Monday, December 16 : Saint Paulinus of Nola

Achieving the mystery of his love, the Lord “took the form of a servant” and for us “deigned to humble himself even to the death of the cross” (Phil 2:8). He did this so that through the lowliness which all could see he might secretly achieve for us that hidden eminence amongst the dwellers of heaven. Only realize from what we first fell and you will become aware that by the design of God’s wisdom and love we are being refashioned for life. In Adam we fell through pride, and in Christ we are humbled so that we may dissolve the sin of that ancient crime by obedience to the opposite virtue. So we who by proud conduct have sinned, win approval by humble service. Therefore let us rejoice and glory in him, who made us both his battle and his victory when he said: “Have confidence, for I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33)… He who is unconquered will fight for us and conquer in us. Then the prince of this darkness shall be cast out (cf. Jn 12:31). He is not, to be sure, expelled from the world, but from the individual, for when faith enters us we shut him out and provide a place for Christ… Let orators keep their eloquence, philosophers their wisdom, rich men their wealth and kings their kingdoms. Christ is our glory, property and kingdom. Our wisdom lies in the “foolishness of our preaching,” our strength in the weakness of the flesh, our glory in the stumbling block of the cross (cf 1Cor .1:21f.).

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team