Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Pope Saint Sylvester I (-335)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 73 This Rule Only a Beginning of Perfection

Mass: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Resp Ps 96; Jn 1:1-18

Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the Lord.

JESUS, FATHER OF THE WORLD TO COME,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Dear faithful readers, thank you for being there. There is so much in today's Gospel to reflect upon. In a sense, I am speechless. There is one line among others that is plenty to embrace this day: All things came to be through Him, and without Him nothing came to be (Jn 1:2). All things, not some, and nothing, absolutely nothing. May we rejoice and be glad, united as we are in faith and prayer, for From His fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace (Jn 1:16).

If that's enough, then how about this beauty, itself a commentary on today's Gospel, from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1, that answers the question, "What is the plan of God for man?"

God, infinitely perfect and blessed in Himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in His own blessed life. In the fullness of time, God the Father sent His Son as Redeemer and Savior of mankind, fallen into sin, thus calling all into His Church and, through the work of the Holy Spirit, making them adopted children and heirs of His eternal happiness. 

And as we prepare to embark upon another calendar year, one prayer can come for Eusebius of Caesarea (265-339), bishop, from his Ecclesiastical History, included in today's Office of Readings.

Glory to God the almighty, the King of the universe, for all His gifts, and gratitude to Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of our souls, through whom we pray that this peace may be preserved for us stable and unshaken for ever: a peace that will keep us safe from troubles outside as well as from all anxieties and disturbances of soul.

So much for being speechless. 😎

POPE SAINT SYLVESTER I,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I remain thankful for these contributions from dear friends, here d in West Linn once again.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 72 The Good Zeal of Monks

Mass: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Resp Ps 96; Lk 2:36-40

Give to the Lord glory and praise.

JESUS, OUR WAY AND OUR LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's first reading, from the First Letter of Saint John, John writes: "Do not love the world or the things of the world" (1 Jn 2:15). Saint Benedict echoes the same in the Holy Rule. In Chapter 2, "Qualities of the Abbot," Benedict counsels the leader of the monastic community that he "must not show too great concern for the fleeting and temporal things of this world" (RB 2:33). And a Tool for Good Works for the entire community to use, day in and day out, is to make their way of acting different from the world's way (RB 4:20). What are some ways, then, that all the faithful can abide by these teachings? We can look again to Saint Benedict, today presented in a most beautiful chapter, Chapter 72, "The Good Zeal of Monks." On this penultimate day of 2021, we read about good zeal for the third and final time this year. May we then, along with the Abbot, not neglect or treat lightly the welfare of anyone entrusted to us (RB 2:33) and remember at all times that the love of Christ must come before all else (RB 4:21). Yet the world and its enticements are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever (1 Jn 2:17)

CHAPTER 72. The Good Zeal of Monks

Just as there is a wicked zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from evil and leads to God and everlasting life. This, then, is the good zeal which monks must foster with fervent love: They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other, supporting with greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body or behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another. No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else. To their fellow monks they show the pure love of brothers; to God, loving fear; to their abbot, unfeigned and humble love. Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life.

SAINT JOHN,

SAINT BENEDICT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Berries with snow, from d in West Linn, OR. Very nice. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop, Martyr (1118-1170)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 71 Mutual Obedience

Mass: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Resp Ps 96; Lk 2:22-35

Splendor and majesty go before Him.

THE THOUGHTS OF MANY HEARTS MAY BE REVEALED.

(Lk 2:35)

In today's Gospel, Simeon, a man righteous and devout (Lk 2:25), takes Jesus into his arms, blesses God, and says, "My own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel"! (Lk 2:30-32). In what ways, small and great, have you seen the salvation of God revealed during these days of the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord? God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 Jn 1:5).

SAINT THOMAS BECKET,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Moni sent many photos for us to enjoy. This one to honor all the martyrs we commemorate this week, red lights in Freiburg.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 70 The Presumption of Striking Another Monk at Will

Mass: 1 Jn 1:5-2:2; Resp Ps 124; Mt 2:13-18

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

GOD IS LIGHT, AND IN HIM THERE IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL.

(1 Jn 1:5)

Today is good day to pray for all children, especially those who suffer in any way from violence, neglect, abuse, and/or exploitation. At the same time, we acknowledge that there are elements of Herod in each one of us, as Saint John writes, "If we say, 'We are without sin,' we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 Jn 1:8). Saint Benedict too instructs us with his Tools for Good Works: "Harbor neither hatred nor jealousy of anyone, and do nothing out of envy" (RB 4:65-67). Dear Jesus, help us. If we acknowledge our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing (1 Jn 1:9).

