Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/234

 persons who will insist that it is not permitted to any among the faithful, whatever be their degree of tendency to perfection, to receive the Holy Eucharist so frequently: some even, (not understanding well,) will say that it must be received but once in the year; but I rely more on the testimony of the sacred Writings than on all their reasonings.

As a support to their ridiculous opinions, some of those haughty spirits, who are destitute of devotion, and of intelligence of the Holy Scriptures, cite a passage from St. Augustine, wherein he says, that he neither blames nor praises those who communicate daily. That great Doctor intended saying that daily communion is good; but, that it may sometimes be dangerous: he leaves its appreciation to the judgment of the Omniscient God, and refrains from giving any decision on this point. If that splendid genius, that prince among Doctors, is so reserved, I am at a loss to comprehend how those who quote him can resolve the question with so much assurance. I remember Catherine's response to a bishop who alleged the authority of Saint Augustine, against frequent Communion. " If," said she, " Saint Augustine does not censure it, why my Lord, will you censure it ." By thus quoting him, your Lordship places yourself in opposition with him."

The great Doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas, examines the utility of the faithful communicating frequently and daily, and thus replies: frequent communion increases the devotion of him who receives it, but it sometimes lessens respect. Hence, every Christian should cultivate and possess the devotion and respect due to this greatest of the Sacraments; and when he perceives that frequent communion diminishes that respect, he should in