JANUARY 28 SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS

“St. Thomas Aquinas”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

JANUARY 28

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR
OF THE CHURCH MEMORIAL 

Biographical Information about St. Thomas Aquinas[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas[2]

Readings and Commentary:

FIRST READING 
Wisdom 7:7-10, 15-16

I prayed, and prudence was given me;
I pleaded, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to scepter and throne,
And deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,
nor did I liken any priceless gem to her,
Because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,
and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.
Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,
And I chose to have her rather than the light,
because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.
Now God grant I speak suitably
and value these endowments at their worth:
For he is the guide of Wisdom
and the director of the wise.
For both we and our words are in his hand,
as well as all prudence and knowledge of crafts.
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Commentary on Wis 7:7-10, 15-16

This selection from the Book of Wisdom is part of Solomon’s speech. Here he recalls that he “prayed” for Wisdom (see also 1 Kings 3:6-9 and 2 Chronicles 1:8-10) and it was given, a great prize valued above his riches. Solomon goes on to pray that he can speak of Wisdom so that he might share what he has learned with others.

CCC: Wis 7:16-17 2501

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

R. (12) Lord, teach me your statutes.

How shall a young man be faultless in bis way?
By keeping to your words. 
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

With all my heart I seek you;
let me not stray from your commands. 
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Within my heart I treasure your promise,
that I may not sin against you. 
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes. 
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of your mouth. 
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
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Commentary on Ps 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

An acrostic poem; each of the eight verses of the first strophe (aleph) begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each verse of the second strophe (beth) begins with the second letter and so on for all 22 letters of the alphabet.

The entire work is in praise of the Law, and the joys to be found in keeping it. It is not "legalism" but a love and desire for the word of God in Israel's Law, which is the expression of the Lord's revelation of himself and his will for man.

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GOSPEL 
Matthew 23:8-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples:
"Do not be called 'Rabbi.'
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father,
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master';
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." 
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Commentary on Mt 23:8-12

Jesus has launched an attack on the Jewish leadership for their authoritarian style: placing burdens on the people and seeking places of honor and titles for themselves. In this selection he describes his example of spiritual leadership. He speaks of the humility he exemplifies, placing God the Father in the place of the one true master with all who follow him as servants. See also Luke 14:11.

The selection promotes an interpretation of Christian leadership which is one of humility and compassion rather than one of prideful superiority. “These verses, warning against the use of various titles, are addressed to the disciples alone. While only the title 'Rabbi' has been said to be used in addressing the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:7), the implication is that Father and 'Master' also were. The prohibition of these titles to the disciples suggests that their use was present in Matthew's church. The Matthean Jesus forbids not only the titles but the spirit of superiority and pride that is shown by their acceptance. Whoever exalts . . . will be exalted: cf. Luke 14:11.”[3]

CCC: Mt 23:9 2367; Mt 23:12 526
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Reflection:

Perhaps the greatest example St. Thomas Aquinas has left us was one of humility. Those who know the story of St. Thomas Aquinas might exclaim: “How can you say that when he left the Church the wisdom and theological insights that shaped the Church and her teaching magisterium since he lived (1225-1274)?” It is because he was one of the greatest scholars of his age, and many ages since, that we look at his example and see his greatest boon to us as the humility he exemplified and taught.

Jesus himself taught that whatever good he accomplished was only done through the gifts given by God. Without the Lord’s support we accomplish nothing. It is the folly of the unwise that they boast in themselves, in their own strength, their own knowledge. All they have was given to them by Christ and his Father.

St. Thomas Aquinas was truly brilliant, of genius level intellect, and he was aware of this gift from God. Many lesser thinkers pronounced themselves leaders of thought and wisdom, yet the truly great St. Thomas followed the Lord’s example and principle, claiming no special privilege.

