blood of the Lamb of God is redder still. Stayed on our way to despair by this voice of hope, we, by reason of His law of mercy, wait for the Lord. Out of the depth of our iniquities we cry to Him: "Lord, hear my voice, and let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication." " Our souls rely on His word and our souls have hope in the Lord." Nor will ours be a disappointed hope, for, " an humble and contrite heart the merciful Lord will never despise." And when the sweet grace of conversion has taken possession of our souls, and we feel ourselves once more restored to the condition of children of God and heirs of heaven, then a sense of gratitude and love such as filled the hearts of the afflicted whom Christ healed opens our lips to proclaim to the whole world what great things He that is mighty hath done to us and how hallowed should be His name. Nor do we forget our late companions in sin. " From the morning watch even until night let Israel hope in the Lord." If we have found forgiveness, surely there must be hope for all, " for with the Lord there is mercy and with Him plentiful redemption. Be comforted and encouraged, therefore, O Israel, for the Lord shall redeem thee from all thine iniquities."
Brethren, there was at Jerusalem a pond having five porches, and at certain times its waters were moved by an angel of the Lord, and he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the waters was healed of his infirmities. The Sacrament of Penance, with its five requisites, is the Probatica
