Saints + Scripture: Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Better Late than Never | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

'Tis the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God: Madonna-link ūna, Madonna-link duæ, Madonna-link tria, Wikipedia-link Madonna, & Wikipedia-link Mater Dei.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
The Book of Numbers, chapter six, verses twenty-two thru twenty-seven;
Psalm Sixty-seven (R/. two[a]), verses two & three, five, & six & eight;
The Letter to the Galatians, chapter four, verses four thru seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses sixteen thru twenty-one.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God.

St. Irenaeus says that, throughout the history of salvation, God was trying on humanity, gradually suiting divinity and humanity to one another—preparing for the Incarnation. All of that preparation was a prelude to the Israelite girl who would say yes to the invitation to be the Mother of God.

To say that Mary is the Mother of God is to insist on the density of the claim that God truly became human. As Fulton J. Sheen commented, Mary is like the moon, for her light is always the reflection of a higher light.

Catholic theology has drawn a further implication from Mary’s status as Mother of God—her role as Mother of the Church. If she is the one through whom Christ was born, and if the Church is indeed Christ’s Mystical Body, then she must be, in a very real sense, the Mother of the Church. She is the one through whom Jesus continues to be born in the hearts of those who believe. This is not to confuse her with the Savior, but it is to insist on her mission as mediator and intercessor.

Video reflection by Paul E. Jarzembowski (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Doctor John Bergsma (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea & the Seven Feast Days after Christmas: 1 January: Mary, Mother of God"

'Tis the Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord, within the Christmastide: Wikipedia-link Octave, Wikipedia-link Christmastide, & Wikipedia-link Twelve Days of Christmas.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 34
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter twenty-three (verses one thru thirty-nine);

Commentary: Jesus Denounces the Hypocrisy of the Scribes & Pharisees (Matthew, 23:1-36) & the Lament over Jerusalem (Matthew, 23:37-39).

'Tis also the World Day of Peace: Pax-link & Wikipedia-link Pax.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"By her motherhood, Mary shows us that humility & tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong."
—Pope Francis (b. 1936, r. 2013-present)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"Live simply so others may simply live."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Time is a gift from God; it is a question posed by God's love to our free & fateful answer. We must be sparing of time in order to use it well in the intense activity of our life of work, love, & suffering. Idleness or boredom has no place in the life of a Christian."
—Pope St. Paul VI (1897-1978, r. 1963-1978; feast: 29 May)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"There was a young doctor in the southern part of the United States who took care of poor Mexican mothers & children. One day he became engaged. The young woman prepared a pre-engagement party, but the night of the party the doctor was called to care for a Mexican woman who was dying in childbirth. He did not go to the party; he saved the mother, & he also saved the child. The girl broke off the engagement. The doctor had his office above a grocery store, with a sign down below telling that his office was on the second floor. When he died after living in poverty, people wondered how he could ever be repaid for what he had done. Finally, they took the sign from the grocery store at the foot of the stairs, & they put it on his coffin. Everyone who saw his nameplate understood what his life of pain had brought him to: 'Doctor Updike, upstairs.'"
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

Saints + Scripture: Octave of Christmas

Better Late than Never | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

The Popish Plot
"Bonus: We Can't Use Any of This"

'Tis the Sixth Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, within the Christmastide: Wikipedia-link Octave, Wikipedia-link Christmastide, & Wikipedia-link Twelve Days of Christmas.

Commentary: Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea & the Seven Feast Days after Christmas: 30 December: The Holy Family."

The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus. Mary, & Joseph is a moveable feast, celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas Day, this year falling on 27 December, overriding the Feast of Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist. If Christmas Day itself falls on a Sunday, then the following Sunday is 1 January, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God; in that case, the Feast of the Holy Family is then celebrated on 30 December, the nearest day without another feast it would displace.

Saints of the Day
'Tis the festival of Saint Felix I, Pope (died 274), twenty-sixth (XXVI) Bishop of Rome (269-274): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Pontifex-link & Wikipedia-link Pontifex.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Anysia of Salonika, Martyr (284-304), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Diocletianic Persecution (303-313): Martyr-link ūna, Martyr-link duæ, & Wikipedia-link; Persecutions-link, Wikipedia-link Diocletian ūnus, Wikipedia-link Diocletian duo, & Wikipedia-link Diocletian trēs.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Anysius of Thessalonica, Bishop (died circa 410), Bishop of Thessalonica (383-410): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Egwin of Evesham, Bishop, O.S.B. (died 717, A.K.A. of Worcester; also spelt Ecgwine, etc.), third (III) Bishop of Worcester (693-717), founder of the Abbey of Evesham (701): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Worcester, & Abbey-link & Wikipedia-link Evesham.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Raoul of Vaucelles, Abbot, O.Cist. (died 1152; A.K.A. Radolph, Rodulphe), founding abbot of Vaucelles Abbey (1132-1152): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Margherita Colonna, Abbess, O.S.C. (circa 1255-1284), founding superioress of a convent at Palestrina: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Eugenia Maria Ravasco, Religious (1845-1900), foundress of the Ravasco Institute, formally the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
The First Letter of John, chapter two, verses twelve thru seventeen;
Psalm Ninety-six (R/. eleven [a]), verses seven & eight(a), eight(b) & nine, & ten;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses thirty-six thru forty.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel concludes Luke’s account of the Presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple.

The Presentation of the Lord goes on now in our churches, in our temples, at the Mass. We say that the Mass is the source and summit of the Christian life, for it effects even now, applies even now, the salvific power of the cross.

And at the heart of the Mass, of course, is the Eucharist, which means thanksgiving. Listen to what Luke says about the prophetess Anna, who was a temple person through and through. Upon seeing the Christ child, "she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem."

That’s our task and our privilege even now.

Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D. (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Doctor John Bergsma (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Daily Reflection.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 32
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter twenty-one (verses one thru forty-six);

Commentary: Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem (Matthew, 21:1-11), Jesus Cleanses the Temple (Matthew, 21:12-17), Jesus Curses the Fig Tree (Matthew, 21:18-22), the Authority of Jesus Questioned (Matthew, 21:23-27), the Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew, 21:28-32), the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew, 21:33-41), & the Stone Which the Builders Rejected (Matthew, 21:42-46).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"No human riches could offer a fitting setting for the human birth of the eternal Son of God. Only that poverty, that abandonment, that crib, that night at Bethlehem cold provide it. It was fitting that He would not find lodging in that town."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"The first requirement of prayer is silence. People of prayer are people of silence."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"I cannot see why a Christian should be in the least bit troubled about the virgin birth, because there's a virgin birth in us all. Everyone who becomes a Christian has Christ in him. Christ is born & conceived in everyone by baptism. There is first of all the renewal crisis in the intellect so that, Paul says, we 'put on the mind of Christ.' He is in the will, as grace & power. And He is in our body, because our body, becomes the temple of God. The convert (it's easy to understand in a convert because one can always distinguish the before & after state) can often say: 'Oh, yes, at this precise date I heard the word of God. And the word was born in me so that I have His truth & His grace, & He's living inside of my body.' There is conception by perception, conception by the hearing of the word of God."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

Saints + Scripture: Octave of Christmas

Simplex Complex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

'Tis the Fifth Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, within the Christmastide: Wikipedia-link Octave, Wikipedia-link Christmastide, & Wikipedia-link Twelve Days of Christmas.

Saints of the Day
'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop & Martyr (circa 1118-1170, A.K.A. of Canterbury), Archbishop of Canterbury (1162-1170), martyred in the reign of the English king Henry II: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, Martyr-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link & Wikipedia-link Canterbury.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '18.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Trophimus of Arles, Bishop (died circa 280), inaugural Bishop of Arles (250-280): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link & Wikipedia-link Arles.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Ebrulf of Ouche, Abbot (circa 517-596; also spelt Evroul, etc.), founding abbot of the Abbey of Saint-Evroul: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Saint-Evroul.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Ailerán of Clonard, Religious (died circa 664, A.K.A. Ailerán sapientis ["Ailerán the Wise"]): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Peter the Venerable, Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 1092-1156; A.K.A. of Cluny, of Montboissier), ninth (IX) Abbot (1122-1156) of the Abbey of Cluny: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Abbey-link, Wikipedia-link Cluny, & Wikipedia-link Abbots.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Gerardo Cagnoli, Religious, O.F.M. (circa 1267-1342): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed William Howard, Martyr (1614-1680), first Viscount Stafford, martyred in the reign of the Anglo-Scottish king Charles II, a victim of the perjurer Titus Oates's "Popish Plot" hoax: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Popish Plot-link & Wikipedia-link Popish Plot.

Commentary: Grandson of St. Philip Howard [19 October], one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales [25 October].

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
The First Letter of John, chapter two, verses thre thru eleven;
Psalm Ninety-six (R/. eleven[a]), verses one & two(a), two(b) & three, & five(b) & six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses twenty-two thru thirty-five.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel tells the story of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple.

The Presentation of Jesus, perfected on the cross, is re-presented every time the Mass is celebrated. The Mass is certainly a festive meal, the moment when God feeds his people with his very Body and Blood; but the Mass is also a sacrifice, for it involves the offering of Jesus’ Body and Blood to the Father.

The Son, bearing the sins of the world, is presented to the Father: "Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, for ever and ever." Does God need this sacrifice? Of course not; God needs nothing. But our salvation is effected through this Presentation, for we are brought back to the Father through the Son.

Video reflection by Deacon Arthur L. Miller (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter two, verses eight thru thirteen & chapter three, verses ten, eleven, & twelve;
Psalm Thirty-four (R/. five), verses two & three, four & five, six & seven, & eight & nine;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter sixteen, verses twenty-four thru twenty-seven.

Commentary: Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea & the Seven Feast Days after Christmas: 29 December: Saint Thomas Becket"

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 31
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter twenty (verses one thru thirty-four);

Commentary: The Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew, 20:1-16), a Third Time Jesus Foretells His Death & Resurrection (Matthew, 20:17-19), the Request of the Mother of James & John (Matthew, 20:20-28), & Jesus Heals Two Blind Men (Matthew, 20:29-34).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Would it not be beautiful if Christmas were to generate the inner Christ within us: a habit of meditation, a living memory of the great Mystery that we have solemnly commemoriated; a persuasion of faith, now acquired & confirmed? We must live our lives in union with Christ's life."
—Pope St. Paul VI (1897-1978, r. 1963-1978; feast: 29 May)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"There is more hunger in the world for love & appreciation in this world than for food."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Catholic Quote o' the Day

"Our life is a gift & a giving to others; therefore it is joy at a profound level. Anyone who seriously makes this idea his own & begins to practice it will find it to be true; he will discover that the will to live it out, that is, to accept everything as a gift from God, can transform our life right down to its roots."
—Servant of God Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"The Magi came from the East. How did they know about Christ? Probably from the prophecy of Daniel concerning the seventy weeks of years; they counted the revolution of the stars. In any case, they knew, & they brought gold because He was king, incense because He was a priest, but also myrrh. That's the way He was buried, with a hundred pounds of spices & myrrh. What would our mothers have thought if the neighbors brought in embalming fluid when we were born? Everywhere there was the shadow of suffering."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

Saints + Scripture: Feast of the Holy Innocents

Simplex Complex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

The Popish Plot
"The Holy Innocents in Christmas"

'Tis the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs (A.K.A. the Massacre of the Innocents): Martyrs-link ūnus, Martyrs-link duo, Martyrs-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth Minute Meditations from the Popes:

O Lord, today we commemorate the sacrifice of the Holy Innocents. But the innocents are still dying; may I fight with all my might & resources to pretect them.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of the Holy Innocents
The First Letter of John, chapter one, verse five thru chapter two, verse two;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-four (R/. seven), verses two & three, four & five, & seven(c/d) & eight;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter two, verses thirteen thru eighteen.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel tells the story of Herod’s massacre of the innocents, which mimics, of course, Pharoah’s murder of the male children of the Hebrews at the time of Moses’ birth.

