Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: The First Martyrs of the See of Rome (1st century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 23 Excommunication for Faults

Mass: Gn 21:5, 8-20a; Resp Ps 34; Mt 8:28-34

Which of you desires life, and takes delight in prosperous days?

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Beginning today, and for the following days, Saint Benedict presents us with his penal code, that is, among other things, the consequences of our behavior, when we are stubborn, disobedient or proud, or when we grumble (See Ch 23-30, then in a few later chapters to come). Also what happens when we refuse to accept responsibility for our behaviors and also to make amends, especially as we are offered mercy and love, first of all by Jesus, and then through those who care for us. I thought of these things too when considering today's Gospel. Jesus drives out demons and causes all sorts of commotion, so much so that the people beg Him to leave town. We can be a stubborn and stiff-necked people with hard hearts. As we go together, in faith and united prayer, striving to love the Lord God with our whole heart, soul, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves, we turn to Saint Benedict for, to me, some of the most beautiful verses in the penal code. How are they relevant to your particular vocation, wherever you find yourself, at home, at work, or in community?

The abbot must exercise the utmost care and concern for wayward brothers, because it is not the healthy who need a physician, but the sick. Therefore, he ought to use every skill of a wise physician and send in senpectae, that is, mature and wise brothers who, under the cloak of secrecy, may support the wavering brother, urge him to be humble as a way of making satisfaction, and console him lest he be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Rather, as the Apostle also says: Love let for him be reaffirmed, and let all pray for him.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Ch 27:1-4 The Abbot's Concern for the Excommunicated) 

We ought to put aside vain and useless concerns and go straight to the glorious and venerable norm which is our tradition, and we should consider what is good, pleasing and acceptable in the sight of Him who made us. Let us fix our gaze on the blood of Christ, realizing how precious it is to His Father, since it was shed for our salvation and brought grace of repentance to the world.

(From a letter to the Corinthians by Clement I, pope, in Office of Readings, June 30)

THE FIRST MARTYRS OF THE SEE OF ROME,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Blue flax. The color reminds me of periwinkle in a classic box of Crayola crayons. A box of 64. 😊

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Year of Saint Joseph

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

70th anniversary of the ordination to the Priesthood of Pope Benedict XVI. 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 22 The Sleeping Arrangement of the Monks

Mass: Acts 12;1-11; Resp Ps 34; 2 Tim 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19

Glorify the Lord with me, together extol His name.

JESUS, MASTER OF THE APOSTLES,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES,

PRAY FOR US.

Spurred on by Pope Francis in today's Angelus Address, reflect on a question of Jesus in today's Gospel: Who do you say that I am? Or think of it this way, as Pope Francis did. Jesus asks: "Who am I to you?" When you are anxious or afraid, Who am I am to you? When you are sick or grieving the loss of a loved one, Who am I to you? When you are joyful and energetic and all seems well, Who am I to you? When you feel neglected or dismissed, Who am I to you? When things aren't going your way, Who am I to you? When you have been faithful to prayer and going to daily Mass yet still feel empty and void, Who am I to you? And right now, when you are reading this, in and under whatever circumstances you find yourself in, Who am I to you? Trust, believe, Jesus loves you. Turn to Him with your strengths and your weaknesses, for as Saint Paul wrote, "for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:10), and "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). May we, with Saint Peter, look to Jesus and say, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God"! (Mt 16:16). 

The Church looks to Peter and Paul, these two giants of faith and sees two Apostles who set free the power of the Gospel in our world, only because first they themselves had been set free by their encounter with Christ.

(Pope Francis, homily, Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, June 29, 2021)

Witnesses do not lose themselves in words, but rather they bear fruit. They do not complain about others and the world, but they start with themselves. They remind us that God is not to be demonstrated, but shown; not announced by proclamations but shown by example.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, June 29, 2021)

NB. At last Sunday's Angelus Address, and in preparation for today's solemnity, the Holy Father asked us to "pray for him in a special way." "The Pope needs your prayers!", he said. "Thank you. I know that you will do so."

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A wild rose.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr (130-202)

Readings of the Day

RB: RB 21 The Deans of the Monastery

Mass: Gn 18:16-33; Resp Ps 103; Mt 8:18-22

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

HEART OF JESUS, ABODE OF JUSTICE AND LOVE,

HAVE MERCY ON US. 

