The Baptism of the Lord

Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Reading from the Rule of Saint Benedict for January 1-21: The Prologue of the Holy Rule - Chapter 4 The Tools for Good Works.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters.

JESUS, MODEL OF GOODNESS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, QUEEN AND MOTHER,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Dear faithful readers, I thought to give a brief shout today. After all, it is the Baptism of the Lord, the day the Holy Father, following a tradition established in 1981 by Pope Saint John Paul II, baptized 21 babies in the Sistene Chapel. For a bit of history then, it was in 1981, when then Pope John Paul II began baptizing children in the Pauline Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, a ceremony that was reserved for children of Swiss Guards. In 1983, the Mass was moved to the Sistene Chapel and eventually extended to children of all Vatican employees. Give God the praise! 

Today is a day when, as Pope Francis preached, "Each of you, parents, and the Church itself are giving the greatest gift, the greatest gift: the gift of faith to the children." Our baptism is the greatest day of our lives, and, as such, is a day when we remember our date of baptism. Do you remember the date of your baptism? If you don't, why not contact the parish where you were baptized and ask. Mark your calendars and celebrate each year. As a voice from heaven came to Jesus, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased," the voice comes to each one of you, "You are my beloved child; with you I am well pleased." Grateful for the gift, may we receive the grace this week to live our baptismal promises with deeper authenticity and fervor.*

Now with a few voices to encourage us ...

Baptism is the "the sacrament of faith" in a particular way, 

since it is the sacramental entry into the life of faith.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1236)

Jesus listened with an open ear and an open heart to the voice of His Father. Listening, He obeyed. Let us, who have been baptized in Him, listen to the voice that calls us beloved children and gives us a work to do, the work of the Gospel proclaimed and lived in love for God and neighbor.

(Magnificat, Prayer for the Morning, commentary on Psalm 40, January 12, 2025, p. 161)

At your baptism, Jesus entered the world in a new way through His union with you and all that is unique in you.

(Father Richard Veras)

The soul is regenerated in the sacred waters of baptism and thus becomes God's child.

(Saint Maximilian Kolbe, 1894-1941)

Christ is baptized, not to be made holy by the water, but to make the water holy, and by His cleansing to purify the waters which He touched.

(Saint Maximus of Turin, 380-465)

Baptism places upon our souls a mark that forever will identify it as one privileged of God.

(Sister Mary Jean Dorcy, OP, 1914-1988)

In baptism we have been made the temple of the living God. Let us welcome the Lord of glory in whatever guise He comes, receiving Him in joyful prayer, in purity of heart, and in charity toward all.

(Magnificat, Prayer for the Morning, commentary on Psalm 24, February 2, 2024)

And as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year ...

In Your sacrament we daily embrace You and receive You into our bodies; make us worthy to experience the resurrection for which we hope. We have had Your treasure hidden within us ever since we received baptismal grace; it grows ever richer at Your sacramental table. Teach us to find our joy in Your favor! Lord, we have within us Your memorial, received at Your spiritual table; let us possess it in its full reality when all things shall be made new.

(From a sermon by Saint Ephrem, deacon, in Office of Readings, June 9)

* See Magnificat, January 11, 2025, Suggested Prayer of the Faithful, p. 160.

Today's photo: On a recent visit to "back home again in Indiana," I took this on a snowy and cold day while on a long walk. See the White River, with floating mallards, view from a bridge on College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN. I bet Jesus was glad he wasn't baptized in this frigid river. Burr ...😊 The Lord, over vast waters.

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

58th World Day of Peace, "Forgive us our trespasses, grant us Your peace"

January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Reading from the Rule of Saint Benedict for January: The Prologue of the Holy Rule

May the peoples praise You, O God.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

MARY, QUEEN OF HEARTS,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF FORGIVENESS,

MARY, MERCIFUL MOTHER,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, PRINCE OF PEACE,

JESUS, PRINCE OF HOPE,

JESUS, PRINCE OF FORGIVENESS,

JESUS, PRINCE OF MERCY,

JESUS, PRINCE OF RECONCILIATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Happy New Year, and welcome to the Jubilee Year 2025, may we be "Pilgrims of Hope." Jesus, Prince of Hope, have mercy on us. Holy Mother of God, Queen of Hope, pray for us. 

We are not perfectly free until we live in pure hope. For when our hope is pure, it no longer trusts in exclusively human and visible means, nor rests in any visible end. He who hopes in God trusts God, Whom he never sees, to bring him to the possession of things that are beyond imagination.

(Thomas Merton, No Man is an Island)

May we live in pure hope and be perfectly free. For "hope does not disappoint because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us" (Romans 5:5).

