Saturday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time
Featured Saints
St. Maximinus of Trier, Bishop (†c. 346 France). Fearless defender of the Faith against the Arians, he welcomed St. Athanasius of Alexandria into his diocese, and for this was expelled from it by the emperor.
St. Bona de Pisa, virgin (†1207). She consecrated herself to God from her youth and embraced a life of poverty and austerity. She made frequent pilgrimages to the Holy land, to Rome and to Santiago of Compostela.
St. Ursula Ledochowska, virgin (†1939). Polish noble, foundress of the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, and travelled untiringly on mission to Poland, Russia and Scandinavia.
Blessed Richard Thirkeld, priest and martyr (†1583). Hanged, drawn, and quartered in York, during the reign of Elizabeth I of England, for practicing his priestly ministry and for having reconciled many with the Church.
Blessed Joseph Gerard, priest (†1914). French missionary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, he preached the Gospel first in Durban (Indian Ocean) and later in Basutoland, in South Africa.
Blessed William Arnaud and ten companions, martyrs (†1242). Dominican religious put to death by the sword by Cathars, near Toulouse, France, for having opposed this heresy. They died singing the Te Deum.
Blessed Gerardesca, widow (†1269). Married but childless, she decided to consecrate herself to God, together with her husband. He entered the Camaldolese monastery of Pisa, Italy, and she lived as an oblate in a cell built adjacent to the same monastery .
Mass Readings
First Reading –Sir 51:12cd-207
I thank the LORD and I praise him; I bless the name of the LORD. When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her until the end, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe. My heart delighted in her, My feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her. In the short time I paid heed, I met with great instruction. Since in this way I have profited, I will give my teacher grateful praise. I became resolutely devoted to her— the good I persistently strove for. My soul was tormented in seeking her, My hand opened her gate and I came to know her secrets. I directed my soul to her, and in cleanness I attained to her.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 (R.9a)
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple. R.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye. R.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just. R.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb. R.
Gospel – Mk 11:27-33
Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem.
As He was walking in the temple area,
the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders
approached Him and said to Him,
“By what authority are you doing these things?
Or who gave you this authority to do them?”
Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question.
Answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer Me.”
They discussed this among themselves and said,
“If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say,
‘Then why did you not believe him?’
But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”–
they feared the crowd,
for they all thought John really was a prophet.
So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
Then Jesus said to them,
“Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
