Foreword to the First Edition

In allowing the publication of the conferences “ Christ, the Life of the Soul”, the author had only in view to show forth the fundamental character of the Christian life, according to the Gospel, the Epistles of St. Paul, and the conclusions of theological teaching. The Christian life is essentially supernatural, and can only be found in Christ, the supreme Model of perfection, the infinite Treasure of grace and the efficient Cause of all holiness.

The conferences that compose the present volume are the logical continuation of those of the preceding volume.

The life of Christ, the divine and at the same time the accessible Exemplar of the Christian life, is manifested to. us by the states and mysteries, the virtues and actions of the Sacred Humanity. Human in its‘outward expression, the. life of the Word Incarnate is altogether divine in its origin.

Thus the mysteries of the Man-God are not only models which we must consider ; they contain moreover within themselves treasures of merit and grace. By His almighty virtue, Christ Jesus, ever-living, produces the inward and supernatural perfection of His states in those who are moved by the desire of imitating Him and placing themselves in contact with Him by faith and love.

It is in the light of these truths that the author has set forth the principal mysteries of Jesus.

The plan is simple.

A double preliminary conference shows how much Christ’s mysteries are ours, and how, in a general manner, we can come in contact with them and assimilate the fruits of them.

We shall only well understand the transcendent value of these mysteries, their wonderful splendour, their logical connection, the profound unity that knits them together, if we first of all consider the One Who lived them for us. This is why, in the first part, the attempt has been made to sketch in outline the essential traits of the Person of Jesus. the Eternal Word—made Flesh—-Who comes to redeem the world by His Sacrifice.

The second part is devoted to the contemplation of the mysteries of the Man-God. Taking for his basis the records of the Gospel and the liturgical texts, the author has sought to establish the reality at once human and divine of these mysteries, to mark their meaning, and point out their application for the faithful soul. As to the choice of these mysteries, it has been thought best to dwell upon those which the Church proposes to us in her liturgical cycle. Indeed, who better than the Church knows the secret of her Bridegroom, and possesses the art of distribut- ing the Gospel ? Who better than she knows how to lead . us to the Saviour ?

The extremely kind welcome that the public has deigned to give to the volume “ Christ, the Life of the Soul”, has not only been a precious encouragement for the author. It is besides one of the most consoling symptoms in the sorrows and anxieties of a particularly troubled time. It shows .that, under the pressure of events, many souls, do- . cile to God’s voice, have entered into themselves.; hungering for salvation, peace and light, they have turned towards the One Who alone is the Infallible Way, the Truth that enlightens every man here below, the Life that saves from death.

It is “in Him” that, according to the words of St. Paul, all things must be restored : Omnia instaurare in Christo. For, according to the thought of the same Apostle, except on this divine foundation, nothing is stable nor lasting. All the ambition of the author, in permitting the publication of these conferences, is to contribute, for his small part, to this great work of Christian reconstruction.

May Christ vouchsafe to bless these pages !_ Written for Him, they speak only of Him. May they further reveal to souls the secrets of the love of a God who appeared amongst us! May they lead souls to drink more often at the fountains of living water which have sprung up, for our ' salvation and joy, from the pierced Heart of Jesus! Haurietis aquas in gaudio de fontibus Salvatoris.

DOC Ne Feast of the Annunciation. March 25, 1919.