Feast of Saint Andrew (d. c.60)

Readings of the day: RB 49

Mass: Romans 10:9-18; Resp. Psalm 19; Matthew 4:18-22

If you confess with you mouth that Jesus is Lord

and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,

you will be saved.

This verse from St Paul’s epistle to the Romans reminds me of the principal proclamation Pope Francis said must be on the lips of every catechist ringing out over and over, namely, 

Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you;

and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.

Evangelii Gaudium, 164

I’ve suggested to folks they write the proclamation on a post-it, stick it on the mirror,

and read it every morning upon rising.

MAY WE BELIEVE IN OUR HEART AND CONFESS WITH OUR MOUTH!

How can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?

 

St Andrew by El Greco

SAINT ANDREW,

PRAY FOR US.

Wednesday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last, Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 48:22-25

Mass: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Resp. Psalm (Dn 3); Luke 21:12-19

By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

When I first entered monastic life, a sister said she would pray for my perseverance. No one had ever said that to me before. I could not figure out why on earth she would pray for such a thing. Now I know what dear Sr Philomena was talking about. It is the daily pinpricks and contradictions that make us want to run and hide, is it not?

Loving God,

grant us the grace to persevere as we journey to you.

Tuesday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last, Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 48:10-21

Mass: Daniel 2:31-45; Resp. Psalm (Dn 3); Luke 21:5-11

In today’s reading from the Rule, St Benedict speaks of the custom of reading an entire book straight through during the season of Lent (RB 48:15-16). Some years ago, I added the practice of reading a book straight through during the season of Advent. I have benefitted from, first, choosing something manageable, and second, choosing a book from the Bible. I’ve not yet decided what to begin this First Sunday of Advent. Thankfully I have a few days to ponder. 

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;

whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Monday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last, Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 48:1-9

Mass: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Resp. Psalm (Dn 3); Luke 21:1-4

She, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.

The magnanimity of the poor widow makes me question

whether or not I’ve given up everything to follow Christ.

There but for the grace of God go I.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Readings of the day: RB 47

Mass: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17; Resp. Psalm 23; 1 Cor. 15:20-26, 28; Matthew 25:31-46

WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE

OF THE LEAST SISTERS OR BROTHERS OF MINE,

YOU DID FOR ME.

Christ The Good Shepherd

Commenting on today’s Gospel, Pope Francis told those gathered in Saint Peter’s Square: “At the end of our life we will be judged on love, that is, on our concrete commitment to love and to serve Jesus in our smallest and most needy brothers” (Angelus address, Nov. 26, 2017).

On this last Sunday of the liturgical year and in preparation for the holy season of Advent, why not turn to the works of mercy as a way to love and serve Jesus in our sisters and brothers. Last year, while reflecting on the works of mercy, Pope Francis helped broaden our understanding of the works of mercy by encouraging us to look at them as a whole; to see that the object of mercy is human life itself and everything it embraces. The Holy Father proposed a complement to the traditional sets of seven: may the works of mercy also include care for our common home (Day of Prayer for Creation, September 1, 2016). “As a spiritual work of mercy, care for our common home calls for a ‘grateful contemplation of God’s world’, which ‘allows us to discover in each thing a teaching which God wishes to hand on to us’. As a corporeal work of mercy, care for our common home requires ‘simple daily gestures which break with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness’ and ‘makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world’.”

A rich theme of discussion for families, communities, and work groups might be how each of us individually can break the logic of violence, exploitation, and selfishness. Questions may include: how are my actions or words in any way violent—do I act in anger, nurse a grudge, injure or curse others? How do I exploit members of my family, community, or my colleagues by not bearing with others’ weaknesses of body or behavior? Are there times when I pursue what I judge better for myself instead of pursuing what is better for someone else? Just imagine the local if not global impact of only one or two people making a concrete commitment to love and serve Jesus in a brother or sister. We don’t have to look far—the smallest and most in need may be sitting across the table from us. 

I MYSELF WILL PASTURE MY SHEEP;

I MYSELF WILL GIVE THEM REST SAYS THE LORD.

