Week 4 - Saturday

Bible Passage

1 Peter 4:8

Above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'

Commentary

Abba Macarius and the Hiding of the Prostitute 

Once, a woman who had lived a life of prostitution came to Abba Macarius in great distress. She was being pursued by some men who were angry with her for fleeing, and she sought refuge from him in the desert. Seeing her in deep shame, the saint took pity on her and, without hesitation, took her into his cell to hide her from the men.

When the men came searching for the woman and asked Macarius if he had seen her, he replied: “I have not seen her, nor do I know where she is.” They trusted his word and, seeing him as a holy man, left without questioning further.

Afterward, Macarius spoke to the woman kindly, offering her comfort, counsel, and the hope of redemption. He encouraged her to turn to God, repent of her former ways, and live a life of purity and humility.

In some versions of the story, it is said that the woman later chose to enter a monastery, leaving behind her former life and seeking true transformation. Saint Macarius’ mercy and refusal to judge her led to her spiritual renewal.