Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic

Memorial Day

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:31-33

Mass: Zeph 3:14-18a or Rm 12:9-16; Resp Ps (Is 12); Lk 1:39-40

All generations will call me blessed.

MARY, WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE,

PRAY FOR US.

I like what Saint Bede the Venerable preached about Mary's song of praise, the Magnificat: "It is an excellent and fruitful custom of holy Church that we should sing Mary's hymn at the time of evening prayer. By meditating upon the incarnation, our devotion is kindled, and by remembering the example of God's Mother, we are encouraged to lead a life of virtue. Such virtues are best achieved in the evening. We are weary after a day's work and worn out by our distractions. The time for rest is near, and our minds are ready for contemplation" (Office of Readings, May 31). 

On the other hand, Pope Francis has this to say: "If we forget the good, our hearts shrink. But if, like Mary, we remember the great things that the Lord does, if at least once a day we offer a short prayer of praise, our hearts will expand and our joy will increase" (Twitter, May 31, 2021).

Considering the wisdom of a great saint along with the wisdom of the Holy Father, then, at the time of evening prayer, and at various times throughout the day, join Mary, in haste, and let your soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord!

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name ...

(Lk 1:46-55)

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Our Lady of the Redwoods for the first six years of the Redwoods foundation.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic

Other Saints: Saint Zdzislawa of Lemberk OP (c. 1220-1252); Saint Luke Kirby (c.1549-1582); The Yorkshire Martyrs (16th-17th century); Saint Joan of Arc (c.1412-1431); Saint Walstun (11th century); Saint James Salomonio OP (1231-1314)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:24-30

Mass: Dt 4:32-34, 39-40; Resp Ps 33; Rm 8:14-17; Mt 28:16-0

May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you.

AS SOON AS THE CANTOR BEGINS TO SING "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," LET ALL THE MONKS RISE FROM THEIR SEATS IN HONOR AND REVERENCE FOR THE HOLY TRINITY.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 9:7)

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. If we turn to our Catechism, we learn that "the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them" (CCC 234). Furthermore, as a commentator wrote: "God is wrapped in holy mystery: the reality of the Blessed Trinity, one God in Three Persons, eludes our comprehension, spills over our limited words, and commands our awe, expressed in reverent worship" (Magnificat, Prayer for the Evening, Vigil of the Most Holy Trinity, 2021). So let us express the Most Holy Trinity in reverent worship today and every day, or as Saint Benedict writes, consider how you ought to behave in the presence of God and His angels (RB 19:6). When you sign yourself: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, be deliberate and pay attention, or as Father Paschal, OSB, of happy memory used to remind others, "Sign yourself big and slowly." After all, "Christians are baptized 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit", and "the faith of all Christians rests on the Trinity" (CCC 232). Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia!

You, who are Three in one Substance, the one God,

from whom we are,

by whom we are,

in whom we are,

You, from whom we departed by sinning,

to whom we were made unlike,

but away from whom we have not been allowed to perish,

You, the Beginning, to whom we are returning,

The Pattern we are following,

The Grace by which we are reconciled,

You, we worship and bless!

To You, be glory for ever! Amen.

(William of St. Thierry, On Contemplating God)

HOLY TRINITY, ONE GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

SAINT ZDZISLAWA OF LEMBERK,

SAINT LUKE KIRBY,

THE YORKSHIRE MARTYRS,

SAINT JOAN OF ARC,

SAINT WALSTAN,

BLESSED JAMES SALOMONIO,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Know, and fix in your heart, that the Lord is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other (Dt 4:39).

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic

Saints: Pope Saint Paul VI (1897-1978); Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:19-23

Mass: Sirach 51:12cd-20; Resp Ps 19; Mk 11:27-33

The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

HOLY MARY, VESSEL OF HONOR,

PRAY FOR US.

Today we commemorate Pope Saint Paul VI or observe the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin. We can cover them both by turning to Pope Paul VI's 1965 Encyclical Menso Maio The Month of May, On Prayers for May on the Preservation of Peace.

