Saints + Scripture: Holy Week

The Popish Plot
Vlog Post: "Why Do You Welcome Jesus?"

Commentary: Welcome to day six of The Popish Plot's "Turn It Up to 11" fête!

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Tuesday of Holy Week
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty-nine, verses one thru six;
Psalm Seventy-one, verses one & two, three & four(a), five(a/b) & six(a/b), & fifteen & seventeen;
The Gospel according to John, chapter thirteen, verses twenty-one thru thirty-three, thirty-six, thirty-seven, & thirty-eight.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus foretells the denial of Peter, which is fulfilled in the account of the Passion. Peter later denies Jesus three times before the cock crows and, remembering Jesus’ prediction, breaks down and weeps.

After the Resurrection, Peter and the other disciples returned to Galilee to work as fishermen again, and there spotted Jesus on the far shore. As Jesus draws Peter back into his circle of intimacy, we witness a beautiful act of spiritual direction. Three times the Lord asks Peter whether he loves him, and three times Peter affirms it: "Lord, you know that I love you."

St. Augustine was the first to comment that the threefold statement of love was meant to counteract the threefold denial. Peter emerges as the archetype of the forgiven and commissioned church, for after each of his reaffirmations, Peter hears the command to tend the sheep. Once we are brought back into friendship with Jesus, we are called to love those whom he loves.

Video reflection by Sr. Johnice Rzadkiewicz, C.S.S.F.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

†

Otherwise, 27 March would be the festival of Saint Rupert of Salzburg, Bishop & Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 660-718, A.K.A. of Worms), founding abbot of St. Peter's Abbey: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Frowin of Engelberg, Abbot, O.S.B. (died 1178): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Francesco Faà di Bruno, Priest (1825-1888), founder of the Minim Sisters of Saint Zita: Blessed-link ūnus, Blessed-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Sisters (Italian).

Commentary: Also a noted mathematician, for whom is named Faà di Bruno's Formula: Wikipedia-link Formula.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Have I lost the joy of the marvel of the first encounter with Jesus? Today is a day for listening."
—Pope Francis

Little Flower Quote o' the Day

"My life is but an instant, an hour that passes by."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with God. Speak with familiarity & confidence as to your dearest & most loving friend. Speak of your life, your plans, your troubles, your joys, & your fears. In return, God will speak to you—not that you will hear audible words in your ears, but words that you will clearly understand in your heart. These may be feelings of peace, hope, interior joy, or sorrow for sin… gentle knockings at the door of your heart."
—St. Alphonsus Ligouri, Doctor of the Church (1696-1787, feast day: 1 August)