to be of little faith. Be our Saviour in the many dangers that surround us; make use of Thy omnipotence against our enemies; command the impetuous winds and sea of persecution that they may be calm; and give peace and quiet to Thy Church, which Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood, that we may serve Thee in sanctity and justice, and come safely to the wished-for haven of eternal happiness. Amen.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
On this Sunday the Church reminds us how God tolerates the wicked, and exhorts us to love Him.
The Introit is the same as on the third Sunday after Epiphany.
Prayer.
Preserve, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy family by continued mercy, that, relying solely on the hope of heavenly grace, it may be always defended by Thy protection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
EPISTLE. Coloss. iii. 12-17.
Brethren: Put ye on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience: bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another: even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so you also. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection; and let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, all things do ye in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
Why does St. Paul call charity the bond of perfection?
Because it combines all the virtues of which perfection consists. For whoever loves God and his neighbor practises in a perfect manner all virtues, such as humility, mercy, patience. St. Paul would have all Christians to be rich, that is, well in-