The month of May ... a month which the piety of the faithful has long dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God ...

We are delighted and consoled by this pious custom associated with the month of May, which pays honor to the Blessed Virgin and brings such benefits to the Christian people. Since Mary is to be rightly guarded as the way by which we are led to Christ, the person who encounters Mary cannot help but encounter Christ likewise. For what other reason do we continually turn to Mary except to seek the Christ in her arms, to seek our Savior in her, through her, and with her? To Him we are to turn amid the anxieties and perils of this world, urged on by duty and driven by the compelling needs of our heart, to find a haven of salvation, a transcendent fountain of life ...

May [Mary] who experienced the cares and hardships of earthly life, the weariness of daily toil, the hardships and trials of poverty, and the sorrows of Calvary, come to the aid of the needs of the Church and the human race. May she graciously lend an ear to the devout please of those all over the world who beg for her peace. May she enlighten the minds of those who rule nations. And finally, may she prevail on God, who rules the winds and storms, to calm the tempest in our warring hearts and grant us peace in our day.

(Pope Paul VI, Menso Maio, 1, 2, 12)

POPE SAINT PAUL VI,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Praise and exalt Him above all forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic

Saints: Saint Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury (1473-1541); Bl Mary Bartholomew Bagnesi OP (1514-1577)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:10-18

Mass: Sirach 44:1, 9-13; Resp Ps 149; Mk 11:11-26

Sing to the Lord a new song.

HEART OF JESUS, ONE WITH THE ETERNAL WORD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I thought to include some poetry today so turned to the Breviary for help. I found a poem by William Blake that may help us take to heart the words of the Gospel versicle: I chose your from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. Alleluia. 

The Divine Image

To Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love

All pray in their distress;

And to these virtues of delight

Return their thankfulness.

For Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love

Is God, our Father dear,

And Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love

Is man, His child and care.

For Mercy has a human heart,

Pity a human face,

And Love, the human form divine,

And Peace, the human dress.

Then every man, of every clime,

That prays in his distress,

Prays to the human form divine,

Love, Mercy, Pity, Peace.

And all must love the human form,

In heathen, Turk, or Jew;

Where Mercy, Love, and Pity dwell

There God is dwelling too. 

SAINT MARGARET POLE,

BLESSED MARY BARTHOLOMEW BAGNESI,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The world is charged with the grandeur of God.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic

Saints: Saint Augustine of Canterbury (-605); Bl. Andrew Franchi OP (1335-1401)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:5-9

Mass: Sirach 42:15-25; Resp Ps 33; Mk 10:46-52

For upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy.

AT GOD'S WORD WERE HIS WORKS BROUGHT INTO BEING; THEY DO HIS WILL AS HE HAS ORDAINED THEM.

(Sirach 42:15)

The above words from the Book of Sirach take me to fond memories of Sister Antoinette, OSB, of happy memory. I've shared this before yet it remains inspiring food for thought. It was one day some 21 years ago when Sister Antoinette and I were visiting in her office. It was quiet and she looked out of the window and said, "See that tree there? It is doing just what God wants it to do." One might say the same about the flowers in today's photo. May we be inspired by beauty that surrounds us, even if it be a tiny flower growing through the crack in the sidewalk, and do God's will as He has ordained each one of us. And if you find you can't manage to see any beauty around you, be bold with Bartimaeus in today's Gospel, and say to Jesus, "Master, I want to see" (Mk 10:51). And may Jesus respond, Go your way, your faith has saved you (Mk 10:51). Our Father who art in heaven ... may your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY,

BLESSED ANDREW FRANCHI,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These beauties are in our cloister flower garden. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic

Saints: Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:1-4 Humility

Mass: Sirach 36:1, 4-5a, 10-17; Resp Ps 79; Mk 10:32-45

Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name's sake.

O GOD, SHOW US THE LIGHT OF YOUR MERCIES.

