Wednesday of Holy Week

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 49 The Observance of Lent

Mass: Is 50:4-9a; Resp Ps 69; Mt 26:14-25

Lord, in your great love, answer me.

HEART OF JESUS, BRUISED FOR OUR OFFENSES,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

From the mouth of the Prophet Isaiah we hear this: I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from buffets or spitting (Is 50:5-6). Should we not follow suit? After all, Saint Benedict encourages us with these Tools for Good Works: Do not repay one bad turn for another. Do not injure anyone, but bear injuries patiently. Love your enemies. If people curse you, do not curse them back but bless them instead. Endure persecution for the sake of justice (RB 429-33). Ah, "the Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced. I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame" (Is 50:7). Lord, have mercy.

The Cross of Christ is like a beacon that indicates the port to ships that are still afloat on stormy seas. It is the sign of hope that does not let us down, and it tells us that not even one tear, not one cry in lost is God's plan of salvation.

(Pope Francis, General Audience, March 31, 2021)

JOSEPH, MOST STRONG,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A robin on a cairn. Thanks MG.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of Holy Week

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 48:20-25

Mass: Is 49:1-6 Resp Ps 71; Jn 13:21-33, 36-38

I will sing of your salvation.

HEART OF JESUS, PIERCED WITH A LANCE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, Amen, amen, I say to, one of you will betray me.

(Jn 13:21)

Thankfully, "Christ's love is greater than our betrayals." Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.

(Jn 13:38)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A bird out on a limb. Thanks MG.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of Holy Week

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 48:10-17

Mass: Is 42:1-7; Resp Ps 27; Jn 12:1-11

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

HEART OF JESUS, PROPIATION FOR OUR SINS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is His faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore I will hope in Him.

(Lam 3:22-24)

Welcome to Monday of Holy Week. The above passage from the Book of Lamentations, proclaimed at Lauds this morning, caused me to think about how patient Jesus is. With today's Gospel, I think of the patience Our Lord had with Judas, the patience He had with the large crowds, full of the curious who wanted to see not only Jesus, but also Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. And then there were those who plotted to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. 😟 Saint Augustine's sermon included with the Office of Readings begins in this way: "The passion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the hope of glory and lesson in patience"(Monday, Holy Week). Why not once again go through Saint Mark's narrative of the Passion proclaimed at Mass yesterday. This time notice how patient Jesus is. Oh those disciples who just couldn't manage to stay awake with Jesus in Gethsemane. And we who can't manage to stay awake with Jesus either. As yesterday, we continue with Pope Francis and pray for the grace of amazement and enough healthy curiosity to stay awake. You will always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me (Jn 12:8). Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful, have mercy on us.

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Thanks to MG 😊 we see the moon in its fullness of yesterday morning. "The moon and the stars to rule the night, God's love endures forever" (Ps 136:9). 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 48:1-9 The Daily Manual Labor

The Commemoration of the Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem: Mk 11:1-10 or Jn 12:12-16

Mass: Is 50:4-7; Resp Ps 22; Ph 2:6-11; Mk 14:1-15:46

Others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields.

HEART OF JESUS, PIERCED WITH A LANCE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

With so much to reflect upon, I hold to some words from this past Friday about preparation for today, and this entire week. Why not spend some time slowly and carefully reading through Saint Mark's account of the Lord's Passion, proclaimed today at Mass. If possible, read it aloud with others. If not, read it out loud yourself. Put yourself in the scenes, so starkly and directly revealed, from one scene to the next. I pay attention to the array of emotions: fear, indignant, infuriated, distressed, troubled, sorrowful ... Peter broke down and wept (Mk 14:72). And something we might miss is pointed out to us by Pope Francis in his homily of today. He began with these words: "Each year this liturgy leaves us amazed: we pass from the joy of welcoming Jesus as He enters Jerusalem to the sorrow of watching Him condemned to death and then crucified. That sense of interior amazement will remain with us throughout this Holy Week." So we pray for the grace of amazement, as Pope Francis preached: "Maybe our faith has grown dull from habit. Maybe we remain trapped in our regrets and allow ourselves to be crippled by our disappointments. Maybe we have lost all our trust or even feel worthless. But perhaps, beyond all theses 'maybes', lies the fact that we are not open to the gift of the Spirit who gives us the grace of amazement."