The remarkable thought and writings he has left us caused him to be named Doctor of the Church. He would have blushed to have such honor bestowed upon him. For our benefit today, he has left us knowledge, not only his insights into the fundamental nature of our faith, but also his written example of love and fidelity to the Lord. For these gifts we thank God, as St. Thomas did in his life. We also ask for his intercession. May God give us wisdom and faith to carry out our service to him with excellence and understanding as did his servant, whose feast we celebrate this day.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St. Thomas Aquinas” Artist and Date are UNKNOWN
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

JANUARY 27 SAINT ANGELA MERICI

“St. Angela Merici”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN 

JANUARY 27

SAINT ANGELA MERICI, VIRGIN 

Biographical Information about St. Angela Merici[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Angela Merici

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING1 Peter 4:7b-11

Beloved:
Be serious and sober-minded
so that you will be able to pray.
Above all, let your love for one another be intense,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another
as good stewards of God's varied grace.
Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God;
whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies,
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 
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Commentary on 1 Pt 4:7b-11

“The inner life of the eschatological community [the Christian Community’s focus on the end times] is outlined as the end (the parousia of Christ) and the judgment draws near in terms of seriousness, sobriety, prayer, and love expressed through hospitality and the use of one's gifts for the glory of God and of Christ”.[3] The concluding doxology may have been the ending of an address or possibly even the conclusion of a baptismal celebration.

CCC: 1 Pt 4:6 634; 1 Pt 4:7 670, 1806; 1 Pt 4:8 1434
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 148:1bc-2, 11-13a, 13c-14

R. (see 12a and 13a) Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights;
Praise him, all you his angels,
praise him, all you his hosts. 
R. Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Let the kings of the earth and all peoples,
the princes and all the judges of the earth,
Young men, too, and maidens,
old men and boys,
Praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted. 
R. Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
His majesty is above earth and heaven.
He has lifted up the horn of his people.
Be this his praise from all his faithful ones;
from the children of Israel, the people close to him. Alleluia. 
R. Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia. 
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Commentary on Ps 148:1bc-2, 11-13a, 13c-14

Psalm 148 is a hymn of praise. In this selection we find it singing of the omnipotence of God, His power and majesty, and his promise of salvation.

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GOSPEL 
Mark 9:34b-37

The disciples of Jesus had been discussing on the way
who was the greatest.
Jesus sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,
“If anyone wishes to be first,
he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Taking a child, he placed it in their midst,
and putting his arms around him, he said to them,
“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me;
and whoever receives me,
receives not me but the One who sent me.” 
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Commentary on Mk 9:34b-37

While the disciples clearly understand the Lord is to leave them, they do not yet grasp the nature of his mission as they are arguing about who among them will be greatest once victory is achieved. The Lord sees this in them, and when they don’t respond to his direct question, he gives them the example of servant leadership. He uses the example of a child so they can understand that it is through humility and innocence that God’s servants lead. Jesus tells them directly that their role (and by extension the role of all Christian disciples) is one of service. He probably uses the example of children to represent the “anawim,” the poor in spirit, the most vulnerable of the Christian faithful.

CCC: Mk 9:37 1825

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Reflection:
 
St. Angela’s example of simple but intense faith reminds us by example what the Gospel of St. Mark tells us in words. The Lord’s own example of leadership is placed before the disciples. He tells them categorically that if they try to assume a position of leadership through authoritarian means they will fail. The way Jesus leads is by example not out of authority (which he could clearly use if he so chose).

This example of leading through humility and simple faith in Christ is crucial if one is to lead while at the same time maintaining the proper attitude toward the Father. As soon as a leader of souls presumes it is her (or his) own strength that brings about the result intended, God’s glory is diminished and that person fails in the task the Lord has set them to.

St. Angela and many saints like her have that unique quality of leading others to faith through example and persuasion rather than authoritarian rule. The yoke of Christ is meant to be soft and light, not enforced with the lash of words or threats. Today we pray for St. Angela’s intercession; may we adopt her gentle demeanor, patterned on the simple faith of a child, and lead all we meet to Christ.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St. Angela Merici” Artist and Date are UNKNOWN.
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. 
[3] See NAB Footnote on 1 Peter 4:7-11.

