St. Cecilia, she was a noble Roman who,

one of the most famous virgin martyrs of the early church and historically one of the most discussed.

She is a patron saint of music and of musicians.

Cecelia was born into a wealthy and noble family in the city of Rome during a time

when Roman emperors and local prefects often persecuted Christians.

Cecilia was arrested.

The Prefect tried to convince her to save her life by offering sacrifice to the Roman gods, but she refused.

Outraged, Almachius ordered her beheading.

 

St. Cecilia, virgin & martyr

 1st Reading: 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31

 

Ps 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b & 15

Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊     

Luke 19:11-28

Jesus was now near

Jerusalem and the people with him thought that God's reign was about to appear. So as they were listening to him, Jesus went on to tell them a parable. He said, "A man of noble birth went to a distant place to have himself appointed king of his own people, after which he would return. Before he left, he summoned ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds. He said: 'Put this money to work until I get back.' But his compatriots who disliked him sent a delegation after him with this message: 'We do not want this man to be our king."

 

He returned, however, appointed as king. At once he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what profit each had made. The first came in and reported: 'Sir, your pound has earned ten more.' The master replied: 'Well done, my good servant. Since you have proved yourself capable in a small matter, I can trust you to take charge of ten cities. The second reported: 'Sir, your pound earned five more pounds. The master replied: 'Right, take charge of five cities.'

 

The third came in and said: 'Sir, here is your money which I hid for safekeeping. I was afraid of you for you are an exacting person; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow. The master replied: 'You worthless servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew I was an exacting person, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow! Why, then, did you not put my money on loan so that when I got back I could have collected it with interest?'

 

Then the master said to those standing by: Take from him that pound, and give it to the one with ten pounds. They objected: 'But, sir, he already has ten!' 'I tell you: everyone who has will be given more; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for my enemies who did not want me to be king, bring them in and execute them right here in my presence.""

So Jesus spoke, and then he went on ahead of them, on his way to Jerusalem.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"Our faith will be challenged."

If you look at the greeting cards and ads that come out each year for Mother's Day, you'll notice that they all seem very soft and fluffy. Mom is gentle, loving, a good cook, kind when you are ill, a soft shoulder when you need to cry, and caring all the time. I have never seen a Mother's Day card that reflects the mom we see in today's first reading who encourages her sons to embrace martyrdom for their faith. I suppose that her example won't sell enough flowers and chocolate.

 

A parent's job is to prepare their children for a life that will lead them to heaven. That is what the mother of seven sons did. Despite her own pain and crushing sorrow, she gave her sons the strength they needed to hold fast to their faith, trusting that God would reward them with eternal life.

 

After watching her entire family suffer horrible deaths, she bravely faced her own death. While we and our children will likely never face threats of martyrdom, our faith will be challenged. Parents and trusted adults should help the young people in their charge hold to their beliefs with courage and commitment.