Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 19 The Discipline of the Psalmody
Mass: Ep 4:1-6; Resp Ps 24; Lk 12:54-59

Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received ...

It has been said that unity and peace in a community is expressed by how the members sing (or recite prayers) in choir, that is, during the celebration of the Divine Office. Singing in a monastic choir is a lesson in humility; it is best to leave the ego at the door. The aware newcomer or guest will recognize early on that divas are typically not appreciated. That said, we must be patient as our society lauds the fastest and the loudest. Today's reading from the Holy Rule is telling and not without relevancy outside the confines of the monastery.

We believe that the divine presence is everywhere and that in every place the eyes of the Lord are watching the good and the wicked (Pr 15:3). But beyond the least doubt we should believe this to be especially true when we celebrate the divine office.

We must always remember, therefore, what the Prophet says: Serve the Lord with fear (Ps 2:11), and again, Sing praise wisely (Ps 46[47]:8); and, In the presence of the angels I will sing to you (Ps 137[138]:1. Let us consider, then, how we ought to behave in the presence of God and his angels, and let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices.

A question arises: Is the community singing with one voice?

All those striving for unity and peace in community, family, parish, or work might take St Paul's words to heart, beginning with those under today's photo of our pomegranate tree 🌝: … with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace; one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Ep 4:1-6).

HOLY FATHER, KEEP THEM IN YOUR NAME THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, SO THAT THEY MAY BE ONE JUST AS WE ARE.

(Jn 17:11)