THE LOST I WILL SEEK OUT, THE STRAYED I WILL BRING BACK,

THE INJURED I WILL BIND UP, THE SICK I WILL HEAL.

Saint Catherine of Alexandria (c.4th century), Blessed Virgin Mary

 Readings of the day: RB 46

Mass: 1 Maccabees 6:1-13; Resp. Psalm 9; Luke 20:27-40

 

Miracle of the Wheel
1425-31

The Basilica of San Clemente in Rome is a wonder to behold; a must for any visitor to the eternal city. Enter a XII century basilica filled with magnificent frescoes and mosaics, explore a IV century basilica, then descend into a 1^st century pagan temple. One fresco I always admired was a fresco depicting the legend of Catherine of Alexandria, located in the Castiglione Chapel on the level of the XII century basilica. Catherine refused to worship idols, was condemned to be broken on the wheel—the wheel broke instead, and was eventually beheaded.

Living and true God,

may we be strengthened in faith and firmness

to do your holy will.

SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA,

PRAY FOR US.

Saint Andrew Düng-Lac and Companions (117 martyrs of Vietnam, died from 1740 to 1883)

Readings of the day: RB 45

Mass: 1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59; Resp. Psalm (1 Chr 29); Luke 19:45-48

ALL THE PEOPLE HUNG UPON HIS WORDS.

Luke 19:48

In the wake of our country’s celebration of Thanksgiving Day, I share Franklin D. Roosevelt’s (XXXII President of the United States: 1933-1945) Day Proclamation, November 1, 1944. I was especially struck by the 4^th paragraph where FDR recommends a nationwide reading of the Holy Scriptures. Thanks be to God. Thank you, President Roosevelt. RIP.

FDR reads his D-Day Prayer

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

In this year of liberation, which has seen so many millions freed from tyrannical rule, it is fitting that we give thanks with special fervor to our Heavenly Father for the mercies we have received individually and as a nation and for the blessings He has restored, through the victories of our arms and those of our allies, to His children in other lands.

For the preservation of our way of life from the threat of destruction; for the unity of spirit which has kept our Nation strong; for our abiding faith in freedom; and for the promise of an enduring peace, we should lift up our hearts in thanksgiving.

For the harvest that has sustained us and, in its fullness, brought succor to other peoples; for the bounty of our soil, which has produced the sinews of war for the protection of our liberties; and for a multitude of private blessings, known only in our hearts, we should give united thanks to God.

To the end that we may bear more earnest witness to our gratitude to Almighty God, I suggest a nationwide reading of the Holy Scriptures during the period from Thanksgiving Day to Christmas. Let every man of every creed go to his own version of the Scriptures for a renewed and strengthening contact with those eternal truths and majestic principles which have inspired such measure of true greatness as this nation has achieved.

Now, Therefore, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, in consonance with the joint resolution of the Congress approved December 26, 1941, do hereby proclaim Thursday the twenty-third day of November 1944 a day of national thanksgiving; and I call upon the people of the United States to observe it by bending every effort to hasten the day of final victory and by offering to God our devout gratitude for His goodness to us and to our fellow men.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this first day of November in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and forty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and sixty-ninth.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

(Citation: Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Proclamation 2629—Thanksgiving Day, 1944,” November 1, 1944. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=72460.) 

THANKSGIVING DAY!

Saint Columbanus (c.540-615), Saint Clement I (d. c.100),

U.S.A.: Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro (1891-1927)

Readings: RB 44

Mass for Thanksgiving Day:

Sirach 20:50-54; Resp. Psalm 145; 1 Cor. 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19

Mass of the day: 1 Macc. 2:15-29; Psalm 50; Luke 19:41-44

Sr Gertrude bringing gifts to the altar

One of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.

Today may be a good day to list five things you are grateful for.

THANK YOU, JESUS.

In all circumstances, give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

ALLELUIA!

Saint Cecilia, 3rd Century Roman Martyr, Patron of Musicians

Readings of the day: RB 43:13-19

Mass: 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31; Resp. Psalm 17; Luke 19:11-28

Mother with her seven sons

Most admirable and worthy of everlasting remembrance was the mother,

who saw her seven sons perish in a single day,

yet bore it courageously because of her hope in the Lord.

