Posted on 06/01/2007 7:19:53 AM PDT by Salvation
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Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr
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Reading 1
Sir 44:1, 9-13
Now will I praise those godly men,
our ancestors, each in his own time.
But of others there is no memory,
for when they ceased, they ceased.
And they are as though they had not lived,
they and their children after them.
Yet these also were godly men
whose virtues have not been forgotten;
Their wealth remains in their families,
their heritage with their descendants;
Through God’s covenant with them their family endures,
their posterity, for their sake.
And for all time their progeny will endure,
their glory will never be blotted out.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Mk 11:11-26
Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area.
He looked around at everything and, since it was already late,
went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry.
Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf,
he went over to see if he could find anything on it.
When he reached it he found nothing but leaves;
it was not the time for figs.
And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!”
And his disciples heard it.
They came to Jerusalem,
and on entering the temple area
he began to drive out those selling and buying there.
He overturned the tables of the money changers
and the seats of those who were selling doves.
He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area.
Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written:
My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples?
But you have made it a den of thieves.”
The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it
and were seeking a way to put him to death,
yet they feared him
because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching.
When evening came, they went out of the city.
Early in the morning, as they were walking along,
they saw the fig tree withered to its roots.
Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look!
The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”
Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God.
Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,
‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’
and does not doubt in his heart
but believes that what he says will happen,
it shall be done for him.
Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,
believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.
When you stand to pray,
forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance,
so that your heavenly Father may in turn
forgive you your transgressions.”
Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Alleluia Ping List.
Orthodox Feast of Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome
Justin Martyr on Christian worship - (the earliest record of Christian worship)
St. Justin Martyr: He Considered Christianity the "True Philosophy"
The devotion consists in the divine worship of the human heart of Christ, which is united to His divinity and which is a symbol of His love for us. The aim of the devotion is to make our Lord king over our hearts by prompting them to return love to Him (especially through an act of consecration by which we offer to the Heart of Jesus both ourselves and all that belongs to us) and to make reparation for our ingratitude to God.
INVOCATION
O Heart of love, I put all my trust in Thee; for I fear all things from my own weakness, but I hope for all things from Thy goodness.
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART
Devotion to the Sacred Heart was the characteristic note of the piety of Saint Gertrude the Great (1256-1302), Benedictine nun and renowned mystic. She was, in fact, the first great exponent of devotion to the Sacred Heart. In our efforts to honor the Heart of Jesus we have this prayer as a model for our own:
Hail! O Sacred Heart of Jesus, living and quickening source of eternal life, infinite treasure of the Divinity, and burning furnace of divine love. Thou art my refuge and my sanctuary, 0 my amiable Savior. Consume my heart with that burning fire with which Thine is ever inflamed. Pour down on my soul those graces which flow from Thy love, and let my heart be so united with Thine, that our wills may be one, and mine in all things be conformed to Thine. May Thy divine will be equally the standard and rule of all my desires and of all my actions. Amen.
Saint Gertrude
FOR THE CHURCH
O most holy Heart of Jesus, shower Thy blessings in abundant measure upon Thy holy Church, upon the Supreme Pontiff and upon all the clergy; to the just grant perseverance; convert sinners; enlighten unbelievers; bless our relations, friends and benefactors; assist the dying; deliver the holy souls in purgatory; and extend over all hearts the sweet empire of Thy love. Amen.
A PRAYER OF TRUST
O God, who didst in wondrous manner reveal to the virgin, Margaret Mary, the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart, grant that loving Thee, after her example, in all things and above all things, we may in Thy Heart find our abiding home.
Roman Missal
ACT OF LOVE
Reveal Thy Sacred Heart to me, O Jesus, and show me Its attractions. Unite me to It for ever. Grant that all my aspirations and all the beats of my heart, which cease not even while I sleep, may be a testimonial to Thee of my love for Thee and may say to Thee: Yes, Lord, I am all Thine;
pledge of my allegiance to Thee rests ever in my heart will never cease to be there. Do Thou accept the slight amount of good that I do and be graciously pleased to repair all m] wrong-doing; so that I may be able to bless Thee in time and in eternity. Amen.
Cardinal Merry del Val
MEMORARE TO THE SACRED HEART
Remember, O most sweet Jesus, that no one who has had recourse to Thy Sacred Heart, implored its help, or sought it mercy was ever abandoned. Encouraged with confidence, O tenderest of hearts, we present ourselves before Thee, crushes beneath the weight of our sins. In our misery, O Sacred Hear. of Jesus, despise not our simple prayers, but mercifully grant our requests.
Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954
From: Sirach 44:1, 9-13
Prologue
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Commentary:
44:1-50:29. This eulogy of ancestors begins with a short prologue
(44:1-15), which summarizes Ben Sirach’ teachings. What it says
about them is what we have read elsewhere in the book about wise
people, people who were loyal to the Law: they “have left a name”
(44:8; cf. 41:12-13), whereas the ungodly “have no memorial” (44:9;
cf. 41:11); “their righteous deeds have not been forgotten” and they
have left an “inheritance” to their descendants (44:10-11; cf.
23:25-26); their name “lives to all generations”, in all peoples
and in the praise of the “congregation” (44:14-15; cf. 39:10-11).
But these admirable lives are, in the last analysis, further
evidence of the greatness of God (44:2). In the Church this same
teaching applies in the case of saints.. In their memory we remind
God that “You are glorified in your saints, for their glory is the
crowning of your gifts. In their lives on earth you gave us an
example. In our communion with them, you give us their friendship.
In their prayer for the Church you give us strength and protection.
This great company of witnesses spurs us on to victory, to share
their prize of lasting glory” (”Roman Missal”, Preface of the holy
men and women).
The author goes on to survey sacred history from Enoch (44:16) to
the priest Simon (50:1-21), In fact he goes right back to Adam,
because Adam stands at the very origin of man (cf. 49:16). In this
survey one can see the author’s teaching is close to the the
Deuteronomic Tradition-fidelity to the Covenant with God, adherence
to the Law, the temple as the sole place of divine worship. The only
three kings given praise in Deuteronomic history (David, Hezekiah
and Josiah) are lauded here too (cf. 49:4). Even Solomon, despite
all his wisdom, despite the fact that he built the temple, put a
stain on the honor of God (47:20) and as a consequence (in line with
Ben Sirach’s persistent message) his son Rehoboam was ample in
folly” (47:23).
The list of people praised also includes the main judges and
prophets. However, one cannot help noticing the somewhat over-
generous amount of space given to Aaron (45:6-22). In fact what
Sirach praises is not just Aaron himself; he revels in the
magnificence of Aaron’s sacred vestments, thereby emphasizing
the reverence that is due to priests and to things to do ‘with the
liturgy. The last person to be eulogized, the high priest Simon:
50:1-21 really marks the climax of all this praise: Simon in some
way embodies all the very best to be learned from these great
ancestors.
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Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.
Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.
From: Mark 11:11-25
The Messiah Enters Jerusalem (Continuation)
The Barren Fig Tree. The Expulsion of the Money-Changers
[15] And they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began
to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and He
overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who
sold pigeons; [16] and He would not allow any one to carry anything
through the temple. [17] And He taught, and said to them, “Is it not
written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the
nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” [18] And the chief
priests and the scribes heard it and sought a way to destroy Him; for
they feared Him, because all the multitude was astonished at His
teaching. [19] And when evening came they went out of the city.
[20] As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered
away to its roots. [21] And Peter remembered and said to Him, “Master,
look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered.” [22] And Jesus
answered them, “Have faith in God. [23] Truly, I say to you, whoever
says to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does
not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to
pass, it will be done for him. [24] Therefore I tell you, whatever you
ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will. [25] And
whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any
one; so that your Father also who is in Heaven may forgive you your
trespasses.”
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Commentary:
12. Jesus’ hunger is another sign of His being truly human. When we
contemplate Jesus we should feel Him very close to us; He is true God
and true man. His experience of hunger shows that He understands us
perfectly: He has shared our needs and limitations. “How generous our
Lord is in humbling Himself and fully accepting His human condition!
He does not use His divine power to escape from difficulties or
effort. Let’s pray that He will teach us to be tough, to love work, to
appreciate the human and divine nobility of savoring the consequences
of self-giving” ([St] J. Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 161).
13-14. Jesus, of course, knew that it was not the right time for figs;
therefore, He was not looking for figs to eat. His action must have a
deeper meaning. The Fathers of the Church, whose interpretation St.
Bede reflects in his commentary on this passage, tells us that the
miracle has an allegorical purpose: Jesus had come among His own
people, the Jews, hungry to find fruit of holiness and good works, but
all He found were external practices—leaves without fruit. Similarly,
when He enters the temple, He upbraids those present for turning the
temple of God, which is a house of prayer (prayer is the fruit of
piety), into a place of commerce (mere leaves). “So you”, St. Bede
concludes, “if you do not want to be condemned by Christ, should guard
against being a barren tree, by offering to Jesus, who made Himself
poor, the fruit of piety which He expects of you” (”In Marci Evangelium
Expositio, in loc.”).
