September 30
Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Give a Mass Offering
Mass Intention
7:45 AM – Sue Farnett / Family
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Readings
First Reading
Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12
The whole people gathered as one in the open space before the Water Gate, and they called upon Ezra the scribe to bring forth the book of the law of Moses which the LORD prescribed for Israel. On the first day of the seventh month, therefore, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak until midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. He opened the scroll so that all the people might see it (for he was standing higher up than any of the people); and, as he opened it, all the people rose. Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, “Amen, amen!” Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD, their faces to the ground. As the people remained in their places, Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribe and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all the people: “Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep”– for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. He said further: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!” And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Hush, for today is holy, and you must not be saddened.” Then all the people went to eat and drink, to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy, for they understood the words that had been expounded to them.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 11
R. (9ab) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye;
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
Gospel Acclamation
Mark 1:15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Luke 10:1-12
Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”
“The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.”
Reflection
St. Jerome (347-419/420), a brilliant heart and mind in the Church, is most often thought of in connection to his engagement with Sacred Scripture. He is known to have been rather irascible in his personality—because he profoundly valued unity in the Church, among his brother priests, and among the faithful, he was rather fearless when it came to fraternal correction and dialogue/debate over a variety of topics. A tremendous student of the ancient languages of Greek and Hebrew, he provided us with what is still known today as the Vulgate Bible (the first translation of Scripture into the common language, Latin.) His commentaries on God’s Word, and his translation and application of it has been used for centuries. The witness of his life was a tremendous gift in the life of the Church…and he motivates us to draw close to God through diligent attention to his Word. He is known for his famous motto, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
Can you imagine Jerome praying the responsorial psalm at Mass today? The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart (Ps 19)…finding perfection, refreshment, trustworthy wisdom…straight from the mouth of the Lord. The more we engage the Lord’s words and seek to understand it, the more we fall in love with it, and the more it really can become a source of strength and consolation. There are many online commentaries and educational series of the books of the bible; is the Lord inviting you to know him more through his Word? Tons of wonderful resources out there now for leading us along our journey of faith! Check out Ascension Press https://ascensionpress.com/ Dr. Scott Hahn's St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology https://stpaulcenter.com/ The Augustine Institute's lectio/praying with Scripture resources https://www.augustineinstitute.org/program-and-resources/lectio-bible-studies
Peace,
Fr. Foley
Would you like to receive Readings & Reflections, and a link to join us for Mass? Subscribe to The Daily Bread newsletter.