Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial of St. Albert the Great, bishop and Doctor of the Church (†1280) Born in 1206 in Bavaria. Illustrious Dominican philosopher and theologian, he contributed significantly to medieval scholasticism and was the professor of the great St. Thomas Aquinas.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Rv 3:1-6, 14-22
I, John, heard the Lord saying to me: “To the angel of the Church in Sardis, write this: “‘The one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says this: “I know your works, that you have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Be watchful and strengthen what is left, which is going to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember then how you accepted and heard; keep it, and repent. If you are not watchful, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come upon you. However, you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; they will walk with me dressed in white, because they are worthy.”’ The victor will thus be dressed in white, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name in the presence of my Father and of His angels. “‘Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”“ “To the angel of the Church in Laodicea, write this: “‘The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God’s creation, says this: “I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,’ and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich, and white garments to put on so that your shameful nakedness may not be exposed, and buy ointment to smear on your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. “‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me. I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne, as I myself first won the victory and sit with my Father on his throne. “‘Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 15:2-3A, 3BC-4AB, 5 (R. Rev. 3: 21)
R. I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.
He who walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue. R.
Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
By whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD. R.
Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
shall never be disturbed. R.
Gospel – Lk 19:1-10
At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see Him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received Him with joy. When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”
Featured Saints
St. Joseph Pignatelli, priest (†1811). He was one of the restorers of the Company of Jesus in Spain, after its suppression in 1773. He distinguished himself for his charity, humility and purity of customs.
St. Leopold (†1136). Austrian prince known as “the Pious”, he declined to become Emperor when the death of the heir apparent placed him next in line for the crown, and died in one of the monasteries he himself had built. He is venerated as the Patron Saint of Austria.
St.Raphael Kalinowski of St.Joseph,, priest (†1907). A military engineer, he participated in the Lithuanian-Polish insurrection against Russia, was captured and condemned to forced labour in Siberia. After being liberated, he became a Carmelite and dedicated himself to the ministry of Confession and the expansion of the Order in Poland.
St. Desiderius, bishop (†655). He built many churches, monasteries and building for public use in his Diocese of Cahors, France, and strove to form souls into true temples of Christ.
St. Joseph Mikasa Balikuddembe, martyr (†1885). Prefect of the royal palace in Mengo, Uganda. After being baptized, he converted many young people to Christ and protected them from King Mwenga, and was for this reason beheaded.
Blessed Lucy Broccadelli of Narni, religious (†1544). Both in married life and as a Dominic tertiary she patiently endured many sufferings and humiliations. She died in the monastery she founded in Ferrara, Italy.
Blessed Mary of the Passion of Chappotin de Neuville, virgin (†1904). She founded the Congregation of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, particularly dedicated to improving the situation of women in mission lands.
Image gallery
