Saturday, July 19 : Saint Cyprian

Our Lord and Master’s precept is salutary: “Whoever holds out till the end will be saved.” He also said: “If you live according to my teaching, you are truly my disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:31) We must endure and persevere, beloved brothers. Thus, admitted to the hope of truth and of freedom, we will be able to reach that truth and that freedom, for if we are Christians, it is the work of faith and hope. But if hope and faith are to bear fruit, patience is necessary… So let us not work impatiently, let us not allow ourselves to be felled on the Kingdom’s path, distracted and overcome by temptations. Not swearing, not cursing, not demanding back what has been taken away from us by force, turning the other cheek, forgiving our brothers all their wrongdoings, loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us – how can we manage to do all that if we are not firm in patience and tolerance? That is what we see in Stephen… He did not ask for revenge, but that his murderers be forgiven: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59) Thus, Christ’s first martyr… not only preached the Lord’s passion, but he also imitated his extreme gentleness. When patience dwells in our heart, there cannot be any room in it for anger, discord and rivalry. Christ’s patience chases all that out so as to build a peaceful dwelling place in our heart, where the God of peace is pleased to live.

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team