JANUARY 26 SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS

Sts. Timothy and Titus,
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

JANUARY 26

SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS, BISHOPS
MEMORIAL 

Biographical Information about St. Timothy[1]
Biographical Information about St. Titus

Readings for the Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING

First Option 
2 Timothy 1:1-8

Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
for the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
to Timothy, my dear child:
grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father
and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am grateful to God,
whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did,
as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day.
I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears,
so that I may be filled with joy,
as I recall your sincere faith
that first lived in your grandmother Lois
and in your mother Eunice
and that I am confident lives also in you.

For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame
the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice
but rather of power and love and self-control.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,
nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;
but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel
with the strength that comes from God. 
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Commentary on 2 Tm 1:1-8

St. Paul writes to one of his key disciples, St. Timothy, from Rome where he is a prisoner. It is clear that the affection between the two of them is strong as Paul reminds him of his installation as Bishop ("…the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands”). Paul encourages Timothy to remain strong and faithful to the Gospel, even in the face of opposition.

CCC: 2 Tm 1:3 1794; 2 Tm 1:5 2220; 2 Tm 1:6 1577, 1590; 2 Tm 1:8 2471, 2506

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OR

Second Option 
Titus 1:1-5

Paul, a slave of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ
for the sake of the faith of God's chosen ones
and the recognition of religious truth,
in the hope of eternal life
that God, who does not lie, promised before time began,
who indeed at the proper time revealed his word
in the proclamation with which I was entrusted
by the command of God our savior,
to Titus, my true child In our common faith:
grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our savior.
For this reason I left you in Crete
so that you might set right what remains to be done
and appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you. 
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Commentary on Titus 1:1-5

This selection is the introduction to St. Paul’s letter to Titus. "The heading is particularly long and formal. It contains, as usual (cf. Romans 1: 1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:13; etc.), the sender's name--Paul; the addressee's --Titus; and the greeting--"Grace and peace". In this case, however, Paul's title (Apostle), and the prerogatives of his authority and his God-given mandate to preach are given special emphasis (v. 3). This has led some scholars to argue that the epistle was in fact written by a disciple of St Paul--who would have put in all this about the Apostle's authority in order to give the letter more weight. However, it is more reasonable to suppose that when St Paul was writing the letter he had Titus very much in mind and also the community in Crete, whom false teachers were beginning to unsettle; the solemn, official tone would be due to the serious nature of their doctrinal aberrations and to the need to ensure that the church in Crete was property organized. 

 In the second paragraph he lets us know what Titus’ mission is: to form the Church on Crete (which according to the best scholarship, Paul himself never visited).

CCC: Ti 1:5-9 1577; Ti 1:5 1590
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10

R. (3) Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name. 
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. 
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Give to the LORD, you families of nations,
give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name! 
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity. 
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations
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Commentary on Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10

“Announce his salvation, day after day.” This song of praise to the Lord invites all humanity to participate in God’s salvation. “This psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Isaiah Chapters 40-55, as does Psalm 98. Another version of the psalm is 1 Chronicles 16:23-33.”[3]

CCC: Ps 96:2 2143

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GOSPEL 
Luke 10:1-9

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like Iambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his pay.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'" 
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Commentary on Lk 10:1-9

It is only in the Gospel of St. Luke that we hear the story of Jesus sending the seventy (two). This event is supported by other non-biblical writings (see Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 265-c. 340) Church History, Book. 1). The instructions given to those sent out are very similar to the instructions given to the Twelve, as was the message they were sent to proclaim.

This selection emphasizes Jesus' early struggle to accomplish what he came to do by himself. We sense the humanness as he says: "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few." We also find this event and statement in St. Matthew’s Gospel where instead of the 72 he names the 12 (Matthew 10:1-8). While in St. Matthew’s story Jesus sends them, first to the Hebrew people, St. Luke makes no such distinction.

This effort by Jesus was modeled on Moses’ leadership structure in which 70 elders were appointed (Numbers 11:24-25). It is also possible that the reference number 70 relates to the number of nations mentioned in Genesis 10. The disciples were sent two by two, a custom that would be replicated later in the post-resurrection missionary activities of the Church (see Acts 8:14; 15:39-40).

