Episode 3068: The Flame of Evangelization - Morning Episode

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Book Recommendation of the Day
By St. Antoninus:
"Summa Theologica Moralis" (also known as Summa Moralis or Summa Theologica)
o This is his most famous work, a moral theology manual covering ethics, canon law, economics, and more.
o It had significant influence in the development of Catholic moral teaching, particularly on topics like just price, usury, and justice in trade.
 Apology for wrong daily scripture and therefore theme of the day.
“The difference between the sinner and saint is that one persists in sin, while the other weeps bitterly. Those who cannot find time to mourn for their sins also lack time to mend. The remorse of Judas led not to a striking of the breast in a Mea Culpa, but to the taking of a life. He had no heart to pray, neither did he seek God’s face to sue for mercy. But Peter sorrowed. He was humbled, not hardened. Once the tears wash the eyes, the spiritual vision becomes clearer. The tears in Peter’s eyes were a rainbow of hope after a black storm. In them shone the entire spectrum of the radiant forgiveness of Christ’s glance.” Archbishop Fulton Sheen

“Messengers of the Eternal King: The Flame of Evangelization and the Feast of St. Antoninus”
Introduction:
Welcome, dear listeners, to today’s episode of CR, where we journey with the Church through the sacred calendar of the traditional Roman Rite. Today is May 10, 2025, and in the St. Andrew’s Daily Missal, we commemorate St. Antoninus, Bishop and Confessor a Dominican and Archbishop of Florence, known for his holiness, wisdom, and service to the poor.
The Mass and readings today reflect the theme of missionary zeal and heavenly vision—a calling to bring the light of Christ into the darkness of the world. Let us begin by diving into today’s sacred scripture readings.
Epistle – Ezechiel 1:10–14
(A Vision of the Four Living Creatures)
"And as for the likeness of their faces: there was the face of a man, and the face of a lion on the right side of all four: and the face of an ox on the left side of all four: and the face of an eagle over all four. And their faces, and their wings were stretched upward: two wings of every one were joined, and two covered their bodies. And every one of them went straight forward: whither the impulse of the spirit was to go, thither they went: and they turned not when they went. And as for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps. This was the vision running to and fro in the midst of the living creatures, a bright fire, and lightning going forth from the fire. And the living creatures ran and returned like flashes of lightning."
Reflection:
This vision of Ezechiel has long been interpreted in the tradition of the Church as a symbol of the four Evangelists: Matthew (man), Mark (lion), Luke (ox), and John (eagle). These heavenly beings reflect the Church’s mission on earth: to carry the Gospel to all nations with divine strength, sacrificial service, regal authority, and spiritual vision. The fire and lightning signify divine zeal and purity, characteristics that all apostles and preachers must have.
Gospel – Luke 10:1–9
(The Sending of the Seventy-Two Disciples)
"At that time: The Lord appointed also seventy-two others: and He sent them two and two before His face into every city and place whither He Himself was to come. And He said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He send laborers into His harvest. Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way. Into whatsoever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they have; for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you; and heal the sick that are therein, and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."
Reflection:
Our Lord sends His disciples not as conquerors, but as lambs among wolves. He entrusts them with His peace and His authority not material wealth, but spiritual power. This Gospel teaches us apostolic poverty, obedience, courage, and the urgency of evangelization. The disciples go before the face of Christ, preparing hearts to receive Him.
This reading is providentially fitting for the feast of St. Antoninus, who lived out this Gospel by serving the poor, guiding the flock, and governing with a deeply spiritual and pastoral heart. He was a true shepherd, imitating Christ not in grandeur, but in humility and truth.
The Saint of the Day – St. Antoninus, Bishop and Confessor
St. Antoninus (1389–1459), Dominican friar and Archbishop of Florence, was renowned for his asceticism, learning, and prudent governance. Known as the "Father of the Poor," he tirelessly administered charity and spiritual care. He also contributed to canon law and Catholic moral theology with clarity and depth. His feast reminds us that holiness in leadership is not marked by popularity or worldly acclaim, but by virtue and faithfulness to Christ the King.
Thematic Quotes for Meditation:
• “The kingdom of God is at hand.” (Luke 10:9)
• “The laborer is worthy of his hire.” – Luke 10:7
• “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
• “Preach the Gospel at all times; use words if necessary.” – Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
• “If you are what you should be, you will set the world on fire.” – St. Catherine of Siena
Conclusionary Prayer:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Divine King and Eternal Shepherd,
who didst send forth Thy disciples with nothing but Thy peace and Thy word, grant us the courage to follow in their steps, trusting not in the riches of the world but in the strength of Thy grace.
Through the intercession of St. Antoninus,
may all bishops and shepherds labor for Thy Kingdom with humility, wisdom, and zeal.
Inflame our hearts, O Holy Spirit, with the fire of the four living creatures,
that we too may proclaim Thy Gospel with reverence, sacrifice, and joy.
We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Antoninus, pray for us.
Holy Evangelists, guide us.
Mary, Queen of Apostles, protect us.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.