The Station is at the sanctuary erected on the site of the house where St. Eusebius, an ardent defender of the faith against Arius, died a martyr. In the fifth century it was one of the twenty-five parish churches of Rome. This sanctuary may have been chosen in which to read the Epistle and Gospel relating to resurrections, since it is situated near the great cemetery of the Esquiline.
As in the Mass of yesterday, the Epistle and Gospel tell us of a double resurrection, an image of that which was to operate in the souls of catechumens and public penitents as the Easter festival, and in the souls of sinners during the Season of Lent. Both the widow of Sarepta who went to Eliseus and the mother who had recourse to Elias represent the Gentiles, as they were both of heathen race. Whilst the unfaithful Jews have been rejected, our souls have through the sacraments of Baptism and Penance shared in the resurrection of Him who is "the life" (Gospel). In the same way the bodily death of the son of the widow of Naim and that of Lazarus represent the spiritual death of our souls caused by grievous sin. Penance restores them to life and brings them under the supernatural influence of Him who is "the resurrection" (Gospel).
By prayer and penance let us provide for our spiritual interests (Collect).
The meditation of my heart is always in Thy sight: O Lord, my helper and my redeemer. * The heavens show forth the glory of God : and the firmament declareth the works of Thy hand.
(Psalm 18:15,2 from the Introit of Mass)
Deus, qui ineffabilibus mundum renovas sacramentis: praesta, quaesumus; ut Ecclesia tua et aeternis proficiat institutis, et temporalibus non destituatur auxiliis.
O God, who renewest the world by Thine ineffable sacraments, grant, we beseech Thee, that Thy Church may profit by Thy eternal institutions, and not be lacking in temporal help.
(Collect)
Pictures of the Stational Churches: http://frcoulter.com/pics/station-churches/index.html
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