Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent
From Sermons for Every Sunday in the Year by Rev. B. J. Raycroft, A. M.
Published by Fr. Pustet & Co.
Copyright 1900 by Rev. B. J. Raycroft
So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above to them that had eaten. (St. John vi.-13.)
My Dear Friends: This stupendous manifestation of our Savior’s power is a proof of His tenderness and love for the human race. It tells us also that God never abandons those who follow Him. Although they may encounter trouble; although the heart may often be weary, still the followers of Christ will be blessed with a solace in every affliction. In the instance already cited, five thousand followed our Divine Lord. They are attracted by the sublimity of His discourses. His simplicity, His kindness, the affability of His manner and He draws them toward the centre of their existence, just as the small spheres are attracted by the sun. He knows they must be hungry--hungry physically as well as spiritually. He inquires whether there is any means to feed them. There is not. Only five loaves and two fishes are among the vast multitude. But what are these to so many! Jesus blesses these, however; the people eat thereof; they are filled; and twelve baskets full of fragments are gathered up. This is an incomprehensible display of Omnipotence, fraught with many useful lessons.
Published by Fr. Pustet & Co.
Copyright 1900 by Rev. B. J. Raycroft
So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above to them that had eaten. (St. John vi.-13.)
My Dear Friends: This stupendous manifestation of our Savior’s power is a proof of His tenderness and love for the human race. It tells us also that God never abandons those who follow Him. Although they may encounter trouble; although the heart may often be weary, still the followers of Christ will be blessed with a solace in every affliction. In the instance already cited, five thousand followed our Divine Lord. They are attracted by the sublimity of His discourses. His simplicity, His kindness, the affability of His manner and He draws them toward the centre of their existence, just as the small spheres are attracted by the sun. He knows they must be hungry--hungry physically as well as spiritually. He inquires whether there is any means to feed them. There is not. Only five loaves and two fishes are among the vast multitude. But what are these to so many! Jesus blesses these, however; the people eat thereof; they are filled; and twelve baskets full of fragments are gathered up. This is an incomprehensible display of Omnipotence, fraught with many useful lessons.
Among the many thoughts suggested by this miracle, we are naturally led
to consider the mystic multiplication of Our Lord and Saviour in the
most august sacrifice of the Mass; a miracle compared with which the
multiplication of the loaves and fishes looses its marvellousness. In
the one, Our Lord gives bread to nourish the body; in the other, He
gives Himself to nourish both body and soul. In the former, He shows
His tenderness for mankind by feeding them from the products of His
power; in the latter, His mercy, affection, and love are proven by the
extent of His humiliation. By the word of His priest, He leaves heaven
and descends upon our altars. What incomparable obedience and
humiliation! Who can conceive the limitlessness of this love! Who can
explain the mercy thus accorded to us poor, miserable sinners by a
bountiful Saviour! In the depths of our hearts, in the silence of our
meditations, we may get some glimpses of the wonderful beneficence
contained in the institution of the Holy Eucharist.
Now, we may ask ourselves with what pious deportment we should assist at the sacrifice of the Mass - a sacrifice which reproduces the sacrifice of Calvary in an unbloody manner. What should be the preparation? What ought to be the intention? With what holy and engrossing fervor should we not be permeated in order that we may show our gratitude for such an inestimable blessing, and draw benefits therefrom?
It appears to me that all this can be obtained by dwelling upon the psalm recited by the priest at the foot of the altar. He begins, after making the sign of the cross, by saying: "Introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui laetificat in juventutem meam." – “I shall enter to the Altar of my God, to God Who rejoices in my youth." I shall enter to the altar of my God, could be said with profit by everyone after he has sprinkled himself, at the church doors, with holy water. I shall enter to the altar of my God. I shall not linger on the outside, gazing at the people as they come to church. I shall not obstruct the way. I shall not make comments about the passers-by. I shall set a good example by approaching the altar of my God— by entering the church and preparing for Mass.
