July 10, 2026. Gospel: Matt 12:46-50. The Seven Holy Brothers, Martyrs, Ss Rufina and Secunda, Virgins, Martyrs

46 As he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.Adhuc eo loquente ad turbas, ecce mater ejus et fratres stabant foras, quaerentes loqui ei. 47 And one said unto him: Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking thee.Dixit autem ei quidam : Ecce mater tua, et fratres tui foris stant quaerentes te. 48 But he answering him that told him, said: Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?At ipse respondens dicenti sibi, ait : Quae est mater mea, et qui sunt fratres mei? 49 And stretching forth his hand towards his disciples, he said: Behold my mother and my brethren.Et extendens manum in discipulos suos, dixit : Ecce mater mea, et fratres mei. 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father, that is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.Quicumque enim fecerit voluntatem Patris mei, qui in caelis est, ipse meus frater, et soror, et mater est.[48] "Who is my mother?": This was not spoken by way of slighting his mother, but to shew that we are never to suffer ourselves to be taken from the service of God, by any inordinate affection to our earthly parents: and that which our Lord chiefly regarded in his mother, was her doing the will of his Father in heaven. It may also further allude to the reprobation of the Jews, his carnal kindred, and the election of the Gentiles.The seven brothers, sons of St Felicity, were all martyred on the same day before her mother's eyes A.D. 150.The two sisters, Rufina and Secunda, rather than lose their virginity, became martyrs A.D. 257.