Saints + Scripture

The Popish Plot
Taco Tuesday: "Faith, Fun, & Puns"

'Tis the festival of Saint Ariadne of Phrygia, Martyr (died circa 130), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Hygbald, Abbot, O.S.B. (died circa 690; also spelt Hybald, etc.): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Richardis of Andlau, Religious, O.S.B. (circa 839-896; A.K.A. of Swabia, of Alsace, Richgard), Holy Roman Empress, foundress of the Abbey of Andlau: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Joseph of Cupertino, Priest, O.F.M. Conv. (1603-1663, the "Flying Friar;" A.K.A. Giuseppe Maria Desa): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Józef Kut, Priest & Martyr (1905-1942), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, one of the One Hundred Eight Blessed Polish Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link CVIII & Wikipedia-link CVIII.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter twelve, verses twelve, thirteen, fourteen, & twenty-seven thru thirty-one(a);
Psalm One Hundred, verses one(b) & two, three, four, & five;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter seven, verses eleven thru seventeen.

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

Friends, our Gospel today gives us Jesus’ raising of the son of the widow of Nain. This is a prime exemplification of the key Gospel truth that everything Jesus said and did, in one way or another, is an anticipation of his Resurrection. The God of Israel, the God of Jesus Christ, is a God of life, a God of the living. He hates death and the ways of death.

The death in today’s Gospel goes beyond the tragic loss of a loved one, as awful as that is. In the context of Jesus’ time and place, this is a disaster for the widow. There is no social safety net, no insurance, no guaranteed income. Unless she finds kindly neighbors who will support her, she is lost without her husband and, importantly, her "only son." This is why the heart of Jesus is especially moved with pity.

Notice please that the reaction of the bystanders is fear. This is the fear that comes from the turning upside-down of a world. This is also the reaction of the women at the tomb on Easter Sunday morning. An evangelization that isn’t a little scary is an inadequate evangelization.

Video reflection by Dennis Mahaney: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"The voice of the Church is like the voice of a mother: It may seem monotonous at time. However, it has a tone of tenderness & of strength that keeps us from evil & saves us."
—Pope St. John XXIII (1881-1963, feast day: 11 October)

Little Flower Quote o' the Day

"Love proves itself by deeds."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Walk with your feet on earth, but in your heart be in heaven."
—St. John Bosco (1815-1888, feast day: 31 January)