In today's Gospel, a scribe approaches Jesus and confidently says, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go" (Mt 8:19). Do you ever find yourself confidently saying the same to Jesus? Then, when the going gets tough, excuses follow, like one similar to the disciple who said, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father" (Mt 8:21). Yes, the going gets tough. However, as Jesus said more than once, Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me (Mt 16:24). Remember though what Jesus said on another occasion: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (Jn 14:6). Saint Irenaeus picked up his cross and followed Jesus. And so did Saints Peter and Paul who we commemorate tomorrow. We pray to them to help us and guide us. Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, bears fruit plenty (Gospel versicle, Mass). 

Just as God's creature, the sun, is one and the same the world over, so also does the Church's preaching shine everywhere to enlighten all people who want to come to a knowledge of the truth,

(Saint Irenaeus)

With God, nothing is empty of meaning, nothing without symbolism.

(Saint Irenaeus)

Through obedience, listening, and training, man who is created and contingent, grows into the image of the image and likeness of the eternal God.

(Saint Irenaeus)

Life in man is the glory of God; the life of man is the vision of God.

(Saint Irenaeus, from the treatise Against Heresies, in Office of Readings, June 28)

SAINT IRENAEUS,

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The Metolius River, Oregon.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

In other years: Saint Cyril of Alexandria (370-444); Saint John Southworth (1592?-1654); Our Lady of Perpetual Succour; Blessed Nykyta Budka (1877-1949); Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky (1903-1973)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 20 Reverence in Prayer

Mass: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; Resp Ps 30; 2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mk 5:21-43

O Lord, my God, forever will I give you thanks.

HEART OF JESUS, IN WHOM DWELLS THE FULLNESS OF DIVINITY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Another one of my favorite chapters in the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict is presented today, that is, Ch. 20 Reverence in Prayer. And as it turns out, Saint Benedict's wisdom is a fitting introduction to today's Gospel. Saint Benedict begins: "Whenever we want to ask some favor of a powerful man, we do it humbly and respectfully, for fear of presumption. How much more important, then, to our lay our petitions before the Lord God of all things with the utmost humility and sincere devotion. We must know that God regards our purity of heart and tears of compunction, not our many words" (RB 20:1-3).

We have examples in today's Gospel of faith-filled people who approach Jesus with humility and reverence. And they really don't say much at all. First there is Jairus, the synagogue official, whose daughter was at the point of death. Jairus sees Jesus, he falls at the Lord's feet and then pleads with Him earnestly, "Please, come lay your hands on her that she may be well and live" (Mk 5:23). Then the woman, suffering for twelve years with internal bleeding. She was not helped by doctors; she only grew worse. The woman hears about Jesus, comes up behind Him in the crowd and touches His cloak, knowing in her heart that if she touches the Lord, she will be healed (Mk 5:28). Realizing she had been healed, the courageous woman  responds; she approaches Jesus with fear and trembling and tells Him the whole truth (Mk 5:33). 

May we be people of faith, people humble, devout, reverent, honest and courageous and go to Jesus. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. I believe, help my unbelief. Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease  (Mk 5:34). 

GOD DID NOT MAKE DEATH, NOR DOES HE REJOICE IN THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LIVING.

(Wisdom 1:13)

The Lord waits for us to encounter Him, to open our hearts to Him, for us, like the woman, to touch His garment in order to heal. Because, by growing in intimacy with Jesus, we are healed in our affections.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, June 27, 2021)

Nobody knows himself who has not suffered.

(Alfred de Musset, 1810-1857)

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

SAINT JOSEPH, 

SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINT JOHN SOUTHWORTH,

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR,

BLESSED NYKYTA BUDKA,

BLESSED VASYL VELYCHKOVSKY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: In Oregon, a lovely butterfly called a Lorquin Admiral.  

 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint: Blessed Mary Josephine Catanea (1894-1948)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 19 The Discipline of Psalmody

Mass: Gn 18:1-5; Resp Ps (Lk 1); Mt 8:5-17

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.

MARY MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

There are three stories in today's Gospel, stories about people of faith who go to Jesus to be healed of their infirmities. One of my favorites is the second one, it's brief. Jesus enters Peter's house; He sees Peter's mother-in-law in bed with a fever; the Divine Physician touches her hand; the fever leaves her; she rises and waits on Jesus (Mt 8:14-15). May we be people of such faith and action and go to Jesus who took away our infirmities and bore our diseases (Mt 8:17). 