I found an excellent and not entirely unrelated suggestion from Cardinal John O'Connor (1920-2000) to help guide us during this "holiest week in the history of the human race". And it is this: "If we have not been able to practice our faith as we would like as we know we should, this is a wonderful week to get started all over again. In this way, when Easter is celebrated next Sunday, we will really feel that something has been accomplished" (in Magnificat, Holy Week 2021, "The Week of Reconciliation", p. 16). We go forth and "look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing" (RB 49:7).

SAINT JOSEPH, PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Other saints: Saint John of Egypt (304-394)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 47 Announcing the Hours for the Work of God

Mass: Ezk 37:21-28; Resp Ps (Jer 31); Jn 11:45-56

The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock.

HEART OF JESUS, SON OF THE ETERNAL FATHER,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.

(Verse before the Gospel, Mass)

Tomorrow we celebrate Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord and enter into the holiest week of the year. Is there something you need to do to prepare yourself? United, let's not enter into Holy Week with dulled senses. We pray "that Christians everywhere will live this Holy Week with special reverence, self-giving, and devotion" (Magnificat, Prayer of the Faithful, March 28, 2021). All of us, united. 

"Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?" (Mk 4:35-41). We have realized we are on the same boat, all of us, fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all us called to row together.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, March 27, 2021)

Saint news of the day: Today's fourth century monk, Saint John of Egypt, after leaving home at the age of 25, first lived under the guidance of a wise hermit. After the death of his master teacher, he withdrew "into a remote cave on Mount Lycos. There he live a strict life, devoting himself to prayer and manual work." Saint John of Egypt provides a good model for all followers of Saint Benedict, those who devote themselves often to prayer (RB 4:56), and whose daily life has "specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading" (RB 48:1).

SAINT JOHN OF EGYPT,

HOLY MARY,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A tulip tree just getting started.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Other saints: Saint Peter of Sebaste, Bishop (c. 391)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 46 Faults Committed in Other Matters

Mass: Jer 20:10-13; Resp Ps 18; Jn 10:31-42

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and He heard my voice.

HEART OF JESUS, BRUISED FOR OUR OFFENSES,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

It is something I read last night which sticks, that is, "long familiarity with the Passion narratives can dull our awareness of the acute suffering that Christ endured for our sake" (Magnificat, March 2021, p. 384). Palm Sunday is coming soon. This year we are gifted with what has been described as Saint Mark's "stark" account of the Lord's Passion. It is not too early to prepare. Let's not enter into it with dulled senses or the "prodigal son syndrome" of "I've heard that one before and already know what happens." Grant, O merciful God, that we may be worthy to serve ever fittingly at your altars, and there to be saved by constant participation (Prayer over the Offerings, Mass, March 26, 2021).

Saint news of the day: Welcome to this new and what will be an occasional category in daily posts. Today we have another remarkable saint, as if they are not all remarkable, those officially recognized and the multitude who aren't, like "the saints next door" as Pope Francis refers to them. What was said about Saint Catherine of Vadstena, a daughter of Saint Bridget of Sweden, last Wednesday can be said about Saint Peter of Sebaste, as far as "keeping it in the family" anyway. According to my favorite Butler's Lives of the Saints, "Peter was the youngest of ten children of St Basil the Elder and St Emmelia, and one of a remarkable family of saints. His grandmother was St Macrina the Elder, who had been guided in the way of holiness by Saint Gregory the Wonder-worker; his eldest sister was St Macrina the Younger, whose influence, after that of her parents, was paramount in the spiritual formation of the brothers Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Peter himself." Among other qualities attributed to him, Peter was praised for his "sanctity, prudence, and zeal" (March volume, p. 257).

SAINT JOSEPH,

SAINT PETER OF SEBASTE, 

SAINT MACRINA THE YOUNGER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: It's a good deal to be able to walk out your door and see this.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 45 Mistakes in the Oratory

Mass: Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Resp Ps 40; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38

Hail, full of grace!

MARY, VESSEL OF HONOR,

PRAY FOR US.

MARY, HOUSE OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

It has been a full morning and there is so much to reflect upon. Please join me, with the lead of Mary, throughout this day, whatever comes your way, and repeat: May it be done to me according to your word (Lk 1:38). We keep all these things and reflect on them in our hearts (Lk 2:19). To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart (Ps 40).

What shall be opened to the Lord but the ear and the heart. With your ear hearken to the angel's word, with your heart, receive the Word, and with your body conceive the Son of God.

