Saints + Scripture: Better Late Than Never

'Tis the Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin & Martyr (circa 230-251; of Sicily, of Catania, of Palermo), martyred in the reign of the emperor Decius, a victim of the Decian Persecution: Martyr-link ūna, Martyr-link duae, Martyr-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Saint Aagatha of Sicily is [a] virgin martyr. She is one of seven women who, along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass.

Wikipedia-link Canon of the Mass.

'Tis the festival of Saint Bertulf of Renty, Priest & Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 640-705): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis the festival of Saint Adelaide of Vilich, Abbess, O.S.B. (circa 965-1015; also spelt Adelheid, A.K.A. of Guelders): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis the festival of Blessed Elisabetta Canori Mora, O.SS.T. (1774-1825): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Kings, chapter eight, verses one thru seven & nine thru thirteen;
Psalm One Hundred Thirty-two, verses six & seven & eight, nine, & ten;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter six, verses fifty-three thru fifty-six.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel reports Jesus healing many people at Gennesaret. We hear that people brought the sick from all over the region and all of them were cured. “Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.”

It’s hard to deny that Jesus was known as a healer and a miracle worker. And there is also abundant evidence that the performance of miracles was a major reason why the first preachers were taken seriously.

In addition to miracles, we also have the witness of martyrs. Today marks the memorial of St. Agatha, who died in fidelity to Christ. But her death wasn’t in vain. Her witness continues to shine throughout Sicily and across the world.

Miracles and martyrs: two beacons of light that illuminate the truth of Jesus Christ.

Video reflection by Msgr. James Vlaun (Telecare T.V.): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Memorial of St. Agatha
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter one, verses twenty-six thru thirty-one;
Psalm Thirty-one, verse six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter nine, verses twenty-three thru twenty-six.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Listen & attend with the ear of your heart."
—St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church (1090-1153, feast day: 20 August)