Thursday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saint: Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church (340-420)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:31-33

Mass: Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12; Resp Ps 19; Lk 10:1-12

The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

LORD GOD, YOUR WORDS WERE FOUND AND I CONSUMED THEM; YOUR WORD BECAME THE JOY AND THE HAPPINESS OF MY HEART.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Today we commemorate the great Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor, lover of the Word, whose most important work was the translation of the Bible into Latin. Known as the Vulgate, it is "a translation which, with some revisions, is still in use today." This is not the only thing Saint Jerome labored over though. The well-known quotation, "ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ," comes from Saint Jerome's Commentary on Isaiah, included in today's Office of Readings. It is no wonder that Pope Francis referred to Saint Jerome in the 2019 Apostolic Letter Aperit illis Instituting the Sunday of the Word of God. In that Letter, Pope Francis designated the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time as "Sunday of the Word of God" to be "devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God" (3). Pope Francis wrote this about our identity as Christians (1):

The relationship between the Risen Lord, the community of believers and Sacred Scripture is essential to our identity as Christians. Without the Lord who opens our mind to them, it is impossible to understand Scriptures in depth. Yet the contrary is equally true: without the Scripture, the events of the mission of Jesus and of His Church in this world remain incomprehensible. Hence, Saint Jerome could rightly claim: "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ."

As Christians then, we should devote as much time as possible to celebrating, praying with, and studying the Word of God. This is our faith seeking to understand. May we be among the "men, women, and children old enough to understand" gathered in today's First Reading (Nehemiah 8:2-3) and immerse ourselves in the Word of God. We are better equipped then to join the 72 disciples who Jesus sent in pairs to proclaim "The Kingdom of God is at hand for you" (Lk 10:9). May we not be ignorant of Scriptures so as to not be ignorant of Christ. Saint Jerome, intercede for us, so that we bring the Christ we know to "every town and place" (Lk 9:1).  

SAINT JEROME,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: 7:00 a.m., Saint Mary's Parish, with the glorious Oregon sky welcoming a new day to the people of Mt. Angel. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:24-30

Mass: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12ab; Resp Ps 138; Jn 1:47-51

In the sight of the angels, I will sing your praises, Lord.

BLESS THE LORD, ALL YOU ANGELS, YOU MINISTERS, WHO DO HIS WILL.

(Gospel Versicle, Mass)

Today's photo speaks much for our reflection. This is Mary, Queen of Angels, painted by Sister Protasia Schlinder, OSB (d. 1959). It hangs in the Artisans' Room at Queen of Angels Monastery in Mount Angel, OR. In the sight of these angels, and as we celebrate the glorious archangels, Saint Michael "Who is like God", Saint Gabriel "The Strength of God", and Saint Raphael "God's Remedy", it is a good day to sing the praises of the Lord. Saint Michael, protect us from all the forces that blind us, and weaken our faith and trust in the Lord. Saint Gabriel, help us to do God's will and with Mary say, May it be done to me according to your word. Saint Raphael, heal us from our wounds so that we carry our crosses with dignity and follow Jesus more closely. Mary, Queen of Angels, pray for us.

SAINT MICHAEL,

SAINT GABRIEL,

SAINT RAPHAEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Used with permission of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel, OR. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Wenceslaus, Patron Saint of the Czech Republic (907-935); Saints Lawrence Ruiz and his Companions, Martyrs (17th Century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:19-23 Humility

Mass: Zechariah 8:20-23; Resp Ps 87; Lk 9:51-56

God is with us.

JESUS, LOVER OF US,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

This line got me yesterday, from The Diary of a Country Priest: "Ah, if we only knew how to pray!" Jesus taught us how to pray though, and Saint Benedict echoes in the First Step of Humility, "And in the Prayer too we ask God that his will be done in us" (RB 7:20). Let us join together this day, united in faith and prayer, and pray with the Prayer, that is, the Lord's Prayer. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name ...

Christian spirituality proposes moderation and simplicity which allows us to stop and appreciate the small things, to be grateful for the opportunities life affords us, to be spiritually detached from what we possess, and not succumb to sadness for what we lack.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, September 28, 2021)

SAINT WENCESLAUS,

SAINTS LAWRENCE RUIZ AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Beauty in Windsor, CA, at the home of a dear cousin.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saint: Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:10-18 Humility

Mass: Zechariah 8:1-8; Resp Ps 102; Lk 9:46-50

Learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart.

