One Minute Reflection – 30 September – Readings: Sir 15:5, Ps 91:2, 2 Tim 4:1-8, Matt 5:13-19
For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.
Matt 5:13-19
REFLECTION – The sacrifice of the lamb, the Passover rite and the letter of the Law have reached their term in Jesus Christ, in view of whom everything in the ancient Law took place – and even more so in the new dispensation. For the Law became the Word; from being old it became new; the commandments have been transformed into grace and the foreshadowing into truth; the lamb has become the son, the sheep has become man, and man has become God.
God though he was, the Lord put on our humanity; he suffered for him who was suffering, was bound for him who was captive, was judged for the guilty, was buried for him who was buried. He was raised from the dead and cried out in a loud voice: “If anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together”. It is I who delivered the condemned man; I who restored life to the dead; I who raised up those in the grave. “Who disputes my right?” It is I, he says, I who am the Christ, I who destroyed death, who triumphed over the enemy, who bound the mighty enemy and carried off man to the heights of heaven; it is I, he says, who am the Christ.
Come along then, every human family, full of sin as you are, and receive the forgiveness of your sins. For I myself am your forgiveness, I am the Passover of salvation, the Lamb slain for your sakes, your redemption, life and resurrection; I am your light, your salvation and your king. It is I who lead you to the heights of heaven, I who will raise you up; it is I who will bring you to see the Father who is from all eternity; it is I who will raise you up by my all-powerful hand.
Melito of Sardis (?-c.195) Bishop
PRAYER – Almighty, ever-living God, You endowed Saint Jerome with a deep reverence and understanding of Holy Scripture, which he loved with all his heart. Sustain us evermore with Your word and teach us by their precepts. Help us to follow each word which Jesus, Your Son, our Redeemer, uttered that we may find therein the source of life. May the prayers of St Jerome assist us in our love and faithfulness. We ask this through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, Amen.
