Meekness
Learn of Me that I am meek and humble of heart. St. Matt. 11:29.
FIFTH DAY.
One word suffices sometimes to appease a person inflamed with anger, while, on the contrary, it often happens that a word will throw a soul into desolation, and be the cause of many sins. — St. Vincent de Paul.
It was sufficient sometimes for St. Francis of Sales to say but two or three words to bring calm to the heart of the most afflicted.
St. Macarius, going one day to Neustria, accompanied by one of his disciples, saw a man meet a pagan, who was carrying a heavy load on his back, and insult him. The pagan, paying down his load, ran after the man who had offended him, and taking a stick, struck him so severely on the head that he left him dead on the spot. Having thus revenged himself, he took up his load and continued his way, running to save himself. St. Macarius, meeting him, said: “May God guard and save you!” The man, before so furious, stopped. The saint continued speaking to him with so much kindness that the pagan was touched, and said: “I know you are a true servant of God. I will not leave you until I have done penance for my sins.”
Prayer.
O Jesus, Who hast recommended meekness and humility of heart, and Who hast given us such beautiful examples of these virtues, give us this meekness and this humility which Thou requires of us. Grant me sweetness in all my words, charity in actions, and true humility of heart.