February 16
Macarius the Elder (+390)
Priest
Saint Macarius the Elder (+390) This saint was born in Egypt and spent his childhood as a shepherd where he acquired, in solitude, a taste for prayer and silence.
Biography
He lived for 60 years in the desert, and as he acquired many disciples who wanted to emulate him, he was ordained a priest so that he could celebrate mass for them. He was always very penitent because he was convinced that to be chaste one must deny the senses some of what they ask and desire. He mastered his language and said only the necessary words. He moderated his genius and his character, so that people were very edified to see him always happy, good-tempered and that he did not get impatient no matter how much they offended or humiliated him. The Arian heretics who denied that Jesus Christ is God, banished Macarius and his monks to an island where people did not believe in God. The saint dedicated himself to preaching and teaching religion, and soon the pagans converted to Christianity. He died at a very old age back in his beloved monastery in the desert.
Practical advice
As an offering to the Lord, exercise authority as a service and not as a privilege and offer that effort for someone who needs help.