Page:Completecatechis00deharich.djvu/264

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cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward' (Matt. x. 42). — Example of the Poor Widow (Mark xii. 41-44).

28. What is a good intention?

The purpose or positive act of the will to serve God, and to honor Him.

29. How may we make a good intention?

We may say, for instance, thus: 'O my God, I offer up to Thee all my thoughts, words, and deeds, for Thy honor and glory'; or: 'My Lord and my God, all for Thy honor.'

30. When should we make a good intention?

It is very useful to make it several times a day, and especially every morning,

31. What means must we particularly use in order to obtain grace?

The Holy Sacraments and Prayer.

32. Do both these means give us grace in the same manner and in the same measure?

No; for, 1. The Sacraments produce grace in us; Prayer obtains it for us; 2. Through the Sacraments we obtain those special graces for which they were instituted; but through Prayer we receive all sorts of graces, except those which can be obtained only by the Sacraments.

Application. Strive most carefully to preserve sanctifying grace continually in your heart by avoiding sin and performing good works. ' A man making void the law of Moses dieth without any mercy under two or three witnesses: how much more, do you think, he deserveth worse punishments, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath esteemed the blood of the testament unclean by which he was sanctified, and hath offered an affront to the Spirit of grace?' (Hebr. x. 28, 29).