By: St. Sophronius
Bishop and Early Church Father
The Mother of God, the most pure Virgin, carried the true light in her arms and brought him to those who lay in darkness. We too should carry a light for all to see and reflect the radiance of the true light as we hasten to meet him.
The light has come and has shone upon a world enveloped in shadows;the Dayspring from on high has visited us and given light to those who lived in darkness. This, then, is our feast, and we join in procession with lighted candles to reveal the light that has shone upon us and the glory that is yet to come to us through him. So let us hasten all together to meet our God.
Through Simeon’s eyes we too have seen the salvation of God which he prepared for all the nations and revealed as the glory of the new Israel, which is ourselves. As Simeon was released from the bonds of this life when he had seen Christ, so we too were at once freed from our old state of sinfulness.
St. Sophronius was a simple monk who was chosen to be bishop and Patriarch of Jerusalem in the early 7th century. He defended the true and full humanity of Christ in his writings and is known as one of the Fathers of the Church.
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A collection of various works taken from online resources in fidelity to the teaching of the Magisterium and by the authority of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church.
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
SOURCE: http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/19/Feast_of_the_Presentation___St._Sophronius.html
"To condescend to the humblest duties, and to devote oneself to the lowliest service is an exercise of humility: for thus one is able to heal the disease of pride and human glory."
- Decretal on Penance (D. II., cap. Si quis semel)