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INSTRUCTION FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
by Leonard Goffine, 1871


In the Introit of this day's Mass the Church calls upon all creatures to thank God for the Incarnation of His only begotten Son. Let all the earth adore Thee, and sing to Thee; let it sing a psalm to Thy name. (Ps. lxv. 4.) Shout with joy all the earth, sing ye a psalm to His name, give glory to His praise. (Ps. lxv. 1.) Glory be to the Father, &c.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Almighty and eternal God! Heaven and earth stand under Thy great direction. Bless our days with Thy peace! Behold Thy people bowed to the dust, awaiting the merciful grant of this petition, through Jesus Christ our Lord, &c.

EPISTLE. (Romans xii. 6 -16.) Brethren: We have different gifts, according to the grace that is given us: either prophecy, to be used according to the rule of faith, or ministry in ministering, or he that teacheth in doctrine, he that exhorteth in exhorting, he that giveth with simplicity, he that ruleth with carefulness, he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good. Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood, with honour preventing one another. In carefulness not slothful. In spirit fervent. Serving the Lord. Rejoicing in hope. Patient in tribulation. Instant in prayer. Communicating to the necessities of the saints. Pursuing hospitality. Bless them that persecute you: bless and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice, weep with them that weep. Being of one mind, one towards another. Not minding high things, but consenting to the humble. Be not wise in your own conceits.

EXPLANATION. St. Paul here exhorts every Christian to make good use of God's gifts; if one receives an office, he must see well to it, that he fills it in such a manner that he can, one day, stand before God. He especially exhorts to brotherly love which we should practise by charitable works, such as, receiving strangers hospitably, giving alms to those who are in need, and to those who by misfortune or injustice have lost their property; he commands us, at the same time, to joy in the welfare of our neighbor, and to take his misfortunes to heart, as we rejoice at our own good fortune, or are grieved at our misfortune.


How is brotherly love best preserved?

Brotherly love, by which we love our neighbor as our own brother, is especially preserved by the virtue of humility, by which we esteem our neighbor above ourselves, consider his good qualities only, bear his defects patiently, and always meet him in a friendly, respectful, and indulgent manner. This humility thus causes us to live always in peace with our fellowmen, while among the proud, where each wants to be higher than the rest, there is continual strife and dissatisfaction. (Prov. xiii. 10.)


MORAL INSTRUCTION FOR SUPERIORS.

Those have to expect a severe sentence from God, who merely for temporal gain, seek profitable offices, and thrust themselves into them, whether fit for them or not; and when capable care very little whether or not they fulfil the duties required by their office, even perhaps making the fulfilment of them depend upon bribes. Of such God makes terrible complaint: Thy princes (judges) are faithless, companions of thieves: they all love bribes, they run after rewards; they judge not for the fatherless; and the widow's cause comes not into them. (Isai. i. 23.) But horribly and speedily will God appear to you; for a most severe judgment shall be for them that bear rule. (Wisd. vi. 6.)

ASPIRATION. Grant us, O Lord, Thy grace, that, according to Thy will, we may follow the instructions of St. Paul in regard to humility and love, have compassion upon all suffering from need, esteem ourselves as nothing, and descend to the lowest, that we may, one day, be elevated with them in heaven.

GOSPEL (John ii. 1 - 11.) And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there. And Jesus also was invited with His disciples, to the marriage. And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to Him: They have no wine. And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is it to me and to thee? My hour is not yet come. His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever He shall say to you, do ye. Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jєωs, containing two or three measures apiece. Jesus said to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And Jesus saith: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it. And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water, the chief steward calleth the bridegroom, and saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee: and He manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.


Why did Christ go with His mother to this marriage?

That He might honor this humble and God fearing couple who, with faithful hearts had invited Him and His mother to their wedding; that He might give us, by deigning to be present at the marriage of these poor people, an example of humility; that by changing the water into wine, He might come to their assistance in their poverty, and save their good name; to reveal His dignity as the Messiah to His disciples by this miracle; and to sanctify by His presence the marriages that are formed with proper modesty.

Alas! how few marriages of our time could Jesus honor with His presence, because He is invited neither by fervent prayer, nor by the chaste life of the couple: He is excluded, rather, by the frequent immorality of the married couple and their guests.


