Sunday, June 14 : Saint Irenaeus of Lyons

Right from the beginning, God formed the human person in view of his gifts. He chose the patriarchs in view of their salvation. He prepared for himself a people and taught the ignorant to follow God’s path. Then he taught the prophets so as to get the human person accustomed to bearing his Spirit already on this earth and enter into communion with God. Certainly, he himself needed no one, but he offered communion with himself to those who needed him. Like an architect, he made plans of salvation’s edifice ahead of time through those “on whom his favor rests” (Lk 2:14). In the darkness of Egypt, he himself became their guide. In the desert where they were wandering, he gave them a Law that was most suitable, and to those who entered the good land, he offered a chosen inheritance. Finally, for all who return to the Father, he killed the fattened calf and gave them the costly robe (Lk 15:22). Thus, God disposed the human race in many ways for “music and dancing” (Lk 15:25). That is why John wrote in the Book of Revelation: “And his voice sounded like the roar of rushing waters.” (Rev 1:15) For the waters of God’s Spirit are truly many, because the Father is rich and great. And going by way of all that, the Word generously gave his help to those who submitted themselves to him, giving every creature the appropriate instruction.

maronite readings – rosary,team