Sunday, September 8 : Isaac of Stella

Rightly indeed does the Virgin Mary, who truly conceived the first born of all, hold first place in the congregation of the just. For Christ is « the firstborn of many brethren » (Rm 8,29)…And so in the divinely inspired scriptures, what is said in general of the Virgin Mother the Church, is said individually of the Virgin Mary; and what is said in the particular case of the Virgin Mother Mary, is rightly understood of the Virgin Mother Church universally; and when mention is made of either, it is to be understood almost indifferently and conjointly of both. Every faithful soul, spouse of the Word of God, mother, daughter and sister of Christ is understood to be a virgin with her own form of fertility. This is said of the whole Church, more particularly of Mary and individually of the faithful soul by the Wisdom itself of God, the Father’s Word.
Therefore the text continues, “I shall abide in the inheritance of the Lord” (Sir 24,12). The inheritance of the Lord universally is the Church, more particularly Mary, and individually every faithful soul. Christ abode for nine months in the tent of Mary’s womb; he abides until the consummation of the ages in the tent of the Church’s faith; he will abide for ever and ever in the knowledge and love of the faithful soul.
maronite readings – rosary,team