Every care shall be left behind, every distraction, every ambition. Thoughts of wealth, of power, of distinction, shall be banished. Here will I prepare for the unspeakable sacrifice about to take place. Here will I devoutly pray in the temple of my God. Here will I pour forth my troubles, express my wants, return thanks, and implore protection and mercy in the presence of my God—in the presence of my God Who rejoices in my youth! Who rejoices in the youthfulness of everyone's innocence! Who rejoices in the aged who have never grown old in sin! Who rejoices in the pure of heart and the noble of intellect that have never prostituted their virtues and talents to selfish, abject ends!
"Judica me, Deus!" - Judge me, 0 God!” Judge me; for you know me for what I am. You know every pulsation of my heart, every act of my intellect. You are acquainted with every temptation, with every struggle; how much I have willing offended, how much I struggled to avoid. Others may blame me unnecessarily. Others do not know what has been shunned, fought against, and suffered. Selfish motives may influence them. Envy, ignorance, or malice, may warp their judgment; but Thou, 0 God! art just, and though I have transgressed Thy law, pardon a forlorn creature who craves for mercy!
"Et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta." - And discern - distinguish my cause from the unholy.” In their malice, they have offended Thee; they boast of their iniquities. They have insulted Thee, rebelled against Thee, denied Thee. It is truth that I, too, have been a disobedient child, that I have violated Thy law; but I desired to do right, though I did do wrong; and no sooner was Thy Sacred Majesty offended, than I was overwhelmed with shame and sorrow. I did wrong, but wished I had not done so. Discern my cause, I pray Thee, from the unrighteous who rebelled against Thee and flaunted their rebellion.
"Et ab homine iniquo et doloso, erue me." “And from the iniquitous and deceitful, deliver me, 0 my God!” Preserve me from bad company! Protect me from those who would corrupt my understanding, rob me of virtue, degrade me, and condemn my soul to everlasting torments! Assist me that I may always walk with the light of Thy divine truth. In all the trials of life, may I ever confide in Thee, my God, my hope, my refuge!
"Quia tu es Deus, fortitudo mea; quare me repulisti?" - Because Thou art, 0 God! my fortitude; wherefore hast Thou repelled me! Why dost Thou cast me off? True, I have rebelled against Thee, I have abused Thy holy law, and disregarded Thy graces; yet Thou art my God, my Father, my all! Thou art my strength, and one of Thy great prerogatives is mercy. Then be merciful to me, a sinner! Judge me not according to Thy justice, but according to Thy mercy. Pardon Thou me, a suppliant, craving to be restored to Thy friendship. Therefore, do not repel me, but forgive Thy erring child."
Et quare tristis incedo?" “And why do I go sorrowful" dum affligit me inimicus" whilst the enemy afflict me?” Why am I troubled or afraid, so long as Thou art my fortitude? Thou art the God of the universe. In Thy hand rests the destiny of nations and individuals. Thou willst protect all confiding in Thy strength. My enemies may seek to injure me; but Thou canst baffle their devices and turn their evil efforts into triumphs for me.
"Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam!" – “Send forth Thy light and Thy truth!” Illumine my dark intellect with the rays of Thy divine light! Put Thy truth in my heart and upon my lips! With these will I walk courageously and honorably, although my enemies may plot against me. Being possessed of these priceless gifts, I can avoid what is wrong, while I journey on the path which leads to Thee.
"Ipsa me deduxerunt et adduxerunt in montem sanctum tuum." - “These very things have conducted me and brought me into Thy holy mountain.” These have induced me to come this morning to hear Mass. These have led me into Thy holy temple,—into the presence of Thy divine Son! From bad company, these have spared me. From the temporal affairs of life, they have conducted me, that in this holy place I may pour forth my soul to Thee in prayer.