(Sirach 36:1)

Do you wish to be great? Then, as Jesus tells us in today's Gospel, we are to serve (Mk 10:43). So we listen to three great saints for some ways to go about our service. The first quotation is especially fitting as we begin Saint Benedict's chapter on humility. Indeed, whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted (Lk 14:11;18:14/RB 7:1). 

When we go to confession, we should accuse ourselves of our worst sins first, and of those things which we are ashamed of, because by this means we put the devil to greater confusion and reap more fruit from our confession. One of the very best means of obtaining humility is sincere and frequent confession.

(Saint Philip Neri)

It is an old custom of the servants of God to have some little prayers ready and to be frequently darting them up to heaven during the day, lifting their minds to God out of the mire of this world.

(Saint Philip Neri)

Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure if He wants anything of you, He will fit you for the work and give you strength.

(Saint Philip Neri)

Rejoice in the Lord, not in the world. That is, rejoice in the truth, not in wickedness; rejoice in the hope of eternity, not in the fading flower of vanity. That is the way to rejoice. Wherever you are on the earth, however long you remain on earth, the Lord is near, do not be anxious about anything.

(From a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, May 26)

SAINT PHILIP NERI,

SAINT BENEDICT,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Hi friends, we're Max (l) and Millie (r), and belong to dear Stephanie and Mike, the former and Sister Gertrude have been friends for not too many years shy of 40. Can you imagine? We look like we've been up to a bit o mischief. And perhaps we have. At the same time, we think Saint Philip would like us, for he had a sense of humor. Although we aren't especially fond of cats, Philip Neri was. It is said that "when some of his more pompous penitents made their confession to him (he was famous as a confessor) he imposed salutary and deflating penances on them, such as walking through the streets of Rome carrying his cats (he was very fond of cats)." And there is more. "When a novice showed signs of excessive seriousness, Philip stood on his head in from of him, to make him laugh"! (Universalis, "About Today", May 26, 2021). 😉 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic

Saints of the Day: Saint Bede the Venerable )673-735); Pope Saint Gregory VII (1020-1085); Saint Mary Magdalen of Pazzi (1566-1607)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 6 Restraint of Speech 

Mass: Sirach 35:1-12; Resp Ps 50; Mk 10:28-31

Hear, my people, and I will speak.

Here is some wisdom from the Book of Sirach: To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is an atonement (Sir 35:3). We can look to Saint Benedict for ways to do this from yet another one of my favorite chapters, today on restraint of speech. Our holy father Benedict urges us to "follow the Prophet's counsel: I said, I have resolved to keep watch over my ways that I may never sin with my tongue. I have put a guard over my mouth. I was silent and was humbled, and I refrained even from good words (Ps 38[39]:2-3)." Saint Benedict goes on to say, "because it is written: In a flood of words you will not avoid sin (Prov 10:19); and elsewhere, The tongue holds the key to life and death (Prov 18:21)" (RB 6:1, 4-5). 

All the ways of this world are as fickle and unstable as a sudden storm at the sea.

(Saint Bede the Venerable)

Come, Holy Spirit ...

Come! As you descended upon Mary that the Word might become flesh, work in us through grace as you worked in her through nature and grace.

Come! Food of every chaste thought, fountain of all mercy, sum of all purity.

Come! Consume in us whatever prevents us from being consumed by you.

(From the writings On Revelations and On Trials by Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, virgin, in Office of Readings, May 25)

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT MARY MAGDALEN OF PAZZI,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Since we are back in Ordinary Time, which as a beloved chaplain used to say, is anything but ordinary, here is an anything but ordinary dog. Meet Rainey, a Tibetan terrior who dear Tamara has been busy raising. Here's some of the anything but ordinary. Rainey is not a terrier at all. Tibetan terriers are hairy dogs that guarded the monasteries of Tibet and were imported here by a woman who thought they looked like terriers. Rainey is a lot of work, I'm told, but she's a lovely little dog. Indeed she is. Woof!

