The Jewish synagogue makes its final decision to ignore the miracles, the doctrine and the sinless of Christ, even though all these were prophesied in their own Old Testament. Due to stiff necked pride and hard-hearted materialism, their part of the covenant had become a dead letter. Jesus makes a terrifying analysis of them: “You are not of God.”
In the Epistle St. Paul indicates how the High Priest of the Old Testament offered the blood sacrifices of victim goats , an offering which acknowledged that man deserves to be done away with for trying to do away with God by sinful rebellion. He now beholds the Altar of Calvary where Jesus, Eternal High Priest, sheds His Precious Blood to “cleanse our conscience” and “to serve the Living God.” Let us not “stone” Christ or cause Him to hide Himself.
Today, Psalm Judica me and Gloria Patri after the Introit and Psalm at Lavabo are omitted.
Today is Feast of St. Benedict Abbot, of the VI Century who lived as a hermit in a cave near Subiaco, Italy, later formed monastic communities devoted to education of children. His Holy Rule based upon the Gospels, endures to this day. Benedictine Doctors of the Church include St. Gregory, St. Anselm, St. Bede, St. Bernard and St. Peter Damian. St. Augustine of Canterbury and St. Boniface converted England and Germany respectively. Due largely to the Benedictines, Western Europe was converted to the True Faith. The Feast is celebrated as I Class in Benedictine houses, and is moved to Monday.
This Week:
Monday 22 March
Mass of Monday After First Passion Sunday. In Benedictine houses, the feast of St Benedict will be celebrated. This also occurs in houses of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest who have St Benedict as one their patron saints.
Tuesday 23 March
Mass of Tuesday After First Passion Sunday.
Wednesday 24 March
Mass of Wednesday After First Passion Sunday, with commemoration of St. Gabriel Archangel, who was messenger to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation, proclaimed she was “full of grace...and blessed among women.” At Matins the Archangel says, “I am Gabriel, who stands in God’s presence, and I have been sent to announce this good tidings to thee.” The angel explained Mary would conceive by the Holy Ghost and bear a Son whom she should name Jesus, Savior. Mary exclaimed: “Behold the hand-maiden of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word.”
Thursday 25 March
The I class Feast of the Annunciation of the BVM. Holy Day of Obligation. St. Anselm said: “The Eternal Father’s Son and the Virgin’s Son are one and the same.”
Friday 26 March
Is the important feast of the Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Mary. By a special concession during the Season of Passiontide, the feast is celebrated in white vestments. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, I beseech thee, by the bitter agony thou didst endure at the foot of the Cross to offer to the Eternal Father, in my name, thy Beloved Son, Jesus, all covered with Blood and Wounds, in satisfaction for my sins, for the needs of Holy Church, the conversion of sinners, the relief of the Souls in Purgatory, and for the special grace I now implore. Amen. Mention your request.
Saturday 27 March
Mass of Saturday After I Passion Sun-day, with commemoration of St. John Damascene C. D. of Damascus, who died in 749. The Saint fought against the Iconoclasts who opposed veneration of statues and pictures of Our Lord and the Saints.