(Optional) Memorial of Saint Albert, the Great, bishop and Doctor of the Church
(Revelation 3:1-6.14-22; Luke 19:1-10)
Today’s reading from the Book of Revelation presents Christ’s
letters to the Churches of Sardis and Laodicea. Nothing positive is said of either. He calls the Church of Sardis “dead” even
though it has a favorable reputation.
From what the letter says about soiled garments, many in the church were
sinning egregiously. Christ then makes a prophetic denunciation to the Church
of Laodicea. He says that its members
think of themselves as rich but are poor in his sight. He relates to them the famous image of
himself knocking at the door and waiting to be let in.
In contrast to these churches of ill repute, today we
celebrate St. Albert, the only man designated as “Great” in the High Middle
Ages. As a scientist philosopher, philosopher,
and theologian few in any period of history could match his wisdom. One person who did outdo Albert in his own lifetime
was his student, St. Thomas Aquinas.
As much as our works may resemble those of Sardis and
Laodicea’s Christians, we are edified by those of Albert the Great. Sanctity as much as scholarship demands
effort on our part. We must strive to be
holy by prayer, penance, and many good deeds.
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