O Lord our God, grant us a noble spirit.

May we be courageous witnesses to the faith and never lose hope in your mercy.

SAINT CECILIA,

PRAY FOR US.

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings of the day: RB 43:1-12

Mass: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31; Resp. Psalm 3; Luke 19:1-10

Eleazar: He made up his mind in a noble manner, worthy of his years, the dignity of his advanced age, the merited distinction of his gray hair, and of the admirable life he had lived from childhood; and so declared that above all he would be loyal to the holy laws given by God.

Zacchaeus: He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus.

Living and true God, may we be faithful to your covenant of LOVE.

May we be eager to seek you.

MARY, ARK OF THE CONVENANT,

PRAY FOR US.

Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 42

Mass: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Resp. Psalm 119; Luke 18:35-43

LORD, PLEASE LET ME SEE.

Dear Readers,

You may recall Jesus knocking on your door October 4^th, the Feast of Saint Francis Assisi. He had two words for you then, namely, “Follow me.” Jesus is knocking at your door again. Go ahead, answer it. Jesus has one question: “What do you want me to do for you?” What are you going to say?

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years:

Saint Mechtilde of Hackeborn (1240/41-1298)

Medieval mystic, mentor to Saint Gertrude the Great

Readings of the day: RB 41

Mass: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Resp. Psalm 128; 1 Thess. 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30

WORLD DAY OF THE POOR

They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other,

supporting with greatest patience one another’s weaknesses of body or behavior.

No one is to pursue what she judges better for herself, but instead,

what she judges better for someone else.

(RB 72:5-6)

WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.

God loves a cheerful giver.

(RB 5:16/2 Cor. 9:7)

Let us not seek for ourselves more than we need, but rather what is good for others, and nothing of value will be lacking to us. May the Lord, who has compassion for our poverty and needs, and bestows his talents upon us, grant us the wisdom to seek what really matters, and the courage to love, not in words but in deeds.

(Pope Francis, Homily, November 19, 2017, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome)

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852)

Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul

Readings of the day: RB 40

Mass: Wisdom 18:14-16; Resp. Psalm 105; Luke 18:1-8

 

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne icon by Milton Frenzel

JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES A PARABLE

ABOUT THE NECESSITY TO PRAY ALWAYS WITHOUT BECOMING WEARY.

WILL NOT GOD THEN SECURE THE RIGHTS OF HIS CHOSEN ONES

WHO CALL OUT TO HIM DAY AND NIGHT?

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,

make our life a prayer.

ROSE PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE,

INTERCEDE FOR US.

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary; Saint Hilda of Whitby

Readings of the day: RB 39

Mass: Wisdom 13:1-9; Resp. Psalm 19; Luke 17:26-37

St Elizabeth of Hungary

Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231): queen; devoted wife and mother; widowed at 20; Franciscan tertiary; relieved the sick, poor, and elderly; courageous woman of faith; woman of prayer; died at 24; canonized in 1235 by Gregory IX; patroness of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis and the Franciscan Secular Order.

St Hilda of Whitby

Hilda of Whitby (614-680): of royal stock; dedicated her life to God in the monastic life at 34; Abbess of the double abbey at Whitby; hosted the Synod of Whitby (decision to celebrate the date of Easter in accordance with the customs of Rome); zealous for education; poet; sought out by religious, kings, and the laity for her wisdom.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

Resp. Psalm 19

ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY,

HILDA OF WHITBY,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA (1256-1301/2)

Medieval Mystic

Saint Margaret of Scotland (1046-1093)

Queen, Patron of Scotland

Readings of the day: RB 38

Mass: Wisdom 7:22b-8:1; Resp. Psalm 119; Luke 17:20-25

Solemnity of Saint Gertrude, Federation of Saint Gertrude, USA:

