Mass Readings
First Reading – Sir 35:12-14, 16-18
The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet He hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 (R. 7a)
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad. R.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress He rescues them. R.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit He saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of His servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in Him. R.
Second Reading – 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18
Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His appearance. At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Gospel – Lk 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Featured Saints
St. Cedd, bishop (†664). He was a monk and missionary in diverse regions of England. Ordained bishop of the East Saxons by St. Finan, he founded several churches and monasteries, including that of Lastingham, in Yorkshire. Brother of St. Chad. (Optional Memorial in England.)
St. Albinus, bishop. (†786). Benedictine monk of Anglo-Saxon origin, one of the companions of St. Boniface in the Evangelization of Germany, appointed Bishop of Buraburg, Hesse.
St. Fulk, bishop (†1229). Born in Piacenza, Italy, of Scottish parents. Appointed Bishop of Pavia, where he founded schools and dedicated himself the the spiritual welfare of his flock, abstaining from political affairs.
St. Eata, bishop (†circa 686). Disciple of St. Aidan. After serving as abbot in several monasteries, he became Bishop of Hexham, England, without abandoning monastic asceticism.
St. Rusticus, bishop (†circa 461). He evangelized the people of the region of Narbonne, France, as head of that diocese, and took part in the Council of Ephesus which condemned Nestorianism.
St. Rogatianus, priest († third century). During the Decian persecution, St. Cyprian entrusted the administration of the Church of Carthage to him. Together with St. Felicissimus, he suffered many tribulations for the love of Christ’s name.
Sts.Lucian and Marcian, martyrs (†c. 250). According to tradition, for their Christian Faith they were burned alive in Izmit, Turkey, by order of the proconsul Sabinus, during the reign of Emperor Decius.
Blessed Damian of Fulcheri, priest (†1484). Dominican priest, untiring preacher in the regions of Ligouri, Lombardy and Emilia, Italy.
Blessed Bonaventure of Potenza, priest (†1711). Religious from the Order of Friars Minor Conventual; he was an outstanding preacher and favoured with mystical gifts.
Blessed Celine Chludzinska Borzecka, religious (†1913). She founded the Congregation of Sisters of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Rome.
Image gallery
