FEAST OF ST IRENAEUS, BISHOP, MARTYR AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.
ST IRENAEUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.
"When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.
And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately.
Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” (Matthew 8: 1 - 4).
Friday 28th June 2024 in the 12th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Irenaeus. (125 - 203). Bishop and Martyr and Doctor of the Church.
St Polycarp was instructed in the faith by St John the Apostle. He, Polycarp instructed St Irenaeus who became a Bishop in Lyons in France.
Note the date of Irenaeus life (125 - 203) and you will understand why France is called the Eldest Daughter of the Church. St Irenaeus is an early Church Father.
God chose and called Irenaeus to uphold the revealed truth of the faith and bring peace to the Church.
Pope Francis declared him the 37th Doctor of the Church on January 21st 2022.
What is the legacy of St Irenaeus? Irenaeus defended the Church against the poisonous heresy of Gnosticism. This heresy was so thoroughly defeated that it disappeared.
About 100 years ago, it reincarnated itself in the heretical sect called Jehovoh Witness. They claim that there are two gods governing the world: a good god that causes good things and and evil god that causes bad things. They deny that Jesus Christ is God. They deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. They target especially Catholics who have little knowledge of Scripture.
Beware of them. They are wolves in sheep clothing. We need a new St Irenaeus for our day to deal them final mortal blow.
Two famous quotes of St Irenaeus:
1. “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” ...
2. “Error, indeed is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected."
Below is what touched my heart in the Gospel of today.
"And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.”
The difficulties I faced earlier this day made me impatient. Alas I grumbled. Now I am fired up by the example of the Leper to turn to Jesus in contrition and say:
LORD JESUS, if You choose, You can make me patient. You can make me also aware that Your grace is sufficient for me in every circumstance.
The Holy Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June.
Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below.
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