November 10
St Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church
Tuesday, week 32 in Ordinary Time — Year II
St Leo the Great was Bishop of Rome in the fifth century, serving as pope during a period of tremendous challenge and transition for both the Church and the wider world. He is perhaps most famous for his strong leadership against heresies such as Pelagianism and for his pivotal role at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, where his famous Tome clarified Catholic teaching on the nature of Christ. St Leo was also a gifted preacher and pastor, renowned for his deep care for the spiritual and practical welfare of his flock, especially in times of instability following the decline of the Roman Empire. He encouraged unity, emphasized the importance of papal authority, and is remembered for negotiating with Attila the Hun, persuading him to spare the city of Rome—though the details surrounding their meeting include some legendary elements. St Leo was declared a Doctor of the Church for his outstanding contribution to theology and is honored as one of the greatest popes in history. The Church remembers him each year to celebrate his teaching, courage, and enduring witness to Christ in a time of uncertainty.
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Questions about St Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church (Novus Ordo Missae)
The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingTt 2, 1-8.11-14
Beloved,
say what is in accordance with the teaching of sound doctrine.
Let older men be temperate,
worthy of respect, self-controlled,
and steadfast in faith, love, and perseverance.
Likewise, let older women lead a holy life,
not slanderers
nor slaves to drink,
and be good advisers,
to teach the young women
to love their husbands and children,
to be reasonable and pure,
good homemakers, kind,
submissive to their husbands,
so that the word of God may not be brought into disrepute.
The young as well, exhort them to be reasonable in all things.
Yourself, be a model by your good conduct,
by teaching that is flawless and worthy of respect,
by the unassailable soundness of your words,
for the greatest confusion of the opponent,
who will find nothing to criticize about us.
For the grace of God has appeared
for the salvation of all people.
It teaches us to renounce impiety
and worldly desires,
and to live in the present age in a reasonable way,
with justice and piety,
awaiting the fulfillment of the blessed hope:
the manifestation of the glory
of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
For he gave himself for us
to redeem us from all our faults,
and to purify us
to make us his people,
a people zealous for good works.
– The word of the Lord.
PsalmPs 36 (37), 3-4, 18.23, 27.29
Trust in the Lord, act rightly,
dwell in the land and remain faithful;
find your delight in the Lord:
he will fulfill the desires of your heart.
He knows the days of the upright man
who will receive an imperishable inheritance.
When the Lord guides a man's steps,
they are firm, and his walk pleases him.
Shun evil, do what is good,
and you will have a dwelling forever.
The just shall possess the land
and shall live there always.
GospelLc 17, 7-10
At that time,
Jesus said:
“Which of you,
when your servant has plowed or tended the flocks,
will say to him when he comes back from the fields:
‘Come quickly and sit at table’?
Will he not rather say to him:
‘Prepare supper for me,
put on your apron and serve me,
while I eat and drink.
Afterwards you will eat and drink in your turn’?
Is he grateful to that servant
for carrying out his orders?
So with you,
when you have done all that has been commanded you,
say:
‘We are simple servants:
we have only done our duty.’”
– Let us acclaim the Word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org