God wants both fruit and foliage; when, because the right intention is
missing, there are only leaves, only appearances, we must suspect that
there is nothing but purely human action, with no supernatural
depth—behavior which results from ambition, pride and a desire to
attract attention.
“We have to work a lot on this earth and we must do our work well,
since it is our daily task that we have to sanctify. But let us never
forget to do everything for God’s sake. If were to do it ourselves,
out of pride, we could produce nothing but leaves, and no matter how
luxuriant they were, neither God nor our fellow man would find any good
in them” ([St] J. Escriva, “Friends of God”, 202).
15-18. Our Lord does not abide lack of faith or piety in things to do
with the worship of God. If He acts so vigorously to defend the temple
of the Old Law, it indicates how we should truly conduct ourselves in
the Christian temple, where He is really and truly present in the
Blessed Eucharist. “Piety has its own good manners. Learn them. It’s
a shame to see those `pious’ people who don’t know how to attend
Mass—even though they go daily,—nor how to bless themselves (they
throw their hands about in the wierdest fashion), nor how to bend the
knee before the Tabernacle (their ridiculous genuflections seem a
mockery), nor how to bow their heads reverently before a picture of our
Lady” ([St] J. Escriva, “The Way”, 541). Cf. note on Matthew 21:12-13.
20-25. Jesus speaks to us here about the power of prayer. For prayer
to be effective, absolute faith and trust are required: “A keen and
living faith. Like Peter’s. When you have it—our Lord has said
so—you will move mountains, the humanly insuperable obstacles that
rise up against your apostolic undertakings” ([St] J. Escriva, “The Way”,
489).
For prayer to be effective, we also need to love our neighbor,
forgiving him everything: if we do, then God our Father will also
forgive us. Since we are all sinners we need to admit the fact before
God and ask His pardon (cf. Luke 18:9-14). When Christ taught us to
pray He required that we have these predispositions (cf. Matthew 6:12;
also Matthew 5:23 and notes on same). Here is how Theophylact
(”Ennaratio in Evangelium Marci, in loc.”) puts it: “When you pray, if
you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father who
is in Heaven may forgive you [...]. He who believes with great
affection raises his whole heart to God and, in David’s words, opens
his soul to God. If he expands his heart before God in this way, he
becomes one with Him, and his burning heart is surer of obtaining what
he desires.”
Even when he is in the state of sin, man should seek God out in prayer;
Jesus places no limitations at all: “Whatever you ask...” Therefore,
our personal unworthiness should not be an excuse for not praying
confidently to God. Nor should the fact that God already knows our
needs be an excuse for not turning to Him. St. Teresa explains this
when she prays: “O my God, can it be better to keep silent about my
necessities, hoping that Thou wilt relieve them? No, indeed, for Thou,
my Lord and my Joy, knowing how many they must be and how it will
alleviate them if we speak to Thee of them, dost bid us pray to Thee
and say that Thou will not fail to give” (St. Teresa, “Exclamations”,
5). Cf. notes on Matthew 6:5-6 and Matthew 7:7-11.
26. As the RSV note points out, many ancient manuscripts add a v. 26:
but it is clearly an addition, taken straight from Matthew 6:15. This
addition was included by the editors of the Old Vulgate.
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Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.
Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.
| First reading | Ecclesiasticus 44:1 - 13 © |
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| Next let us praise illustrious men, our ancestors in their successive generations. Some have left no memory, and disappeared as though they had not existed, they are now as though they had never been, and so too, their children after them. But here is a list of generous men whose good works have not been forgotten. In their descendants there remains a rich inheritance born of them. Their descendants stand by the covenants and, thanks to them, so do their children’s children. Their offspring will last for ever, their glory will not fade. |
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| Psalm or canticle: Psalm 149 |
| Gospel | Mark 11:11 - 26 © |
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| Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the Temple. He looked all round him, but as it was now late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. Next day as they were leaving Bethany, he felt hungry. Seeing a fig tree in leaf some distance away, he went to see if he could find any fruit on it, but when he came up to it he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season for figs. And he addressed the fig tree. ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again’ he said. And his disciples heard him say this. So they reached Jerusalem and he went into the Temple and began driving out those who were selling and buying there; he upset the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those who were selling pigeons. Nor would he allow anyone to carry anything through the Temple. And he taught them and said, ‘Does not scripture say: My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples? But you have turned it into a robbers’ den.’ This came to the ears of the chief priests and the scribes, and they tried to find some way of doing away with him; they were afraid of him because the people were carried away by his teaching. And when evening came he went out of the city. Next morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered to the roots. Peter remembered. ‘Look, Rabbi,’ he said to Jesus ‘the fig tree you cursed has withered away.’ Jesus answered, ‘Have faith in God. I tell you solemnly, if anyone says to this mountain, “Get up and throw yourself into the sea”, with no hesitation in his heart but believing that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. I tell you therefore: everything you ask and pray for, believe that you have it already, and it will be yours. And when you stand in prayer, forgive whatever you have against anybody, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your failings too.’ But if you do not forgive, your Father in heaven will not forgive your failings either. |
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O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.
