Blessed Virgin Mary
Other saints: Saint Stephen the Younger, Martyr (764); Saint James of the March (1394-1476); Bd James Thompson, Martyr (15820
Readings of the Day
RB: RB 48:10-21 The Daily Manual Labor
Mass: Rev 22:1-7; Resp Ps 95 (refrain 1 Cor 16:22B; see Rv 22:20c); Lk 21:34-36
All generations will call me blessed, for God has looked on His lowly handmaid.
MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,
PRAY FOR US.
In today's Gospel, Jesus cautions us: Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy (Lk 21:34), and not without reason. Saint Benedict echoes the same at the beginning of his chapter on the daily manual labor: "Idleness is the enemy of the soul" (RB 48:1). Benedict's prevention of such idleness is by prescribing "specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading" (RB 48:1). Jesus tells us to be vigilant at all times and pray (Lk 21:36). It is far too easy to become burdened and unduly focused on the daily drudgery of routine. It is far too easy to find ourselves trapped in anxiety and fear. Or as a friend put it some years ago: "Be careful, you can become bitter overnight." We all need strength to carry on and constantly "seek the things that are above" (Col 3:1). The holy season of Advent begins tomorrow. May we be vigilant and prepare the way of the Lord. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus! Our hearts are ready, O God, our hearts are ready (Ps 57:8).
HEART OF JESUS, SOURCE OF ALL CONSOLATION,
HAVE MERCY ON US.
© Gertrude Feick 2020
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