The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

HOLINESS OF THE CHURCH. 37we would not exchange for all the high-soundingtitles of Prince or Emperor. We are justly proudof this appellation of Christian; but we are remindedthat it has annexed to it a corresponding obligation.It is not an idle name, but one full of solemn significance; for a Christian, as the very name implies, isa follower or disciple of Christ one who walks inthe footsteps of His Master by observing His precepts who reproduces in his own life the character;and virtues of his divine Model. In a word, a Christian is another Christ. It would, therefore, be a contradiction in terms, if a Christian had nothing incommon with his Lord except the name. Tho disciple should imitate his Master, the soldier shouldimitate his Commander, and the members should belike the Head.The Church constantly allures her children to holiness by placing before their minds the Incarnation, life and death of our Saviour. What appealsmore forcibly to a life of piety than the contemplation of Jesus born in a stable, living an humble lifein Nazareth, dying on a cross, that His blood mightpurify us! If He sent forth Apostles to preach theGospel to the whole world if in His name; templesare built in every nation, and missionaries are sentto the extremities of the globe, all this is done thatwe may be saints. God, says St. Paul, "gave someApostles, and some Prophets, and others Evangelists, and others Pastors and Doctors,for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, for4