Saints + Scripture: Adventus

The Popish Plot
"Catholic T-shirt Club Unboxing: Christmas"

'Tis the Monday of the Third Week of Advent: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis the festival of Saint Albina of Caesarea, Martyr (died circa 250), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperor Decius, a victim of the Decian Persecution: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Persecutions-link, Wikipedia-link Persecution ūnus, & Wikipedia-link Persecution duo.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Ado of Vienne, Bishop, O.S.B. (died circa 875), Archbishop of Vienne (860-875): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link Vienne & Wikipedia-link Vienne.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Nicholas Chrysoberges, Bishop (died circa 996, A.K.A. Nicholas II of Constantinople), ninety-seventh (XCVII) Patriarch of Constantinople (984-996): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Constantinople.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Adelaide of Italy (circa 931-999, A.K.A. of Burgundy), Holy Roman Empress: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Sebastian Maggi, Priest, O.P. (1414-1496): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Honorat of Biała, Priest, O.F.M. Cap. (1829-1916, A.K.A. Florentyn Wacław Koźmiński): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Monday of the Third Week of Advent
The Book of Numbers, chapter twenty-four, verses two thru seven, fifteen, sixteen, & seventeen(a);
Psalm Twenty-five (R/. four), verses four & five(a/b), six & seven(b.c), & eight & nine;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-one, verses twenty-three thru twenty-seven.

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

Friends, in today’s Gospel the chief priests and elders question Jesus: "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?"

The Greek word used for "authority" is most enlightening: exousia. It means, literally, "from the being of." Jesus speaks with the very exousia of God, and therefore, his words effect what they say. He says, "Lazarus, come out!" and the dead man comes out of the tomb. He rebukes the wind and says to the sea, "Be still!" and there is calm. And the night before he dies, he takes bread and says, "This is my body." And what he says is.

Friends, this is the authority of the Church. If we are simply the guardians of one interesting philosophical perspective among many, then we are powerless. If we rely on our own cleverness in argumentation, then we will fail. Our power comes—and this remains a great mystery—only when we speak with the authority of Jesus Christ.

Reflect: How can the Church, or any of its members, speak with the authority of Jesus Christ?

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

Video reflection by Oscar Rivera (uCatholic): Advent Reflection.

"Advent of Hope" reflection (Array of Hope):

When we have discussions about our faith, we tend to tread lightly around various topics and conversations in fear of retaliation from those around us. The same thing is happening in today’s Gospel. When the Chief Priests and elders questioned where Jesus’ authority came from, He replied with a question that they could not truthfully answer for fear of the crowds. crowds. Because they provided Jesus with an answer that would keep them “safe”, they never received their answer from the Lord.

Do we often protect ourselves from sharing the truths found within our Christian faith in fear of what our family, friends, and acquaintances may think? Have we become too apprehensive in our conversations when sharing about Jesus? When we allow our fears or anxieties to get a hold of us, we miss out on fruitful conversations that could potentially lead to conversion, healing, and even clarity for those who need it. It only takes one impactful conversation to plant seeds and transform hearts. So why not begin today?

As we continue our Advent Journey, let us boldly proclaim the truths that our Lord has revealed to us. Today, share His Good News with your family, friends, or loved ones. Let us drive away any fear that comes within our hearts knowing that the One who is coming will provide the graces we need to share His Love to others.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"O Eternal Word of the Father, Son of God & of Mary, renew in our hearts the miracle of Your birth. Clothe again with immortality the children You have redeemed, enkindle our love, bind all in Your Mystical Body."
—Pope John XXIII (1881-1963, feast day: 11 October)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Could it be that one reason for the lack of vocations is our failure to stress sacrifice? The young have a sense of victimhood that we underestimate. They want a mission, a challenge!"
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

Chesterton Quote o' the Day

"Literature has almost failed in endeavouring to describe happiness as a state."
—G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936)