" i!s o-" *eri!s. !hou+h -i!hou! a(*i!!i"+ !he la"+ua+e i" -hich i! -as 6us! "o- s!a!e( ') i!s o//o"e"!s. I! is. !he". /er#ec!l) !rue. !ha! !he Church (oes "o! allo- her chil(re" !o e"!er!ai" a") (ou'! o# her !eachi"+7 a"( !ha!. #irs! o# all. si*/l) #or !his reaso". 'ecause !he) are Ca!holics o"l) -hile !he) ha e #ai!h. a"( #ai!h is i"co*/a!i'le -i!h (ou'!. No o"e ca" 'e a Ca!holic -i!hou! a si*/le #ai!h. !ha! -ha! !he Church (eclares i" ;o(Bs "a*e. is ;o(Bs -or(. a"( !here#ore !rue. A *a" *us! si*/l) 'elie e !ha! !he Church is !he oracle o# ;o(7 he *us! 'e as cer!ai" o# her *issio". as he is o#

112 !he *issio" o# !he A/os!les. No-. -oul( a") o"e e er call hi* cer!ai" !ha! !he A/os!les ca*e #ro* ;o(. i# a#!er /ro#essi"+ his cer!ai"!). he a((e(. !ha! /erha/s he *i+h! ha e reaso" !o (ou'! o"e (a) a'ou! !heir *issio"2 Such a" a"!ici/a!io" -oul( 'e a real. !hou+h la!e"!. (ou'!. 'e!ra)i"+ !ha! he -as "o! cer!ai" o# i! a! /rese"!. A /erso" -ho sa)s. ?I 'elie e 6us! a! !his *o*e"!. 'u! /erha/s I a* e0ci!e( -i!hou! ,"o-i"+ i!. a"( I ca""o! a"s-er #or *)sel#. !ha! I shall 'elie e !o*orro-.? (oes "o! 'elie e "o-. A *a" -ho sa)s. ?$erha/s I a* i" a ,i"( o# (elusio". %51A& -hich -ill o"e (a) /ass a-a) #ro* *e. a"( lea e *e as I -as 'e#ore?7 or ?I 'elie e as #ar as I ca" !ell. 'u! !here *a) 'e ar+u*e"!s i" !he 'ac,+rou"( -hich -ill cha"+e *) ie-.? such a *a" has "o! #ai!h a! all. Whe". !he". $ro!es!a"!s 1uarrel -i!h us #or sa)i"+ !ha! !hose -ho 6oi" us *us! +i e u/ all i(eas o# e er (ou'!i"+ !he Church i" !i*e !o co*e. !he) (o "o!hi"+ else 'u! 1uarrel -i!h us #or i"sis!i"+ o" !he "ecessi!) o# #ai!h i" her. Le! !he* s/ea, /lai"l)7 our o##e"ce is !ha! o# (e*a"(i"+ #ai!h i" !he Hol) Ca!holic Church7 i! is !his. a"( "o!hi"+ else. I *us! i"sis! u/o" !his@ #ai!h i*/lies a co"#i(e"ce i" a *a"Bs *i"(. !ha! !he !hi"+ 'elie e( is reall) !rue7 'u!. i# i! is o"ce !rue. i! "e er ca" 'e #alse. I# i! is !rue !ha! ;o( 'eca*e *a". -ha! is !he *ea"i"+ o# *) a"!ici/a!i"+ a !i*e -he" /erha/s I shall "o! 'elie e !ha! ;o( 'eca*e *a"2 !his is "o!hi"+ shor! o# a"!ici/a!i"+ a !i*e -he" I shall (is'elie e a !ru!h. A"( i# I 'ar+ai" !o 'e allo-e( i" !i*e !o co*e "o! !o 'elie e. or !o (ou'!. !ha! ;o( 'eca*e *a". I a* 'u! as,i"+ !o 'e allo-e( !o (ou'! or (is'elie e -ha! I hol( !o 'e a" e!er"al !ru!h. I (o "o! see !he /ri ile+e o# such a /er*issio" a! all. or !he *ea"i"+ o# -ishi"+ !o secure i!@3i# a! /rese"! I ha e "o (ou'! -ha!e er a'ou! i!. !he" I a* 'u! as,i"+ lea e !o #all i"!o error7 i# a! /rese"! I ha e (ou'!s a'ou! i!. !he" I (o "o! 'elie e i! a! /rese"!. !ha! is. I ha e "o! #ai!h. Bu! I ca""o! 'o!h reall) 'elie e i! "o-. a"( )e! loo, #or-ar( !o a !i*e -he" /erha/s I shall "o! 'elie e i!7 !o *a,e /ro isio" #or #u!ure (ou'!. is !o (ou'! a! /rese"!. I! /ro es I a* "o! i" a #i! s!a!e !o 'eco*e a Ca!holic "o-. I *a) lo e ') hal es. I %51E& *a) o'e) ') hal es7 I ca""o! 'elie e ') hal es@ ei!her I ha e #ai!h. or I ha e i! "o!. A"( so a+ai". -he" a *a" has 'eco*e a Ca!holic. -ere he !o se! a'ou! #ollo-i"+ a (ou'! -hich has occurre( !o hi*. he has alrea() (is'elie e(. I ha e "o! !o -ar" hi* a+ai"s! losi"+ his #ai!h. he is "o! *erel) i" (a"+er o# losi"+ i!. he has los! i!7 #ro* !he "a!ure o# !he case he has alrea() los! i!7 he #ell #ro* +race a! !he *o*e"! -he" he (eli'era!el) e"!er!ai"e( a"( /ursue( his (ou'!. No o"e ca" (e!er*i"e !o (ou'! -ha! he is alrea() sure o#7 'u! i# he is "o! sure !ha! !he Church is #ro* ;o(. he (oes "o! 'elie e i!. I! is "o! I -ho #or'i( hi* !o (ou'!7 he has !a,e" !he *a!!er i"!o his o-" ha"(s -he" he (e!er*i"e( o" as,i"+ #or lea e7 he has 'e+u". "o! e"(e(. i" u"'elie#7 his er) -ish. his /ur/ose. is his si". I (o "o! *a,e i! so. i! is such #ro* !he er) s!a!e o# !he case. 4ou so*e!i*es hear. #or

113 e0a*/le. o# Ca!holics #alli"+ a-a). -ho -ill !ell )ou i! arose #ro* rea(i"+ !he Scri/!ures. -hich o/e"e( !heir e)es !o !he ?u"scri/!ural"ess.? so !he) s/ea,. o# !he Church o# !he Li i"+ ;o(. No7 Scri/!ure (i( "o! *a,e !he* (is'elie e Ci*/ossi'leGD7 !he) (is'elie e( when !he) o/e"e( !he Bi'le7 !he) o/e"e( i! i" a" u"'elie i"+ s/iri!. a"( #or a" u"'elie i"+ /ur/ose7 !he) -oul( "o! ha e o/e"e( i!. ha( !he) "o! a"!ici/a!e(3I *i+h! sa). ho/e(3!ha! !he) shoul( #i"( !hi"+s !here i"co"sis!e"! -i!h Ca!holic !eachi"+. The) 'e+i" i" sel#<-ill a"( (iso'e(ie"ce. a"( !he) e"( i" a/os!as). This. !he". is !he (irec! a"( o' ious reaso" -h) !he Church ca""o! allo- her chil(re" !he li'er!) o# (ou'!i"+ !he !ru!h o# her -or(. %51F& He -ho reall) 'elie es i" i! "o-. ca""o! i*a+i"e !he #u!ure (isco er) o# reaso"s !o sha,e his #ai!h7 i# he i*a+i"es i!. he has "o! #ai!h7 a"( !ha! so *a") $ro!es!a"!s !hi", i! a sor! o# !)ra"") i" !he Church !o #or'i( a") chil(re" o# hers !o (ou'! a'ou! her !eachi"+. o"l) sho-s !he) (o "o! ,"o- -ha! #ai!h is3-hich is !he case7 i! is a s!ra"+e i(ea !o !he*. Le! a *a" cease !o i"1uire. or cease !o call hi*sel# her chil(. This is *) #irs! re*ar,. a"( "o- I +o o" !o a seco"(. 4ou *a) easil) co"cei e. *) 're!hre". !ha! !he) -ho are e"!eri"+ !he Church. or a! leas! !hose -ho ha e e"!ere( i!. ha e *ore !ha" #ai!h7 !ha! !he) ha e so*e /or!io" o# Di i"e lo e also. The) ha e hear( i" !he Church o# !he chari!) o# Hi* -ho (ie( #or !he*. a"( -ho has +i e" !he* His Sacra*e"!s as !he *ea"s o# co" e)i"+ !he *eri!s o# His (ea!h !o !heir souls. a"( !he) ha e #el! *ore or less i" !hose /oor souls o# !heirs !he 'e+i""i"+s o# a res/o"si e chari!) (ra-i"+ !he* !o Hi*. No-. (oes i! s!a"( -i!h a lo i"+ !rus!. 'e!!er !ha" -i!h #ai!h. #or a *a" !o a"!ici/a!e !he /ossi'ili!) o# (ou'!i"+ or (e")i"+ !he +rea! *ercies i" -hich he is re6oici"+2 Ta,e a" i"s!a"ce7 -ha! -oul( )ou !hi", o# a #rie"( -ho* )ou lo e(. -ho coul( 'ar+ai" !ha!. i" s/i!e o# his /rese"! !rus! i" )ou. he *i+h! 'e allo-e( so*e (a) !o (ou'! )ou2 -ho. -he" a !hou+h! ca*e i"!o his *i"(. !ha! )ou -ere /la)i"+ a +a*e -i!h hi*. or !ha! )ou -ere a ,"a e. or a /ro#li+a!e. (i( "o! (ri e i! #ro* hi* -i!h i"(i+"a!io". or lau+h i! a-a) #or i!s a'sur(i!). 'u! co"si(ere( !ha! he ha( a" e i(e"! ri+h! !o %51H& i"(ul+e i!. "a). shoul( 'e -a"!i"+ i" (u!) !o hi*sel#. u"less he (i(2 Woul( )ou !hi", !ha! )our #rie"( !ri#le( -i!h !ru!h. !ha! he -as u"6us! !o his reaso". !ha! he -as -a"!i"+ i" *a"li"ess. !ha! he -as hur!i"+ his *i"( i# he shra", #ro* !he !hou+h!2 or -oul( )ou "o! call hi* cruel a"( *isera'le i# he (i( "o!2 For *e. *) 're!hre". i# he !oo, !he la!!er course. *a) I "e er 'e i"!i*a!e -i!h so u"/leasa"! a /erso"7 sus/icious. 6ealous *i"(s. *i"(s !ha! ,ee/ a! a (is!a"ce #ro* *e. !ha! i"sis! o" !heir ri+h!s. #all 'ac, o" !heir o-" ce"!re. are e er #a"c)i"+ o##e"ces. a"( are col(. ce"sorious. -a)-ar(. a"( u"cer!ai". !hese are o#!e" !o 'e 'or"e as a cross7 'u! +i e *e #or *) #rie"( o"e -ho -ill u"i!e hear! a"( ha"( -i!h *e. -ho -ill !hro- hi*sel# i"!o *) cause a"( i"!eres!. -ho -ill !a,e *) /ar! -he" I a* a!!ac,e(. -ho -ill 'e sure 'e#oreha"( !ha! I a* i" !he ri+h!. a"(. i# he is

114 cri!ical. as he *a) ha e cause !o 'e !o-ar(s a 'ei"+ o# si" a"( i*/er#ec!io". -ill 'e so #ro* er) lo e a"( lo)al!). #ro* a" a"0ie!) !ha! I shoul( al-a)s sho- !o a( a"!a+e. a"( a -ish !ha! o!hers shoul( lo e *e as hear!il) as he (oes. I shoul( "o! sa) a #rie"( !rus!e( *e. -ho lis!e"e( !o e er) i(le s!or) a+ai"s! *e7 a"( I shoul( li,e his a'se"ce 'e!!er !ha" his co*/a"). i# he +ra el) !ol( *e !ha! i! -as a (u!) he o-e( !o hi*sel# !o e"coura+e his *is+i i"+s o# *) ho"our. Well. /ass o" !o a hi+her su'6ec!73coul( a *a" 'e sai( !o !rus! i" ;o(. a"( !o lo e ;o(. -ho -as #a*iliar -i!h (ou'!s -he!her !here -as a ;o( a! all. or -ho 'ar+ai"e( !ha!. 6us! as o#!e" as he /lease(. he *i+h! 'e a! li'er!) !o (ou'! -he!her ;o( -as +oo(. %55I& or 6us! or *i+h!)7 a"( -ho *ai"!ai"e( !ha!. u"less he (i( !his. he -as 'u! a /oor sla e. !ha! his *i"( -as i" 'o"(a+e. a"( coul( re"(er "o #ree acce/!a'le ser ice !o his Ma,er7 !ha! !he er) -orshi/ -hich ;o( a//ro e( -as o"e a!!e"(e( -i!h a caveat. o" !he -orshi//erBs /ar!. !ha! he (i( "o! /ro*ise !o re"(er i! !o*orro-7 !ha! he -oul( "o! a"s-er #or hi*sel# !ha! so*e ar+u*e"! *i+h! "o! co*e !o li+h!. -hich he ha( "e er hear( 'e#ore. -hich -oul( *a,e i! a +ra e. *oral (u!) i" hi* !o sus/e"( his 6u(+*e"! a"( his (e o!io"2 Wh). I shoul( sa). *) 're!hre". !ha! !ha! *a" -as -orshi//i"+ his o-" *i"(. his o-" (ear sel# a"( "o! ;o(7 !ha! his i(ea o# ;o( -as a *ere acci(e"!al #or* -hich his !hou+h!s !oo, a! !his !i*e or !ha!.3#or a lo"+ /erio( or a shor! o"e. as !he case *i+h! 'e.3"o! a" i*a+e o# !he +rea! E!er"al O'6ec!. 'u! a /assi"+ se"!i*e"! or i*a+i"a!io" -hich *ea"! "o!hi"+ a! all. I shoul( sa). a"( *os! *e" -oul( a+ree -i!h *e. (i( !he) choose !o +i e a!!e"!io" !o !he *a!!er. !ha! !he /erso" i" 1ues!io" -as a er) sel#<co"cei!e(. sel#<-ise *a". a"( ha( "ei!her lo e. "or #ai!h. "or #ear. "or a")!hi"+ su/er"a!ural a'ou! hi*7 !ha! his /ri(e *us! 'e 'ro,e". a"( his hear! "e- *a(e. 'e#ore he -as ca/a'le o# a") reli+ious ac! a! all. The ar+u*e"! is !he sa*e. i" i!s (e+ree. -he" a//lie( !o !he Church7 she s/ea,s !o us as a *esse"+er #ro* ;o(.3ho- ca" a *a" -ho #eels !his. -ho co*es !o her. -ho #alls a! her #ee! as such. *a,e a reser e. !ha! he *a)'e allo-e( !o (ou'! her a! so*e #u!ure (a)2 Le! !he -orl( cr) ou!. i# i! -ill. !ha! his reaso" is i" #e!!ers7 le! i! /ro"ou"ce %551& !ha! he is a 'i+o!. u"less he reser es his ri+h! o# (ou'!i"+7 'u! he ,"o-s #ull -ell hi*sel# !ha! he -oul( 'e a" i"+ra!e a"( a #ool. i# he (i(. Fe!!ers. i"(ee(G )es. ?!he cor(s o# A(a*.? !he #e!!ers o# lo e. !hese are -ha! 'i"( hi* !o !he Hol) Church7 he is. -i!h !he A/os!le. !he sla e o# Chris!. !he ChurchBs Lor(7 u"i!e( C"e er !o /ar!. as he !rus!s. -hile li#e las!sD. !o her Sacra*e"!s. !o her Sacri#ices. !o her Sai"!s. !o !he Blesse( Mar) her a( oca!e. !o Jesus. !o ;o(. The !ru!h is. !ha! !he -orl(. ,"o-i"+ "o!hi"+ o# !he 'lessi"+s o# !he Ca!holic #ai!h. a"( /ro/hes)i"+ "o!hi"+ 'u! ill co"cer"i"+ i!. #a"cies !ha! a co" er!. a#!er !he #irs! #er our is o er. #eels "o!hi"+ 'u!

115 (isa//oi"!*e"!. -eari"ess. a"( o##e"ce i" his "e- reli+io". a"( is secre!l) (esirous o# re!raci"+ his s!e/s. This is a! !he roo! o# !he alar* a"( irri!a!io" -hich i! *a"i#es!s a! heari"+ !ha! (ou'!s are i"co*/a!i'le -i!h a Ca!holicBs /ro#essio". 'ecause i! is sure !ha! (ou'!s -ill co*e u/o" hi*. a"( !he" ho- /i!ia'le -ill 'e his s!a!eG Tha! !here ca" 'e /eace. a"( 6o). a"( ,"o-le(+e. a"( #ree(o*. a"( s/iri!ual s!re"+!h i" !he Church. is a !hou+h! #ar 'e)o"( !he -orl(Bs i*a+i"a!io"7 #or i! re+ar(s her si*/l) as a #ri+h!#ul co"s/irac) a+ai"s! !he ha//i"ess o# *a". se(uci"+ her ic!i*s ') s/ecious /ro#essio"s. a"(. -he" !he) are o"ce hers. cari"+ "o!hi"+ #or !he *iser) -hich 'rea,s u/o" !he*. so !ha! ') a") *ea"s she *a) (e!ai" !he* i" 'o"(a+e. Accor(i"+l). i! co"cei es -e are i" /er/e!ual -ar#are -i!h our o-" reaso". #ierce o'6ec!io"s e er risi"+ -i!hi" us. a"( -e #orci'l) re/ressi"+ !he*. I! 'elie es !ha!. %555& a#!er !he li,e"ess o# a essel -hich has *e! -i!h so*e acci(e"! a! sea. -e are e er 'ali"+ ou! !he -a!er -hich rushes i" u/o" us. a"( ha e har( -or, !o ,ee/ a#loa!7 -e 6us! *a"a+e !o li"+er o". ei!her ') a" u""a!ural s!rai" o" our *i"(s. or ') !ur"i"+ !he* a-a) #ro* !he su'6ec! o# reli+io". The -orl( (is'elie es our (oc!ri"es i!sel#. a"( ca""o! u"(ers!a"( our o-" 'elie i"+ !he*. I! co"si(ers !he* so s!ra"+e. !ha! i! is 1ui!e sure. !hou+h -e -ill "o! co"#ess i!. !ha! -e are hau"!e( (a) a"( "i+h! -i!h (ou'!s. a"( !or*e"!e( -i!h !he a//rehe"sio" o# )iel(i"+ !o !he*. I reall) (o !hi", i! is !he -orl(Bs 6u(+*e"!. !ha! o"e /ri"ci/al /ar! o# a co"#essorBs -or, is !he /u!!i"+ (o-" such *is+i i"+s i" his /e"i!e"!s. I! #a"cies !ha! !he reaso" is e er re'elli"+. li,e !he #lesh7 !ha! (ou'!. li,e co"cu/isce"ce. is elici!e( ') e er) si+h! a"( sou"(. a"( !ha! !e*/!a!io" i"si"ua!es i!sel# i" e er) /a+e o# le!!er</ress. a"( !hrou+h !he er) oice o# a $ro!es!a"! /ole*ic. Whe" i! sees a Ca!holic $ries!. i! loo,s har( a! hi*. !o *a,e ou! ho- *uch !here is o# #oll) i" his co*/osi!io". a"( ho- *uch o# h)/ocris). Bu!. *) (ear 're!hre". i# !hese are )our !hou+h!s. )ou are si*/l) i" error. Trus! *e. ra!her !ha" !he -orl(. -he" I !ell )ou. !ha! i! is "o (i##icul! !hi"+ #or a Ca!holic !o 'elie e7 a"( !ha! u"less he +rie ousl) *is*a"a+es hi*sel#. !he (i##icul! !hi"+ is #or hi* !o (ou'!. He has recei e( a +i#! -hich *a,es #ai!h eas)@ i! is "o! -i!hou! a" e##or!. a *isera'le e##or!. !ha! a") o"e -ho has recei e( !ha! +i#!. u"lear"s !o 'elie e. He (oes iole"ce !o his *i"(. "o! i" e0ercisi"+. 'u! i" -i!hhol(i"+ his #ai!h. Whe" o'6ec!io"s occur !o %558& hi*. -hich !he) *a) easil) (o i# he li es i" !he -orl(. !he) are as o(ious a"( u"-elco*e !o hi* as i*/ure !hou+h!s are !o !he ir!uous. He (oes cer!ai"l) shri", #ro* !he*. he #li"+s !he* a-a) #ro* hi*. 'u! -h)2 "o! i" !he #irs! i"s!a"ce. 'ecause !he) are (a"+erous. 'u! 'ecause !he) are cruel a"( 'ase. His lo i"+ Lor( has (o"e e er)!hi"+ #or hi*. a"( has He (eser e( such a re!ur"2 Po!ule meus, quid &eci tibi+ ?O M) /eo/le. -ha! ha e I (o"e !o !hee. or i" -ha! ha e I a##lic!e( !hee2 a"s-er !hou Me. I 'rou+h! !hee ou! o# !he la"( o# E+)/!. a"( (eli ere( !hee ou! o# !he house o# sla es7 a"( I se"! 'e#ore !h) #ace

116 Moses. a"( Aaro". a"( Mar)7 I #e"ce( !hee i". a"( /la"!e( !hee -i!h !he choices! i"es7 a"( -ha! is !here !ha! I ou+h! !o (o *ore !o M) i"e)ar( !ha! I ha e "o! (o"e !o i!2? He has /oure( o" us His +race. He has 'ee" -i!h us i" our /er/le0i!ies. He has le( us o" #ro* o"e !ru!h !o a"o!her. He has #or+i e" us our si"s. He has sa!is#ie( our reaso". He has *a(e #ai!h eas). He has +i e" us His Sai"!s. He sho-s 'e#ore us (a) ') (a) His o-" $assio"7 -h) shoul( I lea e Hi*2 Wha! has He e er (o"e !o *e 'u! +oo(2 Wh) *us! I ree0a*i"e -ha! I ha e e0a*i"e( o"ce #or all2 Wh) *us! I lis!e" !o e er) i(le -or( -hich #li!s /as! *e a+ai"s! Hi*. o" /ai" o# 'ei"+ calle( a 'i+o! a"( a sla e. -he". i# I (i(. I shoul( 'e 'eha i"+ !o !he Mos! Hi+h. as )ou )oursel es. -ho so call *e. -oul( "o! 'eha e !o-ar(s a hu*a" #rie"( or 'e"e#ac!or2 I# I a* co" i"ce( i" *) reaso". a"( /ersua(e( i" *) hear!. -h) *a) I "o! 'e allo-e( !o re*ai" u"*oles!e( i" *) -orshi/2 I ha e sai( e"ou+h o" !his su'6ec!7 s!ill !here is a %55:& !hir( /oi"! o# ie- i" -hich i! *a) 'e use#ul !o co"si(er i!. $erso"al /ru(e"ce is "o! !he #irs! or seco"( +rou"( #or re#usi"+ !o hear o'6ec!io"s !o !he Church. 'u! a *o!i e i! is. a"( !ha! #ro* !he /eculiar "a!ure o# Di i"e #ai!h. -hich ca""o! 'e !rea!e( as a" or(i"ar) co" ic!io" o# 'elie#. Fai!h is !he +i#! o# ;o(. a"( "o! a *ere ac! o# our o-". -hich -e are #ree !o e0er! -he" -e -ill. I! is 1ui!e (is!i"c! #ro* a" e0ercise o# reaso". !hou+h i! #ollo-s u/o" i!. I *a) #eel !he #orce o# !he ar+u*e"! #or !he Di i"e ori+i" o# !he Church7 I *a) see !ha! I ou+h! !o 'elie e7 a"( )e! I *a) 'e u"a'le !o 'elie e. This is "o i*a+i"ar) case7 !here is *a") a *a" -ho has +rou"( e"ou+h !o 'elie e. -ho -ishes !o 'elie e. 'u! -ho ca""o! 'elie e. I! is al-a)s i"(ee( his o-" #aul!. #or ;o( +i es +race !o all -ho as, #or i!. a"( use i!. 'u! s!ill such is !he #ac!. !ha! co" ic!io" is "o! #ai!h. Ta,e !he /arallel case o# o'e(ie"ce7 *a") a *a" ,"o-s he ou+h! !o o'e) ;o(. a"( (oes "o! a"( ca""o!3!hrou+h his o-" #aul!. i"(ee(3'u! s!ill he ca""o!7 #or !hrou+h +race o"l) ca" he o'e). No-. #ai!h is "o! a *ere co" ic!io" i" reaso". i! is a #ir* asse"!. i! is a clear cer!ai"!) +rea!er !ha" a") o!her cer!ai"!)7 a"( !his is -rou+h! i" !he *i"( ') !he +race o# ;o(. a"( ') i! alo"e. As !he" *e" *a) 'e co" i"ce(. a"( "o! ac! accor(i"+ !o !heir co" ic!io". so *a) !he) 'e co" i"ce(. a"( "o! 'elie e accor(i"+ !o !heir co" ic!io". The) *a) co"#ess !ha! !he ar+u*e"! is a+ai"s! !he*. !ha! !he) ha e "o!hi"+ !o sa) #or !he*sel es. a"( !ha! !o 'elie e is !o 'e ha//)7 a"( )e!. a#!er all. !he) a o- !he) ca""o! 'elie e. !he) (o "o! ,"o- -h). %55=& 'u! !he) ca""o!7 !he) ac1uiesce i" u"'elie#. a"( !he) !ur" a-a) #ro* ;o( a"( His Church. Their reaso" is co" i"ce(. a"( !heir (ou'!s are *oral o"es. arisi"+ i" !heir roo! #ro* a #aul! o# !he -ill. I" a -or(. !he ar+u*e"!s #or reli+io" (o "o! co*/el a") o"e !o 'elie e. 6us! as ar+u*e"!s #or +oo( co"(uc! (o "o! co*/el a") o"e !o o'e). O'e(ie"ce is !he co"se1ue"ce o# -illi"+ !o o'e). a"( #ai!h is !he co"se1ue"ce o# -illi"+ !o 'elie e7 -e *a) see -ha! is ri+h!. -he!her

117 i" *a!!ers o# #ai!h or o'e(ie"ce. o# oursel es. 'u! -e ca""o! -ill -ha! is ri+h! -i!hou! !he +race o# ;o(. Here is !he (i##ere"ce 'e!-ee" o!her e0ercises o# reaso". a"( ar+u*e"!s #or !he !ru!h o# reli+io". I! re1uires "o ac! o# #ai!h !o asse"! !o !he !ru!h !ha! !-o a"( !-o *a,e #our7 -e ca""o! hel/ asse"!i"+ !o i!7 a"( he"ce !here is "o *eri! i" asse"!i"+ !o i!7 'u! !here is *eri! i" 'elie i"+ !ha! !he Church is #ro* ;o(7 #or !hou+h !here are a'u"(a"! reaso"s !o /ro e i! !o us. )e! -e ca". -i!hou! a" a'sur(i!). 1uarrel -i!h !he co"clusio"7 -e *a) co*/lai" !ha! i! is "o! clearer. -e *a) sus/e"( our asse"!. -e *a) (ou'! a'ou! i!. i# -e -ill. a"( +race alo"e ca" !ur" a 'a( -ill i"!o a +oo( o"e. A"( "o- )ou see -h) a Ca!holic (are "o! i" /ru(e"ce a!!e"( !o such o'6ec!io"s as are 'rou+h! a+ai"s! his #ai!h7 he has "o #ear o# !heir /ro i"+ !ha! !he Church (oes "o! co*e #ro* ;o(. 'u! he is a#rai(. i# he lis!e"e( !o !he* -i!hou! reaso". les! ;o( shoul( /u"ish hi* ') !he loss o# his su/er"a!ural #ai!h. This is o"e cause o# !ha! *isera'le s!a!e o# *i"(. !o -hich I ha e alrea() allu(e(. i" -hich *e" -oul( #ai" 'e %55A& Ca!holics. a"( are "o!. The) ha e !ri#le( -i!h co" ic!io". !he) ha e lis!e"e( !o ar+u*e"!s a+ai"s! -ha! !he) ,"e!o 'e !rue. a"( a (ea("ess o# *i"( has #alle" o" !he*7 #ai!h has #aile( !he*. a"(. as !i*e +oes o". !he) 'e!ra) i" !heir -or(s a"( !heir ac!io"s. !he Di i"e 6u(+*e"!. -i!h -hich !he) are isi!e(. The) 'eco*e careless a"( u"co"cer"e(. or res!less a"( u"ha//). or i*/a!ie"! o# co"!ra(ic!io"7 e er as,i"+ a( ice a"( 1uarrelli"+ -i!h i! -he" +i e"7 "o! a!!e*/!i"+ !o a"s-er !he ar+u*e"!s ur+e( a+ai"s! !he*. 'u! si*/l) "o! 'elie i"+. This is !he -hole o# !heir case. !he) (o "o! 'elie e. A"( !he" i! is 1ui!e a" acci(e"! -ha! 'eco*es o# !he*7 /erha/s !he) co"!i"ue o" i" !his /er/le0e( a"( co*#or!less s!a!e. li"+eri"+ a'ou! !he Church. )e! "o! o# her7 "o! ,"o-i"+ -ha! !he) 'elie e a"( -ha! !he) (o "o!. li,e 'li"( *e". or *e" (era"+e(. -ho are (e/ri e( o# !he e)e. -he!her o# 'o() or *i"(. a"( ca""o! +ui(e !he*sel es i" co"se1ue"ce7 e er e0ci!i"+ ho/es o# a re!ur". a"( e er (isa//oi"!i"+ !he*73or. i# !he) are *e" o# *ore i+orous *i"(s. !he) lau"ch #or-ar( i" a course o# i"#i(eli!). "o! reall) 'elie i"+ less. as !he) /rocee(. #or #ro* !he #irs! !he) 'elie e( "o!hi"+. 'u! !a,i"+ u/. as !i*e +oes o". *ore a"( *ore co"sis!e"! #or*s o# error. !ill so*e!i*es. i# a #ree #iel( is +i e" !he*. !he) e e" (e elo/ i"!o a!heis*. Such is !he e"( o# !hose -ho. u"(er !he /re!e"ce o# i"1uiri"+ a#!er !ru!h. !ri#le -i!h co" ic!io". Here !he" are so*e o# !he reaso"s -h) !he Ca!holic Church ca""o! co"sis!e"!l) allo- her chil(re" !o (ou'! !he (i i"i!) a"( !he !ru!h o# her -or(s. Mere i" es!i+a!io" %55E& i"(ee( i"!o !he +rou"(s o# our #ai!h is "o! !o (ou'!7 "or is i! (ou'!i"+ !o co"si(er !he ar+u*e"!s ur+e( a+ai"s! i!. -he" !here is +oo( reaso" #or (oi"+ so7 'u! I a* s/ea,i"+ o# a real (ou'!. or a -a"!o" e"!er!ai"*e"! o# o'6ec!io"s. Such a /roce(ure !he Church (e"ou"ces. a"( "o! o"l) #or !he reaso"s

118 -hich I ha e assi+"e(. 'u! 'ecause i! -oul( 'e a /lai" a'a"(o"*e"! o# her o##ice a"( charac!er !o ac! o!her-ise. Ho- ca" she. -ho has !he /rero+a!i e o# i"#alli'ili!). allo- her chil(re" !o (ou'! o# her +i#!2 I! -oul( 'e a si*/le i"co"sis!e"c) i" her. -ho is !he sure oracle o# !ru!h a"( *esse"+er o# hea e". !o loo, -i!h i"(i##ere"ce o" re'els !o her au!hori!). She si*/l) (oes -ha! !he A/os!les (i( 'e#ore her. -ho* she has succee(e(. ?He !ha! (es/ise!h.? sa)s S!. $aul. ?(es/ise!h "o! *a". 'u! ;o(. -ho ha!h also +i e" i" us His Hol) S/iri!.? A"( S!. Joh"@ ?We are o# ;o(7 he !ha! ,"o-e!h ;o(. heare!h us7 he !ha! is "o! o# ;o(. heare!h us "o!7 ') !his -e ,"o- !he s/iri! o# !ru!h a"( !he s/iri! o# error?. Ta,e. a+ai". a" i"s!a"ce #ro* !he Ol( Tes!a*e"!@ Whe" Elias -as !a,e" u/ i"!o hea e". Eliseus -as !he o"l) -i!"ess o# !he *iracle7 o" his co*i"+ 'ac, !he" !o !he so"s o# !he $ro/he!s. !he) (ou'!e( -ha! ha( 'eco*e o# his *as!er. a"( -ishe( !o search #or hi*7 a"(. !hou+h !he) ac,"o-le(+e( Eliseus as his successor. !he) i" !his i"s!a"ce re#use( !o !a,e his -or( o" !he su'6ec!. Eliseus ha( s!ruc, !he -a!ers o# Jor(a". !he) ha( (i i(e(. a"( he ha( /asse( o er7 here. surel). -as +rou"( e"ou+h #or #ai!h. a"( accor(i"+l) ?!he so"s o# !he /ro/he!s a! Jericho. -ho -ere o er a+ai"s! hi*. seei"+ i!. sai(. %55F& The s/iri! o# Elias ha!h res!e( u/o" Eliseus7 a"( !he) ca*e !o *ee! hi*. a"( -orshi//e( hi*. #alli"+ !o !he +rou"(?. Wha! coul( !he) re1uire *ore2 !he) co"#esse( !ha! Eliseus ha( !he s/iri! o# his +rea! *as!er. a"(. i" co"#essi"+ i!. !he) i*/lie( !ha! !ha! *as!er -as !a,e" a-a)7 )e!. !he) /rocee(. #ro* i"#ir*i!) o# *i"(. !o *a,e a re1ues! i"(ica!i e o# (ou'!@ ?Behol(. !here are -i!h !h) ser a"!s #i#!) s!ro"+ *e". !ha! ca" +o a"( search #or !h) *as!er. les! /erha/s !he S/iri! o# !he Lor( ha!h !a,e" hi* u/. a"( cas! hi* u/o" so*e *ou"!ai" or i"!o so*e alle)?. Nohere -as a re1ues! !o #ollo- u/ a (ou'! i"!o a" i"1uir)7 (i( Eliseus allo- i!2 he ,"e- /er#ec!l) -ell !ha! !he i"1uir) -oul( 'u! e"(. as i! reall) (i( e"(. i" co"#ir*a!io" o# !he !ru!h. 'u! i! -as i"(ul+i"+ a -ro"+ s/iri! !o e"+a+e i" i!. a"( he -oul( "o! allo- i!. These reli+ious *e" -ere. as he -oul( #eel. s!ra"+el) i"co"sis!e"!@ !he) -ere (ou'!i"+ his -or( -ho* !he) ha( 6us! "o- -orshi//e( as a /ro/he!. a"(. "o! o"l) so. 'u! !he) -ere (ou'!i"+ his su/re*e au!hori!). #or !he) i*/lie( !ha! Elias -as s!ill a*o"+ !he*. Accor(i"+l) he #or'a(e !heir re1ues!7 ?he sai(@ Se"( "o!?. This is -ha! !he -orl( -oul( call s!i#li"+ a" i"1uir)7 i! -as. #orsoo!h. !)ra""ical a"( o//ressi e !o o'li+e !he* !o !a,e o" his -or( -ha! !he) *i+h! ascer!ai" #or !he*sel es7 )e! he coul( "o! (o o!her-ise -i!hou! 'ei"+ u"#ai!h#ul !o his Di i"e *issio". a"( sa"c!io"i"+ !he* i" a #aul!. I! is !rue -he" ?!he) /resse( hi*. he co"se"!e(. a"( sai(. Se"(?7 'u! -e *us! "o! su//ose !his !o 'e *ore !ha" a co"(esce"sio" !o !heir -ea,"ess. or a co"cessio" i" (is/leasure. li,e !ha! -hich Al*i+h!) %55H& ;o( +a e !o Balaa*. -ho /resse( his re1ues! i" a si*ilar -a). Whe" Balaa* as,e( !o +o -i!h !he a"cie"!s o# Moa'. ;o( sai(@ ?Thou shal! "o! +o -i!h !he*?7 -he" Balaa* as,e( Hi* ?o"ce *ore.? ?;o( sai( !o hi*.

119 Arise a"( +o -i!h !he*?7 !he" i! is a((e(@ ?Balaa* -e"! -i!h !he*. a"( ;o( -as a"+r)?. Here i" li,e *a""er. !he /ro/he! sai(. Se"(7 ?a"( !he) se"! #i#!) *e". a"( !he) sou+h! !hree (a)s. 'u! #ou"( hi* "o!.? )e! !hou+h !he i"1uir) (i( 'u! /ro e !ha! Elias -as re*o e(. Eliseus sho-e( "o sa!is#ac!io" a! i!. e e" -he" i! ha( co"#ir*e( his au!hori!)@ 'u! ?he sai( !o !he*. Sai( I "o! !o )ou. Se"( "o!2? I! is !hus !ha! !he Church e er #or'i(s i"1uir) i" !hose -ho alrea() ac,"o-le(+e her au!hori!)7 'u! i# !he) -ill i"1uire. she ca""o! hi"(er i!7 'u! !he) are "o! 6us!i#ie( i" (oi"+ so. A"( "o- I !hi", )ou see. *) 're!hre". -h) i"1uir) /rece(es #ai!h. a"( (oes "o! #ollo- i!. 4ou i"1uire( 'e#ore )ou 6oi"e( !he Church7 )ou -ere sa!is#ie(. a"( ;o( re-ar(e( )ou -i!h !he +race o# #ai!h7 -ere )ou "o- (e!er*i"e( !o i"1uire #ur!her. )ou -oul( lea( us !o !hi", )ou ha( los! i! a+ai". #or i"1uir) a"( #ai!h are i" !heir er) "a!ure i"co*/a!i'le. I -ill a((. -ha! is er) e i(e"!. !ha! "o o!her reli+ious 'o() has a ri+h! !o (e*a"( such a" e0ercise o# #ai!h i" i!. a"( a ri+h! !o #or'i( )ou #ur!her i"1uir). 'u! !he Ca!holic Church7 a"( #or !his si*/le reaso". !ha! "o o!her 'o() e e" clai*s !o 'e i"#alli'le. le! alo"e !he /roo# o# such a clai*. Here is !he (e#ec! a! #irs! s!ar!i"+. -hich (is1uali#ies !he*. o"e a"( all. #ro* e er co*/e!i"+ -i!h !he Church o# ;o(. The sec!s %58I& a'ou! us. so #ar #ro* (e*a"(i"+ )our #ai!h. ac!uall) call o" )ou !o i"1uire a"( !o (ou'! #reel) a'ou! !heir o-" *eri!s7 !he) /ro!es! !ha! !he) are 'u! olu"!ar) associa!io"s. a"( -oul( 'e sorr) !o 'e !a,e" #or a")!hi"+ else7 !he) 'e+ a"( /ra) )ou "o! !o *is!a,e !heir /reachers #or a")!hi"+ *ore !ha" *ere si"#ul *e". a"( !he) i" i!e )ou !o !a,e !he Bi'le -i!h )ou !o !heir ser*o"s. a"( !o 6u(+e #or )oursel es -he!her !heir (oc!ri"e is i" accor(a"ce -i!h i!. The". as !o !he Es!a'lishe( Reli+io". +ra"! !ha! !here are !hose i" i! -ho #or'i( i"1uir) i"!o i!s clai*s7 )e! s!ill. (are !he) *ai"!ai" !ha! i! is i"#alli'le2 I# !he) (o "o! Ca"( "o o"e (oesD. ho- ca" !he) #or'i( i"1uir) a'ou! i!. or clai* #or i! !he a'solu!e #ai!h o# a") o# i!s *e*'ers2 Fai!h u"(er !hese circu*s!a"ces is "o! reall) #ai!h. 'u! o's!i"ac). Nor (o !he) co**o"l) e"!ure !o (e*a"( i!7 !he) -ill sa). "e+a!i el)@ ?Do "o! i"1uire?7 'u! !he) ca""o! sa) /osi!i el)@ ?Ha e #ai!h?7 #or i" -ho* are !heir *e*'ers !o ha e #ai!h2 o# -ho* ca" !he) sa). -he!her i"(i i(ual or collec!io" o# *e". ?He or !he) are +i#!e( -i!h i"#alli'ili!). a"( ca""o! *islea( us?2 There#ore. -he" /resse( !o e0/lai" !he*sel es. !he) +rou"( !heir (u!) o# co"!i"ua"ce i" !heir co**u"io". "o! o" #ai!h i" i!. 'u! o" a!!ach*e"! !o i!. -hich is a er) (i##ere"! !hi"+7 u!!erl) (i##ere"!. #or !here are er) *a") reaso"s -h) !he) shoul( #eel a er) +rea! li,i"+ #or !he reli+io" i" -hich !he) ha e 'ee" 'rou+h! u/. I!s /or!io"s o# Ca!holic !eachi"+. i!s ?(ece"c) a"( or(er.? !he /ure a"( 'eau!i#ul E"+lish o# i!s /ra)ers. i!s li!era!ure. !he /ie!) #ou"( a*o"+ i!s *e*'ers. !he %581& i"#lue"ce o# su/eriors a"( #rie"(s. i!s his!orical associa!io"s. i!s (o*es!ic charac!er. !he char* o# a cou"!r) li#e. !he re*e*'ra"ce o# /as! )ears.3!here is all !his

120 a"( *uch *ore !o a!!ach !he *i"( !o !he "a!io"al -orshi/. Bu! a!!ach*e"! is "o! !rus!. "or is !o o'e) !he sa*e as !o loo, u/ !o. a"( !o rel) u/o"7 "or (o I !hi", !ha! a") !hou+h!#ul or e(uca!e( *a" ca" si*/l) 'elie e or co"#i(e i" !he word o# !he Es!a'lishe( Church. I "e er *e! a") such /erso" -ho (i(. or sai( he (i(. a"( I (o "o! !hi", !ha! such a /erso" is /ossi'le. I!s (e#e"(ers -oul( 'elie e i# !he) coul(7 'u! !heir hi+hes! co"#i(e"ce is 1uali#ie( ') a *is+i i"+. The) o'e). !he) are sile"! 'e#ore !he oice o# !heir su/eriors. 'u! !he) (o "o! /ro#ess !o 'elie e. No!hi"+ is clearer !ha" !his. !ha! i# #ai!h i" ;o(Bs -or( is re1uire( o# us #or sal a!io". !he Ca!holic Church is !he o"l) *e(iu* ') -hich -e ca" e0ercise i!. A"( "o-. *) 're!hre". -ho are "o! Ca!holics. /erha/s )ou -ill !ell *e. !ha!. i# all i"1uir) is !o cease -he" )ou 'eco*e Ca!holics. )ou ou+h! !o 'e er) sure !ha! !he Church is #ro* ;o( 'e#ore )ou 6oi" i!. 4ou s/ea, !rul)7 "o o"e shoul( e"!er !he Church -i!hou! a #ir* /ur/ose o# !a,i"+ her -or( i" all *a!!ers o# (oc!ri"e a"( *orals. a"( !ha!. o" !he +rou"( o# her co*i"+ (irec!l) #ro* !he ;o( o# Tru!h. 4ou *us! loo, !he *a!!er i" !he #ace. a"( cou"! !he cos!. I# )ou (o "o! co*e i" !his s/iri!. )ou *a) as -ell "o! co*e a! all7 hi+h a"( lo-. lear"e( a"( i+"ora"!. *us! co*e !o lear". I# )ou are ri+h! as #ar as !his. )ou ca""o! +o er) -ro"+7 )ou ha e !he #ou"(a!io"7 %585& 'u!. i# )ou co*e i" a") o!her !e*/er. )ou ha( 'e!!er -ai! !ill )ou ha e +o! ri( o# i!. 4ou *us! co*e. I sa). !o !he Church !o lear"7 )ou *us! co*e. "o! !o 'ri"+ )our o-" "o!io"s !o her. 'u! -i!h !he i"!e"!io" o# e er 'ei"+ a lear"er7 )ou *us! co*e -i!h !he i"!e"!io" o# !a,i"+ her #or )our /or!io". a"( o# "e er lea i"+ her. Do "o! co*e as a" e0/eri*e"!7 (o "o! co*e as )ou -oul( !a,e si!!i"+s i" a cha/el. or !ic,e!s #or a lec!ure<roo*7 co*e !o her as !o )our ho*e. !o !he school o# )our souls. !o !he Mo!her o# Sai"!s. a"( !o !he es!i'ule o# hea e". O" !he o!her ha"(. (o "o! (is!ress )oursel es -i!h !hou+h!s -he!her. -he" )ou ha e 6oi"e( her. )our #ai!h -ill las!7 !his is a su++es!io" o# )our e"e*) !o hol( )ou 'ac,. He -ho has 'e+u" a +oo( -or, i" )ou. -ill /er#ec! i!7 He -ho has chose" )ou. -ill 'e #ai!h#ul !o )ou7 /u! )our cause i"!o His ha"(. -ai! u/o" Hi*. a"( )ou -ill surel) /erse ere. Wha! +oo( -or, -ill )ou e er 'e+i". i# )ou 'ar+ai" #irs! !o see !he e"( o# i!2 I# )ou -ish !o (o all a! o"ce. )ou -ill (o "o!hi"+7 he has (o"e hal# !he -or,. -ho has 'e+u" i! -ell7 )ou -ill "o! +ai" )our Lor(Bs /raise a! !he #i"al rec,o"i"+ ') hi(i"+ His !ale"!. No7 -he" He 'ri"+s )ou #ro* error !o !ru!h. He -ill ha e (o"e !he *ore (i##icul! -or, Ci# au+h! is (i##icul! !o Hi*D. a"( surel) He -ill /reser e )ou #ro* re!ur"i"+ #ro* !ru!h !o error. Ta,e !he e0/erie"ce o# !hose -ho ha e +o"e 'e#ore )ou i" !he sa*e course7 !he) ha( *a") #ears !ha! !heir #ai!h -oul( #ail !he*. 'e#ore !a,i"+ !he +rea! s!e/. 'u! !hose #ears a"ishe( o" !heir !a,i"+ i!7 !he) ha( #ears. 'e#ore !he) recei e( !he +race o# %588& #ai!h. les!. a#!er recei i"+ i!. !he) shoul( lose i! a+ai". 'u! "o #ears Ce0ce/! o" !he +rou"( o# !heir +e"eral #rail"essD a#!er i! -as ac!uall) +i e" !he*.