| Psalm 54 (55) |
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| Against a faithless friend |
| Open your ears, O God, to my prayer, and do not hide when I call on you: turn to me and answer me. My thoughts are distracted and I am disturbed by the voice of my enemy and the oppression of the wicked. They let loose their wickedness on me, they persecute me in their anger. My heart is tied in a knot and the terrors of death lie upon me; fear and trembling cover me; terror holds me tight. I said, “Will no-one give me wings like a dove? I shall fly away and rest. I shall flee far away and remain all alone. I shall wait for him who will save me from the stormy wind and the tempest”. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
| Psalm 54 (55) |
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| Scatter them, Lord, and separate their tongues, for I see violence and conflict in the city. By day and by night they circle it high on its battlements. Within it are oppression and trouble; scheming and fraud fill its squares. For if my enemy had slandered me, I think I could have borne it. And if the one who hated me had trampled me, perhaps I could have hidden. But you – a man just like me, my companion and my friend! We had happy times together, we walked together in the house of God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
| Psalm 54 (55) |
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| Let death break in upon them! Let them go down alive to the underworld, for wickedness shares their home. As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord will rescue me. Evening, morning, noon – I shall watch and groan, and he will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul and give it peace from those who attack me – for very many are my enemies. God will hear and will bring them low, God, the eternal. They will never reform: they do not fear God. That man – he stretched out his hand against his allies: he corrupted his own covenant. His face was smoother than butter, but his heart was at war; his words were softer than oil, but they were sharp as drawn swords. Throw all your cares on the Lord and he will give you sustenance. He will not let the just be buffeted for ever. No – but you, Lord, will lead the wicked to the gaping mouth of destruction. The men of blood and guile will not live half their days. But I, Lord, will put my trust in you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
| Reading | Job 12:1 - 25 © |
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| Job spoke next. He said: Doubtless, you are the voice of the people, and when you die, wisdom will die with you! I can reflect as deeply as ever you can, I am no way inferior to you. And who, for that matter, has not observed as much? A man becomes a laughing-stock to his friends if he cries to God and expects an answer. The blameless innocent incurs only mockery. ‘Add insult to injury,’ think the prosperous ‘strike the man now that he is staggering!’ And yet, the tents of brigands are left in peace, and those who challenge God live in safety, and make a god of their two fists! If you would learn more, ask the cattle, seek information from the birds of the air. The creeping things of earth will give you lessons, and the fishes of the sea will tell you all. There is not one such creature but will know this state of things is all of God’s own making. He holds in his power the soul of every living thing, and the breath of each man’s body. The ear is a judge of speeches, is it not, just as the palate can tell one food from another? Wisdom is found in the old, and discretion comes with great age. But in him there is wisdom, and power, too, and decision no less than discretion. What he destroys, none can rebuild; whom he imprisons, none can release. Is there a drought? He has checked the waters. Do these play havoc with the earth? He has let them loose. In him is strength, in him resourcefulness, beguiler and beguiled are both alike his slave. He robs the country’s counsellors of their wits, turns judges into fools. His hands untie the belt of kings, and bind a rope about their loins. He makes priests walk barefoot, and overthrows the powers that are established. He strikes the cleverest speakers dumb, and robs old men of their discretion. He pours contempt on the nobly born, and unties the girdle of the strong. He robs the depths of their darkness, brings deep shadow to the light. He builds a nation up, then strikes it down, or makes a people grow, and then destroys it. He strips a country’s leaders of their judgement, and leaves them to wander in a trackless waste, to grope about in unlit darkness, and totter like a man in liquor. |
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| Reading | From the Acts of the martyrdom of Saint Justin and his companion saints |
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| I have accepted the true doctrines of the Christians | |
