Thirteenth Day
Our justification comes from Christ’s redemption, by the operation of the Holy Ghost. “But you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Spirit of Our God.”—1 Cor. vi. 11. It is still the operation of the Holy Ghost which brings comfort to our souls. Since the Fall, the Spirit of God has assisted every man that came into the world, so that there never yet was a soul which had not sufficient grace to escape from eternal death, if it only had fidelity to correspond with it. Even heathens may, according to the mercy of God, find the means ready at hand by which to be saved. Every soul is created in the likeness of God; the light of reason shining in the soul is a means of salvation, the whole world reveals the existence of God. Every living soul in the order of nature, then, has the illumination of God’s grace, and by the light of conscience, which is reason, can rightly exercise its will in the performance of duty. “We hope in the living God, Who is the Saviour of all men,” and especially of the faithful. The work of the Holy Ghost, even in the order of nature that is outside of the Church, is going on, giving to all men grace to be saved.
Prayer.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, etc., etc.