Serve the Lord with fear, and again, In the presence of the angels I will sing to you. Let us consider, then, how we ought to behave in the presence of God and His angels, and let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 19:3-7)

If by a diligent life of virtue you wash away the film of dirt that covers yours heart, then the divine beauty will shine forth in you.

(From a homily by Saint Gregory of Nyssa, bishop, in Office of Readings, Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday) 

BLESSED MARY JOSEPHINE CATANEA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another look at the sunrise from the top of Black Butte, OR. God is praised.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saint: Saint Luan, first bishop of Argyll and the Isles (520-592); 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:20-25

Mass: Gn 17:1, 9-10, 15-22; Resp Ps 128; Mt 8:1-4

Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways!

CHRIST TOOK AWAY OUR INFIRMITIES AND BORE OUR DISEASES.

ALLELUIA.

(Gospel Acclamation, Mass)

Go to Jesus today in faith, and with trust in Him. Listen to Him: Be made clean (Mt 8:3). 

These two quotations brought a smile to my face. 

Laugh and play and dash about as much as you like, only be careful not to say or do anything that would be displeasing to God.

(Saint Mary Mazzarello, 1837-1881)

Take good care of yourself ... have a good appetite. God does not want His spouses to look as though He fed them on lizards.

(Saint Rafaela Maria, 1850-1925)

And the Holy Father's tweet is a clear one:

Charity is the beating heart of the Christian: just as one cannot live without a heartbeat, so one cannot be a Christian without charity.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, June 25, 2021)

SAINT LUAN,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Precious Teddy with a little help from Aunt Maddie.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:12-19

Mass: Is 49:1-6; Resp Ps 139; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80

Wonderful are your works.

JESUS, LAMB OF GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist, the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths (Lk 3:4). We too prepare the way of the Lord. First, let us repent of our sins, then let us leap with joy as did John the Baptist in the womb of his mother (Lk 1:44). One way to leap is to pray with Psalms 148, 149, and 150 as we do at Vigils. Praise the Lord from the heavens; give praise in the heights ... Let everything that has breath give praise to the Lord! We give praise to the God who is, praise to the God who was, praise to the God who is to come, for ages unending Amen. 

Heaven is filled with converted sinners of all kinds and there is room for more.

(Saint Joseph Cafasso, 1811-1860)

Did a Magdalene, a Paul, a Constantine, an Augustine become mountains of ice after their conversion? Quite the contrary. We should never have had these prodigies of conversion and marvelous holiness if they had not changed the flames of human passion into volcanoes of immense love of God.

(Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, 1850-1917)

When John was preaching the Lord's coming he was asked: Who are you? And he replied: I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness. The voice is John, but the Lord in the beginning was the Word. John was a voice that lasted only for a time; Christ, the Word in the beginning, is eternal.

(From a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, June 24)

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: An Otto family camping trip at the Metolius River in central Oregon. Here the sunrise from the top of Black Butte, see Mount Washington in the distance. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Etheldreda (-679); Saint Thomas Garnet (1575-1607)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:7-11

Mass: Gn 15:1-12, 17-18; Resp Ps 105; Mt 7:15-20

Glory in God's holy name.

REMAIN IN ME, AS I REMAIN IN YOU, SAYS THE LORD;

WHOEVER REMAINS IN ME WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT.

ALLELUIA.

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

By their fruits you will know them (Mt 7:20), says the Lord. 

You will not see anyone who is really striving after his advancement who is not given to spiritual reading, and to him who neglects it, the fact will soon be observed in his progress.

(Saint Athanasius, 296-373)

Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.

(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226)

I feel a longing and a need to be a saint. I did not know it was so easy to be one, but now I see that one can be holy and happy too. I feel I simply must be a saint.

(Saint Dominic Savio, 1842-1857)

You cannot be half a saint. You must be a whole saint or no saint at all.

(Saint Therese of Lisieux, 1873-1897)

The path of evangelization does not always depend on our will and plans, but requires a willingness to allow ourselves to be shaped and to follow other paths that were not foreseen.

