Night Office Saint Macarius of Egypt

26^th Week Ord Time Wedneday

From a homily attributed to Saint Macarius of Egypt

• Those who approach the Lord must first of all force them­selves to do good, even against the inclination of their hearts. Then, when God sees them engaged in that struggle, and constraining themselves by force even though their hearts are reluctant, he will grant them the true prayer of the Spirit, and give them real love, true gentleness, deep compassion, genuine kindness, and in a word fill them with the fruits of the Spirit.
• However, if any, being unable to pray, strive only to obtain the grace of prayer, making no effort to be gentle, humble, loving, and to observe the rest of the Lord's commandments, not caring or toiling or struggling to gain these virtues as far as determination and free-will may do so, then although the grace of prayer may at times be given them with some of the refresh­ment and joy of the Spirit, according to their request, in charac­ter they remain as they were before. They are not gentle because they have shirked the toil and preparation necessary to become so. They have no humility because they have not asked for it or made any effort to obtain it. They do not love everyone because they have not tried to do so, asking for this love in prayer. Even while they are praying they have no faith or confidence in God since, not knowing themselves, they are unaware of their lack of it and do not strive by self-denial to obtain from the Lord firm faith in him and real confidence.
• For just as they have to force, to compel themselves to pray when their hearts are reluctant, so they should do the same to gain trust in God, humility, love, gentleness, sincerity and sim­plicity, and all fortitude and patience with joy as scripture says. They should make every effort to think little of themselves, to regard themselves as poor and least of all; they should avoid speaking of. unprofitable matters, but always meditate on the things of God and then speak of what is in their hearts. So also they should restrain themselves from anger and shouting, ac­cording to the Apostle's admonition: Do not nurse grudges, lose your temper, raise your voice, slander anyone, or do evil of any kind. They should force themselves to follow all the ways of the Lord, to practice every virtue, to live a good and noble life, to be well behaved, and to have the deep humility that is shown in gentleness. Never should they exalt themselves, be proud, conceited, or speak ill of anyone.

Responsory          Is 55:6-7; Zep 2:3

Seek the Lord while he may still be found; call to him while he is near; let the wicked abandon their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. + Let them return to the Lord who will take pity on them;

to our God who will freely forgive.

v. Seek the Lord, all you the humble of the land, who obey his commandments; seek righteousness, seek humility. + Let them

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