121 Be co" i"ce( i" )our reaso" !ha! !he Ca!holic Church is a !eacher se"! !o )ou #ro* ;o(. a"( i! is e"ou+h. I (o "o! -ish )ou !o 6oi" her. !ill )ou are. I# )ou are hal# co" i"ce(. /ra) #or a #ull co" ic!io". a"( -ai! !ill )ou ha e i!. I! is 'e!!er i"(ee( !o co*e 1uic,l). 'u! 'e!!er slo-l) !ha" carelessl)7 a"( so*e!i*es. as !he /ro er' +oes. !he *ore has!e. !he -orse s/ee(. O"l) *a,e )oursel es sure !ha! !he (ela) is "o! #ro* a") #aul! o# )ours. -hich )ou ca" re*e(). ;o( (eals -i!h us er) (i##ere"!l)7 co" ic!io" co*es slo-l) !o so*e *e". 1uic,l) !o o!hers7 i" so*e i! is !he resul! o# *uch !hou+h! a"( *a") reaso"i"+s. i" o!hers o# a su((e" illu*i"a!io". O"e *a" is co" i"ce( a! o"ce. as i" !he i"s!a"ce (escri'e( ') S!. $aul@ ?I# all /ro/hes).? he sa)s. s/ea,i"+ o# e0/osi!io" o# (oc!ri"e. ?a"( !here co*e i" o"e !ha! 'elie e!h "o!. or o"e u"lear"e(. he is co" i"ce( o# all. he is 6u(+e( o# all. The secre!s o# his hear! are *a(e *a"i#es!7 a"( so. #alli"+ (o-" o" his #ace. he -ill -orshi/ ;o(. a"( sa) !ha! ;o( is a*o"+ )ou o# a !ru!h.? The case is !he sa*e "o-7 so*e *e" are co" er!e( *erel) ') e"!eri"+ a Ca!holic Church7 o!hers are co" er!e( ') rea(i"+ o"e 'oo,7 o!hers ') o"e (oc!ri"e. The) #eel !he -ei+h! o# !heir si"s. a"( !he) see !ha! !ha! reli+io" *us! co*e #ro* ;o( -hich alo"e has !he *ea"s o# #or+i i"+ !he*. Or !he) are !ouche( a"( o erco*e ') !he e i(e"! sa"c!i!). 'eau!). a"( Cas I *a) sa)D #ra+ra"ce o# !he Ca!holic Reli+io". %58:& Or !he) lo"+ #or a +ui(e a*i( !he s!ri#e o# !o"+ues7 a"( !he er) (oc!ri"e o# !he Church a'ou! #ai!h. -hich is so har( !o *a"). is co" ic!io" !o !he*. O!hers. a+ai". hear *a") o'6ec!io"s !o !he Church. a"( #ollo- ou! !he -hole su'6ec! #ar a"( -i(e7 co" ic!io" ca" scarcel) co*e !o !he* e0ce/! as a! !he e"( o# a lo"+ i"1uir). As i" a cour! o# 6us!ice. o"e *a"Bs i""oce"ce *a) 'e /ro e( a! o"ce. a"o!herBs is !he resul! o# a care#ul i" es!i+a!io"7 o"e has "o!hi"+ i" his co"(uc! or charac!er !o e0/lai". a+ai"s! a"o!her !here are *a") u"#a oura'le /resu*/!io"s a! #irs! si+h!7 so Hol) Church /rese"!s hersel# er) (i##ere"!l) !o (i##ere"! *i"(s -ho are co"!e*/la!i"+ her #ro* -i!hou!. ;o( (eals -i!h !he* (i##ere"!l)7 'u!. i# !he) are #ai!h#ul !o !heir li+h!. a! las!. i" !heir o-" !i*e. !hou+h i! *a) 'e a (i##ere"! !i*e !o each. He 'ri"+s !he* !o !ha! o"e a"( !he sa*e s!a!e o# *i"(. er) (e#i"i!e a"( "o! !o 'e *is!a,e". -hich -e call conviction. The) -ill ha e "o (ou'!. -ha!e er (i##icul!ies *a) s!ill a!!ach !o !he su'6ec!. !ha! !he Church is #ro* ;o(7 !he) *a) "o! 'e a'le !o a"s-er !his o'6ec!io" or !ha!. 'u! !he) -ill 'e cer!ai" i" s/i!e o# i!. This is a /oi"! -hich shoul( e er 'e ,e/! i" ie-@ co" ic!io" is a s!a!e o# *i"(. a"( i! is so*e!hi"+ 'e)o"( a"( (is!i"c! #ro* !he *ere ar+u*e"!s o# -hich i! is !he resul!7 i! (oes "o! ar) -i!h !heir s!re"+!h or !heir "u*'er. Ar+u*e"!s lea( !o a co"clusio". a"( -he" !he ar+u*e"!s are s!ro"+er. !he co"clusio" is clearer7 'u! co" ic!io" *a) 'e #el! as s!ro"+l) i" co"se1ue"ce o# a clear co"clusio". as o# o"e -hich is clearer. A *a" *a) 'e so sure u/o" si0 reaso"s. !ha! %58=& he (oes "o! "ee( a se e"!h. "or -oul( #eel surer i# he ha( i!. A"( so as re+ar(s !he Ca!holic Church@ *e" are co" i"ce( i" er)

122 arious -a)s.3-ha! co" i"ces o"e. (oes "o! co" i"ce a"o!her7 'u! !his is a" acci(e"!7 !he !i*e co*es a")ho-. soo"er or la!er. -he" a *a" ou+h! !o 'e co" i"ce(. a"( is co" i"ce(. a"( !he" he is 'ou"( "o! !o -ai! #or a") *ore ar+u*e"!s. !hou+h *ore ar+u*e"!s 'e /ro(uci'le. He -ill #i"( hi*sel# i" a co"(i!io" -he" he *a) e e" re#use !o hear *ore ar+u*e"!s i" 'ehal# o# !he Church7 he (oes "o! -ish !o rea( or !hi", *ore o" !he su'6ec!7 his *i"( is 1ui!e *a(e u/. I" such a case i! is his (u!) !o 6oi" !he Church a! o"ce7 he *us! "o! (ela)7 le! hi* 'e cau!ious i" cou"sel. 'u! /ro*/! i" e0ecu!io". This i! is !ha! *a,es Ca!holics so a"0ious a'ou! hi*@ i! is "o! !ha! !he) -ish hi* !o 'e /reci/i!a!e7 'u!. ,"o-i"+ !he !e*/!a!io"s -hich !he e il o"e e er !hro-s i" our -a). !he) are lo i"+l) a"0ious #or his soul. les! he has co*e !o !he /oi"! o# co" ic!io". a"( is /assi"+ i!. a"( is losi"+ his cha"ce o# co" ersio". I# so. i! *a) "e er re!ur"7 ;o( has "o! chose" e er) o"e !o sal a!io"@ i! is a rare +i#! !o 'e a Ca!holic7 i! *a) 'e o##ere( !o us o"ce i" our li es a"( "e er a+ai"7 a"(. i# -e ha e "o! sei9e( o" !he ?acce/!e( !i*e.? "or ,"o- ?i" our (a) !he !hi"+s -hich are #or our /eace.? oh. !he *iser) #or usG Wha! shall -e 'e a'le !o sa) -he" (ea!h co*es. a"( -e are "o! co" er!e(. a"( i! is (irec!l) a"( i**e(ia!el) our o-" (oi"+ !ha! -e are "o!2 ?Wis(o* /reache!h a'roa(. she u!!ere!h her oice i" !he s!ree!s@ Ho- lo"+. )e li!!le o"es. lo e )e %58A& chil(ish"ess. a"( #ools co e! -ha! is hur!#ul !o !he*. a"( !he u"-ise ha!e ,"o-le(+e2 Tur" )e a! M) re/roo#7 'ehol(. I -ill 'ri"+ #or!h !o )ou M) S/iri!. a"( I -ill shoM) -or(s u"!o )ou. Because I ha e calle(. a"( )e re#use(. I s!re!che( ou! M) ha"(. a"( !here -as "o"e -ho re+ar(e(. a"( )e (es/ise( all M) cou"sel a"( "e+lec!e( M) chi(i"+s7 I also -ill lau+h i" )our (es!ruc!io". a"( -ill *oc, -he" !ha! shall co*e !o )ou -hich )ou #eare(7 -he" a su((e" s!or* shall rush o" )ou. a"( (es!ruc!io" shall !hic,e" as a !e*/es!. -he" !ri'ula!io" a"( s!rai!"ess shall co*e u/o" )ou. The" shall !he) call o" Me. a"( I -ill "o! hear7 !he) shall rise 'e!i*es. 'u! !he) shall "o! #i"( Me7 #or !ha! !he) ha!e( (isci/li"e. a"( !oo, "o! o" !he* !he #ear o# !he Lor(. "or ac1uiesce( i" M) cou"sel. 'u! *a(e li+h! o# M) re/roo#. !here#ore shall !he) ea! !he #rui! o# !heir o-" -a). a"( 'e #ille( -i!h !heir o-" (e ices.? Oh. !he *iser) #or us. as *a") o# us as shall 'e i" !ha! "u*'erG Oh. !he a-#ul !hou+h! #or all e!er"i!)G Oh. !he re*orse#ul s!i"+. ?I -as calle(. I *i+h! ha e a"s-ere(. a"( I (i( "o!G? A"( oh. !he 'lesse("ess. i# -e ca" loo, 'ac, o" !he !i*e o# !rial. -he" #rie"(s i*/lore( a"( e"e*ies sco##e(. a"( sa)@ The *iser) #or *e. -hich -oul( ha e 'ee". ha( I "o! #ollo-e( o". ha( I hu"+ 'ac,. -he" Chris! calle(G Oh. !he u!!er co"#usio" o# *i"(. !he -rec, o# #ai!h a"( o/i"io". !he 'lac,"ess a"( oi(. !he (rear) sce/!icis*. !he ho/eless"ess. -hich -oul( ha e 'ee" *) lo!. !he /le(+e o# !he ou!er (ar,"ess !o co*e. ha( I 'ee" a#rai( !o #ollo- Hi*G I ha e los! #rie"(s. I ha e los! %58E& !he -orl(. 'u! I ha e +ai"e( Hi*. -ho

123 +i es i" Hi*sel# houses a"( 're!hre" a"( sis!ers a"( *o!hers a"( chil(re" a"( la"(s a hu"(re(<#ol(7 I ha e los! !he /erisha'le. a"( +ai"e( !he I"#i"i!e7 I ha e los! !i*e. a"( I ha e +ai"e( e!er"i!)7 ?O Lor(. *) ;o(. I a* Th) ser a"!. a"( !he so" o# Thi"e ha"(*ai(7 Thou has! 'ro,e" *) 'o"(s. I -ill sacri#ice !o Thee !he sacri#ice o# /raise. a"( I -ill call o" !he Na*e o# !he Lor(.? To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse 15. $ros/ec!s o# !he Ca!holic Missio"er

%58F& A STRAN;E !i*e !his *a) see* !o so*e o# )ou. *) 're!hre". a"( a s!ra"+e /lace. !o co**e"ce a" e"!er/rise such as !ha!. -hich rel)i"+ o" ;o(Bs *erc). -e are u"(er!a,i"+ !his (a) JNo!eL. I" !his hu+e ci!). a*i( a /o/ula!io" o# hu*a" 'ei"+s. so as! !ha! each is soli!ar). so arious !ha! each is i"(e/e"(e"!. -hich. li,e !he ocea". )iel(s 'e#ore a"( closes o er e er) a!!e*/! *a(e !o i"#lue"ce a"( i*/ress i!.3i" !his *ere a++re+a!e o# i"(i i(uals. -hich a(*i!s o# "ei!her cha"+e "or re#or*. 'ecause i! has "o i"!er"al or(er. or (is/osi!io" o# /ar!s. or *u!ual (e/e"(e"ce. 'ecause i! has "o!hi"+ !o cha"+e #ro* a"( "o!hi"+ !o cha"+e !o. -here "o o"e ,"o-s his "e0!< (oor "ei+h'our. -here i" e er) /lace are #ou"( a !housa"( -orl(s. each /ursui"+ i!s o-" #u"c!io"s u"i*/e(e( ') !he res!3ho- ca" -e. ho- ca" a ha"(#ul o# *e". (o a") ser ice -or!h) o# !he Lor( -ho has calle( us. a"( !he o'6ec!s !o -hich our li es are (e(ica!e(2 ?Cr) alou(. s/are "o!G? sa)s !he /ro/he!7 -ell *a) he sa) i!G "o roo* #or s/ari"+7 -ha! cr) is lou( e"ou+h. e0ce/! !he las! !ru*/e! o# ;o(. !o /ierce !he o*"i/rese"! %58H& (i" o# !ur*oil a"( o# e##or!. -hich rises. li,e a" e0hala!io" #ro* !he er) ear!h. alo"+ !he /u'lic !horou+h#ares. a"( !o reach !he (e"se *ul!i!u(es o" each si(e o# !he* i" !he *a9e o# la"es a"( alle)s ,"o-" o"l) !o !hose -ho li e i" !he*2 I! is 'u! a #oolBs -or, !o essa) !he i*/ossi'le7 ,ee/ !o )our o-" /lace. a"( )ou are res/ec!a'le7 !e"( )our shee/ i" !he -il(er"ess. a"( )ou are i"!elli+i'le7 'uil( u/o" !he ol( #ou"(a!io"s. a"( )ou are sa#e7 'u! 'e+i" "o!hi"+ "e-. *a,e "o e0/eri*e"!s. 1uic,e" "o! !he ac!io". "or s!rai" !he /o-ers. "or co*/lica!e !he res/o"si'ili!ies o# )our Mo!her. les! i" her ol( a+e )ou 'ri"+ her !o sha*e. a"( !he i(lers lau+h a! her -ho o"ce 'are *a") chil(re". 'u! "o- is -a0e( #ee'le.

124 A"( here is a"o!her !hi"+. !he !i*e7 !he !i*e o# )our co*i"+ hi!herG No-. -he" )ou res! o" "o i**o a'le ce"!re. as o# ol(. -he" )ou are "o! -ha! )ou -ere la!el). -he" )our li#e is i" 6eo/ar(). )our #u!ure i" sus/e"se. )our Mas!er i" e0ile7 loo, a! ho*e. )ou ha e e"ou+h !o (o a! ho*e. Loo, !o !he roc, -he"ce )e -ere he-". a"( !o !he 1uarr) -he"ce )e -ere (u+ ou!G Where is $e!er "o-2 #agni nominis umbra. as !he hea!he" au!hor sa)s@ a" a"!i1ua!e( cause. "o'le i" i!s !i*e. 'u! o# a /as! (a)7 "a). !rue a"( Di i"e i" i!s !i*e. as #ar as a")!hi"+ ca" 'e such. 'u! #alse "o-. a"( o# !he ear!h "o-. 'ecause i! is #ee'le "o-. 'e"! -i!h !he -ei+h! o# ei+h!ee" hu"(re( )ears. !o!!eri"+ !o i!s #all7 #or -i!h E"+lish*e". )ou shoul( ,"o-. success is !he *easure o# /ri"ci/le. a"( /o-er is !he e0/o"e"! o# ri+h!. Do )ou "o! u"(ers!a"( our rule o# ac!io"2 -e !a,e u/ *e" a"( la) !he* (o-". -e /raise %5:I& or -e 'la*e. -e #eel res/ec! or co"!e*/!. accor(i"+ as !he) succee( or are (e#ea!e(. 4ou are -ro"+. 'ecause )ou are i" *is#or!u"e7 /o-er is !ru!h. Weal!h is /o-er. i"!ellec! is /o-er. +oo( "a*e is /o-er. ,"o-le(+e is /o-er7 -e e"era!e -eal!h. i"!ellec!. "a*e. ,"o-le(+e. I"!ellec! -e ,"o-. a"( -eal!h -e ,"o-. 'u! -ho are )e2 -ha! ha e -e !o (o -i!h !he +hos!s o# a" ol( -orl(. a"( !he !)/es o# a #or*er or+a"isa!io"2 I! is !rue. *) 're!hre". !his is a s!ra"+e !i*e. a s!ra"+e /lace. #or 'e+i""i"+ our -or,. A s!ra"+e /lace #or Sai"!s a"( A"+els !o /i!ch !heir !a'er"acles i". !his *e!ro/olis7 s!ra"+e3I -ill "o! sa) #or !hee. *) Mo!her Mar). !o 'e #ou"( i"7 #or "o /ar! o# !he Ca!holic i"heri!a"ce is #orei+" !o !hee. a"( !hou ar! e er)-here. -here !he Church is #ou"(. Porta manes et Stella maris. !he co"s!a"! o'6ec! o# her (e o!io". a"( !he u"i ersal a( oca!e o# her chil(re".3"o! s!ra"+e !o !hee. 'u! s!ra"+e e"ou+h !o hi*. *) o-" Sai"! a"( Mas!er. $hili/ Neri. 4es. (ear Fa!her. i! is s!ra"+e #or !hee. !o /ass #ro* !he 'ri+h!. cal* ci!ies o# !he Sou!h !o !his sce"e o# +o(less !oil a"( sel#<!rus!i"+ a( e"!ure7 s!ra"+e #or !hee !o 'e see" hurr)i"+ !o a"( #ro across our cro-(e( s!ree!s. i" !h) +ra e. 'lac, cassoc,. a"( !h) -hi!e collar. i"s!ea( o# *o i"+ a! !h) o-" /ace a*i( !he o/e" -a)s or aca"! s/aces o# !he +rea! Ci!). i" -hich. accor(i"+ !o ;o(Bs +ui(a"ce o# !hee i" !h) )ou!h. !hou (i(s! #or li#e a"( (ea!h #i0 !h) ha'i!a!io". 4es. i! is all er) s!ra"+e !o !he -orl(7 'u! "o "e- !hi"+ !o her. !he Bri(e o# !he La*'. -hose er) 'ei"+ a"( /ri*ar) +i#!s are s!ra"+er i" !he e)es o# u"'elie#. !ha" a") (e!ails. as !o %5:1& /lace o# a'o(e a"( *e!ho( o# /rocee(i"+. i" -hich !he) are *a"i#es!e(. I! is "o "e- !hi"+ i" her. -ho ca*e i" !he 'e+i""i"+ as a -a"(erer u/o" ear!h. -hose co"(i!io" is a /er/e!ual -ar#are. a"( -hose e*/ire is a" i"cessa"! co"1ues!. I" such a !i*e as !his (i( !he /ri"ce o# !he A/os!les. !he #irs! $o/e. a( a"ce !o-ar(s !he hea!he" ci!). -here. u"(er a Di i"e +ui(a"ce. he -as !o #i0 his sea!. He !oile( alo"+ !he s!a!el) roa( -hich le( hi* s!rai+h! o"-ar(s !o !he ca/i!al o# !he -orl(. He *e! !hro"+s o# !he

125 i(le a"( !he 'us). o# s!ra"+ers a"( "a!i es. -ho /eo/le( !he i"!er*i"a'le su'ur'. He /asse( u"(er !he hi+h +a!e. a"( -a"(ere( o" a*i( *ar'le /alaces a"( colu*"e( !e*/les7 he *e! /rocessio"s o# hea!he" /ries!s a"( *i"is!ers i" ho"our o# !heir i(ols7 he *e! !he -eal!h) la(). 'or"e o" her li!!er ') her sla es7 he *e! !he s!er" le+io"aries -ho ha( 'ee" !he ?*assi e iro" ha**ers? o# !he -hole ear!h7 he *e! !he a"0ious /oli!icia" -i!h his rea() *a" o# 'usi"ess a! his si(e !o /ro*/! hi* o" his ca" ass #or /o/ulari!)7 he *e! !he ora!or re!ur"i"+ ho*e #ro* a success#ul /lea(i"+. -i!h his )ou"+ a(*irers a"( his +ra!e#ul a"( ho/e#ul clie"!s. He sa- a'ou! hi* "o!hi"+ 'u! !o,e"s o# a i+orous /o-er. +ro-" u/ i"!o a (e#i"i!e es!a'lish*e"!. #or*e( a"( *a!ure( i" i!s reli+io". i!s la-s. i!s ci il !ra(i!io"s. i!s i*/erial e0!e"sio". !hrou+h !he his!or) o# *a") ce"!uries7 a"( -ha! -as he 'u! a /oor. #ee'le. a+e( s!ra"+er. i" "o!hi"+ (i##ere"! #ro* !he *ul!i!u(e o# *e"3a" E+)/!ia" or a Chal(ea". or /erha/s a Je-. so*e Eas!er" or o!her3as /assers<') -oul( %5:5& +uess accor(i"+ !o !heir ,"o-le(+e o# hu*a" ,i"(. carelessl) loo,i"+ a! hi* Cas -e *i+h! !ur" our e)es u/o" Hi"(oo or +i/s). as !he) *e! usD. -i!hou! !he sha(o- o# a !hou+h! !ha! such a o"e -as (es!i"e( !he" !o co**e"ce a" a+e o# reli+ious so erei+"!). i" -hich !he) *i+h! s/e"( !heir o-" hea!he" !i*es !-ice o er. a"( "o! see i!s e"(G I" such a !i*e as !his. (i( !he +rea! Doc!or. S!. ;re+or) Na9ia"9e". he !oo a" ol( *a". a !i*i( *a". a re!iri"+ *a". #o"( o# soli!u(e a"( 'oo,s. a"( u"/rac!ise( i" !he s!ru++les o# !he -orl(. su((e"l) a//ear i" !he Aria" ci!) o# Co"s!a"!i"o/le7 a"(. i" (es/i!e o# a #a"a!ical /o/ulace. a"( a" here!ical cler+). /reach !he !ru!h. a"( /re ail3!o his o-" -o"(er. a"( !o !he +lor) o# !ha! +race -hich is s!ro"+ i" -ea,"ess. a"( is e er "eares! !o i!s !riu*/h -he" i! is *os! (es/ise(. I" such a !i*e (i( a"o!her S!. ;re+or). !he #irs! $o/e o# !he "a*e. -he" all !hi"+s -ere "o- #aili"+. -he" 'ar'aria"s ha( occu/ie( !he ear!h. a"( #resh a"( *ore sa a+e *ul!i!u(es -ere /ouri"+ (o-". -he" /es!ile"ce. #a*i"e. a"( heres) ra a+e( #ar a"( "ear3 o//resse(. as he -as. -i!h co"!i"ual sic,"ess. his 'e( his $o"!i#ical Thro"e3i" such a !i*e (i( he rule. (irec!. a"( co"soli(a!e !he Church. i" -ha! he au+ure( -ere !he las! *o*e"!s o# !he -orl(7 su'(ui"+ Aria"s i" S/ai". Do"a!is!s i" A#rica. a !hir( heres) i" E+)/!. a #our!h i" ;aul. hu*'li"+ !he /ri(e o# !he Eas!. reco"cili"+ !he ;o!hs !o !he Church. 'ri"+i"+ our o-" /a+a" a"ces!ors -i!hi" her /ale. a"( co*/le!i"+ her or(er a"( 'eau!i#)i"+ her %5:8& ri!ual. -hile he s!re"+!he"e( !he #ou"(a!io"s o# her /o-er. A"( i" such a !i*e (i( !he si0 Jesui! Fa!hers. I+"a!ius a"( his co*/a"io"s. -hile !he -orl( -as e0ul!i"+ i" !he ChurchBs #all. a"( *e" ?*a(e *err). a"( se"! !heir +i#!s o"e !o a"o!her.? 'ecause !he

126 /ro/he!s -ere (ea( -ho ?!or*e"!e( !he* !ha! (-el! u/o" ear!h.? *a,e !heir o- i" !he s*all Church o# Mo"!*ar!re7 a"(. a!!rac!i"+ o!hers !o !he* ') !he s)*/a!he!ic #orce o# 9eal. a"( !he elo1ue"ce o# sa"c!i!). -e"! #or-ar( cal*l) a"( sile"!l) i"!o I"(ia i" !he Eas!. a"( i"!o A*erica i" !he Wes!. a"(. -hile !he) a((e( -hole "a!io"s !o !he Church a'roa(. res!ore( a"( rea"i*a!e( !he Ca!holic /o/ula!io"s a! ho*e. I! is "o "e- !hi"+ !he" -i!h !he Church. i" a !i*e o# co"#usio" or o# a"0ie!). -he" o##e"ces a'ou"(. a"( !he e"e*) is a! her +a!es. !ha! her chil(re". #ar #ro* 'ei"+ (is*a)e(. or ra!her +lor)i"+ i" !he (a"+er. as i+orous *e" e0ul! i" !rials o# !heir s!re"+!h3i! is "o "e!hi"+. I sa). !ha! !he) shoul( +o #or!h !o (o her -or,. as !hou+h she -ere i" !he *os! /al*) (a)s o# her /ros/eri!). Ol( Ro*e. i" her +rea!es! (is!ress. se"! her le+io"s !o #orei+" (es!i"a!io"s ') o"e +a!e. -hile !he Car!ha+i"ia" co"1ueror -as a! !he o!her. I" !ru!h. as has 'ee" sai( o# our o-" cou"!r)*e". -e. Ca!holics. (o "o! ,"o-he" -e are 'ea!e"7 -e a( a"ce. -he" ') all !he rules o# -ar -e ou+h! !o #all 'ac,7 -e (rea* 'u! o# !riu*/hs. a"( *is!a,e Cas !he -orl( 6u(+esD (e#ea! #or ic!or). For -e ha e u/o" us !he o*e"s o# success i" !he recollec!io"s o# !he %5::& /as!7 -e rea( u/o" our 'a""ers !he "a*es o# *a") a" ol( #iel( o# 'a!!le a"( o# +lor)7 -e are s!ro"+ i" !he s!re"+!h o# our #a!hers. a"( -e *ea" !o (o. i" our hu*'le *easure. -ha! Sai"!s ha e (o"e 'e#ore us. I! is "o!hi"+ +rea! or -o"(er#ul i" us !o 'e !hus *i"(e(7 o"l) Sai"!s i"(ee( (o e0/loi!s. a"( carr) co"!es!s !hrou+h. 'u! or(i"ar) *e". !he ser i"+ *e" a"( /ri a!es o# !he Church. are e1ual !o a!!e*/!i"+ !he*. I! "ee(s "o herois* i" us. *) 're!hre". !o #ace such a !i*e as !his. a"( !o *a,e li+h! o# i!7 #or -e are Ca!holics. We ha e !he e0/erie"ce o# ei+h!ee" hu"(re( )ears. The +rea! /hiloso/her o# a"!i1ui!) !ells us. !ha! *ere e0/erie"ce is coura+e. "o! i"(ee( o# !he hi+hes! ,i"(. 'u! su##icie"! !o succee( u/o". I! is "o! o"e or !-o or a (o9e" (e#ea!s. i# -e ha( !he*. -hich -ill re erse !he *a6es!) o# !he Ca!holic Na*e. We are -illi"+ !o !a,e !his +e"era!io" o" i!s o-" s!a"(ar( o# !ru!h. a"( !o *a,e our i"!e"se"ess o# /ur/ose !he er) oucher #or our (i i"i!). We are co"#i(e"!. 9ealous. a"( u")iel(i"+. 'ecause -e are !he heirs o# S!. $e!er. S!. ;re+or) Na9ia"9e". S!. ;re+or) $o/e. a"( all o!her hol) a"( #ai!h#ul *e". -ho. i" !heir (a). ') -or(. (ee(. or /ra)er. ha e #ur!here( !he Ca!holic cause. We share i" !heir *eri!s a"( i"!ercessio"s. a"( -e s/ea, -i!h !heir oice. He"ce -e (o !ha! -i!hou! herois*. -hich o!hers. -ho are "o! Ca!holics. (o o"l) -i!h i!. I! -oul( 'e herois* i" o!hers. cer!ai"l). !o se! a'ou! our -or,. Di( Je-s ai* a! 'ri"+i"+ o er !his as! /o/ula!io" !o !he ri!es o# !he La-. or (i( U"i!aria"s a((ress !he*sel es !o !he co" ersio" o# !he Hol) Ro*a" Church. or (i( !he %5:=& Socie!) o# Frie"(s a!!e*/! !he +rea! Fre"ch "a!io". !his *i+h! ri+h!l) 'e calle( herois*7 "o! a !rue reli+ious herois*. 'u! i! -oul( 'e a so*e!hi"+ e0!raor(i"ar) a"(

127 s!ar!li"+. I! -oul( 'e a /eculiar. s/ecial. ori+i"al. au(acious i(ea7 i! -oul( 'e *a,i"+ a +rea! e"!ure o" a +rea! u"cer!ai"!). Bu! !here is "o!hi"+ o# s/ecial coura+e. "o!hi"+ o# /erso"al *a+"a"i*i!). i" a Ca!holicBs *a,i"+ li+h! o# !he -orl(. a"( 'e+i""i"+ !o /reach !o i!. !hou+h i! !ur" i!s #ace #ro* hi*. He ,"o-s !he "a!ure a"( ha'i!s o# !he -orl(7 a"( i! is his i**e*orial -a) o# (eali"+ -i!h i!7 he (oes 'u! ac! accor(i"+ !o his oca!io"7 he -oul( "o! 'e a Ca!holic. (i( he ac! o!her-ise. He ,"o-s -hose essel he has e"!ere(7 i! is !he 'ar, o# $e!er. Whe" !he +rea!es! o# !he Ro*a"s -as i" a" o/e" 'oa! o" !he A(ria!ic. a"( !he sea rose. he sai( !o !he !erri#ie( 'oa!*a". %sarem vehis et &ortunam %saris3?Caesar is )our #rei+h! a"( CaesarBs #or!u"e.? Wha! he sai( i" /resu*/!io". -e. *) (ear 're!hre". ca" re/ea! i" #ai!h. o# !ha! 'oa!. i" -hich Chris! o"ce sa! a"( /reache(. We ha e "o! chose" i! !o ha e #ear a'ou! i!7 -e ha e "o! e"!ere( i! !o esca/e ou! o# i!7 "o. 'u! !o +o #or!h i" i! u/o" !he #loo( o# si" a"( u"'elie#. -hich -oul( si", a") o!her cra#!. We 'e+a" our -or, a! !he #irs! -i!h $e!er #or our +ui(e. o" !he er) Feas! o# his Chair. a"( a! !he er) Shri"e o# his relics7 so. -he" a") o# )ou *ar el !ha! -e shoul( choose !his /lace a"( !his !i*e #or our *issio"ar) la'ours. le! hi* ,"o- !ha! -e are o# !hose -ho *easure !he /rese"! ') !he /as!. a"( /oise !he -orl( u/o" a (is!a"! ce"!re. We ac! accor(i"+ !o our %5:A& "a*e7 Ca!holics are a! ho*e i" e er) !i*e a"( /lace. i" e er) s!a!e o# socie!). i" e er) class o# !he co**u"i!). i" e er) s!a+e o# cul!i a!io". No s!a!e o# !hi"+s co*es a*iss !o a Ca!holic /ries!7 he has al-a)s a -or, !o (o. a"( a har es! !o rea/. Were i! o!her-ise. ha( he "o! co"#i(e"ce i" !he (ar,es! (a). a"( !he *os! hos!ile (is!ric!. he -oul( 'e reli"1uishi"+ a /ri"ci/al "o!e. as i! is calle(. o# !he Church. She is Ca!holic. 'ecause she 'ri"+s a u"i ersal re*e() #or a u"i ersal (isease. The (isease is si"7 all *e" ha e si""e(7 all *e" "ee( a reco er) i" Chris!7 !o all *us! !ha! reco er) 'e /reache( a"( (is/e"se(. I# !he" !here 'e a /reacher a"( (is/e"ser o# reco er). se"! #ro* ;o(. !ha! *esse"+er *us! s/ea,. "o! !o o"e. 'u! !o all7 he *us! 'e sui!e( !o all. he *us! ha e a *issio" !o !he -hole race o# A(a*. a"( 'e co+"isa'le ') e er) i"(i i(ual o# i!. I (o "o! *ea" !ha! he *us! /ersua(e all. a"( /re ail -i!h all3#or !ha! (e/e"(s u/o" !he -ill o# each7 'u! he *us! sho- his ca/a'ili!ies #or co" er!i"+ all ') ac!uall) co" er!i"+ so*e o# e er) !i*e. a"( e er) /lace. a"( e er) ra",. a"( e er) a+e o# li#e. a"( e er) charac!er o# *i"(. I# si" is a /ar!ial e il. le! i!s re*e() 'e /ar!ial7 'u!. i# i! 'e "o! local. "o! occasio"al. 'u! u"i ersal. such *us! 'e !he re*e(). A local reli+io" is "o! #ro* ;o(. The !rue reli+io" *us! i"(ee( 'e+i". a"( *a) li"+er. i" o"e /lace7 "a). #or ce"!uries re*ai" !here. /ro i(e( i! is e0/a"(i"+ a"( *a!uri"+ i" i!s i"!er"al charac!er. a"( /ro#esses !he -hile !ha! i! is "o! )e! /er#ec!. There *a) 'e (ee/ reaso"s i" ;o(Bs cou"sels. -h) !he /ro/er re ela!io" o# His -ill !o *a" %5:E& shoul( ha e 'ee" slo-l) ela'ora!e( a"(

128 +ra(uall) co*/le!e( i" !he ele*e"!ar) #or* o# Ju(ais*7 'u! !ha! Re ela!io" -as e er i" /ro+ress i" !he Je-ish /erio(. a"( /oi"!e( ') i!s /ro/he!s !o a (a) -he" i! shoul( 'e s/rea( o er !he -hole ear!h. Ju(ais* !he" -as local 'ecause i! -as i*/er#ec!7 -he" i! reache( /er#ec!io" -i!hi". i! 'eca*e u"i ersal -i!hou!. a"( !oo, !he "a*e o# Ca!holic. Loo, arou"(. *) 're!hre". a! !he #or*s o# reli+io" "o- i" !he -orl(. a"( )ou -ill #i"( !ha! o"e. a"( o"e o"l). has !his "o!e o# a Di i"e ori+i". The Ca!holic Church has acco*/a"ie( hu*a" socie!) !hrou+h o"e re olu!io" o# i!s +rea! )ear7 a"( is "o- 'e+i""i"+ a seco"(. She has /asse( !hrou+h !he #ull c)cle o# cha"+es. i" or(er !o sho- us !ha! she is i"(e/e"(e"! o# !he* all. She has ha( !rial o# Eas! a"( Wes!. o# *o"arch) a"( (e*ocrac). o# /eace a"( -ar. o# i*/erial a"( o# #eu(al !)ra""). o# !i*es o# (ar,"ess a"( !i*es o# /hiloso/h). o# 'ar'arous"ess a"( lu0ur). o# sla es a"( #ree*e". o# ci!ies a"( "a!io"s. o# *ar!s o# co**erce a"( sea!s o# *a"u#ac!ure. o# ol( cou"!ries a"( )ou"+. o# *e!ro/olis a"( colo"ies. She arose i" !he *os! ha//) a+e -hich /erha/s !he -orl( has e er ,"o-"7 #or !-o or !hree hu"(re( )ears she ha( !o #i+h! a+ai"s! !he au!hori!) o# la-. es!a'lishe( #or*s o# reli+io". *ili!ar) /o-er. a" a'l) ce*e"!e( e*/ire. a"( /ros/erous. co"!e"!e( /o/ula!io". A"( i" !he course o# !ha! /erio(. !his /oor. #ee'le. (es/ise( Associa!io" -as a'le !o (e#ea! i!s i*/erial o//ressor. i" s/i!e o# his iole"! e##or!s. a+ai" a"( a+ai" e0er!e(. !o ri( hi*sel# o# so (es/ica'le a" %5:F& assaila"!. I" s/i!e o# calu*"). i" s/i!e o# /o/ular ou!'rea,s. i" s/i!e o# cruel !or*e"!s. !he lor(s o# !he -orl( -ere #orce(. as !heir sole cha"ce o# *ai"!ai"i"+ !heir e*/ire. !o co*e !o !er*s -i!h !ha! 'o(). o# -hich !he /rese"! Church is i" "a*e. i" li"e. i" (oc!ri"e. i" /ri"ci/les. i" *a""er o# 'ei"+. i" *oral charac!eris!ics. !he (esce"(a"! a"( re/rese"!a!i e. The) -ere #orce( !o hu*'le !he*sel es !o her. a"( !o e"!er her /ale. a"( !o e0al! her. a"( !o (e/ress her e"e*ies. She !riu*/he( as "e er a") o!her !riu*/he( 'e#ore or si"ce. Bu! !his -as "o! all7 scarcel) ha( she secure( her !riu*/h. or ra!her se! a'ou! securi"+ i!. -he" i! -as all re erse(7 #or !he Ro*a" $o-er. her ca/!i e. -hich -i!h so *uch 'loo( a"( /a!ie"ce she ha( su'6u+a!e(. su((e"l) ca*e !o "ou+h!. I! 'ro,e a"( /erishe(7 a"( a+ai"s! her rushe( *illio"s o# -il( sa a+es #ro* !he Nor!h a"( Eas!. -ho ha( "ei!her ;o( "or co"scie"ce. "or e e" "a!ural co*/assio". She ha( !o 'e+i" a+ai"7 #or ce"!uries !he) ca*e (o-". o"e hor(e a#!er a"o!her. li,e roari"+ -a es. a"( (ashe( a+ai"s! her 'ase. The) ca*e a+ai" a"( a+ai". li,e !he ar*e( 'a"(s se"! ') !he Ki"+ o# Israel a+ai"s! !he /ro/he!7 a"(. as he 'rou+h! #ire (o-" #ro* hea e" -hich (e oure( !he* as !he) ca*e. so i" her *ore +racious -a) (i( Hol) Church. 'ur"i"+ -i!h 9eal a"( lo e. (e our her e"e*ies. *ul!i!u(e a#!er *ul!i!u(e. -i!h !he #la*e -hich her Lor( ha( ,i"(le(. ?hea/i"+ coals o# #ire u/o" !heir hea(s.? a"( ?o erco*i"+ e il -i!h +oo(?. Thus ou! o# !hose #ierce s!ra"+ers -ere *a(e her !rues! a"( *os! lo)al chil(re"73a"(. !he".

129 -he" #ro* a*o"+ !he* %5:H& !here arose a s!ro"+ *ili!ar) /o-er. *ore ar!i#iciall) co"s!ruc!e( !ha" !he ol( Ro*a". -i!h !ra(i!io"s a"( /rece(e"!s -hich las!e( o" #or ce"!uries. a! #irs! !he ChurchBs cha*/io" a"( !he" her ri al. here !oo she ha( !o u"(er+o a "eco"#lic!. a"( !o +ai" a "e- !riu*/h. A"( so I *i+h! /rocee(. +oi"+ !o a"( #ro. a"( !elli"+ o# her /oli!ical successes si"ce. a"( o# her i"!ellec!ual ic!ories #ro* !he 'e+i""i"+. a"( o# her social i*/ro e*e"!s. a"( o# her e"cou"!ers -i!h !hose o!her circu*s!a"ces o# hu*a" "a!ure or co*'i"a!io"s o# hu*a" ,i"(. -hich I 6us! "oe"u*era!e(7 all -hich /ro e !o us. -i!h a co+e"c) as +rea! as !ha! o# a /h)sical (e*o"s!ra!io". !ha! she co*es "o! o# ear!h. !ha! she hol(s "o! o# ear!h. !ha! she is "o ser a"! o# *a". else he -ho *a(e coul( ha e (es!ro)e( her. Ho- (i##ere"!. a+ai" I sa). ho- (i##ere"! are all reli+io"s !ha! e er -ere. #ro* !his lo#!) a"( u"cha"+ea'le Ca!holic ChurchG The) (e/e"( o" !i*e a"( /lace #or !heir e0is!e"ce. !he) li e i" /erio(s or i" re+io"s. The) are chil(re" o# !he soil. i"(i+e"ous /la"!s. -hich rea(il) #lourish u"(er a cer!ai" !e*/era!ure. i" a cer!ai" as/ec!. i" *ois! or i" (r). a"( (ie i# !he) are !ra"s/la"!e(. Their habitat is o"e ar!icle o# !heir scie"!i#ic (escri/!io". Thus !he ;ree, schis*. Nes!oria"is*. !he heres) o# Cal i". a"( Me!ho(is*. each has i!s +eo+ra/hical li*i!s. $ro!es!a"!is* has +ai"e( "o!hi"+ i" Euro/e si"ce i!s #irs! ou!'rea,. So*e acci(e"! +i es rise !o !hese reli+ious *a"i#es!a!io"s7 so*e sic,l) seaso". !he 'ur"i"+ su". !he a/our<la(e" *arsh. 'ree(s a /es!ile"ce. a"( !here i! re*ai"s. ha"+i"+ i" !he air o er i!s 'ir!h/lace /erha/s %5=I& #or ce"!uries7 !he" so*e cha"+e !a,es /lace i" !he ear!h or i" !he hea e"s. a"( i! su((e"l) is "o *ore. So*e!i*es. ho-e er. i! is !rue. such scour+es o# ;o( ha e a course u/o" ear!h. a"( a##ec! a Ca!holic ra"+e. The) issue as #ro* so*e /oiso"ous la,e or /i! i" E!hio/ia or i" I"(ia. a"( *arch #or!h -i!h resis!less /o-er !o #ul#il !heir *issio" o# e il. a"( -al, !o a"( #ro o er !he #ace o# !he -orl(. Such -as !he Ara'ia" i*/os!ure o# -hich Maho*e! -as !he #ra*er7 a"( )ou -ill as,. /erha/s. -he!her i! has "o! (o"e !ha!. -hich I ha e sai( !he Ca!holic Church alo"e ca" (o. a"( /ro e( !here') !ha! i! ha( i" i! a" i"!er"al /ri"ci/le. -hich. (e/e"(i"+ "o! o" *a". coul( su'(ue hi* i" a") !i*e or /lace2 No. *) 're!hre"7 loo, "arro-l). a"( )ou -ill see !he *ar,e( (is!i"c!io" -hich e0is!s 'e!-ee" !he reli+io" o# Maho*e! a"( !he Church o# Chris!. For Maho*e!a"is* has (o"e li!!le *ore !ha" !he A"+lica" co**u"io" is (oi"+ a! /rese"!. Tha! co**u"io" is #ou"( i" *a") /ar!s o# !he -orl(7 i!s /ri*a!e has a 6uris(ic!io" e e" +rea!er !ha" !he Nes!oria" /a!riarch o# ol(7 i! has es!a'lish*e"!s i" Mal!a. i" Jerusale*. i" I"(ia. i" Chi"a. i" Aus!ralia. i" Sou!h A#rica. a"( i" Ca"a(a. -hereas Maho*e!a"is* is o"l) a" i"(i+e"ous reli+io". a"( !ha! i" cer!ai" /or!io"s o# !-o co"!i"e"!s. -i!h li!!le /o-er or -ish !o /ro/a+a!e i!s #ai!h.

130 Ho-e er. a! leas! i" A"+lica"is*. )ou -ill sa). !here is !ha! "o!e o# Ca!holici!) -hich i" Maho*e!a"is* is "o!. Oh. *) 're!hre". 'e "o! 'e+uile( ') -or(s7 -ill a") !hi",i"+ *a" sa) #or a *o*e"!. -ha!e er !his o'6ec!io" 'e -or!h. !ha! !he Es!a'lishe( Reli+io" %5=1& is su/erior !o !i*e a"( /lace2 -ell. i# "o!. -h) se! a'ou! /ro i"+ !ha! i! is2 ra!her. (oes "o! i!s esse"ce lie i" i!s reco+"i!io" ') !he S!a!e2 is "o! i!s es!a'lish*e"! i!s er) &orm2 -ha! -oul( i! 'e. -oul( i! las! !e" )ears. i# a'a"(o"e( !o i!sel#2 I! is i!s es!a'lish*e"! -hich erec!s i! i"!o a u"i!) a"( i"(i i(uali!)7 ca" )ou co"!e*/la!e i!. !hou+h )ou s!i*ula!e )our i*a+i"a!io" !o !he !as,. as a's!rac!e( #ro* i!s churches. /alaces. colle+es. /arso"a+es. re e"ues. ci il /rece(e"ce. a"( "a!io"al /osi!io"2 S!ri/ i! o# !his -orl(. a"( )ou ha e /er#or*e( a *or!al o/era!io" u/o" i!. #or i! has cease( !o 'e. Ta,e i!s 'isho/s ou! o# !he le+isla!ure. !ear i!s #or*ularies #ro* !he S!a!u!e Boo,. o/e" i!s u"i ersi!ies !o Disse"!ers. allo- i!s cler+) !o 'eco*e la)*e" a+ai". le+alise i!s /ri a!e /ra)er<*ee!i"+s. a"( -ha! -oul( 'e i!s (e#i"i!io"2 4ou ,"o- !ha!. (i( "o! !he S!a!e co*/el i! !o 'e o"e. i! -oul( s/li! a! o"ce i"!o !hree se eral 'o(ies. each 'eari"+ -i!hi" i! !he ele*e"!s o# #ur!her (i isio"s. E e" !he s*all /ar!) o# No"<6urors. a ce"!ur) a"( a hal# si"ce. -he" release( #ro* !he ci il /o-er. s/li! i"!o !-o. I! has !he" "o i"!er"al co"sis!e"c). or i"(i i(uali!). or soul. !o +i e i! !he ca/aci!) o# /ro/a+a!io". Me!ho(is* re/rese"!s so*e sor! o# a" i(ea. Co"+re+a!io"alis* a" i(ea7 !he Es!a'lishe( Reli+io" has i" i! "o i(ea 'e)o"( es!a'lish*e"!. I!s e0!e"sio" has 'ee". #or !he *os! /ar!. /assi e "o! ac!i e7 i! is carrie( #or-ar( i"!o o!her /laces ') S!a!e /olic). a"( i! *o es 'ecause !he S!a!e *o es7 i! is a" a//e"(a+e. -he!her -ea/o" or (ecora!io". o# !he so erei+" /o-er7 i! is !he reli+io". "o! e e" o# a race. 'u! o# !he ruli"+ %5=5& /or!io" o# a race. The A"+lo<Sa0o" has (o"e i" !his (a) -ha! !he Sarace" (i( i" a #or*er. He (oes +ru(+i"+l) #or e0/e(ie"ce. -ha! !he o!her (i( hear!il) #ro* #a"a!icis*. This is !he chie# (i##ere"ce 'e!-ee" !he !-o7 !he Sarace". i" his co**e"ce*e"!. co" er!e( !he here!ical Eas! -i!h !he s-or(7 'u! a! leas! i" I"(ia !he e0!e"sio" o# his #ai!h -as ') i**i+ra!io". as !he A"+lo<Sa0o"Bs *a) 'e "o-7 he +re- i"!o o!her "a!io"s ') co**erce a"( colo"isa!io"7 'u!. -he" he e"cou"!ere( !he Ca!holic o# !he Wes!. he *a(e as li!!le i*/ressio" u/o" S/ai". as !he $ro!es!a"! A"+lo<Sa0o" *a,es o" Irela"(. There is 'u! o"e #or* o# Chris!ia"i!). *) 're!hre". /ossesse( o# !ha! real i"!er"al u"i!) -hich is !he /ri*ar) co"(i!io" o# i"(e/e"(e"ce. Whe!her )ou loo, !o Russia. E"+la"(. or ;er*a"). !his "o!e o# (i i"i!) is -a"!i"+. I" !his cou"!r). es/eciall). !here is "o!hi"+ 'roa(er !ha" class reli+io"s7 !he es!a'lishe( #or* i!sel# is 'u! !he reli+io" o# a class. There is o"e /ersuasio" #or !he rich. a"( a"o!her #or !he /oor7 *e" are 'or" i" !his or !ha! sec!7 !he e"!husias!ic +o here. a"( !he so'er<*i"(e( a"( ra!io"al +o !here. The) *a,e *o"e). a"( rise i" !he -orl(. a"( !he" !he) /ro#ess !o 'elo"+ !o !he Es!a'lish*e"!. This 'o() li es i" !he -orl(Bs s*ile. !ha! i" i!s #ro-"7

131 !he o"e -oul( /erish o# col( i" !he -orl(Bs -i"!er. a"( !he o!her -oul( *el! a-a) i" !he su**er. No! o"e o# !he* u"(er!a,es hu*a" "a!ure@ "o"e co*/asses !he -hole *a"7 "o"e /laces all *e" o" a le el7 "o"e a((resses !he i"!ellec! a"( !he hear!. #ear a"( lo e. !he ac!i e a"( !he co"!e*/la!i e. I! is co"si(ere(. %5=8& a"( 6us!l). as a" e i(e"ce #or Chris!ia"i!). !ha! !he a'les! *e" ha e 'ee" Chris!ia"s7 "o! !ha! all sa+acious or /ro#ou"( *i"(s ha e !a,e" u/ i!s /ro#essio". 'u! !ha! i! has +ai"e( ic!ories a*o"+ !he*. such a"( so *a"). as !o sho- !ha! i! is "o! !he *ere #ac! o# a'ili!) or lear"i"+ -hich is !he reaso" -h) all are "o! co" er!e(. Such. !oo. is !he charac!eris!ic o# Ca!holici!)7 "o! !he hi+hes! i" ra",. "o! !he *ea"es!. "o! !he *os! re#i"e(. "o! !he ru(es!. is 'e)o"( !he i"#lue"ce o# !he Church7 she i"clu(es s/eci*e"s o# e er) class a*o"+ her chil(re". She is !he solace o# !he #orlor". !he chas!e"er o# !he /ros/erous. a"( !he +ui(e o# !he -a)-ar(. She ,ee/s a *o!herBs e)e #or !he i""oce"!. 'ears -i!h a hea ) ha"( u/o" !he -a"!o". a"( has a oice o# *a6es!) #or !he /rou(. She o/e"s !he *i"( o# !he i+"ora"!. a"( she /ros!ra!es !he i"!ellec! o# e e" !he *os! +i#!e(. These are "o! -or(s7 she has (o"e i!. she (oes i! s!ill. she u"(er!a,es !o (o i!. All she as,s is a" o/e" #iel(. a"( #ree(o* !o ac!. She as,s "o /a!ro"a+e #ro* !he ci il /o-er@ i" #or*er !i*es a"( /laces she i"(ee( has as,e( i!7 a"(. as $ro!es!a"!is* also. has a aile( hersel# o# !he ci il s-or(. I! is !rue she (i( so. 'ecause i" cer!ai" a+es i! has 'ee" !he ac,"o-le(+e( *o(e o# ac!i"+. !he *os! e0/e(i!ious. a"( o/e" a! !he !i*e !o "o o'6ec!io". a"( 'ecause. -here she has (o"e so. !he /eo/le cla*oure( #or i! a"( (i( i! i" a( a"ce o# her7 'u! her his!or) sho-s !ha! she "ee(e( i! "o!. #or she has e0!e"(e( a"( #lourishe( -i!hou! i!. She is rea() #or a") ser ice -hich occurs7 she -ill !a,e !he -orl( as i! co*es7 "o!hi"+ 'u! #orce ca" re/ress her. See. %5=:& *) 're!hre". -ha! she is (oi"+ i" !his cou"!r) "o-7 #or !hree ce"!uries !he ci il /o-er has !ro((e" (o-" !he +oo(l) /la"! o# +race. a"( ,e/! i!s #oo! u/o" i!7 a! le"+!h circu*s!a"ces ha e re*o e( !ha! !)ra""). a"( lo !he #air #or* o# !he A"cie"! Church rises u/ a! o"ce. as #resh a"( as i+orous as i# she ha( "e er i"!er*i!!e( her +ro-!h. She is !he sa*e as she -as !hree ce"!uries a+o. ere !he /rese"! reli+io"s o# !he cou"!r) e0is!e(7 )ou ,"o- her !o 'e !he sa*e7 i! is !he char+e 'rou+h! a+ai"s! her !ha! she (oes "o! cha"+e7 !i*e a"( /lace a##ec! her "o!. 'ecause she has her source -here !here is "ei!her /lace "or !i*e. 'ecause she co*es #ro* !he !hro"e o# !he Illi*i!a'le. E!er"al ;o(. Wi!h !hese #eeli"+s. *) 're!hre". ca" -e #ear !ha! -e shall "o! ha e -or, e"ou+h i" a as! ci!) li,e !his. -hich has such "ee( o# us2 He o" -ho* -e re/ose is ?)es!er(a). a"( !o(a). a"( !he sa*e #or e er?. I# He (i( His -o"(ers i" !he (a)s o# ol(. He (oes His -o"(ers "o-7 i# i" #or*er (a)s !he #ee'le a"( u"-or!h) -ere *a(e His i"s!ru*e"!s o# +oo(. so are !he) "o-. While -e !rus! i" Hi*. -hile -e are !rue !o His Church. -e ,"o- !ha! He i"!e"(s !o use us7 ho-. -e ,"o- "o!7

132 -ho are !o 'e !he o'6ec!s o# His *erc). -e ,"o- "o!7 -e ,"o- "o! !o -ho* -e are se"!7 'u! -e ,"o- !ha! !e"s o# !housa"(s cr) ou! #or us. a"( !ha! o# a sure!) -e shall 'e se"! !o His chose". ?The -or( -hich shall issue #ro* His *ou!h shall "o! re!ur" u"!o Hi* oi(. 'u! shall (o His /leasure. a"( shall /ros/er i" !he !hi"+s -here!o He ha!h se"! i!.? No"e so i""oce"!. "o"e so si"#ul. "o"e so (ull. "o"e so -ise. 'u! are o'6ec!s #or !he +race o# !he Ca!holic Church. %5==& I# -e (o "o! /re ail -i!h !he e(uca!e(. -e shall /re ail -i!h !he ru(e7 i# -e #ail -i!h !he ol(. -e shall +ai" !he )ou"+7 i# -e /ersua(e "o! !he serious a"( res/ec!a'le. -e shall succee( -i!h !he !hou+h!less7 i# -e co*e shor! o# !hose -ho are "ear !he Church. -e shall reach e e" !o !hose -ho are #ar (is!a"! #ro* i!. ;o(Bs ar* is "o! shor!e"e(7 He has "o! se"! us here #or "o!hi"+7 u"less C-hich He Hi*sel# #or'i(GD -e co*e !o "o!hi"+ ') reaso" o# our o-" (iso'e(ie"ce. True. !here is o"e class o# /erso"s !o -ho* -e *i+h! see* !o 'e se"! *ore !ha" !o o!hers. !o -ho* -e coul( "a!urall) a((ress oursel es. a"( o" -hose a!!e"!io" -e ha e a sor! o# clai*. Ho- ca" I #i!l) 'ri"+ !hese re*ar,s !o a" e"( -i!hou! re#erri"+ !o !he*2 There are !hose. I sa). -ho. li,e oursel es. -ere i" !i*es /as! +ra(uall) le( o" s!e/ ') s!e/. !ill -i!h us !he) s!oo( o" !he !hreshol( o# !he Church. The) #el! -i!h us !ha! !he Ca!holic reli+io" -as (i##ere"! #ro* a")!hi"+ else i" !he -orl(7 a"( !hou+h i! is (i##icul! !o sa) -ha! *ore !he) #el! i" co**o" C#or "o !-o /erso"s e0ac!l) #el! ali,eD. )e! !he) #el! !he) ha( so*e!hi"+ !o lear". !heir course -as "o! clear !o !he*. a"( !he) -ishe( !o #i"( ou! ;o(Bs -ill. No-. -ha! *i+h! ha e 'ee" e0/ec!e( o# such /erso"s. -ha! -as "a!ural i" !he*. -he" !he) hear( !ha! !heir o-" #rie"(s. -i!h -ho* !he) ha( s)*/a!hise( so #ull). ha( +o"e #or-ar(. u"(er a se"se o# (u!). !o 6oi" !he Ca!holic Church2 Surel) i! -as "a!ural3I -ill "o! sa) !ha! !he) shoul( a! o"ce #ollo- !he* C#or !he) ha( au!hori!) also o" !he si(e o# re*ai"i"+D3 'u!. a! leas!. i! -as "a!ural !ha! !he) shoul( -ei+h !he *a!!er -ell. %5=A& a"( lis!e" -i!h i"!eres! !o -ha! !heir #rie"(s *i+h! ha e !o !ell !he*. Di( !he) (o !his i" #ac!2 alas. so*e o# !he* (i( 6us! !he co"!rar)@ !he) sai(@ ?Si"ce our co**o" (oc!ri"es a"( /ri"ci/les ha e le( )ou #or-ar(. #or !ha! er) reaso" -e -ill +o 'ac,-ar(7 !he *ore -e ha e hi!her!o a+ree( -i!h )ou. !he less ca" -e "o- 'e i"#lue"ce( ') )ou. Because )ou ha e +o"e. !here#ore -e *a,e u/ our *i"(s o"ce #or all !o re*ai". 4ou are a !e*/!a!io" !o us. 'ecause )our ar+u*e"!s are s!ro"+. 4ou are a -ar"i"+ !o us. 'ecause )ou *us! "o! 'e our e0a*/le. We (o "o! -ish !o hear *ore. les! -e hear !oo *uch. 4ou -ere s!rai+h!<#or-ar( -he" o" our si(e. !here#ore )ou *us! 'e so/his!ical "o- !ha! )ou ha e le#! i!. 4ou -ere ri+h! i" *a,i"+ co" er!s !he". !here#ore )ou are -ro"+ i" *a,i"+ co" er!s "o-. 4ou ha e s/oile( a /ro*isi"+ cause. a"( )ou (eser e #ro* us "o *erc).?

