Saints + Scripture

'Tis the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop & Doctor of the Church, C.O., O.M., O.F.M. Cap. (1567-1622, the "Gentleman Saint"), author of the classic, Introduction to the Devout Life; co-founder of the Visitation Sisters, formally the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (V.H.M.): Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, Doctor-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Doctors-link & Wikipedia-link Doctors; & Wikipedia-link Introduction, Order-link V.H.M., & Wikipedia-link V.H.M.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He became noted for his deep faith & his gentle approach to the religious divisions in his land resulting from the Protestant "Reformation." He is known also for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction & spiritual formation.

Quoth Minute Meditations from the Popes:

O Lord, St. Francis de Sales spoke about how people can encounter You in the ordinary circumstances of their life. May his life & teachings call me to a greater commitment to spiritual growth.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Felician of Foligno, Bishop & Martyr (circa 158-250), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperor Decius, a victim of the Decian Persecution; first bishop to receive the pallium: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution, Pallium-link, & Wikipedia-link Pallium.

'Tis also the festival of Blesseds William Ireland, Priest (S.J.) & John Grove, Martyrs (died 1679, A.K.A. William Ironmonger), martyred in the reign of the Anglo-Scottish king Charles II, victims of the perjurer Titus Oates's "Popish Plot" hoax: Martyr-link Whiskey India, Martyr-link Juliett Golf, & Wikipedia-link; Popish Plot-link & Wikipedia-link Popish Plot.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Marie Poussepin, Religious, T.O.S.D. (1653-1744), foundress of the Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Order-link.

'Tis also the festival of the Martyrs of Pratulin (died 1874, A.K.A. the Martyrs of Podlasie), martyred in the reign of the Russian emperor Alexander II: Martyrs-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter seven, verse twenty-five thru chapter eight, verse six;
Psalm Forty, verses seven & eight(a), eight(b) & nine, ten, & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter three, verses seven thru twelve.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel we read about crowds coming to Jesus for healing and deliverance. We hear that people brought the sick from all over the region, as well as those troubled by unclean spirits.

Now, I realize that we today might be a bit skeptical of such miraculous healings. But it’s hard to deny that Jesus was known as a healer and a miracle worker. And there is abundant evidence that the performance of miracles was a major reason why the first preachers were taken seriously.

Have there been miracle workers and miraculous places up and down the centuries? Yes indeed. But the Church has customarily done this work through its hospitals and clinics, through figures such as John of God, Catherine of Siena, and Teresa of Calcutta. But the Church also serves through its sacraments, which heal sin-sick souls.

This is the apostolic dimension of the Church’s life, and without it, it would no longer be the Church. Parishes, parish priests, missionaries, servants of the poor and sick—the whole apostolic life of the Church is represented here.

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

Mass Readings—Memorial of St. Francis de Sales
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter three, verses eight thru twelve;
Psalm Thirty-seven, verse thirty(a);
The Gospel according to John, chapter fifteen, verses nine thru seventeen.

Scripture Study—Exodus 90: Day 4
The Book of Exodus, chapter two, verses one thru ten.

Commentary: Birth & Youth of Moses (Exodus, 2:1-10).

The Imitation of Christ
Book I: Useful Admonitions for the Spiritual Life
Chapter 4: "On Being Prudent in What We Accept & Do"
Chapter 5: "On the Reading of Holy Scripture"

Papal Quote o' the Day

"If you nourish your life with personal & liturgical prayer, if you are supported by the advise of a spiritual guide, you will not be afraid to face the world. On the contrary, you will face it with a calm, positive, & open mind."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, feast day: 22 October)

Little Flower Quote o' the Day

"I cherish the hope that one day Thou wilt swoop down upon me & carry me up until I am lost, a willing victim, in the fiery heart of the furnace of Love."
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Have patience with all things—but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being."
—St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church (1567-1622, feast day: 24 January)