Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom
St. John Chrysostom, bishop and Doctor of the Church (†407). After the death of his widowed mother, he retreated to the desert as an anchorite. Called to Antioch, he was ordained a deacon, a priest, and finally was consecrated as Bishop and Patriarch of the See of Constaninople, capital of the Eastern Empire. He is called “Chrysostom”, a Greek work meaning “mouth of gold”, in reference to the fiery eloquence and wisdom of his words. He faced persecution from many adversaries and died in exile, in the city of Comana (in present-day Turkey) leaving behind him a wealth of intellectual production.
First Reading – 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a
Brothers and sisters: As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one Body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. Now the body is not a single part, but many. Now you are Christ’s Body, and individually parts of It. Some people God has designated in the Church to be, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. Are all Apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 100: 1b-2, 3, 4, 5 (R. 3)
R. We are His people: the sheep of His flock.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before Him with joyful song. R.
Know that the LORD is God;
He made us, His we are;
His people, the flock He tends. R.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
His courts with praise;
Give thanks to Him; bless His name. R.
For He is good, the LORD,
whose kindness endures forever,
and His faithfulness, to all generations. R.
Gospel – Lk 7:11-17
Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and His disciples and a large crowd accompanied Him. As He drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and He said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about Him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.
Featured Saints
Blessed Maria de Jesus López Rivas, religious (†1640). P). Disciple of St. Teresa of Avila and Prioress of the Carmel of Toledo. Slandered and deposed from her office, she endured all her sufferings with great charity.
St. Maurilius, bishop (†453). Born in Milan, he was a disciple of St. Martin of Tours, by whom he was ordained priest. Elected Bishop of Angers, France, he eradicated the pagan superstitions of the rural people.
St. Amatus, priest and abbot (†629). Outstanding for his austerity, he wisely governed the abbey of Mont Haberd, in the region of Vosges, France, which he founded together with St. Romaric.
St. Marcellinus, martyr († 413). Close friend of St. Augustine and St. Jerome, with whom he exchanged correspondence; he was killed for defending the Faith in polemics with the Donatists.
Blessed Aurelio Maria (Benvindo Villalón Acebrón), religious and martyr (†1936). Spanish member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, he was killed out of hatred for the Church.
Image gallery
