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prepare us all against relapsing into sin after we have
expiated our past transgressions.
In his Epistle to the Ephesians,
Saint Paul reminds
all Christians of the difference which must ever exist
between the children of light and the children of dark
ness ; the former must never adopt the opinions of
the world, use its language or imitate its actions. This
separation will be for them the best means of avoiding
the snares of the devil and of guarding against relapses.
In the Prayers of the Mass for THIS SUNDAY we are urged
to seek refuge in humble appeal to God as our defender
(COLLECT) ; in the offering of the holy Sacrifice of the
altar as the means by which we are purified from sin
(SECRET), and in receiving the Blessed Sacrament which
sanctifies our soul and removes from us all dangers
(POSTCOMMUNION) .
The sung parts of the Mass for this Sunday remind
us that in order to safeguard ourselves against relap
sing into sin, we must imitate the Psalmist whose eyes
were for -ever fixed upon the Lord (INTROIT) ; whose
trust in the Lord, no matter how great the assault,
was never shaken (GRADUAL) ; whose disposition with
regard to God was always that of a servant who before
he acts, awaits the expression of his master s wishes
(TRACT). We must also have an exalted idea of the
divine precepts, the observance of which will procure
for us joy and happiness (OFFERTORY). Finally we
must seek shelter in the temple of the Lord in the
shadow of His altar like the sparrow which finds shelter
beneath the roof (COMMUNION).