Giving of Scandal Subject of Sermon At St. Patrick’s

Grey River Argus, 17 November 1948, Page 2

Giving of Scandal Subject of Sermon At St. Patrick’s

“Perhaps th e most prominent human characteristic of Cur Lord was his meekness,” said the Very Rev. Father E. Dwyer, C.SS.R., preaching at the Redemptorist Mission at St. Patrick’s Church, Greymouth, last evening. “There was gentleness and sweetness in His voice which stirred to the depths the most hardened sinners,” he added. "He gloried in the accusation of His enemies that he was the friend of sinners. H ft pardoned Mary Magdalene, promised heaven to the dying thief, and nrayed for His executioners, but He who was meekness itself seemed to change completely when He turned in anger and indignation on those who gave scandal to others, particularly to those who put young souls on the road to eternal destruction. His most severe words which ever came from Divine lips, were spoken to them when He said “He that shall scandalise one of these little ones, that believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone should be tied about his neck and that he were drowned in the sea.’ ” Father Dwyer continued that those who gave scandal were the worst enemies of mankind, their own worst enemies and the worst enemies of Jesus Christ. By scandal was meant every word or act, evil in itself, or having the appearance of evil, that would cause or be the occasion of sin tcs another. For instance, he said, parents who neglected their religious duties, and bv so doing led their children to do likewise, were givers of great scandal. Those who indulged in evil conversations. who spoke evil words, and caused others to do the same were scandal-givers. Above all, there were those who gave scandal by inticing others to take part in sinful deeds. "These things are spoken to you to-n’ght to warn you against scandalgivers and scandal-giving and to help vou to protect vour children from those of whom Our Lord said ‘He that shall scandalise one of these I’ttle ones, that bel’eve in Me, it were better fnv him that a millstone should be tied about his neck and that he werp drowned in the sea,’ ” concluded Father Dwver. Next Sunday the Mission will conclude in the evening at St. Patrick’s Church. On the same night, missions will bo commenced in the country districts, and these will continue th rough out next week.