St. Quentin, St. Wolfgang

Wednesday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time

Commentary of the day
Saint Symeon the new Theologian : Recognise from henceforth the open door

Reading

Rm 8,26-30.
In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will. We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

Ps 13(12),4-5.6.
Look upon me, answer me, LORD, my God! Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death, Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed," lest my foes rejoice at my downfall. I trust in your faithfulness. Grant my heart joy in your help, That I may sing of the LORD, "How good our God has been to me!"

Lk 13,22-30.
He passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He answered them, Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.' He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from.' And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.' Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where (you) are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!' And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."


Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB



Commentary of the day

Saint Symeon the new Theologian (c. 949-1022), Orthodox monk
Hymn 53 (SC 196, p.213f.)

Recognise from henceforth the open door

See, O Christ, my anguish,see my lack of courage,see my lack of strengthand see, too, my poverty,my weakness,and have pity, O Word, on me!Shine upon me now as in former timesand enlighten my soul, illumine my eyesto see you, light of the world (Jn 8,12):You, the joy, happiness, eternal life,you, the delight of angels;you, the Kingdom of heaven and Paradise,crown of the just, their Judge and King.Why hide your face?Why depart from me, my God,you who never desire to departfrom those who love you?Why flee from me, why burn me,why wound and crush me?You know well I love youand with all my soul I seek you.Show yourself according to your word…Open wide the doorsof the wedding chamber, my God;ah! do not close to me the doorto your light, O my Christ!“…Do you think to move me with your words, O sons of men? What are you saying so senselessly:that I hide my face?Do you suspect me, however slightly,of shutting doors and entrances?Do you suppose that I could everdistance myself from you? What have you said?That it is I who inflame you and burn you,I who destroy you?How unjust your wordsand no more just are such thoughts!Listen, rather, to the wordsthat I myself am going to say to you:“I was light even before I had createdall those things you see.I am everywhere; I was everywhereand, when I had created all things,I am everywhere in them all…Consider my blessings;contemplate my designs;learn what are my gifts!I was manifested to the worldand I manifested my Father;on all flesh I poured out abundantly in truthmy most holy Spirit.I have revealed my name to all menand through all my worksthat I am the Creator,the author of the world.I have made it known and now I show you all you have to do.”