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

ALL HOLY INNOCENTS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More from Moni in Germany.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 69 The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery

Mass: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Resp Ps 97; Jn 20:1a, 2-8

Clouds and darkness are around Him.

MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES,

PRAY FOR US.

It is still Christmas Time dear friends, as we find ourselves in the midst of the Octave of Christmas, our eight days to celebrate. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and from His fullness we have all received (Communion Antiphon, Mass), so with the psalmist we rejoice in the Lord (Ps 97). Our celebrations come quickly this liturgical year. January 1, 2022, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, is this next Saturday already, followed the day after with the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (January 2), then the week that follows Epiphany, with Christmas Time concluding on Sunday, January 9, as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. The First Week of Ordinary Time kicks off on Monday, January 10, 2022. Whew!

For now, though, united as we are in faith and prayer, we commemorate Saint John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved," and consider what Saint Augustine has to say about the first reading from Mass. 

We proclaim to you what we have heard and seen [1 Jn 1:3]. Make sure you grasp the meaning of these words. The disciples saw our Lord in the flesh, face to face; they heard the words he spoke, and in turn they proclaimed the message to us. So we also have heard, although we have not seen.

Are we then less favored than those who both saw and heard? If that were so, why should John add: So that you too may have fellowship with us? They saw, and we have not seen; yet we have fellowship with them, because we and they share the same faith.

And our fellowship is with God the Father and Jesus Christ his Son. And we write this to you to make your joy complete-complete in that fellowship, in that love and in that unity.

(From the tractates on the first letter of John by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, December 27)

SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This shot comes to us all the way from Germany, from my friend, Moni, who lives in Freiburg.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

In other years: Saint Stephen, the first martyr

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 68 The Assignment of Impossible Tasks

Mass: Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 or 1 Sam 1:20-22, 24-28; Resp Ps 128 or Resp Ps 84; Col 3:12-21 or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52

Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.

OPEN OUR HEARTS, O LORD, TO LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF YOUR SON.

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

The following text from a Christmas sermon* by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was read after Communion at our Mass on Christmas Day. I thought it fitting for today as we reflect upon the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, they who took their place among the lowly and let God alone be high. Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man (Lk 2:52).

When God chooses Mary as an instrument, when God wants to enter this world in the manger in Bethlehem, this is not an idyllic family occasion, but rather the beginning of a complete reversal, a new ordering of all things on.

We cannot come to this manger in the same way we would approach the cradle of any other child. Something will happen to each of us who decides to come to Christ's manger. Each of us will be judged or redeemed before we go away. Each of us will either break down or come to know that God's mercy is turned towards us. All who at the manger finally lay down all power and honor, all prestige, all vanity, all arrogance and self-will; all who take their place among the lowly and let God alone be high; all who see the glory of God in the lowliness of the child in the manger; these are the ones who will truly celebrate Christmas.

MARY, HOUSE OF GOLD,

JOSEPH, HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY,

SAINT STEPHEN,

PRAY FOR US.

*It is possible to find the complete sermon on www.sermoncentral.com. 

Today's photo: Our made by hand creche, detail.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 67 Brothers Sent on a Journey

Mass. Vigil Mass: Is 62:1-5; Resp Ps 89; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25/ Mass During the Night: Is 9:1-6; Resp Ps 96; Titus 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14/ Mass at Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Resp Ps 97; Titus 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20/ Mass During the Day: Is 52:7-10; Resp Ps 98; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18

A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

GOD IS WITH US.

(Mt 1:23)

Merry Christmas, faithful readers. Saint Leo the Great, in a sermon included in today's Office of Readings, greets us: "Dear beloved, today our Savior is born; let us rejoice. Sadness should have no place on the birthday of life. The fear of death has been swallowed up; life brings us joy with the promise of eternal happiness." With the psalmist then, we "sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wondrous things."

Dear friends, the true light, which enlightens everyone, has come into the world (Jn 1:9). He is Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful" (Is 9:5-6). We give thanks, united as we are in faith and in prayer.

My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others.

(Bob Hope)

HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF CHRIST,

JOSEPH, DILIGENT PROTECTOR OF CHRIST,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The Nativity, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

December 24

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 66 The Porter of the Monastery

Mass in the Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Resp Ps 89; Lk 1:67-79

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

BEHOND, WHEN THE FULLNESS OF TIME HAD COME, GOD SENT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

Ready or not, our blessed Season of Advent ends tonight before First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of Christmas. Let Christmas Time begin from First Vespers. We have some time yet to prepare the way of the Lord and make straight His paths. What is one thing you will do today to help "guide our feet into the way of peace" (Lk 1:79)? My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready. 

