The Popish Plot
Wordy Wednesday: "G. K. Chesterton's The Defendant Book Collaboration"
'Tis the Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr & Deacon (circa 5-34): Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Saint Stephen's Day.
Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
Accused of blasphemy, at his trial, he made a long speech denouncing the Jewish authorities who were sitting in judgment on him & was then stoned to death.Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of St. Stephen
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter six, verses eight, nine, & ten & chapter seven, verses fifty-four thru fifty-nine;
Psalm Thirty-one, verses three(c/d) & four, six & eight(a/b), & sixteen(b/c) & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter ten, verses seventeen thru twenty-two.
Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, today we celebrate the martyrdom of St. Stephen. The Gospel tells us to expect persecution. Martyrs like Stephen are witnesses who have given their lives for the faith, participating in the bloody death of Jesus himself. They are part of the great chorus that gives praise to Christ in heaven. The Lamb has become their shepherd, leading them to springs of life-giving water.Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." This is an eschatological hope, one held out for us in God’s definitive future. But a terrible price was paid, and a terrible war was waged. Their robes are washed clean, but in the blood of the Lamb. Please notice the presence of martyrdom up and down the ages, to the present day. The twentieth was the Christian century with the most martyrs ever—in fact, more than all the other centuries combined. The most persecuted religion on planet earth today is Christianity. St. Stephen, pray for us!
'Tis also the festival of Saint Dionysius, Pope (died 268), twenty-fifth (XXV) Bishop of Rome: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Zosimus, Pope (died 418), forty-first (XLI) Bishop of Rome: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Tathan, Abbot (floruit 540; also spelt Tatheus, Tathai, etc.), founder of the monastery at Caerwent: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.
Papal Quote o' the Day
"The love [couples] pledge is greater than any emotion, feeling, or state of mind, although it may include all of these. It is a deeper love, a lifelong decision of the heart. Even amid unresolved conflicts & confused emotional situations, they daily reaffirm their decision to love, to belong to one another, to share their lives, & to continue loving and forgiving."Little Flower Quote o' the Day
—Pope Francis (born 1936, reigning since 2013)
"Jesus asked nothing of me, & claimed no sacrifice; for a long time He and little Therese had known and understood one another. That day," Thérèse's first communion, "our meeting was more than simple recognition, it was perfect union. We were no longer two"Saint Quote o' the Day
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
"O sweet & gentle Infant of Bethlehem, grant us the gift of sharing with our whole soul in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into other's hearts the peace that at times they seek so openly & that You alone can give them."
—Pope St. John XXIII (1881-1963, feast day: 11 October)
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