TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF MONSEIGNEUR DE LA BOUILLERIE, Archbishop of Perga, Coadjutor of Bordeaux.
But if the Eucharist has made Itself poor for love of the poor, and in order to be loved by them, It also retains the power, which was that of the Saviour while living amongst men —the power of creating poor men.
At the voice of Jesus Christ Matthew left for ever the Publican's desk and Zacheus gave to the poor the half of his goods ! At a single word from the apostles, in the Name of their Divine Master, the first faithful gave up their goods with joy. At the call of the Eucharist what sacrifices have been made, more generous and more numerous still! How many voluntary poor, contemplating the Eucharist, have despised the riches of the world! Seeing the Host so Poor, they, of their free will, have repeated the words of Urias to David: " The ark of God dwells in tents: how shall I then enjoy the pleasures of life ? " But this thought especially, this thought that the destitution of the Eucharist is a witness from the Saviour of His predilection for the poor, this thought has enchanted many souls, and has made them love poverty. They also have wished to merit the love of this Divine Friend, and, far from imitating the conduct of that foolish young man of the Gospel, who preferred the perishing riches of earth to the kingdom of heaven,t in order to acquire the celestial treasure hidden in the tabernacle, they have hastened to sell all, and renounce everything they possess.
