Optional Memorial of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr

READINGS

Reading 1 Revelation 21:5-7

The One who was seated on the throne said: "Behold, I make all things new."Then he said, "Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true."He said to me, "They are accomplished. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son."

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8

R. (7) Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.

Had not the LORD been with us–When men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive. When their fury was inflamed against us.  

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.

Then would the waters have overwhelmed us; The torrent would have swept over us; over us then would have swept the raging waters.  

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.

Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.

Alleluia

See Te Deum

R.  Alleluia, alleluia.

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the white-robed army of martyrs praises you.  

R.  Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 10:28-33

Jesus said to his Apostles: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father."

REFLECTION

Today's readings for the Optional Memorial of St. Catherine of Alexandria all speak of the reward for those who stay faithful to the Lord.

Can we be as faithful as St. Catherine of Alexandria? I am Catholic and this is a question I ask myself often, especially, when we celebrate the Memorial or Feast of a Martyred Saint. Can I face the threat of persecution, torture, and death and still be faithful to the Lord?

I believe that it all comes down to trust in the Lord's promises. Jesus always told us the truth. He told us that we would have to endure "Crosses". But He always told us that there was a great reward for those who would be faithful. It is also important to know who Jesus Christ is and believe that He is always present with us.

I am grateful that I am Catholic and live now and that I can receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. He will give me the strength that St. Catherine of Alexandria had to be faithful to Him.

It is important to pray for priests. They bring Jesus to us through the Holy Mass. We need Him to give us the strength to be faithful. Pray for priests to be Holy and to be Truthful to the teachings of Jesus Christ!

Thank you and God bless you all!