Today´s reading from a sermon by Pope Leo the Great (5th century) struck me: enshrining what is, for me, the most telling in Catholic doctrine:
"Jesus, born true man without ever ceasing
to be true God, began in his person a new creation and by the manner of
his birth gave man a spiritual origin. What mind can grasp this
mystery, what tongue can fittingly recount this gift of love? Guilt
becomes innocence, old becomes new, strangers are adopted and outsiders
are made heirs. Rouse yourself, man, and recognise the dignity of your
nature! Remember that you were made in God’s image; though corrupted in
Adam, that image has been restored in Christ.
Use creatures as they should be used: the earth, the
sea, the sky, the air, the springs and rivers. Give praise and glory to
their Creator for all that you find beautiful and wonderful in them. See
with your bodily eyes the light that shines on earth, but embrace with
your whole soul and all your affections the true light which enlightens every man who comes into this world. Speaking of this light the prophet said: Draw close to him and let his light shine upon you and your face will not blush with shame.(Psalm 34). If we are indeed the temple of God and if the Spirit of God lives in
us, then what every believer has within himself is greater than what he
admires in the skies.
Our words and exhortations are not intended to make
you disdain God’s works or think there is anything contrary to your
faith in creation, for the good God has himself made all things good.
What we do ask is that you use reasonably and with moderation all the
marvellous creatures which adorn this world; as the Apostle says: "The things that are seen are transient but the things that are unseen are eternal."
I noticed the window in the local church when I was at mass the other day and it struck me that the most important element in Christian stained glass is the people. Stained glass windows are all filled to overflowing with people. Saints, angels, and the rest of us as well. . . . the Kingdom is, above all, filled with people!
"You take delight in your people."
"You take delight in your people."
