Again, the Blessed Sacrament is full of consolation as regards ourselves. In the first place, because it is our Emmanuel—God tabernacled with men; and because the veiled Presence here is an earnest of the unveiled hereafter. Also, because it is an abiding "propitiation for our sins," and the perpetual oblation of infinite merit to obtain us all good things. Again, it is the food in the strength of which we travel, like Elias, through the wilderness of this world "unto the mount of God": [Footnote 65] the medicine of our spiritual diseases, the balm of our sorrows, and, sweetest thought of all, perhaps, our viaticum in death.
[Footnote 65: 3 Kings xix. 8.]
[USCCB: 1 Kings xix. 8.]
If God could thus address His people of old, how much more meaning have His words for us: "Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name: thou art mine. When thou shalt pass through the waters, I will be with thee, and the rivers shall not cover thee; … for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour." [Footnote 66]
[Footnote 66: Is. xliii. 1-3]
But especially ought we to take comfort in the Blessed Sacrament in times of trial for the Church, such as that which is on us now. You remember how the ship of Peter was tossed one day on the lake of Galilee, and the disciples got terrified and awoke their Master, who was asleep on a pillow. [Footnote 67]
[Footnote 67: St. Mark iv. 36-38.]
And He rebuked them for their want of faith; because, let wind and sea rage as they might, could that vessel have perished with the Lord of the elements on board, though He was "asleep on a pillow"? Now, that ship is a striking figure of the Church, with the Blessed Sacrament reposing on her altars. She has ridden out many a heavy gale as yet, and no matter how many more are in store for her, weather them she must while she carries the Almighty Saviour. Instead of losing heart, then, our aspiration should be that of the sacred poet:
"Amid the howling wintry sea,
We are in port if we have Thee."