February 29

Third Thursday after Epiphany

He is faithful that promised. Hebrews 10:23.

CHRIST is more specially present when He is Himself the Priest, Himself the Sacrifice. Himself giveth to us His own Body and Blood. He Himself to Whom we pray, He in heaven, prayeth for us; He presents before the Father the tokens of His Passion in that human nature which for us He took to plead for us. Should He not obtain all things for whom and in whom Christ prayeth? Prayer, in faith, hope, charity, humility, is the voice of God in our secret hearts. It goes up to God; it speaketh to God; it converseth with our Judge; not in our name, but in Christ's. What should hinder it from ascending to the presence of God, to be presented by Him, not for our unworthiness, but for His worthiness Who gave it to us, gives to it the value of His own Blood? God is not as man, that He should change or fail. His promise, which should fail, His Truth or His Mercy, or His Almightiness, or His All-bountifulness, or His Love, which is Himself? All He has pledged to thee, if thou persevere in asking. Thou wilt persevere if thou askest to persevere. Persevere in asking and thou canst not perish; for He is faithful Who hath promised, He also will do it.

They cried in their trouble To the Lord to save and bless, And He heard them and redeemed them Out of all their sore distress:

Comfortably spake He to them, Made their souls in sorrow melt, Then up from the desert led them To the city where He dwelt. For His mercies still endure, Ever faithful, ever sure.