“He also said to the crowds, “When you see [a] cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain — and so it does...” (Luke 12:54.)
Saint Cyril of Alexandria comments on this verse from the Gospel proclaimed at Mass today:
“People focus their attention on things of this kind. From long observation and practice they tell beforehand when rain will fall or violent winds will blow. One especially sees that sailors are very skillful in this matter. He says that it would be suitable for those who can calculate things of this sort and may foretell storms that are about to happen to focus the penetrating eyes of the mind also on important matters. What are these? The law showed beforehand the mystery of Christ, that he would shine out in the last ages of the world on the inhabitants of the earth and submit to be a sacrifice for the salvation of all. It even commanded a lamb to be sacrificed as a type of him who died towards evening and at lighting of lamps. We might now understand that when, like the day, this world was declining to its close, the great, precious and truly saving passion would be fulfilled. The door of salvation would be thrown wide open to those who believe in him, and abundant happiness be their share. In the Song of Songs, we also find Christ calling to the bride described there. The bride personally represents the church, in these words, “Arise, come, my neighbor, my beautiful dove. Look, the winter is past, and the rain is gone. It has passed away. The flowers appear on the ground. The time of the pruning has come.” As I said, a certain springlike calm was about to arise for those who believe in him.” (Commentary on Luke, Homily 95)
Collect
O God,
Creator of the world,
under Whose governance the design
for all the ages unfolds,
be attentive, we pray, to our petitions
and grant to our times tranquility and peace,
that we may exult with unceasing joy
in praise of Your great mercy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Almighty ever-living God,
grant that we may always
conform our will to Yours
and serve Your majesty
in sincerity of heart
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Creator of the world,
under Whose governance the design
for all the ages unfolds,
be attentive, we pray, to our petitions
and grant to our times tranquility and peace,
that we may exult with unceasing joy
in praise of Your great mercy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Almighty ever-living God,
grant that we may always
conform our will to Yours
and serve Your majesty
in sincerity of heart
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