(Pope Francis, General Audience, June 23, 2021)

SAINT ETHELDREDA,

SAINT THOMAS GARNET,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From a home in Garberville, CA, one I walk past when I am in town. I like to see what kind of beauty grows there. The colors here I find especially appealing.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint John Fisher, Bishop (1469-1535) and Saint Thomas More (1477-1535), Martyrs; Saint Paulinus of Nola (355-431)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:1-7 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Gn 13:2, 5-18; Resp Ps 15; Mt 7:6, 12-14

I am the light of the world, says the Lord.

HEART OF JESUS, SALVATION OF THOSE WHO TRUST IN THEE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Jesus is clear on more than one thing in today's Gospel. First with the golden rule: Do to others what you would have them do to you (Mt 7:12). Second, Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few (Mt 7:13-14). United in faith and prayer, may we be among the few and persevere with the grace of God. And when the going gets tough, pray as at the beginning of each hour of the Divine Office: "O God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me (Ps 69[70]:2/RB 18:1). 

Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. It is bound to be narrow at the outset.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 48)

If a way is not demanding when starting upon it, beware.

(Algerian Sufi master Bentounes in B. Vandekerckhove, The Taste of Silence, p. 59)

I will not mistrust [God], though I shall feel myself weakening and on the verge of being overcome with fear ... I trust He shall place His holy hand on me and in the stormy seas hold me up from drowning.

(Saint Thomas More)

Comfort in tribulation can be secured only on the sure ground of faith holding as true the words of Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church.

(Saint Thomas More)

I give thanks and boast in the Lord, who, one in the same throughout the world, produces His love in His people through the Holy Spirit whom He pours out upon all flesh.

(From a letter by Saint Paulinus of Nola, bishop, in Office of Readings, June 22)

SAINT JOHN FISHER,

SAINT THOMAS MORE,

SAINT PAULINUS OF NOLA,

SAINT BENEDICT,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These beauties can be found outside the Garberville, CA, Community Hospital. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, a patron of youth (1568-1591); Saint John Rigby (1570-1600)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Gn 12:1-9; Resp Ps 33; Mt 7:1-5

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

HEART OF JESUS, WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

If the opportunity arises, read from the Office of Readings a letter Saint Aloysius of Gonzaga wrote to his mother. It is beautiful the respect and love he has for his mother evidenced in the way he begins, "May the comfort and grace of the Holy Spirit be yours for ever, most honored lady ..."

May we greet those we meet with such respect and love. One way to help us be in the frame of mind and heart to "honor everyone" (RB 4:8), is to listen to Jesus in today's Gospel: Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, you will be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you (Mt 7:1-2). They are good questions the Lord asks us: Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother "Let me remove that splinter from your eye," while the wooden beam is in your own eye? (Mt 7:3-4). United in faith and prayer, let us pray for the grace to remove the wooden beam from our own eye first; then we will see clearly to remove the splinter from our brother's eye (Mt 7:5). 

Of what use are riches in eternity?

(Saint Aloysius Gonzaga) 

SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA,

SAINT JOHN RIGBY,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This from my gifted sister-in-law who has an eye for beauty. Thank you, Terri. Un abbraccio forte. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Father's Day

World Refugee Day

In other years: Saints Alban, Julius and Aaron; The Irish Martyrs (16th-17th century)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Job 38:1, 8-11; Resp Ps 107; 2 Cor 5:14-17; Mk 4:35-41

Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting.

SAINT JOSEPH, FOSTER FATHER OF THE SON OF GOD,

SAINT JOSEPH, HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY,

JOSEPH MOST FAITHFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

Happy Father's Day to all fathers. Invoke Saint Joseph today. He will help you. Dear Joseph, most chaste, most prudent, most strong, pray for us. 

It is the love of Christ that impels us, says Saint Paul (2 Cor 5:17). Why is it then that when we (I like to think there are others in the boat with me) have worries, anxieties, and difficulties that come with the waves, winds, and currents of our daily lives, we go to others instead of going straight to Jesus for help? You might think, along with the disciples in today's Gospel, that Our Lord has fallen asleep. Well, don't be shy to wake Him up. It may not be that Jesus is asleep, He might just be resting His eyes, or rather, He might be waiting for you to call on Him for help. Call on the Name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. Listen to Jesus: Quiet! Be still! (Mk 4:39). Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. May we be filled with great awe.

