Our venerable father Macarius the Great of Egypt was born in the early fourth century in the village of Ptinapor in Egypt. At the wish of his parents he entered into marriage, but was soon widowed. After he buried his wife, he withdrew to the wilderness. He spent sixty years in labor and struggle, both inwardly and outwardly, for the Kingdom of Heaven. So much did he succeed in cleansing his mind of evil thoughts and his heart of evil desires, that God bestowed upon him the abundant gift of miracle-working, so that he even raised the dead from the graves. Macarius often told his disciple, Paphnutius: “Do not judge anyone, and you will be saved.” Before his death at age ninety-seven, Macarius was visited by St. Anthony and St. Pachomius who told him he would die in nine days, and so it came to pass.
You made the wilderness your dwelling, O father Macarius, the bearer of God. You became an angel in the flesh and a wonderworker. Through fasts, vigils, and prayers, you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick and to sanctify the souls of those who come to you with trust. Glory to the One who gave you strength! Glory to the One who crowned you! Glory to the One who through your intercession grants healing to all!
You ended your life among those who imitate martyrdom, and you have inherited the land of the meek, O father. You filled the desert with people like a city, and God gave to you the grace to work wonders. Therefore, we come to venerate you, O Macarius.
Galatians 5:22 – 6:2
Brothers and sisters: The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness and chastity. Against such there is no law! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the spirit, let us follow the spirit’s lead. Let us never be boastful, or challenging, or jealous toward one another.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is detected in sin, you who live by the spirit should gently set him right, each of you trying to avoid falling into temptation himself. Help carry one another’s burden; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Matthew 11: 27-30
The Lord said to his disciples: “Everything has been given over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son– and anyone whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.”
1st Timothy 1:15-17
Timothy, my son: you can depend on this as worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I myself am the worst. But on that very account I was dealt with mercifully, so that in me, as an extreme case, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, and that I might become an example to those who would later have faith in him and gain everlasting life. To the king of ages, the immortal, the invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.
Luke 18:35-43
At that time as Jesus drew near Jericho a blind man sat at the side of the road begging. Hearing a crowd go by the man asked, “what is that?” the answer came that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. The blind man shouted out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” Those in the lead sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Jesus halted and ordered that the man be brought to him. When the blind man had come close, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he answered, “I want to see.” Jesus said to him, “receive your sight. Your faith has healed you.” At that very moment he was given his side and began to follow Jesus, giving God the glory. All the people witnessed it and they to give praise to God
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com
Saturday, January 18 –
