The Prophet Malachias foretells of Christ, He shall purify the sons of Levi, and shall refine them as gold and silver. Though specially applicable to the clergy, it is not without application to all the faithful, who, Saint Peter reminds them, as living stones are built up to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. The power for this, your reasonable service, as Saint Paul called it, is of God, the Holy Ghost, but its experience in ourselves must be found in a diligent use of the Sacraments and all the means of grace. Be frequent in consideration of this your calling; meditate often and with seriousness on this your proper duty, character, and privilege. Be frequent and devout readers of Holy Scripture. Strive to enter into the spirit of the Holy Psalmist, in his estimation of those Scriptures, and often call to mind your Lord's prayer to His Father, for his Disciples: Sanctify them in truth. Thy word is truth. Remember, too, Saint Paul's commendation of Holy Scripture to Timothy, as that which can instruct thee to salvation, by the faith which is in Christ Jesus. And stamp your reading and meditation of Holy Scripture on your understandings and hearts, so that they may be exhibited in your dispositions, words, and actions, by adding persevering, earnest prayer. Thus keep alive the spark that inflames you; thus cherish the grace of God within you; thus turn His word into power and life. In this reading of Holy Scripture and prayer, the Lord will work in your souls as a refiner of gold and silver. He will purge out the dross of sin, and present you now in His Church on earth, and hereafter in His Heavenly Temple, an offering to His Father in justice and holiness. This is what Christ wants of us all. Woe unto us if we fail to answer this most merciful and glorious design!
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp