Untitled - Saints' Books

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232 Material for
Instriictions. [PART n.
"are the foundations of the Church." When the foun
dations give way the whole edifice falls. Hence,
in the
ordination of priests, the holy Church prays for them in
the following words: May they shine before others by
showing an example of justice, constancy, mercy, and
other virtues." 2
Priests ought not only to be holy, but
they should also show forth sanctity in their lives: for,
conscience is
necessary for
says St. Augustine, as a good
a priest to save his own soul, so he requires a good repu
tation in order to save his neighbor; otherwise, though
he might be merciful and attentive to himself, he would
be cruel towards others, and thus should bring himself
and them to perdition. 3
God has selected priests from
among men, not only that they may offer sacrifices, but
also that by the good odor of their virtues they may
edify the rest of the Church. He chose him out of all men
living^ to offer sacrifice to God, incense, and a good savor?
Priests are the salt of the earth. 5 "Then," says the
Gloss, priests should give a savor to others, and render
them grateful to God, instructing them in the practice
of virtue, not only by preaching, but still more by the
example of a holy life."
Priests are also the light of the world. 7 The priest,
then, as our divine Master proceeds to say, should shine
refulgent among the people by the splendor
of his
mit, et incipit de peccato, quod prius
Rev. 1. 4, c. 132.
putabat erubescibile, gloriari."
1 "
2
Sacerdotes in Ecclesia, bases in templo." /;/
Evang. horn. 17.
Justitiam, constantiam, misericordiam, fortitudinem, caeterasque
virtutes, in se ostendant; exemplo praeeant."
3 "
Conscientia tibi, fama proximo tuo; qui, fidens conscientiae tuae,
negligit famam suam, crudelis est." Serin. 355, E. B.
4 "
Ipsum elegit ab omni vivente, offerre
5 "
et bonum odorem." Ecclns. xlv. 20.
Vos estis sal terroe." Matt. v. 14.
sacrificium Deo, incensum,
6 "
Condientes alios doctrina et vitae exemplo."
*
Vos "
estis lux mundL" Matt. \. 13.