In today's Gospel Jesus takes a child and places it by His side. Then Our Lord says to the disciples, Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is greatest (Lk 9:48). All one needs to do is take a look at the child in this photo and see why Jesus placed a child at His side. Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these (Lk 18:16). May we be so gentle and humble of heart. 

The first step of humility is to cherish at all times the sense of awe with which we should ever turn to God

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:10)

Humility Revisited

by Christine Rodgers

Forgive 

my stubborn

insistence 

on self

that great

insolence 

in me.

Help me

understand

that You will

bring

all things to good.

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: My grandniece, Miss Vivian James, just turned three.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

In other years: Saints Cosmas and Damian 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:5-9 Humility 

Mass: Nb 11:25-29; Resp Ps 19; Jm 5:1-6; Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

MARY, COMFORT OF MIGRANTS,

PRAY FOR US.

I can't seem to get Eldad and Medad in today's account from the Book of Numbers off my mind. They didn't follow protocol so to speak. They received some of the spirit that was on Moses, but didn't gather with the other elders. They took matters into their own hands and got busy prophesying. Joshua wasn't too happy with this and went straight to Moses to report Eldad and Medad. Moses got to the heart of the matter: "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow His spirit on them all!" (Nb 11:29). A similar situation comes in today's Gospel where the disciples weren't happy with the behavior of someone who was busy driving out demons in the Name of Jesus. This certain someone did not follow them so didn't follow protocol either. No matter, says Jesus, Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us (Mk 9:39-40). I am reminded of a quotation, attributed by some to Thomas Jefferson, "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." Let's get busy then, and concern ourselves with our own behavior, and spread the Good News in word and deed, more in deed than word.  

Instead of judging everything and everyone, let us be aware of ourselves!

Furthermore,

Jesus is radical, demanding, but for our own good, like a good doctor. Every cut, every pruning, is so we can grow better and bear fruit in love ... Let us ask then, what is it in me that is contrary to the Gospel? What, in concrete terms, does Jesus want me to cut out of my life?

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, September 26, 2021)

SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These are some of my favorites in our garden of delight.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint: Saint Finbar (c.550-620)

Readings of the Day

RB:  Ch 7:1-4 Humility

Mass: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a; Resp Ps (Jer 31); Lk 9:43b-45

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations.

MARY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

PRAY FOR US.

We dedicate this day to the Virgin Mary. As we turn to Our Lady then, we have a quotation attributed to Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Saint Edith Stein), Carmelite nun, Co-Patron Saint of Europe:

Mary is our mother in the most real and lofty sense, a sense which surpasses that of earthly maternity. She begot our life of grace for us because she offered up her entire being, body and soul, as the Mother of God. That is why an intimate bond exists between Mary and ourselves. She loves us, she knows us, she exerts herself to bring each one of us into the closest possible relationship with the Lord - that which we are above all supposed to be.

At the same time we begin the great Chapter 7 on Humility as presented by Saint Benedict in the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict. Mary, our mother, certainly embodied humility. Saint Benedict begins: Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted (Lk 14:11; 18:14/ RB 7:1). Here's a beautiful little poem by Christine Rodgers, Prayer For Humility. You will find it in her Into the Great Green Heart of God (Green Heart Press, 2009) p. 19.

I cannot

take a 

breath

nor even

a single

step

without

Your

strength

and Your 

grace

inside me.

SAINT FINBAR,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For Our Lady. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Stephanie, 4th Century Martyr; Our Lady of Walsingham; Blessed Emilie Tavernier-Gamelin (1800-1851)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 6 Restraint of Speech

Mass: Haggai 2:1-9; Resp Ps 43; Lk 9:18-22

Hope in God; I will praise Him, my savior and my God.

HEART OF JESUS, IN WHOSE FULLNESS WE HAVE ALL RECEIVED,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

A good question to reflect upon every day, and maybe even throughout the day, is Jesus' question to the disciples: But who do you say that I am? (Lk 9:20). Jesus, increase our faith in you. Help us to grow in knowledge and love of you so that we have the courage and strength to do your holy will.

It is faith which delivers through the blood of Christ.

