Doctor of the Bible: St. Jerome – Sep 30 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Sep 30, 2024, on St. Jerome’s life and how it calls us to love and prioritize God’s Word above all else, and how his own dedication not only transformed his life but profoundly influenced the Church for all ages.

St. Jerome was born in 347 in Stridon, in present-day Slovenia, to a Christian family that gave him a quality education. Although he was initially drawn to worldly life during his time in Rome, he later deepened his commitment to Christianity and monastic life. His spiritual journey included a transformative vision where Christ the Judge reproached him for loving classical literature more than Scripture. This event marked a turning point, prompting St. Jerome to devote himself to studying and translating the Bible. He lived as a monk and hermit, striving for ascetic perfection, and made significant contributions to Christian scholarship by translating the Bible into Latin, resulting in the Vulgate. His lifelong commitment to the monastic life was influenced by his experiences, such as his time in the desert and his battles against heresies like Pelagianism. St. Jerome's story challenges us to serve Christ with undivided hearts, reminding us of the importance of prioritizing God’s Word over worldly pursuits. He died in Bethlehem around 419.

References to Scripture and Catechism:
Matthew 6: 21 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6?21  (where your treasure is, your heart will also be).
CCC 112 - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s1c2a3.htm#112  (interpreting scripture).
CCC 1257 - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1257.htm  (importance of baptism).
CCC 2731 - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2731.htm  (persevering in prayer).

 

Ave Maria!

00:00 - Introduction to St. Jerome
00:17 - Early Life and Education
00:48 - Baptism and Christian Commitment
01:11 - Illness and Vision of Judgment
02:22 - Monastic Life in the Desert
04:30 - Work on the Vulgate Bible
06:52 - Translating from Hebrew to Latin
07:49 - Battle Against Pelagianism

Mass: St. Jerome - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=10
Readings: Monday in the 26th Week in Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/093024.cfm
1st: job 1:6-22
Resp: psa 17:1, 2-3, 6-7
Gsp: luk 9:46-50

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1167&r=954

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