The Epistle describes the history of the many evils that befell the ancient Jew after his rejection of the True God and his worship of the flesh. At the same time it comforts us that there is a distinction between temptation and sin, and that temptation is only the test of character, for "God is my helper" (Introit), Who will "save the humble people" (Offertory) that "hopeth in Him" (Communion).
The Gospel depicts a pathetic picture of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. "If thou hadst known." It tells of the Jews" defilement of God's house, of their future destruction as a chosen race. As for me, I must learn from the Epistle which was "written for our correction."
If our prayers deserve to be heard, we must learn to "ask only for those things pleasing to God" (Prayer). We must be Christians of lively faith and learn to see "His Name in the whole earth" (Gradual); praying Him to defend us from enemies that would destroy His Name on earth or His image in our soul. Finally, if we learn to "eat" His Flesh worthily now (Communion), we shall one day learn that His Judgments are sweet (Offertory).
Today is Feast of St. Cajetan C., founder of the Theatines, devoted to total confidence in God for all needs. He was regarded as “hunter of souls,” an angel at the altar, who passed away in 1547 at Naples on this day. Commemorated in the Mass is St. Donatus E. M., Bishop of Tuscany, and beheaded for the Faith in 361. Although not commemorated in the Mass using the 1962 Missal, pray to the Saints for strength to maintain your Catholic Faith!