Commemoratio: S. Christinæ Virginis et Martyris
Scriptural Reflections on Romans 6:3–11 and Mark 8:1–9
In the quiet rhythm of the liturgical calendar, this Thursday after the Sixth Sunday post Pentecost carries a gentle yet profound message. As we observe the fourth-class feria, our hearts are also lifted in commemoration of Saint Christina, Virgin and Martyr—whose steadfast witness in the face of persecution adds weight to the readings of the day. The Epistle from Romans 6:3–11 and the Gospel from Mark 8:1–9 call us to a deeper understanding of the mystery of death and life in Christ, and of the divine providence that sustains the faithful.
“So we too may walk in newness of life.”
Romans 6:3–11
Saint Paul, writing to the Romans, pierces through human pretense and comfort, inviting the baptized to remember the immense reality they now participate in:
“Know you not that all we who are baptized in Christ Jesus are baptized in his death?” (Rom 6:3)
This is no symbolic gesture. For the Fathers of the Church, this immersion into Christ’s death was a real spiritual dying—a participation in the crucifixion itself. Saint John Chrysostom affirms this when he writes:
“Through Baptism we are not only dead, but buried also. We are then made partakers of His death and burial, that we may also share in His Resurrection.”
(Homilies on Romans, Homily 11)
To be buried with Christ is to renounce the old man—the life of sin—and to rise anew, walking in sanctity. As Saint Augustine reflects:
“He died once for our sins, and we ought to die once for our sins too. His death is the pattern of our own death to sin, and His Resurrection the pattern of our new life.”
(In Epist. ad Rom., Tract. 3)
Thus, the Christian life is not merely an ascent; it is a Paschal journey—dying and rising, again and again—until Christ is formed in us (cf. Gal 4:19). In these post-Pentecost days, as the green vestments echo the life of grace, we are reminded by this passage that Christian living is cruciform: ever turned toward the Cross, ever drawn into the Resurrection.
“I have compassion on the multitude…”
Mark 8:1–9
From the heights of theological reflection, the Gospel brings us down to the dusty Galilean hillside, where thousands hunger. Our Lord, moved by compassion, multiplies seven loaves and a few small fishes to feed a multitude.
At first glance, this might seem a separate concern from the death and resurrection spoken of in the Epistle. But the Church Fathers saw in this miracle a profound Eucharistic foreshadowing—life given through death, multiplied in abundance.
Saint Ambrose writes:
“The seven loaves are the gifts of the Holy Spirit; they are not diminished by being given away, but increase in the hands of Christ.”
(Expositio Evangelii secundum Lucam, VI)
He continues to point out that Christ does not send the crowd away hungry. This is not merely physical mercy—it is the very pattern of Divine Providence. In providing food after their three-day fast, Christ mirrors the spiritual reality of His own Resurrection on the third day, and the sustenance He provides in the Eucharist, the Bread of Life.
Saint Gregory the Great makes the link between this miracle and spiritual feeding:
“The Lord satisfies the hungry not only with bread, but with knowledge; not only with food for the body, but with the Word that strengthens the soul.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, II.16)
In the pairing of this Gospel with Romans 6, we see the full pattern: those who die with Christ are raised, and then fed by Him. After death to sin, comes nourishment unto everlasting life. The miracle is not only that Christ feeds the people—but that He does so out of compassion, a word that in Latin (compassio) means to suffer with. This divine sympathy is the same love that led Him to the Cross.
Commemoratio: Sanctæ Christinæ Virginis et Martyris
Today we also recall Saint Christina, whose martyrdom in the early centuries of the Church was a witness to the truths we have reflected upon. A virgin consecrated to Christ, she suffered cruel torments and death rather than renounce her Lord. According to tradition, she destroyed her father’s pagan idols and was subjected to unspeakable punishments—yet remained steadfast, nourished by the life of Christ within her.
Saint Ambrose praised such virgins who, by their bodily weakness, overcame the strength of tyrants:
“They seemed frail in body, but were mighty in spirit. What is weaker than a young girl? But what is stronger than a martyr?”
(De Virginibus, I.3)
Her life gives flesh to the theology of Romans 6. She died with Christ, not only in her Baptism, but in her martyrdom. She rose with Him, not only spiritually, but now enjoys the beatific vision.
Conclusion
These readings and commemorations, set within the quiet dignity of a feria, reveal the grandeur hidden in the ordinary flow of grace. Baptized into death, we rise to life. Fed by Christ, we are strengthened to persevere. Witnessing to Christ, we are not left alone, for His compassion precedes and accompanies us.
May the intercession of Saint Christina, and the grace of the Holy Sacrifice, lead us further into this mystery—dying to sin, rising in Christ, and being fed unto eternal life.
Collect for Saint Christina (Comm.):
O God, who among the other miracles of Thy power hast bestowed the victory of martyrdom even upon the weaker sex: mercifully grant, that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Christina, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may, through her example, advance nearer to Thee. Through our Lord…
In Domino,
Catechismus Catholicum