Friday, April 24, 2020

Friday of the Second Week of Easter

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest, martyr (1578-1622)

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 66 The Porter of the Monastery
Mass: Acts 5:34-42; Resp Ps 27; Jn 6:1-15


I believe I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living.

HEART OF JESUS, ABYSS OF ALL VIRTUES,
HAVE MERCY ON US

We are further inspired today with the courage and boldness of the Apostles. There was no stopping them, even with a flogging and being ordered to stop speaking in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40), the Apostles "did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus" (Acts 5:42). Oh the wisdom Gamaliel: "If this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them" (Acts 5:38-39). Keep going.

Today's reading from the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict is another of my favorites, even during these days when there are not so many people knocking at the door. It is Ch 66 on the Porter of the Monastery. I smile when I read about the "chief" porter and her assistant, known in some circles as Guest Sister 1 and Guest Sister 2. The chapter is well translated by Dom Patrick Barry, OSB, of happy memory. St Benedict has this to say which speaks volumes about mutual care and service: "At the entrance to the monastery, there should be a wise senior who is too mature in stability to think of wandering about and who can deal with inquiries and give whatever help is needed … if the porter or portress needs help, then a junior should be assigned to the task" (RB 66:1, 5). And it befits said senior and junior to remind themselves of something St Benedict writes in the chapter on community rank: "The younger monks, then, must respect their seniors, and the seniors must love their juniors" (RB 63:10).

We pray with the Holy Father:

We pray today for teachers who have to work so hard to provide lessons via the internet and other digital ways, and we also pray for students who have to take exams in a way they are not used to. Let us accompany them with prayer.

SAINT FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN,
PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

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