Kings, xiv. 29.) The sixth evil consequence of original sin, is a want of the love of God and our neighbor; "for where iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold." (Matt. xxiv. 12.) Against this evil a remedy is provided in the holy Eucharist, which inflames the heart with Divine love, and affords strong motives for the love of our neighbor.
II. Another consequence of original sin is an indisposition in the spiritual appetite, and a want of relish for spiritual things, for " the sensual man perceiveth not the things that are of the spirit of God." (1 Cor. ii. 14.) The man who continually seeks the pleasures and happiness of this life alone, will soon lose every relish for the things of God. The holy Eucharist remedies this evil and enables the devout Christian to taste and see, " that the Lord is sweet." (Ps. xxxiii. 9.) Learn, then, to appreciate the advantages, which result from a worthy communion.
III. The eighth bad consequence of original sin is a want of fervor in the prosecution of good works. We often begin well, but our resolution soon fails. " This man began to build, but was not able to finish it." (Luke xiv. 30.) The holy Eucharist strengthens us in our resolutions; it is like the bread, which the angel brought to Elias, " who walked in the strength of that bread, forty days and forty nights, unto the Mount of God, Horeb." (3 Kings, xix. 8.) Pray to God, that you may partake of these precious fruits, and particularly, that you may persevere in good to the end. " Of all virtues," says St. Bernard, " perseverance alone is crowned."
