Saints + Scripture: Ordinary Time

Better Late than Never | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

Welcome to Ordinary Time: Wikipedia-link.

'Tis the festival of Saint Macrina the Elder (circa 270-340, A.K.A. of Caesarea): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Mother & mother-in-law of Ss. Basil the Elder & Emmelia [30 May] & grandmother of Ss. Basil the Great [2 January], Peter of Sebaste [9 January], Gregory of Nyssa [10 January], Macrina the Younger [19 July], & Naucratius [?].

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Odo of Novara, Priest, O.Cart. (circa 1105-1200, also spelt Odon): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Petrus Donders, Priest, C.Ss.R. (circa 1807-1887; A.K.A. Peerke Donders, Anglicized as Peter Donders): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Alfonsa Clerici, Religious, S.P.S. (1860-1930): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter one, verses one thru six;
Psalm Ninety-seven, verses one & two(b), six & seven(c), & nine;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses fourteen thru twenty.

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

Friends, our Gospel today is Jesus’ inaugural address, setting the tone for the whole of his preaching. Mark tells us that he was proclaiming the Good News of God, and that this was "the time of fulfillment."

Something was being brought to completion. What was it? It was everything that the Old Testament had spoken of. Jesus gathered up in his person everything that Israel was about—and this is why his presence was so compelling and why following him was of paramount importance. This is why he says, "Repent and believe in the gospel." The Good News is him. So now it’s time to make a decision.

Friends, this is the whole story. Everything else is commentary. We are meant to see ourselves in Simon and Andrew, in James and John. When Jesus passes by, we have to respond. The time is now. They got this, and that’s why they responded so promptly.

Now here’s the catch: to follow him means to do what he does, to call other people to the kingdom. "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." That line is addressed to all of us, to all the baptized, to all the disciples.

Video reflection by Monsignor James Vlaun: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Scripture Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of the Proverbs, chapter fourteen (verses one thru thirty-five).

Commentary: Wise Sayings of Solomon (cont'd; Proverbs, 14:1-35).

Scripture Study—Historical Books
The Book of Judges, chapter six (verses eleven thru forty);
The Book of Judges, chapter seven (verses one thru eight).

Commentary: The Call of Gideon (Judges, 6:11-27), Gideon Destroys the Altar of Baal (11:28-35), the Sign of the Fleece (11:36-40), & Gideon's Army Selected (7:1-8).

Proverb o' the Day (14:3)

The talk of a fool is a rod for his back,
but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"We may be tempted to show respect only for the great ones of the earth & to reserve our love for our own family & friends. But Christ teaches us that, for good or ill, what we do to the least of our brothers & sisters we do to Him."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, feast day: 22 October)

Little Flower Quote o' the Day

"It is impossible for me to become great, so I must bear with myself & my many imperfections."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"After I recognized that there is a God, it was impossible for me not to live for Him alone."
—Bl. Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916, feast day: 1 December)