I saw a great multitude which no man could
number, standing before the throne, and in sight
of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and with
palms in their hands. (Apoc. vii. 9)
Requiescant in pace. There is no need to offer
this prayer for the Saints in Heaven, except by
way of congratulation and of joy at the thought
of their happiness. Their period of suffering is
past; they rest in eternal peace, in the perfect
possession of Him for whom they were created,
and apart from whom man is ever restless and
dissatisfied. To have peace with God; this is the joy
of Heaven, and this alone can give us joy on earth.
This countless multitude stand before the
throne of God, and in sight of the Lamb. These
are the two fountains of their joy. They are never
weary of admiring the justice of God, His wisdom,
power, majesty. They also drink in, as they behold
the Sacred Humanity of the Lamb, an inexhaustible
draught of love and gratitude. He is their King,
their Saviour, their Lord, their Love. To gaze on
His perfect beauty is, in itself, Paradise. No wonder
then that they rest in peace.
How can the Saints endure the sight of the
Divine glory? Are they not sinners all? Yes, all--
save God's Holy Mother. Or rather they were sinners
all, but now they have washed their robes,
and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.
This is the secret of true peace; sin forgiven, and a
conscience pure and clean. We need not fear our
past sins it we have, by heartfelt contrition, washed
them away in the Blood of Jesus; but even here
we may rest in peace. Pray that you may rest in peace in the love of God.