133 Thus !he) s/ea,7 le! !he* sa) i! 'e#ore !he 6u(+*e"!<sea! o# Chris!G Ta,e i! a! !he 'es! a( a"!a+e. *) 're!hre". a"( -ha! is !he ar+u*e"! 'ase( u/o" 'u! !his3!ha! all i" es!i+a!io" *us! 'e -ro"+ -hich resul!s i" a cha"+e o# reli+io"2 The /rocess is co"(e*"e( ') i!s issue7 i! is a *ere a'sur(i!) !o +i e u/ !he reli+io" o# our 'ir!h. !he ho*e o# our a##ec!io"s. !he sea! o# our i"#lue"ce. !he -ell<s/ri"+ o# our *ai"!e"a"ce. I! -as a" a'sur(i!) i" S!. $aul !o 'eco*e a Chris!ia"7 i! -as a" a'sur(i!) i" hi* !o -ee/ o er his 're!hre" -ho coul( "o! lis!e" !o hi*. I u"(ers!a"( "o-. as I ha e "o! u"(ers!oo( 'e#ore. -h) i! -as !ha! !he Je-s hu++e( !he*sel es i" !heir Ju(ais*. a"( -ere /roo# a+ai"s! /ersuasio". %5=E& I" ai" !he A/os!les i"sis!e(. ?4our reli+io" lea(s !o ours. a"( ours is a #ac! 'e#ore )our e)es7 -h) -ai! #or -ha! is alrea() /rese"!. as i# i! -ere s!ill !o co*e2 (o )ou co"si(er )our Church /er#ec!2 (o )ou /ro#ess !o ha e a!!ai"e(2 -h) "o! !ur" a! leas! )our !hou+h!s !o-ar(s Chris!ia"i!)2? ?No.? sai( !he)7 ?-e -ill li e. -e -ill (ie. -here -e -ere 'or"7 !he reli+io" o# our a"ces!ors. !he reli+io" o# our "a!io". is !he o"l) !ru!h7 i! *us! 'e sa#e "o! !o *o e. We -ill "o! u"church oursel es. -e -ill "o! (esce"( #ro* our /re!e"sio"s7 -e -ill shu! our hear!s !o co" ic!io". a"( -ill s!a,e e!er"i!) o" our /osi!io".? Oh. +rea! ar+u*e"!. "o! #or Je-s o"l). 'u! #or Maho*e!a"s. #or Hi"(oosG +rea! ar+u*e"! #or hea!he" o# all la"(s. #or all -ho /re#er !his -orl( !o a"o!her. -ho /re#er a !e*/orar) /eace !o !ru!h. /rese"! ease !o #or+i e"ess o# si"s. !he s*ile o# #rie"(s !o !he #a our o# Chris!G 'u! -ea, ar+u*e"!. s!ro"+ (elusio". i" !he clear ra) o# hea e". a"( i" !he e)e o# Hi* -ho co*es !o 6u(+e !he -orl( -i!h #ire. O *) (ear 're!hre". i# a") 'e here /rese"! !o -ho* !hese re*ar,s *a) *ore or less a//l). (o us "o! !he i"6us!ice !o !hi", !ha! -e ai* a! )our co" ersio" #or a") /ar!) /ur/ose o# our o-". Wha! shoul( -e +ai" #ro* )our 6oi"i"+ us 'u! a" a((i!io"al char+e a"( res/o"si'ili!)2 Bu! -ho ca" 'ear !o !hi", !ha! /ious. reli+ious hear!s. o" -hich !he +race o# ;o( has 'ee" so si"+ularl) she(. -ho so 'e#i! co" ersio". -ho are i"!e"(e( #or hea e". shoul( 'e #alli"+ 'ac, i"!o !he -orl( ou! o# -hich !he) ha e 'ee" calle(. a"( losi"+ a /ri9e -hich -as o"ce -i!hi" !heir reach. %5=F& Who !ha! ,"o-s )ou. ca" +e! hi*sel# !o 'elie e !ha! )ou -ill al-a)s (isa//oi"! !he )ear"i"+ ho/es o# !hose -ho* o"ce )ou lo e( so *uch. a"( hel/e( #or-ar( so e##ec!uall)G ies venit, ies Tua. !he (a) shall co*e. !hou+h i! *a) !arr). a"( -e -ill i" /a!ie"ce -ai! #or i!. S!ill !he !ru!h *us! 'e s/o,e"3-e (o "o! "ee( )ou. 'u! )ou "ee( us7 i! is "o! -e -ho shall 'e 'a##le( i# -e ca""o! +ai" )ou. 'u! )ou -ho -ill co*e shor!. i# )ou 'e "o! +ai"e(. Re*ai". !he". i" !he 'arre""ess o# )our a##ec!io"s. a"( !he (eca) o# )our 9eal. a"( !he /er/le0i!) o# )our reaso". i# )ou -ill "o! 'e co" er!e(. AlasG !here is -or, e"ou+h !o (o. less !rou'leso*e. less a"0ious. !ha" !he care o# )our souls. There are !housa"(s o# si""ers !o 'e reco"cile(. o# !he )ou"+ !o 'e -a!che( o er. o# !he (e ou! !o 'e co"sole(. ;o( "ee(s "o! -orshi//ers7 He "ee(s "o! o'6ec!s #or

134 His *erc)7 He ca" (o -i!hou! )ou7 He o##ers His 'e"e#i!s. a"( /asses o"7 He (ela)s "o!7 He o##ers o"ce. "o! !-ice a"( !hrice7 He +oes o" !o o!hers7 He !ur"s !o !he ;e"!iles7 He !ur"s !o o/e" si""ers7 He re#uses !he -ell<co"(uc!e( #or !he ou!cas!7 ?He ha!h #ille( !he hu"+r) -i!h +oo( !hi"+s. a"( !he rich He ha!h se"! e*/!) a-a)?. For *e. *) 're!hre". i! is "o! li,el) !ha! )ou -ill hear *e a+ai"7 !hese *a) 'e *) #irs! a"( las! -or(s !o )ou. #or !his is "o! *) ho*e. Si ,usti&icare me voluero, os meum condemnabit me. ?I# I -ish !o 6us!i#) *)sel#. *) *ou!h shall co"(e*" *e7 i# I shall sho- #or!h *) i""oce"ce. i! shall /ro e *e /er erse?7 )e!. !hou+h #ull o# i*/er#ec!io"s. #ull o# *iseries. I !rus! !ha! I *a) sa) i" *) *easure a#!er %5=H& !he A/os!le. ?I ha e li e( i" all +oo( co"scie"ce 'e#ore ;o( u"!o !his (a). Our +lor) is !his. !he !es!i*o") o# our co"scie"ce. !ha! i" si*/lici!) o# hear! a"( si"ceri!) o# ;o(. a"( "o! i" car"al -is(o*. 'u! i" !he +race o# ;o(. -e ha e li e( i" !his -orl(. a"( *ore a'u"(a"!l) !o-ar(s )ou.? I ha e #ollo-e( His +ui(a"ce. a"( He has "o! (isa//oi"!e( *e7 I ha e /u! *)sel# i"!o His ha"(s. a"( He has +i e" *e -ha! I sou+h!7 a"( as He has 'ee" -i!h *e hi!her!o. so *a) He. a"( His Blesse( Mo!her. a"( all +oo( A"+els a"( Sai"!s. 'e -i!h *e u"!o !he e"(. To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e

Note
This (iscourse -as (eli ere(. i" su's!a"ce. a! !he #irs! o/e"i"+ o# !he Lo"(o" Ora!or). i" 1F:H JMa) 81L. Re!ur" !o !e0! To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse 18. M)s!eries o# Na!ure a"( o# ;race

%5AI& I AM +oi"+ !o asser! -ha! so*e /erso"s. *) 're!hre". !hose es/eciall) -ho* i! *os! co"cer"s. -ill "o! hesi!a!e !o call a +rea! /ara(o07 'u! -hich. "e er!heless. I co"si(er !o 'e *os! !rue. a"( li,el) !o a//ro e i!sel# !o )ou *ore a"( *ore. !he o#!e"er )ou !ur"

135 )our !hou+h!s !o !he su'6ec!. a"( li,el) !o 'e co"#ir*e( i" !he reli+ious his!or) o# !his cou"!r) as !i*e /rocee(s. I! is !his@ !ha! i! is 1ui!e as (i##icul!. a"( 1ui!e as eas). !o 'elie e !ha! !here is a ;o( i" hea e". as !o 'elie e !ha! !he Ca!holic Church is His oracle a"( *i"is!er o" ear!h. I (o "o! *ea" !o sa) !ha! i! is reall) (i##icul! !o 'elie e i" ;o( C;o( Hi*sel# #or'i(GD "o7 'u! !ha! 'elie# i" ;o( a"( 'elie# i" His Church s!a"( o" !he sa*e ,i"( o# #ou"(a!io"7 !ha! !he /roo# o# !he o"e !ru!h is li,e !he /roo# o# !he o!her !ru!h. a"( !ha! !he o'6ec!io"s -hich *a) 'e *a(e !o !he o"e are li,e !he o'6ec!io"s -hich *a) 'e *a(e !o !he o!her7 a"( !ha!. as ri+h! reaso" a"( sou"( 6u(+*e"! o errule o'6ec!io"s !o !he 'ei"+ o# a ;o(. so (o !he) su/erse(e a"( se! asi(e o'6ec!io"s !o !he Di i"e *issio" o# !he Church. A"( I co"si(er !ha!. -he" o"ce %5A1& a *a" has a real hol( o# !he +rea! (oc!ri"e !ha! !here is a ;o(. i" i!s !rue *ea"i"+ a"( 'eari"+s. !he" C/ro i(e( !here 'e "o (is!ur'i"+ cause. "o /eculiari!ies i" his circu*s!a"ces. i" olu"!ar) i+"ora"ce. or !he li,eD. he -ill 'e le( o" -i!hou! a" e##or!. as ') a "a!ural co"!i"ua!io" o# !ha! 'elie#. !o 'elie e also i" !he Ca!holic Church as ;o(Bs Messe"+er or $ro/he!. (is*issi"+ as -or!hless !he o'6ec!io"s -hich are a((uci'le a+ai"s! !he la!!er !ru!h. as he (is*isses o'6ec!io"s a((uci'le a+ai"s! !he #or*er. A"( I co"si(er. o" !he o!her ha"(. !ha! -he" a *a" (oes "o! 'elie e i" !he Church. !he" C!he sa*e acci(e"!al i*/e(i*e"!s 'ei"+ /u! asi(e as 'e#oreD. !here is "o!hi"+ i" reaso" !o ,ee/ hi* #ro* (ou'!i"+ !he 'ei"+ o# a ;o(. The s!a!e o# !he case is !his73e er) o"e s/o"!a"eousl) e*'races !he (oc!ri"e o# !he e0is!e"ce o# ;o(. as a #irs! /ri"ci/le. a"( a "ecessar) assu*/!io". I! is "o! so *uch /ro e( !o hi*. as 'or"e i" u/o" his *i"( irresis!i'l). as a !ru!h -hich i! (oes "o! occur !o hi*. "or is /ossi'le #or hi*. !o (ou'!7 so arious a"( so a'u"(a"! is !he -i!"ess #or i! co"!ai"e( i" !he e0/erie"ce a"( !he co"scie"ce o# e er) o"e. He ca""o! u"ra el !he /rocess. or /u! his #i"+er o" !he i"(e/e"(e"! ar+u*e"!s. -hich co"s/ire !o+e!her !o crea!e i" hi* !he cer!ai"!) -hich he #eels7 'u! cer!ai" o# i! he is. a"( he has "ei!her !he !e*/!a!io" "or !he -ish !o (ou'! i!. a"( he coul(. shoul( "ee( arise. a! leas! /oi"! !o !he 'oo,s or !he /erso"s #ro* -he"ce he coul( o'!ai" !he arious #or*al /roo#s o" -hich !he 'ei"+ o# a ;o( res!s. a"( !he irre#ra+a'le (e*o"s!ra!io" !he"ce resul!i"+ a+ai"s! !he #ree!hi",er a"( %5A5& !he sce/!ic. A! !he sa*e !i*e he cer!ai"l) -oul( #i"(. i# he -as i" a co"(i!io" !o /ursue !he su'6ec! hi*sel#. !ha! u"'elie ers ha( !he a( a"!a+e o# hi* so #ar as !his.3!ha! !here -ere a "u*'er o# o'6ec!io"s !o !he (oc!ri"e -hich he coul( "o! sa!is#). 1ues!io"s -hich he coul( "o! sol e. *)s!eries -hich he coul( "ei!her co"cei e "or e0/lai"7 he -oul( /ercei e !ha! !he 'o() o# /roo# i!sel# *i+h! 'e *ore /er#ec! a"( co*/le!e !ha" i! is7 he -oul( "o! #i"( i"(ee( a")!hi"+ !o i" ali(a!e !ha! /roo#. 'u! *a") !hi"+s -hich *i+h! e*'arrass hi* i" (iscussio". or a##or( a /lausi'le. !hou+h "o! a real. e0cuse #or (ou'!i"+ a'ou! i!.

136 The case is /re!!) *uch !he sa*e as re+ar(s !he +rea! *oral la- o# ;o(. We !a,e i! #or +ra"!e(. a"( ri+h!l)7 -ha! coul( -e (o. -here shoul( -e 'e. -i!hou! i!2 ho- coul( -e co"(uc! oursel es. i# !here -ere "o (i##ere"ce 'e!-ee" ri+h! a"( -ro"+. a"( i# o"e ac!io" -ere as acce/!a'le !o our Crea!or as a"o!her2 I*/ossi'leG i# a")!hi"+ is !rue a"( Di i"e. !he rule o# co"scie"ce is such. a"( i! is #ri+h!#ul !o su//ose !he co"!rar). S!ill. i" s/i!e o# !his. !here is 1ui!e roo* #or o'6ec!ors !o i"si"ua!e (ou'!s a'ou! i!s au!hori!) or i!s e"u"cia!io"s7 a"( -here a" i"1uirer is col( a"( #as!i(ious. or careless. or -ishes a" e0cuse #or (iso'e(ie"ce. i! is eas) #or hi* !o /er/le0 a"( (isor(er his reaso". !ill he 'e+i"s !o 1ues!io" -he!her -ha! he has all his li#e !hou+h! !o 'e si"s. are reall) such. a"( -he!her co"scie"!ious"ess is "o! i" #ac! a su/ers!i!io". A"( i" li,e *a""er as re+ar(s !he Ca!holic Church7 she 'ears u/o" her !he !o,e"s o# (i i"i!). -hich co*e ho*e !o a") *i"( a! o"ce. -hich has "o! 'ee" /ossesse( %5A8& ') /re6u(ice. a"( e(uca!e( i" sus/icio". I! is "o! so *uch a /rocess o# i"1uir) as a" i"s!a"!a"eous reco+"i!io". o" -hich !he *i"( 'elie es. Moreo er. i! is /ossi'le !o a"al)se !he ar+u*e"!s a"( (ra- u/ i" #or* !he +rea! /roo#. o" -hich her clai*s res!7 'u!. o" !he o!her ha"(. i! is 1ui!e /ossi'le also #or o//o"e"!s !o 'ri"+ #or-ar( cer!ai" i*/osi"+ o'6ec!io"s. -hich. !hou+h !he) (o "o! reall) i"!er#ere -i!h !hose clai*s. s!ill are s/ecious i" !he*sel es. a"( are su##icie"! !o arres! a"( e"!a"+le !he *i"(. a"( !o ,ee/ i! 'ac, #ro* a #air e0a*i"a!io" o# !he /roo#. a"( o# !he as! arra) o# ar+u*e"!s o# -hich i! co"sis!s. I a* allu(i"+ !o such o'6ec!io"s as !he #ollo-i"+73Ho- ca" Al*i+h!) ;o( 'e Three a"( )e! O"e7 ho- ca" Chris! 'e ;o( a"( )e! *a"7 ho- ca" He 'e a! o"ce i" !he Blesse( Sacra*e"! u"(er !he #or* o# Brea( a"( Wi"e. a"( )e! i" hea e"7 ho- is !he (oc!ri"e o# e!er"al /u"ish*e"! co"sis!e"! -i!h !he I"#i"i!e Merc) o# ;o(73or. a+ai". ho- is i! !ha!. i# !he Ca!holic Church 'e #ro* ;o(. !he +i#! o# 'elo"+i"+ !o her is "o!. a"( has "o! 'ee". +ra"!e( !o all *e"7 ho- is i! !ha! so *a") a//are"!l) +oo( *e" are e0!er"al !o her7 -h) (oes she /a) such ho"our !o !he Blesse( >ir+i" a"( all Sai"!s7 ho- is i! !ha!. si"ce !he Bi'le also is #ro* ;o(. i! a(*i!s o# 'ei"+ 1uo!e( i" o//osi!io" !o her !eachi"+7 i" a -or(. hois i!. i# she is #ro* ;o(. !ha! e er)!hi"+ -hich she (oes a"( sa)s. is "o! /er#ec!l) i"!elli+i'le !o *a". i"!elli+i'le. "o! o"l) !o *a" i" +e"eral. 'u! !o !he reaso" a"( 6u(+*e"! a"( !as!e o# e er) i"(i i(ual o# !he s/ecies. !a,e" o"e ') o"e2 %5A:& No-. -ha!e er *) a"0ie!) *a) 'e a'ou! !he "e0! +e"era!io". I !rus! I "ee( a! /rese"! ha e "o"e i" i"sis!i"+. 'e#ore a co"+re+a!io" ho-e er *i0e(. o" !he *)s!eries or (i##icul!ies -hich a!!ach !o !he (oc!ri"e o# ;o(Bs e0is!e"ce. a"( -hich *us! 'e o# "ecessi!) ac1uiesce( i" ') e er) o"e -ho 'elie es i!. I !rus!. a"( a* sure. !ha! as )e! i! is sa#e e e" !o /u! 'e#ore o"e -ho is "o! a Ca!holic so*e /oi"!s -hich he is o'li+e( !o acce/!. -he!her he -ill or "o. -he" he

137 co"#esses !ha! !here is a ;o(. I a* +oi"+ !o (o so. "o! -a"!o"l). 'u! -i!h a (e#i"i!e o'6ec!. ') -a) o# sho-i"+ hi*. !ha! he is "o! calle( o" !o 'elie e a")!hi"+ i" !he Ca!holic Church *ore s!ra"+e or i"e0/lica'le !ha" he alrea() a(*i!s -he" he 'elie es i" a ;o(7 so !ha!. i# ;o( e0is!s i" s/i!e o# !he (i##icul!ies a!!e"(i"+ !he (oc!ri"e. so !he Church *a) 'e o# Di i"e ori+i". !hou+h !ha! !ru!h also has i!s (i##icul!ies73"a). I *i+h! e e" sa). !he Church is Di i"e. because o# !hose (i##icul!ies7 #or !he (i##icul!ies -hich e0is! i" !he (oc!ri"e !ha! !here is a Di i"e Bei"+. (o 'u! +i e cou"!e"a"ce a"( /ro!ec!io" !o /arallel (i##icul!ies i" !he (oc!ri"e !ha! !here is a Ca!holic Church. I# !here 'e *)s!erious"ess i" her !eachi"+. !his (oes 'u! sho- !ha! she /rocee(s #ro* Hi*. -ho is Hi*sel# M)s!er). i" !he *os! si*/le a"( ele*e"!ar) i(eas -hich -e ha e o# Hi*. -ho* -e ca""o! co"!e*/la!e a! all e0ce/! as O"e -ho is a'solu!el) +rea!er !ha" our reaso". a"( u!!erl) s!ra"+e !o our i*a+i"a!io". Firs! !he". co"si(er !ha! Al*i+h!) ;o( ha( "o 'e+i""i"+. a"( !ha! !his is "ecessar) #ro* !he "a!ure o# !he case. a"( i"e i!a'le. For i# C!o su//ose -ha! %5A=& is a'sur(D !he *a,er o# !he isi'le -orl( -as hi*sel# *a(e ') so*e o!her *a,er. a"( !ha! *a,er a+ai" ') a"o!her. )ou *us! a")ho- co*e a! las! !o a #irs! Ma,er -ho ha( "o *a,er. !ha! is. -ho ha( "o 'e+i""i"+. I# )ou -ill "o! a(*i! !his. )ou -ill 'e #orce( !o sa) !ha! !he -orl( -as "o! *a(e a! all. or *a(e i!sel#. a"( i!sel# ha( "o 'e+i""i"+. -hich is *ore -o"(er#ul s!ill7 #or i! is *uch easier !o co"cei e !ha! a S/iri!. such as ;o( is. e0is!e( #ro* e!er"i!). !ha" !ha! !his *a!erial -orl( -as e!er"al. U"less !he" -e are resol e( !o (ou'! !ha! -e li e i" a -orl( o# 'ei"+s a! all. u"less -e (ou'! our o-" e0is!e"ce. i# -e (o 'u! +ra"! !ha! !here is so*e!hi"+ or o!her "o- e0is!i"+. i! #ollo-s a! o"ce. !ha! !here *us! 'e so*e!hi"+ or o!her -hich has al-a)s e0is!e(. a"( "e er ha( a 'e+i""i"+. This !he" is cer!ai" #ro* !he "ecessi!) o# !he case7 'u! ca" !here 'e a *ore o er-hel*i"+ *)s!er) !ha" i! is2 To sa) !ha! a 'ei"+ ha( "o 'e+i""i"+ see*s a co"!ra(ic!io" i" !er*s7 i! is a *)s!er) as +rea!. or ra!her +rea!er. !ha" a") i" !he Ca!holic Fai!h. For i"s!a"ce. i! is !he !eachi"+ o# !he Church !ha! !he Fa!her is ;o(. !he So" ;o(. a"( !he Hol) ;hos! ;o(. )e! !ha! !here is 'u! o"e ;o(7 !his is si*/l) i"co*/rehe"si'le !o us. 'u! a! leas!. so #ar as !his. i! i" ol es "o sel#< co"!ra(ic!io". 'ecause ;o( is "o! Three a"( O"e i" !he sa*e se"se. 'u! He is Three i" o"e se"se a"( O"e i" a"o!her7 o" !he co"!rar). !o sa) !ha! a") 'ei"+ has "o 'e+i""i"+. is li,e a s!a!e*e"! -hich *ea"s "o!hi"+. a"( is a" a'sur(i!). A"( so a+ai". $ro!es!a"!s !hi", !ha! !he Ca!holic (oc!ri"e o# !he Real $rese"ce ca""o! 'e !rue. %5AA& 'ecause. i# so Cas !he) ar+ueD. our Lor(Bs Bo() is i" !-o /laces a! o"ce. i" Hea e" a"( u/o" !he Al!ar. a"( !his !he) sa) is a" i*/ossi'ili!). No-. Ca!holics (o "o! see !ha! i! is i*/ossi'le a! all. !ha! our Lor( shoul( 'e i" Hea e" )e! o" !he Al!ar7 !he) (o "o! i"(ee( see how i! ca" 'e 'o!h. 'u! !he) (o "o! see why i! shoul( "o! 'e7 !here are *a") !hi"+s -hich e0is!. !hou+h -e (o "o! ,"o- how7

138 3(o -e ,"o- how a")!hi"+ e0is!s23!here are *a") !ru!hs -hich are "o! less !ru!hs 'ecause -e ca""o! /ic!ure !he* !o oursel es or co"cei e !he*7 'u! a! a") ra!e. !he Ca!holic (oc!ri"e co"cer"i"+ !he Real $rese"ce is "o! *ore *)s!erious !ha" ho- Al*i+h!) ;o( ca" e0is!. )e! "e er ha e co*e i"!o e0is!e"ce. We (o "o! ,"o- -ha! is *ea"! ') sa)i"+ !ha! Al*i+h!) ;o( -ill ha e "o e"(. 'u! s!ill !here is "o!hi"+ here !o (is!ress or co"#use our reaso". 'u! i! (is!or!s our *e"!al si+h! a"( *a,es our hea( +i(() !o ha e !o sa) C-ha! "e er!heless -e ca""o! hel/ sa)i"+D. !ha! He ha( "o 'e+i""i"+. Reaso" 'ri"+s i! ho*e clearl) !o us. )e! reaso" a+ai" s!ar!s a! i!7 reaso" s!ar!s 'ac, #ro* i!s o-" (isco er). )e! is o'li+e( !o e"(ure i!. I! (isco ers. i! shri",s. i! su'*i!s7 such is !he s!a!e o# !he case. 'u!. I sa). !he) -ho are o'li+e( !o 'o- !heir "ec, !o !his *)s!er). "ee( "o! 'e so se"si!i e a'ou! !he *)s!eries o# !he Ca!holic Church. The" !hi", o# !his a+ai". -hich. !hou+h "o! so 'a##li"+ !o !he reaso". s!ill is *os! 'e-il(eri"+ !o !he i*a+i"a!io"73!ha!. i# !he Al*i+h!) ha( "o 'e+i""i"+ He *us! ha e li e( a -hole e!er"i!) ') Hi*sel#. Wha! a" a-#ul !hou+h!G #or us. our ha//i"ess %5AE& lies i" loo,i"+ u/ !o so*e o'6ec!. or /ursui"+ so*e e"(7 -e. /oor *or!al *e". ca""o! u"(ers!a"( a /rolo"+e( res!. e0ce/! as a sor! o# slo!h a"( sel#< #or+e!#ul"ess7 -e are -earie( i# -e *e(i!a!e #or o"e shor! hour7 -ha! !he" is *ea"! -he" i! is sai(. !ha! He. !he ;rea! ;o(. /asse( i"#i"i!e a+es ') Hi*sel#2 Wha! -as !he e"( o# His 'ei"+2 He -as His o-" e"(7 ho- i"co*/rehe"si'leG A"( si"ce He li e( a -hole e!er"i!) ') Hi*sel#. He *i+h!. ha( He so -ille(. "e er ha e crea!e( a")!hi"+7 a"( !he" #ro* e!er"i!) !o e!er"i!) !here -oul( ha e 'ee" "o"e 'u! He. "o"e !o -i!"ess Hi*. "o"e !o co"!e*/la!e Hi*. "o"e !o a(ore a"( /raise Hi*. Ho- o//ressi e !o !hi", o#G !ha! !here shoul( ha e 'ee" "o s/ace. "o !i*e. "o successio". "o aria!io". "o /ro+ressio". "o sco/e. "o !er*i"a!io". O"e I"#i"i!e Bei"+ #ro* #irs! !o las!. a"( "o!hi"+ elseG A"( -h) He2 Which is !he less /ai"#ul !o our i*a+i"a!io". !he i(ea o# o"l) o"e Bei"+ i" e0is!e"ce. or o# "o!hi"+ a! all2 O *) 're!hre". here is *)s!er) -i!hou! *i!i+a!io". -i!hou! relie#G ho- se ere a"( #ri+h!#ulG The *)s!eries o# Re ela!io". !he Ca!holic (o+*as. i"co"cei a'le as !he) are. are *os! +racious. *os! lo i"+. la(e" -i!h *erc) a"( co"sola!io" !o us. "o! o"l) su'li*e. 'u! !ouchi"+ a"( -i""i"+73such is !he (oc!ri"e !ha! ;o( 'eca*e *a". I"co*/rehe"si'le i! is. a"( -e ca" 'u! a(ore. -he" -e hear !ha! !he Al*i+h!) Bei"+. o# -ho* I ha e 'ee" s/ea,i"+. ?-ho i"ha'i!e!h e!er"i!).? has !a,e" #lesh a"( 'loo( o# a >ir+i"Bs ei"s. lai" i" a >ir+i"Bs -o*'. 'ee" suc,le( a! a >ir+i"Bs 'reas!. 'ee" o'e(ie"! !o hu*a" /are"!s. %5AF& -or,e( a! a hu*'le !ra(e. 'ee" (es/ise( ') His o-". 'ee" 'u##e!e( a"( scour+e( ') His crea!ures. 'ee" "aile( ha"( a"( #oo! !o a Cross. a"( has (ie( a *ale#ac!orBs (ea!h7 a"( !ha! "o-. u"(er !he #or* o# Brea(. He shoul( lie u/o" our Al!ars. a"( su##er Hi*sel# !o 'e hi((e" i" a s*all !a'er"acleG

139 Mos! i"co*/rehe"si'le. 'u! s!ill. -hile !he !hou+h! o er-hel*s our i*a+i"a!io". i! also o er/o-ers our hear!7 i! is !he *os! su'(ui"+. a##ec!i"+. /ierci"+ !hou+h! -hich ca" 'e /ic!ure( !o us. I! !hrills !hrou+h us. a"( (ra-s our !ears. a"( a'ases us. a"( *el!s us i"!o lo e a"( a##ec!io". -he" -e (-ell u/o" i!. O *os! !e"(er a"( co*/assio"a!e Lor(G 4ou see. He /u!s ou! o# our si+h! !ha! *)s!erious"ess o# His. -hich is o"l) a-#ul a"( !erri'le7 He i"sis!s "o! o" His /as! e!er"i!)7 He -oul( "o! scare a"( !rou'le His /oor chil(re". -he" a! le"+!h He s/ea,s !o !he*7 "o. He (oes 'u! surrou"( Hi*sel# -i!h His o-" i"#i"i!e 'ou"!i#ul"ess a"( co*/assio"7 He 'i(s His Church !ell us o"l) o# His *)s!erious co"(esce"sio". S!ill our reaso". /r)i"+. curious reaso". searches ou! #or us !hose /rior a"( *ore aus!ere *)s!eries. -hich are a!!ache( !o His Bei"+. a"( He su##ers us !o #i"( !he* ou!. He su##ers us. #or He ,"o-s !ha! !ha! sa*e reaso". !hou+h i! recoils #ro* !he*. *us! /u! u/ -i!h !he*7 He ,"o-s !ha! !he) -ill 'e #el! ') i! !o 'e clear. i"e i!a'le !ru!hs. a//alli"+ as !he) are. He su##ers i! !o (isco er !he*. i" or(er !ha!. 'o!h ') !he /arallel a"( ') !he co"!ras! 'e!-ee" -ha! reaso" i"#ers a"( -ha! !he Church re eals. -e *a) 'e (ra-" o" #ro* !he a-#ul (isco eries o# !he o"e !o !he %5AH& +racious a""ou"ce*e"!s o# !he o!her7 a"( i" or(er. !oo. !ha! !he re6ec!io" o# Re ela!io" *a) 'e i!s o-" /u"ish*e"!. a"( !ha! !he) -ho s!u*'le a! !he Ca!holic *)s!eries *a) 'e (ashe( 'ac, u/o" !he a(a*a"!i"e roc,s -hich 'ase !he !hro"e o# !he E erlas!i"+. a"( *a) -res!le -i!h !he s!er" co"clusio"s o# reaso". si"ce !he) re#use !he 'ri+h! co"sola!io"s o# #ai!h. A"( "o- a"o!her (i##icul!). -hich reaso" (isco ers. )e! ca""o! e0/lai". Si"ce !he -orl( e0is!s. a"( (i( "o! ever e0is!. !here -as a !i*e -he" !he Al*i+h!) cha"+e( !ha! s!a!e o# !hi"+s. -hich ha( 'ee" #ro* all e!er"i!). #or a"o!her s!a!e. I! -as -o"(er#ul !ha! He shoul( 'e ') Hi*sel# #or a" e!er"i!)7 *oreo er. i! ha( 'ee" -o"(er#ul. ha( He "e er cha"+e( i!7 'u! i! is -o"(er#ul. !oo. !ha! He (i( cha"+e i!. I! is -o"(er#ul !ha!. 'ei"+ #or a" e!er"i!) alo"e. He shoul( e er /ass #ro* !ha! soli!ar) s!a!e. a"( surrou"( Hi*sel# -i!h *illio"s u/o" *illio"s o# li i"+ 'ei"+s. A s!a!e -hich ha( 'ee" #ro* e!er"i!) *i+h! -ell 'e co"si(ere( u"cha"+ea'le7 )e! i! cease(. a"( a"o!her su/erse(e( i!. Wha! e"( coul( !he All<'lesse( ha e ha( i" 'e+i""i"+ !o crea!e. a"( i" (e!er*i"i"+ !o /ass a seco"( e!er"i!) so (i##ere"!l) #ro* !he #irs!2 This *)s!er). *) 're!hre". -ill !e"( !o reco"cile us. I !hi",. !o !he (i##icul!) o# a 1ues!io" so*e!i*es /u! !o us ') u"'elie ers. i9.. i# !he Ca!holic Reli+io" is #ro* ;o(. -h) -as i! se! u/ so la!e i" !he -orl(Bs (a)2 Wh) (i( so*e !housa"(s o# )ears /ass 'e#ore Chris! ca*e a"( His +i#!s -ere /oure( u/o" !he race o# *a"2 Bu!. surel). i! is "o! so s!ra"+e !ha! !he Ju(+e o# *e" shoul( ha e %5EI& cha"+e( his (eali"+s !o-ar(s !he* ?i" !he *i(s! o# !he )ears.? as !ha! He shoul( ha e cha"+e( !he his!or) o# !he hea e"s i" !he *i(s! o# e!er"i!). I# crea!io" ha( a 'e+i""i"+ a! a cer!ai" (a!e. -h)

140 shoul( "o! re(e*/!io"2 A"( i# -e 'e #orce( !o 'elie e. -he!her -e -ill or "o. !ha! !here -as o"ce a" i""o a!io" u/o" !he course o# !hi"+s o" hi+h. a"( !ha! !he u"i erse arose ou! o# "o!hi"+. a"( i#. e e" -he" !he ear!h -as crea!e(. s!ill i! re*ai"e( ?e*/!) a"( oi(. a"( (ar,"ess -as u/o" !he #ace o# !he (ee/.? -ha! so +rea! *ar el is i!. !ha! !here -as a #i0e( /erio( i" ;o(Bs i"scru!a'le cou"sels. (uri"+ -hich !here -as ?a 'o"( #as!e"e( u/o" all /eo/le.? a"( a ?-e' (ra-" o er !he*.? a"( !he" a (a!e. a! -hich !he 'o"( o# !hral(o* -as 'ro,e". a"( !he -e' o# error -as u"ra elle(2 Well. le! us su//ose !he i""o a!io" (ecree( i" !he e!er"al /ur/ose o# !he Mos! Hi+h. a"( !ha! crea!io" is !o 'e7 o# -ho*. *) 're!hre". shall i! co"sis!2 Dou'!less o# 'ei"+s -ho ca" /raise a"( 'less Hi*. -ho ca" a(*ire His /er#ec!io"s. a"( o'e) His -ill. -ho -ill 'e leas! u"-or!h) !o *i"is!er a'ou! His Thro"e. a"( !o ,ee/ Hi* co*/a"). Loo, arou"(. a"( sa) ho- #ar #ac!s 'ear ou! !his a"!ici/a!io". There is 'u! o"e race o# i"!elli+e"! 'ei"+s. as #ar as -e ha e e0/erie"ce ') "a!ure. a"( a !housa"( races -hich ca""o! lo e or -orshi/ Hi* -ho *a(e !he*. Millio"s u/o" *illio"s e"6o) !heir 'rie# s/a" o# li#e. 'u! *a" alo"e ca" loo, u/ !o hea e"7 a"( -ha! is *a". *a") !hou+h he 'e. -ha! is he i" !he /rese"ce o# so i""u*era'le a *ul!i!u(e2 Co"si(er !he %5E1& a'u"(a"ce o# 'eas!s !ha! ra"+e !he ear!h. o# 'ir(s u"(er !he #ir*a*e"! o# hea e". o# #ish i" !he (e/!hs o# !he ocea". a"(. a'o e all. !he e0u'era"! arie!ies o# i"sec!s. -hich 'a##le our e"u*era!io" ') !heir *i"u!e"ess. a"( our /o-ers o# co"ce/!io" ') !heir /ro#usio". Dou'!less !he) all sho- #or!h !he +lor) o# !he Crea!or. as (o !he ele*e"!s. ?#ire. hail. s"o-. a"( ice. s!or*) -i"(s. -hich #ul#il His -or(?. 4e! "o! o"e o# !he* has a soul. "o! o"e o# !he* ,"o-s -ho *a(e i!. or !ha! i! is *a(e. "o! o"e ca" re"(er Hi* a") /ro/er ser ice. "o! o"e ca" lo e Hi*. I"(ee( ho- #ar (oes !he -hole -orl( co*e shor! i" all res/ec!s o# -ha! i! *i+h! 'eG I! is "o! e e" /ossesse( o# crea!e( e0celle"ce i" #ul"ess. I! is s!a*/e( -i!h i*/er#ec!io"7 e er)!hi"+ i"(ee( is +oo( i" i!s ,i"(. #or ;o( coul( crea!e "o!hi"+ o!her-ise. 'u! ho- *uch *ore #ull) *i+h! He ha e /oure( His +lor) a"( i"#use( His +race i"!o i!. ho- *uch *ore 'eau!i#ul a"( Di i"e a -orl( *i+h! he ha e *a(e. !ha" !ha! -hich. a#!er a" e!er"al sile"ce. He su**o"e( i"!o 'ei"+G Le! reaso" a"s-er. I re/ea!3Wh) is i! !ha! He (i( "o! surrou"( hi*sel# -i!h s/iri!ual i"!elli+e"ces. a"( a"i*a!e e er) *a!erial a!o* -i!h a soul2 Wh) *a(e He "o! !he er) #oo!s!ool o# his Thro"e a"( !he /a e*e"! o# His Te*/le o# a" a"+elic "a!ure. o# 'ei"+s -ho coul( /raise a"( 'less Hi*. -hile !he) (i( Hi* *e"ial ser ice2 Se! *a"Bs -i! a"( *a"Bs i*a+i"a!io" !o !he -or, o# (e isi"+ a -orl(. a"( )ou -oul( see. *) 're!hre". -ha! a #ar *ore s/le"(i( (esi+" he -oul( su'*i! #or i!. !ha" *e! !he +oo( /leasure o# !he O*"i/o!e"! %5E5& a"( All<-ise. A*'i!ious archi!ec! he -oul( ha e 'ee". i# calle( !o 'uil( !he /alace o# !he Lor( o# All. i" -hich e er) si"+le /ar! -oul( ha e 'ee" !he 'es! co"cei a'le. !he colours all !he 'ri+h!es!. !he *a!erials !he *os!

141 cos!l). a"( !he li"ea*e"!s !he *os! /er#ec!. $ass #ro* *a"Bs /ri a!e #a"cies a"( i(eas. a"( #as!i(ious cri!icis*s o" !he as! su'6ec!7 co*e !o #ac!s -hich are 'e#ore our e)es. a"( re/or! -ha! *ee!s !he*. We see a u"i erse. *a!erial #or !he *os! /ar! a"( corru/!i'le. #ashio"e( i"(ee( ') la-s o# i"#i"i!e s,ill. a"( 'e!o,e"i"+ a" All<-ise Ha"(. 'u! li#eless a"( se"seless7 hu+e +lo'es. hurle( i"!o s/ace. a"( *o i"+ *echa"icall)7 su'!le i"#lue"ces. /e"e!ra!i"+ i"!o !he *os! hi((e" cor"ers a"( /ores o# !he -orl(. as 1uic, a"( ,ee" as !hou+h!. )e! as hel/less as !he cla) #ro* -hich !hou+h! has (e/ar!e(. A"( "e0!. li#e -i!hou! se"se7 *)ria(s o# !rees a"( /la"!s. ?!he +rass o# !he #iel(.? 'eau!i#ul !o !he e)e. 'u! /erisha'le a"( -or!hless i" !he si+h! o# hea e". A"(. !he". -he" a! le"+!h -e (isco er se"se as -ell as li#e. -ha!. I re/ea!. (o -e see 'u! a +rea!er *)s!er) s!ill2 We 'ehol( !he s/ec!acle o# 'ru!e "a!ure7 o# i*/ulses. #eeli"+s. /ro/e"si!ies. /assio"s. -hich i" us are rule( or re/resse( ') a su/eri"!e"(i"+ reaso". 'u! #ro* -hich. -he" u"+o er"a'le. -e shri",. as #ear#ul a"( ha!e#ul. 'ecause i" us !he) -oul( 'e si". Millio"s o# irra!io"al crea!ures surrou"( us. a"( i! -oul( see* as !hou+h !he Crea!or ha( le#! /ar! o# His -or, i" i!s ori+i"al chaos. so *o"s!rous are !hese 'ei"+s. -hich *o e a"( #eel a"( ac! -i!hou! re#lec!io" a"( %5E8& -i!hou! /ri"ci/le. To *a!!er He has +i e" la-s7 He has (i i(e( !he *ois! a"( !he (r). !he hea ) a"( !he rare. !he li+h! a"( !he (ar,7 He has ?/lace( !he sa"( as a 'ou"(ar) #or !he sea. a /er/e!ual /rece/! -hich i! shall "o! /ass?. He has !a*e( !he ele*e"!s. a"( *a(e !he* ser a"!s o# !he u"i ersal +oo(7 'u! !he 'ru!e 'eas!s /ass !o a"( #ro i" !heir -il("ess a"( !heir isola!io". "o )o,e o" !heir "ec, or ?'i! i" !heir li/s.? !he e"e*ies o# all !he) *ee!. )e! -i!hou! !he ca/aci!) o# sel#<lo e. The) li e o" each o!herBs #lesh ') a" ori+i"al "ecessi!) o# !heir 'ei"+7 !heir e)es. !heir !ee!h. !heir cla-s. !heir *uscles. !heir oice. !heir -al,. !heir s!ruc!ure -i!hi". all s/ea, o# iole"ce a"( 'loo(. The) see* *a(e !o i"#lic! /ai"7 !he) rush o" !heir /re) -i!h #ierce"ess. a"( (e our i! -i!h +ree(i"ess. There is scarce a /assio" or a #eeli"+ -hich is si" i" *a". 'u! is #ou"( 'ru!e a"( irres/o"si'le i" !he*. Ra+e. -a"!o" cruel!). ha!re(. sulle""ess. 6ealous). re e"+e. cu""i"+. *alice. e" ). lus!. ai"<+lor). +lu!!o"). each has i!s re/rese"!a!i e7 a"( sa). O !heis!ical /hiloso/her o# !his -orl(. -ho -oul(es! #ai" -al, ') reaso" o"l). a"( scor"es! !he Ca!holic #ai!h. is i! "o! *ar ellous. or e0/lai" i!. i# !hou ca"s!. !ha! !he All<-ise a"( All< +oo( shoul( ha e /oure( o er !he #ace o# His #air crea!io" !hese ru(e a"( i"choa!e e0is!e"ces. !o loo, li,e si""ers. !hou+h !he) 'e "o!. a"( !hese !oo crea!e( 'e#ore *a". /erha/s #or a" u"!ol( /erio(. a"( (i i(i"+ !he ear!h -i!h hi* si"ce. a"( !he ac!ual lor(s o# a +rea! /or!io" o# i! e e" "o-2 The cro-"i"+ -or, o# ;o( is *a"7 he is !he #lo-er %5E:& a"( /er#ec!io" o# crea!io". a"( *a(e !o ser e a"( -orshi/ his Crea!or7 loo, a! hi* !he". O Sa+es. -ho sco## a! !he re eale( -or(. scru!i"ise hi*. a"( sa) i" si"ceri!). is he a #i! o##eri"+ !o /rese"! !o !he +rea!

