October 21: Saint Hilarion
Rev. Butler comments: Thus he passed his whole life; and he never broke his fast till sunset, not even upon the highest feasts, or in his greatest sickness. It is the remark of Saint Jerome, that slothful Christians too easily make old age and every other pretense a plea to be more remiss in their penance; but fervor made Saint Hilarion contrive means to redouble his austerities in his decrepit age, the nearer the
prospect of certain death grew, and the shorter time remained for his preparation. His long life (over eighty years) is chiefly ascribed to his regularity, moderate labor, and great abstemiousness. It is a proverb which the experience of all ages confirms, that to eat long, a person ought to eat little.
PRAYER: Saint Hilarion, lead us to follow the path of true penance and to turn aside from excuses. Amen.
