Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial of The Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul. The former was built by Constantine on Vatican Hill, over St. Peter’s sepulchre, and the latter was erected on the Via Ostiensis, over the tomb of St. Paul. The dedication of these two basilicas was added to the Roman Calendar by St. Pius V in 1568.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show his servants what must happen soon. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who gives witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ by reporting what he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near. John, to the seven churches in Asia: grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne. I heard the Lord saying to me: “To the angel of the Church in Ephesus, write this: “‘The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this: “I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves Apostles but are not, and discovered that they are impostors. Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”’”
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 (R. Rev. 2:17)
R. Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night. R.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers. R.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes. R.
Gospel – Lk 18:35-43
As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
Featured Saints
St. Odo of Cluny, abbot (†942). Second Abbot of Cluny; he restored monastic discipline in many monasteries of France and Italy.
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin (†1852). Optional Memorial in USA. Born in Grenoble, France, she entered a monastery there in 1788, but the Reign of Terror dispersed its members in 1792. After many years of struggles, she became a disciple of St. Madeleine-Sophie Barat, foundress of the new Society of the Sacred Heart, dedicated to teaching. Under her direction, St. Rose emigrated to the United States as a missionary, and opened several schools there. She died in St. Charles, Missouri at the age of 83.
St. Romanus, martyr (†303). Deacon of Caesarea, who exhorted the Christians of Antioch to persevere in the Catholic Faith when he saw them approaching idols; for this he was tortured and strangled to death.
Blessed Grimoald of the Purification Santamaria, religious (†1902). Passionist brother who became mortally ill while preparing for priestly ordination. He died a holy death at 18 years of age in Ceccano, Italy.
Blessed Carolina Kózka, virgin and martyr (†1914). Catechist from the parish of Zabawa, Poland. She was killed at 16 years of age, during the First World War, while resisting a Russian soldier who attempted to violate her chastity.
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