Optional Memorial of St. Pontian, Pope and Martyr, and St. Hippolytus, Priest and Martyr
August 13, 2024
First Reading: Ezekiel 2:8–3:4
2:8 “But you, son of man, hear what I say to you; be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth, and eat what I give you.” 9 And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and, lo, a written scroll was in it; 10 and he spread it before me; and it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe. 3:1 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is offered to you; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it; and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. 4 And he said to me, “Son of man, go, get you to the house of Israel, and speak with my words to them.”
Psalm: 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131
14 In the way of thy testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 24 Thy testimonies are my delight, they are my counselors. 72 The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 103 How sweet are thy words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 111 Thy testimonies are my heritage for ever; yea, they are the joy of my heart. 131 With open mouth I pant, because I long for thy commandments.
Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; 10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
Reflection of the Day: “Fly to the Catholic Church! Adhere to the only faith which continues to exist from the beginning, that faith which was preached by Paul and is upheld by the Chair of Peter.” — St. Hippolytus
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