John Courtney Murray commented that a major motif of the Gospels is the ever-increasing agon (struggle) that characterizes Jesus’ life. From the very beginning, he is opposed: Herod trembles in fear at his birth and then tries in the most brutal manner possible to stamp him out, forcing him and his family into exile. And from the first moments of his public ministry, he awakens fierce opposition, from both the cosmic powers and the representatives of the religious establishment. As the narrative unfolds, the warfare only becomes more intense, verbal violence giving way to threats of physical harm and finally to institutional violence that culminates in execution by crucifixion.

The theological meaning of this struggle is made clear in Peter’s post-Pentecost speech to the crowds gathered in the temple precincts: "You rejected the Holy and Righteous One… and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead." The opposition to Jesus is divine judgment on the dysfunction of the world.

Video reflection by Monsignor James Vlaun (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Curtis Mitch (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea & the Seven Feast Days after Christmas: 28 December: The Holy Innocents."

'Tis the Fourth Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, within the Christmastide: Wikipedia-link Octave, Wikipedia-link Christmastide, & Wikipedia-link Twelve Days of Christmas.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 30
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter nineteen (verses one thru thirty);

Commentary: Teachings about Divorce (Matthew, 19:1-12), Jesus Blesses the Children (Matthew, 19:13-15), & the Rich Young Man (Matthew, 19:16-30).

Other Saints of the Day
'Tis also the festival of Saint Theonas of Alexandria, Bishop (died 300), sixteenth (XVI) Patriarch of Alexandria (282-300): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Alexandria & Wikipedia-link Patriarchs.

'Tis also the festival of Saints Romulus & Conindrus, Bishops (died circa 450), missionary bishops to the Isle of Man: Saint-link Romeo, Saint-link Charlie, & Wikipedia-link (List).

'Tis also the festival of Saint Anthony of Lérins, Religious (circa 468-520, A.K.A. the Hermit): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Matthia dei Nazzarei, Abbess, O.S.B. (1253-1319), abbess of the convent of Santa Maria Maddalena (1279-1319): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Santa Maria Maddalena.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Caterina Volpicelli, Religious (1839-1894), foundress of the Maids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1874): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Hryhoriy Khomyshyn, Bishop & Martyr (1867-1947, A.K.A. Grzegorz Chomyszyn), Bishop of Stanislaviv (1904-1947, now Ivano-Frankivsk), martyred in the reign of the Soviet Communist dictator Joseph Stalin, one of the twenty-five Martyrs Killed under Communist Regimes in Eastern Europe: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Stanislaviv, & Martyrs-link Eastern Europe.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Human life is sacred. From its inception it reveals the creating hand of God. Those who violate His laws offend the Divine Majesty & degrade themselves & humanity. They also sap the vitality of the political community of which they are members."
—Pope St. John XXIII (1881-1963, r. 1958-1963; feast: 11 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"I did not know that our work would grow so fast or go so far. I never doubted that it would live but I didn't think it would be like this. Doubt I never had because I had this conviction that if God blesses it, it will prosper."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Amid all the fear that characterizes our time, we Christians are summoned to live in joy & communicate joy—joy in spite of fear, joy in the midst of fear."
—Servant of God Hans Urs von Balthsar (1905-1988)

Saints + Scripture: Feast of the Holy Family

Better Late than Never | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

The Popish Plot
"Bonus: Before & After Filming"

'Tis the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph: Holy Family-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine Holy Family.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph
The Book of Sirach, chapter three, verses two thru six, twelve, thirteen, & fourteen;
or, the Book of Genesis, chapter fifteen, verses one thru six & chapter twenty-one, verses one, two, & three;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-eight (R/. cf. one), verses one & two, three, & four & five;
or, Psalm One Hundred Five (R/. seven[a] & eight[a]), verses one & two, three & four, five & six, & eight & nine;
The Letter to the Colossians, chapter three, verses twelve thru twenty-one
(or, the Letter to the Colossians, chapter three, verses twelve thru seventeen);
or, the Letter to the Hebrews, chapter eleven, verses eight, eleven, twelve, seventeen, eighteen, & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses twenty-two thru forty
(or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses twenty-two, thirty-nine, & forty).

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel tells the story of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple. We are meant to understand that the glory of Yahweh is returning to the temple in the arms of Mary and Joseph, thus fulfilling one of the deepest aspirations of Israel’s people.

Now, there is more to this story than the return of the Lord to his temple. The Son of God, having taken to himself a human nature, is presented to the Father, and thereby the human race is brought back on line. This little baby is the reconciliation of divinity and humanity, is the very essence of temple sacrifice.

At the climax of his life, this baby, now come of age, would enter the temple again. This time, he would pass judgment on it and declare his own body as the new Temple. A few days later, on the cross, he would perform the final temple sacrifice, o

Video reflection by Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M. (U. S. C. of Catholic Bishops): Sunday Reflection.

Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D. (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Breaking the Bread.

'Tis the Third Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, within the Christmastide: Wikipedia-link Octave, Wikipedia-link Christmastide, & Wikipedia-link Twelve Days of Christmas.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 29
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter eighteen (verses one thru thirty-five);

Commentary: True Greatness (Matthew, 18:1-4), Temptations to Sin (Matthew, 18:5-9), the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew, 18:10-14), Binding & Loosing of Sins (Matthew, 18:15-20), Repeated Forgiveness (Matthew, 18:21-22), & the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew, 18:23-35).