THEY REJOICED THAT THEY WERE CALMED,

AND HE BROUGHT THEM TO THEIR DESIRED HAVEN.

LET THEM GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HIS KINDNESS

AND HIS WONDROUS DEEDS TO CHILDREN OF MEN.

(Resp Ps 107)

Invisible in His own nature [God] became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, He chose to come within our grasp.

(Saint Leo the Great, 400-461)

Let us learn to cast our hearts into God.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)

So, abandon yourself utterly for the love of God, and in this way you will become truly happy. 

(Blessed Henry Suso, 1300-1366)

SAINTS ALBAN, JULIUS AND AARON,

THE IRISH MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Late yesterday afternoon beauty in yellow.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Blessed Virgin Mary 

Saints: Saint Romuald, Abbot (c.951-1027)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 15 The Times for Saying Alleluia

Mass: 2 Cor 12:1-10; Resp Ps 34; Mt 6:24-34

Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

PRAY FOR US.

My first response to Jesus' question in today's Gospel, Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life span?, was a resounding "No.". In fact, worrying just subtracts, often painfully, one's life span, moment by moment. United in prayer and faith then, we go forth with this encouragement: Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil (Mt 6:34). This should keep us busy enough. When the going gets tough, we listen to what the Lord said to Saint Paul:

MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, FOR POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS.

(2 Cor 12:9)

And then join Saint Paul, who encountered his fair share of difficulties: 

FOR WHEN I AM WEAK THEN I AM STRONG.

(2 Cor 12:10)

Jesus "prayed to the Father for everyone: I am not praying for these only, but also those who believe in me through their preaching, that they may be one; just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us. God loves us; for the sake of our salvation He is generous toward us. He is not satisfied with redeeming us by His blood. He also prays to the Father on our behalf. Consider the love exemplified in that prayer. The Father and Son are one; we too are to abide in that oneness."

(From a treatise on the Lord's Prayer by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr, Office of Readings, Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday)

SAINT ROMUALD,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A repeat still a beauty. Blessed the man who takes refuge in Him.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: 2 Cor 11:18, 21-30; Resp Ps 34; Mt 6:19-23

Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy.

DO NOT STORE UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES ON EARTH ...

BUT STORE UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN.

(Mt 6:19-20)

The idols of the nations are silver and gold,

the work of human hands.

They have mouths but the cannot speak;

They have eyes but cannot see;

They have ears but cannot hear;

no breath is in their mouths.

Their makers shall be like them,

all who trust in them.

(Psalm 135:15-18)

FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE ALSO WILL YOUR HEART BE.

(Mt 6:21)

The honors of this world, what are they but puff, and emptiness and peril of falling?

(Saint Augustine, 354-430)

You are ambitious: for knowledge? ... for leadership? ... for great ventures? Good, very good. But let it be for Christ, for love.

(Blessed Jose Escriva, 1902-1975)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Glorify the Lord with me.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Botolph (7th century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 13:12-14

Mass: 2 Cor 11:1-11; Resp Ps 111; Mt 6:7-15

Great are the works of the Lord, exquisite in all their delights.

IN PRAYING DO NOT BABBLE ... YOUR FATHER KNOWS WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU ASK HIM ... 
THIS IS HOW YOU ARE TO PRAY.
(Mt 6:7-9)

It it nice how things work out sometimes. For example, this week in the Office of Readings, the second reading has been from Saint Cyprian's treatise on the Lord's Prayer. I have quoted from it a few times. Then today our Gospel has Jesus teaching us to pray with the Lord's Prayer, the most perfect prayer, says Saint Thomas Aquinas. Alongside the treatise and the Gospel, we have our daily reading from the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict. Today, in chapter 13, Saint Benedict tells us that the celebration of Lauds and Vespers should never pass by without the superior's reciting the entire Lord's Prayer at the end for all to hear, because thorns of contention are likely to spring up (RB 13:12). We pledge ourselves to one another with the words Forgive us as we forgive, so we may be cleansed of this kind of vice (RB 13:13). God help us. 