CHRISTMAS EVE DAY

by Jeremy Driscoll 

The earth asleep a season

and birdsong few

the gliding clouds

and the immense quiet

soggy soil yet

already the noiseless

push of the green.

This afternoon the light

was clearly longer than

    yesterday

    and the day

    before.

Let us celebrate the light 

    tonight.

let us light a candle

    and a tree.

Far stars shall see

out hopeful signals

and let down mercies

    and skyly strengths

waking the earth

stirring the birds

drying the soil

and pulling the green.

MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS,

SAINT JOSEPH, FOSTER FATHER OF JESUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: One last look at our Advent wreath 2021. Blessed be the work of our hands.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

December 23

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint John of Kanty (1390-1473)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 65:11-22 The Prior of the Monastery

Mass: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Resp Ps 25; Lk 1:57-66

Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the hope of all nations and their Savior: come and save us, O Lord our God!

The precious baby, one of my grandnephews, in today's photo is here not only in a fitting pose. He speaks volumes as well especially as we are presented with the ultimate "O" Antiphon and address God as "O Emmanuel." Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us'" (Mt 1:23). Yes, God is with us, He is our King, our Lawgiver, and our hope. At the same time, God is coming as we continue to prepare the way of the Lord and make straight His paths. We remember the words of Jesus: Let the children come and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it (Lk 18:16-17). Regain the simplicity, humility, and sense of and wonder of the childlike today. Charlie Steven and others like him can teach us. Come and save us, O Lord our God!

I include here three quotations from Pope Francis, delivered this morning during the annual exchange of Christmas greetings with the Roman Curia. And we can ask Saint John of Kanty, and Saint Joseph too, to intercede for us on our way to humility.

We often find this contradiction in our lives: sometimes great gifts are the armor that covers great frailties ...

Once we strip ourselves of our robes, prerogatives, positions and titles, all of us are lepers in need of healing. Christmas is the living reminder of this realization ...

The humble are those who are concerned not simply with the past, but also with the future, since they know how to look ahead, to spread their branches, remembering the past with gratitude. The humble give life, attract others and push onwards towards the unknown that lies ahead.

SAINT JOHN OF KANTY,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Baby Charlie Steven is back ... Lift up your head and see!

© Gertrude Feick 2021

December 22

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 65:1-10 The Prior of the Monastery

Mass: 1 Sm 1:24-28; Resp Ps (1 Sm 2); Lk 1:46-56

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

O King of the nations and their Desire, the Cornerstone who binds two into one: come and save mankind, whom you fashioned from clay.

O King of the nations, you are our Desire. Made in Your image and likeness, we, all of us, saints and sinners alike, seek You. We continue to prepare the way for you, O Lord and make straight Your paths. Come and save us! Help us as we pray in the words of Saint Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109): "Lord, teach me to seek you, and reveal Yourself to me as I seek, because I can neither seek You unless you tell me how, nor find You unless You reveal Yourself. Let me seek You in desiring You; let me desire You in seeking You; let me find You in loving You; let me love You in finding You (Prologion, 1). You Lord, the stone that the builders rejected, are our Cornerstone. This is Your doing and it is wonderful in our eyes (Mt 21:42/Ps 118:22). This is the day the Lord has made so let us rejoice in it and be glad (Ps 118:24), as we praise God with Hannah and Mary:

My heart exults in the Lord,

my horn is exalted in my God.

(1 Sm 2:1)

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;

my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

(Lk 1:46)

Today's photo: One last shot of Theo, a classic. My heart exults! 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

December 21

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Canisius, Priest, Doctor (1521-1597)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 64:7-22 The Election of an Abbot

Mass: Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Resp Ps 33; Lk 1:39-45

Our soul waits for the Lord.

O Rising Dawn, splendor of eternal Light and Sun of Justice: come and illuminate those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

Here we are on the winter solstice with the shortest day of the year and the official first day of winter. On the shortest day of the year, we turn first to the Prophet Isaiah: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwell in the land of gloom a light has shone (Is 9:1). The Prophet's words are the words we echo as we address God in our "O" Antiphon, "O Rising Dawn", "O Rising Dawn, splendor of eternal Light and Sun of Justice: come and illuminate those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death." We might be short on daylight today, but the light, the Light is coming. The daylight hours increase as we are yes, on our way to spring, but the Light and Sun of Justice are coming to illuminate the darkness and gloom of our days, to "illuminate those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death." As we continue to prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths, we address the Lord as Rising Dawn, and ask Him to lighten our load and remove any darkness and gloom that may be residing in our hearts and minds. The Light is shining, faithful readers, look to God's face and be radiant with joy.

