The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

""""36 THE FAITH OF OUK FATHERS.histimea chosen generation,a royal priesthood,a holy nation, a purchased peopleThe example of our divine Founder, Jesus Christ,the sublime moral lessons He has taught us, theSacraments He has instituted all tend to oursanctification. Theyall concentre themselves inour soul, like so many heavenly rays, to enlightenand inflame it with the fire of devotion.When the Church speaksto us of the attributesof our Lord, of His justice and mercy and sanctityand truth, her objectis not merely to extol thedivine perfections,but also to exhort us to imitatethem, and to be like Him, just and merciful, holyand truthful. Behold the sublime Model that isplaced before us! It is not man, nor angel, norarchangel, but Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whois the brightnessof His glory, and the figure of Hissubstance." 2 The Church places His image overour altars, admonishing us to look and do according to the *pattern shown on the mount." And fromthat height He seems to say to us "Be : ye holy, for I4"the Lord your God am holy."Be ye perfect, evenas your heavenlyFather isperfect."8 "Beye followers of God as most dear children." *We are invited to lead holy lives, not only because our divine Founder, Jesus Christ, was holy,but also because we bear His sweet and venerablename. We are called Christians. That is a name1 I. Pet. ii. 9.* Lev. xix. 2.2Heb. i. 3.* Matt. v. 48. Eph.sExod. xxv. 40.v. 1.