© Gertrude Feick 2021

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Our Lady, Help of Christians, National Patron of China; Blessed Louis-Zepherin Moreau (1824-1901); Saint Aldhelm (7th-8th century); Translation of Saint Dominic (800th anniversary of his death)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 5:14-19

Mass: Gn 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14; Resp Ps 87; Jn 19:25-34

And he who established her is the Most High Lord.

BEHOLD, YOUR MOTHER.

(Jn 19:27)

Let's join the disciples and devote ourselves to prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. We pray especially for all the faithful of the Catholic Church of China. Pope Benedict XVI declared May 24 as a Day of Prayer for the Church of China in a 2007 Letter. He began the Letter by praying with the words of Saint Paul: "We always thank God, the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus in the love that you have for all the holy ones because of the hope reserved for you in heaven ..." (Col 1:3-5, 9-11). United, then, with the Church of China, in faith and prayer, we turn to Our Lady, help of Christians. Pray for us. 

Mary is the Mother who watches over us, her children, on our journey through life, often weary and in need, anxious that the light of hope not fail. For that is our desire: that the light of hope never fail. Mary our Mother looks to this pilgrim people whom she loves, and who seek her in the silence of their hearts amid all the noise, the chatter, and the distractions of the journey. Under the gaze of our Mother, there is room only for the silence of hope.

(Pope Francis, Christus vivit Christ is alive, 48)

MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,

MARY, SOLACE OF MIGRANTS,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

BLESSED LOUIS-ZEPHERIN MOREAU,

SAINT ALDHELM,

SAINT DOMINIC,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: You saw this image not long ago. Still, it is fitting for today's memorial. Our Lady of the Sign, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Pentecost Sunday

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 5:1-13 Obedience

Mass: Acts 2:1-11; Resp Ps 104; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; Gal 5:16-25; Sequence Veni, Sancte Spiritus; Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15

Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Welcome to Pentecost Sunday. It's another day of scatter musings ...

How many idioms can you think of that use the word fire? What images do they convey for you? "She's on fire." "Word on fire." "Fire and brimstone." "House on fire." "Light a fire under him." "Fire up! Fire up!" "Playing with fire." But today we have  the "tongues of fire" which parted and came to rest on those gathered together. Those tongues of fire came to rest on each one of them and they were filled with the Holy Spirit! (Acts 2:3-4). As you pray with this account from the Acts of the Apostles, imagine yourself there with those gathered. Pray that you be filled with the Holy Spirit to proclaim the mighty acts of God (Acts 2:11) in word and deed so as to bear the fruits the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). Alleluia.

Another very important thing to do today, and every day, is continue to pray, especially for those who are sick and suffering, and those that share in the pain and suffering of others. I am thinking of one person in particular, a dear man, nearly 90, whom I have know since I was a child. I also think of his dear wife, and their three daughters. Sit quietly with Jesus and pray to Him. Say the names of those you are holding dear in your heart. Dear Jesus, please, breathe on each one of them. Peace be with you. Receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:21-23). 

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in us the fire of your love. Strengthen us from this day forward to proclaim that "Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Ph 2:11).

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From Catherine, the brightest "rhodie" she could find. Alleluia!

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Saint Rita of Cascia (1377-1447); Saint Joachina de Vedruna de Mas (1783-1854)

Year of Ignatius (May 20, 2021-July 31, 2022, the Feast of Saint Ignatius): "To See All Things New in Christ"

National Maritime Day, Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 4:63-78

Mass: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Resp Ps 11; Jn 21:20-25

The upright shall see God's face.

MARY, STAR OF THE SEA,

PRAY FOR ALL MARINERS AND PEOPLE OF THE SEA,

PRAY FOR US.

I like Jesus' response to Peter when he questioned the Lord about the disciple whom Jesus loved, "Lord, what about him?" (Jn 21:21). Jesus replied, what concern is it of yours? (Jn 21:22). In other words, Peter, mind your own business, or more succinctly MYOB. It seems a good idea for each one us to just mind our own business and respond to Jesus' command: You follow me (Jn 21:22). We go about then, united in faith and prayer. Come, Holy Spirit, come. 

