Second Sunday of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

In other years: Saint Oswald (-992)

World Rare Diseases Day

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 22 The Sleeping Arrangements of the Monks

Mass: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Resp Ps 116; Mk 9:2-10

From the shining cloud the Father's voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.

HEART OF JESUS, OF INFINITE MAJESTY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

There may have been times in your life when you did not want to leave the presence of loved ones, or leave places of beauty and grandeur. I think of one time now, some years ago, when I was living with the Benedictine Sisters at Kloster Maria Rickenbach in Switzerland. Beautiful and faithful Benedictines, they live in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. To get to their monastery, it is customary to take a 7 1/2 minute ride on the Luftseilbahn (cable car) from the train stop below. It is also possible to walk up the mountain to the monastery. After two months with them, it was time to literally come down from the mountain where they live, just like Peter, James, and John had to do in today's Gospel. They did not want to come down from the mountain either as Peter said to Jesus: "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" (Mk 9:5). Yet, like the three disciples, we must come down from peak experiences and leave the physical presence of loved ones. We remember though that Jesus, like He was with Peter, James, and John, is with each and every one of us, giving us the strength and courage that we need to carry on spreading the Good News, wherever we find ourselves. In fact, this is the mission of every Christian, as Pope Francis said in today's Angelus Address. The Holy Father put it this way: We are to ignite "little lights in people's hearts; being little lamps of the Gospel that bear a bit of love and hope." And when things get difficult or tense, or "when it comes to obeying the commandments or enduring adversity," preached Pope Saint Leo the Great, "the words uttered by the Father should always echo in our ears: This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (From a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, pope, Office of Readings, Second Sunday in Lent). 

We draw inspiration from the saints and today in particular, Saint Oswald. It is said that Saint Oswald, 10th century Benedictine monk, bishop, archbishop, and commemorated in the Diocese of Birmingham, UK, "had a special love of the poor; in Lent he would wash the feet of twelve poor men every day." There are many ways to wash the feet of others through random acts of kindness and service that bear a bit of love and hope. How might you go about this during the Second Week of Lent, wherever you find yourself, at work, home, or out and about?

SAINT JOSEPH,

SAINT OSWALD,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Saint Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church (951-1003)

100th Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 21 The Deans of the Monastery

Mass: Dt 26:16-19; Resp Ps 119; Mt 5:43-48

Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

JESUS, LOVER OF US ALL,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

These words of Jesus are plenty for us to embrace in our hearts and extend in word and deed this Saturday of the First Week of Lent: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for He makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust (Mt 5:44-45).

Dear Lord, Jesus, please bless all those with whom we have difficulties.

For those who have hurt or harmed us.

For those who dislike us.

For those who look down on us.

For those who refuse to speak to us.

(Magnificat, Intercessions, February 27, 2021)

SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK,

SAINT GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

NB. Today marks the first liturgical commemoration of Saint Gregory of Narek in the Latin rite. On February 2, 2021, Pope Francis inscribed Saint Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church, on February 27, as an Optional Memorial on the Roman Calendar (as reported by Vatican News, February 26, 2021).

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the First Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Saint Alexander of Alexandria (250-328)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 20 Reverence in Prayer

Mass: Ezk 18:21-28; Resp Ps 130; Mt 5:20-26

I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word.

HEART OF JESUS, PATIENT AND MOST MERCIFUL,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

The Lord God, through the Prophet Ezekiel, tells us that He rejoices when one turns from his evil way that he may live (Ezk 18:23). Sometimes turning away from evil is through small acts of civility and kindness that turn out to be great acts of love, mercy, and compassion. Pope Francis gives us ways to go about this:

In Lent, may we be increasingly concerned with 'speaking words of comfort, strength, consolation and encouragement, and not words that demean, sadden, anger or show scorn'. In order to give hope to others, it is enough simply to be kind, to be 'willing to set everything else aside in order to show interest, to give the gift of a smile, to speak a word of encouragement, to listen amid general indifference'.

(Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2021, 2) 

SAINT ALEXANDER OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the First Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Saint Walburga, Abbess (-776)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 19 The Discipline of the Psalmody

Mass: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Resp Ps 138; Mt 7:7-12

In the presence of the angels I will sing your praise.