Why was Mary interested in this newly married couple?

Because she is merciful and the Mother of Mercy, and willingly assists all the poor or afflicted, who fear God. From this incident St. Bonaventura judges of the many graces which we can hope for through Mary (that is, through her intercession. Tr.), now that she reigns in heaven; "for", he says, "if Mary while yet on earth, was so compassionate, how much more so is she now reigning in heaven!" and he gives the reason when adding: "Mary now that she sees the face of God, knows our necessities far better than when she was on earth, and that in proportion to the increase of her compassion, has increased her power to aid us." Ah! why do we not take refuge in all our necessities with this most merciful mother, who, unasked, is so anxious for the wretched?


Why did Christ say to Mary: Woman, what is it to me and to thee?

This seemingly harsh reply of Christ was no reproach, for Mary had made her request only in love and mercy, and Christ praises even those happy ones who are merciful, but He wished to show that in the performance of divine work, only the divine will should have force. He thus meant to say: "In this thou, O mother, art not my mother, because I received from thee my humanity, not my divinity, which alone performs miracles, and this only by the will of my Heavenly Father. In accordance with this will, I will do that which thou dost ask, when the hour designed by God shall come." Though the hour had not come, He yet granted His mother's wish, who knew that her divine Son refused none of her requests, and so she said to the servants: Whatsoever He shall say to you, do ye. Behold the great power of Mary's intercession! Neglect not therefore to take refuge with this most powerful mother!


What are we taught by the words: My hour has not yet come?

These words teach us that we should in all things await God's appointed time, and in things belonging to God and His honor, should act only by divine direction, without any human motives.

What does the lack of wine signify?

In the spiritual sense the lack of wine may be understood to signify the lack of love between married people, which happens mostly in the case of those who enter this state with impure motives, for the sake of riches, beauty of person, so, or who have before marriage kept up sinful intercourse. For these it only remains to ask God for forgiveness of their sins, to bear the hardships of married life in the spirit of penance, and to change the wrong motives they had before marriage, so will God supply the lack of wine, that is, the lack of true love, and change the waters of misery into the wine of patient affection.


Why did Christ command them to take the wine to the steward?

That the steward, whose office required him to be attentive to the conduct of the guests, and to know the quality of the wine, should give his judgment in regard to the excellence of this, and be able to testify to the miracle before all the guests.

ASPIRATION. O my most merciful Jesus! I would rather drink in this world the sour wine of misery than the sweet wine of pleasure, that in heaven I may taste the perfect wine of eternal joy.



INSTRUCTION ON THE HOLY SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY.

What is Matrimony?

Matrimony is the perfect, unlimited union and connection of two free persons of different sex (Cor. vii. 3. 4.), that the association between man and woman may be advanced by the hope of mutual assistance, that supported each by the other, they may more easily bear the burdens of life, and the weakness of age; and by the procreation of children they may leave not heirs to temporal estates, but rather to raise preservers of the true faith and religion (Tob. vi. 16, 17, 22.); that it may be a means of preventing sins of the flesh. (Cor. i. 72., Cat. rom. de matr. 313, 14.)


Who instituted Matrimony?

God Himself, the Creator of all things, instituted it, and ordered the manner in which it should be kept (Gen. i. 26, 27., and ii. 18, 21 - 24.). He Himself brought to man the helpmate, whom he had formed from his side, that she who came from his heart, might never depart from his heart, but cling to him in the indissoluble bond of love. To this original divine institution Christ refers (Matt. xix. 4 - 6.), and the Church declares the bond of marriage perpetual and indissoluble.

Is Matrimony a Sacrament?

Yes; according to the testimony of the fathers, the Church has held it such from the times of the apostles, which she could not do, had Christ not raised it to the dignity of a Sacrament. St. Paul even calls it a great Sacrament, because it is symbolical of the perpetual union of Christ with His Church; and the Council of Trent declares: "If any one says, that Matrimony is not really and truly one of the seven Sacraments of the Church instituted by Christ, but an invention of men, that imparts no grace, let him be anathema." (Cone- Trid. Sess. 24. c. 1.)


What graces does this Sacrament impart?

