Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
Optional memorial of St. Sixtus II, Pope, and companions, martyrs (†258 Rome). He was seized during the celebration of the Eucharist in the Catacomb of Callixtus and killed out of hatred for the Faith together with four deacons; also, Optional Memorial of St. Cajetan of Thiene, priest (†1547 Naples – Italy). He dedicated himself to works of mercy, especially the care of the incurably ill. Founder of the Order of Thietines Clerics Regular, aimed at the renewal of priestly and religious life.
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 Nicholas Postgate, priest and martyr (†1679). Hanged in York, during the reign of Charles II of England, for being a priest.
Blesseds Agathangelus of Vendôme and Cassian of Nantes, priests and martyrs (†1638).Capuchin religious who sought to reconcile Christians separated from the Church in Syria, Egypt and Ethiopia. They were strangled with the cords of their habits by order of the king in Gondar, Ethiopia.
St. Victricius of Rouen, bishop (†c. 410). He was tortured and condemned to death at the time of Emperor Julian, for having deserted the army to follow Christ; he was eventually freed and ordained bishop, and was sent to evangelize near Rouen, France.
St. Donatus, Bishop and martyr (†fourth century). Bishop of Arezzo, he was beheaded by order of Emperor Julian the Apostate, together with whom he had received his religion formation in his youth.
St. Miguel de la Mora, priest and martyr (†1927). Shot to death in Colima, Mexico, during the persecution against the Church. To proclaim his love for Mary he prayed the Rosary while dying.
Blessed Jordan Forzatei, abbot (†c.1248). When he took refuge in a Benedictine monastery during the great fire that ravaged Padua, he felt attracted to religious life and remained there.
Blessed Edmund Bojanowski, priest (†1871). Founder of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Mother of God, Virgin Immaculate Conception, in Poland.
St. Albert of Trapani, priest (†circa 1306). Italian Carmelite priest who, through ardent preaching, obtained the conversion of many Jews to Christianity.
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