Saints of the Day
Otherwise, 27 December would be the festival of Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist (circa 6-101, the "Beloved Disciple" or "the Disciple whom Jesus loved;" A.K.A. of Patmos, the Divine, the Theologian, the Revelator, the Presbyter, the Elder): Apostle-link ūnus, Apostle-link duo, Apostle-link trēs, Wikipedia-link Apostle, Wikipedia-link Evangelist, Wikipedia-link Patmos, Wikipedia-link Presbyter, & Wikipedia-link Disciple; Apostles-link & Wikipedia-link Apostles.

Commentary: Wayback Machine 27 December. Brother of fellow Apostle St. James the Greater [25 July].

Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea & the Seven Feast Days after Christmas: 27 December: Saint John the Apostle".

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Maximus of Alexandria, Bishop (died 282), fifteenth (XV) Patriarch of Alexandria (264-282): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Alexandria & Wikipedia-link Patriarchs.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Nikarete of Constantinople, Virgin (died circa 405): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Saints Theodorus of Apamea, Priest & Martyr, & Theophanus of Nicaea, Bishop & Confessor (circa 775-842 & circa 778-845; A.K.A. the Hymnographer, the Branded), Metropolitan of Nicaea (842-845); the Grapti ("written upon"), martyred & persecuted in the reign of the Byzantine emperor Theophilos, victims of the Byzantine iconoclastic heresy: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link Theodorus, Confessor-link & Wikipedia-link Theophanus; Wikipedia-link Nicaea; & Heresy-link & Wikipedia-link Iconoclasm.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Christina Ebner, Abbess, O.P. (1277-1356), prioress of the monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Engeltal: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Sára Salkaházi, Religious & Martyr, S.S.S. (1899-1944), martyred in the reign of the Hungarian Nazi puppet dictator Ferenc Szálasi: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Odoardo Focherini, Martyr (1907-1944), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, one of the Righteous among the Nations: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Righteous among the Nations.

Commentary: Bl. Sára & Bl. Odoardo were martyred on the same day, 27 December 1944.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"The measure of our love cannot be found simply in the weak capacity of the human heart. We must love according to the measure of the Heart of Christ. With renewed conviction, proclaim your fidelity to Christ, the Redeemer of humanity."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Bonus! Papal Quote o' the Day

"When we read that the messenger addresses Mary as 'full of grace,' the Gospel context, which mingles revelations & ancient promises, enables us to understand that among all the 'spiritual blessings in Christ' this is a special 'blessing.' In the mystery of Christ she is present even 'before the creation of the world,' as the one whom the Father 'has chosen as Mother of His Son in the Incarnation."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saints + Scripture: Adventus | Christmas Eve

Simplex Complex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

'Tis the Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve-link & Wikipedia-link.

Saints of the Day
'Tis the festival of Saint Gregory of Spoleto, Priest & Martyr (died circa 304), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Diocletianic Persecution (303-313): Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Persecutions-link, Wikipedia-link Diocletian ūnus, Wikipedia-link Diocletian duo, & Wikipedia-link Diocletian trēs.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Delphinus of Bordeaux, Bishop (died circa 404), Bishop of Bordeaux (380-404), a foe of the Priscillianist heresy: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link (List); Wikipedia-link Bordeaux, & Heresy-link & Wikipedia-link Priscillianism.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Trasilla, Virgin (floruit sixth century): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Sister of St. Emiliana [5 January], sister-in-law of St. Silvia of Rome [3 November], & descendant of Pope St. Felix III [1 March].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Irmina of Oeren, Abbess, O.S.B. (died circa 710, A.K.A. of Trier), second (II) abbess of Saint Mary's Convent at Oeren, donor of the land for the Abbey of Echternach: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Abbey-link & Wikipedia-link Echternach.

Commentary: Daughter of St. Dagobert [23 December]; sister, or possibly mother, of St. Adela of Pfalzel [see: below]; & possibly great-great grandmother of Bl. Charlemagne [28 January].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Adela of Pfalzel, Abbess, O.S.B. (died 735), foundress & second (II) abbess of the Convent of Palatiolum: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Daughter, or possibly granddaughter, of St. Dagobert [23 December] & sister, or possibly daughter, of St. Irmina of Oeren [see: above].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Hanno of Worms, Bishop & Abbot, O.S.B. (died 978) ninth (IX) Bishop of Worms (950-978), abbot of the Monastery of Saint Mauritius at Magdeburg (937-950): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Ignacio Caselles Garcia, Priest & Martyr, O.F.M. Cap. (1874-1936, A.K.A. Juan Crisóstomo of Gata de Gorgos), martyred by Spanish Communist "Republicans" (Rojos), one of the Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link (List); Martyrs-link España & Wikipedia-link España.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Mass in the Morning
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter seven, verses one thru five, eight(b) thru twelve, fourteen(a), & sixteen;
Psalm Eighty-nine (R/. two), verses two & three, four & five, & twenty-seven & twenty-nine;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses sixty-seven thru seventy-nine.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel contains the prayer of Zechariah at the birth of his son, John the Baptist.

This prayer is especially precious to priests, religious, and all those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours on a daily basis. It’s called the "Benedictus," from its first word in Latin, or the "Canticle of Zechariah." What’s wonderful about this prayer (and why the Church asks its ministers to pray it every day) is that it sums up magnificently the whole history of salvation, putting Jesus and John in the context of the great story of Israel.

In the canticle, Zechariah poignantly addresses the infant John the Baptist, saying, "You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High." He calls him by this high name of prophet, nabi in Hebrew—a spokesman for God. All of the prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Joel, Hosea—looked toward the fulfillment of the covenant, the conquest of Israel’s enemies, the establishment of right worship. John is seen here as the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets. His role is, like all the prophets, to "go before the Lord to prepare his way." His job is to point, explain, indicate—and then disappear.

