Sunday, May 14 : Saint Cyril of Alexandria

Saint Matthew, in his Gospel, writes that Christ took Peter, James and John, led them up a high mountain and was transfigured before them: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. But, since they were not able to bear such a vision, they fell prostrate (Mt 17,1s). This is why, in order to conform himself in everything to the Father’s plan, at the Cenacle our Lord Jesus appeared still under the appearance he had before, and not according to the glory owed to him and that suits the Temple of his transfigured body. He did not want that faith in resurrection be based on other aspects or on a different body than the one he had received from the Virgin Mary and with which he had died on a cross, according to the Scriptures. In fact, death had no power over him, except on his body, from which death was to be chased away. For, if his dead body had not been raised, where would this death that has been defeated be? …He couldn’t have been nor just a soul, nor an angel, not even only the Word of God… Moreover, the fact that the Lord came, although the doors were locked, anybody who is sensible will count this too as a proof of his resurrection. He greets his disciples with these words: “Peace be with you”, revealing in this way that he himself is peace. For those to whom he appears, receive from him a perfectly soothed and peaceful spirit. This is certainly what Paul wished to his faithful when he said: “May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ” (Phil 4,7).

maronite readings – rosary,team