SAINT JUSTIN, Martyr (165 A.D.); SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN, & MAXIMUS, Martyrs (229 A.D.)

SAINT JUSTIN
Martyr

SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN, & MAXIMUS
Martyrs

DOUBLE / RED
Attracted by the supernatural fortitude of Christian Martyrs, Justin studied the Scriptures, was baptized at about the age of 30, and found peace in a humble acceptance of his new faith. Believing that reason is a vital auxiliary of faith, this "apologist" opened at Rome the first school of Christian philosophy and became its most eminent teacher. Emperor Marcus Aurelius had Justin scourged and put to death in the year 165.

INTROIT Ps. 118:85, 46
The wicked have told me idle tales, which are not according to Your law; but I spoke of Your testimonies before kings and I was not ashamed, Alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 118:1. Blessed are they who are undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, who through the foolishness of the cross didst teach the blessed Martyr Justin the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ: enable us by his intercession to put away all deceits of error and obtain steadfastness of faith. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN, AND MAXIMUS
About the year 229, the brothers Tiburtius and Valerian converted their executioner Maximus by the example of their courage. Then all three were martyred in the Roman arena.

Almighty God, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who keep the solemn festival of Thy holy Martyrs Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus, may also follow the example of their virtues. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Cor. 1:18-25, 30
Brethren: For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness: but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise: and the prudence of the prudent I will reject. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For, seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world, by wisdom, knew not God, it pleased God, by the foolishness of our preaching, to save them that believe. For both the Jews require signs: and the Greeks seek after wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified: unto the Jews indeed a stumblingblock, and unto the Gentiles foolishness: But unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men: and the weakness of God is stronger than men. But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and justice and sanctification and redemption.

ALLELUIA, alleluia! V. I Cor. 3:19, 20; Philipp. 3:8
The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, for it is written: The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain, Alleluia.
Furthermore, I count all things to be but loss, for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord. Alleluia! 

GOSPEL Luke 12:2-8
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed: nor hidden that shall not be known. For whatsoever things you have spoken in darkness shall be published in the light: and that which you have spoken in the ear in the chambers shall be preached on the housetops. And I say to you, my friends: Be not afraid of them who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will shew you whom you shall fear: Fear ye him who, after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say to you: Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? Yea, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows. And I say to you: Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the Angels of God."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON I Cor. 2:2
For I judged not myself to know anything among you, but Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. Alleluia!

SECRET
Graciously receive, O Lord God, these our oblations, the wondrous Mystery of which Thy holy Martyr Justin resolutely defended against the calumny of the ungodly. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT TIBURTIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS
We beseech Thee, O Lord, that this Sacrifice, which we offer in celebration of the heavenly birthday of Thy holy Martyrs, may loosen the bonds of our sins and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON 2 Tim. 4:6
There is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord, the just Judge, will render to me in that day. Alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
We who have been refreshed with heavenly food, humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, that following the teaching of blessed Justin, Thy Martyr, we may ever give thanks for the gifts we have received. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT TIBURTIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS
Filled with Thy sacred gifts, O Lord, we humbly beseech that this rite of dur submission which we celebrate may bring us evident increase of Thy saving grace. Through our Lord . . .