RB: Ch 35:1-11 Kitchen Servers of the Week
Mass: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Resp Ps 105; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46
Remember the marvels the Lord has done.
REDEEM ME, O LORD, AND HAVE MERCY ON ME. MY FOOT STANDS ON LEVEL GROUND; I WILL BLESS THE LORD IN THE ASSEMBLY.
[Ps 26 (25): 11-12]
The first verse of Ch 35 of the Holy Rule has been called the center the Rule. It is there really that all of St Benedict's teaching flows from and leads to. It is the firm foundation upon which our lives as Christians stand, whether we live inside the monastery or outside. Yes, "the brothers or sisters should serve one another" (RB 35:1), "for such service increases reward and fosters love" (RB 35:2). St Benedict adds: "Let those who are not strong have help so that they may serve without distress, and let everyone receive help as the size of the community or local conditions warrant" (RB 35:3-4). Unless excused due to ill health or engagement in important business, "let all the rest serve one another in love" (RB 35:6). Let us be about keeping our eyes fixed on Christ these days, let us be about prayer and loving and serving one another. Yes, where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found. Brought here together by Christ's love, by love are we thus bound.
May we allow ourselves to be reconciled, in order to live as beloved children, as forgiven and healed sinners, as wayfarers with God at our side. Let us allow ourselves to be loved, so that we can give love in return. Let us allow ourselves to stand up and walk towards Easter. Then we will experience the joy of discovering how God raises us up from our ashes.
(Pope Francis, homily, Ash Wednesday, 2020)
Today's photo: I sent this photo to someone who responded, "Is that where you live?" Yes, this is where we live. Our Lady of the Redwoods Abbey. Beauty abounds.
© Gertrude Feick 2020
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