Saints + Scripture

The Popish Plot
"Bible Bites for 18 September 2019"

'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.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Eumenes the Thaumaturgus, Bishop (third century): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: "Thaumaturgus" is an epithet meaning "Wonder-worker" (miracle-worker).

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

'Tis also the festival of Saint Richardis of Andlau, Religious, O.S.B. (circa 839-896; A.K.A. of Swabia, of Alsace; also spelt 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 (A.K.A. the 108 Martyrs of World War II): Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link Polska & Wikipedia-link Polska.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Tempus per annum
The First Letter to Timothy, chapter three, verses fourteen, fifteen, & sixteen;
Psalm One Hundred Eleven, verses one & two, three & four, & five & six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter seven, verses thirty-one thru thirty-five.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel the Pharisees compare the eating habits of John the Baptist, who fasted, and Jesus, who dined with sinners. In the carefully stratified society of Jesus’ time, a righteous person would never associate with the unrighteous for fear of becoming unclean.

But here is Jesus, scandalizing everyone because he does indeed break down these barriers. How would you feel if you saw me socializing with prostitutes and drug dealers, eating and drinking with terrorists? Would it shock you, dismay you, disappoint you? But this is what Jesus did, precisely because he is the Incarnation of the God who aggressively seeks out the lost.

God looks for us, comes running after us, never lets go, never relents, never gives up. The more we run, the more he runs after; the more we hide, the more he looks; the more we resist, the more he persists. God loves sinners and associates with them.

Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D.: 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 times. However, it has a tone of tenderness & of strength that keeps us from evil & saves us."
—Pope St. John XXIII ("Good Pope John," 1881-1963; feast day: 11 October)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing is so gentle as real strength."
—St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church (1567-1622, feast day: 24 January)