Some more ways to just get busy and follow Jesus more closely conclude Saint Benedict's tools for good works.

Live by God's commandments every day.

Treasure chastity.

Harbor neither hatred or jealousy of anyone.

Do nothing out of envy.

Respect the elders.

Love the young.

Pray for your enemies out of love for Christ.

If you have a dispute with someone, make peace before the sun goes down.

Never lose hope in God's mercy.

(RB 4:63-74)

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA,

SAINT JOACHIM DE VEDRUNA DE MAS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A last look at some of the beauty at Whitethorn School. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Saint Christopher Magallanes and his Companions, Martyrs (early 20th century; Saint Eugene de Mazenod (1782-1861)

Year of Ignatius (May 20, 2021-July 31, 2022, the Feast of Saint Ignatius): "To See All Things New in Christ"

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 4:44-62

Mass: Acts 25:13b-21; Resp Ps 103; Jn 21:15-19

Bless the Lord, O my soul; all my being bless his holy name.

HEART OF JESUS, FULL OF GOODNESS AND LOVE,

HAVE MERCY ON US. 

Some years ago I read a commentary on today's Gospel passage where Jesus asks Simon Peter not once but three times if Simon, son of John, loves Him. Scripture scholar N.T. Wright, in his book Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters (HarperCollins, 2011), wrote this: "This brief conversation between Peter and Jesus in John 21 is one of the most moving human encounters ever recorded. There is a love, a deep, moving warmth that goes out from Jesus. But this is strong, powerful, life-changing, life-directing. New creation has begun; and its motivating power is love" (p. 194).

Accept Pope Francis's 2013 invitation to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus. Or, as the Holy Father said, at least be open to letting Jesus Christ encounter you. And do this unfailingly each day (Evangelii Gaudium, 3). Encounter Jesus today. Be motivated by the strong, powerful, life-changing, and life-directing love that Jesus has for you and share it with those you encounter at work, home, school, or wherever you find yourself. Follow me (Jn 21:19), says the Lord.

Guard your lips from harmful or deceptive speech.

Listen readily to holy reading.

Devote yourself often to prayer.

(RB 4:52, 55-56)

Come, Holy Spirit, come. 

 

SAINT CHRISTOPHER MAGALLANES AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT EUGENE OF MAZENOD,

SAINT JOSEPH, 

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The penultimate from Whitethorn School. I call this one a sneaker, tucked away as it is.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Saint Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444); Bl Columba of Rieta OP (1467-1501)

500th Anniversary of Saint Ignatius's injury during the Battle of Pamplona (May 20, 1521). Commencement of the Year of Ignatius (May 20, 2021-July 31, 2022, the Feast of Saint Ignatius): "To See All Things New in Christ"

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 4:22-43

Mass: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Resp Ps 16; Jn 17:20-26

Keep me safe, O God, you are my hope.

JESUS, TREASURE OF THE FAITHFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

Take to heart the Lord's words to Saint Paul in today's account from the Acts of the Apostles: Take courage (Acts 23:11). May we be as bold, strong, and courageous as Saint Paul providing Christian witness in word and deed so that others see the love of Jesus in us. Some ways to go about it are included in Saint Benedict's tools for good works:

You are not to act in anger or nurse a grudge.

Rid your heart of all deceit.

Never give a hollow greeting of peace or turn away when someone needs your love.

Bind yourself to no oath lest it prove false, but speak the truth with heart and tongue.

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.

You must not be proud, nor given to wine.

Refrain from too much eating or sleeping, and from laziness.

Do not grumble or speak ill of others.

Place your hope in God alone.