"Et in tabernacula tua." - And into Thy tabernacles.” And they have brought me into Thy tabernacles—into the very abode of my Saviour! How could I loiter on the outside, around the doors, passing remarks upon the worshippers coming to Thee to pray? Why should I, standing near the threshold of Thy temple, use language vile enough for infamous places? And afterward, is it possible that Thou could listen to prayers pronounced by lips which insulted Thy Divine Majesty only a few moments before? No; Thy light and Thy truth have graciously conducted me into Thy temple and into the presence of Thy tabernacles. Here I will return thanks to Thy infinite goodness! Here in the audience hall of my Lord, Thy Eternal Son, will I give expression to the boundless gratitude due Thee for all Thy mercies and blessings! From out of the depths of my poor heart, I thank Thee for every favor of the past; and with deepest humility and unwavering confidence, implore Thy gracious protection and assistance for the future! May Thy light ever be a lamp to my tottering feet, and Thy truth the compass and the star on my way to eternity! One Who hast given virtue to my soul, Who hast kept me from the wanderings of sin, Who hast given innocence to my soul, that with an erect head and an honest countenance I may defy my enemies. My God, in Whom I trust, from Whom I have received every good possessed by me, in Whom all my hope is centered, may Thou ever be the salvation of my countenance, and may Thou adorn it with honesty, simplicity, and courage.
"Confitebor tibi in cithara Deus, Deus meus." - I shall confess Thee, 0 God, my God, upon the harp.” I will praise Thee upon the harp of my heart. Every chord thereof shall vibrate in acknowledgment of all Thy beneficence and tender mercies. Every throb I offer to Thee. The universe is a glorious manifestation of Thy power, resources, and goodness. Health, talent, genius, are gifts of your exhaustless bounty.
"Quare tristis est anima mea?" - “Wherefore art Thou sorrowful, 0 my soul?" “Et quare conturbas me?" – “And wherefore dost Thou disturb me?” Why art thou cast down? Why afflicted? Though toiling with the troubles of life and the sadness caused thereby, why art thou sorrowful since thy God still liveth and will help thee in due time? Why dost thou disturb me? Why not be reconciled with thy trials? Here, at least, in the presence of thy Saviour and thy solace, be calm; consider His sufferings and His love for man; offer thy disquietude to Him, and implore His aid.
"Spera in Deo." - Hope in God.” Place your confidence in Him. Offer Him all the disappointments and successes of the past, the anxieties of the present, and pray Him to banish all doubts and fears of the future.
"Quoniam adhuc confitebor illi.” – “For I will give praise to Him.” Notwithstanding that thou, my soul, art bowed down by sorrow and by recollections of the past, still will I praise the Author of so many favors, the Father and Guardian of my life.
"Salutare vultus mei et Deus meus." – “The salvation of my countenance and my God.” The salvation of my countenance - the One Who hast given virtue to my soul, Who hast kept me from the wanderings of sin, Who hast given innocence to my soul, that with an erect head and an honest countenance I may defy my enemies. My God, in Whom I trust, from Whom I have received every good possessed by me, in Whom all my hope is centered, may Thou ever be the salvation of my countenance, and may Thou adorn it with honesty, simplicity, and courage!
In this manner, or a similar one, should we prepare ourselves for the loving, benign sacrifice of the Mass. Upon these things ought we to reflect during this solemn time. You ought to return thanks to God; beseech Him to be merciful to you; present to Him every fear and every doubt, every sorrow and every trial. Entreat Him to guard you with the shield of grace. Thus you will be free from detractions. Your prayers will rise like heavenly incense to the tabernacle and to the august Being who resides therein. He will bless you, and you will leave His sanctuary, strengthened in resolution, reanimated by grace, and enabled to fight successfully the battles of life.
Now, we may ask ourselves with what pious deportment we should assist at the sacrifice of the Mass - a sacrifice which reproduces the sacrifice of Calvary in an unbloody manner. What should be the preparation? What ought to be the intention? With what holy and engrossing fervor should we not be permeated in order that we may show our gratitude for such an inestimable blessing, and draw benefits therefrom?
