Life in man is the glory of God
Purple Catholic Saturday Post
Good morning and happy Saturday. Today, many of us are celebrating the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Others, however, may be celebrating the memorial of St. Ireneaus, one of the greatest defenders of the faith. Since it is his memorial, I wanted to share this passage from Against the Heresies with you titled, in the Office of Readings, “Life in man is the glory of God; the life of man is the vision of God:”
The glory of God gives life; those who see God receive life. For this reason God, who cannot be grasped, comprehended or seen, allows himself to be seen, comprehended and grasped by men, that he may give life to those who see and receive him. It is impossible to live without life, and the actualisation of life comes from participation in God, while participation in God is to see God and enjoy his goodness.
Men will therefore see God if they are to live; through the vision of God they will become immortal and attain to God himself. As I have said, this was shown in symbols by the prophets: God will be seen by men who bear his Spirit and are always waiting for his coming. As Moses said in the Book of Deuteronomy: On that day we shall see, for God will speak to man, and man will live.
God is the source of all activity throughout creation. He cannot be seen or described in his own nature and in all his greatness by any of his creatures. Yet he is certainly not unknown. Through his Word the whole creation learns that there is one God the Father, who holds all things together and gives them their being. As it is written in the Gospel: No man has ever seen God, except the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father; he has revealed him.
From the beginning the Son is the one who teaches us about the Father; he is with the Father from the beginning. He was to reveal to the human race visions of prophecy, the diversity of spiritual gifts, his own ways of ministry, the glorification of the Father, all in due order and harmony, at the appointed time and for our instruction: where there is order, there is also harmony; where there is harmony, there is also correct timing; where there is correct timing, there is also advantage.
The Word became the steward of the Father’s grace for the advantage of men, for whose benefit he made such wonderful arrangements. He revealed God to men and presented men to God. He safeguarded the invisibility of the Father to prevent man from treating God with contempt and to set before him a constant goal towards which to make progress. On the other hand, he revealed God to men and made him visible in many ways to prevent man from being totally separated from God and so cease to be. Life in man is the glory of God; the life of man is the vision of God. If the revelation of God through creation gives life to all who live upon the earth, much more does the manifestation of the Father through the Word give life to those who see God.
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Today’s newsletter is abbreviated since I am travellening and there will be no newsletter next Saturday. As such, this is my last chance to remind you that Death Comes for the Archbishop begins tomorrow for paying subscribers and on Wednesday for everyone else. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Additionally, Ave Maria Radio News will not be published on the Purple Catholic this week since it is being managed by the folks in Ann Arbor in my abscence.
Death Comes for the Archbishop
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If you haven’t already, subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes. Paying subscribers receive the first episode on June 29th, and everyone else will receive it on July 2nd.
I am excited to announce the following guests for the program:
John Pinheiro, PhD - Director of Research at the Acton Institute and author of Missionaries of Republicanism: A Religious History of the Mexican-American War
Fr. Bob Keller, OP - Author and Chaplain at Aquinas College
Marcus Peter, ThD - Director of Theology at Ave Maria Radio and the Kresta Institute and host of Ave Maria in the Afternoon (weekdays at 5p on EWTN Radio)
Franz Klein - Instructor at Mother of Divine Grace School
Each week, we are exploring part of the novel and diving into the historical and spiritual contexts of the book. I hope you’ll join me.
Learn more by checking out this post:
Coming this summer! - Death Comes for the Archbishop
This summer, The Purple Catholic Literature Collection presents: Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather.
If you are going to remain on the free version of the program, you can now subscribe on these platforms:
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Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. At Mass during the day, we will hear from Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-8; and Matthew 16;13-19. The vigil Mass readings are different.
Here is a calendar for the rest of the week:
Monday, June 30 - Memorial of First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church (optional)
Tuesday, July 1 - Memorial of St. Juniperro Serra, priest (optional)*
Thursday, July 3 - Feast of St. Thomas, apostle
Saturday, July 5 - Memorial of St. Anthy Mary Saccaria, priest (optional) or Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Portugal (optional)*
*In dioceses of the United States.
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18
In the news:
The United States
San Diego bishops and clergy showed up in immigration court — and made an impact - OSV News
The Vatican
The World
Attack on Christians in India’s Odisha state blamed on Hindu nationalists - Crux
Catholic feast attracts controversy in India’s former Portuguese colony - UCA News
Have a good weekend,
Matthew