(Saint Ambrose of Milan, d. 397) 

SAINT STEPHANIE,

OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM,

BLESSED EMILIE TAVERNIER-GAMELIN,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Back to our garden of delights.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Padre Pio (1887-1968); Saint Adoman of Iona (627/8-704)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 5:14-19 Obedience

Mass: Haggai 1:1-8; Resp Ps 149; Lk 9:7-9

The Lord takes delight in His people.

MARY, QUEEN OF CONFESSORS,

PRAY FOR US. 

The disciples' obedience must be given gladly, for God loves a cheerful giver.

(Rule of Saint Benedict 5:16)

We commemorate a remarkable saint today, Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as Padre Pio. It is said that over 100,000 people attended his funeral, and that six million pilgrims visit his shrine at San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, each year. We turn to Padre Pio who has plenty to teach us about obedience, humility, and other things too.

Where there is no obedience, there is no virtue; where there is no virtue, there is no goodness, no love; and where there is no love there is no God; without God we do not go to Paradise.

(Saint Pio of Pietrelcina)

Walk with simplicity in the way of the Lord and do not torment your spirit. Learn to hate your faults, but to hate them calmly.

(Saint Pio of Pietrelcina)

Humility, humility and always humility. Satan fears and trembles before humble souls. The Lord is willing to do great things, but on the condition that we are truly humble.

(Saint Pio of Pietrelcina)

Go ahead! Courage! In the spiritual life he who does not go forward goes backward. It is the same with a boat which must always go forward. If it stands still, the wind will blow it back.

(Saint Pio of Pietrelcina)

SAINT PIO OF PIETRELCINA,

SAINT ADOMAN OF IONA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The Lord certainly takes delight in the people who created this. And then a passage from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah was proclaimed at Vigils this morning. Hear this about idols: "Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, they cannot speak; They must be carried about, for they cannot walk" (Jer 10:5). This scarecrow from the community garden at Luscher Farm, West Linn, OR.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion, Martyrs (d.287)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 5:1-13 Obedience

Mass: Ezra 9:5-9; Resp Ps (Tb 13); Lk 9:1-6

Blessed be God, who lives forever.

HEART OF JESUS, SOURCE OF ALL STRENGTH AND COURAGE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus summons the Twelve, and with power and authority bestowed upon them by Him, Our Lord sends the Twelve to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. They are sent with these instructions: Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. If you are not welcome, move on from that town, and shake the dust from your feet (Lk 9:3-5). The Twelve got busy then, and went out as instructed by the Lord. 

A fitting commentary on the Twelve's ready obedience to the Master, is found in Saint Benedict's Chapter 5, "Obedience." Saint Benedict begins in this way: "The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience, which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all" (RB 5:1). Do we too cherish Christ above all? Are we people who "immediately put aside their own concerns, abandon their own will, and lay down whatever they have in hand, leaving it unfinished. With the ready step of obedience, they follow the voice of authority in their actions. Almost at the same moment, then, as the master gives the instruction the disciple put it into practice in the fear of God; and both actions together are swiftly completed as one" (RB 5:7-9)? It's a mouthful and a life-long journey. However, that's what disciples of Jesus are all about. May we conform to the saying: I have not come to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me (Jn 6:38/RB 5:13). 

We are not in our own power; but in the power of God.

(Saint Perpetua)

You will lose nothing of what you have renounced for the Lord, for in its own time it will return to you manifold.

(Saint Mark the Ascetic)

All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

(Blessed Julian of Norwich)

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: We enjoyed some of these delectables for dinner yesterday, prepared superbly, and with great care, as is our custom.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: RB 4:63-78 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Resp Ps 19; Mt 9:9-13

Their message goes out through all the earth.

MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES,

PRAY FOR US.

May our ears and hearts be open to listening to Jesus: Follow me (Mt 9:9). And to Saint Benedict too: "Never lose hope in God's mercy" (RB 4:74). We go forth, then, and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice (Mt 9:13).

On hearing Christ's voice, we open the door to receive Him, as it were, when we freely ascent to His promptings and when we give ourselves over to what must be done. Christ, since He dwells in the hearts of His chosen ones through the grace of His love, enters so that He might eat with us and we with Him. He ever refreshes us by the light of His presence insofar as we progress in our devotion to the longing for the things of heaven. He Himself is delighted by such a pleasing banquet.

(From a homily by Saint Bede the Venerable, priest, in Office of Readings, September 21)

SAINT MATTHEW,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A message of beauty.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and companions, 18th-19th Century Korean Martyrs

Readings of the Day

RB:  Ch 4:44-62 Tools for Good Works

Mass: Ezra 1:1-6; Resp Ps 126; Lk 8:161-8

The Lord has done marvels for us.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND GLORIFY YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER.

(Gospel Versicle, Mass)

As we begin another new week, we also commemorate 103 Korean martyrs, "mostly lay men and women: some married, some not; some old, some young, some even children." May all of them, who most certainly went about doing good, intercede for us, so that we follow their example and with deep faith and courage, let our light shine before others.

Yearn for everlasting life with holy desire.

Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die.

Hour by hour keep watch over all you do, aware that God's gaze is upon you, wherever you may be.

As soon as wrongful thoughts come into your heart, dash them against Christ and disclose them to your spiritual father.

Guard your lips from harmful or deceptive speech..

Prefer moderation in speech and speak no foolish chatter, nothing just to provoke laughter; do not love immoderate or boisterous laughter.

Listen readily to holy reading.

Devote yourself often to prayer,

Every day with tears and sighs confess your past sins to God in prayer and change from these evil ways in the future.

Do not aspire to called holy before you really are, but first be holy that you may more truly be called so.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:46-56, 62) 

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

(Pope Francis, Twitter)

SAINTS ANDREW KIM TAEGON, PAUL CHONG HASANG, AND COMPANIONS,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Back to our garden of delights that keeps on going.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

In other years: Saint Januarius (early 4th century martyr); Saint Theodore of Tarsus (601-690); 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 4:22-43 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Wisdom 2:12, 17-10; Resp Ps 54; James 3:16-4:3; Mk 9:30-37

The Lord sustains my life.

HEART OF JESUS, SON OF THE ETERNAL FATHER,

HAVE MERCY ON US. 

In today's Gospel, we are presented with the Second Prediction of the Passion. Jesus teaches His disciples and us: The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill Him, and three days after His death the Son will rise (Mk 9:31). The disciples didn't understand, and we don't either. Like the disciples, we find ourselves caught up in jockeying for position (Mk 9:34). Pick me! Pick me! Saint James is clear when he writes, "Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice" (Jm 3:16). As disciples of the Lord, we are not about that. Rather, we seek wisdom from above. Wisdom is "pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity" (Jm 3:17). It is no wonder Jesus took a child, placed it in the midst of the disciples, and put His arms around it (Mk 9:36). Then Our Lord said: Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me. Little Teddy in today's photo speaks volumes. 

Our fidelity to the Lord depends upon our willingness to serve. The more we serve, the more we are aware of God's presence.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, September 19, 2021)

SAINT JANUARIUS,

SAIN THEODORE OF TARSUS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Sure enough, my plans changed. From yesterday, you were meant to see new scenes from our garden. Since then, I received another photo from a proud Grandma, this one taken yesterday, of sweet Teddy. Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these (Mk 10:14). And one more thing, about the drizzle yesterday. It turned into full force rain and it rained all day long. And rain continues to come and go. The water appears once again in the Mattole River, and even rushes by. And as you see in the photo, little Teddy is all set in his red rain boots. It rained all day in Corvallis, Oregon too. Dew and rain, bless the Lord; Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Edith of Kemsing (961-984); Saint Stanislaw Kostka (1550-1568)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: 1 Tim 6:13-16; Resp Ps 100; Lk 8:4-15

Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.

MARY, SINGULAR VESSEL OF DEVOTION,

PRAY FOR US.

It's raining! Ok, it's drizzling. No matter, dew and rain, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever. May the seed that is the Word of God fall on rich soil then and be watered by God's grace. May we hear and embrace the Word of God with a generous and good heart, so that we fully bear fruit through perseverance (Lk 8:15). And that is surely what it is asked of us when we put into action Saint Benedict's "Tools for Good Works" as put forth in Chapter 4 of the Rule of Saint Benedict. We begin today with the first 21 verses of one of the richest and most challenging chapters in the Holy Rule. Not surprisingly, it is one of my favorites, as so many of the chapters are. 

First of all, love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself ...

Your way of acting should be different from the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else.

(RB 4:1-2, 20-21)

SAINT EDITH KEMSING,

SAINT STANISLAW KOSTKA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: With a little time on my hands yesterday morning, I had space to get to our garden for a few photos. For the next several days, you will see some of our delights. The garden is not finished yet. Roses bless the Lord!

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Virgin, Doctor (1098-1179); Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop, Doctor (1542-1621); Saint Albert of Jerusalem (c.1150-1214)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 3:7-13 Summoning the Brothers for Counsel

Mass: 1 Tim 6:2c-12; Resp Ps 49; Lk 8:1-3

Blessed are the poor in spirit.

Today we commemorate two great Doctors of the Church. First, we have Saint Hildegard of Bingen, the most recent addition to the small and illustrious group of other women Doctors, Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Catherine of Siena, and Saint Therese of Lisieux. Second, we have Saint Robert Bellarmine, a 16th-17th Italian Jesuit who wrote, among other things, "two catechisms and some devotional commentaries on the Psalms and on the Seven Last Words." An excerpt from his treatise On the Ascent of the Mind to God is included in today's Office of Readings. May these two great saints, along with another great, Saint Albert of Jerusalem, intercede for us and help us, as they certainly did, listen to and live out the words Saint Paul wrote to Timothy: "Pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness" (1 Tim 6:11).

Here is something from Saint Hildegard of Bingen, from her Scivias, Vision Thirteen, Symphony of the Blessed, 1, Songs to Holy Mary:

    O splendid jewel, serenely infused with the Sun!

The Sun is in you as a fount from the heart of the Father;

It is His sole Word, by Whom He created the world,

The primary matter, which Eve threw into disorder.

He formed the Word in you as a human being,

And therefore you are the jewel that shines most brightly,

Through whom the Word breathed out the whole of the virtues,

As once from primary matter He made all creatures.

    O sweet green branch that flowers from the stem of Jesse!

O glorious thing, that God on His fairest daughter

Looked as the eagle looks on the face of the sun!

The Most High Father sought for a Virgin's candor,

And willed that His Word should take in her His body.

    For the Virgin's mind was by His mystery illumined,

And from her virginity sprang the glorious Flower.

And from Saint Robert Bellarmine:

The school of Christ is the school of charity. In the last day, when the general examination takes place, there will be no question at all on the text of Aristotle, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or the Paragraphs of Justinian. Charity will be the whole syllabus.

SAINT HILDEGARD OF BINGEN,

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE,

SAINT ALBERT OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I took this some time ago. It is here for you for the first time and fitting for the Responsorial Psalm. Good things come in small packages. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Pope Saint Cornelius (-253); Saint Cyprian of Carthage, Bishop, Martyr, and Doctor (210-258); Saint Ninian (c.360-432)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: 1 Tim 4:12-16; Resp Ps 111; Lk 7:36-50

How great are the works of the Lord!

HEART OF JESUS, OUR PEACE AND OUR RECONCILIATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Today we are blessed with three texts that relate to young people. Whatever our definition of "young" or "youth" is, may we all be young at heart with the joy of the Lord. Let's listen to Jesus too, for when he spoke to the "sinful" woman in today's Gospel, she so humble and reverent, Jesus speaks to us: Your faith has saved you; go in peace (Lk 7:50). Dear Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief.

Now with the texts: 

First, from today's reading from the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 3, about the times when anything important is to be done in the monastery, and the abbot or abbess calls the whole community for counsel. Everyone is summoned, young and old alike, for "the Lord often reveals what is better to the younger" (RB 3:3).

Then Saint Paul, in his first epistle to Timothy, begins today's passage with these words: "Beloved: Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity" (1 Tim 4:12).

And Pope Francis ended his Address to young people gathered in Lokomotiva Stadium, Kosice, Slovakia, September 14, in this way:

When we embrace Jesus, joy is reborn. And the joy of Jesus helps us find peace, even in the midst of sorrow. More than anything, dear young people, I want this joy for you. I want you to bring it to your friends. Not sermons, but joy. Bring joy! Not words, but smiles and fraternal closeness.

