Friday 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 Tim 6:2c-12
Beloved: Teach and urge these things. Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain. Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20 (R.1)
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Why should I fear in evil days
when my wicked ensnarers ring me round?
They trust in their wealth;
the abundance of their riches is their boast. R.
Yet in no way can a man redeem himself,
or pay his own ransom to God;
Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough
to remain alive always and not see destruction. R.
Fear not when a man grows rich,
when the wealth of his house becomes great,
For when he dies, he shall take none of it;
his wealth shall not follow him down. R.
Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed,
“They will praise you for doing well for yourself,”
He shall join the circle of his forebears
who shall never more see light. R.
Gospel – Lk 8:1-3
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
Featured Saints and Comemmorations
Our Lady of La Salette – The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared on this date to two children, Melanie Mathieu and Maximin Giraud, as they tended their herds, on the mountain of La Salette in the French Alps. She wept with sorrow for the sins of the world while entrusting the children with a lengthly prophetic message to be spread throughout the world.
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 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.
Image gallery
