Saturday of the Third Week of Eastertide

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Other saints: Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Capuchin Friar, Martyr (1578-1622); Saint Erkenwald, Abbot, Bishop (-693); Saint Egbert, Bishop (639-729)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 66 The Porter of the Monastery

Mass: Acts 9:31-42; Resp Ps 116; Jn 6:60-69

Alleluia.

IT IS THE SPIRIT THAT GIVES LIFE, WHILE THE FLESH IS OF NO AVAIL.

(Jn 6:63)

There comes a time when one must decide to just get up and get on with it. It may be that others have to tell us to get up and get on with it, whether we like it or not. In another lively account from the Acts of the Apostles, we find Peter in Lydda. There he meets Aeneas, paralyzed and confined to bed for eight years. Calling him my name, Peter says: Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed. Aeneas did not waste much time; he got up at once (Acts 9:32-34). On the move, Peter continues to Joppa after being summoned there by the disciples. Peter was not about wasting time either. When summoned, he got up and went to Joppa. In an upper room, he found the dead body of Tabitha (what a great name even when translated as Dorcas) surrounded by weeping widows. After sending the mourners out, Peter knelt down and prayed. Calling her by name, Peter said: Tabitha, rise up. Another not bothered with wasting time, Tabitha opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up (Acts 9:36-40). Let's not be about wasting time either and get on with it, like it or not. For inspiration and encouragement, turn to Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen who certainly was not about wasting time. A stalwart of the faith, he was attacked and killed. Fidelis (another great name) left these words as a testament:

What is it that today makes true followers of Christ cast luxuries aside, leave pleasures behind, and endure difficulties and pain? It is living faith that expresses itself through love. It is this that makes us put aside the goods of the present in the hope of future goods. It is because of faith that we exchange the present for the future.

(From a eulogy for Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest, martyr, in Office of Readings, April 24)

SAINT FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN,

SAINT ERKENWALD,

SAINT EGBERT,

HOLY MARY,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Sunset at the Gorge, more specifically, Memaloose overlook near Rowena Crest. Thanks Maddy 😊, outdoor enthusiast extraordinaire. 

 

© Gertrude Feick 2021