Commentary: Several years hence I received a bookmark bearing the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa & the Jasna Góra Monastery, a gift from Red Patton, a good-hearted infidel (raised a Lutheran), brought back from a tour through Poland. I use that particular bookmark to mark my place in The Pocket Guide to the Saints, meaning I use it every day, a welcome reminder of both my dear friend & the graciousness of Our Lady.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Alexander of Bergamo, Martyr (died circa 303), martyred in the reign of the emperors Diocletian & Maximian: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.
Commentary: Wayback Machine.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Bregwin of Canterbury, Bishop (died 764, also spelt Bregowine): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars, Religious, H.A.D. (1843-1897), foundress of the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link H.A.D.
Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Book of Ruth, chapter two, verses one, two, three, & eight thru eleven & chapter four, verses thirteen thru seventeen;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-eight, verses one(b) & two, three, four, & five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-three, verses one thru twelve.
Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, our Gospel for today focuses on the pitfalls and ideals of religious leadership. This is a week when priests, ministers, and preachers have to preach to themselves. Jesus turns his sharp eye and withering critique on the many ways that religious leaders fall into corruption.Video reflection by Mimika Garesché: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
It is hard to miss the practical application of these texts to our troubled time, a period when clerical corruption and misconduct has been vividly on display. Jesus makes a distinction of capital importance. "The scribes and Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all the things they tell you." The Lord reminds us that they do sit legitimately in teaching offices and that their teaching should be, accordingly, respected.
In the fourth century, St. Augustine faced the challenge of the Donatists. They claimed that only pure and morally upright priests could legitimately dispense the sacraments. Augustine said, no, the personal evil of a minister does not compromise the validity of what he does sacramentally.
This principle is of great significance. Augustine says in imitation of Christ, there can be evil men who do and teach the works of God.
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