Wednesday, October 5 : Saint Paschasius Radbertus

A strange and extraordinary union occurred when “the Word became flesh” in the Virgin’s womb and thus “made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). Just as all the elect were raised in Christ when he rose, so was this wedding celebrated in him, and the Church was united with the Spouse through the bonds of marriage when the man-God received the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and when the divinity came to dwell in his body… Christ became man through the Holy Spirit, and in his quality as Spouse he came out of the womb of the Virgin, who was his nuptial chamber. But when the Church is born again of water in that same Spirit, she becomes one body in Christ, so much so that the two “become as one,” (Mt 19:5), which in reference to Christ and the Church “is a great foreshadowing.” (Eph 5:31). This marriage continues from the beginning of the Incarnation of Christ until the moment when Christ will come again and all the rites of nuptial union will be fulfilled. Then those who are ready and who, as is necessary, will have fulfilled the conditions for such a great union, will be filled with respect and will enter with him into the eternal wedding hall(Mt 25:10). While she is waiting, Christ’s promised Spouse advances and every day keeps her covenant with him in faith and affection until he returns again.

maronite readings – rosary,team