As we celebrate the Holy Mother of God, we also celebrate the 58th World Day of Peace, with the theme "Forgive us our trespasses, grant us Your peace." Perhaps all of us will agree that we could not only invigorate our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, we could also, along with our neighbors near and far, better some of the ills we experience day in and day out through forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace. 

I have been immersed in the series The Chosen. I marvel at the actors and actresses, the character development, the noteworthy lines and scenes, and the lessons to learn by the gradual conversion and witness of not only Jesus' immediate followers, but of others, Jew and Gentile alike. I am presently in Season 4. It is in episode 2, "Confessions," that I have seen one of the most powerful portrayals of forgiveness. Without spoiling it for those who haven't tuned in, there are a few lines to share. Jesus asks Matthew two questions that may help us as we seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God and our neighbor, especially a neighbor with whom we live or work: "Have you asked for forgiveness?" and "Who harmed the other first?" We might also remember a few other things Jesus says to Matthew: "You don't apologize to be forgiven. You apologize to repent. Forgiveness is a gift from the other person." And if you just think you can't apologize due to fear, anxiety, lack of courage, shame, embarrassment, or some other reason, remember these words of Jesus to Matthew: "I make people what they aren't. You know that better than most." Jesus will give you the strength and courage to offer a sincere and heartfelt apology to someone you have harmed. And lastly, in the past, in the present, in the future, for all time then, we might remember that "there is no peace when two of My followers hold resentment towards one another." Thank you, Jesus, you give the peace that the world does not give. However, we have our parts to play. This is why our holy father Saint Benedict instructs us: "Let peace be your quest and aim ... If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 17; 4:73). And lead us not into temptation.

Our friends in heaven and on earth encourage us. 

In teaching us to pray the "Our Father," Jesus begins by asking the Father to forgive our trespasses, but passes immediately to the challenging words: "as we forgive those who trespass against us". In order to forgive others their trespasses and to offer them hope, we need for our own lives to be filled with that same hope, the fruit of our experience of God's mercy. Hope overflows in generosity; it is free of calculation, makes no hidden demands, is unconcerned with gain, but aims at one thing alone: to raise up those who have fallen, to heal hearts that are broken and to set us free from every kind of bondage.

(Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the LVIII World Day of Peace, January 1, 2025, paragraph 10)

Seventy-seven times forgiveness acknowledges that I do not see the whole story, that God does not love me more than He loves those with whom I am in conflict. It is absolute surrender and love, and extravagant kind of grace, and undeserved forgiveness that holds out a hand that may be refused.

(Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

It is always tempting to take credit for the gifts and to lay blame elsewhere for our faults. If we do not claim responsibility for the choices that are truly ours, neither can we ask for or seek forgiveness. Too heavy for us, our offenses-to heavy not to allow the Lord to wipe them away.

(Magnificat, Prayer for the Morning, Introduction to Psalm 65, March 9, 2024)

No one heals himself by wounding another.

(Saint Ambrose of Milan, 339-397)

Only the peace of God, which surpasses all pleasures of the senses, can satisfy the aspirations of our soul.

(Venerable Mary Magdalene of Jesus in the Eucharist, C.P., 1888-1960)

Forgiveness often seems impossible, but nothing is impossible for God. The God who lives within us will give us the grace to go beyond our wounded selves and say, "In the Name of God you are forgiven."

(Henri Nouwen, 1932-1996)

If by chance your conscience is burdened by sin, take your rosary and say at least part of it ... [Jesus] will plead for you and will obtain for your contrition and forgiveness of your sins. 

(Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, 1673-1716)

We say that we must seek God, go to Him and ask for forgiveness, but when we go, He is waiting for us. He is first! ... You go [a] sinner but He is waiting to forgive you.

(Pope Francis, Vigil of Pentecost, May 18, 2013)

It is to be hoped that the life of everyone will be a life sustained by passionate love for the Lord Jesus; a life capable of responding to suffering and to thorns with forgiveness and the total gift of self, in order to spread everywhere the good odor of Christ.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, May 20, 2000, to pilgrims on the Centenary of the Canonization of Saint Rita of Cascia, d. 1457)

Breath of life, you who knows us better than we know ourselves, grant that the words we speak serve to praise your name and express your love for creation. Prevent us from speaking in any way that hurts another, but rather let our speech be instructive, uplifting, and always in accordance with your will. We ask this through your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

(Advent and Christmas with Thomas Merton, Liguori, 2002, p. 81)

There are more than a few saints to invoke this month, including "wholly American," Mother Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. ☺ For all the saints ...

