Welcome to Bloom’s Daily Offering for Friday, October 9, 2026, the feast of St. John Leonardi, Confessor, third class, in white, with a commemoration of Ss. Dionysius, Rusticus and Eleutherius, martyrs. The Gloria is said, there is no Creed, and the Preface is the Common Preface. Today’s Epistle carries a line of Paul’s worth staying with: our tribulation, he says, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
St. John Leonardi<\/a> was born in 1541 at Diecimo, near Lucca, and at seventeen was sent to Lucca to learn the apothecary’s trade. Ordained in 1572, he gathered the community that became the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benedict XVI recalled<\/a> that he helped plan Propaganda Fide, the Holy See’s congregation for the missions, and that he died in Rome in 1609 of influenza caught while ministering to the sick in an epidemic. He was canonized in 1938 and named patron of pharmacists in 2006.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So the Church gives a man trained to prepare medicines a Gospel that sends Christ’s followers to the sick, and an Epistle about the eternal weight of glory. The two belong together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wherever you are, you are welcome here. If your body is tired today, or hurting, or has been prayed over by people who never asked what you wanted, this Mass has something to say to you, and it is not that your pain is small. Stay with us. The eternal weight of glory was never meant to be a measuring stick for anyone else’s suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n St. John Leonardi has his own Mass. The Epistle from 2 Corinthians 4, the Collect and the commemoration of St. Dionysius, or Denis, and his companions are new here today. The Gospel of the seventy-two is not new: it was printed in full on October 18, 2025<\/a> and again on July 31, 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every proper is printed in full, in Latin and English, and the homily stays with the line no earlier day here has preached: the eternal weight of glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ecclesiasticus 42:15-16; Psalm 95:1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n English<\/p> By the words of the Lord are His works: the sun giving light hath looked upon all things, and full of the glory of the Lord is His work. <\/span><\/span>Ps. 95:1.<\/em> <\/span>Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. By the words of the Lord are His works: the sun giving light hath looked upon all things, and full of the glory of the Lord is His work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div> Latin<\/p> In serm\u00f3nibus D\u00f3mini \u00f3pera ejus: sol ill\u00faminans per \u00f3mnia resp\u00e9xit, et gl\u00f3ria D\u00f3mini plenum est opus ejus. <\/span><\/span>Ps. 95:1.<\/em> <\/span>Cant\u00e1te D\u00f3mino c\u00e1nticum novum: cant\u00e1te D\u00f3mino, omnis terra. Gl\u00f3ria Patri\u2026 In serm\u00f3nibus D\u00f3mini \u00f3pera ejus: sol ill\u00faminans per \u00f3mnia resp\u00e9xit, et gl\u00f3ria D\u00f3mini plenum est opus ejus.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Let us pray. English<\/p> O God, Who didst vouchsafe wondrously to raise up blessed John, Thy Confessor, for the spreading of the faith among the nations, and through him didst gather together in Thy Church a new family for the teaching of the faithful: grant to us Thy servants so to profit by his institutions, that we may attain everlasting rewards. Through our Lord. Amen.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div> Latin<\/p> Deus, qui be\u00e1tum Jo\u00e1nnem Confess\u00f3rem tuum ad fidem in g\u00e9ntibus propag\u00e1ndam mirab\u00edliter excit\u00e1re dign\u00e1tus es, ac per eum in erudi\u00e9ndis fid\u00e9libus novam in Eccl\u00e9sia tua fam\u00edliam congreg\u00e1sti: da nobis f\u00e1mulis tuis; ita ejus instit\u00fatis prof\u00edcere, ut pr\u01fdmia consequ\u00e1mur \u00e6t\u00e9rna. Per D\u00f3minum\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Commemoration of Ss. Dionysius, Bishop, Rusticus and Eleutherius<\/a>, Martyrs.<\/em> English<\/p> O God, Who on this day didst strengthen blessed Dionysius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, with the virtue of constancy in his passion, and didst vouchsafe to join to him Rusticus and Eleutherius for the preaching of Thy glory to the nations: grant us, we beseech Thee, by following them, for love of Thee to despise the prosperity of the world and to fear none of its adversities. Through our Lord. Amen.