The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1910-12-31
REJOICE ALWAYS.

A correspondent writing from Denver, asks ::
who gave expression to the phrase Rejoice IN
the Lord alwaysn What is the meaning and sig
nificance!"
The text quoted is from st. Paul to the Phil
ipians who were the first converts TO the faith IN
Macedonia They were loyal and ardent well-wish-
ers of ST Paul, to whom they sent special mes
senger when he was in prison. He reeiprocated
those kindly feelings. His entire epstle shows his
love and solitude for them
His appeal to ''rejoice in the Lord always"
meant that.
Notwithstanding their many trials and vicissi.
tudes. they must never become disheartened, nor
give way to dependency Why? Because true
soldier of the happy under the most adverse
circumstances, since he is united with Christ, and
that spiritual union consoles and sooths the most
afflicted soul in its greatest sorrow.
The rejoicing was to be ''in the Lord" not at
certain intervals, but always" This advice is
general in its application to all Christians. When
ever or wherever ones peace of mind is disturbed,
because of reverses, they should not become dis
consulate by brewing over these troubles or their
cause God permits trials crosses and other sources
of worriment for his own wise end and for mans
spiritual benefit if only they are turned to good
use. which means to follow st. Pauls advice by
rejoicing in the Lord always" So important is
this counsel that he repeats it: again / say to
you, rejoice"
Instead of patience and resignation in the time
of sorrow. is it not the common expression on all
sides: 'What have l done that God should punish
me-? To this question comes the sympathetic and
consoling reply, nothing. This consolation, like
that of holy Jobs friends brings but cold COM
fort The real comfort, the most lasting consola-
ton. comes from st. Paul's words "Rejoice in
the Lord always. Again say to you, rejoice" for
the promise contained in these words inspired the
poor and wearied, the afflicted and disconsolate,
the sufferer and bereaved with the hope of bliss
full immortality. which is the only source of true
happiness and real soy.
That one may be able to "rejoice always" St.
Paul tells what must be done by way of prepare
ton. His first advice is: "Let your modesty be
known to all men," Modesty, in our sense of the
word is a certain reserve or decorum IN conserva-
ton, propriety of dress and meek, gentle de-
meanor 1t would mean the suppression of any
thing in looks, conversation dress that appeals
to the carnal eye or imagination. But that was
not st. Pauls meaning, nor is it an exact transla
ton of the language he used. The Greek word
translated ''modesty," is used in broader sense
and means fairness" To be always fair is the
virtue of just man. 1t excludes criticisms rash
judgments and all violations of charity. One, who
is fairminded, will pardon what is done through
human frailty. In civil law we have what is known
as courts of equity which look to the minds of the
legislators, and not to the letter Of the law These
courts, whilst censuring the violation of the law,
viii often excuse the intention. This seems to have
its foundation in the natural law, for the child,