Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 19 The Discipline of the Psalmody
Mass: 2 Kgs 25:1-12; Resp Ps 137; Mt 8:1-4

Let my tongue be silenced, O Lord, if I ever forget you!

HEART OF JESUS, HOPE OF ALL WHO DIE IN YOU,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Today's chapter from the Holy Rule is one of my favorites. Although come to think of it, all the chapters are my favorites. 😊 Each chapter is packed with wisdom to help us as we search for the God who loves us. Ch 19 is brief, only two paragraphs. It begins in this way: "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 (Prov 15:3). But beyond the least doubt we should believe this to be especially true when we celebrate the divine office" (RB 19:1-2). Unknowingly perhaps, Pope Francis tweets a sort of commentary on Saint Benedict's words: "Only those who see with the heart see things well, because they know how to 'look into' each person: to see a brother or sister apart from his or her mistakes, to hope amid difficulty. They see God everywhere."

So as we encounter all sorts of people today, and pray for one another, may we keep in our hearts and in our minds what the "Prophet says: Serve the Lord with fear (Ps 2:11), and again, Sing praise wisely (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" (RB 19:3-7).

May we see God everywhere, in all people and in all of the beauty of creation that surrounds us. Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all forever (Dn 3:57).

LORD, IF YOU WISH, YOU CAN MAKE ME CLEAN.

(Mt 8:2)

Today's photo: Another look at our pomegranate tree.

© Gertrude Feick 2020