Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time
Featured Saints
St. Gregory VII, Pope (+1085). Optional Memorial. He accepted the office of Supreme Pontiff with “much sorrow, groaning and weeping”, during a time of dire need for reform. He fought against simony and the interference of the civil power in ecclesiastical affairs; he died in exile.
St. Bede the Venerable, priest and doctor of the Church (†735). Optional Memorial. Monk of the Benedictine Monastery of St. Peter, in Wearmouth, England, he devoted his life to meditation and the study of Sacred Scripture, producing extensive theological and historical works.
St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, virgin (†1607). Optional Memorial. . She entered the Carmelite convent of Florence, Italy, where she ardently promoted Church reform and received extraordinary gifts from God.
St. Gennadius, abbot and bishop (†c. 925). Abbot of the monastery of San Pedro de Montes, Spain, he was elected Bishop of Astorga, but he renounced the Episcopal dignity to return to monastic life.
St. Peter Doan Van Van, martyr (†1857). Catechist and parish administrator, beheaded in Vietnam for his Faith.
St. Dionysius Ssebuggwawo, martyr (†1886). Page of King Uwanga of Uganda; he was pierced with a lance by the Sovereign after declaring that he had taught the rudiments of the Faith to other members of the court.
St. Gerard (†c. 1270). After having been Count of Lunel, he entered hermitic life and died during a pilgrimage in Montesanto, Italy.
St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, virgin (†1865). Founded the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Paris, for the Christian education of young women.
Blessed Nicholas Cehelskyj, priest and martyr (†1951). Ukrainian priest of the Byzantine Catholic Rite. He resisted pressure from the Communist authorities to convert to the state-approved orthodox church, and was imprisoned in the concentration camp in Mordovia, Russia, where he died as consequence of terrible sufferings.
Blessed Gerard Mecatti, hermit (†c. 1245). He distributed his goods to the poor and dedicated himself to a life of holiness in seclusion in Villamagna, Italy.
St. Aldhelm, bishop (†709). Abbot of the monastery of Malmesbury who, renowned as teacher of doctrine, became the first Bishop of Sherborne, England.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Sir 35:1-12
To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The just one’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as He has given to you, generously, according to your means. For the LORD is one who always repays, and He will give back to you sevenfold. But offer no bribes, these He does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion. For He is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23 (R.23b)
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Gather my faithful ones before Me,
those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
And the heavens proclaim his justice;
for God himself is the judge. R.
“Hear, my people, and I will speak;
Israel, I will testify against you;
God, your God, am I.
Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.” R.
“Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies Me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” R.
Gospel – Mk 10:28-31
Peter began to say to Jesus,
‘We have given up everything and followed You.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