SAINT BASIL THE GREAT,

SAINT GREGORY NAZIANZEN,

SAINT MUNCHIN,

SAINT GENEVIEVE,

SAINT KURIAKOSE ELIAS CHAVARA,

BLESSED STEPHANA QUINZANI OP,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINT JOHN NEWMANN,

SAINT RAYMOND OF PENYAFORT,

SAINT ANDRE BESSETTE,

SAINT NATHALAN,

SAINT PETER THOMAS,

SAINT ADRIAN OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT ANDREW CORSINI,

BLESSED ANN OF THE ANGEL MONTEAGUDO OP,

BLESSED GONSALVO OF AMARANTE OP,

BLESSED BERNARD SCAMMACCA OP,

SAINT AELRED OF RIEVAULX,

SAINT MARGARET BOURGEOYS,

SAINT BENE (BENEDICT) BISCOP,

SAINT HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT KENTIGERN OR MUNGO,

BLESSED PETER DONDERS,

SAINT ITA,

SAINT REMIGIUS, REMY OR REMI,

SAINT FURSA OR FURSEY,

SAINT JOSEPH VAZ,

SAINT ANTONY, ABBOT,

OUR LADY OF ARABIA,

SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY OP,

SAINT WULSTAN,

SAINT NINO (HOLY CHILD),

SAINT FAOLAN,

SAINT HENRY OF UPPSALA,

THE JESUIT MARTYRS OF THE REFORMATION OF EUROPE,

BLESSED ANDREW OF PESCHIERA OP,

POPE SAINT FABIAN,

SAINT SEBASTIAN,

BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL TANSI,

BLESSED ANGELO PAOLI,

SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN, MARTYR,

SAINT VINCENT, DEACON, MARTYR,

SAINT PUBLIUS,

BLESSED ANTHONY DELLA CHIESA OP,

SAINT MARIANNE COPE,

BLESSED HENRY SUSO OP,

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT PAUL, APOSTLE,

SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS,

SAINT ANGELA MERICI, VIRGIN,

BLESSED EDWARD OLCORNE,

SAINT HENRY DE OSSO,

BLESSED MARCOLINO OF FORLI OP,

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

BLESSED ARCHANGELA GIRIANI,

BLESSED VILLANA DE BOTTI OP,

SAINT AEDAN OF FERNS

SAINT JOHN BOSCO,

SAINT ALBAN ROE,

SAINT THOMAS GREEN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Mary, Mother of God, most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

© Gertrude Feick 2025

The Nativity of the Lord

December is the month dedicated to the Immaculate Conception 

January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Reading from the Rule of Saint Benedict for December 24 and 25: Chapter 66 The Porter of the Monastery and Chapter 67 Brothers Sent on a Journey

Light dawns for the just.

IMMACULATE MARY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

JESUS, BRIGHTNESS OF ETERNAL LIGHT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through Him,

and without Him nothing came to be.

What came to be through Him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race;

the light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

(John 1:1-5)

Merry Christmas! Buon natale! Frohe Weihnachten! Joyeux Noel! 

Always be a porter (See RB 66) at your door to let in the true light, which enlightens everyone, and let it shine throughout the world. So be ready, as Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) tells us: "When the human spirit is ready, God enters without hesitation or waiting. You need not look either here or there. God is no farther away than the door of heart." Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favors rests. 

Encouraged by a faithful reader (thank you, padre ☺), I am back. Rather, we are back. And thank you, faithful readers. We are about something new. Or at least you may notice a few new things. At the same time, other things will remain the same. We shall see. Let us call these offerings "occasional." You will see them on occasion then, with occasions to be determined. 

There is so much to ponder at this time where is one to begin ... There is the Vigil Mass where we began: Today you will know that the Lord will come, and He will save us, and in the morning you will see His glory (Entrance Antiphon). Joseph named Him Jesus (see Mt 1:25). Then the Mass during the night where we began: Let us all rejoice in the Lord, for our Savior has been born in the world. Today true peace has come down to us from heaven (Entrance Antiphon). Mass at Dawn takes off with: Today a light will shine upon us, for the Lord is born for us; and He will be called Wondrous God, Prince of Peace, Father of future ages: and His reign will be without end (Entrance Antiphon). And at Mass During the Day, we proclaim: A child is born for us, and a son is given to us, His scepter of power rests upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Messenger of great counsel (Entrance Antiphon). It is overwhelming; what a gift and privilege to accept Him; He who gave us power to become children of God. So, we believe in His name, for from His fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace (see (John 1:1-18). And in just what specific way will you behold the salvation of our God (see Isaiah 52:10), this day and throughout this holy Christmas season?