| The saints were seized and brought before the prefect of Rome, whose name was Rusticus. As they stood before the judgement seat, Rusticus the prefect said to Justin: “Above all, have faith in the gods and obey the emperors”. Justin said: “We cannot be accused or condemned for obeying the commands of our Saviour, Jesus Christ”. Rusticus said: “What system of teaching do you profess?” Justin said: “I have tried to learn about every system, but I have accepted the true doctrines of the Christians, though these are not approved by those who are held fast by error”. The prefect Rusticus said: “Are those doctrines approved by you, wretch that you are?” Justin said: “Yes, for I follow them with their correct teaching”. The prefect Rusticus said: “What sort of teaching is that?” Justin said: “Worship the God of the Christians. We hold him to be from the beginning the one creator and maker of the whole creation, of things seen and things unseen. We worship also the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He was foretold by the prophets as the future herald of salvation for the human race and the teacher of distinguished disciples. For myself, since I am a human being, I consider that what I say is insignificant in comparison with his infinite godhead. I acknowledge the existence of a prophetic power, for the one I have just spoken of as the Son of God was the subject of prophecy. I know that the prophets were inspired from above when they spoke of his coming among men”. Rusticus said: “You are a Christian, then?” Justin said: “Yes, I am a Christian”. The prefect said to Justin: “You are called a learned man and think that you know what is true teaching. Listen: if you were scourged and beheaded, are you convinced that you would go up to heaven?” Justin said: “I hope that I shall enter God’s house if I suffer that way. For I know that God’s favour is stored up until the end of the whole world for all who have lived good lives”. The prefect Rusticus said: “Do you have an idea that you will go up to heaven to receive some suitable rewards?” Justin said: “It is not an idea that I have; it is something I know well and hold to be most certain”. The prefect Rusticus said: “Now let us come to the point at issue, which is necessary and urgent. Gather round then and with one accord offer sacrifice to the gods”. Justin said: “No one who is right thinking stoops from true worship to false worship”. The prefect Rusticus said: “If you do not do as you are commanded you will be tortured without mercy”. Justin said: “We hope to suffer torment for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, and so be saved. For this will bring us salvation and confidence as we stand before the more terrible and universal judgement-seat of our Lord and Saviour”. In the same way the other martyrs also said: “Do what you will. We are Christians; we do not offer sacrifice to idols”. The prefect Rusticus pronounced sentence, saying: “Let those who have refused to sacrifice to the gods and to obey the command of the emperor be scourged and led away to suffer capital punishment according to the ruling of the laws”. Glorifying God, the holy martyrs went out to the accustomed place. They were beheaded, and so fulfilled their witness of martyrdom in confessing their faith in their Saviour. |
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| Concluding Prayer |
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| O Lord, guide the world in order and peace according to your plan: may your Church rejoice and worship you in tranquillity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. |
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June 1, 2007
 St. Justin
(d. 165)
Justin never ended his quest for religious truth even when he converted to Christianity after years of studying various pagan philosophies.
As a young man, he was principally attracted to the school of Plato. However, he found that the Christian religion answered the great questions about life and existence better than the philosophers. Upon his conversion he continued to wear the philosopher's mantle, and became the first Christian philosopher. He combined the Christian religion with the best elements in Greek philosophy. In his view, philosophy was a pedagogue of Christ, an educator that was to lead one to Christ. Justin is known as an apologist, one who defends in writing the Christian religion against the attacks and misunderstandings of the pagans. Two of his so-called apologies have come down to us; they are addressed to the Roman emperor and to the Senate. For his staunch adherence to the Christian religion, Justin was beheaded in Rome in 165. Quote:
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| Friday, June 1, 2007 St. Justin, Martyr (Memorial) |
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Memorial of St. Justin, martyr St. Justin, apologist and martyr, was one of the most important Christian writers of the second century. He himself tells how his study of all the schools of philosophy led him to Christianity, and how he dedicated his life to the defense of the Christian faith as "the one certain and profitable philosophy." St. Justin is particularly celebrated for the two Apologies which he was courageous enough to address in succession to the persecuting emperors Antoninus and Marcus Aurelius. One of them contains a description of the rites of baptism and the ceremonies of Mass, thus constituting the most valuable evidence that we possess on the Roman liturgy of his day. He was beheaded in Rome in 165. Justin is also referred to as "the Philosopher." Before the reform of the General Roman Calendar today was the feast of St. Angela Merici. Her feast is now celebrated on January 27. St. Justin's feast was celebrated on April 14.
