Saturday, September 16 : Blessed Columba Marmion

Faith is a foundation. Think about a monument that attracts looks by its greatness and the harmonious whole of all its proportions. What gives it its solidity? The foundation. That these come to be shaken, immediately the walls are loosening up and the building is in danger; If it is not consolidated, it is doomed to ruin. This is the image of spiritual life. This is a building that God, in concert with us, is built in us, to his glory, it is a temple that he wants to live. But if we do not lay a firm foundation, it is impossible to build the building. And the more it rises, the more it is that the foundations are deep and unwavering. When the spiritual man thinks of arriving at the top of perfection, the summit of contemplation, if in him faith, which is the basis of true love, does not be in proportion, everything can collapse. The Holy Council [of Trent] still compares faith to a root. See this majestic tree, with a powerful trunk, with vigorous branches, with abundant and bushy foliage. Where do this strength and beauty come from? From something that we do not see: the roots. These plunge into the ground to fix it and draw the nourishing juices necessary for the life of this giant. Let the roots come to dry out: the tree will die. The root of Christian life is faith. Without it, everything is withered, everything dries up, everything dies. It is the necessary condition for all life and any spiritual progress.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team