You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.

(Is 9:2)

For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.

(Lk 1:44)

SAINT PETER CANISIUS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Back by popular demand, it's Theo. He's waiting on something or someone.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

December 20

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saints: Blessed Scubilion (1897-1867); Saint Fachanan of Kilfenora (?)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 64:1-6 The Election of an Abbot

Mass: Is 7:10-14; Resp Ps 24; Lk 1:26-38

The Lord's are the earth and its fullness.

O key of David and scepter of the house of Israel; who open and none can shut: who shut and none can open: come and lead to freedom the prisoner who sits in darkness and the shadow of death.

Welcome to another Monday. This is no ordinary Monday though. We are still in the blessed Advent Season first of all, now in the fourth and final week. The celebration of the Nativity of the Lord is coming soon. We must continue to prepare the way of the Lord in our hearts and minds. If things get rough today at work or at home, we join Mary in her yes, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word (Lk 1:38). At the same time, we address God with the title, O key of David. This is the key who opens and shuts, shuts and opens. We are all prisoners in one form or another. Prisoners that have things that bind us and limit our love for God, love for our neighbor, and love for ourselves. Here then is something Pope Francis said in a 2016 Angelus Address: "In this season of Advent, we are called to expand the horizons of our hearts, to be amazed by the life which presents itself each day with newness. In order to do this, we must learn to not depend on our own certainties, or our own established strategies, because the Lord comes at a time that we do not imagine. He comes to bring us into a more beautiful and grand dimension." There is still time to prepare. O key of David ... come and lead to freedom the prisoner who sits in darkness and the shadow of death. 

BLESSED SCUBILION,

SAINT FACHANAN OF KILFENORA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: You've met Theo before. Here he is again in Park City, Utah. Theo belongs to a dear friend, since our days at McKinley Middle School in our hometown of Muncie, Indiana. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

December 19 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 63:10-19 Community Rank

Mass: Micah 5:1-4a; Resp Ps 80; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39:45

Rouse your power and come to save us.

O Root of Jesse, who stand as a sign among the people, before whom kings shall shut their mouth, to whom the nations shall make supplication: come to deliver us, and tarry not.

I have been with two images this morning. First, there is Mary who "set out and traveled to the hill country in haste" to pay a visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Second, in our "O"Antiphon, we address God with the Old Testament title "Root of Jesse", and ask Him, come to deliver us, and tarry not. As the days of Advent wane, and the days leading to the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord wax, we too want to make haste and tarry not. We want to continue to prepare the way of the Lord in our own hearts and make straight His paths. On the First Sunday of Advent, we were thinking about things that may be wearing us down, making us drowsy, those things that weigh down our hearts and minds that come from the daily struggles of life at home, work, in community or wherever we find ourselves. On this Fourth Sunday of Advent then, let's turn again to Saint Benedict and his Tools for Good Works for Tools, or one Tool to implement this week to keep us alert and ready and prepare the way of the Lord. Make haste ... tarry not.

Honor everyone (RB 4:8).

Visit the sick (RB 4:16).

Love your enemies (RB 4:31).

Do not grumble (RB 4:39)

Do not speak ill of others (RB 4:40).

Guard your lips from harmful or deceptive speech (RB 4:51).

Pray for your enemies out of love for Christ (RB 4:72).

If you have a dispute with someone, make peace before the sun goes down (RB 4:73).

Never lose hope in God's mercy (RB 4:74).

When the human spirit is ready, God enters without hesitation or waiting. You need not look either here or there. God is no farther away than the door of the heart.

(Meister Eckhart)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Our Advent Wreath, ready for Week IV.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

December 18

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Flannan, Bishop (7th century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 63:1-9 Community Rank

Mass: Jer 23:5-8; Resp Ps 72; Mt 1:18-25

Justice shall flourish in His time, and fullness of peace for ever.

O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flames of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai; come and redeem us with outstretched arm.

We have at least a couple of gifts today. First, after learning Jesus' family tree yesterday, today we learn from our Gospel "how the birth of Jesus came about" (Mt 1:18). Yes, "God is with us" (Mt 1:23), and He is coming. 

