The Station is in the basilica founded by St. Helen on the Via Lavicana, where were buried the bodies of St. Marcellinus, priest, and St. Peter, exorcist, martyred at Rome during the Diocletian persecution.. Thcir names arc mentioned in the Canon of the Mass. This church was one of the twenty-five Roman parish churches in the fifth century. As yesterday, the Epistle and the Gospel repeat in figure and in parable to the catechumens and public penitents that they are to take the place of the Jews in the Kingdom of God.
Isaac had two sons. Esau represents the people of God who sell their birthright to gratify their carnal appetite. Jacob represents the Gentiles who check their passions and are blessed by Heaven.
Jesus in the same way said: A man had two sons: the elder is the Jewish element of the primitive Church which is scandalised at the vocation of the Gentiles and is loath to associate with them; the prodigal is the pagan element. After having wasted all the gifts of God, these unhappy people mourn their sins and atone for them; they come to Jesus, who opens His arms to them, presses them to His Heart, and satisfies their hunger with His sacred Body and Precious Blood in the eucharistic feast.
Lex Domini irreprehensibilis, convertens animas: testimonium Domini fidele, sapientiam praestans parvulis. * Caeli enarrant gloriam Dei: et opera manuum ejus annuntiat firmamentum.
The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones. * The heavens show forth the glory of God: and the firmament declareth the work.
(Psalm 18:8,2 from the Introit of mass)
Da, quaesumus, Domine, nostris effectum jejuniis salutarem: ut castigatio carnis assumpta, ad nostrarum vegetationem transeat animarum.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, a saving virtue to our fast; that the chastisement of the flesh, which we have taken upon us, may bestow new life to our souls.
(Collect)
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