9781644135945

The Light of the World
Prayer
May the operation of Thy power be increased within us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that being
quickened by Thy divine sacraments, we may by Thy bounty be prepared to receive what they
promise. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Postcommunion.)
Friday
The changing of the water into wine at the wedding feast is of great significance for the liturgy.
At the celebration of Mass water is mixed with wine. As the water is mingled with wine and
consecrated and changed into the precious blood, so we are united with Christ in the Holy
Sacrifice, and are united, and changed, and consecrated, and sanctified with Him. The Epistle
presents to us mankind offered and consecrated by the participation in the celebration of Mass.
“Brethren, having different gifts, according to the grace that is given us, either prophecy, to be
used according to the rule of faith; or ministry, in ministering; or he that teacheth, in doctrine;
he that exhorteth, in exhorting; he that giveth, with simplicity; he that ruleth, with carefulness;
he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Epistle).
We should be content with our condition in life and with the position in which God
has placed us. We should rest satisfied with the talent God has provided and with the state
of health in which we find ourselves. We must be faithful to the duties of our station, and
zealous for the tasks assigned to us by our position in the body of Christ, the Church. In this
way we shall be an epiphany, a manifestation of the spirit of Christ. Thus we shall become
“other Christs” and shall win souls for Christ. That should be the fruit of our assistance at
Mass. We do not stand alone, but we live in union with Christ and with our brethren. “For
we are the good odor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved and in them that perish”
(2 Cor 2:15). Such is the exterior life in the man consecrated to God.
“Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood; with honor preventing one another.
In carefulness not slothful; in spirit fervent, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation;
instant in prayer; communicating to the necessities of the saints; pursuing hospitality.
Bless them that persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with
them that weep, being of one mind, one towards another; not minding high things, but consenting
to the humble” (Epistle). Such is the interior life of the man consecrated to Christ at Mass.
This perfect Christian, both in his exterior life and in his interior life, in his thoughts and deeds
regarding Christ, his neighbor, and himself, is the fruit of assisting properly at Mass and of offering
himself with Christ’s sacrifice. Christ lives in us, and we become other Christs.
This exercise in virtue must not be confined to the Church or to the family circle. The perfect
Christian must go out and face life and give an example to those with whom he lives. In the
eyes of the world he must show forth Christ in his life. Such a Christian will excel in kindness, in
virtue, in charity for those about him. He will surpass others in culture and proficiency; he will
be more farsighted in business, kinder and more just in his dealings with others, whether in the
office, factory, or store. He will accept the happenings of the day, not as the result of chance or of
his own planning, but in every event he will see the hand of providence. If he desires to rejoice,
he will, like the wedded couple at Cana, invite Christ to be his guest. He is another Christ.
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