Daily Archives: August 13, 2024

St. Alexander of Jerusalem

St. Alexander of Jerusalem

Feast daySeptember 25
Patronof Cork, Diocese of Cork
Birth550
Death620

St. Alexander of Jerusalem—a beacon of faith and courage in tumultuous times! Let’s explore the life of this remarkable bishop and martyr. 🕊️

St. Alexander of Jerusalem (died 251 AD) was a third-century bishop who left an indelible mark on the Christian tradition. Here’s his story:

  1. Origins and Early Life:
    • Alexander hailed from Cappadocia, a region known for its rich Christian heritage. His journey took him to Alexandria, Egypt, where he crossed paths with none other than the renowned theologian and scholar, Origen. Imagine those two engaged in deep theological discussions—like ancient Christian coffee chats! ☕
    • Fun fact: Alexander and Origen were fellow students in the great Christian school of Alexandria. They probably swapped scrolls and debated the finer points of doctrine. 📜🤓
  2. Bishop of Jerusalem:
    • After some theological adventures, Alexander became Cappadocia’s first bishop. But wait, there’s more! He was also associated with the aging Bishop Narcissus of Jerusalem. Picture these two—Narcissus, wise and weathered, and Alexander, full of zeal—working together to shepherd their flock.
    • It was during this time that Alexander made a bold move: He allowed Origen, despite being a layman, to preach in the churches. Scandalous, right? But he defended himself by pointing out other similar permissions granted to young Origen elsewhere. 🙌
  3. Library Builder Extraordinaire:
    • Alexander wasn’t just about episcopal duties; he had a passion for books. He built a library in Jerusalem—a spiritual haven where scrolls whispered ancient wisdom and ink-stained fingers turned pages. 📚
    • And yes, even though Jerusalem was officially called Aelia Capitolina (thanks, Emperor Hadrian), Christian tradition clung to the original name. Old habits die hard, especially when it comes to sacred geography.
  4. Persecution and Martyrdom:
    • Alas, the winds of persecution blew their icy breath. Alexander, along with other bishops, was captured and hauled off to Caesarea. Imagine the scene: white-haired and sanctified, he stood as a living testament to unwavering faith.
    • Tortures came knocking, but Alexander survived them all. When wild beasts were set loose, they didn’t devour him—they licked his feet or left their paw prints in the arena sand. Talk about divine favor! 🦁👣
  5. Feast Days:
    • The Roman Catholic Church honors St. Alexander on March 18. Meanwhile, the Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate him twice: May 16/29 and December 12/25. It’s like having multiple birthday parties—spiritual style! 🎂🕯️
  6. Letters and Legacy:
    • Eusebius, the ancient historian, preserved fragments of Alexander’s letters. He penned missives to the Antinoïtes, the Antiochenes, and even to his buddy Origen. Epistolary adventures across the ancient world!
    • Oh, and he co-wrote a letter with Theoctistus of Caesarea to Demetrius of Alexandria. Imagine the parchment drafts flying back and forth. 📝✉️

So, next time you’re in Jerusalem (or just daydreaming about ancient libraries), raise a cup of metaphorical tea to St. Alexander—the bishop who knew how to blend faith, scholarship, and a dash of daring. Cheers! 🌟🍵

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Bible readings

Daily mass readings for 21 Aug 2024

Daily mass readings : Memorial of St. Pius X, Pope

Reading 1: Ez 34:1-11

The word of the Lord came to me:
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel,
in these words prophesy to them to the shepherds:
Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the shepherds of Israel
who have been pasturing themselves!
Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep?
You have fed off their milk, worn their wool,
and slaughtered the fatlings,
but the sheep you have not pastured.
You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick
nor bind up the injured.
You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost,
but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally.
So they were scattered for the lack of a shepherd,
and became food for all the wild beasts.
My sheep were scattered
and wandered over all the mountains and high hills;
my sheep were scattered over the whole earth,
with no one to look after them or to search for them.

Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
As I live, says the Lord GOD,
because my sheep have been given over to pillage,
and because my sheep have become food for every wild beast,
for lack of a shepherd;
because my shepherds did not look after my sheep,
but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep;
because of this, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I swear I am coming against these shepherds.
I will claim my sheep from them
and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep
so that they may no longer pasture themselves.
I will save my sheep, 
that they may no longer be food for their mouths.

For thus says the Lord GOD: 
I myself will look after and tend my sheep.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6

R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness will follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Alleluia : Heb 4:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The word of God is living and effective,
able to discern the reflections and thoughts of the heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mt 20:1-16

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner
who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.
After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage,
he sent them into his vineyard.
Going out about nine o’clock,
he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard,
and I will give you what is just.’
So they went off.
And he went out again around noon,
and around three o’clock, and did likewise.
Going out about five o’clock,
he found others standing around, and said to them,
‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’
They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’
He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’
When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman,
‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay,
beginning with the last and ending with the first.’
When those who had started about five o’clock came,
each received the usual daily wage.
So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more,
but each of them also got the usual wage.
And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying,
‘These last ones worked only one hour,
and you have made them equal to us,
who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’
He said to one of them in reply,
‘My friend, I am not cheating you.
Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?
Take what is yours and go.
What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?
Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?
Are you envious because I am generous?’
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

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