Monday, October 16 : Saint Clement of Alexandria

“Whoever gives a cup of cold water to drink to one of my disciples in the name of a disciple, shall not lose his reward” (Mt 10,42). This is the only reward that is not lost. And again: “Make for yourself friends with dishonest gain so that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations” The property we possess is not for the use of ourselves alone, but with the gain that is unjust we can work something just and life-giving and refresh one of those whom the Father has destined for his everlasting habitations… How admirable is the apostle Paul’s saying: “The Lord loves a cheerful giver” (2Cor 9,7), someone who delights in giving alms, sowing lavishly so that he may also reap abundantly, and who shares without murmuring, hesitation or regret… But even better than this is the saying spoken by the Lord in another place: “Give to every one that asks you” (Lk 6,30)… Consider, then, the splendid reward for your liberality: an everlasting habitation! O excellent trade! O divine commerce! You purchase immortality for money and, by donating the empty things of the world, receive in exchange an eternal mansion in heaven! So then, you rich who have wisdom, apply yourselves to this business… Why let yourselves be transfixed by diamonds and emeralds, by houses that fire devours, time destroys, or earthquakes throw down? Aspire for nothing other than to dwell in the heavens, and reign with God. A mere man, a beggar will gain you this kingdom… The Lord did not say: “Give, be generous and bountiful, help your brothers” but: “Make friends for yourselves”. Friendship comes about not by one gift, but by long intimacy. For neither faith, nor charity nor patience are the work of one day, but “he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Mt 10,22).

maronite readings – rosary,team