Weekly Meditation May 11, 2009

In Easter time the Church encourages us to grow spiritually as we contemplate the resurrection victory of Jesus after his sacrifice on the cross. Here are a few words of St. Peter Chrysologus (406-450), Bishop of Ravenna and a Doctor of the Church. These words are from one of his sermons used in the Liturgy of the Hours during Easter season.

"Each of us is called to be a sacrifice to God and his priest. Do not forfeit what divine authority confers on you. Put on the garment of holiness, gird yourself with the belt of chastity. Let Christ be your helmet. Let the cross on your forehead be your unfailing protection. Your breastplate should be the knowledge of God that he himself has given you.

Keep burning continually the sweet-smelling incense of prayer. Take up the sword of the Spirit. Let your heart be an altar. Then, with full confidence in God, present your body for sacrifice. God desires not death, but faith; God thirsts not for blood, but for self-surrender; God is appeased not by slaughter, but by the offering of your free will."

Jesus, you are our Risen Savior! We renew our desire "to follow" you, for we really do believe that you are "the Way, the Truth and the Life."