Untitled - Saints' Books

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The
CHAP, ii.] The End of the Priesthood. 43
necessary, to give their lives for them. This is the end
for which Jesus Christ has come on earth, for which he
has constituted priests: As the Father hath sent me, I also
send you.
III.
Principal
Duties of the Priest.
Jesus came into the world for no other purpose than
to light up the fire of divine love. I am come to cast fire
on the earth, and what will I but that it be kindled? And
the priest must labor during his whole life, and with his
whole strength, not to acquire riches, honors, and
worldly goods, but to inspire all with the love of God.
Therefore," says the author of the Imperfect Work,
"has Christ sent us not that we may do what is to our
profit, but what is for the glory of God True
love does not seek its own advantage, but it wishes in
all things only what is the good pleasure of the person
loved." 2 In the Book of Leviticus the Lord says to
his priests: I have separated you from other people, that you
should be Mine? Mark the words that you should be Mine ;
that you may be employed in my praises, devoted to
my service, and to my love:
co-operators and
dispensers of 4
my sacraments," says St. Peter Damian.
Mine," says St. Ambrose, that you may be the guides
and the rulers of the flock of Christ." 5 "Mine"
for,
according to the same Doctor, the minister of the altar
1 "
Ignem veni mittere in terram; et quid volo, nisi ut accendatur ?"
Luke, xii. 49.
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2
Ideo vocati sumus a Christo, non ut operemur quae ad nostrum
pertinent usum, sed quae ad gloriam Dei. . Verus amor non . quserit
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quse sua sunt, sed ad libitum ainati cuncta desiderat perficere."
Horn. 34.
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4
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Separavi vos a caeteris populis, ut essetis mei." Levit. xx. 26.
Sacramentorum Dei cooperatores et dispensatores." Opusc. 27,
c. 3.
5 "
Duces et rectores gregis
Christi." De Dignit. sac. c. 2.