Mass Readings

First Reading – 1 Pt 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.

Responsorial Psalm – 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10c (R.5)

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights. R.

He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations. R.

He has sent deliverance to his people;
he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.
His praise endures forever. R.

Gospel – Mk 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.  Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,  “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

Featured Saints

St. Hilary, Pope (†468). He wrote letters on the Catholic Faith, by means of which he confirmed the Councils of Nicaea, Ephesus and Chalcedon, making evident the See of Rome’s primacy. (See featured image.)

 St. Oswald, bishop (†992). Governed the Church of Worcester and later that of York, in England, instituting the Rule of St. Benedict in several monasteries.

St. Romanus, abbot (†463). Following the example of the ancient anchorites, he lived as a hermit in the region of Jura, France, and became the spiritual father of many monks.

Sts. Marana and Cyra, virgins (†fifth century). They lived in silence in a small enclosure in a secluded location in Berea, Syria, in harsh conditions and receiving food through a window.

Blessed Daniel Brottier, priest (+1936). Born in France, he was sent to the missions in Senegal, but for health reasons was obliged to return to his homeland, where he dedicated himself to the education of orphaned children.

Blessed Timothy Trojanowski, priest and martyr (†1942). Franciscan religious from the convent of Niepokalanów, Poland. He served as editor of the Militia of the Immaculata magazine, founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe. He was arrested during the Second World War and sent to Auschwitz concentration camp, where he died.

Blessed Charles Gnocchi, priest (†1956). He founded the work “Pro Juventute Foundation,” today called the Work of Don Gnocchi, to aid the war maimed and the children of survivors.

Blessed Antonia of Florence, widow (†1472). At the counsel of St. John Capistrano, she founded and governed the first abbess of the Monastery of the Body of Christ, with the observance of the first Rule of St. Clare. She died in L’Aquila, Italy at 71 years of age.