SAINT AGATHA OF CATANIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR
Psalter IV | RED
“She was martyred at Catania in Sicily, probably during the persecution of Decius (250–253). Devotion to her was widespread in the Church in the earliest times and she is mentioned in the Roman Canon of the Mass.”
Entrance Antiphon
Behold, now she follows the Lamb who was crucified for us, powerful in virginity, modesty her offering, a sacrifice on the altar of chastity.
Collect
May the Virgin Martyr Saint Agatha implore your compassion for us, O Lord, we pray, for she found favour with you by the courage of her martyrdom and the merit of her chastity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12
When the time of David’s death drew near, he gave these instructions to his son Solomon: “I am going the way of all flesh. Take courage and be a man. Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following his ways and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as they are written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn, and the Lord may fulfill the promise he made on my behalf when he said, ‘If your sons so conduct themselves that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart and with their whole soul, you shall always have someone of your line on the throne of Israel.'” David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years: he reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Solomon was seated on the throne of his father David, with his sovereignty firmly established.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1 Chronicles 29:10, 11ab, 11d-12a, 12bcd
R/ Lord, you are exalted over all.
- Blessed may you be, O Lord, God of Israel our father, from eternity to eternity.”
- Yours, O Lord, are grandeur and power, majesty, splendor, and glory.”
- Lord, you are exalted over all. Yours, O Lord, is the sovereignty; you are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor are from you.”
- In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all.”
Gospel Acclamation: Mark 1:15
Alleluia, alleluia. The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 6:7-13
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick —no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Prayer over the Offerings
May the offerings we bring in celebration of blessed N. win your gracious acceptance, O Lord, we pray, just as the struggle of her suffering and passion was pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Rv 7: 17
The Lamb who is at the centre of the throne will lead them to the springs of the waters of life.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who bestowed on blessed N. a crown among the Saints for her twofold triumph of virginity and martyrdom, grant, we pray, through the power of this Sacrament, that, bravely overcoming every evil, we may attain the glory of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“He began to send them out two by two.” Jesus made his disciples missionaries, sending them out to preach and drive out demons. He reminded them of their status as missionaries after his resurrection, when he said to them, “As the Father sent me, so I am sending you” (Jn 20: 21). Like the disciples, you are a missionary. Jesus is sending you to your family, your school, your workplace, your meeting house, your friends and your acquaintances. Jesus is sending you to proclaim his Word in these places and to these people. He wants you to teach the people you encounter the right way to live and show them an example with your life. Just as David instructed his son Solomon on his deathbed, you have to exhort them to live in accordance with the Christian ideals of love, peace, justice and honesty. You have to help them to encounter God, love him and serve him. They may or may not listen to you or follow you, but you must make sure they see Jesus and hear his message through you. Go out to the whole world, proclaim the Good News!