We go forth, then, with Mary, to keep all these things, and reflect on them in our hearts (See Luke 2:19).

We are encouraged by more than a few voices. 

She who conceived God by faith promises you the same if you have faith; if you will faithfully receive the Word from the mouth of the heavenly messenger, you too may conceive the God whom the whole world cannot contain.

(Guerric of Igny, 1070-1157)

With complete devotion

then let us think of Christ

in the swaddling clothes

with which His mother

wrapped Him, so that

with eternal happiness

we may see the glory and

beauty with which His

Father clothed Him.

(Guerric of Igny, 1070-1157)

Let Mary's soul be in each of you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord. Christ has only one mother in the flesh, but we all bring forth Christ in faith.

(Saint Ambrose of Milan, 339-397)

Let your goodness, Lord, appear to us, that we, made in Your image, may conform ourselves to it. In our own strength we cannot imitate Your majesty, power, and wonder nor is it fitting for us to try. But Your mercy reaches from the heavens through the clouds to the earth below ...

You have come to us as a small child, but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts, the gift of eternal love. Caress us with Your tiny hands, embrace us with Your tiny arms, and pierce our hearts with Your soft, sweet cries.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux "Troubador of Mary," 1090-1153)

Here is the holy crib of our dear Jesus; I will place everything in it, everything, everything. I believe that before long we shall see things we should never have dreamed of.

(Saint Julia Billiart, 1751-1816, during her final illness)

If the Redeemer had come to be feared and respected among men, He would have come as a full-grown man and with royal dignity: but because He came to gain our love, He chose to come to show Himself as an infant and the poorest of infants.

(Saint Faustina Kowalska, 1905-1938)

It requires faith to believe that Christ will be born in man this Christmas, but much more faith to believe that He will be born in our own heart, that He could fulfill His will of love in our own life, our life with so little radius for His light, so little journeying for His feet, so small a distance for both hands to reach.

(Caryll Houselander, 1901-1954)

By virtue of the creation, and still more, of the Incarnation, nothing here below is profane, for those who know how to see.

(Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, 1881-1955)

The Incarnation is the most stupendous event which can ever take place on earth; and after it, and henceforth, I do not see how we can scruple any miracle on the mere ground of its being unlikely to happen.

(Saint John Henry Newman, 1801-1890)

In putting his signature, in faith, to the mysterium of the Incarnate Son of God, a person is enabled to be a helper to his fellow men, to bring happiness to children, families, and the oppressed. Faith in the Incarnation promotes the salvation of mankind the implementation of human rights.

(Theodor Schnitzler, 1910-1982)

Charity is friendship with God.

(Saint Thomas Aquinas "Angelic Doctor," 1225-1274)

When one is filled with Jesus Christ, one is at the same time filled with charity, with a holy vivacity, and with lofty ideals, whose execution leaves no time for languishing ...

In all the visits we make, let us imitate Mary. Let us visit one another in charity, for under even a simple civility great mysteries may be hidden. Grace will grow where it is made known by humility and by the exercise of holy friendship.

(Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet, 1627-1704)

Quiet is born, not so much around us as within ourselves. To be quiet and concentrated does not mean that one has to be in a peaceful, cloister-like, deserted place, far from tumult. To say this would be an oversimplification ... To be quiet means to have quiet in one's soul.

(Blessed Stefan Wyszynski, 1901-1981)

Great is the amazement of this earth of ours that the Lord of all has come down to it: God has become man, the Ancient has become a child, the Master has become like His servants ...

Who is it who will not listen to this wonder, that God has come to be born? Who will not be amazed when he sees that the Lord of the angels has been born?

(Saint Ephrem the Syrian, 306-373)

Today our Savior is born;

let us rejoice.

Sadness should have no place

on the birthday of life.

No one is shut out from this joy.

(Pope Saint Leo the Great, 400-461)

SAINT JOHN OF KANTY,

SAINT STEPHEN, FIRST MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST,

THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS,

SAINT THOMAS BECKET,

ELIJAH AND ELISHA, PROPHETS,

POPE SAINT SYLVESTER I,

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From the Jensen Botanical Garden, Carmichael, CA Break into song; sing praise.

© Gertrude Feick, 2024/2025

Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

October is the Month dedicated to the Holy Rosary

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 7:24-54 Humility 

The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

MARY, CONQUERER OF THE INCREDULOUS,

MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Now two men, one name Eldad and the other Medad, were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp. They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent; yet the spirit came to rest on them also, and they prophesied in the camp.