HEART OF JESUS,  KING AND CENTER OF ALL HEARTS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Today is one of the those bonus days where Saint Benedict echoes the psalmist in a passage from the Holy Rule. The psalmist sings, In the presence of the angels I will sing your praise, in Responsorial Psalm 138 and our holy father Benedict echoes the same in his chapter on the Discipline of the Psalmody. With this in heart and mind, may we, like Queen Esther in today's first reading, be earnest in our prayer and say, "My Lord, our King, you alone are God. Help me, who am alone and have no help but you" (Es C:14). We heed too Saint Benedict's words as we "consider how we ought to behave in the presence of God and His angels" (RB 19:6). Ask and it will be given to you, says the Lord, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Mt 7:7).

You were made in the image of God. If then you wish to resemble him, follow His example. Since the very name you bear as Christians is a profession of love for others, imitate the love of Christ.

(From a homily by Saint Asterious of Amasea, bishop, in today's Office of Readings)

SAINT WALBURGA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another look at the Oregon coast. Thanks, d. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Bl. Constantius of Fabriano, OP (-1481); Bl. Asccension of the Heart of Jesus Nicol Gono, OP (1868-1940)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:20-25

Mass: Jonah 3:1-10; Resp Ps 51; Lk 11:29-32p

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

HEART OF JESUS, SOURCE OF ALL CONSOLATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Some of the most comforting words today come from the verse before the Gospel: Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful. Today may be a good day to pray with Psalm 51. 

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.

(Ps 51:3)

BL. CONSTANTIUS OF FABRIANO,

BL. ASCENSION OF THE HEART OF JESUS NICOL GONO,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US. 

Today's photo: Welcome to Lucerne, Lake County, California. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr (-155); Saint Serenus the Gardner, Martyr (c. 307)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:12-19

Mass: Is 55:10-11; Resp Ps 34; Mt 6:7-15 

From all their distress God rescues the just.

HEART OF JESUS, OUR PEACE AND OUR RECONCILIATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Thankfully, Jesus teaches us how to pray today "for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes in inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches the hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will" (Rm 8:26-27).

Our Father who art in heaven, 

hallowed by thy name,

thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us; 

and lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil.

(Mt 6:9-13)

And one other thing ... "If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions" (Mt 6:14-15).

SAINT POLYCARP

SAINT SERENUS THE GARDNER,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Yikes.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle

Year of Saint Joseph 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:7-11

Mass: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Resp Ps 23; Mt 16:13-19

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

BUT WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?

As we enter another Monday and march on during this holy season of Lent, now in the First Week, we ask Jesus to help us grow in our faith and understanding of who He is. May we join Saint Peter: You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Mt 16:16). And may we heed Saint Peter words and be "examples to the flock" (1 Pt 5:3). One way to go about that is provided by Pope Francis:

Pass on the fire of Jesus' merciful love. Be for everyone a sign of His presence among you.

(Pope Francis, on this, the 90th anniversary of the first apparition of the Merciful Jesus to Saint Maria Faustina Kolwalska in Plock, Poland)

HEART OF JESUS, PATIENT AND MOST MERCIFUL,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

SAINT FAUSTINA KOLWALSKA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The Pacific from Astoria, Oregon, thanks to d.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

First Sunday of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Borgoglio) created a Cardinal 20 years ago today by Pope Saint John Paul II

In other years: Saint Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor (1007-1072)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:1-6 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Gn 9:8-15; Resp Ps 25; 1 Pt 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15

Remember that your compassion, O Lord, and your love are from of old.

HEART OF JESUS, OUR PEACE AND OUR RECONCILIATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

(Heb 4:14-16)

I have liked the Gospel of Saint Mark, the shortest of all the Gospels, for some time. It is a good one to sit down with and read straight through, from beginning to end. One commentator describes it as "vivid", "where one incident follows directly upon another", it is "almost a breathless narrative". For example, in the first 13 verses of Chapter 1, we have John the Baptist in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mk 1:4); then Jesus is baptized in the Jordan by John and the Spirit descends upon Jesus, and a voice comes from the heavens: You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased (Mk 1:9-11). And today, that same Spirit drives Jesus out into the desert where Jesus remained for 40 days. And Jesus was tempted by Satan. Jesus was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him (Mk 1:12-13). Whew. The narrative leaves a lot to one's imagination. I like that. Why not put yourself in the desert with Jesus. How is Satan tempting you? What are you doing about it? That's not the end of the story though. So in the name of brevity, I leave you with this, from Saint Augustine and the Office of Readings, in his commentary on the psalms.