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div> Latin<\/p> Deus, qui hodi\u00e9rna die be\u00e1tum Dion\u00fdsium, M\u00e1rtyrem tuum atque Pont\u00edficem, virt\u00fate constanti\u00e6 in passi\u00f3ne robor\u00e1sti, quique illi, ad pr\u00e6dic\u00e1ndum g\u00e9ntibus gl\u00f3riam tuam, R\u00fasticum et Eleuth\u00e9rium soci\u00e1re dign\u00e1tus es: tr\u00edbue nobis, qu\u01fdsumus; e\u00f3rum imitati\u00f3ne, pro am\u00f3re tuo pr\u00f3spera mundi desp\u00edcere, et nulla ejus adv\u00e9rsa formid\u00e1re. Per D\u00f3minum\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, 15-18<\/a> English<\/p> Lesson from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians. Brethren: Seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not; but we renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor adulterating the word of God; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience, in the sight of God. And if our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost, in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord; and ourselves your servants through Jesus. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus. For all things are for your sakes; that the grace abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man is corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen, are temporal; but the things which are not seen, are eternal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div> Latin<\/p> L\u00e9ctio Ep\u00edstol\u00e6 be\u00e1ti Pauli Ap\u00f3stoli ad Corinthios. Fratres: Hab\u00e9ntes administrati\u00f3nem juxta quod miseric\u00f3rdiam consec\u00fati sumus, non def\u00edcimus, sed abdic\u00e1mus occ\u00falta ded\u00e9coris, non ambul\u00e1ntes in ast\u00fatia, neque adulter\u00e1ntes verbum Dei, sed in manifestati\u00f3ne verit\u00e1tis commend\u00e1ntes nosmet\u00edpsos ad omnem consci\u00e9ntiam h\u00f3minum coram Deo. Quod si \u00e9tiam op\u00e9rtum est Evang\u00e9lium nostrum: in iis, qui p\u00e9reunt, est op\u00e9rtum: in quibus Deus hujus s\u01fdculi exc\u00e6c\u00e1vit mentes infid\u00e9lium, ut non f\u00falgeat illis illumin\u00e1tio Evang\u00e9lii gl\u00f3ri\u00e6 Christi, qui est im\u00e1go Dei. Non enim nosmet\u00edpsos pr\u00e6dic\u00e1mus, sed Jesum Christum D\u00f3minum nostrum: nos autem servos vestros per Jesum: qu\u00f3niam Deus, qui dixit de t\u00e9nebris lucem splend\u00e9scere, ipse ill\u00faxit in c\u00f3rdibus nostris ad illuminati\u00f3nem sci\u00e9nti\u00e6 clarit\u00e1tis Dei, in f\u00e1cie Christi Jesu. Omnia enim propter vos: ut gr\u00e1tia ab\u00fandans, per multos in grati\u00e1rum actione, ab\u00fandet in gl\u00f3riam Dei. Propter quod non deficimus: sed licet is, qui foris est, noster homo corrump\u00e1tur: tamen is, qui intus est, renovatur de die in diem. Id enim, quod in pr\u00e6senti est moment\u00e1neum et leve tribulati\u00f3nis nostr\u00e6, supra modum in sublimit\u00e1te \u00e6t\u00e9rnum gl\u00f3ri\u00e6 pondus oper\u00e1tur in nobis, non contempl\u00e1ntibus nobis qu\u00e6 vid\u00e9ntur, sed qu\u00e6 non vid\u00e9ntur. Qu\u00e6 enim vid\u00e9ntur, tempor\u00e1lia sunt: qu\u00e6 autem non vid\u00e9ntur, \u00e6t\u00e9rna sunt.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Psalm 72:21; Psalm 68:10; Isaias 49:2; Psalm 70:7<\/a> English<\/p> My heart hath been inflamed, and my reins have been changed: the zeal of Thy house hath eaten me up. \u2123. He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword: in the shadow of His hand He hath protected me, and hath made me as a chosen arrow. Alleluia, alleluia. \u2123. I am become unto many as a wonder, but Thou art a strong helper. Alleluia.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div> Latin<\/p> Inflamm\u00e1tum est cor meum, et renes mei commut\u00e1ti sunt: zelus domus tu\u00e6 com\u00e9dit me. \u2123. P\u00f3suit os meum quasi gl\u00e1dium acutum: in umbra manus su\u00e6 prot\u00e9xit me, et p\u00f3suit me sicut sag\u00edttam el\u00e9ctam. Allel\u00faja, allel\u00faja. \u2123. Tamquam prod\u00edgium factus sum multis: et tu adj\u00fator fortis. Allel\u00faja.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Luke 10:1-9<\/a> English<\/p> Continuation of the holy Gospel according to Luke. At that time, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two: 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 labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send labourers 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 labourer 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div> Latin<\/p> Sequ\u00e9ntia \u2629 sancti Evang\u00e9lii sec\u00fandum Lucam. In illo t\u00e9mpore: Design\u00e1vit D\u00f3minus et \u00e1lios septuag\u00ednta duos: et misit illos binos ante f\u00e1ciem suam in omnem civit\u00e1tem et locum, quo erat ipse vent\u00farus. Et dicebat illis: Messis quidem multa, oper\u00e1rii autem pauci. Rog\u00e1te ergo D\u00f3minum messis, ut mittat oper\u00e1rios in messem suam. Ite: ecce, ego mitto vos sicut agnos inter lupos. Nol\u00edte port\u00e1re s\u00e1cculum neque peram neque calceam\u00e9nta; et n\u00e9minem per viam salutav\u00e9ritis. In quamc\u00famque domum intrav\u00e9ritis, primum d\u00edcite: Pax huic d\u00f3mui: et si ibi f\u00faerit f\u00edlius pacis, requi\u00e9scet super illum pax vestra: sin autem, ad vos revert\u00e9tur. In e\u00e1dem autem domo man\u00e9te, ed\u00e9ntes et bib\u00e9ntes qu\u00e6 apud illos sunt: dignus est enim oper\u00e1rius merc\u00e9de sua. Nol\u00edte trans\u00edre de domo in domum. Et in quamc\u00famque civit\u00e1tem intrav\u00e9ritis, et susc\u00e9perint vos, manduc\u00e1te qu\u00e6 appon\u00fantur vobis: et cur\u00e1te inf\u00edrmos, qui in illa sunt, et d\u00edcite illis: Appropinqu\u00e1vit in vos regnum Dei.