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sents the human race as encircled by the groans of
death and the sorrows of hell. Such is the sad con
dition to which we are reduced by sin. God alone can
deliver us from this state, provided that we call upon
Him with confidence. Courage and hope spring from
the thought that the measure of our need is the measure
of God s assistance (GRADUAL). Thus, from the depths of
our misery shall we cause our urgent appeals to ascend
to Him (TRACT). It will be good for us to give praise
to the Lord who is ever ready to help us (OFFERTORY) ;
it will bring down upon us a ray of His mercy and
we shall be enlightened with His light which gives life
to the soul (COMMUNION).
In the Collect, the Church, in our name, renders
homage to the clemency of God whose justice, chastises,
but whose mercy delivers His children. In the
Secret, she reminds us that it is God who purifies, and
finally, in the Postcommunion, she shows Him to us
as the support and the eternal reward of those who
are engaged in the conflict.