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Today's Readings
Reading I
1 Pt 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his
great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that
is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who
by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation
that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice,
although now for a little while you may have to suffer through
various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious
than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove
to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus
Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you
do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an
indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the
salvation of your souls.
Responsorial Psalm
111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10c
R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever. or: R.
Alleluia. I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in
the company and assembly of the just. Great are the works of the
LORD, exquisite in all their delights. R. The Lord will remember
his covenant for ever. or: R. Alleluia. He has given food
to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them
the inheritance of the nations. R. The Lord will remember his
covenant for ever. or: R. Alleluia. He has sent
deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name. His praise endures forever. R. The
Lord will remember his covenant for ever. or: R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Mk 10:17-27
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down
before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit
eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one
is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not
kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall
not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and
your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I
have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him
and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you
have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven;
then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went
away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and
said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to
enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to
enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through
the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of
God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
“Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it
is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
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Saint Philip Neri
1515 - 1595
May 26
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Though he was related to
Italian nobility, Philip came from a poor family. His father, Francisco
Neri, worked as a notary. Philip's brother died in childhood, but his two
sisters, Caterina and Elisabetta survived. Pius youth. Taught humanities
by the Dominicans.
Moved to San Germano in 1533 to help some family with their business, and
while there would escape to a local Dominican chapel in the mountains.
Received word in a vision that he had an apostolate in Rome. Cut himself
off from his family, and went there.
Befriended by Galeotto Caccia who took Philip in, and paid him to tutor
his two sons. Wrote poetry in Latin and Italian. Studied philosophy and
theology. When he tired of learning, he sold all his books and gave the
money to the poor.
Began to visit and care for the sick, and impoverished pilgrims. Founded a
society of like-minded folk to do the same. Friend of Saint Ignatius. A
layman, he lived in the city as a hermit. During Easter season of 1544,
while praying in the catacomb of San Sebastiano, he received a vision of a
globe of fire that entered his chest, and he experienced an ecstasy that
physically enlarged his heart.
With Persiano Rose, he founded the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity.
He began to preach, with many converts. In 1550 he considered retiring to
the life of a solitary hermit, but received further visions that told him
his mission was in Rome. Later he considered missionary work in India, but
further visions convinced him to stay in Rome.
Entered the priesthood in 1551. Heard confessions by the hour. Could tell
penitents their sins before they confessed, and had the gift of confering
visions. He began working with youth, finding safe places for them to
play, becoming involved in their lives.
Pope Gregory XIV tried to make him a cardinal, but Philip declined. His
popularity was such that he was accused of forming his own sect, but was
cleared of this baseless charge. Founded the Congregation of the Oratory,
a group of priests dedicated to preaching and teaching, but which suffered
from accusations of heresy because of the involvement of laymen as
preachers. In later years he was beset by several illnesses, each of which
was in turn cured through prayer.
"Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life.
Therefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits." -Saint
Philip Neri
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