God’s Word is given to all

Conferences of the Rev. Père Lacordaire, p. 86*

…to whom has Christian liberty been given? To whom has Jesus Christ transmitted it in patrimony with his blood? To all; and particularly to the poor, the lowly and the wretched. We hear every day of new theories of civilisation, of agrarian laws, and of the rights of the people; but this is their heritage!

You have knowledge, renown, the pomps, the honours and joys of this world. God could not or would not give this to all, it matters little; but he has given his word to all. Would you deprive those who have nothing of the right of hearing it? Would you deprive them of these declarations, “Blessed are the poor! Blessed are they who weep?” Beware, in depriving others, that you do not also deprive yourselves of them! Sooner or later the world will fail you, and then you will be glad to find the liberty of the cross. The cross is the sceptre of the poor; it is also the last which the hands of kings bear. Respect it for others in pity to yourselves.