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

JANUARY 20 SAINT SEBASTIAN

“St. Sebastian”
by Sandro Botticelli,
1474

JANUARY 20

SAINT SEBASTIAN, MARTYR

Biographical Information about St. Sebastian[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Sebastian

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
1 Peter 3:14-17

Beloved:
Even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you.
Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them,
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.
Always be ready to give an explanation
to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,
but do it with gentleness and reverence,
keeping your conscience clear,
so that, when you are maligned,
those who defame your good conduct in Christ
may themselves be put to shame.
For it is better to suffer for doing good,
if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.
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Commentary on 1 Pt 3:14-17

St. Peter exhorts the churches, to which his letter is addressed, to be courageous in their faith and to be fearless in the face of persecution. If they are attacked and suffer because of doing what is right, they are blessed (see also Matthew 5:10-11 and Isaiah 59:9), and need only keep the hope of Jesus alive and holy in their hearts. Their attackers will be shamed in such actions because they do evil to the innocents.

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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 10:28-33

Jesus said to the Twelve:
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul;
rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy
both soul and body in Gehenna.
Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?
Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge.
Even all the hairs of your head are counted.
So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Everyone who acknowledges me before others
I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.
But whoever denies me before others,
I will deny before my heavenly Father."
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Commentary on Mt 10:28-33

Jesus concludes his instructions to the Apostles as he sends them out. He tells them not to fear the persecution he has told them they will face. This lack of fear should be absent because, while the body may be killed, their souls are safe with him. He concludes this passage telling them that the Father is watching over them and they have nothing to fear.

CCC: Mt 10:28 363, 1034; Mt 10:29-31 305; Mt 10:32-33 1816; Mt 10:32 14, 2145
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Reflection:

Little is known about St Sebastian except the fact that he was martyred early on in the persecutions of Diocletian. St Ambrose knew of him and states that he was already venerated in Milan in the fourth century. One of the seven chief churches of Rome was built over his grave in 367.

All else (his youth, his martyrdom by arrows) is unsubstantiated, some of it dating from more than a thousand years after his death. But what we know is what we need to know. For the Christians of the fourth century the important, the true, the sufficient fact about Sebastian was that he was a Christian martyr, and they venerated him as such.

Oh happy St. Sebastian, even though so little is known of your faith and works, your martyred death, your fidelity to God in the face of torture and pain provides the followers of the Savior you loved with courage and hope as well. Even though we do not know the details of your life and works other than by hearsay and legend, you inspire us to be like you, courageous in the face of persecution, fear and hatred.

Sacred scripture reminds us that we are sent into a world that will not welcome us. We are sent by the one who showed us with his own death and resurrection what our sending may mean. Yet, like St. Sebastian, we know there is the promise, the promise that even in the face of trials and falsehoods thrown at us, we are being watched over and supported by the one who created all things and who loves us so intensely that His Only Begotten Son was offered as sacrifice for us.

Today we invite the prayers of St. Sebastian, a martyr who won the white robe of salvation and even now rejoices with all the saints. We ask that his prayers support us as we follow the same Lord, Jesus Christ.

Pax


[1] The picture is “St. Sebastian” by Sandro Botticelli, 1474
[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 13 SAINT HILARY

“St. Hilary of Poitiers”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

JANUARY 13

SAINT HILARY, BISHOP AND DOCTOR
OF THE CHURCH

Biographical Information about St. Hilary [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Hilary

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING 
1 John 2:18-25

Children, it is the last hour;
and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming,
so now many antichrists have appeared.
Thus we know this is the last hour.
They went out from us, but they were not really of our number;
if they had been, they would have remained with us.
Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number.
But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One,
and you all have knowledge.
I write to you not because you do not know the truth
but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.
Who is the liar?
Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ.
Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist.
Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father,
but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.

Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.
If what you heard from the beginning remains in you,
then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.
And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. 
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Commentary on 1 Jn 2:18-25

After telling his community that they were armed by their knowledge of Christ against evil, the apostle now tells them that his hour is near. Christ has died and is risen and the second coming must be approaching. He warns them to be alert and watch out for the antichrist. (This designation occurs only in the writings of St. John. In Matthew and Mark they are called false messiahs, in St. Paul’s letters the antichrist is designated “lawless one.”) This group of antichrists mentioned by the biblical authors seems to indicate a group of persons who were teaching falsely about Jesus.

