The fruit of our speech and actions will wither and die (1, Ps) unless we first recognize the plank in our own eye (3). By humbly admitting our own sins, we can more fruitfully persevere in the work of the Lord (2). Sir 27:4-7 Ps 92:2-3, 13-16 1 Cor 15:54-58 Lk 6:39-45

Katharine Drexel, † 3 March 1955 at age ninety-six; Philadelphia heiress and foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament; established some forty-nine foundations, including Xavier University in New Orleans; canonized 1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

Casimir, † 1484; Polish prince known as the "brother and defender of the poor"; led an austere life; patron of Poland and Lithuania.

Be reconciled (Ps, 2) and return to the Lord (1) by means of prayer, fasting and deeds of loving service (3). Jl 2:12-18 Ps 51:3-6b, 12-14, 17 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Perpetua, a noble lady, and Felicity, her slave, † at Carthage in 203 under Septimus Severus; names mentioned in the Roman Canon.

John of God, † 1550 in Granada; shepherd, soldier, and entrepreneur before his conversion at age forty-two; laid foundation (1537) for the Order of Hospitallers [O.H.], today numbering about 1,000 religious; patron of hospitals and the sick, of nurses and booksellers.

Moses recounts great events of salvation history (1) which find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. We confess him to be Lord, for God raised him from the dead (2). He is ever faithful, resisting temptation to forsake his Father's mission (3), trusting in God's love (Ps). Dt 26:4-10     Ps 91:1-2, 10-15     Rom 10:8-13     Lk 4:1-13

Patrick, † 461 at Down; born about 389 of Romano-British origin, perhaps in Wales; founded metropolitan See of Armagh; authored Confessio; the famous Lorica (Lat., "breastplate"), a work praising Christ, is probably his; patron of Nigeria; apostle and patron of Ireland.

Cyril, † 386; great pastor and teacher; ordained bishop of Jerusalem in 348; authored eighteen "Catecheses" and five "Mystagogical Catecheses" devoted to the liturgy and the sacraments; exiled three times by the Arians.

An heir of David (1, Ps) and son of Joseph and Mary (3b), Jesus brings forgiveness (3a) through the gift of faith (2). 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29 Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22 Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a

From the burning bush, Moses is called by God to lead his people out of slavery into freedom (1, Ps). The parable of the fig tree speaks on the one hand of God's patience, but of the urgency of the call to conversion on the other (3). Like the Hebrews of old, we too have failed to heed God's call, thinking ourselves to be self-righteous (2). Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15 Ps 103:1-4, 6-8, 11 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12 Lk 13:1-9

The Lord will give a sign (1): a child, who has come to do God's will (Ps, 2), shall be conceived by the Spirit (3). Is 7:10-14; 8:10 Ps 40:7-11 Heb 10:4-10 Lk 1:26-38

Having arrived in the promised land, the Hebrews celebrated their deliverance from affliction and distress (Ps) in the Passover (1). Christ, our Passover, has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation (2): let us forgive one another and celebrate the unconditional and abundant love of God our Father (3). Jos 5:9a, 10-12 Ps 34:2-7 2 Cor 5:17-21 Lk 15:1-3, 11-32