The grace of preserving matrimonial fidelity inviolate; the grace of educating children as Christians; of patiently enduring the unavoidable difficulties of married life, and of living peaceably with each other. For all this married people greatly need the grace of God, and without it they can scarcely fulfil their duties at all, to the great detriment of their own and their children's salvation.


What is the external sign of grace in the Sacrament of Matrimony?

The union of two single persons in Matrimony which, according to the regulations of the Council of Trent (Conc. Trid. Sess. 24. c. 1.), must not be formed privately, but publicly in the face of the Church, that is, before the pastor, or, with his permission, by another priest, in the presence of two witnesses.


What preparations are to be made to receire the grace of this Sacrament?

The first and best preparation is a pure and pious life, joined to the invocation of the Holy Ghost that we may know, whether or not we are called to this state of life. Next, the parents and the father-confessor should be asked for advice, and that the choice is not made because of wealth, beauty, or station, but because of true Christian sentiment and education. The third and nearest preparation is, to purify the conscience, if it has not already been done, by a good general confession, and the reception of the most holy Sacrament of the Altar. Before their marriage the young couple should ask their parents' blessing, should hear the marriage Mass with the greatest devotion, with the intention of obtaining Gods grace to begin their new state of life well, and finally, they should commend themselves with confidence to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her spouse St. Joseph.


Why are there so many unhappy marriages?

Because so many people prepare the way to marriage by sins and vices, continue to sin without interruption, and without true amendment until marriage; therefore always confess unworthily, even perhaps before the very wedding. Besides this, many enter the married life only on account of carnal intentions, or other earthly motives; often they do not in the least think to ask God for His grace; on their marriage day without any proper preparation for such an important, sacred act, they go to Church even in immorality, and afterwards celebrate their wedding with but little modesty. Is it any wonder, that such married people receive no blessing, no grace, when they render themselves so unworthy, so unfit for it?


Why did God institute married life?

That children might be brought up honestly and as Christians, and that they should be especially educated in matters of faith; that married people should sustain each the other in the difficulties of life, and mutually exhort themselves to a pious life; that the sin of impurity might be avoided. For they who in such manner receive matrimony as to shut out God from themselves, and from their mind, and to give themselves to their lust, as the horse and mule which have not understanding, over them the devil hath power. (Tob. vi. 17.)


With what intentions should the married state be entered?

With such intentions as had the young Tobias and his bride Sara, who before the marriage ceremony, both ardently prayed God for His grace, and took their wedding breakfast in the fear of the Lord (Tob. xiv. 15.). Hence God was with them with His blessing until death. If all young couples would so enter the marriage state, it would certainly be holy, God pleasing, and blessed for them, and the words of St. Paul, spoken to wives, would come true for them: Yet she shall be saved by bearing children, if she continue in faith, and love, and sanctification with sobriety, (i. Tim. ii. 15.)

Why are those engaged to be married, published three times in Church?

That those things such as affinity, clandestine marriages, or public dishonesty which are impediments to the marriage of the persons, and would render it invalid, may be known in time. Therefore any one who is aware of such impediments, is bound to make them known to the pastor.


Why is the marriage performed in the presence of a priest? Because the Catholic Church expressly declares, that those marriages which are not performed in presence of a priest, or, with his permission, by another priest, and without witnesses, are null and void (Sess. xxiv. c. 1.); and because the blessing of the priest, which he imparts in the name of the Church, gives the couple, if they are in a state of grace, strength, power and grace to be faithful to each other, to endure all trials patiently, and be safe from all the influences of the evil enemy. Why do they join hands before the priest and two witnesses?

By this they bind themselves before God and His Church to remain true to each other, and to be ready to assist each other in all adversities, for which reason the priest winds the stole around their hands--This ceremony of the stole is not mentioned in the Ritual, and is simply a custom of some parts of Europe), the bridegroom puts a ring on the bride's finger which exhorts her to inviolate fidelity, for which purpose the priest signs and seals this holy union with the unbloody Sacrifice of the New Law.


Can the bond of marriage be dissolved in the Catholic Church?

