Saints + Scripture: Eastertide — Better Late than Never

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'Tis the festival of Blessed Alcuin of York, Deacon & Abbot (730-804): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Dunstan, Bishop & Abbot, O.S.B. (909-988, of Canterbury), who as abbot introduced the Benedictine Rule at the Abbey of Glastonbury: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Rule, Wikipedia-link Abbey, & Wikipedia-link Abbots.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Nephew of St. Athelm [8 January], also an Archbishop of Canterbury, & kinsman of St. Ælfheah the Bald [12 March].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Celestine V, Pope, O.S.B. Cel. (circa 1210-1296, A.K.A. Pietro Angelerio, of Morrone), one hundred ninety-second (CXCII) Bishop of Rome, founder of the Celestines, a branch of the Benedictines: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff & Wikipedia-link O.S.B. Cel..

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Peter Wright, Priest & Martyr, S.J. (1603-1651), martyred in the reign of the English warlord Oliver Cromwell: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Theophilus of Corte, Priest, O.F.M. (1676-1740, A.K.A. Biagio Arrighi): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Easter Weekday: Mass in the Morning
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twenty-eight, verses sixteen thru twenty, thirty, & thirty-one;
Psalm Eleven, verses four, & five & seven;
The Gospel according to John, chapter twenty-one, verses twenty thru twenty-five.

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

Friends, today in the Gospel Jesus rebuffs Peter’s question about the fate of John. “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” The undercurrent here is the promise of eternal life, the union of divinity and humanity, and the call to follow Jesus. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning or wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.”

Think of the oceans of tears that have been shed by suffering humanity up and down the ages. Think of the agony caused by sickness, by psychological torment, and by the death of loved ones. It will all be swallowed up, washed away, taken up into a higher place.

And what makes all of this possible? Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. He is the reconciliation of divinity and humanity; he is the new Jerusalem; he is the accomplishment of the covenant.

Video reflection by Harry Dudley, D.Min.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday: Vigil Mass
The Book of Genesis, chapter eleven, verses one thru nine;
or, the Book of Exodus, chapter nineteen, verses three thru eight(a) & sixteen thru twenty(b);
or, the Book of Ezekiel, chapter thirty-seven, verses one thru fourteen;
or, the Book of Joel, chapter three, verses one thru five;
Psalm One Hundred Four, verses one & two, twenty-four & thirty-five, twenty-seven & twenty-eight, & twenty-nine & thirty;
The Letter to the Romans, chapter eight, verses twenty-two thru twenty-seven;
The Gospel according to John, chapter seven, verses thirty-seven, thirty-eight, & thirty-nine.

Mass Readings—Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday: Extended Vigil Mass
The Book of Genesis, chapter eleven, verses one thru nine;
Psalm Thirty-three, verses ten & eleven, twelve & thirteen, & fourteen & fifteen;
The Book of Exodus, chapter nineteen, verses three thru eight(a) & sixteen thru twenty(b);
The Book of Daniel, chapter three, verses fifty-two, fifty-three, fifty-four, fifty-five, & fifty-six;
or, Psalm Nineteen, verses eight, nine, ten, & eleven;
The Book of Ezekiel, chapter thirty-seven, verses one thru fourteen;
Psalm One Hundred Seven, verses two thru nine;
The Book of Joel, chapter three, verses one thru five;
Psalm One Hundred Four, verses one & two, twenty-four & thirty-five, twenty-seven & twenty-eight, & twenty-nine & thirty;
The Letter to the Romans, chapter eight, verses twenty-two thru twenty-seven;
The Gospel according to John, chapter seven, verses thirty-seven, thirty-eight, & thirty-nine.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"May Jews, Christians, & Muslims find in other believers brothers & sisters to be respected & loved."
—Pope Benedict XVI (born 1927, reigned 2005-2013)

Little Flower Quote o' the Day

"Each time I needed food for the souls in my charge, I always found my hands filled. Had I relied on my own strength, I should very soon have been forced to surrender."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Be brave, because I am going to Paradise; but I shall always remain with you, too; I shall never abandon you!"
—St. Clelia Barbieri (1847-1870, feast day: 13 July)