Second, we have the image of the burning bush in our "O" Antiphon. It is worth it to spend some time with Exodus 3, especially the beginning where Moses looks at the "remarkable sight" of the bush on fire but not consumed (Mt 1:2). In his recent release, Journey into Light: The Challenge and Enchantment of Catholic Christianity (Hodder & Stoughton, 2021), Roderick Strange has this to say about the image: "For me ... God is mystery and God is loving. God has created all that exists and has created everything out of love. I would not attempt to define God. I gaze and contemplate. Some years ago, while praying one morning I was suddenly arrested, as I had never been before, by the account of Moses seeing the bush burning at Mount Horeb, that bush that was afire, but not consumed (Ex 3:2). I am not implying that I had any kind of mystical experience, but what an image for God, the bush afire but unconsumed. The power of the image stayed with me and nourished my praying for some weeks, and I can return to it again and again to be refreshed" (p. 9). Yes, what an image. We too can be refreshed by it. Something that comes to me is the enduring love and mercy of God. It is there, unconsumed, always available, afire, ready for me, ready for you. O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel ... come and redeem us with outstretched arm. 

SAINT FLANNAN,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Yesterday afternoon, around 3 pm.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

December 17

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Happy 85th Birthday to Pope Francis. Ad multos annos!

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 62 The Priests of the Monastery

Mass: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Resp Ps 72; Mt 1:1-17

Of her was born Jesus.

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end, mightily and sweetly ordering all things; come and teach us the way of prudence.

(Traditional "O" Antiphon)

Let the countdown to Christmas begin as we prepare ourselves for the Nativity of the Lord. One way we do this is with the traditional "O" Antiphons that begin today and go through December 24. The Antiphon of the day will be included at the top of each daily reflection. It is since the 6th century that the Antiphons have been in the life of the Latin Church, celebrated at Vespers, or Evening Prayer, each day with the Magnificat. In 1970, they were introduced into the lectionary with shorter versions used as the Gospel versicle. You will notice them. However, they can be celebrated and prayed at any time. As you will see, each one is a fitting prayer for all times and places. I like this description of the Antiphons from Universalis: The "O" Antiphons "count down the last seven days before Christmas and tie together seven threads of hope, longing and doctrine which all find their culmination and final union in the moment of the Incarnation." Using an Old Testament title for God, we address Him each day with "O", and ask Jesus to come. O Wisdom ... come and teach us the way of prudence.

At the same time, we proclaim Saint Matthew's "book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham" (Mt 1:1) at Mass. Pray with it out loud today, let the names roll off your tongue. Remember, a name is the song you sing when you see someone coming. Tamar ... Amminadab ... Rahab ... Ruth ... Shealtiel ... Eliud ... Yes, "the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations ... (Mt 1:17).

Advent helps us to prepare ourselves for Christmas, welcoming Jesus without fear. If we open wide the doors of our life, everything takes on a new light and our family, work, suffering, health, friendship, become opportunities to discover His consoling presence.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, December 14, 2021)

SAINT JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: Our Lady of the Sign, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. The Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name Him Immmanuel (Is 7:14)

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Blessed Mary of the Angels (1661-1717)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 61:6-14 The Reception of Visiting Monks

Mass: Is 54:1-10; Resp Ps 30; Lk 7:24-30

O Lord, be my helper.

LET US LIVE JUSTLY AND DEVOUTLY IN THIS AGE, AS WE AWAIT THE BLESSED HOPE AND THE COMING OF THE GLORY OF OUR GREAT GOD.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Tomorrow we begin celebrating the great "O Antiphons". At the same time, the weekdays from December 17 up to and including December 24 are more ordered in a direct way", our Church teaches us, "to preparing for the Nativity of the Lord" (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year, 42). To help guide us then, and continue to prepare the way of the Lord, let's turn to Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167) in one of his liturgical sermons. 

We should reflect on what good things Our Lord did for us by His first coming and what greater He will do for us by His second. And by considering this, we should love the first coming of His very much and very much long for the second.

BLESSED MARY OF THE ANGELS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The Lord is our helper. This little handmade bridge is helpful too. Thanks d.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love" 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 61:1-5 The Reception of Visiting Monks

Mass: Is 45:6c-8, 18, 21b-25; Resp Ps 85; all 7:18b-23 

Glory dwelling in our land.

HEART OF JESUS, FULL OF GOODNESS AND LOVE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

When I typed the above invocation from the Litany of the Sacred Heart, I thought, thank you, Jesus, so full of goodness and love. Then I thought how many times during the day I need to remind myself how much God loves me. Jesus loves you too! Turn to Him and be saved, for, as He says, I am the Lord, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe; I, the Lord, do all these things (Is 45:6c-7), so turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other (Is 45:22).