Mass: Songs 8:6-7; Eph. 3:14-19; John 15:1-8

With a captive audience, I share an anecdote. Today is my Name Day—and as Italians say on such an occasion—Auguri! Buon onomastica! Before my perpetual monastic profession with the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel, OR, I asked the prioress if I could receive a new monastic name. She agreed and asked me to submit three names for her consideration. Every morning I would add to the list of names that I considered—Gemma, Hilary, Cecilia, etc.—but none seemed quite fitting. Then, on November 16, 2006, I was showing an icon of Saint Gertrude the Great to a group of university students who were visiting the monastery. I shared with them Gertrude’s entrance to the monastery and subsequent conversion—a story which gave me hope for my own life. While explaining some of Gertrude’s human traits, namely, impatience, and as M. Marnau writes, “perhaps a certain harshness and intolerance with the lukewarm (directed, more often than not, against herself)…” I was overwhelmed and knew that Gertrude the Great was to be my patron. There would be no compromising…it would be Gertrude, or I would continue to be called by my baptismal name. I compiled the list of names and submitted it to the prioress: 1. Gertrude 2. Gertrude 3. Gertrude. On November 16, 2007, Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta became my patron. I give thanks. May God be praised!

To provide a brief biography of Saint Gertrude, I also share with you part of a paper I wrote a few years back:

Gertrude the Great’s place of birth and family of origin are well described as a mystery. She relates the following details about her early life: “…from infancy, in my fifth year to be precise, you [God] chose me to be formed among the most faithful of your friends, to live in the household of your holy religion” (The Herald of Divine Love, II, 23). The household of holy religion that Gertrude entered in 1261, was the community of nuns at Helfta, Germany, who lived according to the Rule of St. Benedict. The monastery was a thriving center of spirituality and study. B. McGinn describes the environment at Helfta: “The ancient monastic ideal of combining the love of learning and the desire for God was alive and well at Helfta” (The Flowering of Mysticism: Men and Women in the New Mysticism—1200-1350, 267). The communal life at Helfta revolved around the daily rhythm of the Divine Office, lectio divina, work, and study. 

Welcomed by the community of nuns at Helfta, Gertrude entered the monastery school. She possessed many gifts and was well-liked by other students in the school. Gertrude’s biographer writes:

Even at this tender age, she already possessed the wisdom of a mature person. She was amiable, clever, and eloquent, and so docile that she was admired by all who heard her. As soon as she was admitted to the school, she showed such quickness and intelligence that she soon far surpassed in learning and knowledge all the children of her own age and all her other companions as well. Gladly and eagerly she gave herself to the study of liberal arts. And so the years of her childhood and youth were passed with a pure and innocent heart, and she was preserved by the Father of mercies (2 Cor. 1:3,4) from the many vain trivialities which often lead young people astray (cf. Wisdom 4:11-14) For this, may praise and thanks be given him for ever! (The Herald of Divine Love, I, 1.)

Even so, Gertrude was not always open to encountering God, or letting God encounter her. It is reasonable to think that if a person is placed within the environs of a thriving and loving monastic community and school at such an early age, the youngster would readily and fully embrace monastic values. Alas, simply living in the monastery does not make a person a Benedictine, [or a Cistercian] that is, one who does not “get too involved in purely worldly affairs” (RB 4:20). This is true of Gertrude who did not fully live monastic life until roughly twenty-four years later after entering the monastery! It was in her twenty-sixth year that St. Gertrude had her day of salvation, when the Lord appeared to her and “resolved to disperse the darkness of [her] night” (The Herald of Diving Love, II, 1). Until that time, she was worldly and prideful, and, according to her testimony, “alas, I was—in vain—bearing the name and wearing the habit of a religious” (II, 1).

So, Gertrude’s being open to the God of love was a process and not something that was taken for granted. Her conversion was the beginning of the mystical dimension of her life. From the age of 24, then, “her love of learning now became desire for knowledge of God…In those days she could never tire of the sweet pleasure she found in the contemplation of God and in the study of Scripture…” (I, 1, 53). Gertrude became solely focused on encountering God and letting God encounter her. Gertrude received the grace of encounter, of growing in intimacy with the God who gives himself unconditionally, whether we are recognize it or not.

Set me a seal on your heart.

Songs 8:6b

May Christ dwell in your heart through faith; that you rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Eph. 3:17-19

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. 

