SAINT Januarius
According tradition, he was a bishop of Benevento who was martyred at Puteoli in the early fourth century. His body lies in Naples, where his cult is taken very seriously indeed.
Entrance Antiphon: Sir 36: 18
Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you, that your prophets be found true. Hear the prayers of your servant, and of your people Israel.
Collect
Look upon us, O God, creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. 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: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Here is a saying that you can rely on: To want to be a presiding elder is to want to do a noble work. That is why the president must have an impeccable character. He must not have been married more than once, and he must be temperate, discreet and courteous, hospitable and a good teacher; not a heavy drinker, nor hot-tempered, but kind and peaceable. He must not be a lover of money. He must be a man who manages his own family well and brings his children up to obey him and be well-behaved: how can any man who does not understand how to manage his own family have responsibility for the church of God? He should not be a new convert, in case pride might turn his head and then he might be condemned as the devil was condemned. It is also necessary that people outside the Church should speak well of him, so that he never gets a bad reputation and falls into the devil’s trap. In the same way, deacons must be respectable men whose word can be trusted, moderate in the amount of wine they drink and with no squalid greed for money. They must be conscientious believers in the mystery of the faith. They are to be examined first, and only admitted to serve as deacons if there is nothing against them. In the same way, the women must be respectable, not gossips but sober and quite reliable. Deacons must not have been married more than once, and must be men who manage their children and families well. Those of them who carry out their duties well as deacons will earn a high standing for themselves and be rewarded with great assurance in their work for the faith in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 100 (101): 1-3, 5, 6
R/ I will walk with blameless heart.
My song is of mercy and justice; I sing to you, O Lord. I will walk in the way of perfection. O when, Lord, will you come?
I will walk with blameless heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes whatever is base.
The man who slanders his neighbour in secret I will bring to silence. The man of proud looks and haughty heart I will never endure.
I look to the faithful in the land that they may dwell with me. He who walks in the way of perfection shall be my friend.
Gospel Acclamation: cf.2Tim1:10
Alleluia, alleluia! Our Saviour Jesus Christ abolished death and he has proclaimed life through the Good News. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 7:11-17
Jesus went to a town called Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a great number of people. When he was near the gate of the town it happened that a dead man was being carried out for burial, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a considerable number of the townspeople were with her. When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. “Do not cry”, he said. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, “Young man, I tell you to get up.” And the dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Everyone was filled with awe and praised God saying, “A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people.” And this opinion of him spread throughout Judaea and all over the countryside.
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour on our supplications, O Lord, and in your kindness accept these, your servants’ offerings, that what each has offered to the honour of your name may serve the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 35: 8
How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of this heavenly gift, O Lord, we pray, take possession of our minds and bodies, so that its effects, and not our own desires, may always prevail in us. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The compassion that fills our hearts at the death of a young person was also in Jesus’ heart for a widow. He wanted to reach out to her and make her feel better. The raising up of her young son is a symbol of how Jesus raises us when we are down. The compassion of his heart makes us know that we are understood, accepted and welcomed in the loving heart of God. In times of darkness, let us remember that Jesus the great prophet is still with us – yesterday, today and for ever. Compassion is Jesus’ instant response to suffering. He comes to heal, to liberate, and to restore to life. Like the widow, Jesus looks at you with compassion today. Take time to acknowledge who or what you mourn, to let Jesus behold you, and to receive his blessing of hope. Pray for all who feel alone, abandoned or bereaved. May they find hope in the presence and prayer of other people.