Thursday, January 23, 2020

Saints + Scripture

9 Days for Life: Day 3
May every expectant mother receive compassionate care and support as she nurtures the life in her womb.


'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Vincent, Deacon & Martyr (died circa 304; of Saragossa, of Huesca), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Great Persecution: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Persecutions-link & Wikipedia-link Great Persecution.


Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
St. Vincent is Spain's most renowned martyr. Ordained deacon by Bishop [St.] Valerius of Saragossa [22 January], he was taken in chains to Valencia during the Diocletianic Persecution & put to death.
'Tis also the Optional Memorial of Saint Marianne Cope, Virgin, T.O.S.F. (1838-1918, of Moloka'i; baptized Maria Anna Barbara Koob, Americanized as Cope upon immigration): Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duæ, & Wikipedia-link.


Commentary: Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
In 1883, St. Marianne Cope led a group of sisters to the Hawai'ian Islands to care for the poor, especially those suffering from leprosy. In 1888 she went to Kalaupapa, Moloka'i, where she set up a home for girls.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Messalina of Foligno, Virgin & Martyr (died 251), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperor Decius, a victim of the Decian Persecution: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Persecutions-link & Wikipedia-link Decian Persecution.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Amasius of Teano, Bishop (died 356), second (II) Bishop of Teano (346-356): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Teano.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Ormond of Mairé, Abbot (floruit 587, also spelt Armand), abbot of the monastery of Saint Mairé: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo, Bishop & Abbot (circa 607-667; A.K.A. Hildefuns, Dexius), thirty-second (XXXII) Bishop of Toledo (657-667), who participated in the Eighth Council of Toledo (653) & the Ninth Council of Toledo (655): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Toledo, Wikipedia-link VIII Council, & Wikipedia-link IX Council.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
The First Book of Samuel, chapter eighteen, verses six thru nine & chapter nineteen, verses one thru seven;
Psalm Fifty-six (R/. five[b]), verses two & three, nine & ten(a), ten(b) & eleven, & twelve & thirteen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter three, verses seven thru twelve.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus cured so many people that he had to climb into a boat to escape the press of the crowd. To this day the Church carries on his gracious healing ministry.

We recall that the Apostles of Jesus simply continued what the Master did. And one of the principal marks of the Lord’s ministry was clearly healing. There was, of course, a deep biblical conviction that when the day of the Lord arrives, creation would be set right. What we witness in the healings of Jesus is just this repairing of creation.

If you doubt that miracles of physical healing still take place in the life of the Church, I invite you to read Craig Keener’s book
Miracles or visit the Church in Africa, Asia, or Latin America, where the expectation of the miraculous is taken for granted. But the Church also brings healing to mind, soul, will, and imagination. The Bible knows that sin has done tremendous damage to us, and anyone involved in pastoral ministry knows what this looks like: broken minds, divided hearts, addicted passions.
Video reflection by Monsignor James Vlaun (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Vincent
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter four, verses seven thru fifteen;
Psalm Thirty-four (R/. five), verses two & three, four & five, six & seven, & eight & nine;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter ten, verses seventeen thru twenty-two.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Marianne Cope
The Book of Tobit, chapter twelve, verses six thru fourteen(a);
Psalm Thirty-four (R/. two);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses thirty-one thru forty-six
(or, the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses thirty-one thru forty).

Scripture Study—Exodus 90: Day 11
The Book of Exodus, chapter five, verses one thru four.

Commentary: Bricks without Straw (Exodus, 5:1-4).

Papal Quote o' the Day
"How can we genuinely teach the importance of concern for other vulnerable beings if we fail to protect a human embryo, even when its presence is uncomfortable & creates difficulties? 'If personal & social sensitivity towards the acceptance of the new life is lost, then other forms of acceptance that are valuable for society also wither away.'"
—Pope Francis, Laudato Si' № 120 (b. 1936, r. 2013-present)
Saint Quote o' the Day
"Let us make best use of the fleeting moments. They will not return."
—St. Marianne Cope (1838-1918, feast day: 23 January)

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