It appears to me that all this can be obtained by dwelling upon the psalm recited by the priest at the foot of the altar. He begins, after making the sign of the cross, by saying: "Introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui laetificat in juventutem meam." – “I shall enter to the Altar of my God, to God Who rejoices in my youth." I shall enter to the altar of my God, could be said with profit by everyone after he has sprinkled himself, at the church doors, with holy water. I shall enter to the altar of my God. I shall not linger on the outside, gazing at the people as they come to church. I shall not obstruct the way. I shall not make comments about the passers-by. I shall set a good example by approaching the altar of my God— by entering the church and preparing for Mass.
Every care shall be left behind, every distraction, every ambition. Thoughts of wealth, of power, of distinction, shall be banished. Here will I prepare for the unspeakable sacrifice about to take place. Here will I devoutly pray in the temple of my God. Here will I pour forth my troubles, express my wants, return thanks, and implore protection and mercy in the presence of my God—in the presence of my God Who rejoices in my youth! Who rejoices in the youthfulness of everyone's innocence! Who rejoices in the aged who have never grown old in sin! Who rejoices in the pure of heart and the noble of intellect that have never prostituted their virtues and talents to selfish, abject ends!
"Judica me, Deus!" - Judge me, 0 God!” Judge me; for you know me for what I am. You know every pulsation of my heart, every act of my intellect. You are acquainted with every temptation, with every struggle; how much I have willing offended, how much I struggled to avoid. Others may blame me unnecessarily. Others do not know what has been shunned, fought against, and suffered. Selfish motives may influence them. Envy, ignorance, or malice, may warp their judgment; but Thou, 0 God! art just, and though I have transgressed Thy law, pardon a forlorn creature who craves for mercy!
"Et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta." - And discern - distinguish my cause from the unholy.” In their malice, they have offended Thee; they boast of their iniquities. They have insulted Thee, rebelled against Thee, denied Thee. It is truth that I, too, have been a disobedient child, that I have violated Thy law; but I desired to do right, though I did do wrong; and no sooner was Thy Sacred Majesty offended, than I was overwhelmed with shame and sorrow. I did wrong, but wished I had not done so. Discern my cause, I pray Thee, from the unrighteous who rebelled against Thee and flaunted their rebellion.
"Et ab homine iniquo et doloso, erue me." “And from the iniquitous and deceitful, deliver me, 0 my God!” Preserve me from bad company! Protect me from those who would corrupt my understanding, rob me of virtue, degrade me, and condemn my soul to everlasting torments! Assist me that I may always walk with the light of Thy divine truth. In all the trials of life, may I ever confide in Thee, my God, my hope, my refuge!
"Quia tu es Deus, fortitudo mea; quare me repulisti?" - Because Thou art, 0 God! my fortitude; wherefore hast Thou repelled me! Why dost Thou cast me off? True, I have rebelled against Thee, I have abused Thy holy law, and disregarded Thy graces; yet Thou art my God, my Father, my all! Thou art my strength, and one of Thy great prerogatives is mercy. Then be merciful to me, a sinner! Judge me not according to Thy justice, but according to Thy mercy. Pardon Thou me, a suppliant, craving to be restored to Thy friendship. Therefore, do not repel me, but forgive Thy erring child."
Et quare tristis incedo?" “And why do I go sorrowful" dum affligit me inimicus" whilst the enemy afflict me?” Why am I troubled or afraid, so long as Thou art my fortitude? Thou art the God of the universe. In Thy hand rests the destiny of nations and individuals. Thou willst protect all confiding in Thy strength. My enemies may seek to injure me; but Thou canst baffle their devices and turn their evil efforts into triumphs for me.
"Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam!" – “Send forth Thy light and Thy truth!” Illumine my dark intellect with the rays of Thy divine light! Put Thy truth in my heart and upon my lips! With these will I walk courageously and honorably, although my enemies may plot against me. Being possessed of these priceless gifts, I can avoid what is wrong, while I journey on the path which leads to Thee.
