Tuesday in the 4th Week of Easter
Optional Memorials:St. George, martyr (†fourth century). A tribune of the Roman imperial army, he suffered martyrdom for his Faith in Lydia, Palestina. He has been venerated in all the universal Church since the fourth century;
St. Adalbert, bishop and martyr (†997). He renounced his office of Bishop of Prague and became a monk in Rome, until being sent by the Pope to evangelize in Prussia, where he crowned his apostolic labours with martyrdom.
Mass Readings
First Reading –Acts 11:19-26
hose who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7 (R. 117:1a)
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
His foundation upon the holy mountains
the LORD loves:
The gates of Zion,
more than any dwelling of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,
O city of God! R.
I tell of Egypt and Babylon
among those who know the LORD;
Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia:
“This man was born there.”
And of Zion they shall say:
“One and all were born in her;
And he who has established her
is the Most High LORD.” R.
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled:
“This man was born there.”
And all shall sing, in their festive dance:
“My home is within you.” R.
Gospel – Jn 10:22-30
The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to Him, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to Me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
Featured Saints
St. Eulogious, Bishop (†387). Bishop of Edessa, in Turkey who, according to tradition, died on Good Friday.
St. Gerald of Toul, Bishop (†994). During the 31years that he was Bishop of Toul, France, he fed the poor, aided inhabitants during the plague and supported monasteries.
Blessed Giles of Assisi, religious (†1262). Encouraged by the example of some friends, he became a disciple of St. Francis of Assisi and accompanied him on many of his preaching missions.
Blessed Teresa Mary of the Cross, virgin (†1910). Foundress of the Congregation of Carmelite Tertiaries of St. Teresa in Campi Bisenzio, Italy.
Blessed Maria Gabriella Sagheddu, virgin (†1939). After having offered herself as a victim for the unity of Christians, she died at age 25 in the Cistercian monastery of Grottaferrata, Italy.
Blessed Helen Valentini, widow (†1458). Noblewoman who after the death of her husband became an Augustinian tertiary and dedicated herself to prayer, the reading of Scripture works of mercy.
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