In the spirit of St. Andrew Avellino, Confessor
Commemoration: Ss. Tryphon, Respicius, and Nympha, Virgins and Martyrs
Scripture:
Blessed is the rich man that is found without blemish, and hath not gone after gold. Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things hath he done among his people. (Ecclesiasticus 31:8–9)
Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord… (Luke 12:35–36)
Today, Holy Church places before us a harmony of interior detachment and vigilant readiness. The First Lesson, from the venerable Book of Ecclesiasticus, extols the rare and noble virtue of the man who, possessing the goods of this world, is uncorrupted by them—a prefiguration of the saint whose feast we keep, St. Andrew Avellino, priest of the Theatine Order. The Gospel, drawn from St. Luke, summons all to spiritual alertness, as faithful servants awaiting the return of the Master.
The Incorruptible Steward
St. Andrew Avellino, known for his austerity and ceaseless striving for perfection, lived the virtues praised in the sapiential text:
“He hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures” (Sir 31:8).
St. Gregory the Great, commenting on detachment, writes:
“The things of this world should be used, not loved.” (Moralia in Job, lib. XXIII, cap. 17)
Andrew, though a priest among the learned and respectable, walked the path of poverty of spirit, refusing ecclesiastical ambition and instead embracing the evangelical counsels in their rigor. Such a man, the inspired author of Ecclesiasticus tells us, will receive the crown of his struggle in the assembly of the saints:
“He hath prevailed in the conflict, that he may be crowned: he hath known many things, and he hath overcome.” (Sir 31:9)
This passage harmonizes with the very life of Andrew Avellino, who, though beset by bodily afflictions and the burden of spiritual combat, maintained purity of heart and integrity of purpose, making him a fitting exemplar of the rich man who did not become the slave of riches.
Watchfulness in the Night
The Gospel exhorts us to gird our loins and keep our lamps burning—imagery closely linked to the parable of the wise virgins and the eschatological themes so dear to the desert Fathers. St. Cyril of Alexandria notes:
“To gird one’s loins is to restrain the passions of the flesh; to keep one’s lamp burning is to shine with the works of virtue.” (In Lucam, lib. 12)
St. Andrew Avellino himself would often faint away at the altar, so intense was his awareness of divine things. He lived every hour as if it were the coming of the Lord. His spiritual lamp was never extinguished, for he fed it with prayer, fasting, and the Sacred Liturgy.
St. Ambrose writes:
“He who prepares his house and soul as if Christ might come at any moment shall never be found unready.” (Expositio in Lucam, lib. 7)
Here, the readiness is not mere emotional anticipation, but the fruit of habitual discipline—a girding of the loins, as the Gospel commands, with the belt of chastity and the readiness of humility. Thus the soul becomes like the servant whom the Master shall find watching.
In the Company of Virgins and Martyrs
Today we also recall, at Lauds, the heavenly intercession of Saints Tryphon, Respicius, and Nympha, Virgin Martyrs, who shed their blood rather than deny the Faith. Their lamps were filled with the oil of love and perseverance. Their girded loins bore the wounds of martyrdom, and now they reign with Christ. St. John Chrysostom teaches:
“The crown of martyrdom is not for those who merely suffer, but for those who suffer out of love for Christ.” (Homilia in Matthaeum, 65)
St. Nympha, though young, bore the fortitude of the ancient martyrs. The discipline of watchfulness is not confined to the cloister but extends even to the battlefield of public witness. These saints, virgins and martyrs, echo the same call: Stay awake! Be found faithful when the Lord comes!
Conclusion: Living the Text
The lessons of this day ask us: do we watch with burning lamps? Are we detached from riches not only externally but interiorly, like St. Andrew Avellino? Do we prepare for Christ’s coming with the same fervor as those holy martyrs who would rather lose their lives than their fidelity?
Let us close with the words of St. Bernard of Clairvaux:
“He comes to us daily in grace, and He will come again in glory. Blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching—not in fear, but in love.” (Sermon on the Advent I)
May St. Andrew Avellino obtain for us the grace of purity of heart and perseverance in prayer. And may Ss. Tryphon, Respicius, and Nympha strengthen us in our battle for holiness, until our lamps burn bright at the coming of the Bridegroom.
Collect of St. Andrew Avellino, Confessor (Traditional Roman Missal):
O God, Who dost gladden us with the yearly festival of blessed Andrew, Thy Confessor, mercifully grant that, while we celebrate his birthday, we may also imitate his example. Through our Lord…
Suggested Practice:
Today, renew your morning offering in a spirit of watchfulness. Consider spiritual reading before bed in imitation of the burning lamp, so that your heart may rest in Christ, your Master and Bridegroom.
✠ Vigilate ergo, quia nescitis horam…