September 15

Pinth Sunday after Trinity

And that rock was Christ. I CORINTHIANS x. 4.

FOR although the Israelites drank but on one occasion of that water, and that rock was but once smitten as Christ was but once pierced, and on one occasion only the water flowed from His Side, yet in that once for all is He always, unto the end of the world, as it were smitten for us; always present as our Rock, following us even unto the end, and covering us with His almighty shadow, and ever pouring down for us the Holy Spirit from above, although but once for all sent down as the price of His redemption. So was that smitten rock and the water flowing from it a sign to them in the wilderness that His gracious presence was ever with them, following them throughout and sustaining them. "Lo, I am with you alway." Glory be to Thee, O Lord, for Thy blessed promise never to leave us nor forsake us. May we never leave nor forsake Thee, but ever come into Thy presence with joy and gladness, and so worship and adore Thee on earth, that we may be trained for Thy unceasing service in heaven.

Lord, Thou art with us always, And never wilt depart;

But in Thy blessed Sacrament Especially Thou art.

Here let me ever seek Thee, Here fill me with Thy love,

Until Thou shalt admit me To my bright home above.

There, dearest Lord and Saviour, Thou wilt not me disown,

But clothe me in Thy brightness, And place me near Thy throne.

Then O what bliss to see Thee, And with Thee to abide,

And never, never leave Thee, For ever at Thy Side.