Memorial of St. Lucy
St. Lucy, virgin and martyr (fourth century). Martyred in Syracuse, her remains are venerated in Venice, while her eyes are enshrined in the Church of St. John Major in Naples.
Featured Saints
St. Odíle, virgin (†seventh century). First abbess of the monastery of Hohenbourg, France, granted to her by the Duke of Alsace, her father, where she established a hospital for incurable and abandoned patients. She went on to transform other castles inherited from her parents into convents and hospitals.
St. Peter Cho Hwa-so and five companions, martyrs (†1866). Laymen who were tortured and decapitated in Korea for refusing to renounce the Faith.
Blessed John Marinoni, priest (†1562). Priest from the Order of Theatines, he dedicated himself to clerical reform and the assistance of the needy along with St. Cajetan.
Blessed Anthony Grassi, priest (†1671). Religious from the Congregation of the Oratory who, by his example, encouraged his brothers in the observance of the rule. An outstanding confessor, he was dedicated to the catechesis of youth. He died in the community of Fermo, Italy.
Blessed Mary Magdalene of the Passion, virgin (†1921). Foundress of the Congregation of the Compassionist Sisters, Servants of Mary in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a1
When Balaam raised his eyes and saw Israel encamped, tribe by tribe,
the spirit of God came upon him,
and he gave voice to his oracle:
The utterance of Balaam, son of Beor,
the utterance of a man whose eye is true,
The utterance of one who hears what God says,
and knows what the Most High knows,
Of one who sees what the Almighty sees,
enraptured, and with eyes unveiled:
How goodly are your tents, O Jacob;
your encampments, O Israel!
They are like gardens beside a stream,
like the cedars planted by the LORD.
His wells shall yield free-flowing waters,
he shall have the sea within reach;
His king shall rise higher,
and his royalty shall be exalted.
Then Balaam gave voice to his oracle:
The utterance of Balaam, son of Beor,
the utterance of the man whose eye is true,
The utterance of one who hears what God says,
and knows what the Most High knows,
Of one who sees what the Almighty sees,
enraptured, and with eyes unveiled.
I see him, though not now;
I behold him, though not near:
A star shall advance from Jacob,
and a staff shall rise from Israel.
Responsorial Psalm – 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9 (R.4)
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior. R.
Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your kindness are from of old.
In your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD. R.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
he teaches the humble his way. R.
Second Reading – 1 Thes 5:16-24
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every kind of evil.
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and He will also accomplish it.
Gospel – Mt 21:23-27
When Jesus had come into the temple area,
the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him
as he was teaching and said,
“By what authority are you doing these things?
And who gave you this authority?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me,
then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.
Where was John’s baptism from?
Was it of heavenly or of human origin?”
They discussed this among themselves and said,
“If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us,
‘Then why did you not believe him?’
But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd,
for they all regard John as a prophet.”
So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
He himself said to them,
“Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
