Saints + Scripture

'Tis the festival of Saint Simeon (first century B.C.), who upon holding the Christ Child uttered the words immortalized as the Nunc dimittis (A.K.A. the Canticle of Simeon): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Nunc dimittis.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Reparata, Virgin & Martyr (died circa 250), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperor Decius, a victim of his empire-wide persecution: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Persecutions-link & Wikipedia-link Persecution.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Felix of Como, Bishop (died circa 391), inaugural (I) Bishop of Como: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link Como & Wikipedia-link Como.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Pelagia the Penitent, Hermitess (fifth century, the "Beardless Hermit;" A.K.A. the Harlot, of Antioch, Margarita): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Keyne, Virgin (fifth century; also spelt Kenya, Ceinwan, etc.), namesake of a village build upon the site of her hermitage: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link St. Keyne.

Commentary: Aunt of St. Cadoc [25 September].

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Tuesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
The Book of Jonah, chapter three, verses one thru ten;
Psalm One Hundred Thirty, verses one(b) & two, three & four(a/b), & seven & eight;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter ten, verses thirty-eight thru forty-two.

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

Friends, today’s Gospel is the story of Martha and Mary. I’d like to offer a fresh take on this famous little story. One of the principal marks of Jesus’ teaching and ministry is the overturning of social conventions. And one of the most striking and surprising of Jesus’ moves was a radical inclusion of women.

While this typically women’s work was going on, men would sit out in the main room of the residence and talk. If a prominent rabbi or Pharisee were present, the men would sit at his feet and listen to his words.

Now we can see why Mary’s attitude was so offensive to Martha and probably to everyone else in the room. Martha wasn’t simply mad that Mary was giving her more work to do; she was mad that Mary had the gall to assume the stance of a man, to take up her position in the men’s space.

In his response to Martha’s complaint, Jesus signals more than a preference for listening over acting; he invites a woman into full participation in the life of discipleship. "Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

Video reflection by Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Scripture Study—Exodus 90: Day 91: Decision Dome, Day 16
The Book of Joshua, chapter eight, verses ten thru twenty-three.

Commentary: Capture & Destruction of Ai (cont'd; Joshua, 8:10-23).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Change must be judged not so much for its own sake for its content, its finality. Is the new of today leading us to a really better Christianity?"
—Pope St. Paul VI (1897-1978, feast day: 29 May)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"When it comes upon me how late I am trying to serve the Church, the obvious answer is, even saints, such as St. Augustine, St. Ignatius, did not begin in earnest till a late age."
—Bl. John Henry Newman (1801-1890, feast day: 9 October)

Chesterton Quote o' the Day

"If we wish to preserve the family we must revolutionize the nation."
—G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936)

Commentary: I can guess at Chesterton's meaning, but context would help to clarify.