(Guerric of Igny)

JOSEPH, CHASTE GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: The Annunciation, written through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. Prints of the icon, and others too, are available through our online store. Please visit www.redwoodsabbey.org. Thank you. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Other saints: Saint Macartan (-506); Saint Catherine of Vadstena, Abbess (1331?-81) 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 44 Satisfaction by the Excommunicated

Mass: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Resp Ps (Dn 3); Jn 8:31-42

Glory and Praise for ever!

HEART OF JESUS, BURNING FURNACE OF CHARITY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

If you happen to find yourself in a heated situation today, think of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who King Nebuchadnezzar had cast into the "white-hot furnace" (Dn 3:20). It is worth reading Chapter 3 of the Book of Daniel straight through. You may determine that your situation is not so bad after all. In any case, why not join Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and sing with one voice, glorifying and blessing God (Dn 3:51): Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever (Dn 3:89).

Saint news of the day: Since we are still in March, the month we commemorate Saint Patrick, I include news of Saint Macartan. He "was a convert from paganism and a companion of Saint Patrick, who made him bishop of Colgar in 454. He is the patron saint of the diocese." Also news about Catherine of Vadstena. She was the fourth of the eight children born to Bridget and her husband Ulf. Bridget we know now as Saint Bridget of Sweden! That's what you call keeping it in the family. We also look to Saint Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri (1696-1787). Yesterday was the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of him as a Doctor of the Church. Saint Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly called Redemptorists, many of whom are renowned moral theologians, at least ones I was privileged to have as teachers in Rome. And a correction regarding yesterday's saint of the day, Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo. It appears that his hometown was not Mogrovejo, but Mayorga, Spain, instead. Still, Mayorga is not much bigger than Marevejo, as according to a 2004 census it had a population of 179. Since I've never been to Spain, I'd be happy to go to either place. 

SAINT MACARTAN,

SAINT PATRICK,

SAINT CATHERINE OF VADSTENA,

SAINT ALPHONSUS MARIA DE LIGOURI, 

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This friend and proud Grandma had this to say about her first grandson and his mom and dad: "Yes! I praise God for this little guy and his parents that I get to spend time with him." They are absolutely beautiful and oh so happy. 😊

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Other saints: Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Bishop (1538-1606)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 43:13-19

Mass: Num 21:4-9; Resp Ps 102; Jn 8:21-30

When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.

HEART OF JESUS, OF INFINITE MAJESTY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's first reading from the Book of Numbers, the people are once again complaining about the situation they find themselves in, this time because they don't have sufficient food or water, or at least they are "disgusted with the wretched food" (Nb 21:5). Apparently they didn't like what was offered. Hmmm. 

Perhaps it's best just to keep things simple. Why not consider making today a "free from complaining, grumbling, and murmuring day". And consider too praying with Psalm (31)32, proclaimed this morning at Lauds: "Then I declared my sin to you; my guilt I did not hide. I said, 'I confess my faults to the Lord,' and you took away the guilt of my sin" (Ps 32:5). Or, if that doesn't work, join the people in the first reading, who may have a had a change of heart: "We have sinned in complaining against the Lord and you" (Nb 21:7).

Our saint of the day, Saint Turibius was from Mogrovejo, Spain. Curious, I looked up his hometown. Mogrovejo is a small village that had only 44 inhabitants in 2008. Wow. Look it up, it is a beautiful place.

How many times have we told the Lord: "Lord, I will come to you later ... I can't come today. Tomorrow I will begin to pray and do something for others." In this life, we will always have things to do and excuses to offer, but right now is the time for God.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, March 23, 2021) 

SAINT TURIBIUS OF MOGROVEJO,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

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

World Water Day

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 43:1-12 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Resp Ps 23; Jn 8:1-11

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

HEART OF JESUS, ABODE OF JUSTICE AND LOVE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Two brief comments for today. First, we have the inspirational story of Susanna in today's First Reading, always worth reading in the longer form. Dear Susanna, who "trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly" (Dn 13:35), please intercede for us as we too put our trust in the Lord. 

In the Gospel, Jesus says this: Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her (Jn 8:7). What comes to mind are two things. The first is something I've shared before, what someone said to me years ago, namely, "when you point your finger at someone else, three of your fingers are pointing at you." The second comes from Jesus: How can you say to your brother, "Let me remove that splinter in your eye," while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye (Mt 7:4-5). Kyrie, eleison.

One of the saints of the day is Saint Deogratias, a bishop of Carthage (located in what is now Tunisia, North Africa) in the 5th century.  What a great name. I knew a South African Benedictine Sister with the name Deogratias. Saint Deogratias, pray for us.

