Page:Ninety-nine homilies of S. Thomas Aquinas upon the epistles and gospels for forty-nine Sundays of the Christian year (IA ninetyninehomili00thom).pdf/163

 and irksomely. (2) With the bond of love: “Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness,” Colos. iii. 14. (3) In the bond of peace: “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts,” Id. 15.

III. On the third head it is to be noted, that they who wish to preserve unity must have the five virtues of which the Apostle makes mention in this Epistle. (1) Humility, that no one should exalt himself over another, for this often makes a cause of discord: “ He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife,” Prov. xxviii. 25. (2) Meekness, lest any should do injury to others, which is likewise a cause of dissension : “ Shewing all meekness unto all men,” S. Tit. iii. 2. (3) Patience, that imposed injuries may be patiently sustained, and by patience a brother may be -won back again to concord: “ Be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man: but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men,” 1 Thess. v. 14, 15. (4) Forbearance, that the infirmities of companions may be supported and tolerated: “Bear ye one another’s burdens,” Gal. vi. 2. (5) Charity, “in love;” for mutual services are nourished of and by charity. “ By love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another,” Gal. v. 13-15.

THE Lord in these words offers four points for our consideration. Firstly, He exhorts that we should flee from the sin of pride: “ Whosoever exalteth himself.” Secondly, He adds the punishment of the proud: “ Shall be abased.” Thirdly, He admonishes us to the grace of humility: “ He that humbleth himself.” Fourthly, He shows the reward of humility: “Shall be exalted.”