142 ;o(2 I *us! "o! s/ea, o# si"7 )ou -ill "o! ac,"o-le(+e !he !er*. or -ill e0/lai" i! a-a)7 )e! co"si(er *a" as he is #ou"( i" !he -orl(. a"(.3o-"i"+ as )ou *us! o-". !ha! !he *a") (o "o! ac! ') rule or /ri"ci/le a"( !ha! #e- +i e a") ho"our !o !heir Ma,er3seei"+ as )ou see. !ha! e"*i!ies. #rau(s. cruel!ies. o//ressio"s. i"6uries. e0cesses are al*os! !he co"s!i!ue"!s o# hu*a" li#e3,"o-i"+ !oo !he -o"(er#ul ca/a'ili!ies o# *a". )e! !heir "ecessar) #rus!ra!io" i" so 'rie# a" e0is!e"ce.3ca" )ou e"!ure !o sa) !ha! !he ChurchBs )o,e is hea ). -he" )ou )oursel es. ie-i"+ !he U"i erse #ro* e"( !o e"(. are co*/elle(. ') !he #orce o# reaso". !o su'*i! )our reaso" !o !he co"#essio" !ha! ;o( has crea!e( "o!hi"+ /er#ec!. a -orl( o# or(er -hich is (ea( a"( corru/!i'le. a -orl( o# i**or!al s/iri!s -hich is i" re'ellio"2 I co*e !he" !o !his co"clusio"73i# I *us! su'*i! *) reaso" !o *)s!eries. i! is "o! *uch *a!!er -he!her i! is a *)s!er) *ore or a *)s!er) less. -he" #ai!h a")ho- is !he er) esse"ce o# all reli+io". -he" !he *ai" (i##icul!) !o a" i"1uirer is #ir*l) !o hol( !ha! !here is a Li i"+ ;o(. i" s/i!e o# !he (ar,"ess -hich surrou"(s Hi*. !he Crea!or. Wi!"ess. a"( Ju(+e o# *e". Whe" o"ce !he *i"( is 'ro,e" i". as i! *us! 'e. !o !he 'elie# o# a $o-er a'o e i!. -he" o"ce i! u"(ers!a"(s. !ha! i! is "o! i!sel# !he *easure o# all !hi"+s i" hea e" a"( ear!h. i! -ill ha e li!!le (i##icul!) i" +oi"+ #or-ar(. I (o "o! sa) i! -ill. or ca". +o o" !o o!her !ru!hs. -i!hou! %5E=& co" ic!io"7 I (o "o! sa) i! ou+h! !o 'elie e !he Ca!holic #ai!h -i!hou! +rou"(s a"( *o!i es7 'u! I sa) !ha!. -he" o"ce i! 'elie es i" ;o(. !he +rea! o's!acle !o #ai!h has 'ee" !a,e" a-a).3a /rou(. sel#<su##icie"! s/iri!. Whe" o"ce a *a" reall). -i!h !he e)es o# his soul a"( ') !he /o-er o# Di i"e +race. reco+"ises his Crea!or. he has /asse( a li"e7 !ha! has ha//e"e( !o hi* -hich ca""o! ha//e" !-ice7 he has 'e"! his s!i## "ec,. a"( !riu*/he( o er hi*sel#. I# he 'elie es !ha! ;o( has "o 'e+i""i"+. -h) "o! 'elie e !ha! He is Three )e! O"e2 i# he o-"s !ha! ;o( crea!e( s/ace. -h) "o! o-" also !ha! He ca" cause a 'o() !o su'sis! -i!hou! (e/e"(e"ce o" /lace2 i# he is o'li+e( !o +ra"! !ha! ;o( crea!e( all !hi"+s ou! o# "o!hi"+. -h) (ou'! His /o-er !o cha"+e !he su's!a"ce o# 'rea( i"!o !he Bo() o# His So"2 I! is as s!ra"+e !ha!. a#!er a" e!er"al res!. He shoul( 'e+i" !o crea!e. as !ha!. -he" He ha( o"ce crea!e(. He shoul( !a,e o" Hi*sel# a crea!e( "a!ure7 i! is as s!ra"+e !ha! *a" shoul( 'e allo-e( !o #all so lo-. as -e see 'e#ore our e)es i" so *a") (rea(#ul i"s!a"ces. as !ha! A"+els a"( Sai"!s shoul( 'e e0al!e( e e" !o reli+ious ho"ours7 i! is as s!ra"+e !ha! such lar+e #a*ilies i" !he a"i*al -orl( shoul( 'e crea!e( -i!hou! souls a"( su'6ec! !o a"i!). as !ha! o"e crea!ure. !he Blesse( Mo!her o# ;o(. shoul( 'e e0al!e( o er all !he res!7 as s!ra"+e. !ha! !he 'oo, o# "a!ure shoul( so*e!i*es see* !o ar) #ro* !he rule o# co"scie"ce or !he co"clusio"s o# reaso". as !ha! !he ChurchBs Scri/!ures shoul( a(*i! o# 'ei"+ i"!er/re!e( i" o//osi!io" !o her Tra(i!io". A"( i# i! shoc,s a reli+ious *i"( !o (ou'! o# !he 'ei"+ o# !he All<-ise %5EA&

143 a"( All<+oo( ;o(. o" !he +rou"( o# !he *)s!eries i" Na!ure. -h) *a) i! "o! shri", also #ro* usi"+ !he re eale( *)s!eries as a" ar+u*e"! a+ai"s! Re ela!io"2 A"( "o-. *) (ear 're!hre". -ho are as )e! e0!er"al !o !he Church. i# I ha e 'rou+h! )ou as #ar as !his. I reall) (o "o! see -h) I ha e "o! 'rou+h! )ou o" !o *a,e )our su'*issio" !o her. Ca" )ou (eli'era!el) si! (o-" a*i( !he 'e-il(eri"+ *)s!eries o# crea!io". -he" a re#u+e is hel( ou! !o )ou. i" -hich reaso" is re-ar(e( #or i!s #ai!h ') !he #ul#il*e"! o# i!s ho/es2 Na!ure (oes "o! e0e*/! )ou #ro* !he !rial o# 'elie i"+. 'u! i! +i es )ou "o!hi"+ i" re!ur"7 i! (oes 'u! (isa//oi"! )ou. 4ou *us! su'*i! )our reaso" a")ho-7 )ou are "o! i" 'e!!er circu*s!a"ces i# )ou !ur" #ro* !he Church7 )ou *erel) (o "o! secure -ha! )ou ha e alrea() sou+h! i" "a!ure i" ai". The si*/le 1ues!io" !o 'e (eci(e( is o"e o# #ac!. has a re ela!io" 'ee" +i e"2 4ou lesse". "o! i"crease )our (i##icul!ies ') recei i"+ i!. I! co*es !o )ou reco**e"(e( a"( ur+e( u/o" )ou ') !he *os! #a oura'le a"!ici/a!io"s o# reaso". The er) (i##icul!ies o# "a!ure *a,e i! li,el) !ha! a re ela!io" shoul( 'e *a(e7 !he er) *)s!eries o# crea!io" call #or so*e ac! o" !he /ar! o# !he Crea!or. ') -hich !hose *)s!eries shall 'e alle ia!e( !o )ou or co*/e"sa!e(. O"e o# !he +rea!es! o# !he /er/le0i!ies o# "a!ure is !his er) o"e. !ha! !he Crea!or shoul( ha e le#! )ou !o )oursel es. 4ou ,"o- !here is a ;o(. )e! )ou ,"o- )our o-" i+"ora"ce o# Hi*. o# His -ill. o# )our (u!ies. o# )our /ros/ec!s. A re ela!io" -oul( 'e !he +rea!es! o# /ossi'le 'oo"s -hich coul( 'e ouchsa#e( !o )ou. A#!er all. )ou (o "o! %5EE& ,"o-. )ou o"l) co"clu(e !ha! !here is a ;o(7 )ou see Hi* "o!. )ou (o 'u! hear o# Hi*. He ac!s u"(er a eil7 He is o" !he /oi"! o# *a"i#es!i"+ Hi*sel# !o )ou a! e er) !ur". )e! He (oes "o!. He has i*/resse( o" )our hear!s a"!ici/a!io"s o# His *a6es!)7 i" e er) /ar! o# crea!io" has He le#! !races o# His /rese"ce a"( +i e" +li*/ses o# His +lor)7 )ou co*e u/ !o !he s/o!. He has 'ee" !here. 'u! He is +o"e. He has !au+h! )ou His la-. u"e1ui ocall) i"(ee(. 'u! ') (e(uc!io" a"( ') su++es!io". "o! ') (irec! co**a"(. He has al-a)s a((resse( )ou circui!ousl). ') )our i"-ar( se"se. ') !he recei e( o/i"io". ') !he e e"!s o# li#e. ') a+ue !ra(i!io"s. ') (i* his!ories7 'u! as i# o# se! /ur/ose. a"( ') a" e i(e"! la-. He "e er ac!uall) a//ears !o )our lo"+i"+ e)es or )our -ear) hear!. He "e er co"#ro"!s )ou -i!h Hi*sel#. Wha! ca" 'e *ea"! ') all !his2 a s/iri!ual 'ei"+ a'a"(o"e( ') i!s Crea!orG !here *us! (ou'!less 'e so*e a-#ul a"( all<-ise reaso" #or i!7 s!ill a sore !rial i! is7 so sore. surel). !ha! )ou *us! +la(l) hail !he "e-s o# His i"!er#ere"ce !o re*o e or (i*i"ish i!. The "e-s !he" o# a re ela!io". #ar #ro* sus/icious. is 'or"e i" u/o" our hear!s ') !he s!ro"+es! /resu*/!io"s o# reaso" i" i!s 'ehal#. I! is har( !o 'elie e !ha! i! has "o! 'ee" +i e". as i"(ee( !he co"(uc! o# *a",i"( has e er sho-". 4ou ca""o! hel/ e0/ec!i"+ i! #ro* !he ha"(s o# !he All<*erci#ul. u"-or!h) as )ou #eel )oursel es o# i!. I! is

144 "o! !ha! )ou ca" clai* i!. 'u! !ha! He i"s/ires ho/e o# i!7 i! is "o! )ou !ha! are -or!h) o# !he +i#!. 'u! i! is !he +i#! -hich is -or!h) o# )our Crea!or. I! is so ur+e"!l) /ro'a'le. !ha! %5EF& li!!le e i(e"ce is re1uire( #or i!. e e" !hou+h 'u! li!!le -ere +i e". E i(e"ce !ha! ;o( has s/o,e" )ou *us! ha e. else -ere )ou a /re) !o i*/os!ures7 'u! i!s e0!re*e li,elihoo( allo-s )ou. -ere i! "ecessar). !o (is/e"se -i!h all /roo# !ha! is "o! 'arel) su##icie"! #or )our /ur/ose. The er) #ac!. I sa). !ha! !here is a Crea!or. a"( a hi((e" o"e. /o-er#ull) 'ears )ou o" a"( se!s )ou (o-" a! !he er) !hreshol( o# re ela!io". a"( lea es )ou !here loo,i"+ u/ ear"es!l) #or Di i"e !o,e"s !ha! a re ela!io" has 'ee" *a(e. Do )ou +o -i!h *e as #ar as !his. !ha! a re ela!io" is /ro'a'le2 -ell !he". a seco"( re*ar,. a"( I ha e (o"e. I! is !his.3!he !eachi"+ o# !he Church *a"i#es!l) is !ha! re ela!io". Wh) shoul( i! "o! 'e2 This *ar, has she u/o" her a! er) #irs! si+h!. !ha! she is u"li,e e er) o!her /ro#essio" o# reli+io". Were she ;o(Bs $ro/he! or Messe"+er. she -oul( 'e (is!i"c!i e i" her charac!eris!ics. isola!e(. a"( s/ecial7 a"( so she is. She is o"e. "o! o"l) i" hersel#. 'u! i" co"!ras! !o e er)!hi"+ else@ she has "o rela!io"shi/ -i!h a") o!her 'o(). A"( he"ce !oo. )ou see !he 1ues!io" lies 'e!-ee" !he Church a"( "o Di i"e *esse"+er a! all7 !here is "o re ela!io" +i e" us. u"less she is !he or+a" o# i!. #or -here else is !here a $ro/he! !o 'e #ou"(2 The a"!ici/a!io". -hich I ha e 'ee" ur+i"+. has #aile(. !he /ro'a'ili!) has 'ee" #alsi#ie(. i# she 'e "o! !ha! $ro/he! o# ;o(. No! !ha! !his co"clusio" is a" a'sur(i!). #or )ou ca""o! !a,e i! #or +ra"!e( !ha! )our ho/e o# a re ela!io" -ill 'e #ul#ille(7 'u! i" -ha!e er (e+ree i! is /ro'a'le !ha! i! -ill 'e #ul#ille(. i" !ha! (e+ree i! is /ro'a'le !ha! %5EH& !he Church. a"( "o!hi"+ else. is !he *ea"s o# #ul#illi"+ i!. No!hi"+ else7 #or )ou ca""o! 'elie e i" )our hear! !ha! !his or !ha! Sec!. !ha! !his or !ha! Es!a'lish*e"! is. i" i!s !eachi"+ a"( i!s co**a"(s. !he oracle o# !he Mos! Hi+h. I ,"o- )ou ca""o! sa) i" )our hear!. ?I 'elie e !his or !ha!. 'ecause !he E"+lish Es!a'lish*e"! or !he Sco!ch (eclares !ha! i! is !rue?. Nor coul( )ou. I a* sure. !rus! !he Russia" hierarch). or !he Nes!oria". or !he Eu!)chia". as s/ea,i"+ #ro* ;o(7 a! !he u!*os! )ou *i+h!. i# )ou -ere lear"e( i" !hese *a!!ers. loo, o" !he* as e"era'le (e/osi!ories o# his!orical *a!!er. a"( -i!"esses o# /as! a+es. 4ou -oul( e0ercise )our 6u(+*e"! a"( cri!icis* o" -ha! !he) sai(. a"( -oul( "e er !hi", o# !a,i"+ !heir -or( as (ecisi e7 !he) are i" "o se"se $ro/he!s. Oracles. Ju(+es. o# su/er"a!ural !ru!h7 a"( !he co"!ras! 'e!-ee" !he* a"( !he Ca!holic Church is a /reli*i"ar) e i(e"ce i" her #a our. A $ro/he! is o"e -ho co*es #ro* ;o(. -ho s/ea,s -i!h au!hori!). -ho is e er o"e a"( !he sa*e. -ho is /recise a"( (ecisi e i" his s!a!e*e"!s. -ho is e1ual !o successi e (i##icul!ies. a"( ca" s*i!e a"( o er!hro- error. Such has !he Ca!holic Church sho-" hersel# i" her his!or). such is she a! !his (a). She alo"e has ha( !he Di i"e s/ell o#

145 co"!rolli"+ !he reaso" o# *a". a"( o# elici!i"+ #ai!h i" her -or( #ro* hi+h a"( lo-. e(uca!e( a"( i+"ora"!. res!less a"( (ull<*i"(e(. E e" !hose -ho are alie" !o her. a"( -ho* she (oes "o! *o e !o o'e(ie"ce. she *o es !o res/ec! a"( a(*ira!io". The *os! /ro#ou"( !hi",ers a"( !he *os! sa+acious /oli!icia"s /re(ic! her #u!ure !riu*/hs %5FI& -hile !he) *ar el a! her /as!. Her e"e*ies are #ri+h!e"e( a! !he si+h! o# her. a"( ha e "o 'e!!er *o(e o# -ar#are a+ai"s! her !ha" !ha! o# 'lac,e"i"+ her -i!h sla"(ers. or o# (ri i"+ her i"!o !he -il(er"ess. To see her is !o reco+"ise her7 her loo, a"( 'eari"+ is !he e i(e"ce o# her ro)al li"ea+e. True. her !o,e"s *i+h! 'e clearer !ha" !he) are7 I +ra"! i!7 she *i+h! ha e 'ee" se! u/ i" A(a*. a"( "o! i" $e!er7 she *i+h! ha e e*'race( !he -hole #a*il) o# *a"7 she *i+h! ha e 'ee" !he i"s!ru*e"! o# i"-ar(l) co" er!i"+ all hear!s7 she *i+h! ha e ha( "o sca"(als -i!hi" or *is#or!u"es -i!hou!7 she *i+h! i" shor! ha e 'ee". I re/ea!. a hea e" o" ear!h7 'u!. I re/ea!. (oes she "o! sho- as +lorious i" our si+h! as a crea!ure. as her ;o( (oes as !he Crea!or2 I# He (oes "o! (is/la) !he hi+hes! /ossi'le !o,e"s o# His /rese"ce i" "a!ure. -h) shoul( His Messe"+er (is/la) such i" +race2 4ou 'elie e !he Scri/!ures7 (oes she "o! i" her charac!er a"( co"(uc! sho- as Di i"e as Jaco' (oes. or as Sa*uel. or as Da i(. or as Jere*ias. or i" a #ar hi+her *easure2 Has she "o! "o!es #ar *ore !ha" su##icie"! #or !he /ur/ose o# co" i"ci"+ )ou2 She !a,es her rise #ro* !he er) co*i"+ o# Chris!. a"( recei es her char!er. as also her er) #or* a"( *issio". #ro* His *ou!h. ?Blesse( ar! !hou. Si*o" Bar6o"a. #or #lesh a"( 'loo( ha!h "o! re eale( i! u"!o !hee. 'u! M) Fa!her -ho is i" hea e". A"( I sa) u"!o !hee. !ha! !hou ar! $e!er. a"( u/o" !his roc, I -ill 'uil( M) Church. a"( !he +a!es o# hell shall "o! /re ail a+ai"s! i!. A"( I -ill +i e !o !hee !he ,e)s o# !he ,i"+(o* o# hea e"7 a"( -ha!soe er !hou shal! 'i"( u/o" ear!h. %5F1& shall 'e 'ou"( also i" hea e". a"( -ha!soe er !hou shal! loose o" ear!h. shall 'e loose( also i" hea e".? Co*i"+ !o )ou !he" #ro* !he er) !i*e o# !he A/os!les. s/rea(i"+ ou! i"!o all la"(s. !riu*/hi"+ o er a !housa"( re olu!io"s. e0hi'i!i"+ so a-#ul a u"i!). +lor)i"+ i" so *)s!erious a i!ali!). so *a6es!ic. so i*/er!ur'a'le. so 'ol(. so sai"!l). so su'li*e. so 'eau!i#ul. O )e so"s o# *e". ca" )e (ou'! !ha! she is !he Di i"e Messe"+er #or -ho* )ou see,2 Oh. lo"+ sou+h! a#!er. !ar(il) #ou"(. (esire o# !he e)es. 6o) o# !he hear!. !he !ru!h a#!er *a") sha(o-s. !he #ul"ess a#!er *a") #ore!as!es. !he ho*e a#!er *a") s!or*s. co*e !o her. /oor -a"(erers. #or she i! is. a"( she alo"e. -ho ca" u"#ol( !he *ea"i"+ o# )our 'ei"+ a"( !he secre! o# )our (es!i"). She alo"e ca" o/e" !o )ou !he +a!e o# hea e". a"( /u! )ou o" )our -a). ?Arise. shi"e. O Jerusale*7 #or !h) li+h! is co*e. a"( !he +lor) o# !he Lor( is rise" u/o" !hee7 #or. 'ehol(. (ar,"ess shall co er !he ear!h. a"( a *is! !he /eo/le. 'u! !he Lor( shall arise u/o" !hee. a"( His +lor) shall 'e see" u/o" !hee.? ?O/e" )e !he +a!es. !ha! !he 6us! "a!io". !ha! ,ee/e!h !he !ru!h. *a) e"!er i". The ol( error is /asse( a-a)7 Thou -il! ,ee/

146 /eace3/eace. 'ecause -e ha e ho/e( i" Thee. Lor(. Thou -il! +i e /eace !o us. #or Thou has! -rou+h! all our -or,s #or us. O Lor(. our ;o(. o!her lor(s 'esi(es Thee ha e ha( (o*i"io" o er us. 'u! i" Thee o"l) *a,e -e *e"!io" o# Th) Na*e. The ()i"+. !he) shall "o! li e7 !he +ia"!s. !he) shall "o! rise a+ai"7 !here#ore Thou has! isi!e( a"( 'ro,e" !he*. a"( has! (es!ro)e( all !heir *e*or).? %5F5& O *) 're!hre". !ur" a-a) #ro* !he Ca!holic Church. a"( !o -ho* -ill )ou +o2 i! is )our o"l) cha"ce o# /eace a"( assura"ce i" !his !ur'ule"!. cha"+i"+ -orl(. There is "o!hi"+ 'e!-ee" i! a"( sce/!icis*. -he" *e" e0er! !heir reaso" #reel). $ri a!e cree(s. #a"c) reli+io"s. *a) 'e sho-) a"( i*/osi"+ !o !he *a") i" !heir (a)7 "a!io"al reli+io"s *a) lie hu+e a"( li#eless. a"( cu*'er !he +rou"( #or ce"!uries. a"( (is!rac! !he a!!e"!io" or co"#use !he 6u(+*e"! o# !he lear"e(7 'u! o" !he lo"+ ru" i! -ill 'e #ou"( !ha! ei!her !he Ca!holic Reli+io" is eril) a"( i"(ee( !he co*i"+ i" o# !he u"see" -orl( i"!o !his. or !ha! !here is "o!hi"+ /osi!i e. "o!hi"+ (o+*a!ic. "o!hi"+ real. i" a") o# our "o!io"s as !o -he"ce -e co*e a"( -hi!her -e are +oi"+. U"lear" Ca!holicis*. a"( )ou o/e" !he -a) !o )our 'eco*i"+ $ro!es!a"!. U"i!aria". Deis!. $a"!heis!. Sce/!ic. i" a (rea(#ul. 'u! i"e i!a'le successio"7 o"l) "o! i"e i!a'le ') so*e acci(e"! o# )our /osi!io". o# )our e(uca!io". a"( o# )our cas! o# *i"(7 o"l) "o! i"e i!a'le. i# )ou (is*iss !he su'6ec! o# reli+io" #ro* )our ie-. (e") )oursel# )our reaso". (e o!e )our !hou+h!s !o *oral (u!ies. or (issi/a!e !he* i" e"+a+e*e"!s o# !he -orl(. ;o. !he". a"( (o )our (u!) !o )our "ei+h'our. 'e 6us!. 'e ,i"(l)<!e*/ere(. 'e hos/i!a'le. se! a +oo( e0a*/le. u/hol( reli+io" as +oo( #or socie!). /ursue )our 'usi"ess. or )our /ro#essio". or )our /leasure. ea! a"( (ri",. rea( !he "e-s. isi! )our #rie"(s. 'uil( a"( #ur"ish. /la"! a"( so-. 'u) a"( sell. /lea( a"( (e'a!e. -or, #or !he -orl(. se!!le )our chil(re". +o ho*e a"( (ie. 'u! esche- reli+ious i"1uir). i# )ou -ill "o! %5F8& ha e #ai!h. "or #a"c) !ha! )ou ca" ha e #ai!h. i# )ou -ill "o! 6oi" !he Church. Else a oi(. I sa). i"1uir)7 #or i! -ill 'u! lea( )ou !hi!her. -here !here is "o li+h!. "o /eace. "o ho/e7 i! -ill lea( )ou !o !he (ee/ /i!. -here !he su". a"( !he *oo". a"( !he s!ars. a"( !he 'eau!eous hea e"s are "o!. 'u! chilli"ess. a"( 'arre""ess. a"( /er/e!ual (esola!io". O /er erse chil(re" o# *e". -ho re#use !ru!h -he" o##ere( )ou. 'ecause i! is "o! !ruerG O res!less hear!s a"( #as!i(ious i"!ellec!s. -ho see, a +os/el *ore salu!ar) !ha" !he Re(ee*erBs. a"( a crea!io" *ore /er#ec! !ha" !he Crea!orBsG ;o(. #orsoo!h. is "o! +rea! e"ou+h #or )ou7 )ou ha e !hose hi+h as/ira!io"s a"( !hose /hiloso/hical "o!io"s. i"s/ire( ') !he ori+i"al !e*/!er. -hich are co"!e"! -i!h "o!hi"+ !ha! is. -hich (e!er*i"e !ha! !he Mos! Hi+h is !oo li!!le #or )our -orshi/. a"( His a!!ri'u!es !oo "arro- #or )our lo e.

147 Bu! e"ou+h3-hile -e !hus s/ea, o# !he E il O"e a"( his ic!i*s. le! us "o! #or+e! !o loo, !o oursel es. ;o( #or'i( !ha!. -hile -e /reach !o o!hers. -e oursel es shoul( 'eco*e cas!a-a)sG To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

Discourse 1:. The M)s!er) o# Di i"e Co"(esce"sio"

%5F:& THE E!er"al Wor(. !he O"l)<'e+o!!e" So" o# !he Fa!her. /u! o## His +lor). a"( ca*e (o-" u/o" ear!h. !o raise us !o hea e". Thou+h He -as ;o(. He 'eca*e *a"7 !hou+h He -as Lor( o# all. He 'eca*e as a ser a"!7 ?!hou+h He -as rich. )e! #or our sa,es He 'eca*e /oor. !ha! -e. !hrou+h His /o er!). *i+h! 'e rich?. He ca*e #ro* hea e" i" so hu*'le a" e0!erior. !ha! !he sel#<sa!is#ie( $harisees (es/ise( Hi*. a"( !rea!e( Hi* as a *a(*a" or a" i*/os!or. Whe" He s/o,e o# His #a!her A'raha*. a"( i*/lie( His ,"o-le(+e o# hi*. -ho -as i" !ru!h 'u! !he crea!ure o# His ha"(s. !he) sai( i" (erisio". ?Thou ar! "o! )e! #i#!) )ears ol(. a"( has! Thou see" A'raha*2? He *a(e a"s-er. ?A*e". a*e". I sa) u"!o )ou. Be#ore A'raha* -as *a(e. I a*.? He ha( see" A'raha*. -ho li e( !-o !housa"( )ears 'e#ore7 )e! i" !ru!h He -as "o! !-o !housa"( )ears ol(. *ore !ha" He -as #i#!). He -as "o! !-o !housa"( )ears ol(. 'ecause He ha( "o )ears7 He -as !he A"cie"! o# Da)s. -ho "e er ha( 'e+i""i"+. a"( -ho "e er -ill ha e a" e"(7 -ho is a'o e a"( 'e)o"( %5F=& !i*e7 -ho is e er )ou"+. a"( e er is 'e+i""i"+. )e! "e er has "o! 'ee". a"( is as ol( as He is )ou"+. a"( -as as ol( a"( as )ou"+ -he" A'raha* li e( as -he" He ca*e o" ear!h i" our #lesh !o a!o"e #or our si"s. A"( he"ce He sa)s. ?Be#ore A'raha* -as. I am.? a"( "o! ?I was?7 'ecause -i!h Hi* !here is "o /as! or #u!ure. I! ca""o! 'e /ro/erl) sai( o# Hi*. !ha! He -as. or !ha! He -ill 'e. 'u! !ha! He is7 He is al-a)s7 al-a)s !he sa*e. "o! ol(er 'ecause He has li e( !-o !housa"( )ears i" a((i!io". "o! )ou"+er 'ecause He has "o! li e( !he*. M) 're!hre". i# -e coul( +e! oursel es !o e"!er i"!o !his hi+h a"( sacre( !hou+h!. i# -e reall) co"!e*/la!e( !he Al*i+h!) i" Hi*sel#. !he" -e shoul( u"(ers!a"( 'e!!er -ha! His i"car"a!io" is !o us. a"( -ha! i! is i" Hi*. I (o "o! *ea". i# -e -or!hil) co"!e*/la!e( Hi* as He is7 'u!. e e" i# -e co"!e*/la!e( Hi* i" such a -a) as is reall) /ossi'le !o us. i# -e (i( 'u! #i0 our !hou+h!s o" Hi*. a"( *a,e use o#

148 !he reaso" -hich He has +i e" us. -e shoul( u"(ers!a"( e"ou+h o# His +rea!"ess !o #eel !he a-#ul"ess o# His olu"!ar) sel#<a'ase*e"!. A!!e"(. !he". -hile I recall !o )our *i"( !he (oc!ri"es -hich reaso" a"( re ela!io" co*'i"e !o !each )ou a'ou! !he Mos! Hi+h. a"(. "e0!. -he" )ou ha e #i0e( )our *i"( u/o" His i"#i"i!). !he" +o o" !o ie-. i" !he li+h! o# !ha! i"#i"i!). !he *ea"i"+ o# His i"car"a!io". No- #irs! co"si(er !ha! reaso" !eaches )ou !here *us! 'e a ;o(7 else ho- -as !his all<-o"(er#ul u"i erse *a(e2 I! coul( "o! *a,e i!sel#7 *a" coul( "o! *a,e i!. he is 'u! a /ar! o# i!7 each *a" %5FA& has a 'e+i""i"+. !here *us! ha e 'ee" a #irs! *a". a"( -ho *a(e hi*2 To !he !hou+h! o# ;o( !he" -e are #orce( #ro* !he "a!ure o# !he case7 -e *us! a(*i! !he i(ea o# a" Al*i+h!) Crea!or. a"( !ha! Crea!or *us! ha e 'ee" #ro* e erlas!i"+. He *us! ha e ha( "o 'e+i""i"+. else ho- ca*e He !o 'e2 Else. -e shoul( 'e i" our ori+i"al (i##icul!). a"( *us! 'e+i" our ar+u*e"! o er a+ai". The Crea!or. I sa). ha( "o 'e+i""i"+7 #or. i# He -as 'rou+h! i"!o 'ei"+ ') a"o!her 'e#ore Hi*. !he" ho- ca*e !ha! o!her !o 'e2 A"( so -e shall /rocee( i" a" u"/ro#i!a'le series or ca!alo+ue o# crea!ors. -hich is as (i##icul! !o co"cei e as a" e"(less li"e o# *e". Besi(es. i# i! -as "o! !he Crea!or Hi*sel# -ho -as #ro* e erlas!i"+. !he" !here -oul( 'e o"e 'ei"+ -ho -as #ro* e erlas!i"+. a"( a"o!her -ho -as Crea!or7 -hich is all o"e -i!h sa)i"+ !here are !-o ;o(s. I! is leas! !rial !he" !o our reaso". i! is si*/les! a"( *os! "a!ural. !o /ro"ou"ce. !ha! !he Crea!or o# !he -orl( ha( "o 'e+i""i"+73a"( i# so. He is sel#<e0is!i"+7 a"( i# so. He ca" u"(er+o "o cha"+e. Wha! is sel#<e0is!i"+ a"( e erlas!i"+ has "o +ro-!h or (eca)7 I! is -ha! I! e er -as. a"( e er shall 'e !he sa*e. As I! ori+i"a!e( i" "o!hi"+ else. "o!hi"+ else ca" i"!er#ere -i!h I! or a##ec! I!. Besi(es. e er)!hi"+ !ha! is has ori+i"a!e( i" I!7 e er)!hi"+ !here#ore is (e/e"(e"! o" I!. a"( I! is i"(e/e"(e"!l) o# e er)!hi"+. Co"!e*/la!e !he" !he Su/re*e Bei"+. !he Bei"+ o# 'ei"+s. e e" so #ar as I ha e )e! (escri'e( Hi*7 #i0 !he i(ea o# Hi* i" )our *i"(s. He is o"e7 He has "o ri al7 He has "o e1ual7 He is u"li,e a")!hi"+ %5FE& else7 He is so erei+"7 He ca" (o -ha! He -ill. He is u"cha"+ea'le #ro* #irs! !o las!7 He is all</er#ec!7 He is i"#i"i!e i" His /o-er a"( i" His -is(o*. or He coul( "o! ha e *a(e !his i**e"se -orl( -hich -e see ') (a) a"( ') "i+h!. Ne0!. !his #ollo-s #ro* -ha! I ha e sai(73!ha!. si"ce He is #ro* e erlas!i"+. a"( has crea!e( all !hi"+s #ro* a cer!ai" 'e+i""i"+. He has li e( i" a" e!er"i!) 'e#ore He 'e+a" !o crea!e a")!hi"+. Wha! a -o"(er#ul !hou+h! is !hisG !here -as a s!a!e o# !hi"+s i" -hich ;o( -as ') Hi*sel#. a"( "o!hi"+ else 'u! He. There -as "o ear!h. "o s,). "o su". "o s!ars. "o s/ace. "o !i*e. "o 'ei"+s o# a") ,i"(7 "o *e". "o A"+els. "o Sera/hi*. His !hro"e -as -i!hou! *i"is!ers7 He -as "o! -ai!e( o" ') a")7 all -as sile"ce. all -as re/ose. !here -as

149 "o!hi"+ 'u! ;o(7 a"( !his s!a!e co"!i"ue(. "o! #or a -hile o"l). 'u! #or a *easureless (ura!io"7 i! -as a s!a!e -hich ha( e er 'ee"7 i! -as !he rule o# !hi"+s. a"( crea!io" has 'ee" a" i""o a!io" u/o" i!. Crea!io" is. co*/ara!i el) s/ea,i"+. 'u! o# )es!er(a)7 i! has las!e( a /oor si0 !housa"( )ears. sa) si0!) !housa"(. i# )ou -ill. or si0 *illio". or si0 *illio" *illio"7 -ha! is !his !o e!er"i!)2 "o!hi"+ a! all7 "o! so *uch as a (ro/ co*/are( !o !he -hole ocea". or a +rai" o# sa"( !o !he -hole ear!h. I sa). !hrou+h a -hole e!er"i!) ;o( -as ') Hi*sel# -i!h "o o!her 'ei"+ 'u! Hi*sel#7 -i!h "o!hi"+ e0!er"al !o Hi*sel#. "o! -or,i"+. 'u! a! res!. "o! s/ea,i"+. "o! recei i"+ ho*a+e #ro* a"). "o! +lori#ie( i" crea!ures. 'u! 'lesse( i" Hi*sel# a"( ') Hi*sel#. a"( -a"!i"+ "o!hi"+. %5FF& Wha! a" i(ea !his +i es us o# !he Al*i+h!)G He is a'o e us. *) 're!hre". -e #eel He is7 ho- li!!le ca" -e u"(ers!a"( Hi*G We #all i" e e" -i!h *e" u/o" ear!h. -hose -a)s are so (i##ere"! #ro* our o-". !ha! -e ca""o! u"(ers!a"( !he*7 -e *ar el a! !he*7 !he) /ursue courses so u"li,e ours. !he) !a,e recrea!io"s so /eculiar !o !he*sel es. !ha! -e (es/air o# #i"(i"+ a")!hi"+ i" co**o" 'e!-ee" !he* a"( us7 -e ca""o! *a,e co" ersa!io" -he" -e are -i!h !he*. Thus s!irri"+ a"( a*'i!ious *e" -o"(er a! !hose -ho li e a*o"+ 'oo,s7 si""ers -o"(er a! !hose -ho a!!e"( !he Sacra*e"!s a"( *or!i#) !heir /assio"s7 !hri#!) /erso"s -o"(er a! !hose -ho are la ish o# !heir *o"e)7 *e" -ho lo e socie!) -o"(er a! !hose -ho li e i" soli!u(e a"( are ha//) i" i!. We ca""o! e"!er e e" i"!o our #ello-s7 -e call !he* s!ra"+e a"( i"co*/rehe"si'le7 'u! -ha! are !he). co*/are( -i!h !he all<*ar ellous"ess o# !he E erlas!i"+ ;o(2 He alo"e i"(ee( is i"co*/rehe"si'le. -ho has "o! o"l) li e( a" e!er"i!) -i!hou! 'e+i""i"+. 'u! -ho has li e( !hrou+h a -hole e!er"i!) ') Hi*sel#. a"( has "o! -earie( o# !he soli!u(e. Which o# us. or ho- #eo# us. coul( li e a -ee, i" co*#or! ') oursel es2 4ou ha e hear(. *) 're!hre". o# soli!ar) co"#i"e*e"! as a /u"ish*e"! assi+"e( !o cri*i"als. a"( a! le"+!h i! 'eco*es *ore se ere !ha" a") o!her /u"ish*e"!@ i! is sai( a! le"+!h !o (ri e *e" *a(. We ca""o! li e -i!hou! o'6ec!s. -i!hou! ai*s. -i!hou! e*/lo)*e"!s. -i!hou! co*/a"io"s. We ca""o! li e si*/l) i" oursel es7 !he *i"( /re)s u/o" i!sel#. i# le#! !o i!sel#. This is !he case -i!h us *or!al *e"7 "o- %5FH& raise )our *i"(s !o ;o(. Oh. !he as! co"!ras!G He li e( a -hole e!er"i!) i" !ha! s!a!e. o# -hich a #e- /oor )ears !o us is *a("ess. He li e( a -hole e!er"i!) -i!hou! cha"+e o# a") ,i"(. Da) a"( "i+h!. slee/ a"( *eal<!i*e. a! leas! are cha"+es. u"a oi(a'le cha"+es. i" !he li#e o# !he *os! soli!ar) u/o" ear!h. A /riso". i# i! has "o!hi"+ else !o relie e i!s (reari"ess a"( i!s ho/eless"ess. has a! leas! !his. !ha! !he /oor /riso"er slee/s7 he slee/s. a"( sus/e"(s his *iser)7 he slee/s a"( recrui!s his /o-er o# 'eari"+ i!7 'u! !he E!er"al is !he Slee/less. He /auses "o!. He sus/e"(s "o! His /o-ers. He is "e er !ire( o# Hi*sel#7 He is "e er -earie( o# His o-" i"#i"i!). He -as #ro* e!er"i!) e er i" ac!io". !hou+h e er a! res!7 e er surel) i" res! a"(

150 /eace /ro#ou"( a"( i"e##a'le. )e! -i!h a li i"+. /rese"! *i"(. sel#< /ossesse(. a"( all<co"scious. co*/rehe"(i"+ Hi*sel# a"( sus!ai"i"+ !he co*/rehe"sio". He res!e( e er. 'u! He res!e( i" Hi*sel#7 His o-" resource. His o-" e"(. His o-" co"!e*/la!io". His o-" 'lesse("ess. 4es. so i! -as7 a"( i# i! is i"co*/rehe"si'le !ha! He shoul( ha e e0is!e( soli!ar) !hrou+h a" e!er"i!). is i! "o! i"co*/rehe"si'le !oo. !ha! He shoul( ha e e er +i e" u/ !ha! soli!ari"ess. a"( ha e -ille( !o surrou"( Hi*sel# -i!h crea!ures2 Wh) -as He "o! co"!e"! !o 'e as He ha( 'ee"2 Wh) (i( He 'ri"+ i"!o e0is!e"ce !hose -ho coul( "o! a(( !o His 'lesse("ess a"( -ere "o! secure o# !heir o-"2 Wh) (i( He +i e !he* !ha! +i#! -hich -e see !he) /ossess. o# (oi"+ ri+h! or -ro"+ as !he) /lease. a"( o# -or,i"+ ou! !heir rui" as -ell as !heir sal a!io"2 Wh) (i( He %5HI& crea!e a -orl( li,e !ha! -hich is 'e#ore our e)es. -hich a! 'es! so (i*l) sho-s #or!h His +lor). a"( a! -ors! is a sce"e o# si" a"( sorro-2 He *i+h! ha e *a(e a #ar *ore e0celle"! -orl( !ha" !his7 He *i+h! ha e e0clu(e( si"7 'u!. oh. -o"(er#ul *)s!er). He has surrou"(e( Hi*sel# -i!h !he cries o# #alle" souls. a"( has crea!e( a"( o/e"e( !he +rea! /i!. He has -ille(. a#!er a" e!er"i!) o# /eace. !o allo- o# e erlas!i"+ a"arch). o# /ri(e. a"( 'las/he*). a"( +uil! a"( ha!re( o# Hi*sel#. a"( !he -or* !ha! (ie!h "o!. Thus He is si*/l) i"co*/rehe"si'le !o us. *or!al *e". Well *i+h! !he a"cie"! hea!he" shri", #ro* a"s-eri"+. -he" a ,i"+. his /a!ro". as,e( hi* -ha! ;o( -asG He 'e++e( #or a (a) !o co"si(er his re/l)7 a! !he e"( o# i!. #or !-o *ore7 a"(. -he" !he !-o -ere e"(e(. #or #our 'esi(es7 #or i" !ru!h he #ou"( !ha! *e(i!a!io". i"s!ea( o# 'ri"+i"+ hi* !o-ar(s !he solu!io" o# !he /ro'le*. (i( 'u! (ri e hi* 'ac,7 !he *ore he 1ues!io"e(. !he as!er +re- !he !he*e. a"( -here he (re- o"e co"clusio". !he"ce issue( #or!h a hu"(re( #resh (i##icul!ies !o co"#ou"( his reaso". For i" !ru!h !he 'ei"+ a"( a!!ri'u!es o# ;o( are a su'6ec!. "o! #or reaso" si*/l). 'u! #or #ai!h also7 a"( -e *us! acce/! His o-" -or( a'ou! Hi*sel#. A"( "o- /rocee( !o a"o!her !hou+h!. *) 're!hre". -hich I ha e /ar!l) i*/lie( a"( /ar!l) e0/resse( alrea(). I# !he Al*i+h!) Crea!or 'e such as I ha e (escri'e( Hi*. He i" "o -ise (e/e"(s o" His crea!ures. The) si". !he) /erish. !he) are sa e(. !he) /raise Hi* e!er"all)7 'u!. !hou+h He lo es all !he crea!ures o# His ha"(. !hou+h He isi!s all o# !he* -i!hou! e0ce/!io" %5H1& -i!h i"#lue"ces o# His +race. so "u*erous a"( so ur+e"!. !ha! "o! !ill !he (isclosures o# !he las! (a) shall -e ri+h!l) co"cei e o# !he*7 !hou+h He (ei+"s !o 'e +lori#ie( i" His Sai"!s. !hou+h He is !heir all i" all. !heir co"!i"ue( li#e. a"( /o-er. a"( 'lesse("ess. s!ill !he) are "o!hi"+ !o Hi*. The) (o "o! i"crease His ha//i"ess i# !he) are sa e(. or (i*i"ish i! i# !he) are los!. I (o "o! *ea" !ha! He is a! a (is!a"ce #ro* !he*7 He (oes "o! so li e i" Hi*sel# as !o a'a"(o" His crea!io" !o !he o/era!io" o# la-s -hich He has s!a*/e( u/o" i!. No7 He is e er)-here a i+ila"! a"( ac!i e $ro i(e"ce7 He is i" e er) o"e o# His crea!ures. a"( i" e er)

151 o"e o# !heir ac!io"s7 i# He -ere "o! i" !he*. !he) -oul( #all 'ac, i"!o "o!hi"+. He is e er)-here o" ear!h. a"( sees e er) cri*e co**i!!e(. -he!her u"(er !he su" or i" !he +loo* o# "i+h!7 He is e e" !he sus!ai"i"+ /o-er o# !hose -ho si"7 He is *os! close !o e er). !he *os! /ollu!e( soul7 He is i" !he *i(s! o# !he e!er"al /riso"7 'u! -ha! I *ea" !o sa) is. !ha! "o!hi"+ !ouches Hi*. !hou+h He !ouches all !hi"+s. The su"Bs ra)s /e"e!ra!e i"!o !he *os! hi(eous recesses. )e! ,ee/ !heir 'ri+h!"ess a"( !heir /er#ec!io"7 a"( so !he Al*i+h!) -i!"esses a"( su##ers e il. )e! is "o! !ouche( or !rie( ') !he crea!ureBs -il#ul"ess. /ri(e. u"clea""ess. or u"'elie#. The lus!s o# ear!h a"( !he 'las/he*ies o# hell "ei!her sull) His /uri!) "or i*/air His *a6es!). I# !he -hole -orl( -ere !o /lu"+e -il#ull) i"!o !he e!er"al +ul#. !he loss -oul( 'e !heirs. "o! His. I" !he (rea( co"!es! 'e!-ee" +oo( a"( e il. -he!her !he Church co"1uers a! o"ce. or is o//resse( #or !he !i*e. a"( la'ours. -he!her she is %5H5& i" /ersecu!io". or i" !riu*/h. or i" /eace. -he!her His e"e*ies hol( ou! or are rou!e(. -he" !he i""oce"! si". -he" !he 6us! are #alli"+. -he" +oo( A"+els -ee/. -he" souls are har(e"e(. He is o"e a"( !he sa*e. He is i" His 'lesse("ess s!ill. a"( "o! e e" !he sur#ace is ru##le( o# His e erlas!i"+ res!. He "ei!her ho/es "or #ears. "or (esires. "or sorro-s. "or re/e"!s. All arou"( Hi* see*s #ull o# a+i!a!io" a"( co"#usio". 'u! i" His e!er"al (ecrees a"( i"#alli'le #ore,"o-le(+e !here is "o!hi"+ co"!i"+e"!. "o!hi"+ u"cer!ai". "o!hi"+ -hich is "o! /ar! o# o"e as! /la". as #i0e( i" i!s issue. a"( as u"cha"+ea'le. as His o-" Esse"ce. Such is !he +rea! ;o(. so all<su##icie"!. so all<'lesse(. so se/ara!e #ro* crea!ures. so i"scru!a'le. so u"a//roacha'le. Who ca" see Hi*2 -ho ca" #a!ho* Hi*2 -ho ca" *o e Hi*2 -ho ca" cha"+e Hi*2 -ho ca" e e" s/ea, o# Hi*2 He is all<hol). all</a!ie"!. all</eace#ul. a"( all<!rue. He sa)s a"( He (oes7 He (ela)s a"( He e0ecu!es7 He -ar"s a"( He /u"ishes7 He /u"ishes. He re-ar(s. He #or'ears. He /ar(o"s. accor(i"+ !o a" e!er"al (ecree. -i!hou! i*/er#ec!io". -i!hou! acilla!io". -i!hou! i"co"sis!e"c). A"( "o- !ha! I ha e se! 'e#ore )ou. *) 're!hre". i" hu*a" la"+ua+e. so*e o# !he a!!ri'u!es o# !he A(ora'le ;o(. /erha/s )ou are !e*/!e( !o co*/lai" !ha!. i"s!ea( o# -i""i"+ )ou !o !he All< +lorious a"( All<+oo(. I ha e 'u! re/elle( )ou #ro* Hi*. 4ou are !e*/!e( !o e0clai*.3He is so #ar a'o e us !ha! !he !hou+h! o# Hi* (oes 'u! #ri+h!e" *e7 I ca""o! 'elie e %5H8& !ha! He cares #or *e. I 'elie e #ir*l) !ha! He is i"#i"i!e /er#ec!io"7 a"( I lo e !ha! /er#ec!io". "o! so *uch i"(ee( as I coul( -ish. s!ill i" *) *easure I lo e i! #or i!s o-" sa,e. a"( I -ish !o lo e i! a'o e all !hi"+s. a"( I -ell u"(ers!a"( !ha! !here is "o crea!ure 'u! *us! lo e i! i" his *easure. u"less he has #alle" #ro* +race. Bu! !here are !-o #eeli"+s. -hich. alas. I ha e a (i##icul!) i" e"!er!ai"i"+7 I 'elie e a"( I lo e. 'u! -i!hou! #er our. -i!hou! ,ee""ess. 'ecause *) hear! is "o! ,i"(le(

152 ') ho/e. "o! su'(ue( a"( *el!e( -i!h +ra!i!u(e. Ho/e a"( +ra!i!u(e I -ish !o ha e. a"( ha e "o!7 I ,"o- !ha! He is lo i"+ !o-ar(s all His -or,s. 'u! ho- a* I !o 'elie e !ha! He +i es !o *e /erso"all) a !hou+h!. a"( cares #or *e #or *) o-" sa,e2 I a* 'e"ea!h His lo e7 He loo,s o" *e as a" a!o* i" a as! u"i erse. He ac!s ') +e"eral la-s. a"( i# He is ,i"( !o *e i! is. "o! #or *) sa,e. 'u! 'ecause i! is accor(i"+ !o His "a!ure !o 'e ,i"(. A"( he"ce i! is !ha! I a* (ra-" o er !o si"#ul *a" -i!h a" i"!e"ser a##ec!io" !ha" !o *) +lorious Ma,er. Ki"+s a"( +rea! *e" u/o" ear!h. -he" !he) a//ear i" /u'lic. are "o! co"!e"! -i!h a *ere (is/la) o# !heir s/le"(our. !he) sho!he*sel es as -ell as !heir +lories7 !he) loo, arou"( !he*7 !he) "o!ice i"(i i(uals7 !he) ha e a ,i"( e)e. or a cour!eous +es!ure. or a" o/e" ha"(. #or all -ho co*e "ear !he*. The) sca!!er a*o"+ !he cro-( !he lar+ess o# !heir s*iles a"( o# !heir -or(s. A"( !he" *e" +o ho*e. a"( !ell !heir #rie"(s. a"( !reasure u/ !o !heir la!es! (a). ho!ha! so +rea! a /erso"a+e !oo, "o!ice o# !he*. or o# a chil( o# !heirs. or acce/!e( a /rese"! %5H:& a! !heir ha"(. or +a e e0/ressio" !o so*e se"!i*e"!. -i!hou! /oi"! i" i!sel#. 'u! /recious as a((resse( !o !he*. Thus (oes *) #ello-<*a" e"+a+e a"( -i" *e7 'u! !here is a +ul# 'e!-ee" *e a"( *) +rea! ;o(. I shall #all 'ac, o" *)sel#. a"( +ro el i" *) "o!hi"+"ess. !ill He loo,s (o-" #ro* hea e". !ill He calls *e. !ill He !a,es i"!eres! i" *e. I! is a -a"! i" *) "a!ure !o ha e o"e -ho ca" -ee/ -i!h *e. a"( re6oice -i!h *e. a"( i" a -a) *i"is!er !o *e7 a"( !his -oul( 'e /resu*/!io" i" *e. a"( -orse. !o ho/e !o #i"( i" !he I"#i"i!e a"( E!er"al ;o(. This is -ha! )ou *a) 'e !e*/!e( !o sa). *) 're!hre". "o! -i!hou! i*/a!ie"ce. -hile )ou co"!e*/la!e !he Al*i+h!) ;o(. as co"scie"ce /or!ra)s Hi*. a"( as reaso" co"clu(es a'ou! Hi*. a"( as crea!io" -i!"esses o# Hi*7 a"( I ha e (-el! o" i!. i" or(er. ') -a) o# co"!ras!. !o se! 'e#ore )ou. as I /ro/ose( -he" I 'e+a". ho- )our co*/lai"! is a"s-ere( i" !he +rea! *)s!er) o# !he I"car"a!io". Ne er su//ose !ha! )ou are le#! ') ;o(7 "e er su//ose !ha! He (oes "o! ,"o- )ou. )our *i"(s a"( )our /o-ers. 'e!!er !ha" )ou (o )oursel es. Ou+h! )ou "o! !o !rus! Hi*. !ha!. i# )our co*/lai"! 'e !rue. He has !hou+h! o# i! 'e#ore )ou2 ?Be#ore !he) call. I -ill a!!e"(.? sa)s He. ?a"( -hile !he) s/ea,. I -ill hear.? A(( !his !o )our +e"eral "o!io" o# His i"co*/rehe"si'ili!). i9.. !ha! !hou+h He is i"#i"i!e. He ca" 'o- Hi*sel# !o !he #i"i!e7 ha e #ai!h i" !he *)s!er) o# His co"(esce"sio"7 co"#ess !ha!. !hou+h He ?i"ha'i!e!h e!er"i!).? He ?(-elle!h -i!h a co"!ri!e a"( hu*'le s/iri!.? a"( ?loo,e!h (o-" u/o" !he lo-l)?. ;i e u/ !his %5H=& #re!#ul"ess. 1ui! !hese sel#<co"su*i"+ !hou+h!s. +o ou! o# )oursel es. li#! u/ )our e)es. loo, arou"(. a"( see i# )ou ca" (iscer" "o!hi"+ *ore ho/e#ul. *ore +racious i" !his -i(e -orl(. !ha" !hese /er/le0i!ies o er -hich )ou ha e 'ee" 'roo(i"+. No. *) 're!hre". -e are so co"s!i!u!e( ') our Ma,er. as !o 'e a'le !o lo e Hi* ar(e"!l). a"( He has +i e" us *ea"s o# (oi"+ so. He has "o! #ou"(e( our -orshi/ o# Hi* i" ho/e. "or *a(e sel#<