We conclude with a prayer that concluded the Holy Father's Wednesday Audience. Pope Francis continues to teach us about Saint Joseph.

Saint Joseph, man of silence,

you who in the Gospel did not utter a single word, 

teach us to fast from vain words,

to rediscover the words that edify, encourage, console and support.

Be close to those who suffer from words that hurt,

like slander and backbiting,

and help us always to match words with deeds.

Amen. 

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another contribution from dear d, West Linn, OR.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 60 The Admission of Priests to the Monastery

Mass:  Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Resp Ps 34; Mt 21:28-32

Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy.

As we commemorate a priest and Doctor of the Church, Saint John of the Cross, called, "an intellectual genius and a reformer" (the great saint is quoted five times in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Why not look up the references and see what he has to say, especially in CCC 65, which turns out to be a good commentary on today's Gospel. Check it out and see what you think 😊), we also hear Saint Benedict's guidelines for the admission of priests into the monastery (RB 60). Certainly, Saint John of the Cross was a priest who would "not make any exceptions for himself but rather give everyone an example of humility" (RB 60:5).

In honor of Saint John of the Cross, we let him speak to us today. At the same time, we pray for all Carmelites, both Discalced and the Order of Carmelites. Now with a few words from Saint John of the Cross starting with important news from him, namely, "At the end of our life, we shall be judged by love.

The soul of one who loves God always swims in joy, always keeps holiday, and is always in the mood for singing.

Learn to abide with attention in loving waiting upon God in the state of quiet.

Contemplation is nothing else but a secret, peaceful and loving infusion of God, which, if admitted, will set the soul on fire with the Spirit of love.

Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent. 

The purest suffering bears and carries in its train the purest understanding.

He that complains or murmurs is not perfect, nor is he even a good Christian.

The soul that is united with God is feared by the devil as one who is where God Himself is.

A bird can be held by a chain or by a thread, still it cannot fly.

In detachment, the spirit finds quiet and repose for coveting nothing. Nothing wearies it by elation, and nothing oppresses it by dejection, because it stands in the center of its own humility. 

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Baby Charlie Steven is certainly radiant with joy. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Third Week of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Lucy, Virgin, Martyr (4th century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 59 The Offering of Sons by Nobles or the Poor

Mass: Nb 24:2-7, 15-17a; Resp Ps 25; Mt 21:23-27

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me.

HEART OF JESUS, BURNING FURNACE OF CHARITY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Welcome to another Monday, a rainy one here. As we commemorate Saint Lucy, we can turn to today's Responsorial Psalm throughout the day, especially when things get a little rough, which is not unusual on a Monday. We ask the Lord then for help: Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Here are some beautiful words too, from Saint Ambrose, bishop (d. 397), from the book On Virginity, the second reading in today's Office of Readings.

The Word of God moves swiftly; He is not won by the lukewarm, nor held fast by the negligent. Let your soul be attentive to His Word; follow carefully the path God tells you to take, for He is swift in His passing.

SAINT LUCY,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This photo was sent some time ago from one of my nephews who was in Philadelphia on business. This LOVE sculpture is in Love Park, in the City of Brotherly Love. However, the original is at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It is the first sculptural form of Robert Indiana's LOVE painting, also in Indianapolis. My oldest sister and I saw both of them there. With a little research, I found that one can find LOVE sculptures all over the world, including Tokyo and New York City. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

In other years: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas; Saint Finian of Clonard (470-549)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 58:17-29 The Procedure for Receiving Brothers

Mass: Zeph 3:14-18a; Resp Ps (Is 12); Ph 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim His name.

LET US LIVE IN HOLINESS AND LOVE AS WE PATIENTLY AWAIT OUR BLESSED HOPE, THE COMING OF OUR SAVIOR.

(Liturgy of the Hours, Third Sunday of Advent, Evening Prayer II, Antiphon)

Welcome to Gaudete Sunday, and Bambinelli Sunday too, the latter a tradition started by Pope Saint Paul VI over 50 years ago, when children bring little statues of the Child Jesus to Saint Peter's Square to be blessed by the Holy Father. The figurines are then placed in the family Christmas nativity scenes back home. Pope Francis continued the custom at today's Angelus Address in Saint Peter's Square. With Saint Paul then, we proclaim: "Rejoice in the Lord always, I shall say it again: rejoice!" (Ph 4:1).

