Tuesday, April 19 : Saint Maximus of Turin

This day the Lord has made (Ps 117[118]:24) penetrates everything, contains everything, encompasses everything, heaven, earth, and the underworld!… And what is this heavenly day if not Christ, of whom the prophet speaks: “Day pours out the word to day” (Ps 18[19]:3). Yes, this day is the Son to whom the Father, who is the light of day, declares the secret of his divinity. He is that day who speaks through the Wise man’s voice: “I have created a day that will rise for ever in the heavens”… Thus the light of Christ shines, radiates, blazes out forever and the darkness of sin cannot constrain it. “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:5). At the resurrection of Christ every element is glorified; I am certain the sun shone with a brighter light on that day. Should not that which was saddened at the death of Christ enter into the joy of the resurrection? (Mt 27:45)… Like a faithful servant it was darkened so as to accompany Christ into the tomb and now today it must shine out to greet the resurrection… Let us rejoice in this holy day, my brethren. Let none conceal themselves from the common joy at the remembrance of their sin! Let none despair of forgiveness. A great favour awaits them. If, on the cross, our Lord took pity on a robber…, with what gifts will we not be showered by the glory of his resurrection?

maronite readings – rosary,team