If you notice something good in yourself, give credit to God, not to yourself, but be certain that the evil you commit is always your own and yours to acknowledge.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:22-43)

Now, with the feast pressing upon us, let us persevere with one accord in prayer, with greater fervor and increased faithfulness, that the kind Spirit, the sweet Spirit, the strong Spirit, may deign to bestow on us his visitation, consolation, and strengthening: strengthening what is weak, smoothing what is rough, and purifying our hearts.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, from Sermons for the Summer Season)

SAINT BERNARDINE OF SIENA,

BLESSED COLUMBA OF RIETA,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA,

SAINT PAUL,

SAINT BONIFACE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This beauty was tucked away waiting to burst forth. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Saint Dunstan (909-988); Saint Milburga (c.715); Saint Ivo or Yves (1253-1303); Blessed Raphael Louis Rafiringa (1856-1919); Saint Francis Coll Guitart OP (1812-1875)

Readings of the Day

RB: 4:1-21 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Acts 20:28-38; Resp Ps 68; Jn 17:11b-19

Show forth, O God, your power.

JESUS, SON OF THE LIVING GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus continues His great prayer (Jn 17:1-26). He prays to His Father for His followers, who do not belong to the world any more than Jesus belongs to the world (Jn 11:14). Jesus does not want His Father to take His followers, including us, out of the world, but that His Father keep us from the evil one (Jn 17:15). Yes, we are in the world. Knowing that, Saint Benedict, in today's passage from the Holy Rule, tells us that our "way of acting should be different from the world's way" (RB 4:20). And how will you make your way of acting different from the world's way? All of us can look to Saint Benedict's tools for good works for many ways to act differently from the world. First and foremost, we are to love the Lord God with our whole heart, our whole soul and all our strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves (RB 4:1). We can honor everyone and never do to another what we do not want done to ourselves (RB 4:8-9). We are to speak the truth with heart and tongue (RB 4:28). Jesus prays to His Father for us: Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth (Jn 17:17). 

We continue in prayer these days leading to Pentecost. After all, as Pope Francis said today in his on-going catechesis on prayer at the weekly General Audience, "believers never stop praying!". Come, Holy Spirit, come.

When the Paraclete comes, whom I will send you, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me, and you also will bear witness, says the Lord, alleluia.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

SAINT DUNSTAN,

SAINT MILBURGA,

SAINT IVO OR YVES,

BLESSED RAPHAEL LOUIS RAFIRINGA,

SAINT FRANCIS COLL GUITART,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More beauty from Whitethorn School.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Pope Saint John I (-526)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 3:7-13

Mass: Acts 20:17-27; Resp Ps 68; Jn 17:1-11a

Blessed day by day be the Lord.

I PRAY FOR THEM. I DO NOT PRAY FOR THE WORLD BUT FOR THE ONES YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, BECAUSE THEY ARE YOURS, AND EVERYTHING OF MINE IS YOURS AND EVERYTHING OF YOURS IS MINE, AND I HAVE BEEN GLORIFIED IN THEM. 

(Jn 17:9-10)

On these days leading to Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit, we continue to join the disciples, some women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers, and pray. On the subject of prayer, then, I turned to more from our tradition in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers. In the early days of monasticism, "a brother said to Abba Anthony, 'Pray for me.' The old man said to him, 'I will have no mercy upon you, nor will God have any, if you yourself do not make an effort and if you do not pray to God.'"

Pray without ceasing.

May the Lord send forth the Spirit and renew the face of the earth!

Come, Holy Spirit, come.

POPE SAINT JOHN I,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More from Whitethorn School.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 3:1-6 Summoning the Community for Counsel

Mass: Acts 19:1-8; Resp Ps 68; Jn 16:29-33

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

YOU WILL RECEIVE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT COMING UPON YOU, AND YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES, EVEN TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. ALLELUIA.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

What we didn't hear yesterday on the Solemnity of the Ascension is what the disciples did after returning to Jerusalem as Jesus had instructed them. It was there in an upper room where the eleven disciples "devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers" (Acts 1:14). As we prepare this week for the celebration of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit, let's join all of them in prayer. Come, Holy Spirit, come. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of Him. May your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to His call ... (Eph 1:17ff).

BUT WHEN HE COMES, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, HE WILL GUIDE YOU TO ALL TRUTH.

