Now, concerning the readings for tomorrow. It used to go under the name of the Sunday of the widow of Naim because of the Gospel from St. Luke, Chapter 7.
As our beloved Abbott tells us, '...the afflicted mother who follows her son to the grave is the Church herself. The first time we saw her under this symbol, of a mother mourning for her child, was in the penitential season of Lent. She was then, by her fasting and prayer (united as those were with her Jesus' sufferings), preparing the resurrection of such of our brethren as were dead in sin. Their resurrection was realized, and we had them, in all the fullness of their new life, seated side by side with us at Paschal Table. What exquisite joy, on that feast of feasts, inundated the mother's heart, as she thus shared in the triumphant gladness of her divine Spouse! Jesus was, by His one Resurrection, twice over the conqueror of death--He rose from the grave, and He gave back the child to the mother. The disciples of this risen Lord, who follow Him closely by their observance of the evangelical counsels, they, and the whole multitude that associated themselves with the Church, glorified Jesus for His wonderful works, and sang the praises of God who thus vouchsafed to visit His people...
...It is the duty of us Christians, who by God's mercy have been preserved from the general decay, to share in the anguish of our mother, the Church; we should humbly but fervently cooperate with her in all her zealous endeavours to reclaim our fallen brethren. We surely can never be satisfied with not being of the number of those senseless sons who are a sorrow to their mothers, and despise the labour of her that bore them. Had we not the Holy Spirit to tell us how he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up to himself a treasure, the thought of what our birth cost her would force us to do everything that lies in our power to comfort her. She is the dear bride of the Incarnate Word; and our souls, too, aspire to union with Him. Let us prove that such union is really ours by doing as the Church does; that is, by showing in our acts the one thought, the one love which the divine Spouse always imparts to souls that enjoy holy intimacy with Him, because there is nothing He Himself has so much at heart; the thought of bringing the whole world to give glory to His eternal Father, and the love of procuring salvation for sinners.
I would like to conclude with a prayer from St. Peter Canisius. It is truly needed these days.
Almighty, Everlasting God...make us to stand loyal and resolute on the assaults against our faith, and in the trials of this life, that we may never stray from the way of truth, nor from thy holy commandments. Bless our families in the manifold cares and needs of this our time. Grant to parents grace and strength to fulfill with courage and generosity their holy duties to one another and to their children. Bless our youth who are exposed to many dangers to faith and morals. Grant to young men and women this grace, that in the precious years of their youth, they forget not their Creator and their Saviour, nor lose their purity of heart. Receive under thy special protection the children whom thou welcomed when on earth with such tender love, and didst call them blessed. Amen
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