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The eternal weight of glory is what Paul says God is working in us, and in his sentence it is the heavy side of the scale. Read it slowly. For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.<\/em> Momentary faces eternal, and light faces the eternal weight of glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Latin keeps the balance. Paul’s trouble is momentaneum et leve<\/em>, momentary and light; what it works is aeternum gloriae pondus<\/em>, the eternal weight of glory. The Greek he wrote has the same pair: elaphron<\/em>, light in weight, and baros<\/em>, a load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That pairing is older than Paul. In the Hebrew Scriptures the ordinary word for glory is kabod<\/em>, and Strong’s lexicon<\/a> gives its proper sense as weight, from a root meaning to be heavy. When Paul speaks of an eternal weight of glory, he is drawing on the word’s root sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then the sentence does what no balance can. Above measure exceedingly<\/em>, says the Douay; supra modum in sublimitate<\/em>, says the Latin. Paul sets up a scale and then says the eternal weight of glory will not fit on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So the eternal weight of glory is not a reward stacked against your pain until the pain loses. It is a weight so great that Paul gives up measuring it, and he says it is being worked in nobis<\/em>, in us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. Paul is weighing his own affliction, not yours, and the verse says so: tribulationis nostrae<\/em>, our tribulation. A sentence about the eternal weight of glory is easy to turn outward and use on somebody else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is the reading that does harm. Someone in a wheelchair, or in the tenth year of a pain no scan can explain, hears a visitor call their suffering momentary and light and tell them to fix their mind on the eternal weight of glory. It is said kindly. It lands as a verdict that what they live with is small.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I want to name who carries this, because the verse’s own grammar asks for it. Disabled people and people living with chronic illness<\/strong> have had the eternal weight of glory quoted at them from the foot of hospital beds and from pulpits, almost never by the one in the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So read what Paul calls light. In this same letter he lists it<\/a>: five times forty stripes save one, three times beaten with rods, once stoned, three times shipwrecked, a night and a day in the depth of the sea. That is what he calls momentary and light. He is not shrinking anyone’s suffering. He is saying that even his own is outweighed by an eternal weight of glory that breaks the scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A person may set their own load beside the eternal weight of glory and call it light. No one standing beside them has the right to do it for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Test the reading by what it grows. A church that hands the eternal weight of glory to people in pain as a reason to stop complaining grows people who stop telling the church the truth about their bodies. A church that lets Paul speak for himself grows people who can say this hurts, and still trust that an eternal weight of glory is being worked in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Word on Today’s Propers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Collect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Commemoration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Epistle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gradual<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gospel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Offering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is the eternal weight of glory?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is Paul calling your affliction light?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What did Christ mean by heal the sick?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n