What then are some things Saint Cyprian has to say? We ask for pardon for our sins with the words and forgive us our trespasses. Here, writes Saint Cyprian, we are "to be reminded that we are sinners and forced to ask for forgiveness for our faults is prudent and sound. Even while we are asking for God's forgiveness, our hearts are aware of our state! This command to pray daily for our sins reminds us that we commit sin every day. No one should complacently think himself innocent, lest his pride lead to further sin. Such is the warning that John gives us in his letter: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins. His letter includes both points, that we should beg for forgiveness for our sins, and that we receive pardon when we do. He calls the Lord faithful, because he remains loyal to his promise, by forgiving us our sins. He taught us to pray for our sins and our faults, and also promised to show us a father's mercy and forgiveness" (Office of Readings, Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday). But deliver us from evil. 

Sadly, I forgot to include this yesterday on the commemoration of Saint Richard of Chichester. It is Saint Richard's Prayer. The words inspired the song "Day by Day" from the musical Godspell. 

Thanks be to thee, O Lord Jesus Christ

for all the benefits which thou hast given us,

for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for us; 

O most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother,

may we know thee more clearly,

love thee more dearly,

and follow thee more nearly.

Amen.

SAINT BOTOLPH,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Going through my photos I realized I neglected to use this. It's a banana slug, seen some time ago now. At the time, I was so happy to finally see one. And since these creatures do not move so quickly, I was able to go fetch my camera, with time to spare even. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Lutgardis of Aywieres, Cistercian nun (1182-1246); Saint Richard of Chichester (1197-1253)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: 2 Cor 9:6-11; Resp Ps 112; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

His generosity shall endure forever; His horn shall be exalted in glory.

EACH MUST DO AS ALREADY DETERMINED, WITHOUT SADNESS OR COMPULSION, FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.

(2 Cor 9:7)

I like today's Gospel. It takes me to Ash Wednesday, one of my favorite days in the liturgical year. I remember these words of Jesus from childhood so I always wanted to dress nice on Ash Wednesday. After all, Jesus was saying to not look gloomy or neglect my appearance, even though we were entering a penitential season. In any case, give alms in secret, pray to your Father in secret, and if you are going to fast, don't let it be known to others. God knows the depths of the heart and God your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you (Mt 6:18). 

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven; we pray not that God should do His will, but that we may carry out His will. How could anyone prevent the Lord from doing what He wills? But in our prayer we ask that God's will be done in us, because the devil throws up obstacles to prevent our mind and our conduct from obeying God in all things. So if His will is to be done in us we have need of His will, that is, His help and protection.

(From a treatise on the Lord's Prayer by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr, in Office of Readings, Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday)

With prayer and with life, all that is left for us is to have courage, hope, and with this courage and hope to experience strongly the prayer of Jesus and go forward so that our life might give glory to God in the awareness that He prays for me to the Father, that Jesus prays for us.

(Pope Francis, General Audience, June 16, 2021)

SAINT LUTGARDIS OF AYWIERES,

SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Two of "fuschia enjoying the rain." 😊

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Blessed Peter Snow (1567-1598) and Ralph Grimston (?-1598)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 12 The Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds

Mass: 2 Cor 8:1-9; Resp Ps 146; Mt 5:43-48

Praise the Lord, my soul!

I GIVE YOU A NEW COMMANDMENT; 

LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.

(Gospel Acclamation, Mass)

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Mt 5:44). Saint Benedict echoes Our Lord's teaching in his tools for good works when he tells us to pray for our enemies out of love for Christ (RB 4:72). Here's what some of the other saints have to say about this:

You shall not hate any man; but some you shall admonish, and pray for others, and still others you shall love more than your own life.

(Teachings of the Twelve Apostles)

A man who is well disposed toward and loves those who revile and abuse him and cause him harm, and who prays for them, in short time attains great achievements.

(Saint Simeon the New Theologian, 949-1022)

Our friends, then, are all those who unjustly afflict us with trials and ordeals, shame and injustice, sorrows and torments, martyrdom and death; we must love them greatly for we all possess eternal life because of them.

(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226)

In our neighbor, we should observe only what is good.

(Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, 1572-1641)

At the end of our life, we shall be judged by our love.

(Saint John of the Cross, 1542-1591)

BLESSED PETER SNOW AND RALPH GRIMSTON,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The first of two "Fuschia enjoying the rain". Thanks to d in West Linn, OR.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Blessed Gerard of Clairvaux (1120-1177); Saint Davnet (7th century); Saint Lidwina (1380-1433); Saint Elisha, Prophet (1-2 Kings); Blessed Maria Candida of the Eucharist (1884-1949)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 11 The Celebration of Vigils on Sunday

Mass: 2 Cor 6:1-10; Resp Ps 98; Mt 5:38-42

Break into song; sing praise.

