Saint of the day · July 20
St Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr
Optional memorialMonday, week 16 in Ordinary Time
Liturgical colour : Green
Saint Apollinaris, venerated as an early bishop and martyr, holds a place of deep respect in Christian tradition. He is believed to have been the first bishop of Ravenna, consecrated by Saint Peter himself, according to ancient tradition—though precise historical details about his life remain uncertain. Apollinaris is thought to have served during the second century, a time marked by sporadic persecutions and the formative growth of the early Church.
Legend and historical sources agree that Apollinaris was zealous in his pastoral mission, preaching the Gospel in an environment often hostile to Christianity. He supposedly suffered greatly for the faith, enduring hardships, beatings, and exile, before finally undergoing martyrdom for Christ. His perseverance and courage in the face of suffering, even amid uncertainty and opposition, became a source of inspiration for Christians facing their own trials.
Devotion to Saint Apollinaris flourished particularly in Ravenna, where his relics are enshrined and where the famed Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. His commemoration as a bishop and martyr underscores the vital role of episcopal leadership and the witness of those who offered their lives for the truth of the Gospel. The Church keeps his optional memorial to invite the faithful to imitate his steadfastness and missionary zeal, especially in times when faith may be tested.
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Mass readings
“You have been told what is good, what the Lord requires of you” — Mi 6, 1-4.6-8
Listen then to what the Lord says:
Rise! Present your case to the mountains,
and let the hills hear your voice.
Mountains, hear the Lord’s case,
you too, unshakable foundations of the earth.
For the Lord has a case against his people,
he argues against Israel:
My people, what have I done to you?
How have I wearied you? Answer me.
Is it because I brought you up from the land of Egypt,
that I redeemed you from the house of slavery,
and that I gave you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam
as leaders?
“How should I present myself before the Lord?”
the people ask.
How should I bow down before the Most High?
Should I come with young bulls
to offer as burnt offerings?
Will he be pleased with thousands of rams,
with streams of oil poured out on the altar?
Shall I give my firstborn for my rebellion,
the fruit of my womb for my own sin?
– Man, the prophet responds,
you have been told what is good,
what the Lord requires of you:
nothing other than to act justly,
love faithfulness,
and walk humbly with your God.”
– The word of the Lord.
Ps 49 (50), 5-6, 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23
“Gather before me my faithful ones,
those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
And the heavens proclaim his justice:
yes, God is the judge!
I do not accuse you for your sacrifices;
your burnt offerings are always before me.
I will not take a single bull from your stalls,
nor any ram from your pens.
“Why do you recite my statutes,
why take my covenant on your lips,
you who hate correction
and cast my words behind you?
“This is what you do;
should I keep silent?
Did you think I was like you?
I put these things before you, and I indict you.
“Whoever offers thanksgiving as a sacrifice,
that person gives me glory;
on the path that he takes,
I will show him the salvation of God.”
“At the Judgment, the queen of Sheba will rise at the same time as this generation” — Mt 12, 38-42
At that time,
some of the scribes and Pharisees
spoke to Jesus:
“Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”
He answered them:
“This evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign,
but, as for a sign,
no sign will be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
For just as Jonah was in the belly of the sea monster
three days and three nights,
so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth
three days and three nights.
At the Judgment, the people of Nineveh
will rise at the same time as this generation,
and they will condemn it;
for they repented
at the proclamation made by Jonah,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.
At the Judgment, the queen of Sheba
will rise up at the same time as this generation,
and she will condemn it;
for she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.”
– Let us acclaim the Word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org