Page:MaryHelpOfChristians.djvu/163

 was the  conqueror  of  death,  had  been  formed. How, then,  could  such  a  highly  privileged  body,  a pure  and  virginal  body,  be  permitted  to  pass through corruption  and  decay?

3. As  Mary  had  yielded  up  her  sacred  person to be  a  dwelling-place  for  the  Lord  of  heaven,  it seems  fitting  that  this  same  Lord,  in  His  turn, should give  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  her  as  her resting-place. St. Bernard  expresses  this  sentiment as  follows:  "When  Our  Lord  came  into  this world,  Mary  furnished  Him  with  the  noblest dwelling  on  earth,  the  temple  of  her  virginal womb.  In  return,  the  Lord  on  this  day  raises  her up  to  the  highest  throne  in  heaven."

f you  desire  to  look  forward  to  death  without fear, and  to  expect  your  dissolution  with  confidence, follow  the  Apostle's  injunction,  "Therefore, whilst  we  have  time,  let  us  work  good"  (Gal. vi.  10). Avoid sin,  perform  good  works,  be patient  in  affliction,  and  strive  to  expiate  the  punishment due  to  your  sins  by  voluntary  acts  of penance,  thus  reducing  your  inclination  to  sin. Therefore offer  up  to  God  every  morning,  in  a spirit  of  penitence,  all  your  labors,  trials,  and sufferings.

Prayer of  the  Church  (p. 134).

Litany of  Loreto  (p. 322).