SAINT Justin, Martyr
Justin was converted from a pagan philosopher to Christianity. He then became the most illustrious opponent of pagan philosophers. He died in 165.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 118: 85
The wicked have told me lies, but not so is your law: I spoke of your decrees before kings, and was not confounded, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who through the folly of the Cross wondrously taught Saint Justin the Martyr the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ, grant us, through his intercession, that, having rejected deception and error, we may become steadfast in the faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Ecclesiasticus 42: 15-26
I will remind you of the works of the Lord, and tell of what I have seen. By the words of the Lord his works come into being and all creation obeys his will. As the sun in shining looks on all things, so the work of the Lord is full of his glory. The Lord has not granted to the holy ones to tell of all his marvels which the Almighty Lord has solidly constructed for the universe to stand firm in his glory. He has fathomed the deep and the heart, and seen into their devious ways; for the Most High knows all the knowledge there is, and has observed the signs of the times. He declares what is past and what will be, and uncovers the traces of hidden things. Not a thought escapes him, not a single word is hidden from him. He has imposed an order on the magnificent works of his wisdom, he is from everlasting to everlasting, nothing can be added to him, nothing taken away, he needs no one’s advice. How desirable are all his works, how dazzling to the eye! They all live and last for ever, whatever the circumstances all obey him. All things go in pairs, by opposites, and he has made nothing defective; the one consolidates the excellence of the other, who could ever be sated with gazing at his glory?
Psalm 32(33): 2-9
R/ By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp, with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs. O sing him a song that is new, play loudly, with all your skill.
For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love.
By his word the heavens were made, by the breath of his mouth all the stars. He collects the waves of the ocean; he stores up the depths of the sea.
Let all the earth fear the Lord all who live in the world revere him. He spoke; and it came to be. He commanded; it sprang into being.
Gospel Acclamation: cf. Ps129: 5
Alleluia, alleluia! My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 10: 46-52
As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and to say, “Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.” And many of them scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he only shouted all the louder, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the blind man. “Courage,” they said “get up; he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus spoke, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Rabbuni,” the blind man said to him, “Master, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has saved you.” And immediately his sight returned and he followed him along the road.
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, we pray, O Lord, that we may celebrate worthily these mysteries, which Saint Justin strenuously defended. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. 1 Cor 2
I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Prayer after Communion
Refreshed by heavenly food, we humbly implore you, O Lord, that, attentive to the teaching of Saint Justin the Martyr, we may abide at all times in thanksgiving for the gifts we have received. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus’ passage sets the crowd abuzz. When the blind beggar asked, they said, “It’s Jesus of Nazareth who is passing by.” So with all his strength, even though he was lost in this large crowd, he shouted: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”. The people rebuked him and ordered him to be quiet. But Jesus finally heard his cry and asked them to call him. And he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The experience of a changing humanity is Jesus’ provoking question. Yet in doing so, he helps us to ask the real questions: “What do I want?” Or “what is my true desire?” Can I fight with all my might today for what I want? It is in our desires that God comes to speak to us. For our deepest desires make us better aware of God’s desires for us, and how much God desires to be with us. Grant us grace in this humanity focused on You.