[Salvation]

Doctors of the Catholic Church

Saint Athanasius is the Doctor of Orthodoxy. This champion of the Church was exiled and banned at least five times. He refused to yield to anyone except the authentic, orthodox faith passed on to him by his ancestors and followers of the faith.

Christians are often asked to overcome insurmountable obstacles. He have Athanasius as a superb model when it comes to faith. Hardly anyone today is going to be exiled once, because of his faith, let alone five times. To be banished is a curse.

"This first great Eastern Doctor ardently defended the Divinity of Christ. He greatly laid the foundation not only for the establishment of monastic life through Western world but is a powerful example of clinging to Jesus Christ when dangers, hardships and temptations beset us.

"Athanasius was the greatest champion of Catholic belief on the subject of the Incarnation that the Church has ever known and in his lifetime earned the characteristic title of "Father of Orthodoxy", by which he has been distinguished every since. While the chronology of his career still remains for the most part a hopelessly involved problem, the fullest material for an account of the main achievements of his life will be found in his collected writings and in the contemporary records of his time. Athanasius seems to have been brought early in life under the immediate supervision of the ecclesiastical authorities of his native city. Whether his long intimacy with Bishop Alexander began in childhood, we have no means of judging; but a story which pretends to describe the circumstances of his first introduction to that prelate has been preserved for us by Rufinus (Hist. Eccl., I, xiv). The bishop, so the tale runs, had invited a number of brother prelates to meet him at breakfast after a great religious function on the anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Peter, a recent predecessor in the See of Alexandria... While Alexander was waiting for his guests to arrive, he stood by a window, watching a group of boys at play on the seashore below the house. He had not observed them long before he discovered that they were imitating, evidently with no thought of irreverence, the elaborate ritual of Christian baptism. He therefore sent for the children and had them brought into his presence. In the investigation that followed it was discovered that one of the boys, who was no other than the future Primate of Alexandria, had acted the part of the bishop, and in that character had actually baptized several of his companions in the course of their play. Alexander, who seems to have been unaccountably puzzled over the answers he received to his inquiries, determined to recognize the make-believe baptisms as genuine; and decided that Athanasius and his playfellows should go into training in order to fit themselves for a clerical career." Quote from New Advent listed below, at the end.

St. Athanasius, 295-373. Doctor of Orthodoxy, Feast May 2nd.

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: John 15:9-11

Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. (John 15:9)

How can it be, Lord, that the way you love me is just the same as the way the Father loves you? How can it be that the love that permeates the Trinity itself is the same love you pour out on me? It’s too much for me to absorb!

Sometimes I think of your love as a kindly, patient, forgiving love when I think of my own unworthiness. And it is that—but it is so much more than just an expression of your forgiveness of my sins!

Lord, the love that the Father has for you is immense! It is creative and life-giving, always flowing, unchanging yet ever new. It is the same love that you showed when you created the world. It’s a love that imparts to your creation goodness and harmony and generosity. I am amazed that this is how you love me, too. You created me because you wanted me to share in your love and generosity. You created me because you wanted me to reflect your goodness to the world. And you didn’t stop there. Day after day, you are constantly pouring your love into me—even when I can’t feel it or see it or touch it!

When I think of how the Father looks at you, Jesus, I am speechless. I can try to imagine the Father gazing on you with deep pleasure and joy, but words fail me. And then to think that you, Jesus, look at me with the same love, seeing the goodness I was created to have in your image, seeing your approval of every step I take toward you—I can only bask in this love, filled with wonder and awe.

Thank you, Jesus! In your extravagant love, you have brought me into the love of the Trinity! You have given me a share in the divine life that you experience with your Father in heaven. You have expanded my horizons so that I can see beyond myself, even into your perfect eternity. I know it’s not much when compared with your love for me. But still, I can’t help saying it: I love you, Jesus!

“Lord, expand my heart and mind so that I can grasp, even if only a little, the vast love you have for me!”

Acts 15:7-21; Psalm 96:1-3, 10