Seventeenth Day.
In all your intercourse with others respect their persons and property; do not look for unjust gains; be faithful to your bargains and contracts; never look to your own selfish interests solely. Never speak ill of anybody, nor circulate detractions, nor reveal secrets and defects that might lessen the esteem in which any one is held; excuse the faults of others, and find some excuse for the intention with which even an evil action is committed. We are all temples of the Holy Ghost, sanctified and ennobled by the blood of Christ. We are the dwellings of the Holy Trinity, called to a heavenly inheritance. Do not desecrate this sacred temple by impurity; guard against impure thoughts and immodest desires, flee from dangerous occasions. Avoid foolishly pursuing the luxuries and vanities of the world, improper company, and bad conversation. Do not enter theatres or places of amusement where your morals are endangered, and from which you carry nothing but pictures of immoral objects. Arm yourself most effectually against the approach of evil by the powerful shield of prayer, and walk in the presence of God.
Prayer.
O most loving Jesus, etc., etc.
Eighteenth Day.
So far we have considered the law of God practically interpreted in our every-day life; let us [pg 085] go still further and endeavor to learn the laws of the Church, for the Lord has said: “He that heareth you, heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me,” and “If he will not hear the Church let him be to thee as the heathen and publican.” On Sundays and holydays of obligation, we ought to hear Mass. We should observe the feasts of the Church and the restriction from flesh meat on Fridays and other days of abstinence. Remember that these little acts of mortification are a great benefit to us, since the Lord has commanded, “That we should bring forth fruits worthy of penance.” Make your Easter duty, for the Church has laid down the law that you should fulfil those duties, not from routine or human respect, but with the knowledge of the needs of your soul.
Prayer.
O most loving Jesus, etc., etc.