(Numbers 11:26)

Hi dear friends and faithful readers. It is a big day and week as we conclude the month of September dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother and commence the month of October dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and all that comes before we enter the most glorious month of November dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, kicking it all off with the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1st. And not only that, we have a huge line-up of saints to commemorate in October, but not before we finish off September with Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, Saint Raphael, and Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor. Whoa. I am tired already. Not to be daunted though, we keep going. And by way of friendly reminder, this will be the last published reflection for some weeks. As I wrote last week, I have been at this, not without the support of all of you, for just over seven years now. A little breather now and then is good for mind, soul, and body. 

I love Eldad and Medad in our first reading from the Book of Numbers (11:25-29). First, their names can't be beat. As I thought about it, Eldad and Medad just didn't fit in, or they didn't fit in in a way the young man thought they should. Eldad and Medad had not gone out to the tent with others. Shame on them. Eldad and Medad had their ways about things, and in their boldness went about a mission, given to them by the Holy Spirit who came to rest on them, just as the same spirit came to rest on the others. Then, we hear an echo of the situation in today's Gospel (Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48). John goes to the Teacher, in somewhat of a panic perhaps, about the "someone" who had the audacity to drive out demons in the Teacher's name. Imagine that: the "someone" did not follow John and the others. How dare the nameless "someone." So, what was going on with Moses' aide (Numbers 11:28) and John and the others (Mark 9:38)? I recall some words from Saint Paul, namely, "each has a particular gift from God, one of one kind and one another" (1 Cor 7:7). And in another letter, "grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift ... He gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ ..." (Eph 4:7, 11-12). We listen, then to the words of Moses (Nb 11:29), and Jesus the Teacher (Mk 9:39-40): "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow His spirit on them all!"; "Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is not against us if for us." Saint Paul repeats then, "grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift." Do not quench the Spirit (1 Th 5:19), in yourself or in another. 

And now for our voices, a bit more than usual to tide us over until whatever comes next. Please, collect your own voices during these weeks, a voice from here and a voice from there. There are voices everywhere!

To be Your Spouse, to be a Carmelite, and by my union with You to be the Mother of souls, should not this suffice for me? And yet it is not so. No doubt, these three privileges sum up my true vocation: Carmelite, Spouse, Mother, and yet I feel within me other vocations. I feel the vocation of the WARRIOR, THE PRIEST, THE APOSTLE, THE DOCTOR, THE MARTYR. Finally, I feel the need and desire of carrying out the most heroic deeds for You, O Jesus. I feel within my soul the courage of the Crusader, the Papal Guard, and I would want to die on the field of battle in defense of the Church.

(Saint Therese of Lisieux "The Little Flower," 1873-1897, The Story of a Soul, Manuscript B, Ch. IX)

Be cheerful; Jesus will take care of everything.

(Padre Pio, 1887-1968)

Teach me to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.

(Pope Francis, Laudato Si' , 246)

By virtue of the creation and, still more, of the Incarnation, nothing here below is profane for those who know how to see.

(Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, 1881-1955)

I am in God's hands, ready to do God's Will as soon as it is revealed to me ...

God gives us enlightenment in little doses. Doing the Holy Will of God might be 'everything,' but it is not necessarily easy!

(Blessed Anne-Marie Jahouvey, 1779-1851)

Always work to the utmost for the honor of God Almighty.

(Blessed Alcuin of York, 740-804)

But you too, good Jesus, are you not also a mother?

Are you not a mother who like a hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings? ...

And you, my soul, dead in yourself, 

run under the wings of Jesus your mother

and lament your griefs under His feathers.

ask that your wounds may be healed

and that, comforted, you may live again.

Christ, my mother, you gather your chickens under your wings;

This dead chicken of yours puts himself under those wings ...

Warm your chicken, give life to your dead one, justify your sinner.

(Prayer of Saint Anselm of Canterbury, 1033/34-1109)

We should spend as much time thanking God for His benefits as we do in asking Him for them.

(Saint Vincent de Paul "Apostle of Charity," 1581-1660)

Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances.

(Saint Vincent de Paul "Apostle of Charity," 1581-1660)

Fear not, calm will follow the storm, and perhaps soon.

(Saint Vincent de Paul "Apostle of Charity," 1581-1660)

There is nothing good that does not meet opposition, and it should not be valued any less because it encounters objections.

(Saint Vincent de Paul "Apostle of Charity," 1581-1660)

Virtue is not found in extremes, but in prudence, which I recommend as strongly as I can.

(Saint Vincent de Paul "Apostle of Charity," 1581-1660)

May the litany of saints we commemorate in the coming weeks intercede for us.

