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February 17th: Other Causes of the Absence of Jesus
The loss of Jesus is not always the result of
some fault of ours, else Mary and Joseph would
not have lost Him. Sometimes He permits it for
our trial, to see whether we shall be faithful to
Him in darkness and under difficulties. "Because
thou earnest to the service of God, it was necessary
that temptation should try thee," are the words of
the Angel to the aged Tobias. It is therefore in
this case a mark of God's favor and approval. Is
this the case with me? Perhaps so. God in His mercy sometimes sends these days of desolation in order that we may thereby expiate our past sins, and that our souls may be cleansed from the stain of sin and from the liability to punishment for it. Thank God then for those times. however painful, that are the means of washing our souls clean and rendering them pure and fit for the presence of God! How we shall thank God tor them when we see how they served us instead of Purgatory, and at the same time have earned for us a higher place in Heaven! The loss of Jesus is also sometimes a signal mark of God's love. He knows that the faithful soul is able to endure the trial, and He knows too that those times of darkness are the times of the most rapid progress in the love and service of God. Then it is that we advance by leaps and bounds. We often make more progress in a day of darkness than in a week of sunshine. Remember this when trouble comes, and make a good use of such harvest-days.
Music: The Shepherds' Farewell
from L' Enfance du Christ Op. 25 by Hector Berlioz
1. Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, Shelter Thee with tender care! 2. Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee With humble love and holy fear. In the land that lies before Thee, Forget not us who linger here! May the shepherd's lowly calling, Ever to Thy heart be dear! 3. Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav'nly treasure, The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild! |