If in Christ we have been tempted, in Him we overcome the devil. Do you think only of Christ's temptations and fail to think of His victory? See yourself as tempted in Him, and see yourself as victorious in Him. He could have kept the devil from Himself; but if He were not tempted He could not teach you how to triumph over temptation.

(Saint Augustine in his commentary of the Psalms, Office of Readings, First Sunday of Lent)

They will fight against you, but shall not defeat you,

-for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.

You shall not fall by the sword;

I will keep you safe.

-For I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.

(Responsory, Office of Readings, First Sunday of Lent)

SAINT PETER DAMIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Heavenly bamboo for the First Sunday of Lent.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Year of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 17 The Number of Psalms to be Sung at These Hours

Mass: Is 58:9b-14; Resp Ps 86; Lk 5:27-32

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.

THOSE WHO ARE HEALTHY DO NOT NEED A PHYSICIAN, BUT THE SICK DO.

I HAVE NOT COME TO CALL THE RIGHTEOUS TO REPENTANCE BUT SINNERS.

(Lk 5:32)

As we wind up the days after Ash Wednesday and prepare for the First Sunday of Lent, we can pray with the Responsorial Psalm and ask the Lord to teach us His way, that we may walk in His truth, and follow Him. The Lord God teaches this through the Prophet Isaiah: "Remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech" (Is 58:9b). That should keep up busy. 

This has been a week to remember several 13th-15th century Dominican saints, including, Bl. Nicholas of Paglia (Tuesday); Bl. John of Fiesole, better known as Fra Angelico (Thursday); Bl. Alvarez of Cordoba (Friday); and Bl. Christopher of Milan (today). It is fitting and right then that we pray for all Dominicans this week, and ask the saints of the Order of Preachers to intercede for us. All Dominican saints, please pray for us! 

MARY, HEALTH OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

NB. "The forty days of Lent run from Ash Wednesday up to but excluding the Mass of the Lord's Supper exclusive" (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year, 28).

Today's photo: Make straight the way of the Lord, from chilly Leesburg, Indiana, and frozen Lake Tippecanoe. Thanks bro JAF.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Year of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 16 The Celebration of the Divine Office During the Day

Mass: Is 58:1-9a; Resp Ps 51; Mt 9:14-15

Wash me, make me whiter than snow.

THIS PEOPLE DRAWS NEAR WITH WORDS ONLY AND HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS ALONE, THOUGH THEIR HEARTS ARE FROM ME.

(Is 29:13)

A theme that weaves through both of today's readings from Mass is one of fasting. The Lord God, through the Prophet Isaiah, is pretty clear in what He means by fasting, by what is acceptable to Him and what is not. In the Gospel, Jesus is questioned once again, this time by those who are curious about the disciples apparent "lack" of "appropriate" fasting. I have been thinking these days about fasting and how dangerous it can be to decide how others should fast, and what they should fast from. The importance of Church, communal, and familial customs is one thing. As adults though, each one us has to decide what kind of fasting we should focus on during this holy season. And seek guidance or suggestions from others as needed. I found something that may help keep it all in perspective: "The most spectacular feats of asceticism mean nothing if they do not free us to offer true worship and obedience to God. Let us seek the real meaning of Lenten fasts and acts of penance" (Magnificat, Prayer for the Morning, February 19, 2021). With the guidance and wisdom of Saint Benedict then, "let each one deny himself some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing" (RB 49:7).

HEART OF JESUS, DESIRE OF THE EVERLASTING HILLS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

JOSEPH MOST STRONG,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I'm Bean Thomas in snowy Westfield, Indiana. My mom is LCM, a friend of Sister Gertrude's since 7th grade. Woof!

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Bl. John of Fiesole, OP, better known as Fra Angelico (1386-1455)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 15 The Times for Saying Alleluia

Mass: Dt 30:15-20; Resp Ps 1; Lk 9:22-25

Like a tree that yields its fruit in due season.