SAINT MICHAEL, SAINT GABRIEL, SAINT RAPHAEL,

SAINT JEROME, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

BLESSED RICHARD ROLLE,

SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX, DOCTOR,

SAINT TERESA OF AVILA, DOCTOR,

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF SUSSEX,

SAINT THOMAS CANTILUPE,

MOTHER SAINT THEODORE GUERIN. PATRON OF INDIANA, 

BLESSED ANDRE DE SOVERAL AND AMBROSIO FRANCISCO FERRO,

SAINT FRANCIS BORGIA,

SAINT FAUSTINE KOWALSKA,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS,

BLESSED MARIE ROSE DUROCHER,

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN,

SAINT PAULINUS,

SAINT DANIEL COMBONI,

POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII,

SAINT KENNETH,

BLESSED WILLIAM HOWARD,

SAINT EDWARD THE CONFESSOR,

SAINT MARGARET D'YOUVILLE,

SAINT RICHARD GYWN,

SAINT GALL,

BLESSED DAUDI OKELO AND JILDO IRWA,

SAINT JOHN OF BRIDLINGTON,

BLESSED DIEGO LUIS DE SAN VITORIS AND SAINT PEDRO CALUNSGOD,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT ETHELFLAEDA,

SAINT MAGLIORE,

FREI GALVAO,

SAINT CHAD,

SAINT CEDD,

SAINT OTTERAN,

SAINT BRUNO,

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY,

SAINT DENIS AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS

SAINT JOHN LEONARDI,

POPE SAINT CALLISTUS I, MARTYR,

SAINT HEDWIG,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH,

SAINT LUKE,

SAINT ISAAC JOGUES AND JOHN BREBEUF AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS,

SAINT JOHN OF CAPISTRANO,

SAINT SIMON, APOSTLE, 

SAINT JUDE,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF DOUAI COLLEGE,

SAINT COLMAN MACDUAGH,

SAINT MARCELLUS,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF WINCHESTER,

SAINT THOGER,

BLESSED DOMINIC COLLINS,

BLESSED MARIA TERESA TAUSCHER,

SAINT ALFONSO RODRIQUEZ,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Cleanse me from my unknown faults.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 5 Obedience - Ch 7:1-23 Humility

The Lord upholds my life.

HOLY MARY, TREASURE OF THE FAITHFUL,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.

(James 3:18)

Welcome to the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today is the autumnal equinox, the first day of fall. Change is in the air, dear faithful readers, in ways big and not so big. Take a stroll today: feel, look, listen, what changes are taking place in the place where you find yourself? What is stirring in your heart and soul ... is it time for a change, a shift toward moving closer to the heart of Jesus? 

At Mass late this morning, the words from the Book of Wisdom were proclaimed; I heard something the wicked say: "Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us" (Wisdom 2:12). It may be that we find this Christian way of life somehow obnoxious, inconvenient, even burdensome at times. Maybe we just aren't in the mood to love our neighbor, especially the one who we find difficult. And as far as looking after a poor and needy one, or as Saint Benedict says, "relieve the lot of the poor ...go to help the troubled and console the sorrowing" (RB 4:14, 18), what if I am busy or spending my limited quiet time in prayer? It is not unlikely that Jesus was busy, or conversing with His Father, when the poor, lame, hungry, sick, and dying came to Him. I don't recall that the Lord sent such people away. His disciples, well, that's another matter. Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), who we commemorate this Friday, and comes as our first voice for the week, wrote this: 

It is our duty to prefer the service of the poor to everything else and to offer such service as quickly as possible. If a needy person requires medicine or other help during prayer time, do whatever has to be done with peace of mind. Offer the deed to God as your prayer. Do not become upset or feel guilty because you interrupted your prayer to serve the poor. God is not neglected if you leave Him for such service. One of God's works is merely interrupted so that another may be carried out. So when you leave prayer to serve some poor person, remember that this very service is performed for God. Charity is certainly greater than any rule.

Padre Pio (1887-1968), another great saint who we commemorate this week, on Monday, wasn't about turning people away either. It is said that he heard confessions 15-18 hours a day. That's a lot of confessions, a lot of penance given, and a lot of absolution too. Dear Lord have mercy. 

Jesus never said following Him was going to be easy. If you wanted to be His disciple, He was clear that we must carry our cross and follow Him. And that includes helping others to carry their crosses, or as Saint Benedict puts it, "supporting with greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body and behavior" (RB 72:5). Willie Graf, 1918-1943, was clear: "To be a Christian is perhaps the hardest thing to ever become in life." It seems reason enough to become a Christian then, in word, deed, heart, and mind, whether or not it is inconvenient, burdensome, or in some way upsets our apple cart. This week, we can perhaps, united as we are in faith, prayer, and carrying our crosses, not question the Lord or argue about what He is asking us to do. We pray for the grace to go about the daily and be about the pure wisdom from above that is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity (see James 3:17). After all, Jesus did say, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35). By the grace of God, we are what we are.

