Monday, October 28 : Saint Cyprian

Our Lord’s will is that we should rejoice and leap for joy when we are persecuted (Mt 5:12) because, when persecutions come, it is then that crowns are given for faith (cf. Jas 1:12), it is then that Christ’s soldiers prove themselves, then that the heavens open to their witness. We aren’t employed in God’s force only to think of quiet, running away from service when the Teacher of humility, patience and suffering has himself provided the same service before us. What he taught he first of all carried out, and if he exhorts us to stand firm it is because he himself suffered before us and on our behalf. If we are to take part in competitions in the stadium we exercise and train ourselves and think ourselves highly honored if, before the eyes of the crowd, we have the happiness of receiving the prize. But here is a trial that is both noble and outstanding in another way, in which God watches us – us, his children – take part in the combat and himself gives us a heavenly crown ( 1Cor 9:25). The angels watch us too, and Christ comes to our aid. So let us arm ourselves with all our might; let us fight the good fight with brave hearts and solid faith.

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team