Saturday, September 30 : Saint Maximus of Turin

This “day which the Lord has made” (117[118]:24) penetrates all things, contains all things and simultaneously embraces heaven, earth and the underworld! The light which is Christ is neither hindered by walls nor broken by the elements nor darkened by shadow. Yes, I say, the light of Christ is a day without night, a day without end, shining everywhere, extending everywhere, remaining everywhere. Christ is day, says the apostle Paul: “The night is advanced, the day is near” (Rm 13:12). The night is advanced, he says, it precedes the day. Understand by this that, as soon as the light of Christ appears, the darkness of the devil is dispersed and the night of sin does not follow, eternal splendor casts out the shadows of yesterday and halts the insinuating advance of evil. Scripture attests that the day of Christ illumines heaven, earth and hell. It shines on the earth: “He was the true light” says saint John, “who enlightens everyone, coming into the world” (Jn 1:9). It gives light in the underworld: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;” says the prophet, “upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone” (Is 9:1). And in heaven this day remains, as David said: “His dynasty will continue forever, his throne like the sun before me” (Ps 89:37).

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team