Saturday, November 9 : 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 of faith are given (cf. Jas 1,12), then that Christ’s soldiers prove themselves, then that the heavens open to their witnesses. We aren’t employed among God’s forces 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. In order to take part in competitions in the stadium we exercise and train ourselves and think ourselves highly honoured if, before the eyes of the crowd, we have the happiness of receiving the prize. But here is a trial that is noble and stunning in another way, in which God watches us – we, 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 strength; let us fight the good fight with brave hearts and solid faith.
maronite readings – rosary,team