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I was intrigued by the late afternoon sun on these leaves. 

2021 © Gertrude Feick

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Day of Remembrance for the Innocent Victims of the Mafia (Italy)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 42 Silence after Compline

Mass: Jer 31:31-34; Resp Ps 51; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33 or Ezk 37:12-14; Resp Ps 130; Rm 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45

Create a clean heart in me, O God.

I WILL PLACE MY LAW WITHIN THEM AND WRITE IT UPON THEIR HEARTS.

(Jer 31:33)

Once again, during this holy season, we are presented with several readings for reflection and prayer. There are multiple themes to absorb and it is often best to choose one theme, although this week it is a challenge. What stands out for you? How is Jesus speaking, and what is He saying to you? 

I notice the Greeks who said to Philip, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus" (Jn 12:21). Do you ever say, "Jesus, I would like to see you." I might not use those words exactly but at times I do wonder where on earth He is. Now if I had eyes that could see and ears that could hear and a heart that was open then I would recognize Jesus in my midst everywhere I go and in everyone I meet. Alas, I don't. One thing Jesus asks each of us is die to self, let go of our whims and appetites, our preferences and our moods. We will then see Him more clearly. May we serve Jesus today and throughout this Fifth Week of Lent, in those situations we find ourselves and in those people we encounter, especially those with whom we have the most difficulties. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me (Jn 12:24-26). Heart of Jesus, obedient to death, have mercy on us.

We pray for those preparing to enter the Church at Easter who receive the Third Scrutiny today. United with them we pray with the Collect from Mass: "By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God, may we walk eagerly in that same charity with which, out of love for the world, your Son handed Himself over to death." Amen.

"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit" (Jn 12:23-24). Precisely then, in trials and in solitude while the seed is dying, that is the moment in which life blossoms, to bear ripe fruit in due time.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, March 21, 2021)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This small beauty, in the midst of other small beauties, is delightful. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 41 The Times for Meals

Mass: Jer 11:18-20; Resp Ps 7; Jn 7:40-53 

O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.

MOTHER OF CHRIST,

PRAY FOR US.

In today's Gospel, there is tension and discussion, "a division occurred in the crowd because of Jesus" (Jn 7:43). There remains tension and discussion, and not a little division, over Jesus. A couple things that Jesus said come to mind: I am the way and the truth and the life (Jn 14:6) and If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Lk 9:23).

Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster-child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of Him who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. Amen.

(From a sermon of Saint Bernardine of Siena, priest, Office of Readings, March 19) 

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These sweet little ones caught my eye.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Year of Saint Joseph, December 8, 2020 - December 8, 2021

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink

Mass: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Resp Ps 89; Rm 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a

The son of David will live forever.

JACOB WAS THE FATHER OF JOSEPH, THE HUSBAND OF MARY. OF HER WAS BORN JESUS CHRIST WHO IS CALLED THE CHRIST.

(Mt 1:16)

Happy Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

There are many things one can do to make today's celebration special, especially during this Year of Saint Joseph, the Patron of the Universal Church. Here are but a few suggestions.

First, think about all those men you know who bear the name of Joseph. And women too. I think of two now of happy memory, both faithful Benedictines. They were Sister Joeine and Sister Josephine. And I know a Sister Joseph, also a faithful and still going strong Benedictine. What is at least one quality in each of them that you admire? Ask Saint Joseph to intercede for them. 

Second, pray with the Litany of Saint Joseph. You can find it many places on the web, one of which is the website for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In fact, you can find many rich resources for prayer and reflection during this year on their website. 

Third, re-read or read and reflect upon the Apostolic Letter Patris Corde With a Father's Heart of the Holy Father Francis, given on December 8, 2020. It is available too on many sites, one of which is the Vatican's website, www.vatican.va. I share with you now one of my favorite sections of the Letter, Section 7. "A father in the shadows". There, Pope Francis broadened and enriched my understanding of chastity. We are reminded that Joseph is "traditionally called a 'most chaste' father" (Mt 1:19). Pope Francis comments: "That title is not simply a sign of affection, but the summation of an attitude that is opposite of possessiveness. Chastity is freedom from possessiveness in every sphere of one's life. Only when love is chaste is it truly love ... the logic of love is always the logic of freedom, and Joseph knew how to love with extraordinary freedom. He never made himself the centre of things. He did not think of himself, but focused instead of the lives of Mary and Jesus." A lesson for all the faithful. Joseph, chaste and just, pray for us.

