Thursday, January 6 : Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem

Today the Sun that never sets has risen and the world is filled with splendour by the light of the Lord… Today the clouds drop down upon mankind the dew of righteousness from on high. Today, the Uncreated of His own will accepts the laying on of hands from His own creature. Today the Prophet and Forerunner approaches the Master, but stands before Him with trembling, seeing the condescension of God towards us. Today waters of the Jordan are transformed into healing by coming of the Lord… Today the transgressions of men are washed away by the waters of the Jordan. Today Paradise been opened to men and the Sun of Righteousness shines down upon us (Mal 3,20)… Today the Master hastens towards baptism that He may lift man up to the heights. Today He that bows not, bows down to His own servant that He may set us free from bondage. Today we have purchased the Kingdom of Heaven: for the Lord’s Kingdom shall have no end. Today earth and sea share the joy of the world, and the world is filled with gladness. “The waters, O God, the waters saw Thee and were afraid” (Ps 78[77],17). “The Jordan turned back” (Ps 113,3), seeing the fire of the Godhead descending bodily and entering its stream. The Jordan turned back, beholding the Holy Spirit coming down in the form of a dove and flying about Thee. The Jordan turned back, seeing the Invisible made visible, the Creator made flesh, the Master in the form of a servant…The clouds gave voice, marvelling at Him who was come,, the Light of Light, true God of true God. For today in the Jordan they saw the triumph of the Master; they saw Him drown in the death of disobedience, the sting of error, and the chains of hell, and bestow upon the world the salvation.

maronite readings – rosary,team