The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-28

ST. PATREk's CATHEDRAL.
The Festival Of 50. John the Apostles
nv Archblah0p McCIoskov.

The Festival Of Sc. John the Apostle-Sernon
By Archbishop McCIoskev.
me principal mass at the Cathedral yesterday was
celebrated by the Rev. Dr. McSweency, attended by
twelve young acolytes. The Most Reverend Arch
bishop occupied his throne at the right hand OF the
sanctuary At close OF the Gospel in the mass he
assembled the pulpit ana read from the Bible the go
pei OF the day John XXI, ls-24). His Grace then
proceeded to deliver one OF his usual clear and
pleasing discourses, mainly on the points contained
in the text He said:-we have all felt, beloved
brethren, how rich indeed are the treasures OF
divine grace how plentiful and overnowlng are the
fountains Of spiritual JOY which are spread
out before US and which. seem to spring
around us during this festive and thrice hallowed
season. The Christian soul, Illuminated with the
gift OF the holy Catholic faith which y at peace WITH
God, can appreciate the beauties that have been
opened out Tor its enjoyment during the present gio-
rlous holidays. What indictments are gwen to
heayenward thoughts and aspirationsf What mo-
tiyes are proposed for high and generous resoves2
How much be found to elevate, to strengthen, to
cheer 70 encourage, 70 console IN ane wSnarous ana
heaven, being born here on earth as little, suffer-
ing, helpless infant-man to be ransomed from
once more with heaven, glory 10 God and
peace proclaimed TO men9 This Is the sublime,
nrs ana only cause OF the worlds rejoicing In this
grand and glorious event which the Church through
out the world has commemorated and continues to
commemorate with such exalting that the three fes
tiyaS which come in this octave, and which, while
they share our thoughts and affections, do not seem
to draw us away from the spectacle OF the Bethle-
hem manger, but seem rather 10 concentrate our
feelings more around the central sun. Yesterday
we eomInemorated The feast OF the first OF the follow
Of Christ who yielded up his life for the love OF
his Master-the first martyr-St stephen. To-day
we are assembled TO do honor to that Apostle whom
Jesus loved and Is but right that in completing the
mystery OF love In the incarnation OF Jesus we should
show feature OF that love III this, HIS chosen dis
cipie on this day-that disciple TO whom, when ex-
pifIng on the cross lie committed HIS virgin mother,
church.
Ills Grace then went on to discuss the question
winch, he said, must come to us, GLOW aid john
manage or deserve 10 obtain such singular favor?'
First. because OF his original purity, una secondly,
for his loyal and unwavering fidelity. John was The
only one oil the Apostles who had kept himself free
from any bonds OF human affection. He also at all
to be faithful ana was found ever at the side OF his
saviour. When-the Others lied from Calvary lie alone
stood ut the foot OF the cross with the divine mother
OF The crucifed God to receive His dying words We
have only to transport ourselves to the scene at Cal
vary to learn how great was Johns privilege TO all
he had received. IL was when hanging on the
that Jesus, casting His eyes around Him, be-
held HIS divine mother-she VINO was His greatest
earthly treasures and then, looking around again to
see who should take His place and who should be en-
titled to call Mary Mother, lie sees His beloved dis
ciple John, and las st. Ambrose says. '.He post
legacy OF love" He gives Mary John and John to
m e not ne e aog
chosen one to be with Mary, gained for US the
privilege to be her children and II we would be true
followers OF John, true children OF Mary, true
friends OF Jesus Christ we must initiate john. We
must learn to practise virtue and purity Of heart
above all other things. Without it we cannot be
friends OF G0d We cannot obtain the divine grace;
we cannot be entitled to see Him in His Kingdom
in heaven-into which nothing that ls defiled can
enter, for, as Christ himself says, blessed are
the clean OF heart, for they shall see God" The
best way then, TO initiate John is to do that which he
has advised over and oyer again when he says Little
children love another for charity Is OF God and
In this hath the charity Of God appeared-that He
has given US His only Son, Jesus Christ, propi-
taton for SINS" II God so loved should love
another. This Is the lesson taught by the baby
in the manger this is the lesson taught by the sacr
ice on Calvary and preached by the Apostles. Let
place among us; let us live IN harmony, peace,
eternal love and charity; let US strive day after day
10 be brought nearer to God and to one another In
the unity Of ath in the bessedness OF hope and the
innity OF charity; let US live that we may forever
be united with our Saviour in the Kingdom OF His
glory.