Thursday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time
Optional memorial of St. Norbert, bishop (†1134). Founder of the Premonstratensian order of canons regular who went on to become Archbishop of Magdeburg, Germany. He fought to establish the Gregorian reform and to restore priestly dignity during a time of decadence.
Mass Readings
First Reading – 2 Tm 2:8-15
Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 (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.
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.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy
toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,
and his covenant, for their instruction. R.
Gospel Mk 12:28-34
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Featured Saints
St. Marcellin Champagnat, priest (†1840). French priest, founder of the Institute of the Marist Brothers in Lyon, France, dedicated to the spiritual and cultural education of youth.
St. Raphael Guízar Valencia, bishop (†1938). Bishop of Veracruz, Mexico, who valiantly exercised his Episcopal ministry during persecution. He organized missions and spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and died in exile in Mexico City.
Bl. Lawrence of Villamagna, priest (†1535). Franciscan preacher from Ortona, Italy; he spoke with such wisdom and unction that he attracted multitudes and worked countless conversions.
Blessed William Greenwood, martyr (†1537). Carthusian monk imprisoned during the reign of Henry VIII of England. He died of starvation and of illness contracted in prison.
Blessed Innocent Guz, priest and martyr (†1940). Franciscan Polish priest; he died in Sachsenhausen concentration camp, Germany.
St. Jarlath, bishop (+ c. 550). He is the principal patron of the of the Archdiocese of Tuam in Galway, Ireland. He established the monastery and school of Cluain Fois in the vicinity of Tuam, which became an important monastic centre, where several missionary saints received their initial formation.
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