Today we move deeper into the powerful debates in Dialogue with Trypho as Justin Martyr defends Christ’s eternal priesthood against misunderstandings of Hezekiah and the fulfillment of the virgin birth prophecy. Meanwhile, Augustine, in The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 6, reflects with deep joy on his baptism and the transformation it brings to his family life. Finally, Aquinas in Summa Theologica, Part 1, Question 63, Article 5, explores whether the Devil directly causes sin, pushing us to consider how temptation works within God's providence.

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Today’s readings take us deep into the mystery of sin and salvation across three monumental voices of the Church. Justin Martyr debates Trypho about the rebellion of wicked angels and boldly affirms the coming reign of Christ with His saints. Augustine reflects tenderly on the deaths and conversions of his friends Verecundus and Nebridius, giving thanks for God's mercy and the joy of resurrection hope. Finally, Aquinas addresses whether evil could exist in the angels, explaining how pride, not nature, led some to fall. Together, these readings show us the battle between faithfulness and rebellion, and the mercy of God that gathers His people into everlasting life.

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Today’s readings invite us to reflect on prophecy, vocation, and divine grace. Justin Martyr, in Dialogue with Trypho, Chapters 77–78, contends that Isaiah’s prophecy about the fall of Damascus and Samaria points not to Hezekiah, but to Christ—fulfilled in the coming of the Magi, the sign of the cave, and the massacre of the innocents. Augustine, in Confessions, Book IX, Chapter 2, meditates on his decision to quietly leave the world of public rhetoric as his lungs fail, choosing rest in God over recognition by man. And Aquinas, in Summa Theologica, I.62.2, teaches that even angels, for all their natural excellence, needed grace to turn to God as their beatitude. Not even they could ascend to glory apart from divine help.

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