Reflect: John the Baptist said about Jesus, "He must increase; I must decrease" (John 3:30). What does this mean and how might it apply to you as well?

Video reflection by Deacon Clarence McDavid (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Mass Readings—Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord: Vigil Mass
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-two, verses one thru five;
Psalm Eighty-nine (R/. two[a]), verses four & five, sixteen & seventeen, & twenty-seven & twenty-nine;
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter thirteen, verses sixteen, seventeen, & twenty-two thru twenty-five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses one thru twenty-five (or, the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses eighteen thru twenty-five).

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 26
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter fifteen (verses one thru thirty-nine);

Commentary: The Tradition of the Elders (Matthew, 15:1-9), Things That Defile a Man (Matthew, 15:10-20), the Canaanite Woman's Faith (Matthew, 15:21-28), Jesus Heals Many People (Matthew, 15:29-31), & Feeding the Four Thousand (Matthew, 15:32-39).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Tomorrow, no tonight, we shall contemplate Him, meek & mild, a child like any other 'born of woman.' We shall be invited to admire & recognize Him, just as the shepherds once did. He will bestow 'grace & peace' on 'all God's beloved who are called to be Saints.'"
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy. He, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast: 28 August)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"A Jewish scholar who became a Christian & who knew the Old Testament very well & all of the tradition of the Jews, said that at the time of Christ the rabbis had gathered together four hundred fifty-six prophecies concerning the Messiah, the Christ, the conqueror of evil who was to be born & to enter into a new covenant with mankind. Suppose the chances of any one prophecy being fulfilled by accident, say the place where he would be born, was one in a hundred. Then, if two prophecies were fulfilled, the chances would be on in a thousand. If three prophecies were to coincide in Christ, that would be one in ten thousand. If four, one in a hundred thousand. If five, one in a million. Now if all of these prophecies were fulfilled in Christ, what would be the chance of them all concurring at the appointed moment, not only in place but also in time, as was foretold by the prophet Daniel? Take a pencil & write on a sheet of paper the numeral one, & draw a line beneath it. Under the line write eighty-four, & after eighty-four, if you have time, write one hundred twenty-six zeros. That is the chance of all of the prophecies of Christ being fulfilled. It runs into millions & millions, trillions & trillions."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

Saints + Scripture: Adventus

Better Late than Never | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

'Tis the Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea on the Seven 'O Antiphons' of Advent, Part 7: O Emmanuel (O God with Us)"

Saints of the Day
'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint John of Kanty, Priest (1390-1473, also spelt John Cantius): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Dagobert, Martyr (circa 650-679, King Dagobert II of Austrasia), martyred by his godson John: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Father of Ss. Irmina of Oeren & Adela of Pfalzel [24 December].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Frithubeorht of Hexham, Bishop (died 766, also spelt Frithbert), eighth (VIII) Bishop of Hexham (734-766): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link & Wikipedia-link Hexham.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Hartmann of Brixen, Bishop (circa 1090-1164; A.K.A. Armand, Artmanno), Bishop of Brixen (1140-1164): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Brixen.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Thorlack of Iceland, Bishop, O.S.A. (1133-1193, A.K.A. Thorlak Thorhallsson), sixth (VI) Bishop of Skálholt (1178-1193): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Skálholt.

'Tis also the festival of Saint John Stone, Religious & Martyr, O.S.A. (died circa 1539), martyred in the reign of the English king Henry VIII, during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Dissolution of the Monasteries, & Martyrs-link England & Wales & Wikipedia-link England & Wales.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Anthony of Saint Ann, Priest, O.F.M. (1739-1822, "Frei Galvão;" A.K.A. Antônio Galvão de Franca), co-founder of the monastery of Our Lady of the Conception of Divine Providence: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Final Advent Days (23 December)
The Book of Malachi, chapter three, verses one thru four, twenty-three, & twenty-four;
Psalm Twenty-five, verses four & five(a/b), eight & nine, & ten & fourteen
(R/. cf. the Gospel according to Luke, chapter twenty-one, verse twenty-eight);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses fifty-seven thru sixty-six.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel tells the story of the birth and naming of John the Baptist.

This story brings John’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, into focus. Both are strongly priestly personages. Elizabeth is a descendant of the family of Aaron, the first priest of Israel, and Zechariah was a practicing temple priest.

What’s important for our purposes is that John was of very priestly stock. He grew up in and around the temple, acquainted with its rituals. So why, when we first hear of him in his adult life, is he out in the desert and not in the temple?

The temple had been renovated, largely rebuilt, by Herod the Great. But Herod was a wicked man, as we know from the Gospels themselves and from lots of other ancient sources. He had effectively declared himself the Messiah of Israel.

John saw how corrupt all of this was, and he sensed that the true Messiah was on the horizon. So he went away from the old temple, and he continued to act as a priest, but as priest of a new Temple: Jesus himself, the new Holy of Holies.

Reflect: What does it mean to say that Jesus himself is the new Temple?

Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D. (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Doctor John Bergsma (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Daily Reflection.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. John of Kanty
The Letter of James, chapter two, verses fourteen thru seventeen;
Psalm One Hundred Twelve (R/. one; or, "Alleluia"), verses one(b/c) & two, three & four, five & seven, six & eight, & nine;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter six, verses twenty-seven thru thirty-eight.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 25
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter fourteen (verses one thru thirty-six);

Commentary: The Death of John the Baptist (Matthew, 14:1-12), Feeding the Five Thousand (Matthew, 14:13-21), Jesus Walks on the Sea (Matthew, 14:22-33), & Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret (Matthew, 14:34-36).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"All of us must be believers in peace, for ourselves & for the world, the peace that begins in our own hearts when we renounce hatred & evil & seek to overcome evil with good. When it comes to peace we must be true believers; we must not lose hope in the message of Christmas."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"In God we live & move & have our being. It is God Who gives life to all, Who gives power & being to all that exists. But for His sustaining presence, all things would cease to be & fall back into nothingness. Consider that you are in God, surrounded & encompassed by God, swimming in God."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"May the Child Jesus be the star that guides you through the desert of your present life."
—St. Pius of Pietrelcina, O.F.M. Cap. ("Padre Pio," 1887-1968, feast: 23 September)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"When we say that God became man, we do not mean to say that heaven was empty. That would be to think of heaven as a kind of space, like a room that was twenty by thirty feet. When God came to this world, He did not leave heaven empty. When He came to this world, He was not shaved down, whittled down to human proportions. Rather, Christ was the life of God dwelling in human flesh. Saint Thomas Aquinas includes a very beautiful description of this in one of his hymns. He said, 'The heavenly word proceeding forth, yet leaving not the Father's side.'"
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

Saints + Scripture: Adventus

Better Late than Never, Simplex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

The Popish Plot
"The Good Theology of 'Connection'"

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

Commentary: Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea on the Seven 'O Antiphons' of Advent, Part 5: O Oriens (O Dayspring)"

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Final Advent Days (21 December)
The Song of Songs, chapter two, verses eight thru fourteen;
or, the Book of Zephaniah, chapter three, verses fourteen thru eighteen(a);
Psalm Thirty-three (R/. one[a] & three[a]), verses two & three, eleven & twelve, & twenty & twenty-one;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses thirty-nine thru forty-five.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel tells the marvelous story of the Visitation. At the Annunciation, the angel had told Mary that the child to be conceived in her would be the new David.

With that magnificent prophecy still ringing in her ears, Mary set out to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was married to Zechariah, a temple priest. No first-century Jew would have missed the significance of their residence being in the hill country of Judah.

That was precisely where David found the ark, the bearer of God’s presence. To that same hill country now comes Mary, the definitive and final Ark of the Covenant.

Elizabeth is the first to proclaim the fullness of the Gospel: "How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"—the Lord, which is to say, the God of Israel. Mary brings God into the world, thus making it, at least in principle, a temple.

And then Elizabeth announces that at the sound of Mary’s greeting, "the infant in my womb leaped for joy." This is the unborn John the Baptist doing his version of David’s dance before the ark of the covenant, his great act of worship of the King.

Reflect: Can you feel the joy in this Gospel passage? When have you experienced such joy in your life of faith?

Video reflection by Monsignor James Vlaun (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Curtis Mitch (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Daily Reflection.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Peter Canisius
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter four, verses one thru five;
Psalm Forty (R/. eight[a] & nine[a]), verses two & four, seven & eight(a), eight(b) & nine, ten, & eleven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter five, verses thirteen thru nineteen.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 23
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter twelve (verses one thru fifty);

Commentary: Plucking Grain on the Sabbath (Matthew, 12:1-8), the Man with a Withered Hand (Matthew, 12:9-14), God's Chosen Servant (Matthew, 12:15-21), Jesus & Beelzebul (Matthew, 12:22-32), a Tree & Its Fruit (Matthew, 12:33-37), the Sign of Jonah (Matthew, 12:38-42), the Return of the Unclean Spirit (Matthew, 12:43-45), & the True Kindred of Jesus (Matthew, 12:46-50).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Do not be afraid to commit your life for others. Do not shy away from problems. Do not try to compromise wirth mediocrity or conformity. It is time to assume your responsibilities, to become involved, not to run away."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"Life is full of paradoxes. I have found that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"God loves each of us as if there were onely one of us."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast: 28 August)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"There are two verses in scripture, one from Isaiah & the other from the Epistle to the Hebrews, which seem to be contradictory. Isaiah says that our Lord was reckoned with the transgressors, or sinners. The Epistle to the Hebrews says that He was separated from sinners. He was one with them & at the same time not with them. He was reckoned with sinners, inasmuch as in His human nature He took upon Himself all the penalties of sin. He was separated simply because He was God & also because, even in His human nature, He was like us in all things, save sin."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

Saints + Scripture: IV Sunday of Advent

Simplex Complex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

'Tis the Fourth Sunday of Advent: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea on the Seven 'O Antiphons' of Advent, Part X: O Clavis David (O Key of David)"

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter seven, verses one thru five, eight(b) thru twelve, fourteen(a), & sixteen;
Psalm Eighty-nine (R/. two[a]), verses two & three, four & five, & twenty-seven & twenty-nine;
The Letter to the Romans, chapter sixteen, verses twenty-five, twenty-six, & twenty-seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six thru thirty-eight.

Commentary: Advent Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel shows how Mary became the mother of all the members of the Body of Christ.

At the Annunciation, the angel declared to the maiden of Nazareth: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God." The two persons required for the Incarnation were, in other words, the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother.

Then we recall that, from the cross, Jesus pronounced this word to St. John: "Son, behold your mother." He was giving Mary not only to John, but through John to the whole Church. Mary would be the mother of all the beloved disciples of Jesus up and down the centuries.

Now we can make the connection: in becoming the mother of Christ, Mary, by extension, would become mother of all of those members of Christ’s Mystical Body across space and time. Just as the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother were required to bring about the Incarnation in history, so those same two agents are required to bring about the birth of Christ in our souls.

Reflect: How can you rely on the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother to bring about the birth of Christ more vividly in your own soul?

Video reflection by Mrs. Lauri Przybysz (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Sunday Reflection.

Video reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire): Sunday Sermon.

Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D. (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Breaking the Bread.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 22
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter eleven (verses one thru thirty);

Commentary: Rewards (cont'd; Matthew, 11:1), Messengers from John the Baptist (Matthew, 11:2-6), Jesus Praises John the Baptist (Matthew, 11:7-19), Jesus Upbraids the Unrepentant Cities (Matthew, 11:20-24), & Jesus Thanks His Father (Matthew, 11:25-30).

†

Saints of the Day
Otherwise, 20 December would be the festival of Saint Zephyrinus, Pope (died 217), fifteenth (XV) Bishop of Rome (199-217): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Pontifex-link & Wikipedia-link Pontifex.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Ursicinus of Cahors, Bishop & Abbot (died circa 595), Bishop of Cahors (582-595): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link & Wikipedia-link Cahors.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Ursicinus of Saint-Ursanne, Abbot (died circa 625; also spelt Hursannus, Ursitz, etc.), founding abbot of a monastery at Saint-Ursanne: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Saint-Ursanne.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Dominic of Silos, Priest & Abbot, O.S.B. (1000-1073), rebuilding abbot of the Abbey of Saint Sebastian (1041-1073, later renamed Santo Domingo de Silos), abbot of the Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, Saint-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Santo Domingo & Wikipedia-link San Millán.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Thomas of Dover, Religious & Martyr, O.S.B. (died 1295; A.K.A. Thomas Hales, Thomas de Halys), martyred during the plundering of Priory of Saint Mary the Virgin & Saint Martin of the New Work (A.K.A. Dover Priory) by French pirates: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Dover.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Vincenzo Romano, Priest (1751-1831, the "Worker Priest"): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Michał Piaszczyński, Priest & Martyr (1885-1940), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, one of the One Hundred Eight Blessed Polish Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link Polska & Wikipedia-link Polska.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Faith & life. These are nothing less than the realities in which we are immersed, & they are the goals to which we would draw attention. Keep them particularly in mind during the coming happy occasion."
—Pope St. Paul VI (1897-1978, r. 1963-1978; feast: 29 May)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"One thing I ask of you: Never be afraid of giving. There is a deep joy in giving, since what we receive is much more than what we give."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"He Who createdus without our help will not save us without our consent."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast: 28 August)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"When our Lord comes, it will not be just to judge the one circumscribed area of the earth in which He labored & revealed Himself. It will be to reveal Himself & to judge all nations & all empires. When that time is, nobody knows. He refuses to tell us. He only says that it will be sudden, like a flash of lightning. He, the Savior, is the judge. What a beautiful way to have a judgment. Can you imagine any earthly judge saying to a criminal before him: you were guilty, I am going to take all of your sins & crimes upon myself. I will suffer for you. What a judge he would be? But our Blessed Lord took upon Himself all of our sin as we stood before the bar of divine justice, & He who suffered for us will come to judge us. What a judgment it will be when we will see One who loved us so much."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

Saints + Scripture: Adventus

Better Late than Never | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

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

Commentary: Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea on the Seven 'O Antiphons' of Advent, Part 3: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)"

NEW! — № | ūnus | duo | trēs
Saints of the Day
'Tis the festival of Saint Fausta of Sirmium (floruit third century): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Mother of St. Anastasia of Sirmium [25 December].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Boniface of Tarsus, Martyr (died circa 307, A.K.A. of Cilicia), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperors Galerius & Maxentius, a victim of the Diocletianic Persecution (303-313); one of two namesakes of Rome's Basilica dei Santi Bonifacio e Alessio: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Persecutions-link, Wikipedia-link Diocletian ūnus, Wikipedia-link Diocletian duo, & Wikipedia-link Diocletian trēs; & Wikipedia-link Santi Bonifacio e Alessio.
№
'Tis also the festival of Saint Anastasius I, Pope (died circa 401), thirty-ninth (XXXIX) Bishop of Rome (399-401), a foe of the Donatist heresy: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Pontifex-link & Wikipedia-link Pontifex; & Heresy-link & Wikipedia-link Donatism.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Konrad of Lichtenau, Priest & Abbot, O. Praem. (died 1240), abbot of the Abbey of Ursberg (1230-1240): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Ursberg.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Urban V, Pope, O.S.B. (1310-1370, A.K.A. Guillaume de Grimoard), two hundredth (CC) Bishop of Rome (1362-1370) & sixth (VI) Avignon Pope, abbot of the Abbey of Saint-Victor (1361-1362), abbot of the monastery of Saint-Germain en Auxerre (1352-1361): Blessed-link ūnus, Blessed-link duo, Blessed-link trēs, Blessed-link quattuor, & Wikipedia-link; Pontifex-link, Wikipedia-link Pontifex, & Wikipedia-link Avignon; & Wikipedia-link Saint-Victor.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Maria Marta of Jesus, Prioress & Martyr (1879-1942; A.K.A. Kazimiera Wołowska, Marta Wołowska), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, one of the One Hundred Eight Blessed Polish Martyrs: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link (List, № 7); Martyrs-link Polska & Wikipedia-link Polska.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed René Dubroux, Priest & Martyr, M.E.P. (1914-1959), martyred by the Panthet Lao Communists, one of the seventeen Martyrs of Laos: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Laos.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Final Advent Days (19 December)
The Book of Judges, chapter thirteen, verses two thru seven, twenty-four, & twenty-five(a);
Psalm Seventy-one (R/. cf. eight), verses three & four(a), five & six(a/b), & sixteen & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses five thru twenty-five.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, our Gospel today is from the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, which is thoroughly drenched in Davidic themes from the Old Testament.

The first thing we hear about Zechariah is that he serves as priest in the Jerusalem temple; and David’s dream was to build the temple in which Zechariah serves. While in the sanctuary, Zechariah is visited by the angel Gabriel; and the temple locale and the announcement of the birth of a child against all expectations brings us back to Hannah’s pregnancy, which resulted in the birth of the forerunner to David. Indeed, Elizabeth’s words upon conceiving—“So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others”—powerfully evoke Hannah’s frame of mind when she, after many tears and much prayer, finally became pregnant.