In his first Apology Justin had given, in order to rebut the slanders of the heathen, an open account of the Christian assemblies and of the holy Mysteries there celebrated. The prefect asked him in what place he and Christ's other faithful servants in the city were accustomed to meet. But Justin, fearing to betray the holy mysteries and his brethren, mentioned only his own dwelling near the famous church in the house of Pudens, where he lived and taught his disciples. The prefect then bade him choose whether he would sacrifice to the gods or suffer a cruel scourging. The unconquered champion of the faith answered that he had always desired to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ, from whom he hoped to receive a great reward in heaven. The prefect thereupon sentenced him to death, and thus this excellent philosopher, giving praise to God, suffered the pain of scourging, and then shed his blood for Christ, and was crowned with martyrdom. Some of the faithful stole away his body and buried it in a fitting place. Excerpted from The Liturgical Year, Abbot Gueranger O.S.B. Patron: Apologists; lecturers; orators; philosophers; speakers. Symbols: Ox; pen; sword; red-hot helmet. Things to Do:
Collect:
Father, through the folly of the cross you taught St. Justin the sublime wisdom of Jesus Christ. May we too reject falsehood and remain loyal to the faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Activities:
June 01, 2007
Old Calendar: St. Angela Merici, virgin
St. Justin
Justin, the son of Priscus, was a Greek by race, and was born at Nablus in Palestine. He passed his youth in the study of letters. When he grew to manhood he was so taken with the love of philosophy and the desire of truth, that he became a student of philosphy and examined the teaching of all the philosophers. He found in them only deceitful wisdom and error. He received the light of heaven from a venerable old man, who was a stranger to him, and embraced the philosophy of the true Christian faith. Henceforth he had the books of Holy Scripture in his hands by day and night, and his soul was filled with the divine fire enkindled by his meditations. Having thus acquired the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ, he devoted his learning to the composition of many books explaining and propagating the Christian faith. 
Among the most famous of the works of Justin are his two Apologies or Defences of the Christian faith. These he offered in the Senate to the Emperor Antoninus Pius and his sons, together with Marcus Antoninus Verus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus, who were cruelly persecuting the followers of Christ. By these Apologies and his vigorous disputations in defense of the faith he obtained a public edict from the government to stay the slaughter of the Christians. But Justin himself did not escape. He had blamed the wicked life led by Crescens the Cynic, who caused him to be accused and arrested. He was brought before Rusticus, the Prefect of Rome, and questioned concerning the doctrine of the Christians. Whereupon he made this good confession in the presence of many witnesses: "The right doctrine which we Christian men do keep with godliness is this: that we believe that there is one God, the maker and creator of all things, both those which are seen and those which bodily eyes do not see; and that we confess the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was of old foretold by the Prophets, and who is to come to judge all mankind."
St. Justin was a prolific writer, and one of the first Christians to write about the Eucharistic liturgy of the early church. Read some of Justin Martyr's writings.
Read this account of St. Justin's life and another account from the Church Fathers of his martyrdom.
The Catholic Encyclopedia has an excellent entry on St. Justin. Their summary: "The role of St. Justin may be summed up in one word: it is that of a witness. We behold in him one of the highest and purest pagan souls of his time in contact with Christianity, compelled to accept its irrefragable truth, its pure moral teaching, and to admire its superhuman constancy. He is also a witness of the second-century Church which he describes for us in its faith, its life, its worship, at a time when Christianity yet lacked the firm organization that it was soon to develop, but the larger outlines of whose constitution and doctrine are already luminously drawn by Justin. Finally, Justin was a witness for Christ unto death."