Before we hear a few voices, please note that this is the penultimate post that you will see for some weeks. There will be no posts during the month of October, the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and perhaps into the month of November, the month dedicated to the holy souls in Purgatory. I have been at this since September 10, 2017, at least. That's over seven years. A little break is good for the heart and soul. So why not get busy and start collecting some voices, some you hear, here there and everywhere. Thank you for your prayerful support. 😊

Here then with more shouts from here and there, some echoes, some not:

At the death of Vratislaus, the people of Bohemia made his son Wenceslaus their king. He was by God's grace a man of utmost faith. He was charitable to the poor, and he would clothe the naked, feed the hungry and offer hospitality to travelers according to the summons of the Gospel. He would not allow widows to be treated unjustly; he loved all his people, both rich and poor; he also provided for the servants of God, and he adorned many churches.

(From the old Slavic legend, in Office of Readings, September 28)

We are never strong enough to bear our cross. It is the cross which carries us. Nor are we so weak to be unable to bear it, since the weakest become strong by its virtue.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit and raises man to Heaven.

(Saint Ephram the Syrian, 306-373)

What profit you gain from God when you are generous? You give a coin and receive a kingdom; you give bread from wheat and receive the Bread of Life; you give a transitory good and receive an everlasting one. You will receive it back, a hundred times more than you offered.

(Saint Thomas of Villanova, Father of the Poor, 1488-1555)

Joy, with peace, is the sister of charity. Serve the Lord with laughter.

(Padre Pio, 1887-1968) 

God loves a cheerful giver.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 5:16/2 Cor 9:7)

Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.

(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226)

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION,

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA, FATHER OF THE POOR,

SAINT PIO OF PIETRELCINA,

SAINT ADOMAN OF IONA,

SAINT STEPHANIE,

OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM,

BLESSED EMILIE TAVERNIER-GAMELIN,

BLESSED ANTON MARTIN SLOMSHEK,

SAINT FINBARR,

BLESSED HERMANN CONTRACTUS "THE WONDER OF HIS AGE,"

SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS,

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, "APOSTLE OF CHARITY,"

SAINT WENSCESLAUS, MARTYR,

SAINT LAURENCE RUIZ AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I will praise your name, O Lord, for your goodness.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 2:33 Qualities of the Abbot - Ch 4 The Tools for Good Works

For He is good, the Lord.

MARY, JOY OF THE AFFLICTED,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, 

PRAY FOR US.

So now, O children, listen to me, be attentive to the words of my mouth!

(Proverbs 7:24)

Dear faithful readers, I'm a bit behind schedule this week due to some traveling. However, I am back. And guess what, this week we are in Saint Benedict's chapter on the Tools for Good Works. Why not take a look at it; you will find plenty of tools to pick up and put to good use. Why not pick just one tool to use this week, beginning with first, "love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself" (RB 4:1). I think I'll work with placing my hope in God alone (RB 4:41). Our voice for the week certainly did that. I best get busy. ☺

So, for our voice of the week, I turn to Venerable Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan (1928-2002), who spent 12 years as a prisoner in communist Vietnam with more than two thirds of that time in solitary confinement. One might expect such a man to be bitter, resentful, and angry. However, I have read a little of what he wrote and been amazed at his positive attitude and joy. In fact, one colleague of the Cardinal's who worked with him at the National Catholic Register, Kishore Jayabalan, said this about the Cardinal: "He was almost always smiling or laughing, but never in a superficial or happy-go-lucky way. You could tell his joy came through his suffering and identification with Christ." Here are the Cardinal's ten "rules of life." * 

I will live the present moment to its fullest.

I will discern between God and God's works.

I will hold firmly to one secret: prayer.

I will see in the holy Eucharist my only power.

I will have only one wisdom: the science of the cross.

I will seek the peace the world will not give.

I will speak one language and wear one uniform: charity.

I will have one very special love: Mary.

I will carry out a revolution by renewal in the Holy Spirit.

I will remain faithful to my mission in the Church and for the Church as a witness to Jesus Christ.

