Wednesday of the 32nd 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 – Wis 6:1-11
Hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you magistrates of the earth’s expanse! Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude and lord it over throngs of peoples! Because authority was given you by the Lord and sovereignty by the Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels. Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom, you judged not rightly, and did not keep the law, nor walk according to the will of God, Terribly and swiftly shall He come against you, because judgment is stern for the exalted– For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test. For the Lord of all shows no partiality, nor does He fear greatness, Because He himself made the great as well as the small, and He provides for all alike; but for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends. To you, therefore, O princes, are my words addressed that you may learn wisdom and that you may not sin. For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed shall be found holy, and those learned in them will have ready a response. Desire therefore my words; long for them and you shall be instructed.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 82:3-4, 6-7 (R.8a)
R. Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.
Defend the lowly and the fatherless;
render justice to the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the lowly and the poor;
from the hand of the wicked deliver them. R.
I said: “You are gods,
all of you sons of the Most High;
yet like men you shall die,
and fall like any prince.” R.
Gospel – Lk 17:11-19
As Jesus continued His journey to Jerusalem, He traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As He was entering a village, ten lepers met Him. They stood at a distance from Him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when He saw them, He said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
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.
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