Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel. St. Stephen of St. Sabbas Monastery (794).
St. Julian, bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul (1st c.). Martyr Serapion, under Severus (ca. 205). Martyr Marcian of Iconium (258).
St. Sarah, abbess, of Scetis (370). Sts. Heliophotus, Epaphrodites, Ammon, Auxouthenius, and Euthenius, monks, of Cyprus (5th c.). St. Just, monk, of Cornwall (5th c.). St. Mildred, abbess of Minster Convent in Thanet (ca. 733). Synaxis of the Saints of Hilandar, Mt. Athos.
Repose of Constantine Oprisan of Jilava, Romania (1959).
Thursday. [I Cor. 14:6-19; Matt. 20:17-28]
Christianity fully satisfies our striving for
superiority—but how? Through a method totally
opposed to the one used in the world. Do you want to be
first? Be a servant to everyone; that is, be the last
amongst them, and this is just as essential as it is to
attune your life and your disposition according to the
example of Christ the Lord. The Lord says, the Son of
Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and
to give his life a ransom for many. The Lord
ministers, even washes the feet of His disciples; there is
no need, therefore, to be ashamed of ministering to
someone. Minister however, and with whatever, you can;
there are opportunities every step of the way: feed one
who is hungry, clothe one who is naked, bring a stranger
into your home, visit one who is sick and even tend to
him, and do not refuse all other help to those who ask it.
Serve not the body only, but also the soul: give
understanding, advice, point out a good book, console,
support. A word is also a powerful means to help; a soul
goes out from it, and helps another by joining with
him.