WHEN YOU GIVE TO HIM, GIVE FREELY AND NOT WITH ILL WILL; FOR THE LORD, YOUR GOD, WILL BLESS YOU FOR THIS IN ALL YOUR WORKS AND UNDERTAKINGS.

(Dt 15:10)

When pressed into service today, even "through glory and dishonor, insult and praise" (2 Cor 6:8), go the extra mile.

Give to everyone who asks thee, and do not refuse for the Father's will is that we give to all from the gifts we have received.

(Teachings of the Twelve Apostles)

The bread you store up belongs to the hungry; the cloak that lies in your chest belongs to the naked; the gold that you have hidden in the ground belongs to the poor.

(Saint Basil the Great, 330-379)

BLESSED GERARD OF CLAIRVAUX,

SAINT DAVNET,

SAINT LIDWINA,

SAINT ELISHA,

BLESSED MARIA CANDIDA OF THE EUCHARIST,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

NB. Cistercians celebrate the optional memorial of Blessed Gerard of Clairvaux, a brother of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Their relationship was close. A sermon worth reading is Bernard of Clairvaux On the Song of Songs, Sermon 26. It is Bernard's lament for the death of his beloved brother. Among other ways, Bernard praised Gerard this way: "What a busy man he was! What a trustworthy friend! Though always glad to be in the company of friends, he was never thereby prevented from answering the call of charity. Who ever went away from him empty-handed? The rich found enlightenment, the poor were given alms. Nor did he seek his own advantage, he who shouldered every burden that I might be free."

Today's photo: This is was taken a few weeks ago. I like the white specks on the underside of the leaf. And the color of the flowers is a favorite.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

In other years: Saint Anthony of Padua, Patron Saint of the Lost and Found (1195?-1231)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Ezk 17:22-24; Resp Ps 92; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mk 4:26-34

Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.

A few things stimulate scattered reflections on this Sunday in Ordinary Time, reflections which make the day anything but ordinary. In God we trust. 😊

First, it is that mustard seed that Jesus talks about in the Gospel, the mustard seed that is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth yet springs up and becomes the largest of plants (Mk 4:31-32). Second, a little book that I am slowly reading by Bieke Vandederckhove, the taste of silence: how I came to be at home with myself (Liturgical Press, 2015). Bieke (1969-2015), a Belgian, was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 19 that left her paralyzed from the pelvis up. Third, it was turning to my trusty Quotable Saints (Servant, 1992) by Ronda De Sola Chervin. 

There is a chapter in Bieke's book entitled what confuses (pp. 61-65). Her main theme is described well by the title, that "evil is predictable." She writes, "We can analyze it perfectly, explain it in detail. What causes confusion is the good. Goodness is unintelligible, because there is no rational explanation for it" (p. 64). Bieke relates then about the evil in her life, what and how she suffers, her bouts of anger, jealousy and bitterness, callousness and irritability, "all eminently understandable in the context of my life" (p. 65). Then there are people who avoid her, belittle her, show fear or disgust. "The same with evil in the world", she writes, "it's not difficult to explain." Then there is her husband who "against all logic", enjoys Bieke, shares her life, loves her unconditionally. What confuses Bieke is this: "Beyond understanding is the goodness, completely altruistic, that surfaces in the world, everywhere, over and over again" (p. 65). Related to the the tiny mustard seed, how can it, seemingly against all odds, grow to be so big and put forth large branches so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade? (Mk 4:32). 

Well, there is a explanation for all of it and it is put well by Saint Therese of Lisieux (1893-1897): Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love. In God's eyes, the mustard seed is not small, it is enormous. In God's eyes, a small gesture of goodness in a smile or a kind word is huge. The impacts are far-reaching. Perhaps others, along with me, get so caught up in the littleness of everything amidst daily difficulties that we forget that with God, all things are possible. "Perhaps", said Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan (1928-2002, imprisoned for 13 years by the Vietnamese government), "I am only a grain of sand, but every grain has its own place, it special role to carry out-the sole condition is my awareness of this reality and my unity with all others." So whatever your special role is, "do all that you do with love."

Do something good for someone you like least, today.

(Saint Anthony of Padua)

SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA,

SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A water lily flower before it disappears.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

The Most Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Onuphrius (d. 400); Blessed Alphonsus Mazurek and Companions (20th century); Blessed Hilary Januszewski (1907-1945)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Is 61:9-11; Resp Ps (1 Sm 2) or 2 Cor 5:14-21; Resp Ps 103; Lk 2:41-51

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

IMMACULATE MARY, 

PRAY FOR US.

United in faith and prayer, let's join Mary today, dear Mary, Mother of Jesus, "she who heard the word of God and lived by it-she who listened, then pondered in her heart." Cardinal Basil Hume adds this: "It is a feminine trait to listen, to receive, to watch. Perhaps that is why more women pray than men. Perhaps that is why among contemplatives there are more women than men-it is the 'feminine' which listens and waits. It is a feminine trait, also, to see, to observe. The wine has run out. Mary notices, and being a woman she has a practical mind" (Searching for God, p. 160). 

When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than the proceedings from the mouth.

(Saint Bonaventure, 1221-1274)

Mary's heart is like a pearl of incomparable splendor, formed and smoothed by patient acceptance of God's will through the mysteries of Jesus meditated in prayer.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, June 12, 2021)

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

SAINT ONUPHRIUS,

BLESSED ALPHONSUS MAZAREK AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED HILARY JANUSZEWSKI,

SAINT JOSEPH, MOST CHASTE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is from 2016, when I had the privilege of making the Blessed Virgin Mary for our creche. Mary, Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Year of Saint Joseph

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

In other years: Saint Barnabas the Apostle

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 8 The Divine Office at Night

Mass: Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9; Resp Ps (Is 12); Eph 3:8-12, 14-19; Jn 19:31-37

May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith.

HEART OF JESUS, PIERCED WITH A LANCE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Happy Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Why not pray with the Litany to the Sacred Heart today. What is your favorite invocation? May it be on your lips and in your heart throughout this most glorious day. Heart of Jesus, aflame with love for us, have mercy on us.

Perhaps take some time too with words from Karl Rahner (1904-1984), beautifully read at Vigils this morning. They are from his little book of meditations, Encounters with Silence, first published in 1965. 

Jesus has really told me that He loves me, and His word has come from the depths of His human heart. And His heart is Your heart, O God of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, if this human heart of Your Son is unspeakably richer and greater than my heart, it is so only in that love and that goodness which can never be anything else but love and goodness. It can never conceal within itself the awe-fullness of Your Infinity, which is always all else as well.

Grant, O Infinite God, that I may ever cling fast to Jesus Christ, my Lord. Let His heart reveal to me how You are disposed toward me. I shall look upon His heart when I desire to know who You are. The eye of my mind is blinded whenever it looks only at Your Infinity, in which You are totally present in each and every aspect at once. Then I am surrounded by the darkness of Your unboundedness, which is harsher than all my earthly nights. But instead I shall gaze upon His human heart, O God of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and then I shall be sure that You love me.

But I still have one more request. Make my heart like that of Your son. Make it as great and rich in love as His, so that my brothers-or at least one of them, sometime in my life-can enter through this door and there learn that You love him. God of Our Lord Jesus Christ, let me find you in His heart.

And some final words from my patron, Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta (1256-1301/2), oh she who was so close to the heart of Jesus. It is said that Jesus told one of Gertrude's sisters at Helfta, I live in the heart of Gertrude. Jesus lives in your heart too. Share the love Jesus has for you with others today. 

May my soul bless you, Lord God, my creator! ... you have granted me the priceless gift of your familiar friendship, giving me in various ways, to my indescribable delight, the noblest treasure of the divinity, your divine heart, now bestowing it freely, now as a sign of our mutual familiarity, exchanging it with mine. How often you have revealed to me your secret counsels and your pleasures, melting my soul with your loving caresses. 

(Gertrude of Helfta, The Herald of Divine Love, Book II, Ch 23) 

SAINT BARNABAS THE APOSTLE,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE,

SAINT CLAUDE LA COLOMBIERE,

SAINT JOSEPH, DILIGENT PROTECTOR OF CHRIST,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, through the hand of Brother Claude, OSB. She hangs outside the Chapel at Queen of Angels Monastery, home to the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel, Oregon. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021