Friday, October 4 : Saint John Henry Newman

When we look into our Saviour’s conduct in the days of his flesh, we find that he purposely concealed that knowledge, which yet he gave; as if intending it should be enjoyed, but not at once; as if his words were to stand, but to wait awhile for their interpretation; as if reserving them for his coming, who at once was to bring Christ and his words into the light… Thus he was among them “as he that serves” (Lk 22,27). Apparently, it was not till after his resurrection, and especially after his ascension, when the Holy Ghost descended, that the Apostles understood who had been with them… Again and again both in Scripture and in the world, God’s presence is not discerned at the time when it is upon us, but afterwards, when we look back upon what is gone and over… Wonderful providence indeed which is so silent, yet so efficacious, so constant, so unerring! This is what baffles the power of Satan. He cannot discern the hand of God in what goes on… His many instruments avail him nothing against the majestic serene silence, the holy imperturbable calm which reigns through the providences of God… God’s hand is ever over his own, and he leads them forward by a way they know not of. The utmost they can do is to believe, what they cannot see now, what they shall see hereafter; and as believing, to act together with God towards it.
maronite readings – rosary,team