Course 2, Chapter 9: Public Life of our Lord — Third year

1. What was the end of all the words, miracles, and actions of the Saviour?

The end of all the words, miracles and actions of the Saviour, was to save man. He had come on earth to take away sin, and weaken its consequences. By his words ignorance was dispelled; by his miracles he confirmed his doctrine; and all his actions tended to console man in his misery.

2. What other end did he propose to himself?

The Saviour also proposed to himself to banish that excessive fear which man had of God. He wished that the law of grace and of love should take the place of the law of fear. He wished to prevent man from despairing after he had sinned.

3. What did he do for that purpose?

For that purpose, he ever showed himself kind, affable, and compassionate towards all; and in order to give an idea of his goodness and mercy, he related many parables, and particularly that of the prodigal son, and of the lost sheep.

4. Relate the parable of the lost sheep?

A shepherd, said the Saviour, has a hundred sheep; he loves them all, and watches them carefully. Notwithstanding all his care, one of them is lost. Does he not, as soon as he is aware of it, leave the ninety-nine and go in search of that which is lost: He seeks for it in every direction, and gives himself no rest until he has found it. When he has found it. he does not beat it, but kindly puts it upon his shoulders, in order to save it the fatigue of returning, and carries it back to the fold. Having arrived at his house, he assembles his friends and his neighbors, and says to them, rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. This, concludes the Saviour, is a

picture of your heavenly Father. / say to you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner that doeth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just, who need not penance.

5. What did the Saviour do after this touching parable?

After this touching parable the Saviour performed an act which displays all the goodness of his divine heart.

6. What was it?

A great number of fathers and mothers came to present their little children to him, and implored his blessings on them. The Saviour received these little ones into his arms, loaded them with caresses, placed his hand upon them and blessed them.

7. What more did he do?

In order to protect their innocence and their life, he declared that it were better to have a mill-stone tied to one's neck and be thrown into the sea, than to scandalize a little child; and that he would consider as done to himself, whatever should be done to the least of such little ones, who are his brethren.

8. What did he afterwards announce tohis apostles?

The Saviour afterwards announced to his apostles that his passion and death were near, but that he would raisvi himself to life again on the third day. He employed the little time which yet remained, in giving them instructions, and in working miracles more extraordinary than ever.

9. What miracles were they?

The principal were the conversion of Zacheus, and the resurrection of Lazarus after he had been dead four days. This latter miracle was wrought at the very gates of Jerusalem, and in the presence of a great number of Jews.

10. What was the consequence?

The consequence was that a great number of Jews were converted, and believed in our Lord; but

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the chief priests and Pharisees, being jealous, resolved to put him to death.