A valid marriage, contracted with the free consent of each of the parties, can according to the plain doctrine of the holy Scriptures, the constant teaching and practice of the Church, be dissolved only by the death of one of the parties. If the pope or a bishop, for important reasons, gives a divorce, this is only from bed and board, and neither can marry again while the other lives, without committing a grievous sin. (Such a second marriage would not be valid at all. Trans.) How pure and holy do the doctrine and practice of the Catholic Church show themselves to be in this, the most important and the most sacred of all human relations, preserving its inviolability and sanctity; while, on the contrary, by means of the wanton doctrine of the heretics, which for trivial reasons entirely dissolves the marriage contract, this sacred union is made the deepest ignominy of mankind, and the playball of human passions and caprice!


What is thought of mixed marriages, or marriages between Catholics and Protestants?

The Catholic Church has always condemned such marriages, because of the great dangers for the Catholic party and for the children, which unavoidably spring from them. Such marriages promote religious indifference, by which the spiritual life of the soul is destroyed; they put an end to domestic peace, cause mutual aversion, quarrels, and confusion; they give scandal to the servants; they interfere with the education of the children, even render it purely impossible, and they frequently lead to apostacy and despair. But the Catholic Church especially condemns those mixed marriages, in which either all or a number of the children are brought up in heresy, and she can never look upon those as her children and give them her blessing, who do not fear to withdraw themselves and their own children from the only saving faith, and expose them to the danger of eternal ruin. Therefore, those Catholics who enter the matrimonial union with heretics, and permit their children to be brought up in heresy, although the marriage, if lawfully contracted, is valid, commit a mortal sin, and if, at the same time, they receive the holy Sacraments of Penance and of the Altar, commit also a terrible sacrilege.


What should the newly married couple do immediately after the ceremony is performed?

They should kneel down and thank God for the graces received in this holy Sacrament, in these words: "Ratify, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that which by Thy grace Thou hast wrought in us, that we may keep that which in Thy presence we have promised unto the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." And that they may keep it, they should remember the duties placed before them by the priest in their marriage blessing, and the exhortations given by him, which are taken from the epistle of St Paul to the Ephesians (Eph. v. 29. 31.), wherein he instructs married people how they should comport themselves to each other, and recalls to them as an example the union of Christ with His Church, and His love for her. To the husbands he says, that they should love their wives as Christ loved His Church, for which He even gave Himself up to death, from which is seen, that men should assist their wives even unto death, in all need, and not treat them as servants. To the wives St. Paul says, that they as the weaker should be in all reasonable things obedient to their husbands as the Church is obedient to Christ; for as Christ is the head of the Church, so is the husband the head of the wife. Experience proves, there is no better way for women to win the hearts of their husbands than by amiable obedience and ready love, while, on the contrary, a querulous, imperative deportment robs them of their husbands' affections, and even causes them to be regarded with aversion. St. Paul says further, that husbands should love their wives (and consequently wives their husbands) as their own bodies, because married people are, as it were, one. They shall be two in one flesh; no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as also Christ doth the Church. (Eph.v. 29. 31.)

How unjustly and barbarously do those, then, act, who, instead of loving one another, caring for one another, rather hate and outrage each other, and by detraction cause the loss of their property, and steal away their honor! These do not consider that he who hates and disgraces his life's partner, hates and disgraces himself; while he, according to St. Paul's words, who loves her, loves himself. If married people would remain in constant love and unity, it is most necessary that they should patiently bear with each other's infirmities, wrongs, and defects, exhort one another with mildness and affection, keep their adversities, trials, and sufferings as much as possible to themselves, and complain only to God, in prayer, Who alone can aid them. By impatience, quarrels, and complaints the cross becomes only heavier and the evil worse.

Finally, not only on their wedding day but often through life, they should earnestly consider, that they have not entered the married state that they may inordinately serve the pleasures of the body, but to have children, according to the will of God, who will one day inhabit heaven; for, said the angel to Tobias: For they who in such manner receive matrimony, as to shut out God from themselves and from their mind, and to give themselves to their lust as the horse and mule, which have not understanding, over them the devil hath power. (Tob. vi. 17.)

PRAYER. Most merciful Jesus! who to reveal us Thy power and to honor married life, didst work Thy first miracle at the wedding in Cana, by changing water into wine: grant, we beseech Thee, that Thy faithful may keep ever sacred and inviolate the holy Sacrament of Matrimony, and that they may so live in it truthfully, with the fear of the Lord, that they may not put an obstacle in the way of obtaining heaven for themselves, and for their children.






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