Fourth, get yourselves a copy of St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), The Book of Her Life (The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila, Volume One, trans. K. Kavanaugh and O. Rodriguez, ICS Publications, 1987). There in Chapter 6, 6-8, at least, you will learn about St. Teresa's devotion to St. Joseph. It is remarkable indeed. Here is a teaser found in paragraph 6:

I took for my advocate and lord the glorious St. Joseph and earnestly recommended myself to him. I saw clearly that as in this need so in other greater ones concerning honor and loss of soul this father and lord of mine came to my rescue in better ways than I knew how to ask him for. I don't recall up to this day ever having petitioned him for anything that he failed to grant. It is an amazing thing the great many favors God has granted me through the mediation of this blessed saint, the dangers I was freed from both of body and soul.

Finally, I leave you with a prayer sent to me this morning by Archbishop Arthur Roche in Rome. He asked for prayer for a dear friend of his recently diagnosed with polycythemia, a type of blood cancer. Archbishop Roche wrote that the prayer was written by Saint Teresa of Avila. As he related: "She had a great trust in St. Joseph and put him in charge of the convent whenever she was on her travels! Pope Francis often passes this prayer on to people when they visit him." Let us put our trust in Saint Joseph too. 😊

O Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, who knows how to make possible the things that are impossible, come to our help in these moments of stress and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious situations and difficulties that I bring to you that they may end happily. O my most beloved father, all my confidence is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain; and since after Jesus and Mary you are so powerful show me that your goodness equals your power. Amen.

SAINT JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE MOTHER OF GOD,

SAINT JOSEPH, DILIGENT PROTECTOR OF CHRIST,

SAINT JOSEPH, HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: Saint Joseph with the Child Jesus, written through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. Prints of the icon, and others too, are available through our online store. Please visit www.redwoodsabbey.org. Thank you. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386); Saint Edward the Martyr (962-978)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 39 The Proper Amount of Food

Mass: Ex 32:7-14; Resp Ps 106; Jn 5:31-47

Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

HEART OF JESUS, ABYSS OF ALL VIRTUES,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Yesterday we sang one of my favorite psalms at the Liturgy of the Hours and I hoped to be able to use a few verses in a reflection. It just so happens that today is the day. Every time we sing Psalm 115, especially verses 4-8, I smile, thinking how silly it is to worship things. Guilty as charged! Here are the verses.

Their idols are silver and gold, 

the work of human hands,

They have mouths but do not speak,

eyes but do not see.

They have ears but do not hear,

noses but do not smell.

They have hands but do not feel,

feet but do not walk,

and no sound rises from their throats,

Their makers will be like them,

all who trust in them.

Today we have our first reading from the Book of Exodus and the "stiff-necked people" who have gone and made a molten calf for themselves. They are busy worshipping the calf and sacrificing to it when the Lord tells Moses to down the mountain and intervene (Ex 32:7-9). I can't help but think of one my favorite movies, The Ten Commandments, where the scene is vivid. I can see the calf there, with the nose ring and the people engaged in all sorts of revelry. Lord, have mercy. 

Not unrelated are Jesus' words in today's Gospel: How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? (Jn 5:44). I turn to Saint Benedict in the Prologue of the Holy Rule (Prol. 30-32), where he quotes Psalm 115:1, "Not to us, Lord, not to us give the glory, but to your name alone", and Saint Paul, "By God's grace I am what I am" (1 Cor 15:10); "He who boasts should make his boast in the Lord" (2 Cor 10:17). And in today's reading from Ch 39 "The Proper Amount of Food", where Saint Benedict turns to the Lord's words in the Gospel of Saint Luke: Take care that your hearts are not weighed down with overindulgence (Lk 21:34/RB 39:9). Whether it is with idols in the form of food or drink, molten calves of one kind or another, those with mouths that can't speak and feet that don't walk, overindulgence weighs us down. Indeed, we the makers will be like them, all who trust in them. As Saint Benedict writes: "For nothing is so inconsistent with the life of any Christian as overindulgence" (RB 39:8). 

From today on abstain from every evil thing. Let your tongue not speak insignificant words, nor let your sight look at sin, nor let your mind wander toward what is not profitable.

(Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, catechesis, in Magnificat "Meditation of the Day", March 2021, p. 285)

SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT EDWARD THE MARTYR,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I went outside yesterday around 5:30 p.m. to look for a photo and looked up to see what the sky was doing. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Saint Patrick, Bishop, Missionary (385-461); Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, Abbess (c. 626-659)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 38 The Reader for the Week

Mass: Is 49:8-15; Resp Ps 145; Jn 5:17-30

The Lord is gracious and merciful.

SAINT PATRICK, PATRON SAINT OF IRELAND,

PRAY FOR US.

Are you wearing green? Irish ancestry or not, everybody is Irish on Saint Patrick's Day! ☘ I share with you what I shared last year in the form of an Irish blessing (or maybe it's a curse 😊) my Irish Great Aunt Mary taught me.

May those who love us, love us

And those who don't,

May God turn their hearts.

And if He doesn't turn their hearts,

May He turn their ankles so we'll know

Them by their limping.

Such a blessing works for all of  us who are limping along. As we hear from the Prophet Isaiah, "the Lord comforts His people, and shows mercy to His afflicted" (Is 49:13). May our hearts be turned so as to receive the Lord's comfort and mercy. Then, may we pass it on, especially to those with whom we have the most difficulty. 

I was interested to learn from trusty Butler's Lives of the Saints that we also remember Saint Gertrude of Nivelles today. It is interesting to me because more than one person has confused her with my patron, Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta (1256-1301/2). It is no wonder we commemorate Saint Gertrude of Nivelles on this particular day. Butler's relates: "As her death approached, apparently in a state of fear at the approaching judgment she sent a message to St Ultan at Fosse. He told her that she would die the next day during Mass but have no fear as she would be welcomed by St. Patrick on his feast, by the angels, and many other saints. She died 17 March 659 at the age of thirty-three and was buried in the church of St Peter, one of the three at Nivelles " (March volume, p. 173).

SAINT GERTRUDE OF NIVELLES,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More Eureka Calla Lilies.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 37 The Elderly and the Children

Mass: Ezk 47:1-9, 12; Resp Ps 46; Jn 5:1-16

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.

HEART OF JESUS, ENRICHING ALL WHO INVOKE THEE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I do not know if it ever occurred to me before that the man in today's Gospel, the one who had been ill for thirty-eight years, did not answer Jesus' question. When Jesus saw the sick man lying there by the pool, He asked, Do you want to be well? The man does not answer. He only gives an excuse as to why he hasn't entered the water when it is stirred up. Hmmm. This passage comes at a time when I have been thinking about a phrase, perhaps you've heard it before: "God helps those who help themselves." I do not claim that Jesus only helps those who help themselves. As shown here, Jesus heals the man whether he wants to be well or not. Rise, take up your mat, and walk, says the Lord. And "immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked" (Jn 5:8-9). Sometimes, though, it may be that we become so accustomed to making excuses as to why we can't do this or that, or placing blame outside of ourselves for one reason or another, that we forget that the Lord is there is to help us and heal us from all that keeps us from accepting His love and mercy. Perhaps we've become so despondent that we are unable to budge for one reason or another. Or, we've settled for the least common denominator. I like to think that I would answer Jesus' question with a rousing, "Yes, Lord, I want to be made well!" On the other hand, I like to think of a lot of things. Jesus is asking me the question now. Jesus is asking you the question now: Do you want to be well? What is your answer? Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you (Mt 7:7). 

SAINT JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Calla Lily beauty in Eureka, CA.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 36 The Sick

Mass: Is 65:17-21; Resp Ps 30; Jn 4:43-54

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

JESUS, PATIENT AND FULL OF MERCY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's Gospel we have the royal official whose son was ill. After hearing that Jesus was in town, the official goes to Jesus, the Divine Physician, and asks Him to heal his son, who was near death (Jn 4:46-47). In today's passage from the Holy Rule, we have Saint Benedict's Chapter 36, on care of the sick. There, we read this: "Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ, for He said: I was sick and you visited me, and, What you did for one of these least brothers you did for me (RB 36:1-3). However, "let the sick on their part bear in mind that they are served out of honor for God, and let them not by their excessive demands distress their brothers who serve them. Still, sick brothers must be patiently born with, because serving them leads to a greater reward. Consequently, the abbot should be extremely careful that they suffer no neglect" (RB 36:4-6). Our Lord is patient with us. We extend patience towards those we serve. United in faith and prayer, we go before the Lord and those who care for us with humility. 

