Tuesday, April 7 : 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 17,1f). This is why, in order to conform himself in everything to the Father’s plan, our Lord Jesus appeared again in the upper room under the appearance he had before and not according to the glory that is owing to him, appropriate to the Temple of his transfigured body. He did not want faith in the resurrection to be founded on some other appearance or a different body than the one he received from the Virgin Mary and with which he had died on a cross, according to the Scriptures. Indeed, death had no power except over the flesh from which it was going to be cast out. For, if his dead body had not been raised, what kind of death has been vanquished? … It could not have been just a soul, nor an angel, nor even simply the Word of God… Moreover, the fact that the Lord entered through locked doors, anyone who is sensible will count as proof of his resurrection too. He greets his disciples with these words: “Peace be with you”, revealing in this way that he himself is peace. For those amongst whom he makes himself present receive a perfectly calm and peaceful spirit from it. Without doubt this is what Saint Paul wished for the faithful when he said: “May the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ” (Phil 4,7).

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team