OUR LADY OF SORROWS,

VENERABLE FRANCIS XAVIER NGUYEN VAN THUAN,

SAINT MIRIN,

POPE SAINT CORNELIUS,

SAINT CYPRIAN,

SAINT NINIAN,

SAINT MARTIN OF FINOJOSA, CISTERCIAN BISHOP,

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE,

SAINT HILDEGARD OF BINGEN, BISHOP,

SAINT ALBERT OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT EDITH KEMSING,

SAINT STANISLAW KOSTKA,

SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO,

SAINT EMILY DE RODAT,

SAINT JANUARIUS,

SAINT THEODORE OF TARSUS,

SAINT ANDREW KIM TAEGON AND PAUL CHONG HASANG,

 AND THEIR COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST,

PRAY FOR US.

* See Tom Hoopes, "Learn Vietnam Hero Cardinal Van Thuan's 10 Rules of Life with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton," in Seton Reflections, September 16, 2024. 

Today's photo: Sing to Him a new song.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Chapter 1 The Kinds of Monks - Ch 2:1-32 Qualities of the Abbot

The Lord raises up those who are bowed down.

MARY, REMEDY IN PERPLEXITY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Say to those whose hearts are frightened:

Be strong, fear not!

(Isaiah 35:4)

Hi folks! Welcome to Sunday, the Lord's day, the day of Resurrection, the day of Christians - it is our day!* So, let us rejoice in the Lord always, let me say it again, rejoice!

I will keep things simple ... just believe what the Lord says. When He says, "Be strong, fear not!" then be strong and fear not. If the eyes of the blind can be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared ... if streams will burst forth in the desert, and burning sands will become pools (see Is 35:4-7a), then it is so. If God chose the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He promised to those who love Him (see James 2:1-5), then love Him because anything is possible with God. He has certainly done all things well (see Mark 7:31-37). Not a few things, but all things. If He says, "I am the light of the world, and whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will instead have the light of life" (see John 8:12), then follow Him and have the light of life. When He says, "This is my Body; this is my Blood. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life," then believe it. This is our faith. We believe because Jesus tells us it is so. Keep repeating: "I believe, help my unbelief." As I echo: Anything is possible with God. 

Keep going faithful readers and believe. Let me know what happens ... ☺

And now, as usual, a voice from here and a voice from there. 

The Church and the world have a great need of eucharistic worship. Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration and contemplation that is full of faith and ready to make reparation for the great faults and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, 1920-2005, Dominicae cenae, 3)

We should pant after the light of grace that the day of glory and honor may shine upon us.

(Adam of Perseigne, 1145-1220)

Study, I beg you, and each day meditate on the words of your Creator. Learn the heart of God in the words of God, so that you may long more ardently for eternity.

(Pope Saint Gregory the Great, 540-604)

When you cease to believe in God, you believe in anything.

(G.K. Chesterton, 1874-1936)

How can there be too many children? That's like saying there are too many flowers.

(Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

I am not advocating world-movements or public meetings ... my appeal is rather to the individual conscience than to the public ear; my hope is rather to see the emergence of a Saint, than that of an organization ...

There is no harm in besieging heaven for the canonization of such and such holy persons now dead. But should we not do well to vary these petitions of ours by asking for more Saints to canonize?

(Ronald Knox, 1888-1957)

The real contemplative standard is to have no standard, to be ourselves. That's what God is asking of us, to be ourselves.

(Thomas Merton, 1915-1968)

And just in case you are thinking about becoming a missionary ...

This is what it means to be a missionary, to make oneself all things to all people, both interiorly and externally; to be responsible for everything, people, animals, and things, and all this in order to gain souls, with a large and generous heart.

(Saint Jacques Berthieu, 1838-1896)

Remember, however, that you can be a missionary in your own neighborhood. Your neighbor is waiting for someone to reach out to her. Go for it. And don't forget to take a plate of freshly baked cookies; you can't go wrong with Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies. And I just saw a recipe yesterday for Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake. I bet your neighbor would enjoy that too; I certainly would. 

SAINT PETER CLAVER,

SAINT CIARAN OF CLONMACNOISE,

SAINT OSBURG,

SAINT AMBROSE BARLOW, OSB,

SAINT EGWIN, BISHOP,

BLESSED AGNELLUS OF PISA, PRIEST,

BLESSED FRANCIS GARATE,

SAINT DEINIOL,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

BLESSED MARY OF JESUS,

SAINT JOHN GABRIEL PERBOYTE,

SAINT AILBE,

BLESSED FRÉDÉRIC OZANAM,

BLESSED OGIER OF LOCEDIO, CISTERCIAN ABBOT,

SAINT PETER II OF TARENTAISE, CISTERCIAN BISHOP,

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1166. I love the Catechism ☺.

Today's photo: The Lord shall reign forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2024