ENTRUST YOUR CARES TO THE LORD, AND HE WILL SUPPORT YOU.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

In Saint Benedict's Ch 49, "The Observance of Lent," our holy father begins, "The life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent. Since few, however, have the strength for this, we urge the entire community during these days of Lent to keep its manner of life most pure and to wash away in this holy season the negligences of other times" (RB 49:1-2). In today's Gospel, Jesus says, If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Lk 9:23). Jesus tells us that we must take up our cross daily, not when we feel like it, or only during Lent. The holy season of Lent, however, does provide us with the opportunity to be more focused on those things we neglect at other times. Those things we neglect are often the daily crosses Jesus tells us we must carry. Crosses cause us to move inward and look at our motivations of heart and mind. And they never come in ways that we would prefer. Cardinal Basil Hume said this: "We never tailor our own crosses: we don't carve our own crosses to fit our own shoulders: it's always the one that rubs just where it hurts; it's never the cross of my choosing." So whatever form our crosses take, for example, as Cardinal Hume listed, "misunderstandings, an unearned rebuke, gnawing anxiety, ill-health, fatigue", each one us must make a choice, "decide whether these are obstacles to happiness or a path leading to it." The decision is ours to make. Yet we are called by Jesus to accept our crosses and carry them, daily, and so doing, follow Him. Our crosses "lead to happiness-they are means whereby one shares in the risen life of Christ, for 'The Cross on its own does not make sense. The Cross together with the Resurrection does.'" [See Cardinal Basil Hume: A  Pilgrim's Search for God (Gracewing, 2019), pp. 107-108].

There is no spiritual maturity without the Cross. If you don't meet the Cross some time in your life you can never be spiritually mature: you remain spiritually a child.

(Cardinal Basil Hume)

But may I never boast except in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

(Gal 6:14)

FRA ANGELICO,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Back by popular demand, another look at a Cherry Blossom Tree in Eureka, CA. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Ash Wednesday

Year of Saint Joseph

In other years: The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (early 13th century-14th century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 14 The Celebration of Vigils on the Anniversaries of Saints

Mass: Joel 2:12-18; Resp Ps 51; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

WE ARE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST.

(2 Cor 5:20)

Welcome to Ash Wednesday. For consideration during these days leading to the First Sunday of Lent, here is wisdom sent last year from Archbishop Arthur Roche, Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments.

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feast,

gift us with your presence, so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen.

HEART OF JESUS, GENEROUS TO ALL WHO TURN TO YOU,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

SAINT JOSEPH, PATTERN OF PATIENCE,

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: In contrast to yesterday's winter weather in Indianapolis, Indiana, here we find spring-like weather in Eureka, California. One friend commented: "Snow and sunshine all in one day of God's creation. Beautiful!" God is praised. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Bl. Nicholas of Paglia, OP (1197-1256), given the habit by Saint Dominic who made Nicholas one of his traveling companions

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 13:12-14

Mass: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Resp Ps 29; Mk 8:14-21

Be my protector, O God, a mighty stronghold to save me.

OH, THAT TODAY YOU WOULD HEAR HIS VOICE; 

HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS AT MERIBAH, 

AS ON THAT DAY OF MASSAH IN THE DESERT.

(Ps 95:8)

Jesus' question in today's Gospel provides a fitting lead for what Saint Benedict tells us in today's selection from the Holy Rule. Jesus asks, "Are your hearts hardened?" (Mk 8:17). Saint Benedict writes: "Assurdly, the celebration of Lauds and Vespers must never pass by without the superior's reciting the entire Lord's Prayer at the end for all to hear, because thorns of contention are likely to spring up. Thus warned by the pledge they make to one another in the very words of the prayers: Forgive us as we forgive, they may cleanse themselves of this kind of vice" (RB 13:12-13).

BL. NICHOLAS OF PAGLIA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome to Indianapolis, Indiana, yesterday afternoon. Here, it was freezing, I was told, with a wind chill of -2. It was to snow until midnight. Thanks MJM, resident "Swoop McClain". 😊

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Saint Claude la Colombiere (1641-1682)

International Childhood Cancer Day

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 13:1-11 The Celebration of Lauds on Ordinary Days

Mass: Gn 4:1-15, 25; Resp Ps 50; Mk 8:11-13

Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

BE MY PROTECTOR, O GOD, A MIGHTY STRONGHOLD TO SAVE ME. FOR YOU ARE MY ROCK, MY STRONGHOLD! LEAD ME, GUIDE ME, FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR NAME.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

In our first reading, the Lord asks Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" Then Cain asks the Lord, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gn 4:9). Yes, we are to look after and care for another. This takes me to something I read recently: "Better the enemy who tells you the truth than the friend who does not."