St. John identifies these antichrists as individuals who schismatically leave the faith community, holding false premises. He then tells those who are faithful to be steadfast because they are anointed in the truth. It clearly establishes the sameness of essence in God the Father and God the Son. Anyone who denies one denies both and anyone who teaches that neither exists is a “false teacher.”

St. John continues encouraging his followers to remain faithful to what they were taught about the Father and the Son. In doing so they open the door to eternal life, and they may stand with confidence before the Son when he returns on the last day.

CCC: 1 Jn 2:18 670, 672, 675; 1 Jn 2:20 91, 695; 1 Jn 2:22 675; 1 Jn 2:23 454

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The LORD said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand
till I make your enemies your footstool." 
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion:
"Rule in the midst of your enemies." 
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

"Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor;
before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you." 
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent:
"You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek." 
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
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Commentary on Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4

We are given the reference point used in Hebrews 5:1-10. The psalmist, David, reflects upon the call to service of the people. The final verse specifically mentions the High Priest Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the ancient king of Salem (Jerusalem) who blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20). Like other kings of the time, he also performed priestly functions.

Psalm 110 thanks God for earthly authority, recognizing that it is only through the Lord's strength that authority is exercised. The psalmist uses Melchizedek as an arch-example, he was a secular king in the time of Abraham who ruled on the spiritual side as well. Though he was not of the Hebrew race, he was nonetheless chosen by God to be priest, not of the line of Aaron. Since the ancient text refers neither to his lineage nor his death, his office is seen as eternal: “You are a priest forever.”

CCC: Ps 110 447; Ps 110:1 659; Ps 110:4 1537

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GOSPEL 
Matthew 5:13-19

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses Its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven." 
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Commentary on Mt 5:13-19

In this selection from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus uses allegory to push the Word of God into the world. He tells his disciples they are an integral part of the faith of the people in God. As seasoning is to food, so is the Word of God to the faith. They must remain steadfast so they do not lose the zeal for God that is the taste of that seasoning. It is the taste which sets it apart.

He uses a second allegory, light, to provide still more direction. The light of faith will be seen by all because it is reflected in the actions of those who believe. The light of faith serves to guide others to God, where they may otherwise become lost in darkness and wander into paths of desolation. The light that pours from the disciples will be seen as a gift, not from them, but from the Father, and the Father will be glorified because of the light.

Those who believed that Jesus came to destroy the Jewish faith and laws are refuted in the next part of the passage. The Lord tells them that he did not come to destroy the Law of Moses, even though he disagreed with the way some of those laws were being implemented. Rather he came to fulfill it; essentially, he gave the law a reinterpretation through his own revelation.

CCC: Mt 5:13-16 782, 2821; Mt 5:14 1243; Mt 5:16 326; Mt 5:17-19 577, 592, 1967; Mt 5:17 2053

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Reflection:

St. Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us! We can ask for prayers from this faithful servant of God knowing that he basks in the glory of the Heavenly Kingdom. His life and deeds were a testament to faith in God and faith in God’s Only Begotten Son, Jesus. We who are the recipients of wisdom he and the other patristic fathers illuminated with their writing and deeds may find it difficult to understand the challenges faced in the very early Church. It was a time of struggle from within and persecution from without. Doctrine had not been concretized by tradition and the great Christological heresies were rampant as logic battled with faith, attempting to understand how God the Father and God the Son were not two gods but one.

St. Hilary came into this time of struggle (fourth century – 368). He brought a voice of faith in the mystery of a Triune God and battled against those who would deny God’s essence. He fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel, following Christ’s own instruction to the first disciples. His was an unshuttered lamp set high upon a lampstand. He illuminated with his words like the Heavenly Jerusalem – the city set upon a hill.

On this, his feast day, we give thanks and praise to God who gave him the gifts he so boldly and bravely used to proclaim truth to the world. We ask for his intercession. May he pray that we be true to our faith and steadfast in the teachings of the Church he loved and served.

