Wednesday, October 20 : Saint John Cassian

The heart’s most effective medicine is patience. According to the words of Solomon: “The gentle man is the physician of the heart.” (Prv 14:30 LXX) So true is this that it uproots not only all the vices of anger, sadness, acedia, vainglory and pride, but also that of wantonness along with them. For, as Solomon says: “In long-suffering is the patience of kings.” (Prv 25:15 LXX) Whoever is always meek and tranquil is not inflamed by the disturbance of anger, nor consumed by the anguish of acedia and sadness, nor distracted by the emptiness of vainglory, nor lifted up by the swelling of pride. For, “there is much peace for those who love the name of the Lord and for them there is no stumbling block.” (Ps 118:165 Vg) Therefore it is declared with good reason: “Better is the one who is patient than the one who is strong, and the one who restrains his anger than the one who captures a city.” (Prv 16:32 LXX) Until we deserve to acquire this firm and perpetual peace we shall inevitable be assailed by numerous attacks and frequently repeat this verse with groaning and tears: “I have become wretched and I am afflicted beyond measure. All the day I went about mournfully for my loins are filled with illusions.” (Ps 37:7-8 Vg) (…) Until a person arrives at this state of purity, he has to be trained frequently by these discrepancies until, confirmed by the grace of God in the purity he is seeking, he is worthy to say in truth: “I have waited, I have waited for the Lord, and he turned to me, he heard my plea. He drew me out of the pit of wretchedness and from the miry bog. He set my feet upon a rock and guided my steps.” (Ps 39:2-3 Vg.)

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team