Holy Myrrh-bearer and Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalen (1st c.). Translation of the relics of Hieromartyr Phocas, bishop of Sinope (403-404).
St. Cornelius, monk, of Pereyaslavl (1693). Blessed Cyprian of Suzdal, fool-for-Christ (1622).
St. Cyril I, patriarch of Antioch (298). St. Wandregisilus of Caux (Gaul) (668). Virgin-martyr Marcella of Chios (14th c.).
Tuesday. [I Cor. 12:12-26; Matt. 18:18-22; 19:1-2, 13-15]
Wanting to know how many times one should forgive
his brother, Saint Peter asked with the suggestion:
forgive till seven times? Saying this, he thought
that he chose the greatest amount. How short is human
patience! The Lord, applying His longsuffering to our
infirmities, determined, I say not unto thee, Until
seven times: but Until seventy times seven. This is
the same as saying: always forgive and do not think about
not forgiving. All-forgivingness shall be the distinctive
feature of a Christian spirit, as all-forgivingness is the
source and constant support of our life in the Lord, from
God Himself. Customary forgiving everyone of everything is
the outer clothing of Christian love, which according to
the Epistle, suffereth long, and is kind, is not
easily provoked, beareth all things (I
Cor. 13:4-7). It is the most faithful guarantee of
forgiveness at the last judgment; for if we forgive, our
heavenly Father will also forgive us (Matt. 6:14). In such
a manner, if you want to go to heaven—forgive
everyone, sincerely, from the bottom of your heart, so
that not even a shadow of hostility remains.