Today’s Readings – Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

Agnes was martyred at the end of the persecution of the Roman emperor Diocletian, probably in the early years of the 4th century.  She is thought to have been between 12 and 15 years of age.  It is clear that her death was the result of a determination to preserve her virginity.  The Church, following the teaching of St Paul, had considered a state of virginity or celibacy preferable, in itself, to a state of marriage. And of the many virgin martyrs in Rome, few were held in greater esteem than Agnes by the early Church.

Very few details of Agnes’ life are known.  However, in the ancient Roman calendar of the feasts of the martyrs (Depositio Martyrum), her feast is listed on 21 January.  This record also mentions the name of the road (via Nomentana) near which her grave was … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Monday of Week 2 of Ordinary Time - First Reading

Commentary on Hebrews 5:1-10

Today we have a lovely reading on how Jesus fulfils the role of our High Priest. In it we come to realise that the true humanity of Jesus makes him a more, rather than a less, effective high priest to the Christian community. This was something with which th … Continue