153 i"!eres! !he *easure o# our e"era!io". A"( -e ha e e)es !o see *uch *ore !ha" !he (i##icul!ies o# His Esse"ce7 a"( !he +rea! co"sola!or) (isclosures o# Hi*. -hich Na!ure 'e+i"s. Re ela!io" 'ri"+s !o /er#ec!io". Li#! u/ )our e)es. I sa). a"( loo, ou! e e" u/o" !he *a!erial -orl(. a"( !here )ou -ill see o"e a!!ri'u!e a'o e o!hers o" i!s er) #ace -hich -ill re erse )our sa( *e(i!a!io"s o" Hi* -ho *a(e i!. He has !race( ou! *a") o# His a!!ri'u!es u/o" i!. His i**e"si!). His -is(o*. His /o-er. His lo i"+<,i"("ess. a"( His s,ill7 'u! *ore !ha" all. i!s er) #ace is illu*i"a!e( -i!h !he +lor) a"( 'eau!) o# His e!er"al e0celle"ce. This is !ha! a!!ri'u!e i" -hich all His a!!ri'u!es coalesce. -hich is !he /er#ec!io". or Cas I *a) sa)D !he #lo-er a"( 'loo* o# !heir co*'i"a!io". As a*o"+ *e". )ou!h. a"( heal!h. a"( i+our. ha e !heir #i"ish i" !ha! +race o# ou!li"e. a"( lus!re o# co*/le0io". a"( elo1ue"ce o# e0/ressio". -hich -e call 'eau!). so i" !he Al*i+h!) ;o(. !hou+h -e ca""o! co*/rehe"( His hol) a!!ri'u!es. a"( shri", #ro* !heir u"#a!ho*a'le /ro#ou"(. )e! -e ca". as crea!ures. reco+"ise a"( re6oice i" !he 'ri+h!"ess. har*o"). a"( sere"i!). -hich is !heir resul!i"+ e0celle"ce. This is %5HA& !ha! 1uali!) -hich. ') !he la- o# our "a!ure. is e er a'le !o (ra- us o## oursel es i" a(*ira!io". -hich *o es our a##ec!io"s. -hich -i"s #ro* us a (isi"!eres!e( ho*a+e7 a"( i! is she( i" /ro#usio". i" !o,e" o# i!s Crea!or. o er !he isi'le -orl(. Lea e. !he". !he /riso" o# )our o-" reaso"i"+s. lea e !he !o-". !he -or, o# *a". !he hau"! o# si"7 +o #or!h. *) 're!hre". #ar #ro* !he !e"!s o# Ce(ar a"( !he sli*e o# Ba')lo"@ -i!h !he /a!riarch +o #or!h !o *e(i!a!e i" !he #iel(. a"( #ro* !he s/le"(ours o# !he -or, i*a+i"e !he u"i*a+i"a'le +lor) o# !he Archi!ec!. Mou"! so*e 'ol( e*i"e"ce. a"( loo, 'ac,. -he" !he su" is hi+h a"( #ull u/o" !he ear!h. -he" *ou"!ai"s. cli##s. a"( sea rise u/ 'e#ore )ou li,e a 'rillia"! /a+ea"!. -i!h ou!li"es "o'le a"( +race#ul. a"( !i"!s a"( sha(o-s so#!. clear. a"( har*o"ious. +i i"+ (e/!h. a"( u"i!) !o !he -hole7 a"( !he" +o !hrou+h !he #ores!. or #rui!#ul #iel(. or alo"+ *ea(o- a"( s!rea*. a"( lis!e" !o !he (is!a"! cou"!r) sou"(s. a"( (ri", i" !he #ra+ra"! air -hich is /oure( arou"( )ou i" s/ri"+ or su**er7 or +o a*o"+ !he +ar(e"s. a"( (eli+h! )our se"ses -i!h !he +race a"( s/le"(our. a"( !he arious s-ee!"ess o# !he #lo-ers )ou #i"( !here7 !he" !hi", o# !he al*os! *)s!erious i"#lue"ce u/o" !he *i"( o# /ar!icular sce"!s. or !he e*o!io" -hich so*e +e"!le. /eace#ul s!rai" e0ci!es i" us. or hosoul a"( 'o() are ra/! a"( carrie( a-a) ca/!i e ') !he co"cor( o# *usical sou"(s. -he" !he ear is o/e" !o !heir /o-er7 a"( !he". -he" )ou ha e ra"+e( !hrou+h si+h!s. a"( sou"(s. a"( o(ours. a"( )our hear! ,i"(les. a"( )our oice is #ull o# /raise a"( -orshi/. re#lec!3 %5HE& "o! !ha! !he) !ell )ou "o!hi"+ o# !heir Ma,er.3'u! !ha! !he) are !he /oores! a"( (i**es! +li**eri"+s o# His +lor). a"( !he er) re#use o# His e0u'era"! riches. a"( 'u! !he (us,) s*o,e -hich /rece(es !he #la*e. co*/are( -i!h Hi* -ho *a(e !he*. Such is !he Crea!or i" His E!er"al U"crea!e( Beau!). !ha!. -ere i! +i e" !o us !o

154 'ehol( i!. -e shoul( (ie o# er) ra/!ure a! !he si+h!. Moses. u"a'le !o #or+e! !he !o,e" o# i! he ha( o"ce see" i" !he Bush. as,e( !o see i! #ull). a"( o" !his er) accou"! -as re#use(. ?He sai(. Sho- *e Th) +lor)7 a"( He sai(. Thou ca"s! "o! see M) Face7 #or *a" shall "o! see Me a"( li e.? Whe" sai"!s ha e 'ee" #a oure( -i!h +li*/ses o# i!. i! has !hro-" !he* i"!o ecs!as). 'ro,e" !heir /oor #ra*es o# (us! a"( ashes. a"( /ierce( !he* !hrou+h -i!h such ,ee" (is!ress. !ha! !he) ha e crie( ou! !o ;o(. i" !he er) *i(s! o# !heir !ra"s/or!s. !ha! He -oul( hol( His ha"(. a"(. i" !e"(er"ess !o !he*. chec, !he a'u"(a"ce o# His co"sola!io"s. Wha! sai"!s /ar!a,e i" #ac!. -e e"6o) i" !hou+h! a"( i*a+i"a!io"7 a"( e e" !ha! *ere re#lec!io" o# ;o(Bs +lor) is su##icie"! !o s-ee/ a-a) !he +loo*). e" ious !hou+h!s o# Hi*. -hich circle rou"( us. a"( !o lea( us !o #or+e! oursel es i" !he co"!e*/la!io" o# !he All<'eau!i#ul. He is so 'ri+h!. so *a6es!ic. so sere"e. so har*o"ious. so /ure7 He so sur/asses. as 'ei"+ i!s arche!)/e a"( #ul"ess. all !ha! is +race#ul. +e"!le. s-ee!. a"( #air o" ear!h7 His oice is so !ouchi"+. a"( His s*ile so -i""i"+ -hile so a-#ul. !ha! -e "ee( "o!hi"+ *ore !ha" !o +a9e a"( lis!e". a"( 'e ha//). Sa) "o! !his is "o! e"ou+h #or lo e a"( 6o)7 e e" i" si+h!s o# !his ear!h. !he /o*/ %5HF& a"( cere*o"ial o# ro)al!) is su##icie"! #or !he 'ehol(er7 he "ee(s "o!hi"+ *ore !ha" !o 'e allo-e( !o see7 a"( -ere -e 'u! a(*i!!e( !o !he cour!s o# hea e". !he si+h! o# Hi*. e er !ra"s/or!i"+. e er "e-. !hou+h He a((resse( us "o!. -oul( 'e our *ea! a"( (ri", !o all e!er"i!). A"( i# He has so co"s!i!u!e( us. !ha!. i" s/i!e o# !he a')ss -hich lies 'e!-ee" Hi* a"( us. i" s/i!e o# !he *)s!er) o# His a!!ri'u!es a"( !he #ee'le"ess o# our reaso". !he er) isio" o# Hi* (is/els all (ou'!. allures our shri",i"+ souls. a"( is our e erlas!i"+ 6o). -ha! shall -e sa). *) 're!hre". -he" -e are !ol( !ha! He has also co"(esce"(e( !o !a,e /ossessio" o# us a"( !o rule us ') *ea"s o# ho/e a"( +ra!i!u(e. !hose ?cor(s o# A(a*.? ') -hich o"e *a" is 'ou"( !o a"o!her2 4ou sa) !ha! ;o( a"( *a" "e er ca" 'e o"e. !ha! *a" ca""o! 'ear !he si+h! a"( !ouch o# his Crea!or. "or !he Crea!or co"(esce"( !o !he #ee'le"ess o# !he crea!ure7 'u! 'lush a"( 'e co"#ou"(e( !o hear. O /ee ish. res!less hear!s. !ha! He has co*e (o-" #ro* His hi+h !hro"e a"( hu*'le( Hi*sel# !o !he crea!ure. i" or(er !ha! !he crea!ure *i+h! 'e i"s/ire( a"( s!re"+!he"e( !o rise !o Hi*. I! -as "o! e"ou+h !o +i e *a" +race7 i! -as li!!le !o i*/ar! !o hi* a celes!ial li+h!. a"( a sa"c!i!) such as A"+els ha( recei e(7 li!!le !o crea!e A(a* i" ori+i"al 6us!ice. -i!h a hea e"l) "a!ure su/era((e( !o his o-". -i!h a" i"!ellec! -hich coul( ,"o- ;o( a"( a soul -hich coul( lo e Hi*7 He /ur/ose( e e" i" *a"Bs #irs! s!a!e o# i""oce"ce a hi+her *erc). -hich i" !he #ul"ess o# !i*e -as !o 'e acco*/lishe( i" his 'ehal#. I! 'eca*e !he %5HH& Wis(o* o# ;o(. -ho is !he e!er"all) +lorious a"( 'eau!i#ul. !o i*/ress !hese a!!ri'u!es u/o" *e" ') His er) /rese"ce a"( /erso"al i"(-elli"+ i" !heir #lesh. !ha!. as He -as ') "a!ure !he O"l)< 'e+o!!e" I*a+e o# !he Fa!her. so He *i+h! also 'eco*e ?!he Firs!<

155 'or" o# e er) crea!ure?. I! 'eca*e Hi* -ho is hi+her !ha" !he hi+hes!. !o ac! as i# e e" hu*ili!). i# !his (are 'e sai(. -as i" !he "u*'er o# His a!!ri'u!es. ') !a,i"+ A(a*Bs "a!ure u/o" Hi*sel#. a"( *a"i#es!i"+ Hi*sel# !o *e" a"( A"+els i" i!. I! 'eca*e Hi*. o# -ho* are all !hi"+s. a"( -ho is i" all !hi"+s. "o! !o crea!e "e- "a!ures. -hich ha( "o! 'ee" 'e#ore. i"co"s!a"! s/iri! a"( corru/!i'le *a!!er. -i!hou! !a,i"+ !he* !o Hi*sel# a"( a'sor'i"+ !he* i"!o a /erso"al u"io" -i!h ;o(. A"( see. *) 're!hre". -he" )ou co*/lai" !ha! -e *e" are cu! o## #ro* ;o(. see !ha! He has (o"e *ore #or )ou !ha" He has (o"e #or !hose ?-ho are +rea!er i" s!re"+!h a"( /o-er?. The A"+els sur/ass us i" !heir ori+i"al "a!ure7 !he) are i**or!al s/iri!s. a"( -e are su'6ec! !o (ea!h7 !he) ha e 'ee" isi!e( ') lar+er *easures o# ;o(Bs +race. a"( !he) ser e i" His hea e". a"( are 'lesse( ') !he isio" o# His #ace7 )e! ?"o-here (o!h He !a,e hol( o# !he A"+els?7 He !ur"e( asi(e #ro* !he el(es!<'or" o# crea!io". He chose !he )ou"+er. He chose hi* i" -ho* a" i**or!al s/iri! -as u"i!e( !o a #rail a"( /erisha'le 'o(). He !ur"e( asi(e !o hi* -ho* a" irri!a'le. -a)-ar(. (i*<si+h!e(. a"( /assio"a!e "a!ure re"(ere( less -or!h) o# His lo e7 !o hi* He !ur"e(7 He *a(e ?!he #irs! las!. a"( !he las! #irs!?7 ?He raise( !he "ee() #ro* !he ear!h. a"( li#!e( !he /oor ou! o# !he %8II& *ire.? a"( 'a(e A"+els 'o- (o-" i" a(ora!io" !o a *a!erial #or*. #or i! -as His o-". Well. *) 're!hre". )our ;o( has !a,e" o" Hi* )our "a!ure. a"( "o/re/are )oursel# !o see i" hu*a" #lesh !ha! +lor) a"( !ha! 'eau!) o" -hich !he A"+els +a9e. Si"ce )ou are !o see E**a"uel. si"ce ?!he 'rillia"c) o# !he E!er"al Li+h! a"( !he u"s/o!!e( *irror o# ;o(Bs *a6es!). a"( !he I*a+e o# His +oo("ess.? is !o -al, !he ear!h. si"ce !he So" o# !he Hi+hes! is !o 'e 'or" o# -o*a". si"ce !he *a"i#ol( a!!ri'u!es o# !he I"#i"i!e are !o 'e /oure( ou! 'e#ore )our e)es !hrou+h *a!erial cha""els a"( !he o/era!io"s o# a hu*a" soul. si"ce He. -hose co"!e*/la!io" (i( 'u! !rou'le )ou i" Na!ure. is co*i"+ !o !a,e )ou ca/!i e ') a *a"i#es!a!io". -hich is 'o!h i"!elli+i'le !o )ou a"( a /le(+e !ha! He lo es )ou o"e ') o"e. raise hi+h )our e0/ec!a!io"s. #or surel) !he) ca""o! su##er (isa//oi"!*e"!. Dou'!less. )ou -ill sa). He -ill !a,e a #or* such as ?e)e ha!h "o! see". "or ear hear( o#? 'e#ore. I! -ill 'e a 'o() #ra*e( i" !he hea e"s. a"( o"l) co**i!!e( !o !he cus!o() o# Mar)7 a #or* o# li+h! a"( +lor). -or!h) o# Hi*. -ho is ?'lesse( #or e er*ore.? a"( co*es !o 'less us -i!h His /rese"ce. $o*/ a"( /ri(e o# *e" He *a) i"(ee( (es/ise7 -e (o "o! loo, #or Hi* i" ,i"+sB cour!s. or i" !he arra) o# -ar. or i" !he /hiloso/hic school7 'u! (ou'!less He -ill choose so*e cal* a"( hol) s/o!. a"( *e" -ill +o ou! !hi!her a"( #i"( !heir I"car"a!e ;o(. He -ill 'e !e"a"! o# so*e /ara(ise. li,e A(a* or Elias. or He -ill (-ell i" !he *)s!ic +ar(e" o# !he Ca"!icles. -here "a!ure *i"is!ers i!s %8I1& 'es! a"( /ures! !o i!s Crea!or. ?The #i+< !ree -ill /u! #or!h her +ree" #i+s. !he i"es i" #lo-er )iel( !heir s-ee! s*ell7? ?s/i,e"ar( a"( sa##ro"? -ill 'e !here7 ?!he s-ee! ca"e a"(

156 ci""a*o". *)rrh a"( aloes. -i!h all !he chie# /er#u*es7? ?!he +lor) o# Li'a"us. !he 'eau!) o# Car*el.? 'e#ore ?!he +lor) o# !he Lor( a"( !he 'eau!) o# our ;o(?. There -ill He sho- Hi*sel# a! s!a!e( !i*es. -i!h A"+els #or His choris!ers a"( sai"!s #or His (oor,ee/ers. !o !he /oor a"( "ee(). !o !he hu*'le a"( (e ou!. !o !hose -ho ha e ,e/! !heir i""oce"ce u"(e#ile(. or ha e /ur+e( !heir si"s a-a) ') lo"+ /e"a"ce a"( *as!er#ul co"!ri!io". Such -oul( 'e !he co"6ec!ure o# *a". a! #aul! -he" he s/ecula!e( o" !he hei+h! o# ;o(. a"( "o- a+ai" a! #aul! -he" he !ries !o sou"( !he (e/!h. He !hi",s !ha! a ro)al +lor) is !he "o!e o# His /rese"ce u/o" ear!h7 li#! u/ )our e)es. *) 're!hre". a"( a"s-er -he!her he has +uesse( ari+h!. Oh. i"co*/rehe"si'le i" e!er"i!) a"( i" !i*eG soli!ar) i" hea e". a"( soli!ar) u/o" ear!hG ?Who is !his. !ha! co*e!h #ro* E(o*. -i!h ()e( +ar*e"!s #ro* Bo9ra2 Wh) is Th) a//arel re(. a"( Th) +ar*e"!s li,e !heirs !ha! !rea( i" !he -i"e /ress2? I! is 'ecause !he Ma,er o# *a". !he Wis(o* o# ;o(. has co*e. "o! i" s!re"+!h. 'u! i" -ea,"ess. He has co*e. "o! !o asser! a clai*. 'u! !o /a) a (e'!. I"s!ea( o# -eal!h. He has co*e /oor7 i"s!ea( o# ho"our. He has co*e i" i+"o*i")7 i"s!ea( o# 'lesse("ess. He has co*e !o su##er. He has 'ee" (eli ere( o er #ro* His 'ir!h !o /ai" a"( co"!e*/!7 His (elica!e #ra*e is -or" (o-" ') col( a"( hea!. ') hu"+er a"( slee/less"ess7 His ha"(s are rou+h a"( 'ruise( -i!h %8I5& a *echa"icBs !oil7 His e)es are (i**e( -i!h -ee/i"+7 His Na*e is cas! ou! as e il. He is #lu"+ a*i( !he !hro"+ o# *e"7 He -a"(ers #ro* /lace !o /lace7 He is !he co*/a"io" o# si""ers. He is #ollo-e( ') a *i0e( *ul!i!u(e. -ho care *ore #or *ea! a"( (ri", !ha" #or His !eachi"+. or ') a ci!)Bs /o/ulace -hich (eser!s Hi* i" !he (a) o# !rial. A"( a! le"+!h ?!he Bri+h!"ess o# ;o(Bs ;lor) a"( !he I*a+e o# His Su's!a"ce? is #e!!ere(. hale( !o a"( #ro. 'u##e!e(. s/i! u/o". *oc,e(. curse(. scour+e(. a"( !or!ure(. ?He ha!h "o 'eau!) "or co*eli"ess7 He is (es/ise( a"( !he *os! a'6ec! o# *e". a Ma" o# sorro-s a"( ac1uai"!e( -i!h i"#ir*i!)7? "a). He is a ?le/er. a"( s*i!!e" o# ;o(. a"( a##lic!e(?. A"( so His clo!hes are !or" o##. a"( He is li#!e( u/ u/o" !he 'i!!er Cross. a"( !here He ha"+s. a s/ec!acle #or /ro#a"e. i*/ure. a"( sa a+e e)es. a"( a *oc,er) #or !he e il s/iri! -ho* He ha( cas! (o-" i"!o hell. Oh. -a)-ar( *a"G (isco"!e"!e( #irs! !ha! !h) ;o( is #ar #ro* !hee. (isco"!e"!e( a+ai" -he" He has (ra-" "ear.3co*/lai"i"+ #irs! !ha! He is hi+h. co*/lai"i"+ "e0! !ha! He is lo-G3u"hu*'le( 'ei"+. -he" -il! !hou cease !o *a,e !h)sel# !hi"e o-" ce"!re. a"( lear" !ha! ;o( is i"#i"i!e i" all He (oes. i"#i"i!e -he" He rei+"s i" hea e". i"#i"i!e -he" He ser es o" ear!h. e0ac!i"+ our ho*a+e i" !he *i(s! o# His A"+els. a"( -i""i"+ ho*a+e #ro* us i" !he *i(s! o# si""ers2 A(ora'le He is i" His e!er"al res!. a(ora'le i" !he +lor) o# His cour!. a(ora'le i" !he 'eau!) o# His -or,s. *os! a(ora'le o# all. *os! ro)al. *os! /ersuasi e i" His (e#or*i!). Thi", )ou %8I8& "o!. *) 're!hre".

157 !ha! !o Mar). -he" she hel( Hi* i" her *a!er"al ar*s. -he" she +a9e( o" !he /ale cou"!e"a"ce a"( !he (isloca!e( li*'s o# her ;o(. -he" she !race( !he -a"(eri"+ li"es o# 'loo(. -he" she cou"!e( !he -eals. !he 'ruises. a"( !he -ou"(s. -hich (isho"oure( !ha! ir+i"al #lesh. !hi", )ou "o! !ha! !o her e)es i! -as *ore 'eau!i#ul !ha" -he" she #irs! -orshi//e( i!. /ure. ra(ia"!. a"( #ra+ra"!. o" !he "i+h! o# His "a!i i!)2 ilectus meus candidus et rubicundus. as !he Church si"+s7 ?M) 'elo e( is -hi!e a"( ru(()7 His -hole #or* (o!h 'rea!he o# lo e. a"( (o!h /ro o,e !o lo e i" !ur"7 His (roo/i"+ hea(. His o/e" /al*s. a"( His 'reas! all 'are. M) 'elo e( is -hi!e a"( ru((). choice ou! o# !housa"(s7 His hea( is o# !he #i"es! +ol(7 His loc,s are 'ra"ches o# /al*<!rees. 'lac, as a ra e". His e)es as (o es u/o" 'roo,s o# -a!ers. -hich are -ashe( -i!h *il,. a"( si! 'esi(e !he /le"!i#ul s!rea*s. His chee,s are as 'e(s o# aro*a!ical s/ices se! ') !he /er#u*ers7 His li/s are lilies (ro//i"+ choice *)rrh. His ha"(s are !ur"e( a"( +ol(e". #ull o# 6aci"!hs7 His !hroa! is *os! s-ee!. a"( He is all lo el). Such is *) 'elo e(. a"( He is *) #rie"(. O )e (au+h!ers o# Jerusale*.? So is i!. O (ear a"( +racious Lor(. ?!he (a) o# (ea!h is 'e!!er !ha" !he (a) o# 'ir!h. a"( 'e!!er is !he house o# *our"i"+ !ha" !he house o# #eas!i"+?. Be!!er #or *e !ha! Thou shoul(s! co*e !hus a'6ec! a"( (isho"oura'le. !ha" ha(s! Thou /u! o" a 'o() #air as A(a*Bs -he" he ca*e ou! o# Th) Ha"(. Th) +lor) sullie(. Th) 'eau!) *arre(. !hose #i e -ou"(s -elli"+ ou! 'loo(. !hose !e*/les !or" a"( ra-. !ha! %8I:& 'ro,e" hear!. !ha! crushe( a"( li i( #ra*e. !he) !each *e *ore. !ha" -er! Thou Solo*o" ?i" !he (ia(e* -here-i!h his *o!her cro-"e( hi* i" !he (a) o# his hear!Bs 6o)?. The +e"!le a"( !e"(er e0/ressio" o# !ha! Cou"!e"a"ce is "o "e- 'eau!). or crea!e( +race7 i! is 'u! !he *a"i#es!a!io". i" a hu*a" #or*. o# A!!ri'u!es -hich ha e 'ee" #ro* e erlas!i"+. Thou ca"s! "o! cha"+e. O Jesus7 a"(. as Thou ar! s!ill M)s!er). so -as! Thou al-a)s Lo e. I ca""o! co*/rehe"( Thee *ore !ha" I (i(. 'e#ore I sa- Thee o" !he Cross7 'u! I ha e +ai"e( *) lesso". I ha e 'e#ore *e !he /roo# !ha! i" s/i!e o# Th) a-#ul "a!ure. a"( !he clou(s a"( (ar,"ess -hich surrou"( i!. Thou ca"s! !hi", o# *e -i!h a /erso"al a##ec!io". Thou has! (ie(. !ha! I *i+h! li e. ?Le! us lo e ;o(.? sa)s Th) A/os!le. ?'ecause He #irs! ha!h lo e( us.? I ca" lo e Thee "o- #ro* #irs! !o las!. !hou+h #ro* #irs! !o las! I ca""o! u"(ers!a"( Thee. As I a(ore Thee. O Lo er o# souls. i" Th) hu*ilia!io". so -ill I a(*ire Thee a"( e*'race Thee i" Th) i"#i"i!e a"( e erlas!i"+ /o-er. To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

158

Discourse 1=. The I"#i"i!u(e o# !he Di i"e A!!ri'u!es

%8I=& WE all ,"o- -ell. a"( #ir*l) hol(. !ha! our Lor( Jesus Chris!. !he So" o# ;o(. (ie( o" !he Cross i" sa!is#ac!io" #or our si"s. This !ru!h is !he +rea! #ou"(a!io" o# all our ho/es. a"( !he o'6ec! o# our *os! ear"es! #ai!h a"( *os! lo i"+ -orshi/. A"( )e!. ho-e er -ell -e ,"o- i!. i! is a su'6ec! -hich a(*i!s o# (ra-i"+ ou!. a"( i"sis!i"+ o" i" (e!ail. i" a -a) -hich *os! /erso"s -ill #eel /ro#i!a'le !o !he*sel es. I shall "o- a!!e*/! !o (o !his i" so*e *easure. a"( !o #ollo- !he re#lec!io"s !o -hich i! lea(s7 !hou+h a! !his seaso" JNo!e 1L *a") -or(s -oul( 'e ou! o# /lace. Chris! (ie( #or our si"s. #or !he si"s o# !he -hole -orl(7 'u! He "ee( "o! ha e (ie(. #or !he Al*i+h!) ;o( *i+h! ha e sa e( us all. *i+h! ha e sa e( !he -hole -orl(. -i!hou! His ()i"+. He *i+h! ha e /ar(o"e( a"( 'rou+h! !o hea e" e er) i"(i i(ual chil( o# A(a* -i!hou! !he i"car"a!io" a"( (ea!h o# His So". He *i+h! ha e sa e( us -i!hou! a") ra"so* a"( -i!hou! a") (ela). He *i+h! ha e a'olishe( ori+i"al si". a"( res!ore( A(a* a! o"ce. His -or( ha( 'ee" e"ou+h7 -i!h Hi* !o sa) is !o (o. ?All !hi"+s are %8IA& /ossi'le !o Thee.? -as !he er) reaso" our Lor( +a e i" His a+o") #or as,i"+ !ha! !he chalice *i+h! /ass #ro* Hi*. As i" !he 'e+i""i"+ He sai(. ?Le! li+h! 'e. a"( li+h! -as?7 so *i+h! He ha e s/o,e" a+ai". a"( si" -oul( ha e a"ishe( #ro* !he soul. a"( +uil! -i!h i!. Or He *i+h! ha e e*/lo)e( a *e(ia!or less /o-er#ul !ha" His o-" So"7 He *i+h! ha e acce/!e( !he i*/er#ec! sa!is#ac!io" o# so*e *ere *a". He -a"!s "o! #or resources7 'u! He -ille( o!her-ise. He -ho e er (oes !he 'es!. sai" His i"#i"i!e -is(o* !ha! i! -as e0/e(ie"! a"( #i!!i"+ !o !a,e a ra"so*. As He has "o! hi"(ere( !he re/ro'a!e #ro* resis!i"+ His +race a"( re6ec!i"+ re(e*/!io". so He has "o! /ar(o"e( a") -ho are !o e"!er His e!er"al ,i"+(o*. -i!hou! a !rue a"( su##icie"! sa!is#ac!io" #or !heir si". Bo!h i" !he o"e case a"( !he o!her. He has (o"e. "o! -ha! -as /ossi'le *erel). 'u! -ha! -as 'es!. A"( !his is -h) !he co*i"+ o# !he Wor( -as "ecessar)7 #or i# a !rue sa!is#ac!io" -as !o 'e *a(e. !he" "o!hi"+ coul( acco*/lish !his. shor! o# !he i"car"a!io" o# !he All<hol). 4ou see. !he". *) 're!hre". ho- olu"!ar) -as !he *issio" a"( (ea!h o# our Lor(7 i# a" i"s!a"ce ca" 'e i*a+i"e( o# olu"!ar) su##eri"+. i! is !his. He ca*e !o (ie -he" He "ee( "o! ha e (ie(7 He (ie( !o sa!is#) #or -ha! *i+h! ha e 'ee" /ar(o"e( -i!hou! sa!is#ac!io"7 He /ai( a /rice -hich "ee( "o! ha e 'ee" as,e(. "a). -hich "ee(e( !o 'e acce/!e( JNo!e 5L -he" /ai(. I! *a) 'e sai( -i!h !ru!h. !ha!. ri+orousl) s/ea,i"+. o"e %8IE& 'ei"+ ca" "e er. ') his

159 o-" su##eri"+. si*/l) (ischar+e !he (e'! o# a"o!herBs si" JNo!e 8L. Accor(i"+l). He (ie(. "o! i" or(er !o e0er! a /ere*/!or) clai* o" !he Di i"e 6us!ice. i# I *a) so s/ea,.3as i# He -ere 'ar+ai"i"+ i" !he *ar,e!</lace. or /ursui"+ a /lea i" a cour! o# la-.3'u! i" a *ore lo i"+. +e"erous. *u"i#ice"! -a). (i( He she( !ha! 'loo(. -hich -as -or!h !e" !housa"( li es o# *e". -or!h *ore !ha" !he 'loo( o# all !he so"s o# A(a* /oure( ou! !o+e!her. i" accor(a"ce -i!h His Fa!herBs -ill. -ho. #or -ise reaso"s u"re eale(. e0ac!e( i! as !he co"(i!io" o# !heir /ar(o". Nor -as !his all73o"e (ro/ o# His 'loo( ha( 'ee" su##icie"! !o sa!is#) #or our si"s7 He *i+h! ha e o##ere( His circu*cisio" as a" a!o"e*e"!. a"( i! -oul( ha e 'ee" su##icie"!7 o"e *o*e"! o# His a+o") o# 'loo( ha( 'ee" su##icie"!. o"e s!ro,e o# !he scour+e *i+h! ha e -rou+h! a su##icie"! sa!is#ac!io". Bu! "ei!her circu*cisio". a+o"). "or scour+i"+ -as our re(e*/!io". 'ecause He (i( "o! o##er !he* as such. %8IF& The /rice He /ai( -as "o!hi"+ shor! o# !he -hole !reasure o# His 'loo(. /oure( #or!h !o !he las! (ro/ #ro* His ei"s a"( sacre( hear!. He she( His -hole li#e #or us7 He le#! Hi*sel# e*/!) o# His all. He le#! His !hro"e o" hi+h7 He +a e u/ His ho*e o" ear!h7 He /ar!e( -i!h His Mo!her. He +a e His s!re"+!h a"( His !oil. He +a e His 'o() a"( soul. He o##ere( u/ His /assio". His cruci#i0io". a"( His (ea!h !ha! *a" shoul( "o! 'e 'ou+h! #or "o!hi"+. This is -ha! !he a/os!le i"!i*a!es i" sa)i"+ !ha! -e are ?'ou+h! -i!h a great /rice?7 a"( !he /ro/he!. -hile he (eclares !ha! ?-i!h !he Lor( !here is *erc). a"( -i!h Hi* a co!ious? or ?/le"!eous re(e*/!io"?. This is -ha! I -ishe( !o (ra- ou! (is!i"c!l). *) 're!hre". #or )our (e ou! *e(i!a!io". We *i+h! ha e 'ee" /ar(o"e( -i!hou! !he hu*ilia!io" o# !he E!er"al Wor(7 a+ai". -e *i+h! ha e 'ee" re(ee*e( ') o"e si"+le (ro/ o# His 'loo(7 'u! s!ill o" ear!h He ca*e. a"( a (ea!h He (ie(. a (ea!h o# i"co"cei a'le su##eri"+7 a"( all !his He (i( as a #ree o##eri"+ !o His Fa!her. "o! as #orci"+ His acce/!a"ce o# i!. Fro* 'e+i""i"+ !o !he e"( i! -as i" !he hi+hes! se"se a olu"!ar) -or,7 a"( !his is -ha! is so o er/o-eri"+ !o !he *i"( i" !he !hou+h! o# i!. I! is as i# He (eli+h!e( i" ha i"+ !o su##er7 as i# He -ishe( !o sho- all crea!ures. -ha! -oul( o!her-ise ha e see*e( i*/ossi'le. !ha! !he Crea!or coul( /rac!ise. i" !he *i(s! o# His hea e"l) 'lesse("ess. !he ir!ues o# a crea!ure. sel#<a'ase*e"! a"( hu*ili!). I! is. as i# He -ishe(. all<+lorious as He -as #ro* all e!er"i!). as a sor! o# a((i!io" Ci# -e *a) so %8IH& s/ea,D !o His /er#ec!io"s. !o su'*i! !o a crea!ureBs co"(i!io" i" i!s *os! a##lic!i e #or*. I! is. i# -e *a) use hu*a" la"+ua+e. a /ro(i+ali!) o# chari!). or !ha! heroic lo e o# !oil a"( har(shi/. -hich is /oorl) sha(o-e( ou! i" !he ro*a"!ic (e#e"(ers o# !he i""oce"! or !he o//resse(. -ho* -e rea( o# i" his!or) or i" #a'le. -ho ha e +o"e a'ou! !he ear!h. "o'l) e0/osi"+ !he*sel es !o /eril #or a") -ho as,e( !heir ai(.

160 Or. ra!her. a"( !ha! is -ha! I -ish !o i"sis! u/o". i! su++es!s !o us. as ') a s/eci*e". !he i"#i"i!u(e o# ;o(. We all co"#ess !ha! He is i"#i"i!e7 He has a" i"#i"i!e "u*'er o# /er#ec!io"s. a"( He is i"#i"i!e i" each o# !he*. This -e shall co"#ess a! o"ce7 'u!. -e as,. -ha! is i"#i"i!)2 -ha! is *ea"! ') sa)i"+ He is i"#i"i!e2 We see* !o -ish !o 'e !ol(. as i# -e ha( "o!hi"+ +i e" us !o !hro- li+h! o" !he 1ues!io". Wh). *) 're!hre". -e ha e *uch +i e" us7 !he ou!-ar( e0hi'i!io" o# i"#i"i!u(e is *)s!er)7 a"( !he *)s!eries o# "a!ure a"( o# +race are "o!hi"+ else !ha" !he *o(e i" -hich His i"#i"i!u(e e"cou"!ers us a"( is 'rou+h! ho*e !o our *i"(s. Me" co"#ess !ha! He is i"#i"i!e. )e! !he) s!ar! a"( o'6ec!. as soo" as His i"#i"i!u(e co*es i" co"!ac! -i!h !heir i*a+i"a!io" a"( ac!s u/o" !heir reaso". The) ca""o! 'ear !he #ul"ess. !he su/era'u"(a"ce. !he i"e0haus!i'le #lo-i"+ #or!h. a"( ? ehe*e"! rushi"+.? JNo!e :L a"( e"co*/assi"+ #loo( o# !he Di i"e a!!ri'u!es. The) res!rai" a"( li*i! !he* !o !heir o-" co*/rehe"sio". !he) *easure !he* ') !heir o-" s!a"(ar(. !he) #ashio" %81I& !he* ') !heir o-" *o(el@ a"( -he" !he) (iscer" au+h! o# !he u"#a!ho*a'le (e/!h. !he i**e"si!). o# a") si"+le e0celle"ce or /er#ec!io" o# !he Di i"e Na!ure. His lo e or His 6us!ice. or His /o-er. !he) are a! o"ce o##e"(e(. a"( !ur" a-a). a"( re#use !o 'elie e. No- !his i"s!a"ce o# our Lor(Bs hu*ilia!io" is a case i" /oi"!. Wha! -oul( 'e /ro#usio" a"( e0!ra a+a"ce i" *a". is 'u! sui!a'le or "ecessar). i# I *a) sa) so. i" Hi* -hose resources are illi*i!a'le. We rea( i" his!or) accou"!s o# orie"!al *u"i#ice"ce. -hich sou"( li,e #ic!io". a"( -hich -oul( +ai". "o! a//lause. 'u! co"!e*/! i" Euro/e. -here -eal!h is "o! co"ce"!ra!e(. as i" !he Eas!. u/o" a #e- ou! o# a -hole /eo/le. ?Ro)al *u"i#ice"ce? has 'eco*e a /ro er'. #ro* !he i(ea !ha! a ,i"+Bs !reasures are such. as !o *a,e !he +i i"+ o# lar+e /rese"!s a"( 'ou"!ies. "o! allo-a'le o"l). 'u! a//ro/ria!e i" hi*. He. !he". -ho is i"#i"i!e. *a) 'e o"l) (oi"+ -ha! is 'es!. a"( holies!. a"( -ises!. i" (oi"+ -ha! !o *a" see*s i"#i"i!el) !o e0cee( !he "ecessi!)7 #or He ca""o! e0cee( His o-" /o-ers or resources. Ma" has li*i!e( *ea"s a"( (e#i"i!e (u!ies7 i! -oul( 'e -as!e i" hi* !o la ish a !housa"( /ieces o# +ol( o" o"e /oor *a". -he" -i!h !he sa*e he *i+h! ha e (o"e su's!a"!ial +oo( !o *a")7 'u! ;o( is as rich. as He is /ro#ou"( a"( as!. as i"#i"i!e. a#!er He has (o"e a -or, o# i"#i"i!e 'ou"!). as 'e#ore He se! a'ou! i!. ?K"o-es! !hou "o!.? He sa)s. or ?has! !hou "o! hear(2 !he Lor( is !he E erlas!i"+ ;o(. -ho has crea!e( !he e"(s o# !he ear!h7 He shall "o! #ai"!. "or -ear)7 "or is !here a") %811& searchi"+ ou! o# His -is(o*.? He ca""o! (o a s*all -or,7 He ca""o! ac! ') hal es7 He e er (oes -hole -or,s. +rea! -or,s. Ha( Chris! 'ee" i"car"a!e #or o"e si"+le soul. -ho ou+h! !o ha e 'ee" sur/rise(2 -ho ou+h! "o! !o ha e /raise( a"( 'lesse( Hi* #or !elli"+ us i" o"e i"s!a"ce. a"( ') a s/eci*e". -ha! !ha! lo e a"( 'ou"!) are -hich #ill !he hea e"s2 a"( i" li,e *a""er. -he" i" #ac! He has !a,e" #lesh #or !hose. -ho *i+h! ha e 'ee" sa e( -i!hou! i!. !hou+h *ore sui!a'l) !o His +lorious *a6es!) -i!h i!. a"( *oreo er

161 has she( His -hole 'loo( i" sa!is#ac!io". -he" a (ro/ *i+h! ha e su##ice(. shall -e !hi", such !eachi"+ s!ra"+e a"( har( !o recei e. a"( "o! ra!her co"si(er i! co"sis!e"! a"( *erel) co"sis!e"!. -i!h !ha! +rea! !ru!h. -hich -e all s!ar! -i!h a(*i!!i"+. !ha! He is i"#i"i!e2 Surel) i! -oul( 'e *os! irra!io"al i" us. !o a(*i! His i"#i"i!u(e i" !he +e"eral. a"( !o re6ec! !he e0a*/les o# i! i" /ar!icular7 !o *ai"!ai" !ha! He is *)s!er). )e! !o (e") !ha! His ac!s ca" 'e *)s!erious. We *us! "o!. !he". 'ri"+ i" our eco"o*ical !heories. 'orro-e( #ro* !he schools o# !he (a). -he" -e -oul( reaso" a'ou! !he E!er"al ;o(. The -orl( is e er (oi"+ so. -he" i! s/ea,s o# reli+io". I! -ill "o! allo!he *iracles o# !he sai"!s. 'ecause i! /re!e"(s !ha! !hose -rou+h! ') !he a/os!les -ere su##icie"! #or !he /ur/ose -hich *iracles ha(. or ou+h! #orsoo!h !o ha e. i" ie-. I -o"(er ho- !he -orl( co*es !o a(*i! !ha! such *ul!i!u(es o# hu*a" 'ei"+s are 'or" a"( (ie i" i"#a"c)7 or !ha! a /ro#usio" o# see(s is cas! o er !he #ace o# !he ear!h. so*e o# -hich #all ') !he -a)<si(e. %815& so*e o" !he roc,. so*e a*o"+ !hor"s. a"( o"l) a re*"a"! o" !he +oo( +rou"(. Ho-as!e#ul -as !ha! so-erG so !hi",s !he -orl(. 'u! a" a/os!le cries ou!. ?Oh. !he (e/!h o# !he riches o# !he -is(o* a"( o# !he ,"o-le(+e o# ;o(G ho- i"co*/rehe"si'le are His 6u(+*e"!s. a"( hou"searcha'le His -a)sG? The -orl( 6u(+es o# ;o(Bs co"(esce"sio" as i! 6u(+es o# His 'ou"!). We ,"o- #ro* Scri/!ure !ha! ?!he !eachi"+ o# !he Cross? -as i" !he 'e+i""i"+ ?#oolish"ess? !o i!7 +ra e. !hi",i"+ *e" sco##e( a! i! as i*/ossi'le. !ha! ;o(. -ho is so hi+h. shoul( hu*'le Hi*sel# so lo-. a"( !ha! O"e -ho (ie( a *ale#ac!orBs (ea!h shoul( 'e -orshi//e( o" !he er) i"s!ru*e"! o# His /u"ish*e"!. >olu"!ar) hu*ilia!io" !he) (i( "o! u"(ers!a"( !he". "or (o !he) "o-. The) (o "o! i"(ee( e0/ress !heir re/u+"a"ce !o !he (oc!ri"e so o/e"l) "o-. 'ecause -ha! is calle( /u'lic o/i"io" (oes "o! allo- !he*7 'u! )ou see -ha! !he) reall) !hi", o# Chris!. ') !he !o"e -hich !he) a(o/! !o-ar(s !hose -ho i" !heir *easure #ollo- Hi*. Those -ho are /ar!a,ers o# His #ul"ess are calle( o". accor(i"+ as !he +i#! is +i e" !he*. -he!her ') His or(i"ar) su++es!io"s or ') /ar!icular i"s/ira!io". !o i*i!a!e His /a!!er"7 !he) are carrie( o" !o !he sacri#ice o# sel#. a"( !hus !he) co*e i"!o collisio" -i!h !he *a0i*s o# !he -orl(. A olu"!ar) or +ra!ui!ous *or!i#ica!io" i" o"e sha/e or a"o!her. olu"!ar) chas!i!). olu"!ar) /o er!). olu"!ar) o'e(ie"ce. o-s o# /er#ec!io". all !his is !he er) /oi"! o# co"!es! 'e!-ee" !he -orl( a"( !he Church. !he -orl( ha!i"+ i!. a"( !he Church cou"selli"+ i!. ?Wh) ca""o! !he) s!o/ -i!h *e2? %818& sa)s !he -orl(7 ?-h) -ill !he) +i e u/ !heir s!a!io" or /osi!io". -he" i! is cer!ai" !he) *i+h! 'e sa e( -here !he) are2 Here is a la() o# 'ir!h7 she *i+h! 'e use#ul a! ho*e. she *i+h! *arr) -ell. she *i+h! 'e a" or"a*e"! !o socie!). she *i+h! +i e her cou"!e"a"ce !o reli+ious o'6ec!s. a"( she has /er ersel) le#! us all7 she has cu! o## her hair. a"( /u! o" a coarse +ar*e"!. a"( is -ashi"+

162 !he #ee! o# !he /oor. There is a *a" o# "a*e a"( a'ili!). -ho has !hro-" hi*sel# ou! o# his s/here o# i"#lue"ce a"( secular /osi!io". a"( he chooses a /lace -here "o o"e ,"o-s his -or!h7 a"( he is !eachi"+ li!!le chil(re" !heir ca!echis*.? The -orl( is !ouche( -i!h /i!). a"( sha*e. a"( i"(i+"a!io" a! !he si+h!. a"( *oralises o er /erso"s -ho ac! so u"-or!hil) o# !heir 'ir!h or e(uca!io". a"( are so cruel !o-ar(s !he*sel es. A"( -orse s!ill. ?here is a sai"!. a"( -ha! *us! he (o 'u! /rac!ise ecce"!rici!ies2?3as !he) reall) -oul( 'e i" o!hers. !hou+h i" hi* !he) are 'u! !he "ecessar) a"!a+o"is!s !o !he !e*/!a!io"s -hich o!her-ise -oul( co*e o" hi* #ro* ?!he +rea!"ess o# !he re ela!io"s.? or are 'u! !o,e"s o# !he lo e -i!h -hich he e*'races !he #ee! o# His Re(ee*er. A"( ?here a+ai" is a"o!her. a"( she su'*i!s her #lesh !o /e"a"ces shoc,i"+ !o !hi", o#. a"( -earies hersel# ou! i" !he search a#!er *iser). a"( all #ro* so*e "o!io" !ha! she is assi*ila!i"+ her co"(i!io" !o !he olu"!ar) sel#<a'ase*e"! o# !he Wor(?. Alas. #or !he -orl(G -hich is si*/l) #or+e!#ul !ha! ;o( is +rea! i" all He (oes. +rea! i" His su##eri"+s. a"( !ha! He *a,es sai"!s a"( hol) *e" i" !heir (e+ree /ar!a,ers o# !ha! +rea!"ess. %81:& Here. !oo. is a"o!her i"s!a"ce i" /oi"!. I# !here is o"e Di i"e a!!ri'u!e ra!her !ha" a"o!her. -hich #orces i!sel# u/o" !he *i"( #ro* !he co"!e*/la!io" o# !he *a!erial -orl(. i! is !he +lor). har*o"). a"( 'eau!) o# i!s Crea!or. This lies o" !he sur#ace o# !he crea!io". li,e li+h! o" a cou"!e"a"ce. a"( a((resses i!sel# !o all. To #e- *e" i"(ee( is i! +i e" !o /e"e!ra!e i"!o !he -orl(Bs s)s!e* a"( or(er so (ee/l). as !o /ercei e. i" a((i!io". !he -o"(er#ul s,ill a"( +oo("ess o# !he Di i"e Ar!i#icer7 'u! !he +race a"( lo eli"ess -hich 'ea* #ro* !he er) #ace o# !he isi'le crea!io" are co+"isa'le ') all. rich a"( /oor. lear"e( a"( i+"ora"!. I! is i"(ee( so 'eau!i#ul. !ha! !hose sa*e /hiloso/hers. -ho (e o!e !he*sel es !o i!s i" es!i+a!io". co*e !o lo e i! i(ola!rousl). a"( !o !hi", i! !oo /er#ec! #or !he* !o allo- o# i!s i"#ri"+e*e"! or al!era!io". or !o !olera!e e e" !ha! i(ea. No! loo,i"+ u/ !o !he I"#i"i!e Crea!or. -ho coul( *a,e a !housa"( #airer -orl(s. a"( -ho has *a(e !he #aires! /or!io" o# !his !he *os! /erisha'le3 'loo*i"+. as i! (oes. !o(a). a"( !o*orro- is cas! i"!o !he o e"3 lo i"+. I sa). !he crea!ure *ore !ha" !he Crea!or. !he) ha e !a,e" o" !he* i" all a+es !o (is'elie e !he /ossi'ili!) o# i"!erru/!io"s o# /h)sical or(er. a"( ha e (e"ie( !he *iracles o# Re ela!io". The) ha e (e"ie( !he *iracles o# a/os!les a"( /ro/he!s. o" !he +rou"( o# !heir *arri"+ a"( s/oili"+ -ha! is so /er#ec! a"( har*o"ious. as i# !he isi'le -orl( -ere so*e -or, o# hu*a" ar!. !oo e01uisi!e !o 'e -a"!o"l) (ashe( o" !he +rou"(. Bu! He. *) 're!hre". !he E!er"al Ma,er o# !i*e a"( s/ace. o# *a!!er a"( se"se. as i# !o /our co"!e*/! u/o" !he #or-ar( a"( *i"u!e s/ecula!io"s o# %81=& His i+"ora"! crea!ures a'ou! His -or,s a"( His -ill. i" or(er !o a #uller a"( richer har*o"). a"( a hi+her a"( "o'ler or(er. co"#uses !he la-s o# !his /h)sical u"i erse a"( u"!u"es !he *usic o# !he s/heres. Na). He has (o"e *ore. He has +o"e #ur!her s!ill7 ou! o# !he i"#i"i!u(e o# His

163 +rea!"ess. He has (e#ace( His o-" +lor). a"( -ou"(e( a"( (e#or*e( His o-" 'eau!)3"o! i"(ee( as i! is i" i!sel#. #or He is e er !he sa*e. !ra"sce"(e"!l) /er#ec! a"( u"cha"+ea'le. 'u! i" !he co"!e*/la!io" o# His crea!ures.3') !he u"u!!era'le co"(esce"sio" o# His i"car"a!io". Semeti!sum e-inanivit. ?He *a(e Hi*sel# oi( or e*/!).? as !he ear!h ha( 'ee" ? oi( a"( e*/!)? a! !he 'e+i""i"+7 He see*e( !o 'e u"'i"(i"+ a"( le!!i"+ loose !he asse*'la+e o# a!!ri'u!es -hich *a(e Hi* ;o(. a"( !o 'e (es!ro)i"+ !he i(ea -hich He Hi*sel# ha( i*/la"!e( i" our *i"(s. The ;o( o# *iracles (i( !he *os! a-#ul o# si+"s a"( -o"(ers. ') re o,i"+ a"( co"!ra(ic!i"+. as i! -ere. all His /er#ec!io"s. !hou+h He re*ai"e( !he -hile o"e a"( !he sa*e. O*"i/o!e"ce 'eca*e a" a'6ec!7 !he Li#e 'eca*e a le/er7 !he #irs! a"( o"l) Fair ca*e (o-" !o us -i!h a" ?i"+lorious isa+e.? a"( a" ?u"si+h!l) #or*.? 'lee(i"+ a"( CI *a) sa)D +has!l). li#!e( u/ i" "a,e("ess a"( s!re!che( ou! i" (isloca!io" 'e#ore !he e)es o# si""ers. No! co"!e"! -i!h !his. He /er/e!ua!es !he his!or) o# His hu*ilia!io"7 *e" o# !his -orl(. -he" !he) #all i"!o !rou'le. a"( !he" reco er !he*sel es. hi(e !he *e*orials o# i!. The) co"ceal !heir *is#or!u"es i" /ros/ec!. as lo"+ as !he) ca"7 'ear !he* /er#orce. -he" !he) #all i"!o !he*7 a"(. %81A& -he" !he) ha e o erco*e !he*. a##ec! !o *a,e li+h! o# !he*. Ki"+s o# !he ear!h. -he" !he) ha e ri( !he*sel es o# !heir !e*/orar) co"1uerors. a"( are rei"s!a!e( o" !heir !hro"es. /u! all !hi"+s 'ac, i"!o !heir #or*er s!a!e. a"( re*o e #ro* !heir /alaces. cou"cil<roo*s. a"( ci!ies. -he!her s!a!ue or /ic!ure or i"scri/!io" or e(ic!. all o# -hich 'ear -i!"ess !o !he sus/e"sio" o# !heir /o-er. Sol(iers i"(ee( 'oas! o# !heir scars. 'u! i! is 'ecause !heir #oes -ere -ell<*a!che( -i!h !he*. a"( !heir co"#lic!s -ere "ecessar). a"( !he *ar,s o# -ha! !he) ha e su##ere( is a /roo# o# -ha! !he) ha e (o"e7 'u! He. -ho oblatus est, quia voluit. -ho ?-as o##ere(. #or He -ille( i!.? -ho e0/ose( Hi*sel# !o !he /o-ers o# e il. )e! coul( ha e sa e( us -i!hou! !ha! e0/osure. -ho -as "ei!her -ea, i" !ha! He -as o erco*e. "or s!ro"+ i" !ha! He o erca*e. /roclai*s !o !he -hole -orl( -ha! He has +o"e !hrou+h. -i!hou! !he !)ra"!Bs sha*e. -i!hou! !he sol(ierBs /ri(e3He C-o"(er#ul i! isD has raise( u/ o" hi+h. He has /la"!e( o er !he ear!h. !he *e*orial. !ha! !ha! E il O"e -ho* He cas! ou! o# hea e" i" !he 'e+i""i"+. has i" !he hour o# (ar,"ess i"#lic!e( a+o") u/o" Hi*. For i" !ru!h. ') co"se1ue"ce o# !he i"#i"i!u(e o# His +lor). He is *ore 'eau!i#ul i" His -ea,"ess !ha" i" His s!re"+!h7 His -ou"(s shi"e li,e s!ars o# li+h!7 His er) Cross 'eco*es a" o'6ec! o# -orshi/7 !he i"s!ru*e"!s o# His /assio". !he "ails a"( !he !hor") cro-". are re/le!e -i!h *iraculous /o-er. A"( so He 'i(s !he co**e*ora!io" o# His Bloo() Sacri#ice !o 'e *a(e (a) ') (a) all o er !he ear!h. a"( He Hi*sel# is !here %81E& i" $erso" !o 1uic,e" a"( sa"c!i#) i!7 He rears His 'i!!er 'u! sa i"+ Cross i" e er) Church a"( o er e er) Al!ar7 He sho-s Hi*sel# !or" a"( 'lee(i"+ u/o" !he -oo( a! !he cor"ers o# each s!ree! a"( i" e er) illa+e *ar,e!</lace7 He *a,es i! !he s)*'ol o# His reli+io"7