Pax

[1] The Icon is “St. Hilary of Poitiers” Artist and Date are UNKNOWN. 
[2] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL).  This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

JANUARY 7 SAINT RAYMOND OF PENAFORT

“St. Raymond of Penyafort”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN 

JANUARY 7

SAINT RAYMOND OF PENYAFORT, PRIEST 

Biographical Information about St. Raymond of Penyafort[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Raymond of Penyafort

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING 
2 Corinthians 5:14-20

Brothers and sisters:
The love of Christ impels us.
once we have come to the conviction that one died for all;
therefore, all have died.
He indeed died for all,
so that those who live might no longer live for themselves
but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh;
even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh,
yet now we know him so no longer.
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation:
the old things have passed away;
behold, new things have come.
And all this is from God,
who has reconciled us to himself through Christ
and given us the ministry of reconciliation,
namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
not counting their trespasses against them
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
So we are ambassadors for Christ,
as if God were appealing through us.
We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God. 
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Commentary on 2 Cor 5:14-20

This passage from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians has a distinctly sacramental flavor. First he speaks of dying with Christ, becoming one with him in the spirit. This occurs in the sacrament of baptism. The whole idea of being reconciled to God in Christ is inherent in the sacrament of confirmation and concluded in the Eucharist. These of course are the three sacraments of Christian Initiation.

CCC: 2 Cor 5:14 616, 851; 2 Cor 5:15 605, 655, 1269; 2 Cor 5:17 1214, 1265; 2 Cor 5:17-18 1999; 2 Cor 5:18-21 2844; 2 Cor 5:18 981, 1442, 1461; 2 Cor 5:19 433, 620; 2 Cor 5:20 859, 1424, 1442
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 103:1bc-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18

R. (1) O, bless the Lord, my soul!

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and forget not all his benefits. 
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!

He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion. 
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!

Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
He will not always chide,
nor does he keep his wrath forever. 
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
he remembers that we are dust. 
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!

But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward their children's children
among those who keep his covenant. 
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!
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Commentary on Ps 103:1bc-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18

This hymn of praise focuses on God’s power and will to heal all ills and to support us in times of trouble. It is through his own will that he does this. The final two strophes reference God as a Father loving his children, his adopted sons and daughters.

CCC: Ps 103 304

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GOSPEL
 Luke 12:35-40

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his bouse be broken into.
You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,
the Son of Man will come.” 
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Commentary on Lk 12:35-40

The selection presented from St. Luke’s Gospel is one of a series that relates specifically to the Lord’s exhortation about the end times, the eschaton. Here he reminds his disciples that they must be constantly focused on God’s work (servants of the master – the one God). We see also in this brief reading an echo of the Last Supper as the master reclines at table. However, in the broader context, the lesson relates more to faithfulness.

The idea of placing constant faithfulness first (most importantly present) is given as the moral of the Lord’s parable.  Peter questions whether the parable is meant for everyone or just for the disciples he is addressing.  The Lord then clarifies that any who would inherit the Kingdom of God must be constantly faithful to the Lord’s precepts.  He goes on to conclude that no one may know the day or the hour that they will be called to account.  Finally he tells the disciples, who have been given much in their association with the Christ, that to those which much is given, even more is expected, essentially telling them that they must be examples to everyone, even each other.

CCC: Lk 12:35-40 2849
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Reflection:

St. Raymond’s great gift to the Church might be seen differently by different groups or individuals. The Dominican Order no doubt sees him as one of the great ones of their order. He assumed leadership only long enough to assure they were solidly focused on Christ and his Church. Pope Gregory IX saw him as a great intellect and scholar, a writer of books, having the gift of understanding and communicating God’s revelation. He may have been seen similarly by St. Thomas Aquinas, his friend and contemporary, with whom he collaborated on texts to help missionaries evangelize. Yet to the people of the small parish churches in Spain, where he engaged in the parish work he loved, he was seen as a wise and compassionate priest and gifted confessor.

