Thursday, October 17 : Hesychios the Sinaite

Peculiar to a star is the light that surrounds it. And peculiar to those who worship and fear God are poverty and humility. For there is nothing so distinctive nor is there so plain a sign of the disciples of Christ as a humble spirit and an unpretentious appearance. All four gospels speak of this. Those who do not live humbly in this way lose their portion in him who humbled himself even to the cross and to death (cf. Phil 2:8), he who was also the lawgiver and has out into practice the commandments of the holy gospels. It is said: “Come to the waters, you who are thirsty” (Is 55:1). You who are thirsty for God, come to purity of thought. For there is none higher than the humble. As when there is no light all things are obscure and dark, so when there is no humility all our acts are foolish, vain and barren. (…) The soul that is benefited and sweetened by Jesus repays its benefactor, acknowledging him with exultation and love. And it render thanks and with sweetness of heart calls upon him who gives peace. For it sees him, within itself, disperse the fantasies of evil spirits. (…) So let us practice prayer and humility, those two weapons with which, together with sobriety, spiritual warriors arm themselves against the demons as with a flaming sword. If we live thus we shall be able to hold in our hearts a secret feast of rejoicing every day and every hour. (…) The Lord has said: “Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart, and you shall find rest for your souls.” (Mt 11:29).

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team