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June 1, 2007
Father Todd Belardi, LC Mark 11: 11-26
Petition:Lord Jesus, increase my faith in your call to holiness. 1. It’s Always the Season Jesus inspires us by his fidelity, regardless of his personal situation: tiredness, lack of progress in the life of his disciples, continuous battles with those who hate him, betrayal. These things did not hinder our Lord’s resolve. It was always the season to fulfill the Father’s will. As long as we strive to overcome our weaknesses with God’s help, we always will bear fruit. However, when we are negligent and easily pardon our weaknesses, constantly making excuses and justifying our ill will, we will never see any progress. We need to stop making excuses and start making proposals to amend our sinful ways. 2. Mediocrity Withers Mediocrity damages beauty. When we settle for just being good instead of seeking holiness, we are traveling the path of mediocrity. Christ wants perfection: “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). And perfection means using all of our talents to their maximum capacity. The one who is beautiful is the one who is complete in virtue. That person has decorated his or her soul with the most beautiful decorations. We need to live up to our potential. 3. Faith Moves Personal Mountains Sometimes we think we can’t ever overcome a reoccurring difficulty. When will the day finally come? We have to believe that the answer lies in God’s hands. If we believe, then we can conquer with the power of Christ. We need to stop hindering God’s grace by putting limits on what we think we can accomplish. We have to confront those personal mountains with faith in Christ’s power. We need to launch into the deep, believing and trusting in God. Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, may my life always bear fruit for the good of your kingdom. Help me to avoid mediocrity at all costs. Strengthen my will with the gift of your fortitude so that I can do the things you want me to do and conquer the things I think I can’t. Resolution: Today I will complete something that I have put off for a long time. |
O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.
| Psalm 50 (51) |
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| God, have mercy on me |
| Take pity on me, Lord, in your mercy; in your abundance of mercy wipe out my guilt. Wash me ever more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I know how guilty I am: my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone have I sinned, and I have done evil in your sight. Know this, so that you may give just sentence and an unbiased judgement. See, I was conceived in guilt, in sin my mother conceived me; but you love truth in the heart, and deep within me you have shown me your wisdom. You will sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be made clean; you will wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. You will make me hear the sound of joy and gladness; the bones you have crushed will rejoice. Turn your face away from my sins and wipe out all my transgressions; create a pure heart in me, God, put a steadfast spirit into me. Do not send me away from your presence, or withdraw your holy spirit from me; give me again the joy of your salvation, and be ready to strengthen me with your spirit. I will teach the unjust your ways, and the impious will return to you. Free me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, God my saviour, and my voice will glory in your justice. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will proclaim your praise; for you do not delight in sacrifices: if I offered you a burnt offering, it would not please you. The true sacrifice is a broken spirit: a contrite and humble heart, O God, you will not refuse. Be pleased, Lord, to look kindly on Sion, so that the walls of Jerusalem can be rebuilt, Then indeed you will accept the proper sacrifices, gifts and burnt offerings; then indeed will bullocks be laid upon your altar. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
| Canticle | Tobit 13 |
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| Thanksgiving for the freeing of the people | |
| Bless the Lord, his chosen ones: all of you, praise his greatness. Keep feast-days of rejoicing and proclaim his holy name. Jerusalem, holy city: he will punish you for what you have done. Thank the Lord for his good deeds, and bless the eternal king, so that in you, once more, with gladness, your tabernacle may be built, so that in you he may make all exiles rejoice, so that in you he may care for the distressed for all ages, for ever. Your bright light will shine out to the ends of the earth: many nations will come to you from afar. From the farthest corners of the world they will come to your holy name carrying gifts in their hands for the King of heaven. Generation on generation, they will proclaim their joy and the name of the chosen city will endure for ever. So rejoice and be glad among the children of the just, for they will be brought together and bless the eternal Lord. Happy are those who love you, fortunate those who rejoice in your peace. My soul, bless the Lord, the great King, for in Jerusalem his house will be built, to stand for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
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| Psalm 147 (147B) |
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| God, the foundation of Jerusalem |
| Praise the Lord, Jerusalem — Sion, praise your God. For he has strengthened the bars of your gates, he has blessed your children. He keeps your borders in peace, he fills you with the richest wheat. He sends out his command over the earth, and swiftly runs his word. He sends down snow that is like wool, frost that is like ashes. He sends hailstones like crumbs — who can withstand his cold? He will send out his word, and all will be melted; his spirit will breathe, and the waters will flow. He proclaims his word to Jacob, his laws and judgements to Israel. He has not done this for other nations: he has not shown them his judgements. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
| Short reading | Galatians 2:19 - 20 © |
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| I have been crucified with Christ, and I live now not with my own life but with the life of Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in this body I live in faith: faith in the Son of God who loved me and who sacrificed himself for my sake. | |
| Canticle | Benedictus |
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| The Messiah and his forerunner | |
| Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption. He has raised up the sign of salvation in the house of his servant David, as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones, his prophets through the ages: to rescue us from our enemies and all who hate us, to take pity on our fathers, to remember his holy covenant and the oath he swore to Abraham our father, that he would give himself to us, that we could serve him without fear – freed from the hands of our enemies – in uprightness and holiness before him, for all of our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path, to let his people know their salvation, so that their sins may be forgiven. Through the bottomless mercy of our God, one born on high will visit us to give light to those who walk in darkness, who live in the shadow of death; to lead our feet in the path of peace. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
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| Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. |
| Lord, be generous with your grace to those who pray to you: by your power, may they follow your commandments closely, receive consolation in this present life, and embrace the joys that are to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. |
| May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life. |
| A M E N |
**Praise the Lord that the second-century writings of St. Justin Martyr, survived.**
Amen!
