Wednesday of the Fifth 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 Asaph, Monk, Bishop (6th century); Blessed Edmund Rice, Founder (1762-1844); Saint Richard Reynolds (-1535); Saint Angelus, Martyr (1185-c.1220)

Readings of the Day

RB: Prologue 21-32

Mass: Acts 15:1-6; Resp Ps 122; Jn 15:1-8

Alleluia.

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

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Jesus, the true vine, says this in today's Gospel: I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Remain in the vine as we continue to respond to Saint Benedict's call in the Prologue of the Holy Rule. 

Clothed then with faith and performance of good works, let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom. 

If we wish to dwell in the tent of this kingdom, we will never arrive unless we run there by doing good deeds. But let us ask the Lord with the Prophet: Who will dwell in your tent, Lord; who will find rest on your holy mountain? After this question, brothers, let us listen well to what the Lord says in reply, for He shows us the way to His tent. One who walks without blemish, He says, and is just in all his dealings; who speaks the truth from his heart and has not practiced deceit with his tongue; who has not wronged a fellowman in any way, not listened to slanders against his neighbor. He has foiled the evil one, the devil, at every turn, flinging both him and his promptings far from the sight of his heart. While these temptations were still young, he caught hold of them and dashed them against Christ. These people fear the Lord, and do not become elated over their good deeds; they judge it is the Lord's power, not their own, that brings about the good in them. They praise the Lord working in them, and say with the Prophet: Not to us, Lord, not to us give the glory, but to your name alone. In just this way, Paul the Apostle refused to take credit for the power of his preaching. He declared: By God's grace I am what I am. And again he said: He who boasts should make his boast in the Lord.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 21-32)

IF YOU REMAIN IN ME AND MY WORDS REMAIN IN YOU, ASK FOR WHATEVER YOU WANT AND IT WILL BE DONE FOR YOU. BY THIS IS MY FATHER GLORIFIED, THAT YOU BEAR MUCH FRUIT AND BECOME MY DISCIPLES.

(Jn 15:7-8)

SAINT ASAPH,

BLESSED EDMUND RICE,

SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS,

SAINT ANGELUS,

SAINT JOSEPH, SUPPORT IN DIFFICULTIES,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I found this little gem in Redway, CA.

© Gertrude Feick 2021