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Progress is the watchword of modern times. No one, for instance, any longer works by the feeble light of an oil-lamp; he employs gas or the electric light. No one journeys to distant cities on foot; he travels by rail. Progress ought likewise to be found in the domain of religion—progress in making use of the means of salvation. For in these modern times the opportunities for sin are so innumerable, the dangers to morals so terribly menacing, the attractions and pleasures of the world so enticing, evil examples so seducing; that it is extremely difficult for a young girl to stand her ground if she makes use only of those means of salvation strictly and absolutely enjoined upon her. Rather should progress be your watchword. I refer to progress in one direction more particularly, that is, in a more frequent approach to the table of the Lord. Therefore I would say, go often to the sacraments, that you may learn to know yourself, may receive the grace to overcome passions and perseverance to the end.
There is undoubtedly no more effectual means of preservation from the dangers and temptations which beset your age than frequent union with Our Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. If, impelled by holy longing, you often repair to His table, how your soul soars at such times above the world, above all that is in the world! How poor and mean do earthly pleasures appear to you, how ignoble desires are hushed and put to rest, how your courage and loyalty to God are increased, how much more fervent your prayers become! I am free to confess that I am always peculiarly impressed, and deeply touched, when I see young persons come often, and in large numbers, to holy communion with hearts full of love for Jesus. I rejoice with all my heart, for I am fully persuaded that no enemy can any more have power to harm them; because they are one with the Almighty; because He dwells in them, and they in Him. I know that they will make progress in all that is good, since they have been fortified with the Bread of heaven, the Wine of immortality.
Do you, therefore, frequently approach the table of the Lord. But do not imagine that I am advising you to do anything new or exaggerated. My advice is founded upon an intimate conviction that I can in no way better advance the interests of your soul than by committing it to the keeping of Jesus Christ, by leading it to the Fount of every good, the Source of life everlasting.
The Catholic Church has always recommended frequent communion. It has expressed a definite wish that the faithful should receive holy communion whenever they assist at Mass on Sundays; and that they should do this in an actual manner as well as spiritually. The Council of Trent declares it to be “the way of salvation, the health of the soul, a safe guide through the dangers of the earthly pilgrimage to eternal rest.”
But how often ought you to approach the table of the Lord? In I840 Peter Perboix suffered a martyr’s death in China for the sake of Jesus Christ. He had faithfully adhered to the resolution he had formed on the occasion of his first communion, namely, that he would partake of this heavenly Food every month, and also on the principal festivals. His devotion at these times was so fervent that he seemed to be an angel. This frequent reception of holy communion imparted to him strength to become a missionary, and to win the palm of martyrdom.
Though you, Christian maiden, are not called to do and suffer any extraordinary things, you need help and strength from on high if you are to wage a successful warfare with the devil, the world, and evil concupiscence. And this battle you needs must fight whatever be your state of life; whether you enter the cloister, marry, or live unmarried in the world. Seek this strength in holy communion as did the saintly missionary, Peter Perboix. Make it a fixed rule to approach the Lord’s table at least once a month. If you sometimes find this to be impossible do not postpone your confession and communion more than eight weeks. Under certain circumstances I would advise you to communicate every fortnight, or even every week, particularly if you should find yourself unavoidably placed in a perilous position, or exposed to grievous temptations. Frequent communion is one of the best means to advancement and perseverance in the way of perfection and salvation.
But many objections are urged against the practice of frequent communion. In the first place, it is said that this practice did not prevail in former times, yet people saved their souls; why should it be necessary now? I reply, that in the first centuries of the Church daily communion was the universal custom; many paid for it with their lives. And in our own day there are thousands of young men in every land who go to communion once a month, at least. Young girls should not be outdone in piety.
In the second place, you may possibly assert that you are not pious enough to go to communion once or twice a month. But monthly or fortnightly communion is nothing extraordinary. You are not thereby ranked with very pious persons any more than the dove is classed with feathered songsters. Besides, holy communion was not appointed for the pious alone, but for sinners, since those who are in health do not need the physician, but those who are sick.
Again, you may perhaps say that if you go so often to communion you must wear a grave face and never be merry. What an absurdity! I have already shown you that true piety renders its possessor cheerful and merry. And nothing can be plainer than this. For those who frequently partake of holy communion live in a state of grace. The children of God do not enjoy happiness in heaven only; they are happy on earth also. In heaven every one is happy; in hell, on the other hand, every one is desperately wretched and miserable. You may object, in the fourth place, that if you go to communion every month, or twice a month, or even more frequently, you will have nothing to confess. Very well! That is just what the fruit of frequent communion ought to be. You perceive that this habit would preserve you from falling into grievous sins; on this account you ought to persevere in it. You will be made better able to detect lesser faults, and will thus always find matter for confession.
Again, you may say that no matter how often you go to confession you never make any progress! How long, I would ask you, have you made the experiment, and have you made it in the right manner? For a year? Then it is not possible that you can have remained the same. You may not be conscious of the progress you have made, but it is just as certain that you have improved as it is that you cannot fail to warm yourself by standing in front of a blazing fire.
In the sixth place, you may say that you do not like going to confession. Then go without liking it; every one feels alike in this respect; there is no one who takes special pleasure in the act. But you do not work only as much as you feel inclined to do. Many young girls, and you may perhaps be among the number, work for the sake of gain the whole day long; sometimes in close rooms that are ill-ventilated and overheated. Ought you not, therefore, be willing to accept a little trouble for the sake of your immortal soul and your eternal happiness?
Wherefore put aside your petty objections; shake off your love of ease and comfort: betake yourself gladly and frequently to the Fount of grace, which flows forth in ever abounding fu ness from the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the Sacrament of His love. And on each occasion pray that with the frequenting of the Sacred Mystery, your devotion may increase and your life become more pleasing to God.
O blessed Jesus, in this Angel’s Bread,
A pledge of life to come Thou givest me;
Grant that to earthly things I may be dead
And strengthened by this Food may live in Thee.