Monday, March 11 : Saint Augustine

We are still God’s workmen who are building the temple of God. This temple’s dedication has already taken place in its Head in that the Lord has risen from the dead after his victory over death and having destroyed in himself what was mortal, he has ascended to heaven (…) But now we are building this temple through faith so that its dedication may also be made at the final resurrection. That is why (…) one of the Psalms has the title: “When the Temple was rebuilt after the captivity” (95[96]:1 Vg.). Call to mind our own former captivity when the devil held the whole world in his power, like a flock of the unfaithful. It was due to this captivity that our Redeemer came. He shed his blood for our ransoming and, by the blood he poured out, he cancelled the debt that was holding us captive (Col 2:14) (…) Sold beforehand to sin, we have now been set free by grace. Following this captivity the temple is now being built and, to raise it up, the Good News proclaimed. That is why this Psalm begins as follows: “Sing to the Lord a new song” And, lest you think this temple is being constructed in some insignificant corner, as the heretics who separate themselves from the Church build it, pay attention to what follows: “Sing to the Lord, all you lands” (…) “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all you lands.” Sing and clap your hands! Sing and “bless the name of the Lord” (v. 2). Proclaim the day born of the day of salvation, the day born of the day of Christ. For who is the salvation of God if not his Christ? This is the salvation we pray for in the Psalm: “Show us, Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help.” Just men of old longed for this salvation, those of whom the Lord said to his disciples: “Many desired to see what you see, but did not see it” (Lk 10:24) (…) “Sing to the lord a new song; sing to the Lord” See the fervor of the builders! “Sing to the Lord and bless his name.” Proclaim the Good News! What good news is that? Day is born from day (…); Light from Light; the Son from the Father, the saving power of God! This is how the temple is built after the captivity.

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team