In another historical similarity, the disciples were sent without possessions, presumably depending upon the traditionally required hospitality for their support. Similar instructions were given by the Prophet Elisha as he sent his servant in 2 Kings 4:29.

The Lord’s instructions concerning this hospitality “…laborer deserves payment” is also quoted in St. Paul’s first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 5:18b) and has further support in 1 Corinthians 9:7, 14. Those who labor on behalf of the Gospel and cannot take time to support themselves deserve the support of the community. In a final twist, the Lord’s instruction to “…eat what is set before you” sets aside Mosaic dietary laws (also 1 Corinthians 10:27 and Acts 10:25). It is a clear indication that the scope of their mission is to call all peoples to the Gospel.

CCC: Lk 10:1-2 765; Lk 10:2 2611; Lk 10:7 2122

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Reflection:

If Jesus walked the earth for the first time today instead of two thousand years ago, his story would have been instantly known around the world. Can you imagine? A man walks out of the desert in Israel and feeds five thousand people with a few fish and some bread. It would have been tweeted around the globe in minutes. His sermon on the mount would have been broadcast globally and his words debated endlessly on CNN.

It is difficult for us to imagine an era when such amazing things could have been lost because they happened in obscure regions of the world. News, even news of such magnitude, was passed by word of mouth. Insulated small communities, like the Hebrew community around Jerusalem, could have and almost did suppress God’s message completely.

The Lord used a slower but more flexible medium to spread the word. He used people. He called them, first the Apostles and St. Paul. They in turn found others whose faith allowed them to hear and understand the truth of the Gospel. Sts. Timothy and Titus were of this generation. They received the Gospel of Christ from St. Paul who charged them to take it where it had not been before, being faithful to what they had been given and fearlessly take it into the world.

Saints like Timothy and Titus are important, not just for what they did in bringing the word of God into the world, but also for their example to us. Imagine how difficult it was for them to bring Christ to those who had never heard of him. We are asked to do the same, although it’s not likely that we will find anyone who has never heard of the Lord.

Today we ask for the intercession of Sts. Titus and Timothy. We ask that they send us their prayers and strengthen us for our evangelical journey. May we proclaim the Lord with all we say and do.
Pax

[1] The Icon is of Sts. Timothy and Titus, Artist and Date are UNKNOWN 
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. 
[3] See NAB footnote on Psalm 96

[4] The Navarre Bible: “Letters of St. Paul”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p. 611.

JANUARY 22 SAINT VINCENT

“St. Vincent”
by Gherardo di Jacopo Starnina,
c. 1410

JANUARY 22

SAINT VINCENT, DEACON AND MARTYR 

Biographical Information about St. Vincent[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Vincent

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING 
2 Corinthians 4:7-15

Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith,
according to what is written, / believed, therefore I spoke,
we too believe and therefore speak,
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus
will raise us also with Jesus
and place us with you in his presence.
Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. 
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Commentary on 2 Cor 4:7-15

St. Paul is speaking to the Corinthians about suffering and death in the human existence of this life, in spite of living in the faith. The image he uses, fragile earthen pots, speaks of God’s instruments being easily broken but nonetheless effective. The image of small terracotta lamps in which light is carried is mentioned elsewhere. The point the evangelist makes contrasts our mortality with God’s omnipotence and power, our death in the flesh with life in the spirit of Christ. With such a spirit at work within us, we must, like St. Paul, spread that news to others (“we too believe and therefore speak”).

CCC: 2 Cor 4:7 1420; 2 Cor 4:14 989

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (5) The Lord delivered me from all my fears.
 
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear and be glad. 
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears. 
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him. 
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him. 
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.
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Commentary on Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving and a favorite for celebrating the heroic virtue of the saints. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Psalm 34:5, 7), can teach the "poor," those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone. This psalm, in the words of one being unjustly persecuted, echoes hope for deliverance and freedom. The Lord in his faithful love always hears those who call to him for help and salvation.

