Original

Wednesday
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CHAPTER XIX
in the third week of Lent.
Station at the Church of Saint Sixtus II. Sources of the li
turgy : Introit, Ps. xxx, 7-8. Epistle, Exodus, xx, 12-24.
Gradual, Ps. vi, 3-4. Tract, Ps. en, 10, and LXXVIII, 8-9.
Gospel, St. Matth., xv, 1-20. Offertory, Ps. cvm, 21.
Communion, Ps. xv, 10.
The ROMAN STATION FOR THIS WEDNESDAY is at the
church of Saint Sixtus II. This church was erected
towards the end of the third century on the Appian way
to receive the mortal remains of one of the Popes who
was martyred in the time of the persecution ordered by
Valerian.
The Lessons of this day s Mass would seem to have
been chosen with a view to the instruction of the cate
chumens. According to many liturgists a second scrutiny
took place on this day ; according to others, this was
the day of the first scrutiny for admission to Baptism
was held. Hence the Church placed before the future
Christians some of the precepts of the divine law which
all who would avoid sin and sanctify themselves must
observe.
The Epistle which is taken from the Book of Exodus
explains the precepts relating to the love of our neighbour.
If we do not make reparation for the wrong done to our
brethren, the Lord Himself will be their avenger. Then,
it renews the prohibition relating to the worship of
idols. To God alone must homage and sacrifice be of-