This blessed season of Advent, this "period of devout and expectant delight", moves along. On this Sunday to rejoice we might ask ourselves how we are doing to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, and at the same time to look forward to His Second Coming. It can become overwhelming as it is easy to stay busy buying gifts, writing Christmas cards, baking, cooking, and so forth. However, it's Sunday so the time to sit quietly and reflect. We are blessed this day with our Gospel in that John the Baptist gives the crowds some practical things to do when they eagerly asked, "What should we do?" (Lk 3:10). You can read for yourself what the Baptizer recommends. I suggest that we look to Saint Benedict for practical things to do in his Chapter 4, the Tools for Good Works. There is a tool for everyone no matter one's state of life, so the craftsman can choose what it best suited to him or her for use at home, at work, school, in community, at play, and again, wherever she finds herself. Before we look at a few of them, you might consider this gesture of neighborly care and support. My sister shared that one of her neighbors offered to help her hang her Christmas lights. As my sister said, "it was much appreciated and so much easier with two people, and more enjoyable." All it takes is a little kindness.

Now for some practical Tools for Good Works from Saint Benedict. While using any of the tools we remember that "the love of Christ must come before all else (RB 4:21), and also why we use the tools, namely, to help us love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (RB 4:1-2). 

Because "our way of acting should be different from the world's way" (RB 4:20), we must honor everyone, and never do to another what you do not want done to yourself (RB 4:8-9). We visit the sick, and go help the troubled and console the sorrowing (RB 4:16, 18-19). Make a call or write a letter to someone you know who is ill, anxious, or grieving. We bear injuries patiently, love our enemies and if people curse us, we don't curse them back, but bless them instead! (RB 4:31-32). We don't grumble or speak ill of others (RB 4:39-40). We guard our lips from harmful or deceptive speech, and prefer moderation in speech (RB 4:51-53). We respect the elders and love the young, pray for our enemies out of love of Christ, and if we have a dispute with someone, we make peace with her before the sun goes down (RB 4:70-73). That's enough don't you think? You can look to your favorite translation of the Holy Rule for more. Lastly, though, we can only use these tools with the grace of God. Certainly "do not aspire to called holy before you really are, but first be holy that you may more truly be called so" (RB 4:62). 

There are so many blessings in our faith tradition to be thankful for. May we rejoice in them and in one another, united as we are in faith and prayer. 

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE,

SAINT FINIAN OF CLONARD,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Our Advent Wreath, with the Gaudete rose candle shining brightly.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Pope Saint Damasus I, Martyr (304-384); Saint Maria Maravillas of Jesus (1891-1974)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 58:1-16 The Procedure for Receiving Brothers

Mass:  Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Resp Ps 80; Mt 17:9a, 10-13

Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

MARY, REFUGE OF SINNERS,

PRAY FOR US.

It is not that unusual of an occurrence that Saint Benedict, in our reading from the Holy Rule, speaks to us in some way about the Gospel for the day. In today's Gospel, those that came before Jesus, including Elijah and Saint John the Baptist suffered. So too will Jesus, the Son of Man suffer (Mt 17:12). We should expect the same. In his chapter on the reception of new members, Saint Benedict tells us that entrance into the monastery should never be easy. The one who wishes to enter should wait patiently. If she can bear harsh treatment and difficulty of entry, and has persisted in her request, then she may be allowed to stay in the guest quarters. After that she might be allowed to stay in the novitiate (RB 58:3-5). I am reminded of my days in the United States Peace Corps, or rather when I was ready to join, immediately. However, it took about 12 months to fill out all the forms, go through interviews, get necessary medical testing, and so on. Was I serious about it or not? There was no use in the Peace Corps wasting their time and valuable resources, and acting on the whim of another. I didn't blame them.

In any case, if the one interested in entering the monastery keeps going, the concern "must be whether the novice truly seeks God and whether he shows eagerness for the Work of God, for obedience and for trials. The novice should clearly be told all the hardships and difficulties that will lead him to God" (RB 58:7-8). With this in mind, there will be plenty of hardships and difficulties that catch one by surprise, or rather come in unexpected ways. And often they are in the form of what Cardinal Basil Hume (d. 1999) calls "the small hurts of daily life." These small hurts come to anyone who searches for God, at home with the family, at work, in community, in school, at play, or wherever one finds herself. Cardinal Hume has this to say:

I don't know about you, but in my experience there are quite a number of daily hurts that are part of life, and as far as I am personally concerned, I think about a dozen missed opportunities occur every day. It is important to see the small hurts that happen each day as a call from God to turn to Him. Sometimes He cannot get through without shouting very loud and clear, and the most effective way of shouting is to pull us up short. Suffering is one of those ways. All those small things that come our way-feeling neglected, feeling there are those who despise us, the sense of being criticized unfairly-those are the sort of things that leave a hurt, not a big hurt, but a little one.

