“He said to them, “You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above. You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world.” (John 8:23)
Origen of Alexandria comments on this verse from the Gospel proclaimed at Mass today:
But pay attention, if you also desire to learn from Scripture who it is who is from below and who it is who is from above. Since each person’s treasure is where his heart is, if someone stores up treasure on earth, by the very act of storing up treasure on earth he is from below. But if someone stores up treasure in heaven, that person is born from above and assumes “the image of the heavenly.” And in addition, when this person has passed through all the heavens, he is found to have reached the most blessed goal.” (Commentary on John, 19)
Grant us, we pray, O Lord,
perseverance in obeying your will,
that in our days the people dedicated to your service
may grow in both merit and number.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
perseverance in obeying your will,
that in our days the people dedicated to your service
may grow in both merit and number.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Glory to You Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning is now
and will be forever. Amen!
