As those readers familar with the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) will know, the Office of Readings consists primarily of three Psalms and two readings - one from Scripture and one from the writings of either the Church Fathers or the great mediaeval theologians or (less commonly) spiritual writers of the post-Tridentine period.
When marking the major moments both in the history of salvation and in the liturgical year, the compilers of the Office turn repeatedly to certain authors to whom was accorded the grace of giving definitive expression to the Church's understanding of the most profound mysteries.
Four names which occur again and again at the most theologically significant times of the year are Irenaeus of Lyons, Augustine of Hippo, Cyril of Alexandria and Leo the Great.
Although Augustine has in all probablility exercised more influence on subsequent western theology than any other non-biblical author, I would suggest that the voice which resounds with greatest clarity and richness in the Office of Readings is that of Cyril - a combative and controversial bishop but a sublime theologian.
In one especially densely packed passage - appropriate to today's Pentecost celebration - from his majestic Commentary on John's Gospel, Cyril sums up in fewer than a thousand words the entire sweep of how Christ saves us in virtue of his incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension and outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
See here (part one) on my other blog and here (part two).
0 comments:
Post a Comment