CCC: Ps 34:3 716; Ps 34:8 336

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GOSPEL 
Matthew 10:17-22

Jesus said to the Twelve:
"Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts
and scourge you in their synagogues,
and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake
as a witness before them and the pagans.
When they hand you over,
do not worry about how you are to speak
or what you are to say.
You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak
but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will hand over brother to death,
and the father his child;
children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but whoever endures to the end will be saved." 
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Commentary on Mt 10:17-22

Jesus gives his disciples instructions on how to deal with the persecution they are to undergo at the hands of those who do not accept him, especially those in power. His instruction is one that relies on faith that the Father, through the Holy Spirit, will supply the words. There is also a presumption that there will be loss of life. Here the Lord tells us that those who are steadfast in their faith cannot die a spiritual death.

“Jesus does not so much caution his disciples against men, in the sense of declaring mankind (οί άυθϱωποι) to be the natural enemies of his disciple and, hence, of himself.  Rather, he appears to be warning them against becoming like the rest of men, against fighting violence with violence rather than with the truth, against reacting to contempt and hatred with contempt and hatred rather than with transformative and imaginative love.” [3]

"Here, the hostility the apostles will face comes into sharp focus.  They are being sent out like sheep in the midst of wolves - an image of vulnerability and helplessness before fierce attackers.  Yet the apostles are not to be passive when enemies assail them.  They are to be as shrewd as serpents, prudently anticipating threats and finding ways to survive.  But they must at the same time be as simple as doves.  The word for simple means 'unmixed,' suggesting that the apostles'shrewd tactics should be animated by pure motives and single-mindedness for their ministry. Shrewdness should never lead them to seek survival or advantage in a way that compromises their integrity."[4]

CCC: Mt 10:19-20 728; Mt 10:22 161, 1821
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Reflection:

St. Augustine once wrote “The Gospel terrifies me.” The saint we memorialize today should highlight the warning in the Gospel proclaimed on his feast day; that fidelity to Christ is not easy and it will bring challenges from those who see the Lord as a threat. St. Vincent was a contemporary of St. Lawrence and suffered the same fate. Both were tortured on a gridiron and put to death for their faith.

Scripture repeatedly warns us that the Word of God evokes disproportionally violent responses from those who cannot accept it. It seems strange that love should have that effect on people, but it is the truth. When one rejects the secular status quo of seeking only self-gratification and self-serving ideals, and takes up the cause of justice for the poor and love of God, those who embrace only themselves lash out. Perhaps it is out of guilt or perhaps the influence of Satan; whatever the cause the intended victim is frequently the one who advocates Christ’s love.

Knowing that the world hates what it does not understand, and knowing that it cannot understand those who do not put themselves above all others, we must expect rejection and even persecution. In spite of this resistance we are called to be steadfast. We have the examples of saints like St. Vincent to show us the way. We pray that the same Holy Spirit that gave St. Vincent strength to undergo torture and achieve the martyr’s white robe will be with us this day. We ask for St. Vincent’s intercession, that we might be faithful to the Gospel in all things.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St. Vincent” by, Gherardo di Jacopo Starnina, c. 1410 
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

[3] Fire of Mercy Heart of the Word Volume I, Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA, © 1996 p. 554.

[4] The Gospel of Matthew, © 2010 Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI, p. 145.

JANUARY 21 SAINT AGNES

“St. Agnes”
by Domenichino, c. 1620 

JANUARY 21

SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR MEMORIAL 

Biographical Information about St. Agnes[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Agnes

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING 
1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters.
Not many of you were wise by human standards,
not many were powerful,
not many were of noble birth.
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,
and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,
and God chose the lowly and despised of the world,
those who count for nothing,
to reduce to nothing those who are something,
so that no human being might boast before God.
It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus,
who became for us wisdom from God,
as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,
so that, as it is written,
Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.
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Commentary on 1 Cor 1:26-31

St. Paul continues his attack on “worldly wisdom” by reminding the members of the church at Corinth that the community is comprised of all strata of society. He points out that all are called to the same Lord, and that the wisdom that is Jesus (“…who became for us wisdom from God”) makes them righteous, sanctified, and redeemed in him. It is for this reason that the only boast a Christian should make is in God. The evangelist does so, paraphrasing Jeremiah 9:23.

