Saints + Scripture

The Popish Plot
Taco Tuesday: "Fat Tuesday"

'Tis the festival of Saint Fulcran, Bishop (died 1006, of Lodève): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Jordan of Saxony, Religious, O.P. (circa 1190-1237, A.K.A. Jordan de Alamania): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Archangela Girlani, Religious, O.Carm (1460-1495, A.K.A. Eleanora Girlani): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '16 & Wayback Machine '17.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Letter of James, chapter one, verses twelve thru eighteen;
Psalm Ninety-four, verses twelve & thirteen(a), fourteen & fifteen, & eighteen & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter eight, verses fourteen thru twenty-one.

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

Friends, a few days ago, we read about Jesus’ multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Then in today’s Gospel, which takes place just a few verses later, the disciples ask again about bread. But Jesus turns their attention elsewhere.

He warns them about "the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." What does he mean by this? He’s referring to the contagious and dangerous "food" offered by these leaders. For example, the Pharisees knew the Law of God but used it to oppress people rather than liberate them. They could point out, with great accuracy and articulation, the wicked things that people were doing, in order to bring those people down, to humiliate them.

Beware of that sort of food, Jesus suggests. Instead, seek the true bread of heaven, which multiplies grace upon grace.

Video reflection by Father James Vacco, O.F.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Since baptism is a true entry into the holiness of God through incorporation into Christ & the indwelling of His Spirit, it would be a contradiction to settle for a life of mediocrity, marked by a minimalist ethic & a shallow religiosity."
—Pope St. John Paul II (the Great; 1920-2005, feast day: 22 October)