(Jn 16:13)

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: In these days leading to Pentecost, all photos will come from Whitethorn School just down the road. It seems there were several beauties just waiting for me. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

In other years: Saint Simon Stock (c.1165-1265); Saint Brendan (486-578); Saint John Stone (?-1539)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:33-40

Mass: Acts 1:1-11; Resp Ps 47; Eph 1:17-23 or Eph 4:1-13; Mk 16:15-20

Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise.

HEART OF JESUS, HOUSE OF GOD AND GATE OF HEAVEN,

HAVE MERCY ON US. 

Some days I need a little help. So today I include words from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, from one of his sermons on the Ascension, proclaimed this morning at lauds:

"No one ascends into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven" ... Thus did the Lord descend and ascend through the mystery of His incarnation, leaving us an example that we should follow in His steps. Let us by the way we live show that we have clothed ourselves in the example of this mystery ... Let us listen to the prophet seeking how we might be lifted up. "Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord, who shall stand in His holy place? Those with clean hands and a pure heart, who have not received their souls in vain nor sworn deceitfully to their neighbor." Let us note in these verses the three steps He set up to be climbed. The first is integrity in deeds, the second is purity of heart, the third is fruit of devotion. 

So as we "seek the things that are above" (Col 3:1), we go about the daily here on earth, "each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift" (Eph 4:7) and pray with Pope Francis at today's Regina Coeli Address that "Mary, Queen of Heaven, might help us to be in the world courageous witnesses to the Risen One in the concrete situations in life." Amen. 

SAINT SIMON STOCK,

SAINT BRENDAN,

SAINT JOHN STONE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: When I saw this iris Friday afternoon, I thought of Jesus taken up into heaven. Jesus, King of glory, have mercy on us.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Saint Pachomius, Desert Father (292-348); Saint Isidore the Farmer, Patron Saint of Madrid (1070-1130); Saint Carthage (c.555-637): Saint Giles of Vaozela OP (c.1184-1265); Bl Andrew Abellon OP (1375-1450)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:30-32

Mass: Acts 18:23-28; Resp Ps 47; Jn 16:23b-28

For king of all the earth is God; sing hymns of praise.

JESUS, OUR WAY AND OUR LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us this: Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete (Jn 16:23b-28). Our Catechism teaches us this: "There is no other way of Christian prayer than Christ. Whether our prayer is communal or personal, vocal or interior, it has access to the Father only if we pray 'in the name' of Jesus. The sacred humanity of Jesus is therefore the way by which the Holy Spirit teaches us to pray to God our Father" (2664). Yes, the Spirit will come "to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings" (Rm 8:26) So why not call on the name of Jesus today with the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus. You can find it on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website, among other places. What invocation in the Litany is your favorite? Let it be in your heart and on your lips today. 😊 Ask in the name of Jesus. Receive. May our joy be complete. Come, Holy Spirit, come!

SAINT PACHOMIUS,

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER,

SAINT CARTHAGE,

SAINT GILES OF VAOZELA,

BLESSED ANDREW ABELLON,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: In honor of Saint Isidore the Farmer, Patron Saint of Farmers, a close-up look at some greens, from our garden of delights. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:23-29

Mass: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Resp Ps 113l Jn 15:9-17

Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever.

JESUS, LOVER OF US,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

As we celebrate Saint Matthias, we are also in the midst of Chapter 2 of the Holy Rule, "Qualities of the Abbot". The role of the Abbot, as Saint Benedict writes, is "a difficult and demanding burden" (RB 2:31). It is fitting and right then to think about leadership or any positions of responsibility that we have, or may be given. The first thing to keep in mind and heart is what Jesus tells us in today's Gospel: It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, that will remain ... (Jn 15:16). And something else is this from Universalis that comes up every year for the feast: "When we attain some high or responsible position, we may be tempted to congratulate ourselves on being the best candidate for the job. We would do well to remember that we have got there because of the people we have met and the things we have found ourselves doing, and, more fundamentally, because of the gifts and talents that God has given us. These things are essentially random: like Matthias, we have been chosen by lot" ("About Today", May 14, 2021). So in roles both big and small, may we bear fruit that will last and turn to Saint Paul who declared: By God's grace I am what I am (1 Cor 15:10) and He who boasts should make his boast in the Lord (2 Cor 10:17)/(Rule of Saint Benedict 4:31-32).