May the Lord inspire everyone to draw near to those who suffer, especially children, and to put the weakest in first place. I entrust the doctors and all sick children to the Virgin Mary so that with her motherly affection she might look after them.

(Pope Francis for International Childhood Cancer Day, February 15, 2021)

SAINT CLAUDE LA COLOMBIERE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

In other years: Saints Cyril and Methodius, (9th century), brothers born in Thessalonica who "translated liturgical texts into the Slavonic language and invented the Glagolithic and possibly also the Cyrillic alphabet."; Saint Valentine, Martyr (? 3rd century) 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 12 The Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds

Mass: Lev 13:1-2, 44-46; Resp Ps 32; 1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Mk 1:40-45

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just; exult you upright of heart. 

SAINT JOSEPH, PROTECTOR OF THE CHURCH,

PRAY FOR US.

Saint Paul's words are fitting as we ready ourselves to enter the holy season of Lent: "Do everything for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). Dear Jesus, help us to do everything so that "in all things, God may be glorified (1 Pt 4:11).

This is how He fulfills the Good News that He proclaims: God drew near to our lives, He is moved with compassion with the fate of wounded humanity, and comes to break down every barrier that prevents us from being in relationship with Him, with others and with ourselves.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, February 14, 2021).

SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS,

SAINT VALENTINE,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Blessed Virgin Mary

Other saints: Blessed Jordan of Saxony, successor to Saint Dominic (c. 1177-1237)

World Radio Day

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 11 The Celebration of Vigils on Sunday

Mass: Gn 3:9-24; Resp Ps 90; Mk 8:1-10

From everlasting to everlasting you are God.

MARY, SEAT OF WISDOM,

PRAY FOR US.

It is Saturday and as is customary on most Saturdays, it is a day dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is a day when I look to the Litany of Mary for a fitting invocation. The title above goes well with part of the Responsorial Psalm I marked: "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants" (Ps 90:12-13). Be assured, as in today's Gospel, Jesus says, My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat (Mk 8:2). We join those gathered in the crowd. Eat and be satisfied (Mk 8:8).

ONE DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES FORTH FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

Today's photo: Latest (yesterday) ice storm on "the hill" of Mt. Angel Abbey. Notice if you can the icicles on the leaves.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Blessed Humbeline, Abbess, Sister of Bernard of Clairvaux (c. 1092-c. 1136); Saint Benedict of Aniane, Abbot (751-821)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 10 The Arrangement of the Night Office in Summer

Mass: Gn 3:1-8; Resp Ps 32; Mk 7:31-37

Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered.

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

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

Considering today's Gospel versicle, may our hearts be opened to listen to Jesus: "Ephphatha", that is, "Be opened!" (Mk 7:34). What is Our Lord asking you to be opened to today? Remember, nothing is impossible for God. "He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak" (Mk 7:37).

BLESSED HUMBELINE,

SAINT BENEDICT OF ANIANE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

 

Today's photo: This is a rather odd one. It provides food for thought though.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Our Lady of Lourdes

World Day of the Sick

Other saints: Saint Evagrius Ponticus (345-99); Saint Soteris, Martyr (304); Saint Caedmon (680); Pope Saint Gregory II (c. 699); Pope Saint Paschal I (824)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 9 The Number of Psalms at the Night Office

Mass: Gn 2:18-25; Resp Ps 128; Mk 7:24-30

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES,

MARY, HEALTH OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Jesus has been busy this week tending the sick. It started last Sunday with Simon's mother-in-law who lay sick with a fever. The Divine Physician continued curing many who were sick with various diseases and those possessed by demons (Mk 1:30-34). Then we find folks scurrying about bringing the sick to Jesus. People begged Jesus that they might touch only the tassel of his cloak; and many who touched it were healed (Mk 6:55-56). Next Jesus addresses defilement from within such as greed, envy, and arrogance (Mk 7:15, 21-23). Today, on this World Day of the Sick, Jesus cares for the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman, the daughter with an unclean spirit. Tomorrow we will hear about a deaf man (Mk 7:32), then the hungry are with the Lord; Jesus' heart is moved with pity (Mk 8:2). Indeed, this is what Jesus comes for as He says clearly: Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners (Mk 2:17). Go to Jesus today, and take others with you in prayer. Ask for healing. Beg to touch only the tassel on His cloak. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.

