Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial of St. Januarius, bishop and martyr (†305). Martyred in Pozzuoli (Italy). His blood, reserved in the Cathedral of Naples, liquefies miraculously at least three times a year.
Mass Readings
First Reading – 1 Tm 3:1-13
Beloved, this saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the Church of God? He should not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the Devil’s punishment. He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, the Devil’s trap. Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well. Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 101:1b-2ab, 2cd-3ab, 5, 6 (R.2)
R. I will walk with blameless heart.
Of mercy and judgment I will sing;
to You, O LORD, I will sing praise.
I will persevere in the way of integrity;
when will You come to me? R.
I will walk with blameless heart,
within my house;
I will not set before my eyes
any base thing. R.
Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret,
him will I destroy.
The man of haughty eyes and puffed up heart
I will not endure. R.
My eyes are upon the faithful of the land,
that they may dwell with me.
He who walks in the way of integrity
shall be in my service. 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
St. Theodore, bishop (†690). Appointed by Pope St. Vitalian as Archbishop of Canterbury. He is praised in the writings of St. Bede for his extensive travels and labours in favour of the unity and harmony of the Church in England.
St. Marianus, hermit (†sixth century). From an illustrious family of Bourges, France, he left the world to become a hermit in Berry, living thenceforth on only wild fruits and honey.
St. Charles Hyon Sŏng-mun martyr (†1846). Catechist who worked assiduously for the entrance of missionaries into Korea. He was imprisoned and beheaded along with other Christians.
St. Frithuswith, virgin and abbess (†735). An English princess, she fled marriage with a neighbouring prince and founded a convent dedicated to the Blessed Virgin in Oxford. She is the patroness of the city of Oxford and its university.
St. Maria of Cervelló, virgin (†1290). The first Mercedarian nun. She was untiring in her care of the poor and sick.
St. Marie Emilie de Rodat, virgin and foundress (†1852). She founded the Congregation of the Holy Family in Villefranche, France, for the formation of youth. She was a great devotee of the Holy Mass and of the Via Sacra. She combatted the Jansenist spirit which, under guise of humility, discouraged the frequent reception of the Eucharist.
Blessed Francisca Cualladó Baixauli, virgin and martyr (†1936). A lay seamstress, she prayed the Rosary and partook in the Eucharist daily. She was executed by firing squad in Benifaiós (Spain) during the Spanish Civil War.
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