"Ipsa me deduxerunt et adduxerunt in montem sanctum tuum." - “These very things have conducted me and brought me into Thy holy mountain.” These have induced me to come this morning to hear Mass. These have led me into Thy holy temple,—into the presence of Thy divine Son! From bad company, these have spared me. From the temporal affairs of life, they have conducted me, that in this holy place I may pour forth my soul to Thee in prayer.
"Et in tabernacula tua." - And into Thy tabernacles.” And they have brought me into Thy tabernacles—into the very abode of my Saviour! How could I loiter on the outside, around the doors, passing remarks upon the worshippers coming to Thee to pray? Why should I, standing near the threshold of Thy temple, use language vile enough for infamous places? And afterward, is it possible that Thou could listen to prayers pronounced by lips which insulted Thy Divine Majesty only a few moments before? No; Thy light and Thy truth have graciously conducted me into Thy temple and into the presence of Thy tabernacles. Here I will return thanks to Thy infinite goodness! Here in the audience hall of my Lord, Thy Eternal Son, will I give expression to the boundless gratitude due Thee for all Thy mercies and blessings! From out of the depths of my poor heart, I thank Thee for every favor of the past; and with deepest humility and unwavering confidence, implore Thy gracious protection and assistance for the future! May Thy light ever be a lamp to my tottering feet, and Thy truth the compass and the star on my way to eternity! One Who hast given virtue to my soul, Who hast kept me from the wanderings of sin, Who hast given innocence to my soul, that with an erect head and an honest countenance I may defy my enemies. My God, in Whom I trust, from Whom I have received every good possessed by me, in Whom all my hope is centered, may Thou ever be the salvation of my countenance, and may Thou adorn it with honesty, simplicity, and courage.
"Confitebor tibi in cithara Deus, Deus meus." - I shall confess Thee, 0 God, my God, upon the harp.” I will praise Thee upon the harp of my heart. Every chord thereof shall vibrate in acknowledgment of all Thy beneficence and tender mercies. Every throb I offer to Thee. The universe is a glorious manifestation of Thy power, resources, and goodness. Health, talent, genius, are gifts of your exhaustless bounty.
"Quare tristis est anima mea?" - “Wherefore art Thou sorrowful, 0 my soul?" “Et quare conturbas me?" – “And wherefore dost Thou disturb me?” Why art thou cast down? Why afflicted? Though toiling with the troubles of life and the sadness caused thereby, why art thou sorrowful since thy God still liveth and will help thee in due time? Why dost thou disturb me? Why not be reconciled with thy trials? Here, at least, in the presence of thy Saviour and thy solace, be calm; consider His sufferings and His love for man; offer thy disquietude to Him, and implore His aid.
"Spera in Deo." - Hope in God.” Place your confidence in Him. Offer Him all the disappointments and successes of the past, the anxieties of the present, and pray Him to banish all doubts and fears of the future.
"Quoniam adhuc confitebor illi.” – “For I will give praise to Him.” Notwithstanding that thou, my soul, art bowed down by sorrow and by recollections of the past, still will I praise the Author of so many favors, the Father and Guardian of my life.
"Salutare vultus mei et Deus meus." – “The salvation of my countenance and my God.” The salvation of my countenance - the One Who hast given virtue to my soul, Who hast kept me from the wanderings of sin, Who hast given innocence to my soul, that with an erect head and an honest countenance I may defy my enemies. My God, in Whom I trust, from Whom I have received every good possessed by me, in Whom all my hope is centered, may Thou ever be the salvation of my countenance, and may Thou adorn it with honesty, simplicity, and courage!
In this manner, or a similar one, should we prepare ourselves for the loving, benign sacrifice of the Mass. Upon these things ought we to reflect during this solemn time. You ought to return thanks to God; beseech Him to be merciful to you; present to Him every fear and every doubt, every sorrow and every trial. Entreat Him to guard you with the shield of grace. Thus you will be free from detractions. Your prayers will rise like heavenly incense to the tabernacle and to the august Being who resides therein. He will bless you, and you will leave His sanctuary, strengthened in resolution, reanimated by grace, and enabled to fight successfully the battles of life.
