Mass Readings

First Reading – Jer 18:18-20

The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem said, “Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah. It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests, nor of counsel from the wise, nor of messages from the prophets. And so, let us destroy him by his own tongue; let us carefully note his every word.” Heed me, O LORD, and listen to what my adversaries say. Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life? Remember that I stood before you to speak in their behalf, to turn away your wrath from them.

Responsorial Psalm – 31:5-6, 14, 15-16 (R.17b)

R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

You will free me from the snare they set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God. R.

I hear the whispers of the crowd, that frighten me from every side,
as they consult together against me, plotting to take my life. R.

But my trust is in you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
In your hands is my destiny; rescue me
from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. R.

Gospel – Jn 8:12

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows Me will have the light of life.

Featured Saints

St. Hilary, bishop, and St. Tatian, deacon, martyrs. According to ancient tradition, they suffered martyrdom by decapitation in Aquileia, Italy, during the time of Emperor Numerianus, (circa 284).

St. Heribert of Cologne, bishop (†1021). He was chancellor of Emperor Otto III of Germany, before being appointed Archbishop of Cologne, an honour which he unwillingly accepted. He founded the Benedictine Abbey of Deutz.

St. Eusebia, abbess (†c. 680). After her father’s death she entered monastic life, along with her mother, St. Rictrudes. While yet an adolescent, she succeeded her grandmother, the widowed St. Gertrude the Elder, in the office of abbess of Hamay-sur-la-Scarpe, in Marchiennes, France.

Blessed John Sordi, Bishop and martyr (†1181). Noble from Cremona, he became a Benedictine religious and was exiled for his fidelity to the Pope. He was elected Bishop of Mantua and later of Vicenza. He died defending the liberty of the Church, killed by a hired assassin.

Blessed Robert Dalby, priest and martyr (†1589). English Protestant minister who converted and received priestly ordination in Rheims, France. Returning to England, he was imprisoned and condemned to death for exercising his ministry.

St. Julian of Anazarbus, martyr (†fourth century). After prolonged torture, he was bound in a sack with serpents and thrown into the sea in Cilicia, present-day Turkey.