However much the old habits of self-sufficiency and false ideals may plague a Christian, he is forever called to be a “new man.”
The distinct doctrine and ethics he inherits at his rebirth are everywhere true, and everywhere they are the way to heaven. No career, no science, no art, no political or social system can be a god of salvation for any person. Christ in His teachings, His life, His Church and his sacraments, must be accepted and sincerely lived.
Serving Christ in other men is a essential part of the Christian way of salvation and the surest expression of Christian love.
Unless the mind and will are ready to believe in God’s absolute right to teach and command, there is little likelihood that Lenten fasting and penance with extra prayer will be followed carefully.
The will must be free of self-interested desires and fears in order to bend the mind to assent to an unseen God and to His whole mysterious order of salvation. Prejudices and sinful habits easily find excuses for refusing assent to truth and to self-discipline.
Christian mysteries, accepted and lived, lead men to their supernatural destiny. A Christian’s joy in living his faith, without complaining of the cost, is a sign that he knows what he is about.
Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Monday Of Passion Week
12-10-07 Advent.