Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. Dedicated in honour of Mary Mother of God, then recently proclaimed at the Council of Ephesus, this Papal basilica is the oldest Church built in the Blessed Virgin’s honour.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Jer 31:1-7
At that time, says the LORD, I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel, and they shall be my people. Thus says the LORD: The people that escaped the sword have found favor in the desert. As Israel comes forward to be given his rest, the LORD appears to him from afar: With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you. Again I will restore you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin Israel; Carrying your festive tambourines, you shall go forth dancing with the merrymakers. Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; those who plant them shall enjoy the fruits. Yes, a day will come when the watchmen will call out on Mount Ephraim: “Rise up, let us go to Zion, to the LORD, our God.” For thus says the LORD: Shout with joy for Jacob, exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say: The LORD has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel.
Responsorial Psalm – Jer 31:10, 11-12ab, 13 (R. see 10d)
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,
proclaim it on distant isles, and say:
He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together,
he guards them as a shepherd his flock. R.
The LORD shall ransom Jacob,
he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror.
Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion,
they shall come streaming to the LORD’s blessings. R.
Then the virgins shall make merry and dance,
and young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into joy.
I will console and gladden them after their sorrows. R.
Gospel – Mt 15:21-28
At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.
Featured Saints
Blessed Frederic Janssoone, priest (†1916). He came from France to Canada in 1881 and dedicated himself in a remarkable way to the Third Order of Saint Francis. Also well known for his labours for the sanctuary at Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, where he worked miracles. He is buried in the Church of Saint-Antoine, Montreal. (Optional Memorial in Canada.)
St. Emidius, bishop and martyr (†fourth century). Appointed Bishop of Ascoli, Italy, he converted countless pagans.
St. Nonna, laywoman (†374). Mother of St. Gregory Nazianzen, St. Gorgonia and St. Caesarius. She converted her spouse, St. Gregory the Elder.
St. Margaret of Cesolo, widow (†c. 1395). After the death of her husband, she dedicated her life to the service of the poor, to prayer and to penance in Cesolo, Italy. She was outstanding for her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
Blessed Pierre-Michel Noël, priest and martyr (†1794). Imprisoned in a galley in Rochefort during the French Revolution, for refusing to adhere to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy and died as a consequence of the illness contracted as a result of the appalling conditions aboard the prison-ship.
Blessed Francis Zanfredini, hermit (†c. 1350). Franciscan tertiary who gave his property to the poor and lived for almost fifty years in a hermitage in Montegranaro, Italy.
St. Oswald, martyr (†642). King of Northumbria, he was killed out of hatred for Christianity in Maserfield, England, while combating the pagans.
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