Friday, March 4 : Saint Hilary

Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Ps127[126],1). “You are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you” (1Co 3,16). Of this house and temple of God, which is full of teaching and graces from God; of this dwelling containing holiness from God’s own heart, the same prophet has given this testimony: “Your temple is holy, resplendent with justice” (Ps 65[64],5-6 Vg). Our holiness, justice and chastity form a temple for God.       So then, this house must be built by God. No edifice constructed by the work of human hands will last; nothing established according to the teachings of this world will stand firm; our empty labors and diligent care are useless protectors. Therefore it is for us to build in another way and protect this house after another fashion. We are not to found it on soil, on slippery and shifting sand, but must set  its foundation on the prophets and apostles.        We must raise it up with living stones, hold it in place by its capstone, raise it up in gradual stages until it reaches mature manhood and the full stature of the Christ’s  body (1P 2.5; Ep 2 20; 4:12-13). We must decorate it with the brilliance and beauty of spiritual graces. If it is thus to be constructed by God, that is to say according to his teachings, it will not fall. And this house will extend into many others, because all that is constructed by any believer is to the benefit of us all and for the embellishment and increase of the blessed city.

maronite readings – rosary,team