Page:SermonsFromTheLatins.djvu/545

 blood of  the  Lamb  of  God  is  redder  still. Stayed on our  way  to  despair  by  this  voice  of  hope,  we,  by  reason of  His  law  of  mercy,  wait  for  the  Lord. Out of the  depth  of  our  iniquities  we  cry  to  Him:  "Lord, hear  my  voice,  and  let  Thine  ears  be  attentive  to  the voice  of  my  supplication." " Our  souls  rely  on  His word  and  our  souls  have  hope  in  the  Lord." Nor will ours  be  a  disappointed  hope,  for,  "  an  humble and  contrite  heart  the  merciful  Lord  will  never  despise." And when  the  sweet  grace  of  conversion  has taken possession  of  our  souls,  and  we  feel  ourselves once more  restored  to  the  condition  of  children  of God  and  heirs  of  heaven,  then  a  sense  of  gratitude and love  such  as  filled  the  hearts  of  the  afflicted whom Christ  healed  opens  our  lips  to  proclaim  to  the whole world  what  great  things  He  that  is  mighty hath done  to  us  and  how  hallowed  should  be  His name. Nor do  we  forget  our  late  companions  in sin. " From  the  morning  watch  even  until  night  let Israel  hope  in  the  Lord." If we  have  found  forgiveness, surely  there  must  be  hope  for  all,  "  for  with  the Lord  there  is  mercy  and  with  Him  plentiful  redemption. Be  comforted  and  encouraged,  therefore,  O Israel,  for  the  Lord  shall  redeem  thee  from  all  thine iniquities."

Brethren, there  was  at  Jerusalem  a  pond  having five porches,  and  at  certain  times  its  waters  were moved by  an  angel  of  the  Lord,  and  he  that  went down first  into  the  pond  after  the  motion  of  the waters was  healed  of  his  infirmities. The Sacrament of Penance,  with  its  five  requisites,  is  the  Probatica