Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
Joachim is described as a rich & pious man, who regularly gave to the poor. At the temple, Joachim's sacrifice was rejected, as the couple's childlessness was interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure. Joachim consequently withdrew to the desert, where he fasted & did penance for forty days. Angels then appeared to both Joachim & Anne to promise them a child. Joachim later returned to Jerusalem & embraced Anne at the city gate, located in the Walls of Jerusalem. An ancient belief held that a child born of an elderly mother who had given up hope of having offspring was destined for great things.'Tis also the festival of Blessed John Ingram, Priest & Martyr, S.J. (1565-1594), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, one of the one hundred fifty-eight Martyrs of Douai: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link Douai & Wikipedia-link Douai.
'Tis also the festival of Blesseds Robert Nutter, O.P. & Edward Thwing, Priests & Martyrs (died 1600), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, two of the Eighty-five Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link Romeo November & Wikipedia-link Romeo November, Martyr-link Echo Tango & Wikipedia-link Echo Tango; Martyrs-link England & Wales & Wikipedia-link England & Wales.
Commentary: Bl. Robert is the brother of the priest & martyr Bl. John Nutter [12 February].
'Tis also the festival of Blessed William Ward, Priest & Martyr (circa 1560-1641, A.K.A. William Webster), martyred in the reign of the Anglo-Scottish king Charles I, one of the one hundred fifty-eight Martyrs of Douai: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link Douai & Wikipedia-link Douai.
We also commemorate Servant of God Jacques Hamel, Priest & Martyr (1930-2016), martyred by Muslim jihadists loyal to Daesh (I.S.I.L., the "Islamic State"), as he celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Normandy.
Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
The Book of Exodus, chapter twenty, verses one thru seventeen;
Psalm Nineteen, verses eight, nine, ten, & eleven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter thirteen, verses eighteen thru twenty-three.
Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus explains the parable of the sower. Let’s study each part of his explanation.Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The seed sown on the path is “the one who hears the word without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown.” This means we might end up blocked from God because we lack education in the ways of the Spirit.
The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who “receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time.” When difficulties and persecutions arrive, he loses confidence.
“The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” Some people hear the word, but then they are unable to maintain their focus and sense of prioritization.
So from these sad cases we can construe the nature of good soil. When we understand the faith, when we take the time to read theology, to study the Scriptures; when we persevere, discipline ourselves, and practice the faith; when we have our priorities straight; then the seed will take root in us. And it will bear fruit thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold.
Mass Readings—Memorial of Ss. Joachim & Anne
The Book of Sirach, chapter forty-four, verses one & ten thru fifteen;
Psalm One Hundred Thirty-two, verses eleven, thirteen & fourteen, & seventeen & eighteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter thirteen, verses sixteen & seventeen.
Papal Quote o' the Day
"Heat & food are not enough; there is also the heart; we must think of the heart of our old people. The Lord said that parents must be respected & loved, even when they are old."Saint Quote o' the Day
—Pope Ven. John Paul I (1912-1978)
"The Lord is more anxious to forgive our sins than a woman is to carry her baby out of a burning building."
—St. Jean Vianney (1786-1859, feast day: 4 August)
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