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 Jewish 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 the Feast of the great St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori E. C. D., founder of the Redemptorists, who used to travel around the Church, particularly at Lent, to preach the Faith to filled churches. St. Stephen Pp. M. was Pope from 254 to 257 and fell under Emperor Valerian. He corresponded about validity of Baptism performed by heretical groups. Although not commemorated in Masses using the newer rubrics, pray to the Saints for devotion to the Faith and perseverance in the face of animosity.