How do we use such moments? It is astonishing how a little hurt can cause quite an explosion inside of anger and fury with the other person because they have despised or criticized us. I am sure there is only one way to turn something destructive into something positive and that is to realize it is a real self-emptying when those things happen. It is good then just to go down on your knees in prayer. I remember some time ago, when someone said something that was a real snub and made me feel extremely wild inside and very humiliated. But, uncharacteristically, I went into church and thanked God for it, and to my astonishment came our feeling better.

(The Mystery of the Cross, pp. 53-54)

With the grace of God, united in faith and prayer, we keep going.

POPE SAINT DAMASUS I,

SAINT MARIA MARAVILLAS OF JESUS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Meet baby Charlie, a grandnephew, at five months. Precious in the eyes of the Lord, and in the eyes of anyone who sees this beautiful child of God. Those "small hurts of daily life" slip away when you look at a sweet little child such as this. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Second Week of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saints: Our Lady of Loreto; Pope Saint Melchiades (d. 314); Saint John Roberts, Martyr (1575-1610); Saint Edmund Jennings, Martyr (1567-1591); Saint Eustace White, Martyr (1559-1591); Saint Polydore Plasden, Martyr (1563-1591); Saint Swithin Wells, Martyr (c.1536-1591)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 57 The Artisans of the Monastery

Mass: Is 48:17-19; Resp Ps 1; Mt 11:16-19

Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked

Nor walks in the way of sinners.

HEART OF JESUS, MOST WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Rejoice this day with so many saints to intercede for us, a large number of them English martyrs. May they intercede for us, and especially for the people of the United Kingdom.

It seems like a good day to heed the words of the Lord that come to us through the Prophet Isaiah: Thus says the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go (Is 48:17). For, as Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) writes, "The whole opening scene of the good news is filled with waiting people. And right at the beginning all those people in some way or another hear the words, "Do not be afraid. I have something good to say to you.'" Yes, as Jesus says, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (Jn 8:12), and as we sing in today's responsory, "Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life". We do everything then, so that in all things God may be glorified (RB 57:9/1 Pt 4:11).

Just as in the Second Coming we will go to meet Christ, our bodies rising in exaltation, so we must greet His first coming with hearts straining with desire and leaping with joy.

(Guerric of Igny)

The Lord delays so that He can be merciful to you ... If you are wise, give an eye to yourself and see how you are using this delay. If you are a sinner, do not be heedless but take the opportunity to repent. If you are holy the time is given to you to progress in holiness, not to slip away from the truth.

(Guerric of Igny)

OUR LADY OF LORETO,

POPE SAINT MELCHIADES, 

SAINT JOHN ROBERTS,

SAINT EDMUND JENNINGS,

SAINT EUSTACE WHITE,

SAINT POLYDORE PLASDEN,

SAINT SWITHIN WELLS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US. 

Today's photo: I've been waiting to use this one. This classic photo was sent shortly after the photographer and I had a conversation about shoes at the side of the road. I asked if she had noticed that there is usually only one shoe on the side of the road, not two. Except for when a pair of shoes is hanging over an electrical wire. And just how did they get up there? I recall only once that I saw a pair of shoes, but they were flipflops, in the Safeway parking lot in Silverton, OR. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Second Week of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Juan Diego Cuautlatoatzin (1474-1548)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 56  The Abbot's Table

Mass: Is 41:13-20; Resp Ps 145; Mt 11:11-15

Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord.

HEART OF JESUS, MEEK AND HUMBLE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I thought to include some poetry today, something on humility in honor of our most humble saint of the day, Juan Diego, and also of John the Baptist who knew he was not worthy to untie the sandal strap on Jesus' feet (Jn 1:27). I found more than one poem in my newly acquired Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and the West, today in the section on Saint Francis of Assisi. Here are a couple (pp. 37, 52).

HUMILITY AND COMPASSION

Can true humility and compassion exist in our words and eyes

unless we know we too are capable of

any act?

IN ALL THINGS

It was easy to love God in all that

was beautiful.

The lessons of deeper knowledge, though, instructed me

to embrace God in all

things. 

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE,

SAINT JUAN DIEGO CUAUTLATOATZIN,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More of those delicious cookies, not without a gummy "berry". 😊

© Gertrude Feick 2021