| Minute Meditations
St. Ephrem Poet, teacher, orator and defender of the faith, Ephrem is the only Syrian recognized as a doctor of the Church. He took upon himself the special task of opposing the many false doctrines rampant at his time, always remaining a true and forceful defender of the Catholic Church. Born in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, he was baptized as a young man and became famous as a teacher in his native city. When the Christian emperor had to cede Nisibis to the Persians, Ephrem, along with many Christians, fled as a refugee to Edessa. He is credited with attracting great glory to the biblical school there. He was ordained a deacon but declined becoming a priest (and was said to have avoided episcopal consecration by feigning madness!). He had a prolific pen, and his writings best illumine his holiness. Although he was not a man of great scholarship, his works reflect deep insight and knowledge of the Scriptures. In writing about the mysteries of humanity's redemption, Ephrem reveals a realistic and humanly sympathetic spirit and a great devotion to the humanity of Jesus. It is said that his poetic account of the Last Judgment inspired Dante. It is surprising to read that he wrote hymns against the heretics of his day. He would take the popular songs of the heretical groups and, using their melodies, compose beautiful hymns embodying orthodox doctrine. Ephrem became one of the first to introduce song into the Church's public worship as a means of instruction for the faithful. His many hymns have earned him the title "Harp of the Holy Spirit." He preferred a simple, austere life, living in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa. It was here he died around 373. Comment: Many Catholics still find singing in church a problem, probably because of the rather individualistic piety that they inherited. Yet singing has been a tradition of both the Old and the New Testament. It is an excellent way of expressing and creating a community spirit of unity as well as joy. Ephrem's hymns, an ancient historian testifies, "lent luster to the Christian assemblies." We need some modern Ephrems—and cooperating singers—to do the same for our Christian assemblies today. Quote: Lay me not with sweet spices, For this honor avails me not, Nor yet use incense and perfumes, For the honor befits me not. Burn yet the incense in the holy place; As for me, escort me only with your prayers, Give ye your incense to God, And over me send up hymns. Instead of perfumes and spices, Be mindful of me in your intercessions. (From The Testament of St. Ephrem)
Daily Prayer - 2015-06-09PresenceLord, help me to be fully alive to your Holy presence. FreedomLord, may I never take the gift ConsciousnessHow do I find myself today? Where am I with God? With others? Do I have something to be grateful for? Then I give thanks. Is there something I am sorry for? Then I ask forgiveness. The Word of GodReading 1 2 Cor 1:18-22Brothers and sisters: Responsorial Psalm PS 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135R. (135a) Lord, let your face shine on me. Alleluia Mt 5:16R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 5:13-16Jesus said to his disciples: Listen to audio of this reading Watch a video reflection Some thoughts on today's scriptureThe two metaphors of salt and light can apply to the individual believer and to the Church as a whole. The saltiness of salt points to the need for passion and dynamism at the heart of faith. The brightness of light points to the witness quality of the life of believers. Others are meant to sense the faith that motivates our good works and so be led to praise God. Faith is personal but not private. Is this true for me? ConversationBegin to talk to Jesus about the piece of scripture you have just read. What part of it strikes a chord in you? Perhaps the words of a friend - or some story you have heard recently - will slowly rise to the surface of your consciousness. If so, does the story throw light on what the scripture passage may be trying to say to you? ConclusionI thank God for these few moments we have spent alone together and for any insights I may have been given concerning the text. Saint Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor of the ChurchHowever many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Just how many are the "many" promises of God? Some diligent readers have counted thousands of promises found in the Scriptures. Today's first reading hints at one promise of God that speaks to us with an unmistakable tenor of joy. Paul even takes it up later in this same letter. Intrigued? It's his promise that one day, the Church will be ushered into the greatest wedding celebration of all time—as the bride of Christ. Paul wrote of us, the Church, as being betrothed to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). When Jesus ascended, he poured his Spirit into our hearts as a first installment of this immense blessing. The Bridegroom may tarry briefly, but one day he will return, and the Father will present us to him, as all of heaven joins in our wedding feast! Will the Lord find a beautiful bride when he returns? Reflecting on the plight of our seven billion "neighbors," many of whom haven't yet found their place in the Church, it's clear that there's a lot of work to do. This is certainly a busy "engagement" season! And so many have joyfully responded by offering their lives to work alongside the Lord in this challenging yet beautiful endeavor. You, too, have a personal stake in this promise of marriage. When the Holy Spirit first came to dwell in you, it was as if you received your engagement ring. Now, as you look forward to that glorious day of celebration, you can also look outward and consider how you can help other people join you as part of that beautiful bride. We all belong to each other, and we all belong to Christ. He wants all of us to be with him forever, and he is asking you to prepare for that day by bringing more people to him. Does a bride consider her wedding preparations a drudgery? Of course not, and neither should you. As you serve God and share his good news, don't forget to rejoice. Remember that Jesus is faithful to his promises, especially his wedding promises. The best is yet to come! Heaven lies ahead. As beautiful as this life is, this is only the foretaste of great things to come. "Jesus, give me the grace to build your Church."
Psalm 119:129-133, 135
| |||||||
going4th-20150609080635.mp3
adrianGoing4th,
