The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for January 29:
CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)
Let us be on our guard, then, against evil desires, since death hath its seat close to the entrance of delight; wherefore the Scripture commandeth us, saying: ““Go not after thy concupiscences.” Since, therefore, “The eyes of the Lord behold the good and the evil,” and “The Lord is ever looking down from heaven upon the children of men, to see who hath understanding or is seeking God, and since the works of our hands are reported to Him day and night by the angels appointed to watch over us; we must be always on the watch, brethren, lest, as the prophet saith in the psalm, God should see us at any time declining to evil and become unprofitable; and lest, though He spare us now, because He is merciful and expecteth our conversion, He should say to us hereafter: “These things thou didst and I held my peace.”
Martyrology-January 30th
Roman Martyrology-January 30th-on this date in various years-
St. Martina, virgin and martyr, who is commemorated on her birthday, the first day of this month.
At Edessa in Syria, in the reign of Trajan, St. Barsimaeus, bishop, who converted many Gentiles to the faith, sent them before him to gain their crown, and then followed them with the palm of martyrdom.
At Antioch, the passion of the blessed Hippolytus, priest, who for a short time deceived by the Novatian schism, was converted by the grace of Christ, and returned to the unity of the Church, for which and in which he afterwards underwent a glorious martyrdom. Being asked by the schismatics, which was the better side, he said that he detested the doctrine of Novatus, and that the faith which the Chair of Peter taught ought to be professed, after which he was beheaded.
In Africa, the passion of the holy martyrs Felician, Philappian, and one hundred and twenty-four others.
Blessed Alexander, a man of venerable aspect and advanced age, who was apprehended in the persecution of Decius. After gloriously and repeatedly confessing the faith, in the midst of torments he gave up his soul unto God.
At Edessa in Syria, St Barsen, bishop, renowned for the gift of healing diseases. For holding to the Catholic faith he was banished by the Arian emperor Valens into the most remote corner of that country, and he there ended his days.
At Jerusalem, the birthday of St. Matthias, bishop, of whom wonderful deeds are related which were inspired by faith. After having endured many trials for Christ under Adrian, he passed away in peace.
At Pavia, St. Armentarius, bishop and confessor.
In Hainaut, in the monastery of Maubeuge, St. Aldegund, virgin, who lived in the time of King Dagobert.
At Viterbo, the holy virgin Hyacinth Mariscotti, a nun of the Third Order of St. Francis, distinguished for the virtues of penance and charity. She was inscribed among the saints by Pope Pius VII.
At Milan, St. Savina, a most religious woman, who went to rest in the Lord while praying at the tomb of the holy martyrs Nabor and Felix.
In the district of Paris, St. Bathilde, queen, renowned for the worthiness of her miracles and her sanctity.
And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.