164 He seals our #orehea(s. our li/s. a"( our 'reas! -i!h !his !riu*/ha"! si+"7 -i!h i! He 'e+i"s a"( e"(s our (a)s. a"( -i!h i! He co"si+"s us !o !he !o*'. A"( -he" He co*es a+ai". !ha! Si+" o# !he So" o# Ma" -ill 'e see" i" hea e"7 a"( -he" He !a,es His sea! i" 6u(+*e"!. !he sa*e +lorious *ar,s -ill 'e see" ') all !he -orl( i" His Ha"(s. Fee!. a"( Si(e. -hich -ere (u+ i"!o !he* a! !he seaso" o# His (e+ra(a!io". Thus ?ha!h Ki"+ Solo*o" *a(e hi*sel# a li!!er o# !he -oo( o# Li'a"us. The /illars !hereo# he *a(e o# sil er. !he sea! o# +ol(. !he +oi"+ u/ o# /ur/le7 !he *i(s! he co ere( -i!h chari!) #or !he (au+h!ers o# Jerusale*. ;o #or!h. )e (au+h!ers o# Sio"7 a"( see Ki"+ Solo*o" i" !he (ia(e*. -here-i!h his *o!her cro-"e( hi* i" !he (a) o# his es/ousals. a"( i" !he (a) o# his hear!Bs 6o).? I *us! "o! co"clu(e !his !rai" o# !hou+h!. -i!hou! allu(i"+ !o a s!er"er su'6ec!. o" -hich i! see*s !o !hro- so*e li+h!. There is a class o# (oc!ri"es -hich !o !he "a!ural *a" are a" es/ecial o##e"ce a"( (i##icul!)7 I *ea" !hose co""ec!e( -i!h !he Di i"e 6u(+*e"!s. Wh) has !he Al*i+h!) assi+"e( a" e"(less /u"ish*e"! !o !he i*/e"i!e"! si""er2 Wh) is i! !ha! e"+ea"ce has i!s hol( o" hi* -he" he /asses ou! o# !his li#e. a"( !here is "o re*e()2 Wh). a+ai". is i! !ha! e e" !he 'elo e( chil(re" o# ;o(. %81F& !hose hol) souls -ho lea e !his li#e i" His +race a"( i" His #a our. are "o! a! o"ce a(*i!!e( !o His #ace7 'u!. i# !here 'e a" ou!s!a"(i"+ (e'! a+ai"s! !he*. #irs! e"!er /ur+a!or) a"( li1ui(a!e i!2 Me" o# !he -orl( shri", #ro* a (oc!ri"e li,e !his as i*/ossi'le. a"( reli+ious *e" a"s-er !ha! i! is a *)s!er)7 a"( a *)s!er) i! is.3!ha! is. i! is 'u! a"o!her o# !hose i"s!a"ces -hich Na!ure a"( Re ela!io" 'ri"+ 'e#ore us o# !he Di i"e I"#i"i!u(e7 i! is 'u! o"e o# !he *a") o er/o-eri"+ *a"i#es!a!io"s o# !he Al*i+h!). -he" He ac!s. -hich re*i"( us. -hich are i"!e"(e( !o re*i"( us. !ha! He is i"#i"i!e. a"( a'o e a"( 'e)o"( hu*a" *easure a"( u"(ers!a"(i"+.3-hich lea( us !o 'o- !he hea( a"( a(ore Hi*. as Moses (i(. -he" He /asse( '). a"( -i!h hi* a-#ull) !o /roclai* His Na*e. as ?!he Lor( ;o(. -ho ha!h (o*i"io". ,ee/i"+ *erc) #or !housa"(s. a"( re!ur"i"+ !he i"i1ui!) o# !he #a!hers u/o" !he chil(re" a"( chil(re"Bs chil(re" !o !he !hir( a"( #our!h +e"era!io"?. Thus !he a!!ri'u!es o# ;o(. !hou+h i"!elli+i'le !o us o" !heir sur#ace.3 #or #ro* our o-" se"se o# *erc) a"( holi"ess a"( /a!ie"ce a"( co"sis!e"c). -e ha e +e"eral "o!io"s o# !he All<*erci#ul a"( All<hol) a"( All</a!ie"!. a"( o# all !ha! is /ro/er !o His Esse"ce.3)e!. #or !he er) reaso" !ha! !he) are i"#i"i!e. !ra"sce"( our co*/rehe"sio". -he" !he) are (-el! u/o". -he" !he) are #ollo-e( ou!. a"( ca" o"l) 'e recei e( ') #ai!h. The) are (i*l) sha(o-e( ou!. i" !his er) res/ec!. ') !he +rea! a+e"!s -hich He has crea!e( i" !he *a!erial -orl(. Wha! is so or(i"ar) a"( #a*iliar !o us as !he ele*e"!s. -ha! so si*/le a"( le el !o %81H& us. as !heir /rese"ce a"( o/era!io"2 )e! ho- !heir charac!er cha"+es. a"( ho- !he) o er*as!er us. a"( !riu*/h o er us. -he" !he) co*e u/o" us i" !heir #ul"essG The

165 i" isi'le air. ho- +e"!le is i!. a"( i"!i*a!el) oursG -e 'rea!he i! *o*e"!aril). "or coul( -e li e -i!hou! i!7 i! #a"s our chee,. a"( #lo-s arou"( us. a"( -e *o e !hrou+h i! -i!hou! e##or!. -hile i! o'e(ie"!l) rece(es a! e er) s!e/ -e !a,e. a"( o'se1uiousl) /ursues us as -e +o #or-ar(. 4e! le! i! co*e i" i!s /o-er. a"( !ha! sa*e sile"! #lui(. -hich -as 6us! "o- !he ser a"! o# our "ecessi!) or ca/rice. !a,es us u/ o" i!s -i"+s -i!h !he i" isi'le /o-er o# a" A"+el. a"( carries us #or!h i"!o !he re+io"s o# s/ace. a"( #li"+s us (o-" hea(lo"+ u/o" !he ear!h. Or +o !o !he s/ri"+. a"( (ra- !he"ce a! )our /leasure. #or )our cu/ or )our /i!cher. i" su//l) o# )our -a"!s7 )ou ha e a rea() ser a"!. a (o*es!ic e er a! ha"(. i" lar+e 1ua"!i!) or i" s*all. !o sa!is#) )our !hirs!. or !o /uri#) )ou #ro* !he (us! a"( *ire o# !he -orl(. Bu! +o #ro* ho*e. reach !he coas!7 a"( )ou -ill see !ha! sa*e hu*'le ele*e"! !ra"s#or*e( 'e#ore )our e)es. 4ou -ere e1ual !o i! i" i!s co"(esce"sio". 'u! -ho shall +a9e -i!hou! as!o"ish*e"! a! i!s as! e0/a"se i" !he 'oso* o# !he ocea"2 -ho shall hear -i!hou! a-e !he (ashi"+ o# i!s *i+h!) 'illo-s alo"+ !he 'each2 -ho shall -i!hou! !error #eel i! hea i"+ u"(er hi*. a"( s-elli"+ a"( *ou"!i"+ u/. a"( )a-"i"+ -i(e. !ill he. i!s er) s/or! a"( *oc,er). is !hro-" !o a"( #ro. hi!her a"( !hi!her. a! !he *ere *erc) o# a /o-er -hich -as 6us! "o- his co*/a"io" a"( al*os! his sla e2 Or. a+ai". a//roach !he #la*e@ i! -ar*s )ou. a"( i! %85I& e"li+h!e"s )ou7 )e! a//roach "o! !oo "ear. /resu*e "o!. or i! -ill cha"+e i!s "a!ure. Tha! er) ele*e"! -hich is so 'eau!i#ul !o loo, a!. so 'rillia"! i" i!s charac!er. so +race#ul i" i!s #i+ure. so so#! a"( la*'e"! i" i!s *o!io". -ill 'e #ou"( i" i!s esse"ce !o 'e o# a ,ee". resis!less "a!ure7 i! !or!ures. i! co"su*es. i! re(uces !o ashes !ha! o# -hich i! -as 6us! 'e#ore !he illu*i"a!io" a"( !he li#e. So i! is -i!h !he a!!ri'u!es o# ;o(7 our ,"o-le(+e o# !he* ser es us #or our (ail) -el#are7 !he) +i e us li+h! a"( -ar*!h a"( #oo( a"( +ui(a"ce a"( succour7 'u! +o #or!h -i!h Moses u/o" !he *ou"! a"( le! !he Lor( /ass '). or -i!h Elias s!a"( i" !he (eser! a*i( !he -i"(. !he ear!h1ua,e. a"( !he #ire. a"( all is *)s!er) a"( (ar,"ess7 all is 'u! a -hirli"+ o# !he reaso". a"( a (a99li"+ o# !he i*a+i"a!io". a"( a" o er-hel*i"+ o# !he #eeli"+s. re*i"(i"+ us !ha! -e are 'u! *or!al *e" a"( He is ;o(. a"( !ha! !he ou!li"es -hich Na!ure (ra-s #or us are "o! His /er#ec! i*a+e. "or !o 'e /ro"ou"ce( i"co"sis!e"! -i!h !hose #ur!her li+h!s a"( (e/!hs -i!h -hich i! is i" es!e( ') Re ela!io". Sa) "o!. *) 're!hre". !ha! !hese !hou+h!s are !oo aus!ere #or !his seaso". -he" -e co"!e*/la!e !he sel#<sacri#ici"+. sel#<co"su*i"+ chari!) -here-i!h ;o( our Sa iour has isi!e( us. I! is #or !ha! er) reaso" !ha! I (-ell o" !he*7 !he hi+her He is. a"( !he *ore *)s!erious. so *uch !he *ore +lorious a"( !he *ore su'(ui"+ is !he his!or) o# His hu*ilia!io". I o-" i!. *) 're!hre". I lo e !o (-ell o" Hi* as !he O"l)<'e+o!!e" Wor( 7 "or is i! a") #or+e!#ul"ess o# His sacre( hu*a"i!) !o co"!e*/la!e His E!er"al $erso". %851& I! is !he

166 er) i(ea. !ha! He is ;o(. -hich +i es a *ea"i"+ !o His su##eri"+s7 -ha! is !o *e a *a". a"( "o!hi"+ *ore. i" a+o"). or scour+e(. or cruci#ie(2 !here are *a") hol) *ar!)rs. a"( !heir !or*e"!s -ere !erri'le. Bu! here I see O"e (ro//i"+ 'loo(. +ashe( ') !he !ho"+. a"( s!re!che( u/o" !he Cross. a"( He is ;o(. I! is "o !ale o# hu*a" -oe -hich I a* rea(i"+ here7 i! is !he recor( o# !he /assio" o# !he +rea! Crea!or. The Wor( a"( Wis(o* o# !he Fa!her. -ho (-el! i" His 'oso* i" 'liss i"e##a'le #ro* all e!er"i!). -hose er) s*ile has she( ra(ia"ce a"( +race o er !he -hole crea!io". -hose !races I see i" !he s!arr) hea e"s a"( o" !he +ree" ear!h. !his +lorious li i"+ ;o(. i! is He -ho loo,s a! *e so /i!eousl). so !e"(erl) #ro* !he Cross. He see*s !o sa).3I ca""o! *o e. !hou+h I a* o*"i/o!e"!. #or si" has 'ou"( Me here. I ha( ha( i! i" *i"( !o co*e o" ear!h a*o"+ i""oce"! crea!ures JNo!e =L. *ore #air a"( lo el) !ha" !he* all. -i!h a #ace *ore %855& ra(ia"! !ha" !he Sera/hi*. a"( a #or* as ro)al as !ha! o# Archa"+els. !o 'e !heir e1ual )e! !heir ;o(. !o #ill !he* -i!h M) +race. !o recei e !heir -orshi/. !o e"6o) !heir co*/a"). a"( !o /re/are !he* #or !he hea e" !o -hich I (es!i"e( !he*7 'u!. 'e#ore I carrie( M) /ur/ose i"!o e##ec!. !he) si""e(. a"( los! !heir i"heri!a"ce7 a"( so I co*e i"(ee(. 'u! co*e. "o! i" !ha! 'ri+h!"ess i" -hich I -e"! #or!h !o crea!e !he *or"i"+ s!ars a"( !o #ill !he so"s o# ;o( -i!h *elo(). 'u! i" (e#or*i!) a"( i" sha*e. i" si+hs a"( !ears. -i!h 'loo( u/o" M) chee,. a"( -i!h M) li*'s lai( 'are a"( re"!. ;a9e o" Me. O M) chil(re". i# )ou -ill. #or I a* hel/less7 +a9e o" )our Ma,er. -he!her i" co"!e*/!. or i" #ai!h a"( lo e. Here I -ai!. u/o" !he Cross. !he a//oi"!e( !i*e. !he !i*e o# +race a"( *erc)7 here I -ai! !ill !he e"( o# !he -orl(. sile"! a"( *o!io"less. #or !he co" ersio" o# !he si"#ul a"( !he co"sola!io" o# !he 6us!7 here I re*ai" i" -ea,"ess a"( sha*e. !hou+h I a* so +rea! i" hea e". !ill !he e"(. /a!ie"!l) e0/ec!i"+ M) #ull ca!alo+ue o# souls. -ho. -he" !i*e is a! le"+!h o er. shall 'e !he re-ar( o# M) /assio" a"( !he !riu*/h o# M) +race !o all e!er"i!). To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e

Notes
1. $assio"<!i(e. Re!ur" !o !e0! 5. Dice"(u* i(e!ur sa!is#ac!io"e* Chris!i. lice! #ueri! ri+orosa 1uoa( P1uali!a!e* e! co"(i+"i!a!e* /re!ii solu!i. "o" !a*e" #uisse ri+orosa* 1uoa( *o(u* solu!io"is. se( i"(i+uisse ali1uR grati. liber. Dei ... Si ali1uis i!a /ecca i!. u! 6us!S /u"ia!ur e0ilio u"ius *e"sis. e! eli! re(i*ere /ecu"iR illu( e0iliu*. o##era!1ue su**a* P1ui ale"!e*. i**o e0ce(e"!e*. "o" (u'iu* 1ui" sa!is#ia! ri+ori 6us!i!iP i"(ica!i P. si a!!e"(as a( *e"sura* /"P7 "o" !a*e"

167 sa!is#i!. si a!!e"(as a( *o(u*7 si e"i* 6u(e0 gratios/ "o" a(*i!!a! illa* co*/e"sa!io"e*. ,us habet e0 ri+ore 6us!i!iP /u"i!i P a( e0i+e"(u* e0iliu*. 1ua"!u* is alia P1ualis e! lo"+S *a6or / "a o##era!ur.3De Lu+. I"car". iii. 1I. Re!ur" !o !e0! 8. Oui re(e*i! ca/!i u* sol e"(o /re!iu*. sol i! 1ua"!u* (o*i"o (e'e!ur e0 6us!i!iR. solu* e"i* (e'e!ur illi /re!iu* e0 co"!rac!u e! co" e"!io"e i"!er i/su* e! re(e*/!ore* ... Nullu* es! 6us!i!i (e'i!u* cui "o" sa!is#ia! /er solu!io"e* illius /re!ii. A! ero /ro in,uri. "o" solu* (e'e!ur e0 6us!i!iR sa!is#ac!io u!cu"1ue. se( e-hibenda ab i!so e&&ensore ... sicu! "ec 1ui a's!uli! li'ru*. sa!is#aci! a(P1ua!S re((e"(o /re!iu* P1ui ale"s.3I'i(. i . 5. Re!ur" !o !e0! :. Ta"1ua* a( e"ie"!is s/iri!Ts ehe*e"!is. Re!ur" !o !e0! =. ?A" e0 i /rPse"!is Decre!i. a" sal!e* e0 i al!erius. A(a*o "o" /ecca"!e. a(huc #u!ura #uisse! I"car"a!io. Tho*is!P. >as1ue9. A*icus. u!ru*1ue "e+a"!. /u!a"!es Chris!u* u"icS e"isse a( "os re(i*e"(os. Co"!ra. Sco!is!P (oce"! Re(e*/!io"e* "o" #uisse u"icu* e! a(P1ua!u* I"car"a!io"is *o!i u*. se( e!ia* i/sa* Chris!i e0celle"!ia* e! e0al!a!io"e* "a!urP hu*a"P7 a!1ue a(eo. A(a*o "o" /ecca"!e. >er'u* i"car"a"(u* #uisse ... a( e0al!a"(a* "a!ura* hu*a"a* i""oce"!e*. ?Suare9 ero (oce!. *o!i u* i"car"a!io"is esse *a"i#es!a!io"e* (i i"P +loriP /er#ec!issi*o *o(o7 ... i(circo. A(a*o /ecca"!e. >er'u* i"car"a!u* #ui! i" car"e /assi'ili a( sa!is#acie"(u*7 A(a*o ero "o" /ecca"!e. >er'u* i"car"a!u* #uisse! i" car"e i*/assi'ili a( e0al!a"(a* "a!ura* hu*a"a* i""oce"!e* U ?Dico e0 i /rPse"!is ecreti. A(a*o "o" /ecca"!e. >er'u* #uisse i"car"a!u* ... A"+elicus ce"se! se"!e"!ia* "os!ra* /ro'a'ile*. 1ua* is /ro'a'iliore* /u!e! o//osi!a*.?3)iva %urs0 Theolog0 de 1ncar0 is!0 iii0 2u0 i0 !0 E:. Re!ur" !o !e0! To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

168

Discourse 1A. Me"!al Su##eri"+s o# Our Lor( i" His $assio"

%858& E>ER4 /assa+e i" !he his!or) o# our Lor( a"( Sa iour is o# u"#a!ho*a'le (e/!h. a"( a##or(s i"e0haus!i'le *a!!er o# co"!e*/la!io". All !ha! co"cer"s Hi* is i"#i"i!e. a"( -ha! -e #irs! (iscer" is 'u! !he sur#ace o# !ha! -hich 'e+i"s a"( e"(s i" e!er"i!). I! -oul( 'e /resu*/!uous #or a") o"e shor! o# sai"!s a"( (oc!ors !o a!!e*/! !o co**e"! o" His -or(s a"( (ee(s. e0ce/! i" !he -a) o# *e(i!a!io"7 'u! *e(i!a!io" a"( *e"!al /ra)er are so *uch a (u!) i" all -ho -ish !o cherish !rue #ai!h a"( lo e !o-ar(s Hi*. !ha! i! *a) 'e allo-e( us. *) 're!hre". u"(er !he +ui(a"ce o# hol) *e" -ho ha e +o"e 'e#ore us. !o (-ell a"( e"lar+e u/o" -ha! o!her-ise -oul( *ore #i!l) 'e a(ore( !ha" scru!i"ise(. A"( cer!ai" !i*es o# !he )ear. !his es/eciall) JNo!eL. call u/o" us !o co"si(er. as closel) a"( *i"u!el) as -e ca". e e" !he *ore sacre( /or!io"s o# !he ;os/el his!or). I -oul( ra!her 'e !hou+h! #ee'le or o##icious i" *) !rea!*e"! o# !he*. !ha" -a"!i"+ !o !he Seaso"7 a"( so I "o- /rocee( 'ecause !he reli+ious usa+e o# !he Church re1uires i!. %85:& a"( !hou+h a") i"(i i(ual /reacher *a) -ell shri", #ro* i!. !o (irec! )our !hou+h!s !o a su'6ec!. es/eciall) sui!a'le "o-. a"( a'ou! -hich *a") o# us /erha/s !hi", er) li!!le. !he su##eri"+s -hich our Lor( e"(ure( i" His i""oce"! a"( si"less soul. 4ou ,"o-. *) 're!hre". !ha! our Lor( a"( Sa iour. !hou+h He -as ;o(. -as also /er#ec! *a"7 a"( he"ce He ha( "o! o"l) a 'o(). 'u! a soul li,e-ise. such as ours. !hou+h /ure #ro* all s!ai" o# e il. He (i( "o! !a,e a 'o() -i!hou! a soul. ;o( #or'i(G #or !ha! -oul( "o! ha e 'ee" !o 'eco*e *a". Ho- -oul( He ha e sa"c!i#ie( our "a!ure ') !a,i"+ a "a!ure -hich -as "o! ours2 Ma" -i!hou! a soul is o" a le el -i!h !he 'eas!s o# !he #iel(7 'u! our Lor( ca*e !o sa e a race ca/a'le o# /raisi"+ a"( o'e)i"+ Hi*. /ossesse( o# i**or!ali!). !hou+h !ha! i**or!ali!) ha( los! i!s /ro*ise( 'lesse("ess. Ma" -as crea!e( i" !he i*a+e o# ;o(. a"( !ha! i*a+e is i" his soul7 -he" !he" his Ma,er. ') a" u"s/ea,a'le co"(esce"sio". ca*e i" his "a!ure. He !oo, o" Hi*sel# a soul i" or(er !o !a,e o" Hi* a 'o()7 He !oo, o" Hi* a soul as !he *ea"s o# His u"io" -i!h a 'o()7 He !oo, o" Hi* i" !he #irs! /lace !he soul. !he" !he 'o() o# *a". 'o!h a! o"ce. 'u! i" !his or(er. !he soul a"( !he 'o()7 He Hi*sel# crea!e( !he soul -hich He !oo, o" Hi*sel#. -hile He !oo, His 'o() #ro* !he #lesh o# !he Blesse( >ir+i". His Mo!her. Thus He 'eca*e /er#ec! *a" -i!h 'o() a"( soul7 a"( as He !oo, o" Hi* a 'o() o# #lesh a"( "er es. -hich a(*i!!e( o# -ou"(s a"( (ea!h. a"( -as ca/a'le o# su##eri"+. so (i( He !a,e a soul. !oo. -hich -as susce/!i'le o# !ha! su##eri"+. a"( %85=& *oreo er -as susce/!i'le o# !he /ai" a"( sorro- -hich are /ro/er !o a hu*a" soul7 a"(. as His a!o"i"+ /assio" -as u"(er+o"e i" !he 'o(). so i! -as u"(er+o"e i" !he soul also.

169 As !he sole*" (a)s /rocee(. -e shall 'e es/eciall) calle( o". *) 're!hre". !o co"si(er His su##eri"+s i" !he 'o(). His sei9ure. His #orce( 6our"e)i"+s !o a"( #ro. His 'lo-s a"( -ou"(s. His scour+i"+. !he cro-" o# !hor"s. !he "ails. !he Cross. The) are all su**e( u/ i" !he Cruci#i0 i!sel#. as i! *ee!s our e)es7 !he) are re/rese"!e( all a! o"ce o" His sacre( #lesh. as i! ha"+s u/ 'e#ore us3a"( *e(i!a!io" is *a(e eas) ') !he s/ec!acle. I! is o!her-ise -i!h !he su##eri"+s o# His soul7 !he) ca""o! 'e /ai"!e( #or us. "or ca" !he) e e" 'e (ul) i" es!i+a!e(@ !he) are 'e)o"( 'o!h se"se a"( !hou+h!7 a"( )e! !he) a"!ici/a!e( His 'o(il) su##eri"+s. The a+o"). a /ai" o# !he soul. "o! o# !he 'o(). -as !he #irs! ac! o# His !re*e"(ous sacri#ice7 ?M) soul is sorro-#ul e e" u"!o (ea!h.? He sai(7 "a)7 i# He su##ere( i" !he 'o(). i! reall) -as i" !he soul. #or !he 'o() (i( 'u! co" e) !he i"#lic!io" o" !o !ha! -hich -as !he !rue reci/ie"! a"( sea! o# !he su##eri"+. This i! is er) *uch !o !he /ur/ose !o i"sis! u/o"7 I sa). i! -as "o! !he 'o() !ha! su##ere(. 'u! !he soul i" !he 'o()7 i! -as !he soul a"( "o! !he 'o() -hich -as !he sea! o# !he su##eri"+ o# !he E!er"al Wor(. Co"si(er. !he". !here is "o real /ai". !hou+h !here *a) 'e a//are"! su##eri"+. -he" !here is "o ,i"( o# i"-ar( se"si'ili!) or s/iri! !o 'e !he sea! o# i!. A !ree. #or i"s!a"ce. has li#e. or+a"s. +ro-!h. a"( (eca)7 i! %85A& *a) 'e -ou"(e( a"( i"6ure(7 i! (roo/s. a"( is ,ille(7 'u! i! (oes "o! su##er. 'ecause i! has "o *i"( or se"si'le /ri"ci/le -i!hi" i!. Bu! -here er !his +i#! o# a" i**a!erial /ri"ci/le is #ou"(. !here /ai" is /ossi'le. a"( +rea!er /ai" accor(i"+ !o !he 1uali!) o# !he +i#!. Ha( -e "o s/iri! o# a") ,i"(. -e shoul( #eel as li!!le as a !ree #eels7 ha( -e "o soul. -e shoul( "o! #eel /ai" *ore acu!el) !ha" a 'ru!e #eels i!7 'u!. 'ei"+ *e". -e #eel /ai" i" a -a) i" -hich "o"e 'u! !hose -ho ha e souls ca" #eel i!. Li i"+ 'ei"+s. I sa). #eel *ore or less accor(i"+ !o !he s/iri! -hich is i" !he*7 'ru!es #eel #ar less !ha" *a". 'ecause !he) ca""o! re#lec! o" -ha! !he) #eel7 !he) ha e "o a( er!e"ce or (irec! co"scious"ess o# !heir su##eri"+s. This i! is !ha! *a,es /ai" so !r)i"+. i9.. !ha! -e ca""o! hel/ !hi",i"+ o# i!. -hile -e su##er i!. I! is 'e#ore us. i! /ossesses !he *i"(. i! ,ee/s our !hou+h!s #i0e( u/o" i!. Wha!e er (ra-s !he *i"( o## !he !hou+h! o# i! lesse"s i!7 he"ce #rie"(s !r) !o a*use us -he" -e are i" /ai". #or a*use*e"! is a (i ersio". I# !he /ai" is sli+h!. !he) so*e!i*es succee( -i!h us7 a"( !he" -e are. so !o sa). -i!hou! /ai". e e" -hile -e su##er. A"( he"ce i! co"!i"uall) ha//e"s !ha! i" iole"! e0ercise or la'our. *e" *ee! -i!h 'lo-s or cu!s. so co"si(era'le a"( so (ura'le i" !heir e##ec!. as !o 'ear -i!"ess !o !he su##eri"+ -hich *us! ha e a!!e"(e( !heir i"#lic!io". o# -hich "e er!heless !he) recollec! "o!hi"+. A"( i" 1uarrels a"( i" 'a!!les -ou"(s are recei e( -hich. #ro* !he e0ci!e*e"! o# !he *o*e"!. are 'rou+h! ho*e !o !he co"scious"ess o# !he co*'a!a"!. "o! ') !he /ai" a! !he %85E& !i*e o# recei i"+ !he*. 'u! ') !he loss o# 'loo( !ha! #ollo-s.

170 I -ill sho- )ou /rese"!l). *) 're!hre". ho- I *ea" !o a//l) -ha! I ha e sai( !o !he co"si(era!io" o# our Lor(Bs su##eri"+s7 #irs! I -ill *a,e a"o!her re*ar,. Co"si(er. !he". !ha! har(l) a") o"e s!ro,e o# /ai" is i"!olera'le7 i! is i"!olera'le -he" i! co"!i"ues. 4ou cr) ou! /erha/s !ha! )ou ca""o! 'ear *ore7 /a!ie"!s #eel as i# !he) coul( s!o/ !he sur+eo"Bs ha"(. si*/l) 'ecause he co"!i"ues !o /ai" !he*. Their #eeli"+ is !ha! !he) ha e 'or"e as much as !he) ca" 'ear7 as i# !he co"!i"ua"ce a"( "o! !he i"!e"se"ess -as -ha! *a(e i! !oo *uch #or !he*. Wha! (oes !his *ea". 'u! !ha! !he *e*or) o# !he #ore+oi"+ *o*e"!s o# /ai" ac!s u/o" a"( Cas i! -ereD e(+es !he /ai" !ha! succee(s2 I# !he !hir( or #our!h or !-e"!ie!h *o*e"! o# /ai" coul( 'e !a,e" ') i!sel#. i# !he successio" o# !he *o*e"!s !ha! /rece(e( i! coul( 'e #or+o!!e". i! -oul( 'e "o *ore !ha" !he #irs! *o*e"!. as 'eara'le as !he #irs! C!a,i"+ a-a) !he shoc, -hich acco*/a"ies !he #irs!D7 'u! -ha! *a,es i! u"'eara'le is. !ha! i! is !he !-e"!ie!h7 !ha! !he #irs!. !he seco"(. !he !hir(. o" !o !he "i"e!ee"!h *o*e"! o# /ai". are all co"ce"!ra!e( i" !he !-e"!ie!h7 so !ha! e er) a((i!io"al *o*e"! o# /ai" has all !he #orce. !he e er<i"creasi"+ #orce. o# all !ha! has /rece(e( i!. He"ce. I re/ea!. i! is !ha! 'ru!e a"i*als -oul( see* !o #eel so li!!le /ai". 'ecause. !ha! is. !he) ha e "o! !he /o-er o# re#lec!io" or o# co"scious"ess. The) (o "o! ,"o- !he) e0is!7 !he) (o "o! co"!e*/la!e !he*sel es7 !he) (o "o! loo, 'ac,-ar(s or #or-ar(s7 e er) *o*e"! as %85F& i! succee(s is !heir all7 !he) -a"(er o er !he #ace o# !he ear!h. a"( see !his !hi"+ a"( !ha!. a"( #eel /leasure a"( /ai". 'u! s!ill !he) !a,e e er)!hi"+ as i! co*es. a"( !he" le! i! +o a+ai". as *e" (o i" (rea*s. The) ha e *e*or). 'u! "o! !he *e*or) o# a" i"!ellec!ual 'ei"+7 !he) /u! !o+e!her "o!hi"+. !he) *a,e "o!hi"+ /ro/erl) o"e a"( i"(i i(ual !o !he*sel es ou! o# !he /ar!icular se"sa!io"s -hich !he) recei e7 "o!hi"+ is !o !he* a reali!). or has a su's!a"ce. 'e)o"( !hose se"sa!io"s7 !he) are 'u! se"si'le o# a "u*'er o# successi e i*/ressio"s. A"( he"ce. as !heir o!her #eeli"+s. so !heir #eeli"+ o# /ai" is 'u! #ai"! a"( (ull. i" s/i!e o# !heir ou!-ar( *a"i#es!a!io"s o# i!. I! is !he i"!ellec!ual co*/rehe"sio" o# /ai". as a -hole (i##use( !hrou+h successi e *o*e"!s. -hich +i es i! i!s s/ecial /o-er a"( ,ee""ess. a"( i! is !he soul o"l). -hich a 'ru!e has "o!. -hich is ca/a'le o# !ha! co*/rehe"sio". No- a//l) !his !o !he su##eri"+s o# our Lor(73(o )ou recollec! !heir o##eri"+ Hi* -i"e *i"+le( -i!h *)rrh. -he" He -as o" !he /oi"! o# 'ei"+ cruci#ie(2 He -oul( "o! (ri", o# i!7 -h)2 'ecause such a /or!io" -oul( ha e s!u/e#ie( His *i"(. a"( He -as 'e"! o" 'eari"+ !he /ai" i" all i!s 'i!!er"ess. 4ou see #ro* !his. *) 're!hre". !he charac!er o# His su##eri"+s7 He -oul( ha e #ai" esca/e( !he*. ha( !ha! 'ee" His Fa!herBs -ill7 ?I# i! 'e /ossi'le.? He sai(. ?le! !his chalice /ass #ro* Me7? 'u! si"ce i! -as "o! /ossi'le. He sa)s cal*l) a"( (eci(e(l) !o !he A/os!le. -ho -oul( ha e rescue( Hi* #ro* su##eri"+. ?The chalice -hich M) Fa!her ha!h +i e" Me. shall I "o! (ri", i!2? I# He -as !o su##er. He +a e Hi*sel# %85H& !o su##eri"+7 He (i( "o!

171 co*e !o su##er as li!!le as He coul(7 He (i( "o! !ur" a-a) His #ace #ro* !he su##eri"+7 He co"#ro"!e( i!. or. as I *a) sa). He 'reas!e( i!. !ha! e er) /ar!icular /or!io" o# i! *i+h! *a,e i!s (ue i*/ressio" o" Hi*. A"( as *e" are su/erior !o 'ru!e a"i*als. a"( are a##ec!e( ') /ai" *ore !ha" !he). ') reaso" o# !he *i"( -i!hi" !he*. -hich +i es a su's!a"ce !o /ai". such as i! ca""o! ha e i" !he i"s!a"ce o# 'ru!es7 so. i" li,e *a""er. our Lor( #el! /ai" o# !he 'o(). -i!h a" a( er!e"ce a"( a co"scious"ess. a"( !here#ore -i!h a ,ee""ess a"( i"!e"si!). a"( -i!h a u"i!) o# /erce/!io". -hich "o"e o# us ca" /ossi'l) #a!ho* or co*/ass. 'ecause His soul -as so a'solu!el) i" His /o-er. so si*/l) #ree #ro* !he i"#lue"ce o# (is!rac!io"s. so #ull) (irec!e( u/o" !he /ai". so u!!erl) surre"(ere(. so si*/l) su'6ec!e( !o !he su##eri"+. A"( !hus He *a) !rul) 'e sai( !o ha e su##ere( !he -hole o# His /assio" i" e er) *o*e"! o# i!. Recollec! !ha! our Blesse( Lor( -as i" !his res/ec! (i##ere"! #ro* us. !ha!. !hou+h He -as /er#ec! *a". )e! !here -as a /o-er i" Hi* +rea!er !ha" His soul. -hich rule( His soul. #or He -as ;o(. The soul o# o!her *e" is su'6ec!e( !o i!s o-" -ishes. #eeli"+s. i*/ulses. /assio"s. /er!ur'a!io"s7 His soul -as su'6ec!e( si*/l) !o His E!er"al a"( Di i"e $erso"ali!). No!hi"+ ha//e"e( !o His soul ') cha"ce. or o" a su((e"7 He "e er -as !a,e" ') sur/rise7 "o!hi"+ a##ec!e( Hi* -i!hou! His -illi"+ 'e#oreha"( !ha! i! shoul( a##ec! Hi*. Ne er (i( He sorro-. or #ear. or (esire. or re6oice i" s/iri!. 'u! He #irs! -ille( !o 'e %88I& sorro-#ul. or a#rai(. or (esirous. or 6o)#ul. Whe" -e su##er. i! is 'ecause ou!-ar( a+e"!s a"( !he u"co"!rolla'le e*o!io"s o# our *i"(s 'ri"+ su##eri"+ u/o" us. We are 'rou+h! u"(er !he (isci/li"e o# /ai" i" olu"!aril). -e su##er #ro* i! *ore or less acu!el) accor(i"+ !o acci(e"!al circu*s!a"ces. -e #i"( our /a!ie"ce *ore or less !rie( ') i! accor(i"+ !o our s!a!e o# *i"(. a"( -e (o our 'es! !o /ro i(e alle ia!io"s or re*e(ies o# i!. We ca""o! a"!ici/a!e 'e#oreha"( ho*uch o# i! -ill co*e u/o" us. or ho- #ar -e shall 'e a'le !o sus!ai" i!7 "or ca" -e sa) a#!er-ar(s -h) -e ha e #el! 6us! -ha! -e ha e #el!. or -h) -e (i( "o! 'ear !he su##eri"+ 'e!!er. I! -as o!her-ise -i!h our Lor(. His Di i"e $erso" -as "o! su'6ec!. coul( "o! 'e e0/ose(. !o !he i"#lue"ce o# His o-" hu*a" a##ec!io"s a"( #eeli"+s. e0ce/! so #ar as He chose. I re/ea!. -he" He chose !o #ear. He #eare(7 -he" He chose !o 'e a"+r). He -as a"+r)7 -he" He chose !o +rie e. He -as +rie e(. He -as "o! o/e" !o e*o!io". 'u! He o/e"e( u/o" Hi*sel# olu"!aril) !he i*/ulse ') -hich He -as *o e(. Co"se1ue"!l). -he" He (e!er*i"e( !o su##er !he /ai" o# His icarious /assio". -ha!e er He (i(. He (i(. as !he Wise Ma" sa)s. instanter. ?ear"es!l).? -i!h His *i+h!7 He (i( "o! (o i! ') hal es7 He (i( "o! !ur" a-a) His *i"( #ro* !he su##eri"+ as -e (o3Cho- shoul( He. -ho ca*e !o su##er. -ho coul( "o! ha e su##ere( 'u! o# His o-" ac!2D "o. He (i( "o! sa) a"( u"sa). (o a"( u"(o7 He sai( a"( He (i(7 He sai(. ?Lo. I co*e !o (o Th) -ill. O ;o(7 sacri#ice a"( o##eri"+ Thou -oul(es! "o!. 'u! a 'o() has! Thou #i!!e( !o Me?. He !oo, a %881&

172 'o() i" or(er !ha! He *i+h! su##er7 He 'eca*e *a". !ha! He *i+h! su##er as *a"7 a"( -he" His hour -as co*e. !ha! hour o# Sa!a" a"( o# (ar,"ess. !he hour -he" si" -as !o /our i!s #ull *ali+"i!) u/o" Hi*. i! #ollo-e( !ha! He o##ere( Hi*sel# -holl). a holocaus!. a -hole 'ur"!<o##eri"+73as !he -hole o# His 'o(). s!re!che( ou! u/o" !he Cross. so !he -hole o# His soul. His -hole a( er!e"ce. His -hole co"scious"ess. a *i"( a-a,e. a se"se acu!e. a li i"+ coo/era!io". a /rese"!. a'solu!e i"!e"!io". "o! a ir!ual /er*issio". "o! a hear!less su'*issio". !his (i( He /rese"! !o His !or*e"!ors. His /assio" -as a" ac!io"7 He li e( *os! e"er+e!icall). -hile He la) la"+uishi"+. #ai"!i"+. a"( ()i"+. Nor (i( He (ie. e0ce/! ') a" ac! o# !he -ill7 #or He 'o-e( His hea(. i" co**a"( as -ell as i" resi+"a!io". a"( sai(. ?Fa!her. i"!o Th) ha"(s I co**e"( M) S/iri!7? He +a e !he -or(. He surre"(ere( His soul. He (i( "o! lose i!. Thus )ou see. *) 're!hre". ha( our Lor( o"l) su##ere( i" !he 'o(). a"( i" i! "o! so *uch as o!her *e". s!ill as re+ar(s !he /ai". He -oul( ha e reall) su##ere( i"(e#i"i!el) *ore. 'ecause /ai" is !o 'e *easure( ') !he /o-er o# realisi"+ i!. ;o( -as !he su##erer7 ;o( su##ere( i" His hu*a" "a!ure7 !he su##eri"+s 'elo"+e( !o ;o(. a"( -ere (ru", u/. -ere (rai"e( ou! !o !he 'o!!o* o# !he chalice. 'ecause ;o( (ra", !he*7 "o! !as!e( or si//e(. "o! #la oure(. (is+uise( ') hu*a" *e(ica*e"!s. as *a" (is/oses o# !he cu/ o# a"+uish. A"( -ha! I ha e 'ee" sa)i"+ -ill #ur!her ser e !o a"s-er a" o'6ec!io". -hich I shall /rocee( !o "o!ice. a"( -hich /erha/s e0is!s la!e"!l) %885& i" !he *i"(s o# *a"). a"( lea(s !he* !o o erloo, !he /ar! -hich our Lor(Bs soul ha( i" His +racious sa!is#ac!io" #or si". Our Lor( sai(. -he" His a+o") -as co**e"ci"+. ?M) soul is sorro-#ul u"!o (ea!h?7 "o- )ou *a) as,. *) 're!hre". -he!her He ha( "o! cer!ai" co"sola!io"s /eculiar !o Hi*sel#. i*/ossi'le i" a") o!her. -hich (i*i"ishe( or i*/e(e( !he (is!ress o# His soul. a"( cause( Hi* !o #eel. "o! *ore. 'u! less !ha" a" or(i"ar) *a". For i"s!a"ce. He ha( a se"se o# i""oce"ce -hich "o o!her su##erer coul( ha e7 e e" His /ersecu!ors. e e" !he #alse a/os!le -ho 'e!ra)e( Hi*. !he 6u(+e -ho se"!e"ce( Hi*. a"( !he sol(iers -ho co"(uc!e( !he e0ecu!io". !es!i#ie( His i""oce"ce. ?I ha e co"(e*"e( !he i""oce"! 'loo(.? sai( Ju(as7 ?I a* clear #ro* !he 'loo( o# !his 6us! $erso".? sai( $ila!e7 ?Trul) !his -as a 6us! Ma".? crie( !he ce"!urio". A"( i# e e" !he). si""ers. 'ore -i!"ess !o His si"less"ess. ho- *uch *ore (i( His o-" soulG A"( -e ,"o- -ell !ha! e e" i" our o-" case. si""ers as -e are. o" !he co"scious"ess o# i""oce"ce or o# +uil! *ai"l) !ur"s our /o-er o# e"(uri"+ o//osi!io" a"( calu*")7 ho*uch *ore. )ou -ill sa). i" !he case o# our Lor(. (i( !he se"se o# i"-ar( sa"c!i!) co*/e"sa!e #or !he su##eri"+ a"( a""ihila!e !he sha*eG A+ai". )ou *a) sa) !ha! He ,"e- !ha! His su##eri"+s -oul( 'e shor!. a"( !ha! !heir issue -oul( 'e 6o)#ul. -hereas u"cer!ai"!) o# !he #u!ure is !he ,ee"es! ele*e"! o# hu*a" (is!ress7 'u! He coul( "o!