(James 5:13-15)

JESUS PREACHED THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM AND CURED EVERY DISEASE AMONG THE PEOPLE.

(Gospel versicle, Mass, February 8, 2021)

On the World Day of the Sick ... that those who are sick, especially the chronically ill, may know healing, friendship, and strength.

(Magnificat, Prayer of the Faithful, February 7, 2021)

JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: What do you think of this one? It was a pleasant surprise.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Saint Scholastica, twin sister of Saint Benedict (c. 480-547)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 8 The Divine Office at Night

Mass: For the memorial of St Scholastica: Songs 8:6-7; Resp Ps 148; 2 Cor 10:12-11:2; Lk 10:38-42

For the feria: Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17; Resp Ps 104; Mk 7:14-23

Your glory fills all heaven and earth.

DEVOTE YOURSELF OFTEN TO PRAYER.

(Rule of Saint Benedict 4:56)

Dear friends, happy feast of Saint Scholastica. It is a fitting day to devote yourself to prayer as Saint Scholastica's prayer was even mightier than her brother's. And that is no small matter. With the holy twins interceding for us, we are encouraged. 

What we know about Saint Scholastica comes from Pope Saint Gregory the Great and his Book II of the Dialogues, Life and Miracles of St. Benedict, Chapters 33 and 34. You can read some of the story in today's Office of Readings. I share with you an embellished version, something I wrote in 2012. Kyrie eleison.

As holy as Saint Benedict was, there was one occasion when he was unable to attain what he desired. In later chapters of the Dialogue, St. Gregory writes of Benedict's sister Scholastica, herself a holy woman, who consecrated herself to God in early childhood and who used to visit with her brother once a year. It was in a meeting detailed by St. Gregory that Scholastica's prayer was even mightier than her brother's. After the siblings had already "spent the whole day singing God's praises and conversing about the spiritual life", Scholastica asked her brother to stay the night so they could continue their holy conversation. Adamant about returning to his own monastery, Benedict refused. Even though the sky was clear, Scholastica "folded her hands on the table and rested her head upon them in earnest prayer". Just then a torrential downpour began and Benedict was unable to leave. Asking his sister what on earth she had done, Scholastica replied, "When I appealed to you, you would not listen to me. So I turned to my God and He heard my prayer". God answering Scholastica's prayer makes sense to St. Gregory who writes, "Do we not read in St. John that God is Love? Surely it is not more than right that [Scholastica's] influence was greater than [Benedict's], since hers was the greater love." Because of the love that Scholastica had for God and her brother, she and Benedict profited greatly from continuing their spiritual discussion all through the night. 

Furthermore, 

Ch. 34 [of the Dialogues] continues with three days after their visit when Benedict who "stood in his room looking up toward the sky ... beheld his sister's soul leaving her body and entering the heavenly court in the form of a dove". Benedict subsequently had his sister's body brought to his abbey and placed in the tomb which had already been prepared for him. St. Gregory adds, "their minds had always been united in God; their bodies were to share a common grave."

LET THEM PREFER NOTHING WHATEVER TO CHRIST, AND MAY HE BRING US ALL TOGETHER TO EVERLASTING LIFE.

(RB 72:11-12)

Today's photo: This magnificent work of art was done by Sister Protasia Schindler, OSB (late 19th century, early 20th), a Benedictine Sister of Mt. Angel, Oregon. It hangs in the Queen of Angels Monastery Dining Room. Other works by Sister Protasia adorn the Monastery. Image used with permission of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Safer Internet Day

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:62-70

Mass: Gn 1:20-2:4a; Resp Ps 8; Mk7:1-13 

God made all kinds of wild animals, all kinds of cattle, and all kinds of creeping things of the earth.