And from them, we know that the Mass is very much the same (almost) as it was then. What a discoery!
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| Other Articles by Fr. Joseph Shepherd Printer Friendly Version |
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| Do Our Lives Bear Fruit for Jesus? | ||
Sir 44:1, 9-13 / Mk 11:11-26
Today's Gospel presents a rare side of Jesus, a Jesus who curses a fig tree and angrily drives money changers from the temple with a whip. Sometimes it is difficult for us to imagine that Our Lord could ever be angry, since He loves so deeply. This passage reminds us of the humanity of Jesus — our God Who became man. But it also reminds us what the Lord requires of us.
The Lord desires for us to bear fruit. There are numerous instances in Scripture where the Lord commands us to produce fruit with our very lives. So what is this fruit?
It is the work of Jesus Christ in us which comes forth through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is that power that enables us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and bury the dead. It is active evidence of a life turned towards holiness filled with acts of righteousness and good works.
In today's Gospel, the tree was a means for us to look inward at our own lives. A fig tree bears leaves and fruit at the same time. Jesus' fig tree had leaves which meant that the fruit should have been there. Are we like the tree? Do we physically bear the signs of being a Christian person, yet produce no fruit? When we say we are Christians, can we show where Christ is seen in our lives?
When Jesus cursed the fig tree, He was saying something about the Christian life. When He went into the temple courts, overturned tables and drove out the profiteers, He was showing how even a place of worship can be unfruitful.
So today, let us reflect on our words, deeds, and actions. Is there fruit that comes forth from them?
O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.
| Psalm 144 (145) |
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| The greatness and goodness of God |
| I will praise you to the heights, O God, my king – I will bless your name for ever and for all time. I will bless you, O God, day after day – I will praise your name for ever and all time. The Lord is great, to him all praise is due – he is great beyond measuring. Generation will pass to generation the praise of your deeds, and tell the wonders you have done. They will tell of your overwhelming power, and pass on the tale of your greatness. They will cry out the story of your great kindness, they will celebrate your judgements. The Lord takes pity, his heart is merciful, he is patient and endlessly kind. The Lord is gentle to all – he shows his kindness to all his creation. Let all your creatures proclaim you, O Lord, let your chosen ones bless you. Let them tell of the glory of your reign, let them speak of your power – so that the children of men may know what you can do, see the glory of your kingdom and its greatness. Your kingdom stands firm for all ages, your rule lasts for ever and ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
| Psalm 144 (145) |
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| The Lord is faithful in all his words, the Lord is holy in all his deeds. The Lord supports all who are falling, the Lord lifts up all who are oppressed. All look to you for help, and you give them their food in due season. In your goodness you open your hand, and give every creature its fill. The Lord is just in all his ways, the Lord is kind in all that he does. The Lord is near to those who call on him, to all those who call on him in truth. For those that honour him, he does what they ask, he hears all their prayers, and he keeps them safe. The Lord keeps safe all who love him, but he dooms all the wicked to destruction. My mouth shall tell the praises of the Lord. Let all flesh bless his holy name, for ever and ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
| Canticle | Apocalypse 15 |
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| A hymn of adoration | |
| Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are your ways, King of all nations! Who, Lord, will not revere and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship in your presence, for your judgements have been seen by all. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
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| Short reading | Romans 8:1 - 2 © |
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| The reason why those who are in Christ Jesus are not condemned is that the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. | |
| Canticle | Magnificat |
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| My soul rejoices in the Lord | |
| My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation. For he has shown me such favour – me, his lowly handmaiden. Now all generations will call me blessed, because the mighty one has done great things for me. His name is holy, his mercy lasts for generation after generation for those who revere him. He has put forth his strength: he has scattered the proud and conceited, torn princes from their thrones; but lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
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| Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. |
| Almighty and merciful God, by your will Christ your Son suffered for the salvation of the whole world. Grant that your people may offer themselves as a living sacrifice to you and be filled to overflowing with your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. |
| May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life. |
| A M E N |
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