AS FOR ME, I TRUST IN THE LORD. LET ME BE GLAD AND REJOICE IN YOUR MERCY, FOR YOU HAVE SEEN MY AFFLICTION.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

To experience Lent with love means caring for those who suffer or feel abandoned or fearful because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, March 15, 2021)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Beautiful and fragrant Daphne. Thank you, MS. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Laetare Sunday: Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 35:12-18

Mass: 2 Chron 36:14-16, 19-23; Resp Ps 137; Eph 2:4-10; Jn 3:14-21 or 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Resp Ps 23; Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

HEART OF JESUS, FOUNTAIN OF LIFE AND HOLINESS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Once again, we are blessed with plenty of readings to reflect upon during this Lenten season, now in its Fourth Week. On this Laetare Sunday, let us "rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!" (Ph 4:4). 

Among other things, here are a few. The Lord encourages us through Saint Paul to live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth (Eph 5:8-9). At the same time, it may be helpful to remember the Lord's words to Samuel: Not as man sees does God sees, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart (1 Sm 16:7). 

When asked about the wickedness in the world, Saint Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562) said this:

The remedy is simple. You and I must first be what we ought to be; then we will have cured what concerns ourselves. Let each one do the same, and all will be well. The trouble is that we all talk about reforming others without ever reforming ourselves.

(Quoted in Magnificat, "Saint Who?", March 2021, p. 182)

"Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." 

(Eph 5:14)

We pray for those preparing to the enter the Church this Easter who receive the Second Scrutiny today: "that God will free them from the false values that can blind us" (Magnificat, Prayer of the Faithful, March 14, 2021). May God free us all from false values that blind us from receiving His light. 

SAINT JOSEPH, 

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Eighth Anniversary of Pope Francis's Election to the Chair of Saint Peter. Auguri, Papa Francesco!

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 35:1-11 Kitchen Servers of the Week

Mass: Hosea 6:1-6; Resp Ps 51; Lk 18:9-14

It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.

HEART OF JESUS, PATIENT AND MOST MERCIFUL,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Eight years ago, March 13, 2013, just after he was elected Pope, the Holy Father Francis stood on the balcony of Saint Peter's and asked us to do him a favor, namely, to pray for him. I clearly remember the occasion. I was in the Damian Center at Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary, gathered with the seminarians, staff, professors, and monks. You could have heard a pin drop. We continue in prayer for Pope Francis, Benedict XVI, Bishop Emeritus of Rome, and for all us, "one for the other, let us pray for the whole world", as the Holy Father celebrates the eighth anniversary of his election to the Chair of Saint Peter.

We continue our Lenten journey with Papa Francesco and the whole Church, united in faith and the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We could go about it with the words of the tax collector in today's Gospel: "O God, be merciful to me a sinner." And this is what the late Cardinal Basil Hume had to say about those words: "I cannot think of any prayer which we can so easily make our own. However burdened we may be by our past sins, or by our present difficulties, however much we may feel ourselves to be failures, and failures in God's eyes, we can always pray: 'God, be merciful to me a sinner'".

Lent is about discerning where are hearts are directed. Let us ask: where is my life's navigation system taking me - towards God or towards myself?

(Pope Francis, Twitter, March 13, 2021)

MARY, VIRGIN MOST MERCIFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Foamy water on the Oregon coast, thanks to d. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Third Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 34 Distribution of Goods According to Need

Mass: Hosea 14:2-10; Resp Ps 81; Mk 12:28-34

I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.

HEART OF JESUS, VICTIM FOR OUR SINS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Considering today's Gospel and Jesus' reminder of the first and greatest commandment, namely: The Lord your God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength; and the second: You shall love your neighbor as yourself,  how about we revisit what was included on Ash Wednesday's reflection. And I just looked at that post and saw that another photo of a Cherry Blossom Tree was included. That one from Eureka, CA. Perhaps the connection was meant to be. 😊 Thank you again to Archbishop Arthur Roche for sending the following. 

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.

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another shot from a walk in the neighborhood in Carmichael, CA. Thanks dear sis, VFO.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 33 Monks and Private Ownership

Mass: Jer 7:23-38; Resp Ps 95; Lk 11:14-23

Let us kneel before the God who made us.

HEART OF JESUS, ENRICHING ALL WHO INVOKE THEE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Thus says the Lord through the Prophet Jeremiah: Listen to my voice (Jer 7:23). Listen today and harden not your heart (Ps 95:8), for unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it (Ps 127:1). 

EVEN NOW SAYS THE LORD, RETURN TO ME WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART, FOR I AM GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL.

