Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Featured Saints
St. Peter Armengol, religious (†1304). Leader of a group of bandits, he repented of his immoral life and entered the Mercedarian Order dedicated to ransoming Christian slaves in Africa.
St. Zita, virgin (†1278). Of simple origins, she became a domestic servant at age 12, she was known to distribute her earnings among the poor. For 48 years she practised this occupation with heroic virtue, and was recognized as a saint during her life.
Blessed Nicholas Roland, priest (†1678). Founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Child Jesus in Rheims, France. He was the spiritual director of the future St. John Baptist de la Salle, for several years.
Blessed Catherine of Montenegro, virgin (†1565). While still a young girl she was baptized in the Orthodox Church; she became a Third Order Dominican and lived for 50 years in a small cell near the church of St. Paul in Kotor, Montenegro .
Blessed Maria Antonia Bandrés y Elósegui, virgin (†1919). Spanish nun from the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus. She was a model of faith and serenity during her last illness. She died at the age of 21.
St. Laurence Nguyen Van Huong, priest and martyr (†1856). He was arrested at night while visiting a dying man. He was whipped and then beheaded in Ninh-Binh, Vietnam, for refusing to trample a cross.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Acts 11:19-26
Those 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.”
