WEDNESDAY OF THE TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JUNE 9, 2021

MASS READINGS:

A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 3:4-11

Brothers and sisters: Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God, who has indeed qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter brings death, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, was so glorious that the children of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of its glory that was going to fade, how much more will the ministry of the Spirit be glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, the ministry of righteousness will abound much more in glory. Indeed, what was endowed with glory has come to have no glory in this respect because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was going to fade was glorious, how much more will what endures be glorious.

REFLECTION

Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God, who has indeed qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit;

God has many people working for His Kingdom. Some have an innate passion and devotion for God, some are ordained ministers, priests, deacons and accolytes who have been properly theologically trained. But none of them are qualified because of who they are and what they have done or of their many gifts. They are qualified because God qualified them through the Holy Spirit.

Our present saint of the day is Saint Ephrem, Doctor of the Church 306-379 AD. He was a teacher, orator, poet, commentator and defender of the faith. He refuted the heretics of Nisibis ( present day Urfa, in Turkey). He was under the tutelage of St Jacob, famous bishop of Nisibis. He lived through the Persian invasion of Nisibis and put his talent to good use by writing hymns to describe the city's perils. When eventually the Persians took over the city, he went to live in a cave and led a very austere life. He wrote many hymns to complement the public worship.

Eventually later in his life he became a deacon but declined to be a priest out of humility. With much compassion for the poor, he set out to Caesarea donating large sums of money and stores of food. He established a relief service.

Known as 'the Harp of the Holy Ghost' he was an excellent homilist and hymn writer. Enjoy the Hymn to the Light The lyrics of his songs helped to defend the faith against false doctrine, teach about various aspects of christian belief and always praise God.

Hymn to the Light

The Light of the just and joy of the upright is Christ Jesus our Lord.

Begotten of the Father, He manifested himself to us.

He came to rescue us from darkness and to fill us with the radiance of His light.

Day is dawning upon us; the power of darkness is fading away.

From the true Light there arises for us the light which illumines our darkened eyes. His glory shines upon the world and enlightens the very depths of the abyss. Death is annihilated, night has vanished, and the gates of Sheol are broken. Creatures lying in darkness from ancient times are clothed in light. The dead arise from the dust and sing because they have a Savior. He brings salvation and grants us life. He ascends to his Father on high. He will return in glorious splendor and shed His light on those gazing upon Him. Our King comes in majestic glory.

Let us light our lamps and go forth to meet Him. Let us find our joy in Him, for He has found joy in us. He will indeed rejoice us with His marvelous light.

Let us glorify the majesty of the Son and give thanks to the almighty Father Who, in an outpouring of love, sent Him to us, to fill us with hope and salvation. When He manifests Himself, the saints awaiting Him in weariness and sorrow, will go forth to meet Him with lighted lamps.

The angels and guardians of heaven will rejoice in the glory of the just and upright people of earth; Together crowned with victory, they will sing hymns and psalms.

Stand up then and be ready! Give thanks to our King and Savior, Who will come in great glory to gladden us with His marvelous light in His kingdom.

The Holy Spirit wants you to sing from your heart, not your head.

(PAPA Top Secret 1)

God Bless You