Sunday, May 10 : Symeon the New Theologian

“I, [said God] am distant from all creatures, but when I became a creature, I the Creator of all, through the flesh, I was content to become similar to men, assuming a soul and an intelligence similar to theirs; but I did not all, at the same time, at that moment, make them gods, they men: it is I who became man, on my part, and it is by faith, by the observation of my commandments, as well as by baptism, in divine communion with my formidable mysteries, that I grant life to all. And when I say: life, I mean my divine Spirit. Yet let them know this, as Paul said: those who have my Spirit in their hearts, they have him who shines and cries to my Father, and through them he says to me: Oh, abba! my Father! For they have become children of God, and with confidence they recognize me, look at me and call me Father (cf. Rom 8:15-16; Gal 4:6), and He says to each of those who currently possess him in themselves, in all truth: Do not be afraid, my children! it's me ! You see, I am within you, with you, and, from corruption and death, once and for all, I free you and make you see who I have made you to become, you, yes, children and friends! Rejoice in the Lord! » (…) – All this is worthy of belief, O my Christ, worthy of love. To those whom you foreknew, well known, those to whom you gave to become conformed to your image in the divine Spirit, all this is within their reach, because they have been called by you to ineffable joy for ages.