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name give the glory because of your faithfulness and love. Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Our God is in heaven; whatever God wills is done. 

(Ps 115:1-2)

SAINT MATTHIAS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Praise the name of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Our Lady of Fatima; Saint Erconwald (-693); Bl Imelda Lambertini OP (c.1321-1333)

40th Anniversary of the Assassination Attempt on Pope Saint John Paul II (May 13, 1981)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:16-22

Mass: Acts 18:1-8; Resp Ps 98; Jn 16:16-20

Praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted.

BEHOLD, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE, ALLELUIA.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

There is so much good news in these accounts from the Acts of Apostles. The last lines of today's passage cause to me to join the psalmist and Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wondrous deeds (Ps 98). Why? Because we learn from the reading that "Crispus, the synagogue official, came to believe in the Lord along with his entire household, and many of the Corinthians who heard believed and were baptized"! (Acts 18:8). May we, like Paul, Silas, Timothy, and their friends Aquila, Priscilla, and Titus Justus, witness to the wondrous deeds of the Lord. What is one thing you will do today to witness to the wondrous deeds of the Lord?

OUR LADY OF FATIMA,

SAINT ERCONWALD,

BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

MARY, HEALTH OF THE SICK, 

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Saints Nereus and Achilles, Early Christian Martyrs; Saint Pancras, Early Christian Martyr; Bl Jane of Portugal OP (1452-1490)  

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:11-15

Mass: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1; Resp Ps 148; Jn 16:12-15

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Jesus tells us in today's Gospel that when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide us to all truth (Jn 16:13). We need the Holy Spirit to help us better understand the mind of Jesus, things as He says, we cannot bear now (Jn 16:12). It is the Holy Spirit who guides us. Moreover, if we turn to our Catechism, we learn that our moral life as Christians is sustained by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These, as stated, "are permanent dispositions that make us docile in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit" (1830). There are seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (CCC 1831). These are gifts we can receive to help lead us to all truth. Then there are the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity (CCC 1832). May our hearts and minds be open to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide us so that we bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit-in abundance! 

One way to focus your prayer is with the text from the hymn we sing every day at midday. You might pray with the text, or any part of it, before going to a meeting, an appointment, or before making a decision. Or before whatever comes your way this day, and every day. Please join us we sing:

Now Holy Spirit One

with Father and with Son,

Come swiftly penetrate and fill

the hearts that thirst for you.

Let our selves in praise

sing out, proclaiming You,

Let love surge forth, a living fire

enkindling all we meet.

Be mindful of our prayer

You Father and the Son,

Who with the Spirit Paraclete

for ever reign. Amen.

O Truth, by the glory and splendor of your face, do not hide it from me. Cause all its beams to shine upon me, that in your light I may see light.

(William of St. Thierry)

SAINTS NEREUS AND ACHILLES,

SAINT PANCRAS,

BLESSED JANE OF PORTUGAL,

SAINT JOSEPH, 

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY.

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This beauty is just outside the entrance to the monastery.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: The Carthusian Martyrs (16th century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch  2:1-10 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Acts 16:22-34; Resp Ps 138:Jn 16:5-11

Your right hand saves me, O Lord.

LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD, 

FOR THE LORD OUR GOD THE ALMIGHTY REIGNS, ALLELUIA.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

If Paul and Silas could pray and sing psalms to God after they had been stripped, beaten with rods, then thrown into an innermost cell of the jail with their feet secured to a stake (Acts 16:22-24), then it seems we could do our part, no matter the circumstances. Alleluia!

I will thanks to you O Lord, with all my heart,

for you have heard the words of my mouth;

in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;

I will worship at your holy temple,

and give thanks to your name.

(Psalm 138)

THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Forever firm like the sky! (Ps 89:38).

© Gertrude Feick 2021