173 ha e a"0ie!). #or He -as "o! i" sus/e"se7 "or (es/o"(e"c) or (es/air. #or He "e er -as (eser!e(. %888& A"( i" co"#ir*a!io" )ou *a) re#er !o S!. $aul. -ho e0/ressl) !ells us !ha!. ?#or !he 6o) se! 'e#ore Hi*.? our Lor( ?(es/ise( !he sha*e?. A"( cer!ai"l) !here is a *ar ellous cal* a"( sel#</ossessio" i" all He (oes@ co"si(er His -ar"i"+ !o !he A/os!les. ?Wa!ch a"( /ra). les! )e e"!er i"!o !e*/!a!io"7 !he s/iri! i"(ee( is -illi"+. 'u! !he #lesh is -ea,?7 or His -or(s !o Ju(as. ?Frie"(. -here#ore ar! !hou co*e2? a"(. ?Ju(as. 'e!ra)es! !hou !he So" o# Ma" -i!h a ,iss2? or !o $e!er. ?All !ha! !a,e !he s-or( shall /erish -i!h !he s-or(?7 or !o !he *a" -ho s!ruc, Hi*. ?I# I ha e s/o,e" e il. 'ear -i!"ess o# !he e il7 'u! i# -ell. -h) s*i!es! !hou Me2? or !o His Mo!her. ?Wo*a". 'ehol( !h) So"?. All !his is !rue a"( *uch !o 'e i"sis!e( o"7 'u! i! 1ui!e a+rees -i!h. or ra!her illus!ra!es. -ha! I ha e 'ee" o'ser i"+. M) 're!hre". )ou ha e o"l) sai( C!o use a hu*a" /hraseD !ha! He -as al-a)s Hi*sel#. His *i"( -as i!s o-" ce"!re. a"( -as "e er i" !he sli+h!es! (e+ree !hro-" o## i!s hea e"l) a"( *os! /er#ec! 'ala"ce. Wha! He su##ere(. He su##ere( 'ecause He /u! Hi*sel# u"(er su##eri"+. a"( !ha! (eli'era!el) a"( cal*l). As He sai( !o !he le/er. ?I -ill. 'e !hou clea"?7 a"( !o !he /aral)!ic. ?Th) si"s 'e #or+i e" !hee?7 a"( !o !he ce"!urio". ?I -ill co*e a"( heal hi*?7 a"( o# La9arus. ?I +o !o -a,e hi* ou! o# slee/?7 so He sai(. ?No- I -ill 'e+i" !o su##er.? a"( He (i( 'e+i". His co*/osure is 'u! !he /roo# ho- e"!irel) He +o er"e( His o-" *i"(. He (re- 'ac,. a! !he /ro/er *o*e"!. !he 'ol!s a"( #as!e"i"+s. a"( o/e"e( !he +a!es. a"( !he #loo(s #ell ri+h! %88:& u/o" His soul i" all !heir #ul"ess. Tha! is -ha! S!. Mar, !ells us o# Hi*7 a"( he is sai( !o ha e -ri!!e" his ;os/els #ro* !he er) *ou!h o# S!. $e!er. -ho -as o"e o# !hree -i!"esses /rese"! a! !he !i*e. ?The) ca*e.? he sa)s. ?!o !he /lace -hich is calle( ;e!hse*a"i7 a"( He sai!h !o His (isci/les. Si! )ou here -hile I /ra). A"( He !a,e!h -i!h Hi* $e!er a"( Ja*es a"( Joh". a"( He began to be #ri+h!e"e( a"( !o 'e er) hea ).? 4ou see ho- (eli'era!el) He ac!s7 He co*es !o a cer!ai" s/o!7 a"( !he". +i i"+ !he -or( o# co**a"(. a"( -i!h(ra-i"+ !he su//or! o# !he ;o(<hea( #ro* His soul. (is!ress. !error. a"( (e6ec!io" a! o"ce rush i" u/o" i!. Thus He -al,s #or!h i"!o a *e"!al a+o") -i!h as (e#i"i!e a" ac!io" as i# i! -ere so*e 'o(il) !or!ure. !he #ire or !he -heel. This 'ei"+ !he case. )ou -ill see a! o"ce. *) 're!hre". !ha! i! is "o!hi"+ !o !he /ur/ose !o sa) !ha! He -oul( 'e su//or!e( u"(er His !rial ') !he co"scious"ess o# i""oce"ce a"( !he a"!ici/a!io" o# !riu*/h7 #or His !rial co"sis!e( i" !he -i!h(ra-al. as o# o!her causes o# co"sola!io". so o# !ha! er) co"scious"ess a"( a"!ici/a!io". The sa*e ac! o# !he -ill -hich a(*i!!e( !he i"#lue"ce u/o" His soul o# a") (is!ress a! all. a(*i!!e( all (is!resses a! o"ce. I! -as "o! !he co"!es! 'e!-ee" a"!a+o"is! i*/ulses a"( ie-s. co*i"+ #ro* -i!hou!. 'u! !he o/era!io" o# a" i"-ar( resolu!io". As *e" o# sel#<co**a"( ca"

174 !ur" #ro* o"e !hou+h! !o a"o!her a! !heir -ill. so *uch *ore (i( He (eli'era!el) (e") Hi*sel# !he co*#or!. a"( sa!ia!e Hi*sel# -i!h !he -oe. I" !ha! *o*e"! His soul !hou+h! "o! o# !he #u!ure. He !hou+h! o"l) o# !he %88=& /rese"! 'ur(e" -hich -as u/o" Hi*. a"( -hich He ha( co*e u/o" ear!h !o sus!ai". A"( "o-. *) 're!hre". -ha! -as i! He ha( !o 'ear. -he" He !hus o/e"e( u/o" His soul !he !orre"! o# !his /re(es!i"a!e( /ai"2 AlasG He ha( !o 'ear -ha! is -ell ,"o-" !o us. -ha! is #a*iliar !o us. 'u! -ha! !o Hi* -as -oe u"u!!era'le. He ha( !o 'ear !ha! -hich is so eas) a !hi"+ !o us. so "a!ural. so -elco*e. !ha! -e ca""o! co"cei e o# i! as o# a +rea! e"(ura"ce. 'u! -hich !o Hi* ha( !he sce"! a"( !he /oiso" o# (ea!h3He ha(. *) (ear 're!hre". !o 'ear !he -ei+h! o# si"7 He ha( !o 'ear )our si"s7 He ha( !o 'ear !he si"s o# !he -hole -orl(. Si" is a" eas) !hi"+ !o us7 -e !hi", li!!le o# i!7 -e (o "o! u"(ers!a"( ho!he Crea!or ca" !hi", *uch o# i!7 -e ca""o! 'ri"+ our i*a+i"a!io" !o 'elie e !ha! i! (eser es re!ri'u!io". a"(. -he" e e" i" !his -orl( /u"ish*e"!s #ollo- u/o" i!. -e e0/lai" !he* a-a) or !ur" our *i"(s #ro* !he*. Bu! co"si(er -ha! si" is i" i!sel#7 i! is re'ellio" a+ai"s! ;o(7 i! is a !rai!orBs ac! -ho ai*s a! !he o er!hro- a"( (ea!h o# His so erei+"7 i! is !ha!. i# I *a) use a s!ro"+ e0/ressio". -hich. coul( !he Di i"e ;o er"or o# !he -orl( cease !o 'e. -oul( 'e su##icie"! !o 'ri"+ i! a'ou!. Si" is !he *or!al e"e*) o# !he All<hol). so !ha! He a"( i! ca""o! 'e !o+e!her7 a"( as !he All<hol) (ri es i! #ro* His /rese"ce i"!o !he ou!er (ar,"ess. so. i# ;o( coul( 'e less !ha" ;o(. i! is si" !ha! -oul( ha e /o-er !o *a,e Hi* less. A"( here o'ser e. *) 're!hre". !ha! -he" o"ce Al*i+h!) Lo e. ') !a,i"+ #lesh. e"!ere( !his crea!e( s)s!e*. a"( su'*i!!e( Hi*sel# !o i!s la-s. !he" #or!h-i!h !his %88A& a"!a+o"is! o# +oo( a"( !ru!h. !a,i"+ a( a"!a+e o# !he o//or!u"i!). #le- a! !ha! #lesh -hich He ha( !a,e". a"( #i0e( o" i!. a"( -as i!s (ea!h. The e" ) o# !he $harisees. !he !reacher) o# Ju(as. a"( !he *a("ess o# !he /eo/le. -ere 'u! !he i"s!ru*e"! or !he e0/ressio" o# !he e"*i!) -hich si" #el! !o-ar(s E!er"al $uri!) as soo" as. i" i"#i"i!e *erc) !o-ar(s *e". He /u! Hi*sel# -i!hi" i!s reach. Si" coul( "o! !ouch His Di i"e Ma6es!)7 'u! i! coul( assail Hi* i" !ha! -a) i" -hich He allo-e( Hi*sel# !o 'e assaile(. !ha! is. !hrou+h !he *e(iu* o# His hu*a"i!). A"( i" !he issue. i" !he (ea!h o# ;o( i"car"a!e. )ou are 'u! !au+h!. *) 're!hre". -ha! si" is i" i!sel#. a"( -ha! i! -as -hich !he" -as #alli"+. i" i!s hour a"( i" i!s s!re"+!h. u/o" His hu*a" "a!ure. -he" He allo-e( !ha! "a!ure !o 'e so #ille( -i!h horror a"( (is*a) a! !he er) a"!ici/a!io". There. !he". i" !ha! *os! a-#ul hour. ,"el! !he Sa iour o# !he -orl(. /u!!i"+ o## !he (e#e"ces o# His (i i"i!). (is*issi"+ His reluc!a"! A"+els. -ho i" *)ria(s -ere rea() a! His call. a"( o/e"i"+ His ar*s. 'ari"+ His 'reas!. si"less as He -as. !o !he assaul! o# His #oe.3o# a #oe -hose 'rea!h -as a /es!ile"ce. a"( -hose e*'race -as a" a+o"). There He ,"el!. *o!io"less a"( s!ill. -hile !he ile a"( horri'le

175 #ie"( cla( His s/iri! i" a ro'e s!ee/e( i" all !ha! is ha!e#ul a"( hei"ous i" hu*a" cri*e. -hich clu"+ close rou"( His hear!. a"( #ille( His co"scie"ce. a"( #ou"( i!s -a) i"!o e er) se"se a"( /ore o# His *i"(. a"( s/rea( o er Hi* a *oral le/ros). !ill He al*os! #el! Hi*sel# !o 'e !ha! -hich He "e er coul( %88E& 'e. a"( -hich His #oe -oul( #ai" ha e *a(e Hi*. Oh. !he horror. -he" He loo,e(. a"( (i( "o! ,"oHi*sel#. a"( #el! as a #oul a"( loa!hso*e si""er. #ro* His i i( /erce/!io" o# !ha! *ass o# corru/!io" -hich /oure( o er His hea( a"( ra" (o-" e e" !o !he s,ir!s o# His +ar*e"!sG Oh. !he (is!rac!io". -he" He #ou"( His e)es. a"( ha"(s. a"( #ee!. a"( li/s. a"( hear!. as i# !he *e*'ers o# !he E il O"e. a"( "o! o# ;o(G Are !hese !he ha"(s o# !he I**acula!e La*' o# ;o(. o"ce i""oce"!. 'u! "o- re( -i!h !e" !housa"( 'ar'arous (ee(s o# 'loo(2 are !hese His li/s. "o! u!!eri"+ /ra)er. a"( /raise. a"( hol) 'lessi"+s. 'u! as i# (e#ile( -i!h oa!hs. a"( 'las/he*ies. a"( (oc!ri"es o# (e ils2 or His e)es. /ro#a"e( as !he) are ') all !he e il isio"s a"( i(ola!rous #asci"a!io"s #or -hich *e" ha e a'a"(o"e( !heir a(ora'le Crea!or2 A"( His ears. !he) ri"+ -i!h sou"(s o# re elr) a"( o# s!ri#e7 a"( His hear! is #ro9e" -i!h a arice. a"( cruel!). a"( u"'elie#7 a"( His er) *e*or) is la(e" -i!h e er) si" -hich has 'ee" co**i!!e( si"ce !he #all. i" all re+io"s o# !he ear!h. -i!h !he /ri(e o# !he ol( +ia"!s. a"( !he lus!s o# !he #i e ci!ies. a"( !he o'(urac) o# E+)/!. a"( !he a*'i!io" o# Ba'el. a"( !he u"!ha",#ul"ess a"( scor" o# Israel. Oh. -ho (oes "o! ,"o- !he *iser) o# a hau"!i"+ !hou+h! -hich co*es a+ai" a"( a+ai". i" s/i!e o# re6ec!io". !o a""o). i# i! ca""o! se(uce2 or o# so*e o(ious a"( sic,e"i"+ i*a+i"a!io". i" "o se"se o"eBs o-". 'u! #orce( u/o" !he *i"( #ro* -i!hou!2 or o# e il ,"o-le(+e. +ai"e( -i!h or -i!hou! a *a"Bs #aul!. 'u! -hich he -oul( +i e a +rea! /rice !o 'e ri( o# a! o"ce a"( #or e er2 A"( a( ersaries such as %88F& !hese +a!her arou"( Thee. Blesse( Lor(. i" *illio"s "o-7 !he) co*e i" !roo/s *ore "u*erous !ha" !he locus! or !he /al*er<-or*. or !he /la+ues o# hail. a"( #lies. a"( #ro+s. -hich -ere se"! a+ai"s! $haraoh. O# !he li i"+ a"( o# !he (ea( a"( o# !he as )e! u"'or". o# !he los! a"( o# !he sa e(. o# Th) /eo/le a"( o# s!ra"+ers. o# si""ers a"( o# sai"!s. all si"s are !here. Th) (eares! are !here. Th) sai"!s a"( Th) chose" are u/o" Thee7 Th) !hree A/os!les. $e!er. Ja*es. a"( Joh"7 'u! "o! as co*#or!ers. 'u! as accusers. li,e !he #rie"(s o# Jo'. ?s/ri",li"+ (us! !o-ar(s hea e".? a"( hea/i"+ curses o" Th) hea(. All are !here 'u! o"e7 o"e o"l) is "o! !here. o"e o"l)7 #or she -ho ha( "o /ar! i" si". she o"l) coul( co"sole Thee. a"( !here#ore she is "o! "i+h. She -ill 'e "ear Thee o" !he Cross. she is se/ara!e( #ro* Thee i" !he +ar(e". She has 'ee" Th) co*/a"io" a"( Th) co"#i(a"! !hrou+h Th) li#e. she i"!ercha"+e( -i!h Thee !he /ure !hou+h!s a"( hol) *e(i!a!io"s o# !hir!) )ears7 'u! her ir+i" ear *a) "o! !a,e i". "or *a) her i**acula!e hear! co"cei e. -ha! "o- is i" isio" 'e#ore Thee. No"e -as e1ual !o !he -ei+h! 'u! ;o(7 so*e!i*es 'e#ore Th) sai"!s Thou has! 'rou+h! !he i*a+e o# a si"+le si". as i! a//ears i" !he li+h! o#

176 Th) cou"!e"a"ce. or o# e"ial si"s. "o! *or!al7 a"( !he) ha e !ol( us !ha! !he si+h! (i( all 'u! ,ill !he*. "a). -oul( ha e ,ille( !he*. ha( i! "o! 'ee" i"s!a"!l) -i!h(ra-". The Mo!her o# ;o(. #or all her sa"c!i!). "a) ') reaso" o# i!. coul( "o! ha e 'or"e e e" o"e 'roo( o# !ha! i""u*era'le /ro+e") o# Sa!a" -hich "o- co*/asses Thee a'ou!. I! is !he lo"+ his!or) o# a -orl(. a"( ;o( %88H& alo"e ca" 'ear !he loa( o# i!. Ho/es 'li+h!e(. o-s 'ro,e". li+h!s 1ue"che(. -ar"i"+s scor"e(. o//or!u"i!ies los!7 !he i""oce"! 'e!ra)e(. !he )ou"+ har(e"e(. !he /e"i!e"! rela/si"+. !he 6us! o erco*e. !he a+e( #aili"+7 !he so/his!r) o# *is'elie#. !he -il#ul"ess o# /assio". !he o'(urac) o# /ri(e. !he !)ra"") o# ha'i!. !he ca",er o# re*orse. !he -as!i"+ #e er o# care. !he a"+uish o# sha*e. !he /i"i"+ o# (isa//oi"!*e"!. !he sic,"ess o# (es/air7 such cruel. such /i!ia'le s/ec!acles. such hear!re"(i"+. re ol!i"+. (e!es!a'le. *a((e"i"+ sce"es7 "a). !he ha++ar( #aces. !he co" ulse( li/s. !he #lushe( chee,. !he (ar, 'ro- o# !he -illi"+ sla es o# e il. !he) are all 'e#ore Hi* "o-7 !he) are u/o" Hi* a"( i" Hi*. The) are -i!h Hi* i"s!ea( o# !ha! i"e##a'le /eace -hich has i"ha'i!e( His soul si"ce !he *o*e"! o# His co"ce/!io". The) are u/o" Hi*. !he) are all 'u! His o-"7 He cries !o His Fa!her as i# He -ere !he cri*i"al. "o! !he ic!i*7 His a+o") !a,es !he #or* o# +uil! a"( co*/u"c!io". He is (oi"+ /e"a"ce. He is *a,i"+ co"#essio". He is e0ercisi"+ co"!ri!io". -i!h a reali!) a"( a ir!ue i"#i"i!el) +rea!er !ha" !ha! o# all sai"!s a"( /e"i!e"!s !o+e!her7 #or He is !he O"e >ic!i* #or us all. !he sole Sa!is#ac!io". !he real $e"i!e"!. all 'u! !he real si""er. He rises la"+ui(l) #ro* !he ear!h. a"( !ur"s arou"( !o *ee! !he !rai!or a"( his 'a"(. "o- 1uic,l) "eari"+ !he (ee/ sha(e. He !ur"s. a"( lo !here is 'loo( u/o" His +ar*e"! a"( i" His #oo!/ri"!s. Whe"ce co*e !hese #irs!<#rui!s o# !he /assio" o# !he La*'2 "o sol(ierBs scour+e has !ouche( His shoul(ers. "or %8:I& !he ha"+*a"Bs "ails His ha"(s a"( #ee!. M) 're!hre". He has 'le( 'e#ore His !i*e7 He has she( 'loo(7 )es. a"( i! is His a+o"isi"+ soul -hich has 'ro,e" u/ His #ra*e-or, o# #lesh a"( /oure( i! #or!h. His /assio" has 'e+u" #ro* -i!hi". Tha! !or*e"!e( Hear!. !he sea! o# !e"(er"ess a"( lo e. 'e+a" a! le"+!h !o la'our a"( !o 'ea! -i!h ehe*e"ce 'e)o"( i!s "a!ure7 ?!he #ou"(a!io"s o# !he +rea! (ee/ -ere 'ro,e" u/7? !he re( s!rea*s rushe( #or!h so co/ious a"( #ierce as !o o er#lo- !he ei"s. a"( 'urs!i"+ !hrou+h !he /ores. !he) s!oo( i" a !hic, (e- o er His -hole s,i"7 !he" #or*i"+ i"!o (ro/s. !he) rolle( (o-" #ull a"( hea ). a"( (re"che( !he +rou"(. ?M) soul is sorro-#ul e e" u"!o (ea!h.? He sai(. I! has 'ee" sai( o# !ha! (rea(#ul /es!ile"ce -hich "o- is u/o" us. !ha! i! 'e+i"s -i!h (ea!h7 ') -hich is *ea"! !ha! i! has "o s!a+e or crisis. !ha! ho/e is o er -he" i! co*es. a"( !ha! -ha! loo,s li,e i!s course is 'u! !he (ea!h a+o") a"( !he /rocess o# (issolu!io"7 a"( !hus our A!o"i"+ Sacri#ice. i" a *uch hi+her se"se. 'e+a" -i!h !his /assio" o# -oe.

177 a"( o"l) (i( "o! (ie. 'ecause a! His O*"i/o!e"! -ill His Hear! (i( "o! 'rea,. "or Soul se/ara!e #ro* Bo(). !ill He ha( su##ere( o" !he Cross. No7 He has "o! )e! e0haus!e( !ha! #ull chalice. #ro* -hich a! #irs! His "a!ural i"#ir*i!) shra",. The sei9ure a"( !he arrai+"*e"!. a"( !he 'u##e!i"+. a"( !he /riso". a"( !he !rial. a"( !he *oc,i"+. a"( !he /assi"+ !o a"( #ro. a"( !he scour+i"+. a"( !he cro-" o# !hor"s. a"( !he slo- *arch !o Cal ar). a"( !he cruci#i0io". !hese are all !o co*e. A "i+h! a"( a %8:1& (a). hour a#!er hour. is slo-l) !o ru" ou! 'e#ore !he e"( co*es. a"( !he sa!is#ac!io" is co*/le!e(. A"( !he". -he" !he a//oi"!e( *o*e"! arri e(. a"( He +a e !he -or(. as His /assio" ha( 'e+u" -i!h His soul. -i!h !he soul (i( i! e"(. He (i( "o! (ie o# 'o(il) e0haus!io". or o# 'o(il) /ai"7 a! His -ill His !or*e"!e( Hear! 'ro,e. a"( He co**e"(e( His S/iri! !o !he Fa!her. V V V V V V

?O Hear! o# Jesus. all Lo e. I o##er Thee !hese hu*'le /ra)ers #or *)sel#. a"( #or all !hose -ho u"i!e !he*sel es -i!h *e i" S/iri! !o a(ore Thee. O holies! Hear! o# Jesus *os! lo el). I i"!e"( !o re"ea"( !o o##er !o Thee !hese ac!s o# a(ora!io" a"( !hese /ra)ers. #or *)sel# a -re!che( si""er. a"( #or all !hose -ho are associa!e( -i!h *e i" Th) a(ora!io". !hrou+h all *o*e"!s -hile I 'rea!he. e e" !o !he e"( o# *) li#e. I reco**e"( !o Thee. O *) Jesus. Hol) Church. Th) (ear s/ouse a"( our !rue Mo!her. all 6us! souls a"( all /oor si""ers. !he a##lic!e(. !he ()i"+. a"( all *a",i"(. Le! "o! Th) Bloo( 'e she( #or !he* i" ai". Fi"all). (ei+" !o a//l) i! i" relie# o# !he souls i" $ur+a!or). o# !hose i" /ar!icular -ho ha e /rac!ise( i" !he course o# !heir li#e !his hol) (e o!io" o# a(ori"+ Thee.? To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e

Note
$assio"<!i(e. Re!ur" !o !e0! To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

178

Discourse 1E. The ;lories o# Mar) #or !he Sa,e o# Her So"
%8:5& WE ,"o-. *) 're!hre". !ha! i" !he "a!ural -orl( "o!hi"+ is su/er#luous. "o!hi"+ i"co*/le!e. "o!hi"+ i"(e/e"(e"!7 'u! /ar! a"s-ers !o /ar!. a"( all (e!ails co*'i"e !o #or* o"e *i+h!) -hole. Or(er a"( har*o") are a*o"+ !he #irs! /er#ec!io"s -hich -e (iscer" i" !his isi'le crea!io"7 a"( !he *ore -e e0a*i"e i"!o i!. !he *ore -i(el) a"( *i"u!el) !he) are #ou"( !o 'elo"+ !o i!. ?All !hi"+s are (ou'le.? sa)s !he Wise Ma". ?o"e a+ai"s! a"o!her7 a"( He ha!h *a(e "o!hi"+ (e#ec!i e.? I! is !he er) charac!er a"( (e#i"i!io" o# ?!he hea e"s a"( !he ear!h.? as co"!ras!e( -i!h !he oi( or chaos -hich /rece(e( !he*. !ha! e er)!hi"+ is "o- su'6ec!e( !o #i0e( la-s7 a"( e er) *o!io". a"( i"#lue"ce. a"( e##ec! ca" 'e accou"!e( #or. a"(. -ere our ,"o-le(+e su##icie"!. coul( 'e a"!ici/a!e(. Moreo er. i! is /lai". o" !he o!her ha"(. !ha! i! is o"l) i" /ro/or!io" !o our o'ser a!io" a"( our research !ha! !his !ru!h 'eco*es a//are"!7 #or !hou+h a "u*'er o# !hi"+s e e" a! #irs! si+h! are see" !o /rocee( accor(i"+ !o a" es!a'lishe( a"( 'eau!i#ul or(er. )e! i" o!her %8:8& i"s!a"ces !he la- !o -hich !he) are co"#or*e( is -i!h (i##icul!) (isco ere(7 a"( !he -or(s ?cha"ce.? a"( ?ha9ar(.? a"( ?#or!u"e.? ha e co*e i"!o use as e0/ressio"s o# our i+"ora"ce. Accor(i"+l). )ou *a) #a"c) rash a"( irreli+ious *i"(s -ho are e"+a+e( (a) a#!er (a) i" !he 'usi"ess o# !he -orl(. su((e"l) loo,i"+ ou! i"!o !he hea e"s or u/o" !he ear!h. a"( cri!icisi"+ !he +rea! Archi!ec!. ar+ui"+ !ha! !here are crea!ures i" e0is!e"ce -hich are ru(e or (e#ec!i e i" !heir co"s!i!u!io". a"( as,i"+ 1ues!io"s -hich -oul( 'u! e i(e"ce !heir -a"! o# scie"!i#ic e(uca!io". The case is !he sa*e as re+ar(s !he su/er"a!ural -orl(. The +rea! !ru!hs o# Re ela!io" are all co""ec!e( !o+e!her a"( #or* a -hole. E er) o"e ca" see !his i" a *easure e e" a! a +la"ce. 'u! !o u"(ers!a"( !he #ull co"sis!e"c) a"( har*o") o# Ca!holic !eachi"+ re1uires s!u() a"( *e(i!a!io". He"ce. as /hiloso/hers o# !his -orl( 'ur) !he*sel es i" *useu*s a"( la'ora!ories. (esce"( i"!o *i"es. or -a"(er a*o"+ -oo(s or o" !he seashore. so !he i"1uirer i"!o hea e"l) !ru!hs (-ells i" !he cell a"( !he ora!or). /ouri"+ #or!h his hear! i" /ra)er. collec!i"+ his !hou+h!s i" *e(i!a!io". (-elli"+ o" !he i(ea o# Jesus. or o# Mar). or o# +race. or o# e!er"i!). a"( /o"(eri"+ !he -or(s o# hol) *e" -ho ha e +o"e 'e#ore hi*. !ill 'e#ore his *e"!al si+h! arises !he hi((e" -is(o* o# !he /er#ec!. ?-hich ;o( /re(es!i"e( 'e#ore !he -orl( u"!o our +lor).? a"( -hich He ?re eals u"!o !he* ') His S/iri!?. A"(. as i+"ora"! *e" *a) (is/u!e !he

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'eau!) a"( har*o") o# !he isi'le crea!io". so *e". -ho #or si0 (a)s i" !he -ee, are a'sor'e( i" -orl(l) !oil. -ho li e #or -eal!h. %8::& or "a*e. or sel#<i"(ul+e"ce. or /ro#a"e ,"o-le(+e. a"( (o 'u! +i e !heir leisure *o*e"!s !o !he !hou+h! o# reli+io". "e er raisi"+ !heir souls !o ;o(. "e er as,i"+ #or His e"li+h!e"i"+ +race. "e er chas!e"i"+ !heir hear!s a"( 'o(ies. "e er s!ea(il) co"!e*/la!i"+ !he o'6ec!s o# #ai!h. 'u! 6u(+i"+ has!il) a"( /ere*/!oril) accor(i"+ !o !heir /ri a!e ie-s or !he hu*our o# !he hour7 such *e". I sa). i" li,e *a""er. *a) easil). or -ill #or cer!ai". 'e sur/rise( a"( shoc,e( a! /or!io"s o# re eale( !ru!h. as i# s!ra"+e. or harsh. or e0!re*e. or i"co"sis!e"!. a"( -ill i" -hole or i" /ar! re6ec! i!. I a* +oi"+ !o a//l) !his re*ar, !o !he su'6ec! o# !he /rero+a!i es -i!h -hich !he Church i" es!s !he Blesse( Mo!her o# ;o(. The) are s!ar!li"+ a"( (i##icul! !o !hose -hose i*a+i"a!io" is "o! accus!o*e( !o !he*. a"( -hose reaso" has "o! re#lec!e( o" !he*7 'u! !he *ore care#ull) a"( reli+iousl) !he) are (-el! o". !he *ore. I a* sure. -ill !he) 'e #ou"( esse"!ial !o !he Ca!holic #ai!h. a"( i"!e+ral !o !he -orshi/ o# Chris!. This si*/l) is !he /oi"! -hich I shall i"sis! o"3 (is/u!a'le i"(ee( ') alie"s #ro* !he Church. 'u! *os! clear !o her chil(re"3!ha! !he +lories o# Mar) are #or !he sa,e o# Jesus7 a"( !ha! -e /raise a"( 'less her as !he #irs! o# crea!ures. !ha! -e *a) co"#ess Hi* as our sole Crea!or. Whe" !he E!er"al Wor( (ecree( !o co*e o" ear!h. He (i( "o! /ur/ose. He (i( "o! -or,. ') hal es7 'u! He ca*e !o 'e a *a" li,e a") o# us. !o !a,e a hu*a" soul a"( 'o(). a"( !o *a,e !he* His o-". He (i( "o! co*e i" a *ere a//are"! or acci(e"!al #or*. as A"+els a//ear !o *e"7 "or (i( He *erel) o er<sha(o- %8:=& a" e0is!i"+ *a". as He o ersha(o-s His sai"!s. a"( call Hi* ') !he "a*e o# ;o(7 'u! He ?-as *a(e #lesh?. He a!!ache( !o Hi*sel# a *a"hoo(. a"( 'eca*e as reall) a"( !rul) *a" as He -as ;o(. so !ha! he"ce#or!h He -as 'o!h ;o( a"( *a". or. i" o!her -or(s. He -as O"e $erso" i" !-o "a!ures. (i i"e a"( hu*a". This is a *)s!er) so *ar ellous. so (i##icul!. !ha! #ai!h alo"e #ir*l) recei es i!7 !he "a!ural *a" *a) recei e i! #or a -hile. *a) !hi", he recei es i!. 'u! "e er reall) recei es i!7 'e+i"s. as soo" as he has /ro#esse( i!. secre!l) !o re'el a+ai"s! i!. e a(es i!. or re ol!s #ro* i!. This he has (o"e #ro* !he #irs!7 e e" i" !he li#e!i*e o# !he 'elo e( (isci/le *e" arose -ho sai( !ha! our Lor( ha( "o 'o() a! all. or a 'o() #ra*e( i" !he hea e"s. or !ha! He (i( "o! su##er. 'u! a"o!her su##ere( i" His s!ea(. or !ha! He -as 'u! #or a !i*e /ossesse( o# !he hu*a" #or* -hich -as 'or" a"( -hich su##ere(. co*i"+ i"!o i! a! i!s 'a/!is*. a"( lea i"+ i! 'e#ore i!s cruci#i0io". or. a+ai". !ha! He -as a *ere *a". Tha! ?i" !he

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'e+i""i"+ -as !he Wor(. a"( !he Wor( -as -i!h ;o(. a"( !he Wor( -as ;o(. a"( !he Wor( -as *a(e #lesh a"( (-el! a*o"+ us.? -as !oo har( a !hi"+ #or !he u"re+e"era!e reaso". The case is !he sa*e a! !his (a)7 *ere $ro!es!a"!s ha e sel(o* a") real /erce/!io" o# !he (oc!ri"e o# ;o( a"( *a" i" o"e $erso". The) s/ea, i" a (rea*). sha(o-) -a) o# Chris!Bs (i i"i!)7 'u!. -he" !heir *ea"i"+ is si#!e(. )ou -ill #i"( !he* er) slo- !o co**i! !he*sel es !o a") s!a!e*e"! su##icie"! !o e0/ress !he Ca!holic (o+*a. The) -ill !ell )ou a! o"ce. !ha! !he su'6ec! is "o! !o 'e i"1uire( i"!o. #or !ha! i! is %8:A& i*/ossi'le !o i"1uire i"!o i! a! all -i!hou! 'ei"+ !ech"ical a"( su'!ile. The". -he" !he) co**e"! o" !he ;os/els. !he) -ill s/ea, o# Chris!. "o! si*/l) a"( co"sis!e"!l) as ;o(. 'u! as a 'ei"+ *a(e u/ o# ;o( a"( *a". /ar!l) o"e a"( /ar!l) !he o!her. or 'e!-ee" 'o!h. or as a *a" i"ha'i!e( ') a s/ecial Di i"e /rese"ce. So*e!i*es !he) e e" +o o" !o (e") !ha! He -as i" hea e" !he So" o# ;o(. sa)i"+ !ha! He 'eca*e !he So" -he" He -as co"cei e( o# !he Hol) ;hos!7 a"( !he) are shoc,e(. a"( !hi", i! a *ar, 'o!h o# re ere"ce a"( +oo( se"se !o 'e shoc,e(. -he" !he) hear !he Ma" s/o,e" o# si*/l) a"( /lai"l) as ;o(. The) ca""o! 'ear !o ha e i! sai(. e0ce/! as a #i+ure or *o(e o# s/ea,i"+. !ha! ;o( ha( a hu*a" 'o(). or !ha! ;o( su##ere(7 !he) !hi", !ha! !he ?A!o"e*e"!.? a"( ?Sa"c!i#ica!io" !hrou+h !he S/iri!.? as !he) s/ea,. is !he su* a"( su's!a"ce o# !he ;os/el. a"( !he) are sh) o# a") (o+*a!ic e0/ressio" -hich +oes 'e)o"( !he*. Such. I 'elie e. is !he or(i"ar) charac!er o# !he $ro!es!a"! "o!io"s a*o"+ us as !o !he (i i"i!) o# Chris!. -he!her a*o"+ *e*'ers o# !he A"+lica" co**u"io". or (isse"!ers #ro* i!. e0ce/!i"+ a s*all re*"a"! o# !he*. No-. i# )ou -oul( -i!"ess a+ai"s! !hese u"chris!ia" o/i"io"s. i# )ou -oul( 'ri"+ ou! (is!i"c!l) a"( 'e)o"( *is!a,e a"( e asio". !he si*/le i(ea o# !he Ca!holic Church !ha! ;o( is *a". coul( )ou (o i! 'e!!er !ha" ') la)i"+ (o-" i" S!. Joh"Bs -or(s !ha! ?;o( became *a"?2 a"( a+ai" coul( )ou e0/ress !his *ore e*/ha!icall) a"( u"e1ui ocall) !ha" ') (eclari"+ !ha! He -as born a *a". or !ha! He ha( a #other2 The -orl( %8:E& allo-s !ha! ;o( is *a"7 !he a(*issio" cos!s i! li!!le. #or ;o( is e er)-here. a"( Cas i! *a) sa)D is e er)!hi"+7 'u! i! shri",s #ro* co"#essi"+ !ha! ;o( is !he So" o# Mar). I! shri",s. #or i! is a! o"ce co"#ro"!e( -i!h a se ere #ac!. -hich iola!es a"( sha!!ers i!s o-" u"'elie i"+ ie- o# !hi"+s7 !he re eale( (oc!ri"e #or!h-i!h !a,es i!s !rue sha/e. a"( recei es a" his!orical reali!)7 a"( !he Al*i+h!) is i"!ro(uce( i"!o His o-" -orl( a! a cer!ai" !i*e a"( i" a (e#i"i!e -a). Drea*s are 'ro,e" a"( sha(o-s (e/ar!7 !he Di i"e !ru!h is "o lo"+er a /oe!ical e0/ressio". or a (e o!io"al e0a++era!io". or a *)s!ical eco"o*). or a *)!hical re/rese"!a!io". ?Sacri#ice a"(

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o##eri"+.? !he sha(o-s o# !he La-. ?Thou -oul(es! "o!. 'u! a 'o() has! Thou #i!!e( !o *e.? ?Tha! -hich -as #ro* !he 'e+i""i"+. -hich -e ha e hear(. -hich -e ha e see" -i!h our e)es. -hich -e ha e (ili+e"!l) loo,e( u/o". a"( our ha"(s ha e ha"(le(.? ?Tha! -hich -e ha e see" a"( ha e hear(. (eclare -e u"!o )ou?73such is !he recor( o# !he A/os!le. i" o//osi!io" !o !hose ?s/iri!s? -hich (e"ie( !ha! ?Jesus Chris! ha( a//eare( i" !he #lesh.? a"( -hich ?(issol e(? Hi* ') (e")i"+ ei!her His hu*a" "a!ure or His (i i"e. A"( !he co"#essio" !ha! Mar) is ei!ara. or !he Mo!her o# ;o(. is !ha! sa#e+uar( -here-i!h -e seal u/ a"( secure !he (oc!ri"e o# !he A/os!le #ro* all e asio". a"( !ha! !es! -here') -e (e!ec! all !he /re!e"ces o# !hose 'a( s/iri!s o# ?A"!ichris! -hich ha e +o"e ou! i"!o !he -orl(?. I! (eclares !ha! He is ;o(7 i! i*/lies !ha! He is *a"7 i! su++es!s !o us !ha! He is ;o( s!ill. !hou+h He has 'eco*e *a". a"( !ha! He is !rue *a" %8:F& !hou+h He is ;o(. B) -i!"essi"+ !o !he !rocess o# !he u"io". i! secures !he reali!) o# !he !-o sub,ects o# !he u"io". o# !he (i i"i!) a"( o# !he *a"hoo(. I# Mar) is !he Mo!her o# ;o(. Chris! *us! 'e li!erall) E**a"uel. ;o( -i!h us. A"( he"ce i! -as. !ha!. -he" !i*e -e"! o". a"( !he 'a( s/iri!s a"( #alse /ro/he!s +re- s!ro"+er a"( 'ol(er. a"( #ou"( a -a) i"!o !he Ca!holic 'o() i!sel#. !he" !he Church. +ui(e( ') ;o(. coul( #i"( "o *ore e##ec!ual a"( sure -a) o# e0/elli"+ !he* !ha" !ha! o# usi"+ !his -or( ei!ara a+ai"s! !he*7 a"(. o" !he o!her ha"(. -he" !he) ca*e u/ a+ai" #ro* !he real*s o# (ar,"ess. a"( /lo!!e( !he u!!er o er!hro- o# Chris!ia" #ai!h i" !he si0!ee"!h ce"!ur). !he" !he) coul( #i"( "o *ore cer!ai" e0/e(ie"! #or !heir ha!e#ul /ur/ose !ha" !ha! o# re ili"+ a"( 'las/he*i"+ !he /rero+a!i es o# Mar). #or !he) ,"e- #ull -ell !ha!. i# !he) coul( o"ce +e! !he -orl( !o (isho"our !he Mo!her. !he (isho"our o# !he So" -oul( #ollo- close. The Church a"( Sa!a" a+ree( !o+e!her i" !his. !ha! So" a"( Mo!her -e"! !o+e!her7 a"( !he e0/erie"ce o# !hree ce"!uries has co"#ir*e( !heir !es!i*o"). #or Ca!holics -ho ha e ho"oure( !he Mo!her. s!ill -orshi/ !he So". -hile $ro!es!a"!s. -ho "o- ha e cease( !o co"#ess !he So". 'e+a" !he" ') sco##i"+ a! !he Mo!her. 4ou see. !he". *) 're!hre". i" !his /ar!icular. !he har*o"ious co"sis!e"c) o# !he re eale( s)s!e*. a"( !he 'eari"+ o# o"e (oc!ri"e u/o" a"o!her7 Mar) is e0al!e( #or !he sa,e o# Jesus. I! -as #i!!i"+ !ha! she. as 'ei"+ a crea!ure. !hou+h !he #irs! o# crea!ures. shoul( ha e a" o##ice o# *i"is!ra!io". She. as o!hers. %8:H& ca*e i"!o !he -orl( !o (o a -or,. she ha( a *issio" !o #ul#il7 her +race a"( her +lor) are "o! #or her o-" sa,e. 'u! #or her Ma,erBs7 a"( !o her is co**i!!e( !he cus!o() o# !he I"car"a!io"7 !his is her a//oi"!e( o##ice.3?A >ir+i" shall co"cei e. a"( 'ear a So". a"( !he) shall call His Na*e

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E**a"uel?. As she -as o"ce o" ear!h. a"( -as /erso"all) !he +uar(ia" o# her Di i"e Chil(. as she carrie( Hi* i" her -o*'. #ol(e( Hi* i" her e*'race. a"( suc,le( Hi* a! her 'reas!. so "o-. a"( !o !he la!es! hour o# !he Church. (o her +lories a"( !he (e o!io" /ai( her /roclai* a"( (e#i"e !he ri+h! #ai!h co"cer"i"+ Hi* as ;o( a"( *a". E er) church -hich is (e(ica!e( !o her. e er) al!ar -hich is raise( u"(er her i" oca!io". e er) i*a+e -hich re/rese"!s her. e er) li!a") i" her /raise. e er) Hail Mar) #or her co"!i"ual *e*or). (oes 'u! re*i"( us !ha! !here -as O"e -ho. !hou+h He -as all<'lesse( #ro* all e!er"i!). )e! #or !he sa,e o# si""ers. ?(i( "o! shri", #ro* !he >ir+i"Bs -o*'?. Thus she is !he Turris avidica. as !he Church calls her. ?!he To-er o# Da i(?7 !he hi+h a"( s!ro"+ (e#e"ce o# !he Ki"+ o# !he !rue Israel7 a"( he"ce !he Church also a((resses her i" !he A"!i/ho". as ha i"+ ?alo"e (es!ro)e( all heresies i" !he -hole -orl(?. A"( here. *) 're!hre". a #resh !hou+h! o/e"s u/o" us. -hich is "a!urall) i*/lie( i" -ha! has 'ee" sai(. I# !he ei!ara is !o -i!"ess o# E**a"uel. she *us! 'e "ecessaril) *ore !ha" !he ei!ara. For co"si(er7 a (e#e"ce *us! 'e s!ro"+ i" or(er !o 'e a (e#e"ce7 a !o-er *us! 'e. li,e !ha! To-er o# Da i(. ?'uil! -i!h 'ul-ar,s?7 ?a !housa"( 'uc,lers ha"+ u/o" i!. all %8=I& !he ar*our o# alia"! *e"?. I! -oul( "o! ha e su##ice(. i" or(er !o 'ri"+ ou! a"( i*/ress o" us !he i(ea !ha! ;o( is *a". ha( His Mo!her 'ee" a" or(i"ar) /erso". A *o!her -i!hou! a ho*e i" !he Church. -i!hou! (i+"i!). -i!hou! +i#!s. -oul( ha e 'ee". as #ar as !he (e#e"ce o# !he I"car"a!io" +oes. "o *o!her a! all. She -oul( "o! ha e re*ai"e( i" !he *e*or). or !he i*a+i"a!io" o# *e". I# she is !o -i!"ess a"( re*i"( !he -orl( !ha! ;o( 'eca*e *a". she *us! 'e o" a hi+h a"( e*i"e"! s!a!io" #or !he /ur/ose. She *us! 'e *a(e !o #ill !he *i"(. i" or(er !o su++es! !he lesso". Whe" she o"ce a!!rac!s our a!!e"!io". !he". a"( "o! !ill !he". she 'e+i"s !o /reach Jesus. ?Wh) shoul( she ha e such /rero+a!i es.? -e as,. ?u"less He 'e ;o(2 a"( -ha! *us! He 'e ') "a!ure. -he" she is so hi+h ') +race2? This is -h) she has o!her /rero+a!i es 'esi(es. "a*el). !he +i#!s o# /erso"al /uri!) a"( i"!ercessor) /o-er. (is!i"c! #ro* her *a!er"i!)7 she is /erso"all) e"(o-e( !ha! she *a) /er#or* her o##ice -ell7 she is e0al!e( i" hersel# !ha! she *a) *i"is!er !o Chris!. For !his reaso". she has 'ee" *a(e *ore +lorious i" her /erso" !ha" i" her o##ice7 her /uri!) is a hi+her +i#! !ha" her rela!io"shi/ !o ;o(. This is -ha! is i*/lie( i" Chris!Bs a"s-er !o !he -o*a" i" !he cro-(. -ho crie( ou!. -he" He -as /reachi"+. ?Blesse( is !he -o*' !ha! 'are Thee. a"( !he 'reas!s -hich Thou has! suc,e(?. He re/lie( ') /oi"!i"+ ou! !o His (isci/les a hi+her 'lesse("ess7 ?4ea. ra!her.

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'lesse(.? He sai(. ?are !he) -ho hear !he -or( o# ;o( a"( ,ee/ i!?. 4ou ,"o-. *) 're!hre". !ha! $ro!es!a"!s %8=1& !a,e !hese -or(s i" (is/ara+e*e"! o# our La()Bs +rea!"ess. 'u! !he) reall) !ell !he o!her -a). For co"si(er !he*7 He la)s (o-" a /ri"ci/le. !ha! i! is *ore 'lesse( !o ,ee/ His co**a"(*e"!s !ha" !o 'e His Mo!her7 'u! -ho. e e" o# $ro!es!a"!s. -ill sa) !ha! she (i( not ,ee/ His co**a"(*e"!s2 She ,e/! !he* surel). a"( our Lor( (oes 'u! sa) !ha! such o'e(ie"ce -as i" a hi+her li"e o# /ri ile+e !ha" her 'ei"+ His Mo!her7 she -as *ore 'lesse( i" her (e!ach*e"! #ro* crea!ures. i" her (e o!io" !o ;o(. i" her ir+i"al /uri!). i" her #ul"ess o# +race. !ha" i" her *a!er"i!). This is !he co"s!a"! !eachi"+ o# !he Hol) Fa!hers@ ?More 'lesse( -as Mar).? sa)s S!. Au+us!i"e. ?i" recei i"+ Chris!Bs #ai!h. !ha" i" co"cei i"+ Chris!Bs #lesh7? a"( S!. Chr)sos!o* (eclares. !ha! she -oul( "o! ha e 'ee" 'lesse(. !hou+h she ha( 'or"e Hi* i" !he 'o(). ha( she "o! hear( !he -or( o# ;o( a"( ,e/! i!. This. o# course. is a" i*/ossi'le case7 #or she -as *a(e hol). !ha! she *i+h! 'e *a(e His Mo!her. a"( !he !-o 'lesse("esses ca""o! 'e (i i(e(. She -ho -as chose" !o su//l) #lesh a"( 'loo( !o !he E!er"al Wor(. -as #irs! #ille( -i!h +race i" soul a"( 'o()7 s!ill. she ha( a (ou'le 'lesse("ess. o# o##ice a"( o# 1uali#ica!io" #or i!. a"( !he la!!er -as !he +rea!er. A"( i! is o" !his accou"! !ha! !he A"+el calls her 'lesse(7 ?3ull o& grace.? he sa)s. ?Blesse( a*o"+ -o*e"?7 a"( S!. Eli9a'e!h also. -he" she cries ou!. ?Blesse( !hou !ha! has! believed?. Na). she hersel# 'ears a li,e !es!i*o"). -he" !he A"+el a""ou"ce( !o her !he hi+h #a our -hich -as co*i"+ o" her. Thou+h all Je-ish -o*e" i" each successi e a+e ha( 'ee" ho/i"+ %8=5& !o 'e Mo!her o# !he Chris!. so !ha! *arria+e -as ho"oura'le a*o"+ !he*. chil(less"ess a re/roach. she alo"e ha( /u! asi(e !he (esire a"( !he !hou+h! o# so +rea! a (i+"i!). She. -ho -as !o 'ear !he Chris!. +a e "o -elco*e !o !he +rea! a""ou"ce*e"! !ha! she -as !o 'ear Hi*7 a"( -h) (i( she !hus ac! !o-ar(s i!2 'ecause she ha( 'ee" i"s/ire(. !he #irs! o# -o*a"<,i"(. !o (e(ica!e her ir+i"i!) !o ;o(. a"( she (i( "o! -elco*e a /ri ile+e -hich see*e( !o i" ol e a #or#ei!ure o# her o-. Ho- shall !his 'e. she as,e(. seei"+ I a* !o li e se/ara!e #ro* *a"2 Nor. !ill !he A"+el !ol( her !ha! !he co"ce/!io" -oul( 'e *iraculous a"( #ro* !he Hol) ;hos!. (i( she /u! asi(e her ?!rou'le? o# *i"(. reco+"ise hi* securel) as ;o(Bs *esse"+er. a"( 'o- her hea( i" a-e a"( !ha",#ul"ess !o ;o(Bs co"(esce"sio". Mar) !he" is a s/eci*e". a"( *ore !ha" a s/eci*e". i" !he /uri!) o# her soul a"( 'o(). o# -ha! *a" -as 'e#ore his #all. a"( -ha! he -oul( ha e 'ee". ha( he rise" !o his #ull /er#ec!io". I! ha( 'ee" har(. i! ha( 'ee" a ic!or) #or !he E il O"e. ha( !he -hole race /asse(

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a-a). "or a") o"e i"s!a"ce i" i! occurre( !o sho- -ha! !he Crea!or ha( i"!e"(e( i! !o 'e i" i!s ori+i"al s!a!e. A(a*. )ou ,"o-. -as crea!e( i" !he i*a+e a"( a#!er !he li,e"ess o# ;o(7 his #rail a"( i*/er#ec! "a!ure. s!a*/e( -i!h a Di i"e seal. -as su//or!e( a"( e0al!e( ') a" i"(-elli"+ o# Di i"e +race. I*/e!uous /assio" (i( "o! e0is! i" hi*. e0ce/! as a la!e"! ele*e"! a"( a /ossi'le e il7 i+"ora"ce -as (issi/a!e( ') !he clear li+h! o# !he S/iri!7 a"( reaso". so erei+" o er e er) *o!io" o# his soul. -as si*/l) su'6ec!e( !o !he %8=8& -ill o# ;o(. Na). e e" his 'o() -as /reser e( #ro* e er) -a)-ar( a//e!i!e a"( a##ec!io". a"( -as /ro*ise( i**or!ali!) i"s!ea( o# (issolu!io". Thus he -as i" a su/er"a!ural s!a!e7 a"(. ha( he "o! si""e(. )ear a#!er )ear -oul( he ha e a( a"ce( i" *eri! a"( +race. a"( i" ;o(Bs #a our. !ill he /asse( #ro* /ara(ise !o hea e". Bu! he #ell7 a"( his (esce"(a"!s -ere 'or" i" his li,e"ess7 a"( !he -orl( +re- -orse i"s!ea( o# 'e!!er. a"( 6u(+*e"! a#!er 6u(+*e"! cu! o## +e"era!io"s o# si""ers i" ai". a"( i*/ro e*e"! -as ho/eless7 ?'ecause *a" -as #lesh.? a"(. ?!he !hou+h!s o# his hear! -ere 'e"! u/o" e il a! all !i*es.? Ho-e er. a re*e() ha( 'ee" (e!er*i"e( i" hea e"7 a Re(ee*er -as a! ha"(7 ;o( -as a'ou! !o (o a +rea! -or,. a"( He /ur/ose( !o (o i! sui!a'l)7 ?-here si" a'ou"(e(. +race -as !o a'ou"( *ore?. Ki"+s o# !he ear!h. -he" !he) ha e so"s 'or" !o !he*. #or!h-i!h sca!!er so*e lar+e 'ou"!). or raise so*e hi+h *e*orial7 !he) ho"our !he (a). or !he /lace. or !he heral(s o# !he aus/icious e e"!. -i!h so*e corres/o"(i"+ *ar, o# #a our7 "or (i( !he co*i"+ o# E**a"uel i""o a!e o" !he -orl(Bs es!a'lishe( cus!o*. I! -as a seaso" o# +race a"( /ro(i+). a"( !hese -ere !o 'e e0hi'i!e( i" a s/ecial *a""er i" !he /erso" o# His Mo!her. The course o# a+es -as !o 'e re erse(7 !he !ra(i!io" o# e il -as !o 'e 'ro,e"7 a +a!e o# li+h! -as !o 'e o/e"e( a*i( !he (ar,"ess. #or !he co*i"+ o# !he Jus!73a >ir+i" co"cei e( a"( 'ore Hi*. I! -as #i!!i"+. #or His ho"our a"( +lor). !ha! she. -ho -as !he i"s!ru*e"! o# His 'o(il) /rese"ce. shoul( %8=:& #irs! 'e a *iracle o# His +race7 i! -as #i!!i"+ !ha! she shoul( !riu*/h. -here E e ha( #aile(. a"( shoul( ?'ruise !he ser/e"!Bs hea(? ') !he s/o!less"ess o# her sa"c!i!). I" so*e res/ec!s. i"(ee(. !he curse -as "o! re erse(7 Mar) ca*e i"!o a #alle" -orl(. a"( resi+"e( hersel# !o i!s la-s7 she. as also !he So" she 'ore. -as e0/ose( !o /ai" o# soul a"( 'o(). she -as su'6ec!e( !o (ea!h7 'u! she -as "o! /u! u"(er !he /o-er o# si". As +race -as i"#use( i"!o A(a* #ro* !he #irs! *o*e"! o# his crea!io". so !ha! he "e er ha( e0/erie"ce o# his "a!ural /o er!). !ill si" re(uce( hi* !o i!7 so -as +race +i e" #ro* !he #irs! i" s!ill a*/ler *easure !o Mar). a"( she "e er i"curre(. i" #ac!. A(a*Bs (e/ri a!io". She 'e+a"

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-here o!hers e"(. -he!her i" ,"o-le(+e or i" lo e. She -as #ro* !he #irs! clo!he( i" sa"c!i!). (es!i"e( #or /erse era"ce. lu*i"ous a"( +lorious i" ;o(Bs si+h!. a"( i"cessa"!l) e*/lo)e( i" *eri!orious ac!s. -hich co"!i"ue( !ill her las! 'rea!h. Hers -as e*/ha!icall) ?!he /a!h o# !he 6us!. -hich. as !he shi"i"+ li+h!. +oe!h #or-ar( a"( i"crease!h e e" !o !he /er#ec! (a)?7 a"( si"less"ess i" !hou+h!. -or(. a"( (ee(. i" s*all !hi"+s as -ell as +rea!. i" e"ial *a!!ers as -ell as +rie ous. is surel) 'u! !he "a!ural a"( o' ious se1uel o# such a 'e+i""i"+. I# A(a* *i+h! ha e ,e/! hi*sel# #ro* si" i" his #irs! s!a!e. *uch *ore shall -e e0/ec! i**acula!e /er#ec!io" i" Mar). Such is her /rero+a!i e o# si"less /er#ec!io". a"( i! is. as her *a!er"i!). #or !he sa,e o# E**a"uel7 he"ce she a"s-ere( !he A"+elBs salu!a!io". *ratia !lena. -i!h !he hu*'le ac,"o-le(+*e"!. 4cce ancilla omini7 %8==& ?Behol( !he ha"(*ai( o# !he Lor(?. A"( li,e !o !his is her !hir( /rero+a!i e. -hich #ollo-s 'o!h #ro* her *a!er"i!) a"( #ro* her /uri!). a"( -hich I -ill *e"!io" as co*/le!i"+ !he e"u*era!io" o# her +lories. I *ea" her i"!ercessor) /o-er. For. i# ?;o( heare!h "o! si""ers. 'u! i# a *a" 'e a -orshi//er o# Hi*. a"( (o His -ill. hi* He heare!h?7 i# ?!he co"!i"ual /ra)er o# a 6us! *a" a aile!h *uch?7 i# #ai!h#ul A'raha* -as re1uire( !o /ra) #or A'i*elech. ?#or he -as a /ro/he!?7 i# /a!ie"! Jo' -as !o ?/ra) #or his #rie"(s.? #or he ha( ?s/o,e" ri+h! !hi"+s 'e#ore ;o(?7 i# *ee, Moses. ') li#!i"+ u/ his ha"(s. !ur"e( !he 'a!!le i" #a our o# Israel a+ai"s! A*alec7 -h) shoul( -e -o"(er a! heari"+ !ha! Mar). !he o"l) s/o!less chil( o# A(a*Bs see(. has a !ra"sce"(e"! i"#lue"ce -i!h !he ;o( o# +race2 A"( i# !he ;e"!iles a! Jerusale* sou+h! $hili/. 'ecause he -as a" A/os!le. -he" !he) (esire( access !o Jesus. a"( $hili/ s/o,e !o A"(re-. as s!ill *ore closel) i" our Lor(Bs co"#i(e"ce. a"( !he" 'o!h ca*e !o Hi*. is i! s!ra"+e !ha! !he Mo!her shoul( ha e /o-er -i!h !he So". (is!i"c! i" ,i"( #ro* !ha! o# !he /ures! a"+el a"( !he *os! !riu*/ha"! sai"!2 I# -e ha e #ai!h !o a(*i! !he I"car"a!io" i!sel#. -e *us! a(*i! i! i" i!s #ul"ess7 -h) !he" shoul( -e s!ar! a! !he +racious a//oi"!*e"!s -hich arise ou! o# i!. or are "ecessar) !o i!. or are i"clu(e( i" i!2 I# !he Crea!or co*es o" ear!h i" !he #or* o# a ser a"! a"( a crea!ure. -h) *a) "o! His Mo!her. o" !he o!her ha"(. rise !o 'e !he Ouee" o# hea e". a"( 'e clo!he( -i!h !he su". a"( ha e !he *oo" u"(er her #ee!2 %8=A& I a* "o! /ro i"+ !hese (oc!ri"es !o )ou. *) 're!hre"7 !he e i(e"ce o# !he* lies i" !he (eclara!io" o# !he Church. The Church is !he oracle o# reli+ious !ru!h. a"( (is/e"ses -ha! !he a/os!les co**i!!e( !o her i" e er) !i*e a"( /lace. We *us! !a,e her -or(. !he". -i!hou! /roo#. 'ecause she is se"! !o us #ro* ;o( !o !each us ho- !o /lease Hi*7