CCC: 1 Cor 1:27 489; 1 Cor 1:30 2813

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 23:1b-3a, 4, 5, 6

R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul. 
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
 
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage. 
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
 
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. 
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want,

Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come. 
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
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Commentary on Ps 23:1b-3a, 4, 5, 6

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar songs in the entire psalter. “God's loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Psalm 23:1-4) and a host's generosity toward a guest (Psalm 23:5-6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Isaiah 40:11; 49:10; Jeremiah 31:10).” [3] While the theme of shepherd is mentioned in the first strophe, the psalm really speaks to the peace given to those who follow the Lord and place their trust in Him, even into the “dark valley.”

 

The reference in the third strophe above: “'You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes' occurs in an exodus context in Psalm 78:19. As my enemies watch: my enemies see that I am God's friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Psalm 104:15; Matthew 26:7; Luke 7:37, 46; John 12:2).”[3]

CCC: Ps 23:5 1293

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GOSPEL 
Matthew 13:44-46

Jesus said to his disciples:
"The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,
which a person finds and hides again,
and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the Kingdom of heaven is tike a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it." 
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Commentary on Mt 13:44-46

The parable of the buried treasure and the parable of the pearl have the same point. One who understands the Kingdom of Heaven and sees its worth joyfully places obtaining that promise before all else. It is the primacy of Christ’s teaching that guides the disciple in all things. While these two parables have generally the same meaning, it is interesting to note they have some subtle differences. The parable of the hidden treasure which is found by accident refers to an abundance of gifts.  The parable of the pearl sought out through diligence refers to the beauty of the Kingdom of God.

“Anyone who understands the Kingdom which Christ proposes realizes that it is worth staking everything to obtain it […]. The Kingdom of heaven is difficult to win.  No one can be sure of achieving it, but the humble cry of the repentant man can open wide its doors” (St. Josemaria Escriva, Christ Is Passing By, 180). [4]

CCC: Mt 13:44-45 546
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Reflection:
 
The example of St. Agnes is one of fidelity to the faith in the face of ultimate opposition. St. Agnes was ordered to sacrifice to pagan gods and when she did not, she was condemned. According to tradition, marriage was offered as a means by which she could avoid this fate. However, she was adamant in her refusal, stating that she was married to Christ and would meet him with her virginity intact.

We pray that we are never put to such a test. We also pray that even in smaller challenges to our faith, we might remember the words of the Gospel and cherish the great gift God has given us with the fervor we would show for any possession of great value. Too often we take for granted that Christ will always be there for us without any effort on our part. Indeed, Jesus is always there and we may reach out to him. But, if we have drifted too far away from him, our reach may not be long enough to grasp his outstretched hand.

St. Agnes accepted Christ as her spouse and as consequence of her love for him, the Holy Spirit sustained her as she was tortured and killed. We ask for her prayers today. May we be given the strength of faith to stand fast in the face of adversity and show our love of Christ in all we do.

Pax

[1] The Picture is “St. Agnes” by Domenichino, c. 1620 
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. 
[3] See NAB Footnote on Psalm 23
[4] The Navarre Bible, “Gospels and Acts”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, pp. 136

JANUARY 20 SAINT FABIAN

“St. Fabian”
by Giovanni di Paolo, 1650’s

JANUARY 20

SAINT FABIAN, POPE AND MARTYR

Biographical Information about St. Fabian[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Fabian

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
1 Peter 5:1-4

Beloved:
I exhort the presbyters among you,
as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ
and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed.
Tend the flock of God in your midst,
overseeing it not by constraint but willingly,
as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly.
Do not lord it over those assigned to you,
but be examples to the Hock.
And when the chief Shepherd is revealed,
you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
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Commentary on 1 Pt 5:1-4

St. Peter, first among the Apostles, concludes his first letter writing specifically to those who have been appointed to lead local Christian communities. These individuals would have been appointed by the Apostles as they traveled on their missionary journeys.  He provides a view of leadership consistent with Christ’s teaching and contradicting the Jewish leadership style which was authoritarian. He exhorts the Presbyters or Elders to offer their service as a gift to God and provide leadership through their example of humility.

