Third Sunday after Epiphany
THE Church, knowing that she cannot sufficiently love and praise God, at the Introit of the Mass invites all angels to praise Him: Adore God, all you His angels: Sion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Juda rejoiced. The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice, let many islands be glad" (Ps. xcvi.). Glory be to the Father, etc.
Prayer.
Almighty and eternal God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and extend the right hand of Thy majesty to help and defend us. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Amen.
EPISTLE. Rom. xii. 16-21.
Brethren: Be not wise in your own conceits: to no man rendering evil for evil: providing good things not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as in you, having peace with all men. Not revenging yourselves, my dearly beloved; but give place unto wrath, for it is written: Revenge to Me: I will repay, saith the Lord. But if thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat; if he thirst, give him drink; for doing this thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good.
What is the meaning of the words, " Revenge to Me: I will repay, saith the Lord "?
They mean that God alone has the right to revenge. " Are you impatient," says St. Ambrose, " then you will be conquered: but do you suffer in patience, then you will be conqueror."
"What must we do, then, when our honor is attacked?
When an injury by others brings serious consequences upon us, it is not only permissible, but even a duty, to defend our honor and good name. In matters of less importance we should leave our assailants to God, according to the admonition of the Apostle.
Is it wrong to wish our neighbor the evil that he wished us? Certainly; for it is contrary to the law of God, Who commands us to love our enemies, to do good to them that hate