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a"( !ha! -e (o so is !he !es! -he!her -e 'e reall) Ca!holics or "o. I a* "o! /ro i"+ !he" -ha! )ou alrea() recei e. 'u! I a* sho-i"+ )ou !he 'eau!) a"( !he har*o"). i" o"e ou! o# *a") i"s!a"ces. o# !he ChurchBs !eachi"+7 -hich are so -ell a(a/!e(. as !he) are (i i"el) i"!e"(e(. !o reco**e"( !ha! !eachi"+ !o !he i"1uirer a"( !o e"(ear i! !o her chil(re". O"e -or( *ore. a"( I ha e (o"e7 I ha e sho-" )ou ho- #ull o# *ea"i"+ are !he !ru!hs !he*sel es -hich !he Church !eaches co"cer"i"+ !he Mos! Blesse( >ir+i". a"( "o- co"si(er ho- #ull o# *ea"i"+ also has 'ee" !he ChurchBs (is/e"sa!io" o# !he*. 4ou -ill #i"(. !ha!. i" !his res/ec!. as i" Mar)Bs /rero+a!i es !he*sel es. !here is !he sa*e care#ul re#ere"ce !o !he +lor) o# Hi* -ho +a e !he* !o her. 4ou ,"o-. -he" #irs! He -e"! ou! !o /reach. she ,e/! a/ar! #ro* Hi*7 she i"!er#ere( "o! -i!h His -or,7 a"(. e e" -he" He -as +o"e u/ o" hi+h. )e! she. a -o*a". -e"! "o! ou! !o /reach or !each. she sea!e( "o! hersel# i" !he A/os!olic chair. she !oo, "o /ar! i" !he /ries!Bs o##ice7 she (i( 'u! hu*'l) see, her So" i" !he (ail) Mass o# !hose. -ho. !hou+h her *i"is!ers i" hea e". -ere her su/eriors i" !he Church o" ear!h. Nor. -he" she a"( !he) ha( le#! !his lo-er sce"e. a"( she -as a Ouee" u/o" her So"Bs ri+h! ha"(. "o! e e" %8=E& !he" (i( she as, o# Hi* !o /u'lish her "a*e !o !he e"(s o# !he -orl(. or !o hol( her u/ !o !he -orl(Bs +a9e. 'u! she re*ai"e( -ai!i"+ #or !he !i*e. -he" her o-" +lor) shoul( 'e "ecessar) #or His. He i"(ee( ha( 'ee" #ro* !he er) #irs! /roclai*e( ') Hol) Church. a"( e"!hro"e( i" His !e*/le. #or He -as ;o(7 ill ha( i! 'esee*e( !he li i"+ Oracle o# Tru!h !o ha e -i!hhol(e" #ro* !he #ai!h#ul !he er) o'6ec! o# !heir a(ora!io"7 'u! i! -as o!her-ise -i!h Mar). I! 'eca*e her. as a crea!ure. a *o!her. a"( a -o*a". !o s!a"( asi(e a"( *a,e -a) #or !he Crea!or. !o *i"is!er !o her So". a"( !o -i" her -a) i"!o !he -orl(Bs ho*a+e ') s-ee! a"( +racious /ersuasio". So -he" His "a*e -as (isho"oure(. !he" i! -as !ha! she (i( Hi* ser ice7 -he" E**a"uel -as (e"ie(. !he" !he Mo!her o# ;o( Cas i! -ereD ca*e #or-ar(7 -he" here!ics sai( !ha! ;o( -as "o! i"car"a!e. !he" -as !he !i*e #or her o-" ho"ours. A"( !he". -he" as *uch as !his ha( 'ee" acco*/lishe(. she ha( (o"e -i!h s!ri#e7 she #ou+h! "o! #or hersel#. No #ierce co"!ro ers). "o /ersecu!e( co"#essors. "o heresiarch. "o a"a!he*a. -ere "ecessar) #or her +ra(ual *a"i#es!a!io"7 as she ha( i"crease( (a) ') (a) i" +race a"( *eri! a! Na9are!h. -hile !he -orl( ,"e- "o! o# her. so has she raise( hersel# alo#! sile"!l). a"( has +ro-" i"!o her /lace i" !he Church ') a !ra"1uil i"#lue"ce a"( a "a!ural /rocess. She -as as so*e #air !ree. s!re!chi"+ #or!h her #rui!#ul 'ra"ches a"( her #ra+ra"! lea es. a"( o ersha(o-i"+ !he !erri!or) o# !he sai"!s. A"( !hus !he A"!i/ho" s/ea,s o# her@ ?Le! !h)

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(-elli"+ 'e i" Jaco'. a"( !hi"e i"heri!a"ce i" Israel. a"( %8=F& stri'e thy roots i" M) elec!?. A+ai". ?A"( so i" Sio" -as I es!a'lishe(. a"( i" !he hol) ci!) I li,e-ise res!e(. a"( i" Jerusale* -as *) /o-er. A"( I too' root i" a" ho"oura'le /eo/le. a"( i" !he +lorious co*/a") o# !he sai"!s -as I detained. I -as e0al!e( li,e a ce(ar i" Le'a"us. a"( as a c)/ress i" Mou"! Sio"7 I ha e s!re!che( ou! *) 'ra"ches as !he !ere'i"!h. a"( *) 'ra"ches are o# ho"our a"( +race.? Thus -as she reare( -i!hou! ha"(s. a"( +ai"e( a *o(es! ic!or). a"( e0er!s a +e"!le s-a). -hich she has "o! clai*e(. Whe" (is/u!e arose a'ou! her a*o"+ her chil(re". she hushe( i!7 -he" o'6ec!io"s -ere ur+e( a+ai"s! her. she -ai e( her clai*s a"( -ai!e(7 !ill "o-. i" !his er) (a). shoul( ;o( so -ill. she -ill -i" a! le"+!h her *os! ra(ia"! cro-". a"(. -i!hou! o//osi"+ oice. a"( a*i( !he 6u'ila!io" o# !he -hole Church. she -ill 'e haile( as i**acula!e i" her co"ce/!io". Such ar! !hou. Hol) Mo!her. i" !he cree( a"( i" !he -orshi/ o# !he Church. !he (e#e"ce o# *a") !ru!hs. !he +race a"( s*ili"+ li+h! o# e er) (e o!io". I" !hee. O Mar). is #ul#ille(. as -e ca" 'ear i!. a" ori+i"al /ur/ose o# !he Mos! Hi+h. He o"ce ha( *ea"! !o co*e o" ear!h i" hea e"l) +lor). 'u! -e si""e(7 a"( !he" He coul( "o! sa#el) isi! us. e0ce/! -i!h a shrou(e( ra(ia"ce a"( a 'e(i**e( Ma6es!). #or He -as ;o(. So He ca*e Hi*sel# i" -ea,"ess. "o! i" /o-er7 a"( He se"! !hee. a crea!ure. i" His s!ea(. -i!h a crea!ureBs co*eli"ess a"( lus!re sui!e( !o our s!a!e. A"( "o- !h) er) #ace a"( #or*. (ear Mo!her. s/ea, !o us o# !he E!er"al7 "o! li,e ear!hl) 'eau!). (a"+erous !o loo, u/o". 'u! li,e !he *or"i"+ s!ar. -hich is !h) %8=H& e*'le*. 'ri+h! a"( *usical. 'rea!hi"+ /uri!). !elli"+ o# hea e". a"( i"#usi"+ /eace. O har'i"+er o# (a)G O ho/e o# !he /il+ri*G lea( us s!ill as !hou has! le(7 i" !he (ar, "i+h!. across !he 'lea, -il(er"ess. +ui(e us o" !o our Lor( Jesus. +ui(e us ho*e. Maria. *a!er +ra!iP. Dulcis /are"s cle*e"!iP. Tu "os a' hos!e /ro!e+e E! *or!is horR susci/e. To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e
Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

188

Discourse 1F. O" !he Fi!"ess o# !he ;lories o# Mar)

%8AI& 4OU *a) recollec!. *) 're!hre". our Lor(Bs -or(s -he" o" !he (a) o# His resurrec!io" He ha( 6oi"e( !he !-o (isci/les o" !heir -a) !o E**aus. a"( #ou"( !he* sa( a"( /er/le0e( i" co"se1ue"ce o# His (ea!h. He sai(. ?"ught not Chris! !o su##er !hese !hi"+s. a"( so e"!er i"!o His +lor)2? He a//eale( !o !he #i!"ess a"( co"+rui!) -hich e0is!e( 'e!-ee" !his o!her-ise sur/risi"+ e e"! a"( !he o!her !ru!hs -hich ha( 'ee" re eale( co"cer"i"+ !he Di i"e /ur/ose o# sa i"+ !he -orl(. A"( so. !oo. S!. $aul. i" s/ea,i"+ o# !he sa*e -o"(er#ul a//oi"!*e"! o# ;o(7 ?I! became Hi*.? he sa)s. ?#or -ho* are all !hi"+s. a"( !hrou+h -ho* are all !hi"+s. -ho ha( 'rou+h! *a") so"s u"!o +lor). !o co"su**a!e !he Au!hor o# !heir sal a!io" ') su##eri"+?. Else-here. s/ea,i"+ o# /ro/hes)i"+. or !he e0/osi!io" o# -ha! is la!e"! i" Di i"e !ru!h. he 'i(s his 're!hre" e0ercise !he +i#! ?accor(i"+ !o !he analogy or rule o# #ai!h?7 !ha! is. so !ha! !he (oc!ri"e /reache( *a) corres/o"( a"( #i! i"!o -ha! is alrea() recei e(. Thus. )ou see. i! is a +rea! e i(e"ce o# !ru!h. i" !he case o# re eale( !eachi"+. !ha! i! is so co"sis!e"!. !ha! i! so ha"+s !o+e!her. !ha! o"e !hi"+ s/ri"+s ou! o# %8A1& a"o!her. !ha! each /ar! re1uires a"( is re1uire( ') !he res!. This +rea! /ri"ci/le. -hich is e0e*/li#ie( so ariousl) i" !he s!ruc!ure a"( his!or) o# Ca!holic (oc!ri"e. -hich -ill recei e *ore a"( *ore illus!ra!io"s !he *ore care#ull) a"( *i"u!el) -e e0a*i"e !he su'6ec!. is 'rou+h! 'e#ore us es/eciall) a! !his seaso". -he" -e are cele'ra!i"+ !he Assu*/!io" o# our Blesse( La(). !he Mo!her o# ;o(. i"!o hea e". We recei e i! o" !he 'elie# o# a+es7 'u!. ie-e( i" !he li+h! o# reaso". i! is !he &itness o# !his !er*i"a!io" o# her ear!hl) course -hich so /ersuasi el) reco**e"(s i! !o our *i"(s@ -e #eel i! ?ou+h!? !o 'e7 !ha! i! ?'eco*es? her Lor( a"( So" !hus !o /ro i(e #or o"e -ho -as so si"+ular a"( s/ecial. 'o!h i" hersel# a"( her rela!io"s !o Hi*. We #i"( !ha! i! is si*/l) i" har*o") -i!h !he su's!a"ce a"( *ai" ou!li"es o# !he (oc!ri"e o# !he I"car"a!io". a"( !ha! -i!hou! i! Ca!holic !eachi"+ -oul( ha e a charac!er o# i"co*/le!e"ess. a"( -oul( (isa//oi"! our /ious e0/ec!a!io"s. Le! us (irec! our !hou+h!s !o !his su'6ec! !o(a). *) 're!hre"7 a"( -i!h a ie- o# hel/i"+ )ou !o (o so. I -ill #irs! s!a!e -ha! !he Church has !au+h! a"( (e#i"e( #ro* !he #irs! a+es co"cer"i"+ !he Blesse( >ir+i". a"( !he" )ou -ill see ho- "a!urall) !he (e o!io" -hich her chil(re" sho- her. a"( !he /raises -i!h -hich !he) ho"our her. #ollo#ro* i!.

189 No-. as )ou ,"o-. i! has 'ee" hel( #ro* !he #irs!. a"( (e#i"e( #ro* a" earl) a+e. !ha! Mar) is !he Mo!her o# ;o(. She is "o! *erel) !he Mo!her o# our Lor(Bs *a"hoo(. or o# our Lor(Bs 'o(). 'u! she is !o 'e co"si(ere( %8A5& !he Mo!her o# !he Wor( Hi*sel#. !he Wor( i"car"a!e. ;o(. i" !he /erso" o# !he Wor(. !he Seco"( $erso" o# !he All<+lorious Tri"i!). hu*'le( Hi*sel# !o 'eco*e her So". Non horruisti )irginis uterum. as !he Church si"+s. ?Thou (i(s! "o! (is(ai" !he >ir+i"Bs -o*'?. He !oo, !he su's!a"ce o# His hu*a" #lesh #ro* her. a"( clo!he( i" i! He la) -i!hi" her7 a"( He 'ore i! a'ou! -i!h Hi* a#!er 'ir!h. as a sor! o# 'a(+e a"( -i!"ess !ha! He. !hou+h ;o(. -as hers. He -as "urse( a"( !e"(e( ') her7 He -as suc,le( ') her7 He la) i" her ar*s. As !i*e -e"! o". He *i"is!ere( !o her. a"( o'e)e( her. He li e( -i!h her #or !hir!) )ears. i" o"e house. -i!h a" u"i"!erru/!e( i"!ercourse. a"( -i!h o"l) !he sai"!l) Jose/h !o share i! -i!h Hi*. She -as !he -i!"ess o# His +ro-!h. o# His 6o)s. o# His sorro-s. o# His /ra)ers7 she -as 'les! -i!h His s*ile. -i!h !he !ouch o# His ha"(. -i!h !he -his/er o# His a##ec!io". -i!h !he e0/ressio" o# His !hou+h!s a"( His #eeli"+s. #or !ha! le"+!h o# !i*e. No-. *) 're!hre". -ha! ou+h! she !o 'e. -ha! is i! becoming !ha! she shoul( 'e. -ho -as so #a oure(2 Such a 1ues!io" -as o"ce as,e( ') a hea!he" ,i"+. -he" he -oul( /lace o"e o# his su'6ec!s i" a (i+"i!) 'eco*i"+ !he rela!io" i" -hich !he la!!er s!oo( !o-ar(s hi*. Tha! su'6ec! ha( sa e( !he ,i"+Bs li#e. a"( -ha! -as !o 'e (o"e !o hi* i" re!ur"2 The ,i"+ as,e(. ?Wha! shoul( 'e (o"e !o !he *a" -ho* !he ,i"+ (esire!h !o ho"our2? A"( he recei e( !he #ollo-i"+ a"s-er. ?The *a" -ho* !he ,i"+ -ishe!h !o ho"our ou+h! !o 'e cla( i" !he ,i"+Bs a//arel. a"( !o 'e *ou"!e( o" !he ,i"+Bs sa((le. a"( !o recei e !he ro)al %8A8& (ia(e* o" his hea(7 a"( le! !he #irs! a*o"+ !he ,i"+Bs /ri"ces a"( /resi(e"!s hol( his horse. a"( le! hi* -al, !hrou+h !he s!ree!s o# !he ci!). a"( sa). Thus shall he 'e ho"oure(. -ho* !he ,i"+ ha!h a *i"( !o ho"our?. So s!a"(s !he case -i!h Mar)7 she +a e 'ir!h !o !he Crea!or. a"( -ha! reco*/e"se shall 'e *a(e her2 -ha! shall 'e (o"e !o her. -ho ha( !his rela!io"shi/ !o !he Mos! Hi+h2 -ha! shall 'e !he #i! acco*/a"i*e"! o# o"e -ho* !he Al*i+h!) has (ei+"e( !o *a,e. "o! His ser a"!. "o! His #rie"(. "o! His i"!i*a!e. 'u! His su/erior. !he source o# His seco"( 'ei"+. !he "urse o# His hel/less i"#a"c). !he !eacher o# His o/e"i"+ )ears2 I a"s-er. as !he ,i"+ -as a"s-ere(@ No!hi"+ is !oo hi+h #or her !o -ho* ;o( o-es His hu*a" li#e7 "o e0u'era"ce o# +race. "o e0cess o# +lor). 'u! is 'eco*i"+. 'u! is !o 'e e0/ec!e( !here. -here ;o( has lo(+e( Hi*sel#. -he"ce ;o( has issue(. Le! her ?'e cla( i" !he ,i"+Bs a//arel.? !ha! is. le! !he #ul"ess o# !he ;o(hea( so #lo- i"!o her !ha! she *a) 'e a #i+ure o# !he i"co**u"ica'le sa"c!i!). a"( 'eau!). a"( +lor). o# ;o( Hi*sel#@ !ha! she *a) 'e !he Mirror o# Jus!ice. !he M)s!ical Rose. !he To-er o# I or). !he House o# ;ol(. !he Mor"i"+ S!ar. Le! her ?recei e !he ,i"+Bs (ia(e* u/o" her hea(.? as !he Ouee" o# hea e". !he Mo!her o#

190 all li i"+. !he Heal!h o# !he -ea,. !he Re#u+e o# si""ers. !he Co*#or!er o# !he a##lic!e(. A"( ?le! !he #irs! a*o"+s! !he ,i"+Bs /ri"ces -al, 'e#ore her.? le! a"+els a"( /ro/he!s. a"( a/os!les. a"( *ar!)rs. a"( all sai"!s. ,iss !he he* o# her +ar*e"! a"( re6oice u"(er !he sha(o- o# her !hro"e. Thus is i! !ha! Ki"+ Solo*o" has rise" u/ %8A:& !o *ee! his *o!her. a"( 'o-e( hi*sel# u"!o her. a"( cause( a sea! !o 'e se! #or !he ,i"+Bs *o!her. a"( she si!s o" his ri+h! ha"(. We shoul( 'e /re/are( !he". *) 're!hre". !o 'elie e !ha! !he Mo!her o# ;o( is #ull o# +race a"( +lor). #ro* !he er) #i!"ess o# such a (is/e"sa!io". e e" !hou+h -e ha( "o! 'ee" !au+h! i!7 a"( !his #i!"ess -ill a//ear s!ill *ore clear a"( cer!ai" -he" -e co"!e*/la!e !he su'6ec! *ore s!ea(il). Co"si(er !he". !ha! i! has 'ee" !he or(i"ar) rule o# ;o(Bs (eali"+s -i!h us. !ha! /erso"al sa"c!i!) shoul( 'e !he a!!e"(a"! u/o" hi+h s/iri!ual (i+"i!) o# /lace or -or,. The a"+els. -ho. as !he -or( i*/or!s. are ;o(Bs *esse"+ers. are also /er#ec! i" holi"ess7 ?-i!hou! sa"c!i!). "o o"e shall see ;o(7? "o (e#ile( !hi"+ ca" e"!er !he cour!s o# hea e"7 a"( !he hi+her i!s i"ha'i!a"!s are a( a"ce( i" !heir *i"is!r) a'ou! !he !hro"e. !he holier are !he). a"( !he *ore a'sor'e( i" !heir co"!e*/la!io" o# !ha! Holi"ess u/o" -hich !he) -ai!. The Sera/hi*. -ho i**e(ia!el) surrou"( !he Di i"e ;lor). cr) (a) a"( "i+h!. ?Hol). Hol). Hol). Lor( ;o( o# Hos!s?. So is i! also o" ear!h7 !he /ro/he!s ha e or(i"aril) "o! o"l) +i#!s 'u! +races7 !he) are "o! o"l) i"s/ire( !o ,"o- a"( !o !each ;o(Bs -ill. 'u! i"-ar(l) co" er!e( !o o'e) i!. For surel) !hose o"l) ca" /reach !he !ru!h (ul) -ho #eel i! /erso"all)7 !hose o"l) !ra"s*i! i! #ull) #ro* ;o( !o *a". -ho ha e i" !he !ra"s*issio" *a(e i! !heir o-". I (o "o! sa) !ha! !here are "o e0ce/!io"s !o !his rule. 'u! !he) a(*i! o# a" eas) e0/la"a!io"7 I (o "o! sa) !ha! i! "e er /leases Al*i+h!) ;o( !o co" e) a") %8A=& i"!i*a!io" o# His -ill !hrou+h 'a( *e"7 o# course. #or all !hi"+s ca" 'e *a(e !o ser e Hi*. B) all. e e" !he -ic,e(. He acco*/lishes His /ur/oses. a"( ') !he -ic,e( He is +lori#ie(. Our Lor(Bs (ea!h -as 'rou+h! a'ou! ') His e"e*ies. -ho (i( His -ill. -hile !he) !hou+h! !he) -ere +ra!i#)i"+ !heir o-". Caia/has. -ho co"!ri e( a"( e##ec!e( i!. -as *a(e use o# !o /re(ic! i!. Balaa* /ro/hesie( +oo( o# ;o(Bs /eo/le i" a" earlier a+e. ') a Di i"e co*/ulsio". -he" he -ishe( !o /ro/hes) e il. This is !rue7 'u! i" such cases Di i"e Merc) is /lai"l) o erruli"+ !he e il. a"( *a"i#es!i"+ His /o-er. -i!hou! reco+"isi"+ or sa"c!io"i"+ !he i"s!ru*e"!. A"( a+ai". i! is !rue. as He !ells us Hi*sel#. !ha! i" !he las! (a) ?Ma") shall sa). Lor(. Lor(. ha e -e "o! /ro/hesie( i" Th) Na*e. a"( i" Th) Na*e cas! ou! (e ils. a"( (o"e *a") *iracles2? a"( !ha! He shall a"s-er. ?I "e er ,"e- )ou?. This. I sa). is u"(e"ia'le7 i! is u"(e"ia'le #irs!. !ha! !hose -ho ha e /ro/hesie( i" ;o(Bs Na*e *a) a&terwards #all #ro* ;o(. a"( lose !heir souls. Le! a *a" 'e e er so hol) "o-. he *a) #all a-a)7 a"(. as /rese"! +race is

191 "o /le(+e o# /erse era"ce. *uch less are /rese"! +i#!s7 'u! ho- (oes !his sho- !ha! +i#!s a"( +races (o "o! co**o"l) +o !o+e!her2 A+ai". i! is u"(e"ia'le !ha! !hose -ho ha e ha( *iraculous +i#!s *a) "e er!heless ha e never 'ee" i" ;o(Bs #a our. "o! e e" -he" !he) e0ercise( !he*7 as I -ill e0/lai" /rese"!l). Bu! I a* "o- s/ea,i"+. "o! o# ha i"+ +i#!s. 'u! o# 'ei"+ /ro/he!s. To 'e a /ro/he! is so*e!hi"+ *uch *ore /erso"al !ha" !o /ossess +i#!s. I! is a sacre( o##ice. i! i*/lies a *issio". a"( is !he hi+h (is!i"c!io". "o! o# %8AA& !he e"e*ies o# ;o(. 'u! o# His #rie"(s. Such is !he Scri/!ure rule. Who -as !he #irs! /ro/he! a"( /reacher o# 6us!ice2 E"och. -ho -al,e( ?') #ai!h.? a"( ?/lease( ;o(.? a"( -as !a,e" #ro* a re'ellious -orl(. Who -as !he seco"(2 ?Noe.? -ho ?co"(e*"e( !he -orl(. a"( -as *a(e heir o# !he 6us!ice -hich is !hrou+h #ai!h.? Who -as !he "e0! +rea! /ro/he!2 Moses. !he la-+i er o# !he chose" /eo/le. -ho -as !he ?*ee,es! o# all *e" -ho (-ell o" !he ear!h?. Sa*uel co*es "e0!. -ho ser e( !he Lor( #ro* his i"#a"c) i" !he Te*/le7 a"( !he" Da i(. -ho. i# he #ell i"!o si". re/e"!e(. a"( -as ?a *a" a#!er ;o(Bs hear!?. A"( i" li,e *a""er Jo'. Elias. Isaias. Jere*ias. Da"iel. a"( a'o e !he* all S!. Joh" Ba/!is!. a"( !he" a+ai" S!. $e!er. S!. $aul. S!. Joh". a"( !he res!. are all es/ecial i"s!a"ces o# heroic ir!ue. a"( /a!!er"s !o !heir 're!hre". Ju(as is !he e0ce/!io". 'u! !his -as ') a /ar!icular (is/e"sa!io" !o e"ha"ce our Lor(Bs hu*ilia!io" a"( su##eri"+. Na!ure i!sel# -i!"esses !o !his co""e0io" 'e!-ee" sa"c!i!) a"( !ru!h. I! a"!ici/a!es !ha! !he #ou"!ai" #ro* -hich (oc!ri"e co*es shoul( i!sel# 'e /ure7 !ha! !he sea! o# Di i"e !eachi"+. a"( !he oracle o# #ai!h shoul( 'e !he a'o(e o# a"+els7 !ha! !he co"secra!e( ho*e. i" -hich !he -or( o# ;o( is ela'ora!e(. a"( -he"ce i! issues #or!h #or !he sal a!io" o# !he *a"). shoul( 'e hol). as !ha! -or( i!sel# is hol). Here )ou see !he (i##ere"ce o# !he o##ice o# a /ro/he! a"( a *ere +i#!. such as !ha! o# *iracles. Miracles are !he si*/le a"( (irec! -or, o# ;o(7 !he -or,er o# !he* is 'u! a" i"s!ru*e"! or or+a". A"( i" co"se1ue"ce he "ee( "o! %8AE& 'e hol). 'ecause he has "o!. s!ric!l) s/ea,i"+. a share i" !he -or,. So a+ai" !he /o-er o# a(*i"is!eri"+ !he Sacra*e"!s. -hich also is su/er"a!ural a"( *iraculous. (oes "o! i*/l) /erso"al holi"ess7 "or is !here a")!hi"+ sur/risi"+ i" ;o(Bs +i i"+ !o a 'a( *a" !his +i#!. or !he +i#! o# *iracles. a") *ore !ha" i" His +i i"+ hi* a") "a!ural !ale"! or +i#!. s!re"+!h or a+ili!) o# #ra*e. elo1ue"ce. or *e(ical s,ill. I! is o!her-ise -i!h !he o##ice o# /reachi"+ a"( /ro/hes)i"+. a"( !o !his I ha e 'ee" re#erri"+7 #or !he !ru!h #irs! +oes i"!o !he *i"(s o# !he s/ea,ers. a"( is a//rehe"(e( a"( #ashio"e( !here. a"( !he" co*es ou! #ro* !he* as. i" o"e se"se. i!s source a"( i!s /are"!. The Di i"e -or( is 'e+o!!e" i" !he*. a"( !he o##s/ri"+ has !heir #ea!ures a"( !ells o# !he*. The) are "o! li,e ?!he (u*' a"i*al. s/ea,i"+ -i!h *a"Bs oice.? o" -hich Balaa* ro(e. a *ere i"s!ru*e"! o# ;o(Bs -or(. 'u! !he) ha e ?recei e( a" u"c!io" #ro* !he Hol) O"e. a"( !he) ,"o- all !hi"+s.? a"( ?-here !he S/iri!

192 o# !he Lor( is. !here is li'er!)?7 a"( -hile !he) (eli er -ha! !he) ha e recei e(. !he) e"#orce -ha! !he) #eel a"( ,"o-. ?We ha e 'nown and believed.? sa)s S!. Joh". ?!he chari!) -hich ;o( ha!h !o us.? So has i! 'ee" all !hrou+h !he his!or) o# !he Church7 Moses (oes "o! -ri!e as Da i(7 "or Isaias as Jere*ias7 "or S!. Joh" as S!. $aul. A"( so o# !he +rea! (oc!ors o# !he Church. S!. A!ha"asius. S!. Au+us!i"e. S!. A*'rose. S!. Leo. S!. Tho*as. each has his o-" *a""er. each s/ea,s his o-" -or(s. !hou+h he s/ea,s !he -hile !he -or(s o# ;o(. The) s/ea, #ro* !he*sel es. !he) s/ea, i" !heir o-" /erso"s. !he) s/ea, #ro* !he hear!. %8AF& #ro* !heir o-" e0/erie"ce. -i!h !heir o-" ar+u*e"!s. -i!h !heir o-" (e(uc!io"s. -i!h !heir o-" *o(es o# e0/ressio". No- ca" )ou #a"c). *) 're!hre". such hear!s. such #eeli"+s !o 'e u"hol)2 ho- coul( i! 'e so. -i!hou! (e#ili"+. a"( !here') "ulli#)i"+. !he -or( o# ;o(2 I# o"e (ro/ o# corru/!io" *a,es !he /ures! -a!er -or!hless. as !he sli+h!es! sa our o# 'i!!er"ess s/oils !he *os! (elica!e ia"(s. ho- ca" i! 'e !ha! !he -or( o# !ru!h a"( holi"ess ca" /rocee( /ro#i!a'l) #ro* i*/ure li/s a"( a" ear!hl) hear!2 No7 as is !he !ree. so is !he #rui!7 ?'e-are o# #alse /ro/he!s.? sa)s our Lor(7 a"( !he" He a((s. ?#ro* !heir #rui!s )e shall ,"o!he*. Do *e" +a!her +ra/es o# !hor"s. or #i+s o# !his!les2? Is i! "o! so. *) 're!hre"2 -hich o# )ou -oul( +o !o as, cou"sel o# a"o!her. ho-e er lear"e(. ho-e er +i#!e(. ho-e er a+e(. i# )ou !hou+h! hi* u"hol)2 "a). !hou+h )ou #eel a"( are sure. as #ar as a'solu!io" +oes. !ha! a 'a( /ries! coul( +i e i! as reall) as a hol) /ries!. )e! #or a( ice. #or co*#or!. #or i"s!ruc!io". )ou -oul( "o! +o !o o"e -ho* )ou (i( "o! res/ec!. ?Ou! o# !he a'u"(a"ce o# !he hear!. *ou!h s/ea,e!h7? ?a +oo( *a" ou! o# !he +oo( !reasure o# his hear! 'ri"+e!h #or!h +oo(. a"( a" e il *a" ou! o# !he e il !reasure 'ri"+e!h #or!h e il?. So !he" is i! i" !he case o# !he soul7 'u!. as re+ar(s !he Blesse( Mar). a #ur!her !hou+h! su++es!s i!sel#. She has "o cha"ce /lace i" !he Di i"e Dis/e"sa!io"7 !he Wor( o# ;o( (i( "o! *erel) co*e !o her a"( +o #ro* her7 He (i( "o! /ass !hrou+h her. as He isi!s us i" Hol) Co**u"io". I! -as "o hea e"l) 'o() -hich !he E!er"al So" %8AH& assu*e(. #ashio"e( ') !he a"+els. a"( 'rou+h! (o-" !o !his lo-er -orl(@ "o7 He i*'i'e(. He a'sor'e( i"!o His Di i"e $erso". her 'loo( a"( !he su's!a"ce o# her #lesh7 ') 'eco*i"+ *a" o# her. He recei e( her li"ea*e"!s a"( #ea!ures. as !he a//ro/ria!e charac!er i" -hich He -as !o *a"i#es! Hi*sel# !o *a",i"(. The chil( is li,e !he /are"!. a"( -e *a) -ell su//ose !ha! ') His li,e"ess !o her -as *a"i#es!e( her rela!io"shi/ !o Hi*. Her sa"c!i!) co*es. "o! o"l) o# her 'ei"+ His *o!her. 'u! also o# His 'ei"+ her so". ?I# !he #irs! #rui! 'e hol).? sa)s S!. $aul. ?!he *ass also is hol)7 i# !he *ass 'e hol). so are !he 'ra"ches.? A"( he"ce !he !i!les -hich -e are accus!o*e( !o +i e her. He is !he Wis(o* o# ;o(. she !here#ore is !he Sea! o# Wis(o*7 His $rese"ce is Hea e". she !here#ore is !he ;a!e o# Hea e"7 He is i"#i"i!e Merc). she !he" is !he Mo!her o# Merc). She is !he Mo!her o#

193 ?#air lo e a"( #ear. a"( ,"o-le(+e a"( hol) ho/e?7 is i! -o"(er#ul !he" !ha! she has le#! 'ehi"( her i" !he Church 'elo- ?a" o(our li,e ci""a*o" a"( 'al*. a"( s-ee!"ess li,e !o choice *)rrh?2 Such. !he". is !he !ru!h e er cherishe( i" !he (ee/ hear! o# !he Church. a"( -i!"esse( ') !he ,ee" a//rehe"sio" o# her chil(re". !ha! "o li*i!s 'u! !hose /ro/er !o a crea!ure ca" 'e assi+"e( !o !he sa"c!i!) o# Mar). There#ore. (i( A'raha* 'elie e !ha! a so" shoul( 'e 'or" !o hi* o# his a+e( -i#e2 !he" Mar)Bs #ai!h *us! 'e hel( as +rea!er -he" she acce/!e( ;a'rielBs *essa+e. Di( Ju(i!h co"secra!e her -i(o-hoo( !o ;o( !o !he sur/rise %8EI& o# her /eo/le2 *uch *ore (i( Mar). #ro* her #irs! )ou!h. (e o!e her ir+i"i!). Di( Sa*uel. -he" a chil(. i"ha'i! !he Te*/le. seclu(e( #ro* !he -orl(2 Mar) !oo -as ') her /are"!s lo(+e( i" !he sa*e hol) /reci"c!s. e e" a! !he a+e -he" chil(re" #irs! ca" choose 'e!-ee" +oo( a"( e il. Was Solo*o" o" his 'ir!h calle( ?(ear !o !he Lor(?2 a"( shall "o! !he (es!i"e( Mo!her o# ;o( 'e (ear !o Hi* #ro* !he *o*e"! she -as 'or"2 Bu! #ur!her s!ill7 S!. Joh" Ba/!is! -as sa"c!i#ie( ') !he S/iri! 'e#ore his 'ir!h7 shall Mar) 'e o"l) e1ual !o hi*2 is i! "o! #i!!i"+ !ha! her /ri ile+e shoul( sur/ass his2 is i! -o"(er#ul. i# +race. -hich a"!ici/a!e( his 'ir!h ') !hree *o"!hs. shoul( i" her case ru" u/ !o !he er) #irs! *o*e"! o# her 'ei"+. ou!s!ri/ !he i*/u!a!io" o# si". a"( 'e 'e#oreha"( -i!h !he usur/a!io" o# Sa!a"2 Mar) *us! sur/ass all !he sai"!s7 !he er) #ac! !ha! cer!ai" /ri ile+es are ,"o-" !o ha e 'ee" !heirs /ersua(es us. al*os! #ro* !he "ecessi!) o# !he case. !ha! she ha( !he sa*e a"( hi+her. Her co"ce/!io" -as i**acula!e. i" or(er !ha! she *i+h! sur/ass all sai"!s i" !he (a!e as -ell as !he #ul"ess o# her sa"c!i#ica!io". Bu! i" a #es!i e seaso". *) (ear 're!hre". I *us! "o! -ear) )ou -i!h ar+u*e"!. -he" -e shoul( o##er s/eciall) !o !he Blesse( >ir+i" !he ho*a+e o# our lo e a"( lo)al!)7 )e!. le! *e #i"ish as I ha e 'e+u"73I -ill 'e 'rie#. 'u! 'ear -i!h *e i# I ie- her 'ri+h! Assu*/!io". as I ha e ie-e( her i**acula!e /uri!). ra!her as a /oi"! o# (oc!ri"e !ha" as a !he*e #or (e o!io". I! -as surel) #i!!i"+ !he". i! -as 'eco*i"+. !ha! she %8E1& shoul( 'e !a,e" u/ i"!o hea e" a"( "o! lie i" !he +ra e !ill Chris!Bs seco"( co*i"+. -ho ha( /asse( a li#e o# sa"c!i!) a"( o# *iracle such as hers. All !he -or,s o# ;o( are i" a 'eau!i#ul har*o")7 !he) are carrie( o" !o !he e"( as !he) 'e+i". This is !he (i##icul!) -hich *e" o# !he -orl( #i"( i" 'elie i"+ *iracles a! all7 !he) !hi", !hese 'rea, !he or(er a"( co"sis!e"c) o# ;o(Bs isi'le -or(. "o! ,"o-i"+ !ha! !he) (o 'u! su'ser e a hi+her or(er o# !hi"+s. a"( i"!ro(uce a su/er"a!ural /er#ec!io". Bu! a! leas!. *) 're!hre". -he" o"e *iracle is -rou+h!. i! *a) 'e e0/ec!e( !o (ra- o!hers a#!er i! #or !he co*/le!io" o# -ha! is 'e+u". Miracles *us! 'e -rou+h! #or so*e +rea! e"(7 a"( i# !he course o# !hi"+s #ell 'ac, a+ai" i"!o a "a!ural or(er 'e#ore i!s

194 !er*i"a!io". ho- coul( -e 'u! #eel a (isa//oi"!*e"!2 a"( i# -e -ere !ol( !ha! !his cer!ai"l) -as !o 'e. ho- coul( -e 'u! 6u(+e !he i"#or*a!io" i*/ro'a'le a"( (i##icul! !o 'elie e2 No- !his a//lies !o !he his!or) o# our La(). I sa). i! -oul( 'e a +rea!er *iracle i#. her li#e 'ei"+ -ha! i! -as. her (ea!h -as li,e !ha! o# o!her *e". !ha" i# i! -ere such as !o corres/o"( !o her li#e. Who ca" co"cei e. *) 're!hre". !ha! ;o( shoul( so re/a) !he (e'!. -hich He co"(esce"(e( !o o-e !o His Mo!her. #or !he ele*e"!s o# His hu*a" 'o(). as !o allo!he #lesh a"( 'loo( #ro* -hich i! -as !a,e" !o *oul(er i" !he +ra e2 Do !he so"s o# *e" !hus (eal -i!h !heir *o!hers2 (o !he) "o! "ourish a"( sus!ai" !he* i" !heir #ee'le"ess. a"( ,ee/ !he* i" li#e -hile !he) are a'le2 Or -ho ca" co"cei e !ha! !ha! ir+i"al #ra*e. -hich "e er si""e(. -as !o u"(er+o !he (ea!h o# a si""er2 Wh) shoul( %8E5& she share !he curse o# A(a*. -ho ha( "o share i" his #all2 ?Dus! !hou ar!. a"( i"!o (us! !hou shal! re!ur".? -as !he se"!e"ce u/o" si"7 she !he". -ho -as "o! a si""er. #i!l) "e er sa- corru/!io". She (ie(. !he". as -e hol(. 'ecause e e" our Lor( a"( Sa iour (ie(7 she (ie(. as she su##ere(. 'ecause she -as i" !his -orl(. 'ecause she -as i" a s!a!e o# !hi"+s i" -hich su##eri"+ a"( (ea!h are !he rule. She li e( u"(er !heir e0!er"al s-a)7 a"(. as she o'e)e( Caesar ') co*i"+ #or e"rol*e"! !o Be!hlehe*. so (i( she. -he" ;o( -ille( i!. )iel( !o !he !)ra"") o# (ea!h. a"( -as (issol e( i"!o soul a"( 'o(). as -ell as o!hers. Bu! !hou+h she (ie( as -ell as o!hers. she (ie( "o! as o!hers (ie7 #or. !hrou+h !he *eri!s o# her So". ') -ho* she -as -ha! she -as. ') !he +race o# Chris! -hich i" her ha( a"!ici/a!e( si". -hich ha( #ille( her -i!h li+h!. -hich ha( /uri#ie( her #lesh #ro* all (e#ile*e"!. she -as also sa e( #ro* (isease a"( *ala(). a"( all !ha! -ea,e"s a"( (eca)s !he 'o(il) #ra*e. Ori+i"al si" ha( "o! 'ee" #ou"( i" her. ') !he -ear o# her se"ses. a"( !he -as!e o# her #ra*e. a"( !he (ecre/i!u(e o# )ears. /ro/a+a!i"+ (ea!h. She (ie(. 'u! her (ea!h -as a *ere #ac!. "o! a" e##ec!7 a"(. -he" i! -as o er. i! cease( !o 'e. She (ie( !ha! she *i+h! li e. she (ie( as a *a!!er o# #or* or Cas I *a) call i!D a" o'ser a"ce. i" or(er !o #ul#il. -ha! is calle(. !he (e'! o# "a!ure.3"o! /ri*aril) #or hersel# or 'ecause o# si". 'u! !o su'*i! hersel# !o her co"(i!io". !o +lori#) ;o(. !o (o -ha! her So" (i(7 "o! ho-e er as her So" a"( Sa iour. -i!h a") su##eri"+ #or a") s/ecial e"(7 "o! -i!h a *ar!)rBs (ea!h. #or %8E8& her *ar!)r(o* ha( 'ee" i" li i"+7 "o! as a" a!o"e*e"!. #or *a" coul( "o! *a,e i!. a"( O"e ha( *a(e i!. a"( *a(e i! #or all7 'u! i" or(er !o #i"ish her course. a"( !o recei e her cro-". A"( !here#ore she (ie( i" /ri a!e. I! 'eca*e Hi*. -ho (ie( #or !he -orl(. !o (ie i" !he -orl(Bs si+h!7 i! 'eca*e !he ;rea! Sacri#ice !o 'e li#!e( u/ o" hi+h. as a li+h! !ha! coul( "o! 'e hi(. Bu! she. !he lil) o# E(e". -ho ha( al-a)s (-el! ou! o# !he si+h! o# *a". #i!!i"+l) (i( she (ie i" !he +ar(e"Bs sha(e. a"( a*i( !he s-ee! #lo-ers i" -hich she ha( li e(. Her (e/ar!ure *a(e "o "oise i" !he -orl(. The Church -e"! a'ou! her co**o" (u!ies. /reachi"+. co" er!i"+. su##eri"+7

195 !here -ere /ersecu!io"s. !here -as #leei"+ #ro* /lace !o /lace. !here -ere *ar!)rs. !here -ere !riu*/hs7 a! le"+!h !he ru*our s/rea( a'roa( !ha! !he Mo!her o# ;o( -as "o lo"+er u/o" ear!h. $il+ri*s -e"! !o a"( #ro7 !he) sou+h! #or her relics. 'u! !he) #ou"( !he* "o!7 (i( she (ie a! E/hesus2 or (i( she (ie a! Jerusale*2 re/or!s arie(7 'u! her !o*' coul( "o! 'e /oi"!e( ou!. or i# i! -as #ou"(. i! -as o/e"7 a"( i"s!ea( o# her /ure a"( #ra+ra"! 'o(). !here -as a +ro-!h o# lilies #ro* !he ear!h -hich she ha( !ouche(. So i"1uirers -e"! ho*e *ar elli"+. a"( -ai!i"+ #or #ur!her li+h!. A"( !he" i! -as sai(. ho!ha! -he" her (issolu!io" -as a! ha"(. a"( her soul -as !o /ass i" !riu*/h 'e#ore !he 6u(+*e"!<sea! o# her So". !he a/os!les -ere su((e"l) +a!here( !o+e!her i" !he /lace. e e" i" !he Hol) Ci!). !o 'ear /ar! i" !he 6o)#ul cere*o"ial7 ho- !ha! !he) 'urie( her -i!h #i!!i"+ ri!es7 ho- !ha! !he !hir( (a). -he" !he) ca*e %8E:& !o !he !o*'. !he) #ou"( i! e*/!). a"( a"+elic choirs -i!h !heir +la( oices -ere hear( si"+i"+ (a) a"( "i+h! !he +lories o# !heir rise" Ouee". Bu!. ho-e er -e #eel !o-ar(s !he (e!ails o# !his his!or) C"or is !here a")!hi"+ i" i! -hich -ill 'e u"-elco*e or (i##icul! !o /ie!)D. so *uch ca""o! 'e (ou'!e(. #ro* !he co"se"! o# !he -hole Ca!holic -orl( a"( !he re ela!io"s *a(e !o hol) souls. !ha!. as is 'e#i!!i"+. she is. soul a"( 'o(). -i!h her So" a"( ;o( i" hea e". a"( !ha! -e are e"a'le( !o cele'ra!e. "o! o"l) her (ea!h. 'u! her Assu*/!io". A"( "o-. *) (ear 're!hre". -ha! is 'e#i!!i"+ i" us. i# all !ha! I ha e 'ee" !elli"+ )ou is 'e#i!!i"+ i" Mar)2 I# !he Mo!her o# E**a"uel ou+h! !o 'e !he #irs! o# crea!ures i" sa"c!i!) a"( i" 'eau!)7 i# i! 'eca*e her !o 'e #ree #ro* all si" #ro* !he er) #irs!. a"( #ro* !he *o*e"! she recei e( her #irs! +race !o 'e+i" !o *eri! *ore7 a"( i# such as -as her 'e+i""i"+. such -as her e"(. her co"ce/!io" i**acula!e a"( her (ea!h a" assu*/!io"7 i# she (ie(. 'u! re i e(. a"( is e0al!e( o" hi+h7 -ha! is 'e#i!!i"+ i" !he chil(re" o# such a Mo!her. 'u! a" i*i!a!io". i" !heir *easure. o# her (e o!io". her *ee,"ess. her si*/lici!). her *o(es!). a"( her s-ee!"ess2 Her +lories are "o! o"l) #or !he sa,e o# her So". !he) are #or our sa,es also. Le! us co/) her #ai!h. -ho recei e( ;o(Bs *essa+e ') !he a"+el -i!hou! a (ou'!7 her /a!ie"ce. -ho e"(ure( S!. Jose/hBs sur/rise -i!hou! a -or(7 her o'e(ie"ce. -ho -e"! u/ !o Be!hlehe* i" !he -i"!er a"( 'ore our Lor( i" a s!a'le7 her *e(i!a!i e s/iri!. -ho /o"(ere( %8E=& i" her hear! -ha! she sa- a"( hear( a'ou! Hi*7 her #or!i!u(e. -hose hear! !he s-or( -e"! !hrou+h7 her sel#<surre"(er. -ho +a e Hi* u/ (uri"+ His *i"is!r) a"( co"se"!e( !o His (ea!h. A'o e all. le! us i*i!a!e her /uri!). -ho. ra!her !ha" reli"1uish her ir+i"i!). -as -illi"+ !o lose Hi* #or a So". O *) (ear chil(re". )ou"+ *e" a"( )ou"+ -o*e". -ha! "ee( ha e )ou o# !he i"!ercessio" o# !he >ir+i"<*o!her. o# her hel/. o# her /a!!er". i" !his res/ec!G Wha! shall 'ri"+ )ou #or-ar( i" !he "arro- -a). i# )ou li e i" !he -orl(. 'u! !he !hou+h! a"( /a!ro"a+e o# Mar)2 Wha! shall seal )our se"ses.

196 -ha! shall !ra"1uillise )our hear!. -he" si+h!s a"( sou"(s o# (a"+er are arou"( )ou. 'u! Mar)2 Wha! shall +i e )ou /a!ie"ce a"( e"(ura"ce. -he" )ou are -earie( ou! -i!h !he le"+!h o# !he co"#lic! -i!h e il. -i!h !he u"ceasi"+ "ecessi!) o# /recau!io"s. -i!h !he ir,so*e"ess o# o'ser i"+ !he*. -i!h !he !e(ious"ess o# !heir re/e!i!io". -i!h !he s!rai" u/o" )our *i"(. -i!h )our #orlor" a"( cheerless co"(i!io". 'u! a lo i"+ co**u"io" -i!h herG She -ill co*#or! )ou i" )our (iscoura+e*e"!s. solace )ou i" )our #a!i+ues. raise )ou a#!er )our #alls. re-ar( )ou #or )our successes. She -ill sho- )ou her So". )our ;o( a"( )our all. Whe" )our s/iri! -i!hi" )ou is e0ci!e(. or rela0e(. or (e/resse(. -he" i! loses i!s 'ala"ce. -he" i! is res!less a"( -a)-ar(. -he" i! is sic, o# -ha! i! has. a"( ha",ers a#!er -ha! i! has "o!. -he" )our e)e is solici!e( -i!h e il a"( )our *or!al #ra*e !re*'les u"(er !he sha(o- o# !he !e*/!er. -ha! -ill 'ri"+ )ou !o )oursel es. !o /eace a"( !o heal!h. 'u! !he %8EA& cool 'rea!h o# !he I**acula!e a"( !he #ra+ra"ce o# !he Rose o# Sharo"2 I! is !he 'oas! o# !he Ca!holic Reli+io". !ha! i! has !he +i#! o# *a,i"+ !he )ou"+ hear! chas!e7 a"( -h) is !his. 'u! !ha! i! +i es us Jesus Chris! #or our #oo(. a"( Mar) #or our "ursi"+ Mo!her2 Ful#il !his 'oas! i" )oursel es7 /ro e !o !he -orl( !ha! )ou are #ollo-i"+ "o #alse !eachi"+. i"(ica!e !he +lor) o# )our Mo!her Mar). -ho* !he -orl( 'las/he*es. i" !he er) #ace o# !he -orl(. ') !he si*/lici!) o# )our o-" (e/or!*e"!. a"( !he sa"c!i!) o# )our -or(s a"( (ee(s. ;o !o her #or !he ro)al hear! o# i""oce"ce. She is !he 'eau!i#ul +i#! o# ;o(. -hich ou!shi"es !he #asci"a!io"s o# a 'a( -orl(. a"( -hich "o o"e e er sou+h! i" si"ceri!) a"( -as (isa//oi"!e(. She is !he /erso"al !)/e a"( re/rese"!a!i e i*a+e o# !ha! s/iri!ual li#e a"( re"o a!io" i" +race. ?-i!hou! -hich "o o"e shall see ;o(?. ?Her s/iri! is s-ee!er !ha" ho"e). a"( her heri!a+e !ha" !he ho"e)co*'. The) !ha! ea! her shall )e! 'e hu"+r). a"( !he) !ha! (ri", her shall s!ill !hirs!. Whoso hear,e"e!h !o her shall "o! 'e co"#ou"(e(. a"( !he) !ha! -or, ') her shall "o! si".? THE END.

To/ M Co"!e"!s M Wor,s M Ho*e

Ne-*a" Rea(er 3 Wor,s o# Joh" He"r) Ne-*a" Co/)ri+h! N 5IIE ') The Na!io"al I"s!i!u!e #or Ne-*a" S!u(ies. All rights reserved.

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