Readings
for the Feast of
SAINT CALLISTUS I
Pope and Martyr
October 14
MASS
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Matthew 7:25
This holy man fought to the death for the law of his God, never cowed by the threats of the wicked; his house was built on solid rock.
OPENING PRAYER
God of mercy,
hear the prayers of your people
that we may be helped by St. Callistus,
whose martyrdom we celebrate with joy.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
FIRST READING
A reading from the first letter of Peter 5:1-4
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 37:3-4,5-6,30-31
R. (30a) The mouth of the just tells of wisdom.
Trust in the Lord and do good
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the Lord
and he will grant you your heart's requests.
R. The mouth of the just tells of wisdom.
Commit to the Lord your way;
trust in him and he will act
He will make justice dawn for you like the light;
bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.
R. The mouth of the just tells of wisdom.
The mouth of the just tells of wisdom;
and his tongue utters what is right.
The law of his God is in his heart
and his steps do not falter.
R. The mouth of the just tells of wisdom.
ALLELUIA John 15:15b
I call you my friends, says the Lord,
for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.
GOSPEL
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 22:24-30
A dispute arose among the apostles, which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For which is the greater, one who sits at table, or one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at table? But I am among you as one who serves.
"You are those who have continued with me in my trials; and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Lord,
as we celebrate the feast of Saint Callistus I
may this Eucharist bring you glory,
increase our love of truth,
and help your Church to remain firm in faith and unity.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mt. 16:14
If anyone wishes to come after me, he must renounce himself, take up his cross, and follow me, says the Lord.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord,
by these holy mysteries increase our faith.
As the Callistus I reached eternal glory
by being faithful until death,
so may we be saved by living our faith.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
From the Common of One Martyr or of Pastors, except for the following:
Office of Readings
SECOND READING
From A Treatise to Fortunatus by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr
(Lib. 4, 20, 5-7; SC 100, 640-642, 644-648)
In times of peace the testimony of a good conscience wins the crown
The sufferings of this present time are not to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us. Who would not strive wholeheartedly to attain to such glory, to become a friend of God and straightway rejoice with Christ, receiving heavenly rewards after earth’s torment and suffering? Soldiers of this world take pride in returning to their home country in triumph after they have defeated the enemy. How much greater is the glory in returning triumphantly to heaven after conquering the devil. The bold deceiver is laid low, the trophies of victory are restored to the place from which Adam was cast out for his sin. We offer to the Lord a most acceptable gift, our incorrupt faith, the unshaken courage of our spirit and the glorious pride of our dedication. We accompany him when he comes to take vengeance on his enemies; sitting at his side at the judgment seat, sharing in Christ’s inheritance, we are on an equal footing with the angels and enjoy the possession of a heavenly kingdom together with the patriarchs, apostles and prophets. What persecution can defeat such thoughts, what torture overwhelm them?
The spirit of a strong and stable character strengthened by meditation endures; the unshaken spirit, which is strengthened by a certain and solid faith in the future will be enlivened against all the terrors of the devil and threats of this world. During persecution the earth is closed off from us, but heaven lies open; the Antichrist threatens, but Christ protects us; death is brought on, but eternal life follows. What an honor, what happiness to depart joyfully from this world, to go forth in glory from the anguish and pain, in one moment to close the eyes that looked on the world of men and in the next to open them at once to look on God and Christ! The speed of this joyous departure! You are suddenly withdrawn from earth to find yourself in the kingdom of heaven.
These are the thoughts you must grasp with your heart and mind and reflect on day and night. If persecution should overtake such a soldier of God, it will not overcome one so virtuously prepared for battle. Even if our summons should come sooner, our faith which was prepared for the witness of martyrdom will not go unrewarded. For we would immediately receive our reward by God’s judgment. In time of persecution the battle wins the crown, but in peace it is the testimony of a good conscience.
RESPONSORY See Acts 20:28: 1 Cor 4:2
You must have at heart every member of the flock,
for the Holy Spirit has made you their shepherds.
- You must rule over the Church of God,
which he made his own through the blood of his Son.
The great quality of a steward is to be faithful to his duty.
- You must rule over the Church of God,
which he made his own through the blood of his Son.
PRAYER
God of mercy,
hear the prayers of your people
that we may be helped by St. Callistus,
whose martyrdom we celebrate with joy.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.