O COME, LET US WORSHIP GOD AND BOW LOW BEFORE THE GOD WHO MADE US, FOR HE IS THE LORD OUR GOD.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

There is a long entry in Butler's Lives of the Saints for one of the saints for today, Saint Miguel Febres Cordero (1854-1910), born "in the city of Cuenca, seven thousand feet up in the Andes in Ecuador ..." He became a Christian Brother. And honestly, I have never met a Christian Brother I did not like. They are dear and faithful brothers. Saint Miguel's life was fascinating and not without incident. You might be interested to look him up. 

There is a short biography of him by Christian Brother Luke Salm, Brother Miguel Febres Cordero, F.S.C.: Teacher, Scholar, Saint. The title is a fitting one. Even so, after the lengthy account of Saint Miguel's life, Butler's concludes with this: "His whole life radiated service to others" (Butler's February, p. 99). May Saint Miguel Febres Cordero inspire us and intercede for us. He just may help us to love, serve, and honor God with our whole hearts, our whole souls, and all our strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. As did he.

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: How's this for a creeping thing.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Saint Josephine Bakhita (1868-1947); Saint Jerome Emiliani, Founder (1481-1537)

World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Trafficking in Persons  

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:60-61

Mass: Gn 1:1-9; Resp Ps 104; Mk 6:53-56

God called the dome "the sky."

HOW MANIFOLD ARE YOUR WORKS, O LORD!

(Ps 104)

Welcome to Monday. We are blessed these next few days to hear the First Story of Creation from the Book of Genesis. As seen in today's photo, I was blessed to marvel at the wonder of God's creation yesterday afternoon. When reading the account these days, why not wander around and wonder at the marvelous works of God.

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA,

SAINT JEROME EMILIANI,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: "The sky" yesterday afternoon.😎

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

RB 7:59

Mass: Job 7:1-4, 6-7; Resp Ps 147; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39 

Praise the Lord, for He is good; sing praise to our God for He is gracious.

CHRIST TOOK AWAY OUR INFIRMITIES AND BORE OUR DISEASES.

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA. 

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

There are days, and periods of time, when we find ourselves lamenting like poor Job in our first reading: Oh, "I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been allotted me ... the night drags on; I am filled with restlessness" (Jb 7:3-4). We lose hope, especially during these difficult times. I hear over and over again from folks, "when will things be back to normal?" Ah, this is when I think of dear Sister Mary Blanche of happy memory, whose response to "How are you?" would be, "I am doing pretty well in the situation I find myself." Hers was a good approach to the daily, take it as it is and make the best of it. And most importantly, keep seeking Jesus, the Divine Physician, and ask Him to help you. With whatever ails you, go to the Lord. He will grasp your hand and help you up according to His will. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted (Ps 147). 

SAINT JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A look at a clear day and what we have been blessed with these days. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Saint Paul Miki and Companions, the Martyrs of Japan (16th century)

First Saturday of the Month

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:56-58

Mass: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Resp Ps 23; Mk 6:30-34

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

JESUS, COURAGE OF MARTYRS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month. It may be a good day to pray with the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Here are some reasons why with related texts to guide us. 

First, from the Letter to the Hebrews: "Through Jesus, let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind" (Heb 13:15-16). 

We confess the Name of Jesus then, while guarding our lips from harmful or deceptive speech (RB 4:51) and remembering Saint Benedict's ninth step of humility, where our holy father Benedict quotes a Proverb and the psalmist: "In a flood of words you will not avoid sinning (Pr 10:19), and A talkative man goes about aimlessly on earth (Ps 140:12)" (RB 7:57-58). 

And lastly, from the writings of Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur (1866-1914).

I wish I could organize a holy crusade against hate and promote justice and love among men and women. At any rate, in this garden God has given me to cultivate, I want to plead by my attitude, my words, and my actions before everyone I meet the great cause of charity. Will I not be defending the cause of God? My God, help us; send a ray of light and love into our midst.

(In Magnificat, January 6, 2021, p. 97)

PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I don't think I've ever captured this view before. Taken yesterday, it shows what a beautiful day it was. God is praised.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Saint Agatha, Early Christian Martyr

First Friday of the Month

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:55

Mass: Heb 13:1-8; Resp Ps 27; Mk 6:14-29

The Lord is my light and my help.

JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER.

(Heb 13:8)

On this First Friday of the Month, we have three related texts.

First, from the Letter to the Hebrews: "Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Heb 13:7).

Second, from the Holy Rule: "The eighth step of humility is that a monk does only what is endorsed by the common rule of the monastery and the example set by his superiors" (RB 7:55).

Third, from the Office of Readings and a homily on Saint Agatha by Saint Methodius of Sicily: "Agatha, the name of our saint, means 'good'. She was truly good because she was a child of God ... Agatha, her goodness coincides with her name and way of life. She won a good name by her noble deeds, and by her name she points to the nobility of those deeds. Agatha, her name wins all men over to her company. She teaches them by her example to hasten with her to the true Good, God alone."

May we be noble in word and deed, and by our way of life and faith, set a good example to those who look to us to lead and guide them.

Modern man listens more readily to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.

(Pope Saint Paul VI, Address to the Members of the Consilium de Laicis, October 2, 1974)

To us, also, your servants,

who, though sinners,

hope in your abundant mercies,

graciously grant some share

and fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs:

with ... Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia

and all your Saints;

admit us we beseech you,

into their company,

not weighing our merits,

but granting us your pardon,

through Christ our Lord.

[Eucharist Prayer I (Roman Canon)]

SAINT AGATHA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I can't help it folks. Our sky is marvelous indeed. Here around 11am yesterday.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Catholic Schools Week

International Day of Human Fraternity

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:51-54

Mass: Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Resp Ps 48; Mk 6:7-13

As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND; REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL.

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

In today's Gospel, Jesus summons the Twelve and begins to send them out, two by two. Our Lord instructs them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick. That's it, nothing else. They could, however, wear sandals. Jesus' instructions are simple and take me to a few places in the Holy Rule where Saint Benedict's instructions are simple too. In Chapter 4, "The Tools for Good Works", Saint Benedict writes: "Your way of acting should be different from the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else" (RB 4:20-21). In Chapter 72 on "Good Zeal", he writes, "let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ" (RB 72:11). Jesus Christ is the Rock on which we stand firm. If we stand firmly on Him, all shall be well. As Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) wrote, "All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well."

The Christian faithful, having different gifts (cf. Rom 12:6), according to each one's opportunity, ability, charisms and ministry (cf. 1 Cor 3:10), must all cooperate in the Gospel. Hence all alike, those who sow and those who reap (cf. Jn 4:37), those who plant and those who irrigate, must be one (cf. 1 Cor 3:8), so that "in free and orderly fashion cooperating toward the same end," they may spend their forces harmoniously for the building up of the Church.

(Ad Gentus Decree on the Mission Activity of the Church, 28)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another look at Olympic National Park, here Lake of the Angels.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary time

Year of Saint Joseph

Catholic Schools Week

Other saints: Saint Ansgar, Bishop (-865); Saint Blaise, Bishop, Martyr (early 4th century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7;49-50

Mass: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Resp Ps 103; Mk 6:1-6

Bless the Lord, my soul; and all my being, bless His holy name.

STRIVE FOR PEACE WITH EVERYONE, AND FOR THAT HOLINESS WITHOUT WHICH NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD. SEE TO IT THAT NO ONE BE DEPRIVED OF THE GRACE OF GOD, THAT NO BITTER ROOT SPRING UP AND CAUSE TROUBLE, THROUGH WHICH MANY MAY BECOME DEFILED.

(Hebrews 12:14-15)

Although not intended, some of Pope Francis's words provide a commentary on the above from today's first reading.

In his homily at the Vigil Mass on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a day also when the World Day of Consecrated Life is observed, the Holy Father offered some advice for consecrated men and women which are fitting for all the faithful with any vocation: "Please remove yourselves from gossip. It kills community life." Not without a sense of humor, Pope Francis said, "Bite your tongue so it will swell up and occupy your mouth and you won't be able to speak badly!" And, as modeled by the Holy Father, maintain of sense of humor. "It helps so much," said the Pontiff. "It's the anti-gossip, knowing how to laugh at yourself, at situations, even at others-with a good heart!"

SAINT ANSGAR,

SAINT BLAISE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Near Columbia Gorge, Oregon. Thanks again, Becca.

© Gertrude Feick 2021