What does this have to do with the life of Jesus? From beginning to end of his preaching career, Jesus’ central theme was the arrival of the kingdom of God, which was understood to mean the ingathering of the scattered tribes of Israel. And what becomes eminently clear in all of the Gospels is that this coming together would happen in and through Jesus himself, much as the knitting together of ancient Israel happened in the person of David. Jesus definitively fulfills what David himself left incomplete and unfinished.

Reflect: In his wisdom and power, God arranged for certain people to aid in the mission of his Son (e.g., the birth of John the Baptist from a barren mother and the sinlessness of Jesus’ mother, Mary). Who has God put in your life to help you fulfill the mission he has entrusted to you?

Video reflection by Marc DelMonico, Ph.D. (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 21
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter ten (verses one thru forty-two);
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter eleven (verse one).

Commentary: The Twelve Disciples (Matthew, 10:1-4), the Mission of the Twelve (Matthew, 10:5-15), Coming Persecutions (Matthew, 10:16-25), Whom to Fear (Matthew, 10:26-33), Taking Up One's Cross (Matthew, 10:34-39), & Rewards (Matthew, 10:40-11:1).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"It is felt right that a shepherd should bestow great care & watchfulness upon his flock."
—Pope St. Anasatius I, Pope (d. 401, r. 399-410; feast: 19 December)

Bonus! Papal Quote o' the Day

"No one can really enjoy Christmas without sharing that joy with those who, on this blessed day, still need food, work, a home, medical care, a friend, comfort, or faith. The religious spirit of Christmas must find its expression in generosity."
—Pope St. Paul VI (1897-1978, r. 1963-1978; feast: 29 May)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, & they pass by themselves without wondering."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast: 28 August)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"He dies in the great city of Jerusalem that indeed His crucifixtion may be known to a great many of all, but the glory of His birth is hidden in the least of the cities."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

Saints + Scripture: Adventus

Simplex Complex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

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

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

Commentary: Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea on the Seven 'O Antiphons' of Advent, Part 2: O Adonai (O Leader)"

Saints of the Day
'Tis the festival of Saint Gatianus of Tours, Bishop (died circa 301), inaugural Bishop of Tours (249-301): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link & Wikipedia-link Tours.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Auxentius of Mopsuetia, Bishop (died circa 360), Bishop of Mopsuetia (?-360): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Mopsuetia.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Flannán of Killaloe, Bishop & Abbot (floruit 640, A.K.A. Flannán mac Toirrdelbaig), inaugural Bishop of Killaloe: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Killaloe.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Desiderius of Fontenelle, Religious, O.S.B. (died circa 700): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Samthann of Clonbroney, Abbess (died 739), second (II) abbess of Clonbroney Abbey: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Winebald of Heidenheim, Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 701-761), founding abbot of the double monastery of Heidenheim am Hahnenkamm (742-761): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Heidenheim am Hahnenkamm.

Commentary: Son of St. Richard the Pilgrim [7 February], nephew of St. Boniface [5 June], & brother of Ss. Willibald [7 June] & Walpurga [5 February].

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Nemesia, Religious (1847-1916, A.K.A. Giulia Valle): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Final Advent Days (18 December)
The Book of Jeremiah, chapter twenty-three, verses five thru eight;
Psalm Seventy-two (R/. cf. seven), verses one & two, twelve & thirteen, & eighteen & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses eighteen thru twenty-five.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel centers on one of the most beloved figures in Christian history: Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. He’s featured in countless works of art and is prominent in the devotional lives of many. Yet we know almost nothing about him. The scant verses here in Matthew offer the most extensive description, yet even they reveal some powerful spiritual themes.

First, we discover Mary was betrothed to Joseph and this union had been blessed by God. But then Joseph finds his betrothed is pregnant. Can you imagine the distress? This must have been an emotional maelstrom for him. And at a deeper level, it was a spiritual crisis. What did God want him to do?

But then an angel appears to him in a dream and tells him, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home." He realizes at that moment that these puzzling events are part of God’s much greater plan. What appears to be a disaster from his perspective is meaningful from God’s perspective.

Joseph was willing to cooperate with the divine plan, though he in no way knew its contours or deepest purpose. Like his wife, Mary, at the Annunciation, he trusted and let himself be led.

Reflect: What, in your own life, "appeared to be a disaster but was meaningful from God’s perspective" when you viewed it in hindsight and with the eyes of faith?

Video reflection by Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M. (U.S. Conf. of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Doctor John Bergsma (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Daily Reflection.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 20
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter nine (verses one thru thirty-eight);

Commentary: Jesus Heals a Paralytic (Matthew, 9:1-8), the Call of Matthew (Matthew, 9:9-13), the Question about Fasting (Matthew, 9:14-17), a Girl Restored to Life & a Woman Healed (Matthew, 9:18-26), Jesus Heals Two Blind Men (Matthew, 9:27-31), Jesus Heals a Man Who Was Mute (Matthew, 9:32-34), & the Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Are Few (Matthew, 9:35-38).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Let our God-Man return among us, our Lord acknowledged & obeyed, as at every Christmas time. Christ returns in spirit to the crib & offers Himself to all."
—Pope Ven. Pius XII (1876-1958, r. 1939-1958)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"To women: You & I—being women—we have this tremendous gift: the gift of understanding love. I see that so beautifully in the people we serve, in our poor women, who day after day, meet suffering, accept suffering for the sake of their children. I have seen mothers going without so many things, even resorting to begging, so that their children may have what they need."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast: 28 August)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"Now the one man who might be inclined to doubt the virgin birth, on natural grounds, was the man who writes it in his gospel, namely Saint Luke. I say on natural grounds because Luke was a physician & yet, it's the medical doctor who sets down the virgin birth & tells us most about it."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)