Friday, January 23 : Saint Clement of Alexandria

To save is an act of kindness. “The Lord’s mercy reaches all flesh, reproving, admonishing, teaching, as a shepherd guides his flock; merciful to those who accept his guidance,” who hasten to bind themselves to him (Sir 18,11-13)… Those in good health have no need of a physician so long as they are well; the sick, on the other hand, turn to his art. Similarly, in this life we are sick by means of our unacceptable desires, our intemperance… and other passions. We need a Savior… We who are sick have need of a Savior; straying, we need someone to guide us; blind, of someone who will give us light; thirsty, of the spring of living water where “whoever drinks will never thirst again” (Jn 4,4). Dead, we are in need of life; a flock, of a shepherd; children, of a teacher: indeed, everyone is in need of Jesus… “The injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal; the strayed I will bring back and cause them to pasture on my holy mountain” (cf. Ez 34,11-16). This is what the good shepherd promises. Pasture us like a flock, young as we are; O Lord, give us plentifully of your pasture, which is righteousness! Shepherd us right up to your holy mountain, your Church that rises up on high above the clouds, touching the heavens. “And I shall be their shepherd and stay at their side” (cf. Ez 34), he says… “I have not come to be served but to serve,” he says. That is why the Gospel shows him to us tired out, he who wore himself out for our sakes and who promises “to give his life as a ransom for many” (Jn 4,6; Mt 20,28).

maronite readings – rosary,team