Today, the Church commemorates St. Ewald the Black and St. Ewald the Fair, missionary brothers who gave their lives spreading the Gospel in Germany. Their story is one of faith, courage, and martyrdom.
As we reflect on their lives, we ask God for the strength to remain steadfast in our Christian mission, even when it is difficult.
Prayer of the Day
Heavenly Father,
Through the witness of St. Ewald the Black and St. Ewald the Fair, You teach us the power of courage and sacrifice for Your name. Help me to live each day with faith that does not waver, love that does not falter, and hope that never fails. Strengthen me in my trials, guide me in my choices, and keep me faithful to the mission You have given me.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Mass Reading of the Day
First Reading: Job 38:1, 12–21; 40:3–5
In this passage, God speaks directly to Job out of the storm, questioning him: “Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning and shown the dawn its place?”
God reminds Job — and us — that His wisdom and power are far beyond human understanding. Job, who had been struggling with his suffering and questioning God, is humbled. He realizes that he cannot grasp the mysteries of creation or the full plan of God.
Reflection: This reading challenges us to trust God even when we don’t understand our circumstances. Just like Job, we are reminded that God is in control, He sees the bigger picture, and His plans are always filled with divine wisdom.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139:1–3, 7–8, 9–10, 13–14ab
Response: Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
This psalm is a hymn of God’s intimacy and care. The psalmist acknowledges that God knows us completely — our thoughts, actions, and even the deepest desires of our hearts. There is nowhere we can go to escape His presence, for He is always with us.
Reflection: Psalm 139 reminds us that we are never alone. Even in moments of doubt, sin, or suffering, God remains close. His love surrounds us, guiding us along the path of truth and everlasting life.
Gospel: Luke 10:13–16
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reproaches the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum because, despite witnessing His miracles, they refused to repent. He warns them that their hardness of heart is dangerous, saying that on the day of judgment, even Tyre and Sidon will fare better than them.
Jesus ends with a profound truth: “Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
Reflection: This Gospel calls us to conversion. We are invited to not just witness God’s works but to allow them to transform our hearts. Faith isn’t just about seeing miracles — it’s about responding with repentance, humility, and obedience. Rejecting God’s messengers means rejecting Christ Himself.
Overall Message of Today’s Readings:
- God is all-powerful and His wisdom surpasses ours (Job).
- He is intimately close to us and knows our hearts (Psalm).
- Jesus warns us to repent and remain faithful, not taking His presence for granted (Luke).
Together, these readings invite us to humility, trust, and conversion — to accept God’s will and allow His grace to reshape our lives.
Saint of the Day: St. Ewald the Black & St. Ewald the Fair
The two saints, known as the Ewalds, were Anglo-Saxon missionary priests who set out from England in the 7th century to evangelize the Saxons of Germany. Both were well educated, deeply devoted, and zealous for the faith.
They were called “the Black” and “the Fair” because of their contrasting hair colors, but their unity in Christ and missionary zeal was stronger than any difference.
When they arrived in Westphalia, the pagan Saxons initially received them. But when the Ewalds began to preach the Christian faith and call the people to abandon their idols, a group of pagans seized them. Fearing they would convert many to Christianity, the pagans violently martyred them around 695 AD.
Though their earthly lives ended in cruelty, their sacrifice bore fruit. Their blood became the seed of Christianity in the region, and miracles were reported at their tombs. Later, their relics were transferred to Cologne, where they became a source of devotion for centuries.
The story of the Ewald brothers teaches us that the Gospel demands courage, and sometimes even the ultimate sacrifice. They remind us that every Christian is called to be a witness of truth and love, no matter the cost.
10 Facts About St. Ewald the Black & St. Ewald the Fair
- They were Anglo-Saxon priests from Northumbria, England.
- They were nicknamed “the Black” and “the Fair” due to their hair color.
- They left England as missionaries to preach in Germany.
- Their mission field was in Westphalia, a pagan region.
- They were martyred around the year 695 AD.
- They were killed by Saxons who feared Christianity’s spread.
- Their feast day is celebrated on October 3rd.
- Miracles were reported at the site of their burial.
- Their relics were later moved to Cologne, Germany, for veneration.
- They are remembered as twin witnesses of faith, courage, and missionary zeal.
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