Our Lady of the Rosary
Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 7:56-58
Mass: Gal 2:1-2, 7-14; Resp Ps 117; Lk 11:1-4
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
In today's Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. In today's General Audience, the Holy Father commented on Elijah's experience of God in prayer, when the Lord appeared to Elijah in "a tiny whispering sound" (1 Kgs 19:14). The Pontiff said Elijah's story is one for all of us: "In some evenings we can feel useless and lonely. It is then that prayer will come and knock on the door of our hearts. Even if we have done something wrong, or if we feel threatened or frightened, when we return before God in prayer, serenity and peace will return as if by miracle."
We can pray today with what Saint Thomas Aquinas called the "most perfect prayer", that is, the Lord's Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught to His disciples. And as we dedicate the day to Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, we can pray the rosary, what Pope Francis called in his General Audience, a "contemplative prayer". "In meditating on the mysteries of salvation," said the Pope, "the loving face of God Himself, whom we are called to contemplate in eternity, is increasingly revealed to us." For, "even today, in this time of the pandemic, it is necessary to hold the rosary in our hands and pray for us, our loved ones and all people."
The rosary I have in pocket is a treasure. It was given to me by Sister Alberta Dieker, OSB (1920-2020), who died just shy of her 100th birthday. The same rosary was given to her by Sister Benedicta Betz, OSB (1867-1954). May those two faithful and courageous Benedictines intercede for us. And may serenity and peace be ours.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name ...
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee ...
OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY,
PRAY FOR US.
© Gertrude Feick 2020
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