"St Gregory the Great teaches that the pastor of souls "should always give the lead, to show by his example the way to life, so that his flock (who follow the voice and the actions of the pastor) are guided more by example than by words; his position obliges him to speak of elevated things, and also to manifest them personally; the word more easily gains access to the hearts of hearers when it carries with it the endorsement of the life of him who when giving instructions assists in their fulfillment by his own example" ("Regulae Pastoralis Liber", 2, 3)."[3]

CCC: 1 Pt 5:3 893, 1551; 1 Pt 5:4 754
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 40:2 and 4ab, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10

R. (8a and 9a) Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
R. Here I am. Lord; I come to do your will.

I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
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Commentary on Ps 40:2 and 4ab, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10

Psalm 40 is a song of thanksgiving. Emphasis is placed on the call by God and response by the psalmist. Salvation is for those whose hearts and actions proclaim their faithfulness, not those who only offer sacrifice without atonement. The initial waiting is satisfied by favor shown by God to one who is faithful in service to Him. Praise and thanksgiving are given to God whose justice is applied to all.

CCC: Ps 40:2 2657; Ps 40:7-9 LXX 462; Ps 40:7 2824

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GOSPEL
John 21:15-17

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and
eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"
Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.
Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.
Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep."
He said to him the third time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time,
"Do you love me?" and he said to him,
"Lord, you know everything; you know that 1 love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
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Commentary on Jn 21:15-17

Following the third revelation to the disciples as they were fishing at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus now focuses on Peter, making sure he understands his role in the foundation of the Church. The triple confession of Peter reverses his earlier denial of the Lord the night of the Passion (Matthew 26:69ff; Mark 14:29-31, 66-72; John 13:36-38, 18:15-18, 18:25-27). This is also a key passage, identified by the Church as Christ’s post-resurrection assignment of Peter to be the shepherd of the Church – essentially establishing the beginning of Apostolic Succession.

CCC: Jn 21:13-15 645; Jn 21:15-17 553, 881, 1429, 1551

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Reflection:

St. Fabian was a Roman layman who came into the city from his farm one day. This happened just as clergy and people were preparing to elect a new pope. Eusebius, a Church historian, says a dove flew in and settled on the head of the saint. This sign united the votes of clergy and laity and he was chosen unanimously.

He led the Church for 14 years and died a martyr’s death during the persecution of Decius in 250 A.D. St. Cyprian wrote to his successor that Fabian was an “incomparable” man whose glory in death matched the holiness and purity of his life.

In the catacombs of St. Callistus, the stone that covered St. Fabian’s grave may still be seen, broken into four pieces, bearing the Greek words, “Fabian, bishop, martyr.”

We ask ourselves on this, St. Fabian’s Memorial: do we hear the call of the Lord to “Feed my lambs” as he did?  In many ways St. Fabian was like us. He was not a person of prominence. He was not a “Prince of the Church” who ascended to primacy. He was, by all accounts, a farmer. Yet when called to serve as Bishop of Rome in the turbulent and dangerous first centuries of Holy Mother Church, he accepted the heavy mantle. Further, he served selflessly for 14 years, putting in place an infrastructure that would serve as a framework upon which the Church could grow with strong roots. Indeed St. Fabian fed the flock the Lord had commended to his care.

We pray for his intercession on this day, asking that his prayers strengthen us as we seek to find the path the Lord has asked us to walk. We hope always to feed the lambs, as first St. Peter did, as St. Fabian did, and all his successors have done since having been called to do so.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St. Fabian” by Giovanni di Paolo, 1650’s
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
[3] The Navarre Bible: “Major Prophets”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, pp. 346