(Verse before the Gospel, Mass)

All of us have spiritual infirmities that we cannot heal on our own. We need Jesus' healing, we need to present our wounds to Him and say: "Jesus, I am in your presence, with my sin, with my sorrows. You can set me free. Heal my heart.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, March 11, 2021)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From a walk in the neighborhood, Carmichael, CA. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Saint John Ogilvie (1579-1615)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 32 The Tools and Goods of the Monastery

Mass: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Resp Ps 147; Mt 5:17-19

He spreads snow like wool; frost He strews like ashes.

HEART OF JESUS, SUBSTANTIALLY UNITED TO THE WORD OF GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In light of today's Entrance Antiphon: Let my steps be guided by your promise; may evil never rule me; Verse before the Gospel: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life; and the Communion Antiphon: You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, O Lord, I turn to Pope Francis:

In this Lenten season, accepting and living the truth revealed in Christ means, first of all, opening our hearts to God's word, which the Church passes on from generation to generation. This truth is not an abstract concept reserved for a chosen intelligent few. Instead, it is a message that all of us can receive and understand thanks to the wisdom of a heart open to the grandeur of God, who loves us before we are even aware of it. Christ Himself is the truth. By taking on our humanity, even to its very limits, He has made Himself the way - demanding, yet open to all - that leads to the fullness of life.

(Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2021, 1)

Open your heart to God's word today. What is Jesus saying to you? You can be certain of one thing He saying, that is, I love you. 

SAINT JOHN OGILVIE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Hail, hail, the gang's all here! I was told by our eldest, who has been here since the founding of Redwoods in 1962, that hail like yesterday's was a first ever for Redwoods.  

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Saint Frances of Rome, Foundress (1384-1440)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 31:13-19

Mass: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Resp Ps 25; Mt 18;21-35

Remember your mercies, O Lord.

HEART OF JESUS, OF INFINITE MAJESTY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Today is a good day to pray with Azariah (Abednego) (Dn 1:6) in the midst of the fiery furnace: "Blessed are you, and praiseworthy, O Lord ... and now we put our whole heart into following you; into fearing you and seeking your face once more. Do not disappoint us; treat us gently, as you yourself are gentle and very merciful" (Dn 3:26, 41-42). Since the Lord Our God, most kind and merciful, does not disappoint us, let us put our whole heart into following Him and extend that same kindness and mercy towards others. We can do this by forgiving one another from the depths of our hearts (Mt 18:35), "not seven times but seventy-times" (Mt 18:22). And also listen to something Saint Peter Chrysologus (380-450) preached: "If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to receive, give. If you ask for yourself what you deny to others, your asking is a mockery" (Office of Readings, Tuesday, Third Week of Lent).

We look also to our saint of the day, Saint Frances of Rome, for intercession and inspiration. Born in Rome in 1384, and although she wanted to become a nun, Frances was married at the age of 13. Yes, 13. She embraced her vocation though and was married for 40 years and was the mother of three sons. Frances persevered in the midst of many trials and suffering. Among other challenges were that Frances's husband was banished, two of her sons died of the plague, and she lost all her property (Universalis, March 9, 2021). She lived in a time when, according to a biographer, "many different diseases were rampant in Rome. Fatal diseases and plagues were everywhere, but the saint ignored the risk of contagion and displayed the deepest kindness toward the poor and the needy. Her empathy would first bring them to atone for their sins. Then she would help them by her eager care, and urge them lovingly to accept trials, however difficult, from the hand of God. She would encourage them to endure their sufferings for the love of Christ, since he had previously endured so much for them" (From the Life of Saint Frances of Rome by Mary Magadalene Anguillaria, superior of the Oblates of the Tower of Specchi, Office of Readings, March). Frances kept going with her eyes fixed on Jesus while she founded the Congregation of Oblates under the Rule of Saint Benedict. She died in 1440. Frances was canonized by Pope Paul V on May 29, 1608. Among other sources already referenced, see Butler's Lives of the Saints, March Volume, pp. 79-82. There is much more to the story of Frances of Rome.

Lent is a journey that involves our whole life, our entire being. It is a time to reconsider the path we are taking, to find the route that leads us home, and to rediscover our profound relationship with God, on whom everything depends.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, March 9, 2021)

Love our Lord Jesus Christ above everything in the world, for however much you love Him He still loves you more.

(Saint John of God)

SAINT FRANCES OF ROME,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another look at our camillia.

© Gertrude Feick 2021