Saints + Scripture: Better Late Than Never

9 Days to Life: Day Nine
For God's peace to fill the hearts of all who travel upon the path of abortion.

'Tis the Memorial of Saints Timothy & Titus, Bishops (died circa 96), receipts of three eponymous epistles from Saint Paul: Saints-link ūnus & Saints-link duo, Saint-link Timothy & Wikipedia-link Timothy, & Saint-link Titus & Wikipedia-link Titus; Wikipedia-link First Timothy, Wikipedia-link Second Timothy, & Wikipedia-link to Titus.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Close companions of the Apostle Paul [25 January, 29 June] & bishops of the Catholic Church in its earliest days. Both men received letters from St. Paul, which are included in the New testament.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Timothy had a Greek father & a Jewish mother named Eunice. Being the product of a "mixed" marriage, he was considered illegitimate by the Jews. It was his grandmother, Lois, who first became Christian. Timothy was a convert of Paul's around the year 47 & later joined him in his apostolic work. He was with Paul at the founding of the Church in Corinth.

Titus has the distinction of being a close friend & disciple of Paul, as well as a fellow missionary. He was Greek, apparently from Antioch. Even thought Titus was a Gentile, Paul would not let him be forced to undergo circumcision at Jerusalem. Titus is seen as a peacemaker, administrator, & great friend. Paul's second letter to Corinth affords us an insight into the depth of his friendship with Titus, & the great fellowship they had in preaching the gospel. When Paul was having trouble with the community at Corinth, Titus was the bearer of Paul's severe letter & was successful in smoothing things out. (Wikipedia-link Second Corinthians)

'Tis also the festival of Saint Paula, Abbess (347-404, of Rome; A.K.A. the Widow): Saint-link ūna, Saints-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Mother of Ss. Eustochium [28 September] & Blaesilla [22 January].

'Tis also the festival of Saint José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, Priest, T.O.S.D. (1840-1914), the "Gaucho priest:" Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Michał Kozal, Bishop & Martyr (1893-1943, also spelt Michaël), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter one, verses one thru eight;
or, the Letter to Titus, chapter one, verses one thru five;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one & two(a), two(b) & three, seven & eight(a), & ten;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter four, verses twenty-six thru thirty-four.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed that "when it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants." It seems to be a law of the spiritual life that God wants good things to start small and grow over time.

We’re tempted to say, "You’re God. Just get on with it. Do it!" But why would God work the way he does? We might attempt a few explanations. It is a commonplace of the Bible that God rejoices in our cooperation. He wants to involve us, through freedom, intelligence, and creativity, in what he is doing. And so he plants seeds, and he wants us to cultivate them.

Consider what God said to St. Francis: "Francis, rebuild my Church." God could have rebuilt his Church without Francis, but he wanted him to get involved.

When things start small, they can fly under the radar while they gain strength and heft and seriousness. Also, those involved can be tested and tried. Suppose you want to do something great in the life of the Church and you pray and God gives you massively what you want. You might not be ready, and your project will peter out. So be patient and embrace the small invitations.

Video reflection by Father Praveen Lakkisetti: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Memorial of Ss. Timothy & Titus
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter one, verses one thru eight;
or, the Letter to Titus, chapter one, verses one thru five;
Psalm Ninety-six, verses one & two(a), two(b) & three, seven & eight(a), & ten;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter ten, verses one thru nine.

†

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Psalms, psalm forty-two (verses one thru twelve);
The Book of Psalms, psalm forty-three (verses one thru five);
The Book of Sirach, chapter two (verses one thru eighteen).

Commentary: Longing for God's Presence in the Temple (Psalms 42-43), the beginning of the Second Book (Psalms 42-72); Duties toward God (Sirach, 2:1-18).

Saint Quote o' the Day

"A quarrel between friends, when made up, adds a new tie to friendship."
—St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church (1567-1622, feast day: 24 January)

The Popish Plot
Fermentation Friday: "Infusions"