— Saint Paul Miki and Companions —
Ordinary Time Week 4: Friday
 

“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” (Hebrews 13:1-2)

In commenting on these verses from today’s First Reading, Saint John Chrysostom writes:

“See how he enjoins them to preserve what they had; he does not add other things. He did not say, “Be loving as brothers,” but “Let brotherly love continue.” And again, he did not say, “Be hospitable,” as if they were not, but “Do not neglect to show hospitality,” for this neglect was likely to happen, due to their afflictions.

Therefore, he says, “Some have entertained angels unawares.” Do you see how great was the honor, how great the gain! What is “unawares”? They entertained them without knowing it. Therefore, the reward also was great, because he entertained them, not knowing that they were angels. If he had known it, it would have been nothing wonderful. Some say that he here alludes to Lot also.” (On the Epistle to the Hebrews, 33)


Collect
O God, strength of all the Saints,
who through the Cross were pleased to call
the Martyrs Saint Paul Miki and companions to life,
grant, we pray, that by their intercession
we may hold with courage even until death
to the faith that we profess.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen