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