Page:Faithcatholics.pdf/504

 them, we cannot fail of obtaining the mercy of heaven.”Homil. li. de SS. Bernice, &c. T. ii. p. 645.—“The prayers and supplications of the Saints are highly powerful in our regard: but then most, when our own penitential works, and the serious reformation of our lives, are joined to them. - And this we say, not intimating that the Saints should not be invoked ; but that we should not give ourselves up to idleness, and rely on the exertions of others.” Hom. v. in Matt. T. vii. p. 79, 81. “It is good to partake of the prayers of the Saints ; but when we ourselves are careful and vigilant. You may say: when such are my dispositions what need have I of others prayers ?—But truly, we are, at all times, in want. Paul did not say, what need have I of others prayers? though they who prayed for him deserved not to be heard: and you dare to say this. Nor did Peter say it, when prayer was made without ceasing by the Church to God for him. (Acts xii. 5.)- Indeed, the very circumstance of your confidence proves, that you are in want of prayers. Were you holy as Paul' himself, your want would be the same. Exalt not yourself, lest you be humbled. But, as I observed, the prayers of others will avail us most, if we be earnest ourselves in the practice of virtue. St. Paul says: For I know that this shall turn to my salvation, through your prayer, and the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ. (Phil. i. 19.) And again : You helping in prayer for us; that for this gift obtained for us, by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many in our behalf. (2 Cor. i. 11.) And you say, what need have I of others prayers ? — Prayers, then, are efficacious; but it is when we, on our side, do our duty. This being so, let us not contemn the prayers of the Saints, nor rely solely on them. By the latter, we should