'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Callistus I, Pope & Martyr (died circa 222; also spelt Callixtus), sixteenth (XVI) Bishop of Rome (217-222), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperor Severus Alexander, superintendent of the Catacombs of Callixtus: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, Martyr-link trēs, Martyr-link quattuor, & Wikipedia-link; Pontifex-link & Wikipedia-link Pontifex; & Wikipedia-link Catacombs.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Donatian of Reims, Bishop (died circa 390; also spelt Donat, Donas), seventh (VII) Bishop of Reims (361-390): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link & Wikipedia-link Reims.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Fortunatus of Todi, Bishop (died 537), Bishop of Todi: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Todi.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Angadrisma of Beauvais, Abbess, O.S.B. (circa 615-696; also spelt Angadrême, Andragasyna, etc.), abbess at Oroër-des-Vierges: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.
Commentary: Cousin of the bishop St. Lambert of Lyon [14 April].
'Tis also the festival of Blessed Richard Creagh, Bishop & Martyr (1523-1586), Archbishop of Armagh (1564-1586), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, one of the Irish Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link & Wikipedia-link Armagh; & Martyrs-link Éire & Wikipedia-link Éire.
'Tis also the festival of Blessed Franciszek Rosłaniec, Priest & Martyr (1889-1942), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, one of the One Hundred Eight Blessed Polish Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link (List, № 23); Martyrs-link Polska & Wikipedia-link Polska.
'Tis also the festival of Blessed Roman Lysko, Priest & Martyr (1914-1949), martyred in the reign of the Communist dictator Joseph Stalin: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.
Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
The Letter to the Galatians, chapter five, verses eighteen thru twenty-five;
Psalm One, verses one & two, three, & four & six
(R/. cf. the Gospel according to John, chapter eight, verses twelve);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter eleven, verses forty-two thru forty-six.
Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus turns his withering critique on the ways that religious leaders fall into corruption: “Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces.” He also expresses this judgment in Matthew’s Gospel: “All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.” Phylacteries were strips of cloth inscribed with scriptural quotations. A pious Jew would wear them as a sign of devotion.Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D. (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.
Well, why not widen them, and show people how pious you are. Let them see me kneel and pray ostentatiously. Religious people and especially religious leaders can be tempted to use the law and morality as a means of inflating the ego.
Now, what all of this does is to keep one locked in the prison of his own egotism. This sort of religious person has not escaped from himself in order to explore the infinite mystery of God; he is locked in a little, cramped prison, looking at himself.
To be great is to be a servant: lowly, simple, often forgotten. Eschew marks of respect; don’t seek them. Be satisfied with doing your work on behalf of God’s kingdom, whatever it is.
Video reflection by Doctor John Bergsma (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Daily Reflection.
Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Callistus I
The First Letter of Peter, chapter five, verses one thru four;
Psalm Forty (R/. eight[a] & nine[a]), verses two & four(a/b), seven & eight(a), eight(b) & nine, ten, & eleven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twenty-two, verses twenty-four thru thirty.
Scripture Study—Day 91: Havel Highlands, Day 24
The Book of Ecclesiastes, chapter seven, verses five thru eight.
Commentary: Wisdom & Folly Compared (cont'd; Ecclesiastes, 7:5-8).
Papal Quote o' the Day
"Those who see suffering with merely human eyes cannot understand its meaning. We Christians know that suffering can be converted if we offer it to God. It can become an instrument of salvation, a path to holiness, that helps us to reach Heaven."Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)
"Every moment of prayer, especially before our Lord in the tabernacle, is a sure, positive gain. The time we spend each day sitting with God is the most precious part of the whole day."Saint Quote o' the Day
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)
"We must not be wise & prudent according to the flesh, but, instead, we must be simple, humble, & pure."
—St. Francis of Assisi, O.F.M. (1181-1226, feast: 4 October)
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