John 15:7-8

Pope Benedict XVI, on Saint Gertrude the Great, General Audience, Saint Peter’s Square, Oct. 6, 2010:

St Gertrude the Great, of whom I would like to talk to you today, brings us once again this week to the Monastery of Helfta, where several of the Latin-German masterpieces of religious literature were written by women. Gertrude belonged to this world. She is one of the most famous mystics, the only German woman to be called “Great”, because of her cultural and evangelical stature: her life and her thought had a unique impact on Christian spirituality. She was an exceptional woman, endowed with special natural talents and extraordinary gifts of grace, the most profound humility and ardent zeal for her neighbour’s salvation. She was in close communion with God both in contemplation and in her readiness to go to the help of those in need…

St Gertrude’s life lives on as a lesson of Christian life, of an upright path, and shows us that the heart of a happy life, of a true life, is friendship with the Lord Jesus. And this friendship is learned in love for Sacred Scripture, in love for the Liturgy, in profound faith, in love for Mary, so as to be ever more truly acquainted with God himself and hence with true happiness, which is the goal of our life.

IN ALL THAT CONCERNS ME,

YOUR ADORABLE WILL BE DONE.

Saint Gertrude the Great

GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

PRAY FOR US.

Saint Albert the Great (1200-1280)

Readings of the day: RB 37

Mass: Wisdom 6:1-11; Resp. Psalm 82; Luke 17:11-19

FOR THOSE IN POWER A RIGOROUS SCRUTINY IMPENDS.

(Wisdom 6:3)

Albert the Great, Universal Doctor, lover of wisdom—a man with power and in power—power he used for the glory of God. Born into a noble, German family, Albert joined the Dominicans at the age of 23. Scholar and teacher, Albert taught Thomas Aquinas, became a Master at Paris, organized a house of studies, was prior provincial of Germany, and, in 1260, became bishop of Ratisbon. After resigning as bishop, Albert focused on teaching and writing. He authored treatises on astronomy, chemistry, geography, and physiology. His theological works include a Summa and a commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard. (see D. Farmer, Oxford Dictionary of the Saints, 10-11)

Albert was scrutinized through the canonization process. (the process is well presented in R. Fisichella’s slim volume, I Met Paul VI: The Pope by Those Who Knew Him) Canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1931, Albert was named both a Doctor of the Church and the patron of the natural sciences.

For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed shall be found holy,

and those learned in them will have a ready response.

Desire therefore my words; long for them and you shall be instructed.

(Wisdom 6:10)

In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA.

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

Tuesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 36

Mass: Wisdom 2:23-3:9; Resp. Psalm 34; Luke 17:7-10

 

Foot Washing on Holy Thursday

The readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for today and tomorrow introduce us to today’s Gospel from Saint Luke. RB 36, “Care of the Sick,” reads in part: “Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ. Sick sisters must be patiently borne with, because serving them leads to a greater reward. Consequently, the abbess should be extremely careful that they suffer no neglect” (RB 36:1,6). Ch. 37, “Care for the Elderly and the Young,” begins, “Although human nature itself is inclined to be compassionate toward the old and the young, the authority of the rule should also provide for them” (RB 37:1). The chapters flow from Ch. 35, “Kitchen Servers of the Week.” The first verse, “The sisters should serve one another,” is the center of our communal life, namely living charity—Loving and serving God with our whole heart, mind, and soul, and loving and serving our neighbor (RB 4:1). All that we do in the monastery flows from charity and leads to charity. We are called to foster good zeal with fervent love, respect one another, support one another with patience, compete in obedience to one another, and pursue what is better for the other instead of what is better for myself. We are to show the pure love of sisters. (RB 72) The precepts presented us by Saint Benedict are not optional; our monastic vocations call us to grow in charity through a life of service to one another, as do all Christian vocations. We stumble and fall yet the Living God sustains us with LOVE and MERCY so that we can serve one another with love and mercy. The sisters are obliged to love and serve the sick, elderly, and young—no one should suffer neglect.

WE ARE UNPROFITABLE SERVANTS;

WE HAVE DONE WHAT WE ARE OBLIGED TO DO.

Luke 17:10

What you did for one of the least of these you did for me.

(RB 36:3/Matt. 25:30).