Albert A. Lings

De Profundis.

Out of the depths I have cried unto Thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice.

Let Thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand?

For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord.

My soul hath relied on His word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.

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From the morning watch even until night: let Israel hope in the Lord.

For with the Lord there is mercy: and with Him plentiful redemption.

And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord.

R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.

V. May they rest in peace.

R. Amen.

An indulgence of fifty days can be gained thrice in the same day by all the faithful who shall devoutly recite the De Profundis, with the versicles and responses. Plenary indulgence once a year, after confession and communion.

Christ Jesus, Whom we are going to seek this month, has two thrones: one of grace and one of justice. While we live we can always approach the throne of grace. This throne is placed for our refuge, and the pardon of our sins. Ask and you shall receive; if your sins are as black as jet, they shall be made white as snow.

When we approach the throne of God's mercy, love and grace, we must come deeply penetrated with the knowledge, “Without Me you can do nothing.”—John xv. 5. We have not the grace, nor the strength, nor the willingness, nor the intelligence to do good of ourselves without the help of Jesus. Let us then go with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace.

Let us have great confidence in God's mercy; let us feel, in the depths of our hearts, a conviction that the only source whence a poor sinner can expect effectual help is from God's love. “Although He should kill me I will trust in Him.” We need aid, and we will get that help without fail.

The Church shows her wisdom by not showing us the manger during Advent; for one entire month she tells us, “Prepare yourselves that you may be fit to approach the Infant Jesus at the time of His birth. You must prepare your heart by meditation, by a lively faith, a fervent love, a true humility, a sweetness of character, and a spirit of penance and recollection.” On Christmas day the Lord is not born corporally, as He was at Bethlehem; but He will be born spiritually in our hearts, if they have been well prepared for His reception.