'Tis the festival of Saint Pantaleon, Martyr (circa 275-305, also spelt Panteleimon), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Great Persecution; one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution, Helpers-link XIV, & Wikipedia-link XIV.
Commentary: Wayback Machine.
'Tis also the festival of Saints Aurelius & Natalia; Felix & Liliosa; & George, Deacon; Martyrs (died 852), martyred in the reign of the Umayyad emir Abd ar-Rahman II, five of the forty-eight Martyrs of Córdoba: Martyr-link Alpha & Martyr-link November, Martyr-link Foxtrot & Martyr-link Lima, Martyr-link Golf, & Wikipedia-link V; Wikipedia-link Córdoba.
'Tis also the festival of Blessed Robert Sutton, Priest & Martyr (circa 1544-1587), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, one of the Eighty-five Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link LXXXV & Wikipedia-link LXXXV.
'Tis also the festival of Blessed William Davies, Priest & Martyr (circa 1559-1593), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, one of the Eighty-five Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link LXXXV & Wikipedia-link LXXXV.
Scripture of This Day
Mass Readings—Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
The Book of Jeremiah, chapter three, verses fourteen thru seventeen;
The Book of Jeremiah, chapter thirty-one, verses ten, eleven & twelve(a/b/c/d), & thirteen;
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 Father Praveen Lakkisetti: 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 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.
Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Psalms, psalm forty-four (verses one thru twenty-seven).
Commentary: God's Past Favor & Israel's Present Need (Psalm 44).
Papal Quote o' This Day
"Sacred Scripture is not something of the past. The Lord does not speak in the past but speaks in the present, He speaks to us today, He enlightens us, He shows us the way through life, He gives us communion, & thus He prepares us & opens us to peace."Little Flower Quote o' This Day
—Pope Benedict XVI (born 1927, reigned 2005-2013)
"How powerless I am to express in human language the secrets of heaven!"Saint Quote o' This Day
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
"If the Church is able to enter a preparation for the perennial coming of the Holy Spirit, He, the "Light of hearts," will not hesitate to come. He will give Himself for the joy, the light, the fortitude, the apostolic virtue, & the unitive charity that the Church needs today."
—Pope Bl. Paul VI (1897-1978, feast day: 26 September)
No comments:
Post a Comment