Ordinary Time: January 11th

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MASS READINGS

January 11, 2023 (Readings on USCCB website)

PROPERS [Show]

Mass Propers for the First Week in Ordinary Time:

Entrance Antiphon: Upon a lofty throne, I saw a man seated, whom a host of angels adore, singing in unison: Behold him, the name of whose empire is eternal.

Alleluia Verse, Jn 10:27: My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me.

Communion Antiphon, Ps 36 (35):10: With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light.

COLLECT PRAYER

First Week In Ordinary Time: Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care, O Lord, we pray, that they may see what must be done and gain strength to do what they have seen. 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.

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Recipes (3)

• Greek Homestyle Chicken
• Greek Salad
• Salata de Cartofi (Greek Potato and Olive Salad)

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Activities (3)

• Practical Suggestions for Christian Living (Baptism)
• Religion in the Home for Elementary School: January
• Religion in the Home for Preschool: January

Prayers (0)

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Library (2)

• Popes Through the Ages | Joseph Brusher
• The Popes and the Eastern Rites | Allen Maloof

Blog & Podcasts (0)

» Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!

Today the Roman Martyrology commemorates Pope St. Hyginus (d. 142). During the four years of his pontificate (138-142), he had to oppose the heresy of Valentinus who at this period came to propagate his errors in the heart of the Christian community in Rome.

St. Theodosius, Abbot or Cenobiarch (423-529), is also commemorated in today's Roman Martyrology. He was born in Cappadocia in the village of Magarisso, who after having endured great sufferings for the Catholic faith, took his rest in peace at the monastery which he had erected on a lonely hill in the diocese of Jerusalem.

St. Hyginus
The crown of the empire belonged to Antonius Pius. Hyginus, as Telesphorus' successor, not only had to endure his relentless persecutions but also had to cope with the heretics who made their way to Rome.

Hyginus was a Greek from Athens who, like his contemporary Justin Martyr, was a philosopher. He is said to have done some organizing of the clergy, and it is likely that he addressed the Roman clergy on the subjects of sin in general and of obedience to the Church.

The emergence of Gnosticism is probably the most significant development of Hyginus' pontificate. Cerdo came from Syria and Valentinus from Egypt, and together they taught this system of mystical belief, which was a combination of Greek philosophy and Oriental superstitions regarding Christ. For years Cerdo vacillated between teaching error and repenting, returning to the Church, then falling from grace. Valentinus, however, staunchly defended his cause. Hyginus perceived this as heresy, for it deviated greatly from the true teachings of the Apostles.

Hyginus was said to have suffered gloriously and he was buried on Vatican Hill.

Symbols and Representation: abbot hermit with iron bands on his neck and arms, chains and a money bag near him

Patronage: file makers

Highlights and Things to Do:

• Read more about Pope St. Hyginus:
  • Catholic Encyclopedia
  • Catholic365.com
  • Popes in a Year
• What is Gnosticism? Read this in depth article at New Advent to find out. For a synopsis of this heresy, see Catholic Answers.
• Even though he only reigned for 4 years, Hyginus instituted godparents at baptism, and decreed for the consecration of churches.

St. Theodosius
St. Theodosius was so inspired by Abraham's example of leaving his loved ones and homeland for God that he left his homeland of Cappadocia to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. There St. Theodosius took as his guide the holy man Longinus, who placed him in charge of a church near Bethlehem. Theodosius did not stay there long, however, but he went to live in a cave on a nearby mountain. He was known for his holiness, and many desired to dedicate their lives to God as monks under Theodosius. He built a monastery at Cathismus, as well as three hospices: for the sick, the elderly and the mentally ill. When Emperor Anastasius was persecuting Christians who did not accept the Eutychian heresy, which states that Christ has only one nature, St. Theodosius preached orthodoxy throughout Palestine, even stating from the pulpit in Jerusalem: "If anyone receives not the four general councils as the four gospels, let him be anathema." The Saint renewed the courage of those in whom the Emperor's edicts had instilled fear. Anastasius banished Theodosius, though he was later recalled by Anastasius' successor. Theodosius died at the age of 105; many miracles occurred at his funeral.
—Excerpted from Saints Calendar and Daily Planner, Tan Books >p>Symbols and Representation: abbot hermit with iron bands on his neck and arms, chains and a money bag near him

Patronage: file makers

Highlights and Things to Do:

• Read more about St. Theodosius:
  • OCA
  • CNA
  • EWTN
• See in the Holy Land where Theodosius lived.
• St. Theodosius staunchly opposed Monophysitism for which the Emperor Anastasius temporarily exiled him. Read more from the Catholic Encyclopedia.