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Show REJOICE ALWAYS. A correspondent, writing from Denver, asks: "Who gave expression to the phrase, 'Rejoice in the Lord always?' What is the meaning and significance?"' sig-nificance?"' The text quoted is from St. Paul to the Phil-lipians, Phil-lipians, who were the first converts to the faith in Macedonia. They were loyal and ardent well-wishers of St. Paul, to whom they sent a special messenger mes-senger when he was in prison. He reciprocated those kindly feelings. His entire epistle shows his love and solitude for them. His appeal to "rejoice in the Lord always," rocaut that. Notwithstanding their many trials and vicissitudes, vicissi-tudes, they must never become disheartened, nor give way to despondency. Why? Because a true soldier of the cross is happy under the most adverse circumstances, since he is united with Christ, and that spiritual union consoles and sooths the most afflicted soul in its greatest sorrow. The rejoicing was to be "in the Lord," not at certain intervals, but "always." This advice is general in its application to all Christians. Whenever When-ever or wherever one's peace of mind is disturbed, because of reverses, they should not become disconsolate dis-consolate by brewing over these troubles or their cause. God permits trials, crosses and other sources of worriment for his own wise end and for man's spiritual beneit, if only they are turned to a good use, which means to follow St. Paul's advice by "rejoicing in the Lord always." So important is this counsel that he repeats it: "Again I say to you, rejoice." Instead of patience and resignation in the time of sorrow, is it not the common expression on all sides : "What have I done that God should punish me" ? To this question comes the sympathetic and consoling reply, . nothing. This consolation, like that of holy Job's friends, brings but cold comfort. com-fort. The real comfort, the most lasting consolation, consola-tion, comes from St. Paul's words: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say to you, rejoice," for the promise contained in these words inspired the poor and wearied, the afflicted and disconsolate, the sufferer and bereaved with the hope of blissful bliss-ful immortality, which is the only source of true happiness and real joy. That one may be able to "rejoice always," St. Paul tells what must be done by way of preparation. prepara-tion. His first advice is: "Let your modesty be known to all men." Modesty, in our 6ense of the word, is a certain reserye or decorum in conservation, conserva-tion, propriety of dress and a meek, gentle demeanor. de-meanor. It would mean the suppression of anything any-thing in looks, conversation or dress that appeals ! to the carnal eye or imagination. But that was not St. Paul's meaning, nor is it an exact transla-' transla-' tion of the language he used. The Greek word, translated "modesty," is used in a broader sense and means -"fairness." To be always fair is the virtue of a just man. It excludes criticisms, rash judgments and all violations of charity. One, who is fairminded, will pardon what is done through human frailty. In civil law we have what 13 known as courts of equity which look to the minds of the legislators,-and not to the letter of the law. These courts, whilst censuring the violation of the law, will often excuse the intention. This seems to have its foundation in the natural law, for the child, who does wrong, will instinctively say: "I did not mean it," and the fairminded judge or father will X ' rdon the child. Applying the words of St. Paul in this sense, it would mean: '"Let your fairniindedness and charity in treating with others be known to all men." Weigh well in your minds the benefits you have received, not the injuries that may have been inflicted on you. Do not be always speaking of your kindness and goodness to others, forgetting at the same time how good and kind others have been to you. The Christian law is opposed to selfishness. Hence St. Paul advised his followers to act "fairly" to all men, even to the Gentiles who were edified by the honest, unselfish, patient and charitable conduct of the early Christians. Acts and deeds, not mere words, appeal to the unbelieving unbeliev-ing world which would be long since converted if professing Christians had shown the faith, unselfishness un-selfishness of the early Christians in their daily lives. |