Sunday, June 11 : Baldwin of Ford

The psalmist says: “Bread fortifies the heart of man and wine rejoices his heart” (Ps 104[103]:15). For those who believe in him Christ is food and drink, bread and wine. He is bread when he strengthens and establishes us according to Peter’s words: “After you have suffered a little, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will restore, strengthen and establish you” (1Pt 5:10). He is drink and wine when he makes us glad according to the words of the Psalmist: “Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul” (Ps 86[85]:4). Everything in us that is strong, steadfast, firm, happy and joyful to carry out God’s commands, bear with misfortune, act obediently, stand up for justice: all these things come from this bread’s strength, this wine’s gladness. Happy are they whose deeds are strong and joyful! And since no one can do it of themselves: happy are they who have an eager desire to cleave to what is just and right and to be strengthened in everything and rejoice through him who said: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Mt 5:6). If Christ is food and drink even now for the strength and joy of the righteous, how much more so will he be in the life to come when he will give to the righteous without measure?

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team