With all of these gifts, applied to God’s Church from the highest to the lowest of her subjects, it is not remarkable that we venerate him on this, his feast day. What stands out as a shining example for us who did not know him is the clear record of his unfailing diligence in the Lord’s work, his tireless ministry to God’s people. Indeed, he shows us how to live the Gospel passage from St. Luke proclaimed on his day. St. Raymond's efforts bore great fruit and his soul passed to the Heavenly Kingdom where he sits with all the saints God has called to that wondrous court.

Today we ask for his intercession; may he offer his prayers for us and for the Church he loves, that we might be constant in our efforts and diligent in our pursuits in the Lord’s name. We hope and pray that we too might achieve a home with him and all the saints.

Pax

[1] The icon is “St. Raymond of Penyafort” 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 2 SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZEN

 

“St. Basil and Gregory”
Artist and Date UNKNOWN 

JANUARY 2

SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY
NAZIANZEN, BISHOPS AND DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH
MEMORIAL 

Biographical Information about St. Basil the Great[1]

Biographical Information about St. Gregory Nazianzen

Readings for the Memorial of Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING 
Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace:
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
But grace was given to each of us
according to the measure of Christ's gift.
And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets,
others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry,
for building up the Body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of faith
and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,
to the extent of the full stature of Christ. 
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Commentary on Eph 4:1-7, 11-13

St. Paul enjoins the Church at Ephesus to holiness and unity as part of his instructions on what it means to live the Christian life. Through one baptism (“the call you have received”) we are united in Christ and through Christ to God the Father. While humility is not listed in the Greek lists as a virtue, the evangelist raises self-effacing service of others to this status (see also 1 Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 5:22, and Colossians 3:12).

He goes on speaking of the unity of different parts of the living body of Christ, the Church, saying that different gifts were given (similar lists are found at Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). He begins the list of gifts with those of spiritual leadership: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These have been called to service to others.

CCC: Eph 4-6 1454; Eph 4-5 1971; Eph 4:2 2219; Eph 4:3-5 866; Eph 4:3 814; Eph 4:4-6 172, 249, 2790; Eph 4:7 913; Eph 4:11-16 794; Eph 4:11-13 669; Eph 4:11 1575; Eph 4:13 674, 695, 2045

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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 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 and all who follow him as servants. See also Luke 14:11.

CCC: Mt 23:9 2367; Mt 23:12 526

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Reflection:

We often take for granted the wisdom of the Teaching Magisterium of the Church. Because of the neatly bundled truth and wisdom provided by the teaching documents that have been developed through the millennia since St. Peter established his chair in Rome, we often focus on challenges to those documents in the current secular climate. We see the beautifully crafted tenets and creedal statements that are the bedrock of our understanding of God’s revelation as being eternal, as though they have always been there and therefore can be accepted unthinkingly.

It is well, therefore, that as we begin this new calendar year, we pause to be reminded of those heroic figures who are our forerunners in faith, those who struggled valiantly against the enemies of the faith, from within its ranks and from without. From the “age of saints” we are presented with two of the most significant, Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen. These two lifelong friends took their incredible God-given gifts of intellect and faith and used them to shape our understanding of God and Church, as a craftsman might shape metal or wood. Being early Christians (having lived from 329 to 379 and 389 respectively), they were thrust into the battle to formulate our understanding of Christ and the role of Christ’s servants in the world. St. Basil, whose intellectual prowess was legendary, was frequently in the lead. He was accompanied by Gregory Nazianzen who was seemingly thrust into the battle against his will. Yet when Basil died (at an emotional point, much like his Savior’s, feeling all had been for naught), St. Gregory took up his standard with zeal that would have shocked his friend.

These great teachers, Doctors of the Church, helped us understand that the Lord himself must be our teacher. They taught, by word and example, that the values of the secular world are not where our true treasure lies. Rather, it is the great teacher himself, our Lord Jesus, who is our prize.

As always we see in the saints the heights to which normal people may ascend if they allow the Holy Spirit to have sway in their lives. Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen gave their lives for us, like a candle gives up its light, showing us, in bright relief, the image of Christ to which we must all aspire.

Pax

[1] The ancient Byzantine fresco is “St. Basil and Gregory” Artist and Date 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] NAB Footnote on Psalm 23.