Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorials: St. Blaise, bishop and martyr. He headed the church in Sebaste (present-day Turkey), and was put to death for his Faith c. 320. During his life he became renowned as a miraculous healer, and is revered particularly as a protector against maladies of the throat. On this day, the faithful can receive the Blessing of the Throats through his intercession.
St. Ansgar (†865). Bishop of Hamburg-Bremen who became known as the “Apostle of the North”, being named as the papal legate of Pope Gregory IV to the Scandinavian countries.
Mass Readings
First Reading – 1 Kgs 3:4-13
Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the most renowned high place. Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered: “You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David, because he behaved faithfully toward you, with justice and an upright heart; and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today, seating a son of his on his throne. O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request. So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this– not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right– I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you. In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.”
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (R.12b)
R. Lord, teach me Your statutes.
How shall a young man be faultless in his way?
By keeping to Your words. R.
With all my heart I seek You;
let me not stray from Your commands. R.
Within my heart I treasure Your promise,
that I may not sin against You. R.
Blessed are You, O LORD;
teach me Your statutes. R.
With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of Your mouth. R.
In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches. R.
Gospel – Mk 6:30-34
The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.
Featured Saints
Blessed John Nelson, priest and martyr (†1578). Jesuit priest executed at Tyburn for refusing to acknowledge Queen Elizabeth I of England as a spiritual power.
St. Werburga, abbess (†c. 700). She entered the monastery of Ely, England, where she was abbess, later reforming and founding several other monasteries. She is the patroness of the city of Chester, where her relics are venerated.
St. Mary of St. Ignatius Thévenet, virgin (†1837). She founded the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary in Lyon, France.
Blessed Anne-Marie Rivier, virgin (†1838). Founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary during the French Revolution.
Blessed Maria Helena Stollenwerk, virgin (†1900). With St. Arnold Janssen, she founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters-Servants of the Holy Spirit in Steyl, Netherlands. After her tenure as superior, she dedicated herself to Perpetual Adoration.
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