POPE SAINT CORNELIUS,

SAINT CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE,

SAINT NINIAN,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Here we are at Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Bless the work of our hands! Courtesy of my dear friend of nearly 40 years who was there with her husband.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Our Lady of Sorrows

Saint: Saint Mirin (565-620)

Readings of the Day

RB: RB 2:33-40 Qualities of the Abbot 

Mass: Heb 5:7-9; Resp Ps 31 or 1 Tim 3:14-16; Resp Ps 111; Stabat Mater; Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35

In you, O Lord, I take refuge.

MARY, MOTHER OF COMPASSION,

PRAY FOR US. 

In 1963 and shortly before he was elected Abbot of Ampleforth Abbey, Basil Hume gave the following meditation on the last words of Jesus found in today's Gospel. You will find the meditation in Cardinal Basil Hume: A Pilgrim's Search for God, p. 114.

Woman, behold your son ... Behold, your mother.

His hour had come

And hers too;

She had given Him life;

Now she stands and watches,

As life slowly and painfully

leaves him. 

The sight of it

pierces him like a sword

Her mother's heart.

This is her hour of agony,

one with his.

Her pains

make her mother again,

of sinful humans

born to newness of life

in the death of her son.

SAINT MIRIN,

MARY, COMFORTER OF THE AFFLICTED,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: Mother Do Not Mourn For Me, detail, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Year of Saint Joseph

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

700th Anniversary of the Death of Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:30-32 The Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Nb 21:4b-9; Resp Ps 78; Ph 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

WE ADORE YOU, O CHRIST, AND WE BLESS YOU, BECAUSE BY YOUR CROSS YOU HAVE REDEEMED THE WORLD.

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

Every year on this feast, at least for the past few years, I think of something Cardinal Hume said. It shows "how important to him was the crucifix in his chapel in the archbishop's house." May the crucifix in our room, office, or church, be so important to us. And do not forget to be deliberate about signing yourself today, and every day: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

 I like that because sometimes in the morning when you're tired and have a lot of worries in your head, it's not easy to get the head up to God, so you have to pray with your eyes. Sometimes I just sit and look at the cross and say to myself: in all hospitals there are people dying. A lot of people I meet or who write letters to me are suffering terribly at this moment. So, looking at the cross, I think of all those people sharing that passion, sharing the agony of the Lord. And if God became man-as indeed He did-He came to share a lot of what we have to live and undergo and gives it meaning and purpose and makes it holy. I find that very powerful, and when people say to me, "I'm very worried" or "I've just lost my husband," or "There's been a terrible tragedy in our family-please pray for me," I say, "Yes, I'll do it tomorrow morning." So sitting in the chapel, looking at the crucifix, I remember that person.

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The crucifix in our church.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saint: Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop, Doctor (349-407)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:23-29 The Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: 1 Tim 2:1-8; Resp Ps 28; Lk 7:1-10

Lifting up my hands to your holy shrine.

WE PROCLAIM CHRIST CRUCIFIED; CHRIST, THE POWER OF GOD AND THE WISDOM OF GOD.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

As we commemorate Saint John Chrysostom, the "Golden-mouth", known for his eloquence, and begin a new work week, let us be about something Saint Paul writes and offer supplications, prayers, petitions and thanksgiving for everyone! (1 Tm 2:1). Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard my prayer (Ps 28). 

The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock. Let the sea rage, it cannot break rock. Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat of Jesus.

(From a homily by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop, in Office of Readings, September 13)

Poor human reason when it trusts in itself substitutes the strangest absurdities for the highest divine concepts.

(Saint John Chrysostom)

Reflect what great happiness is bestowed upon you, what glory is given you, namely to converse in your prayers with God, to join in colloquy with Christ, and to beg for what you desire.

(Saint John Chrysostom)

We may always rejoice, if we only keep our head a little raised above the flood of human things.

(Saint John Chrysostom)

SAINT JOHN CHYRSOSTOM,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Guess where this is? The Cathedral in Salamanca, Spain. A dear friend of nearly 40 years was there with her husband. It’s “stunning”! 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Sunday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

In other years: Saint Ailbe (6th century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:16-22 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Is 50:5-9a; Resp Ps 116; Jm 2:14-18; Mk 8:27-35

I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

MAY I NEVER BOAST EXCEPT IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD THROUGH WHICH THE WORLD HAS BEEN CRUCIFIED TO ME AND I TO THE WORLD.

(Gospel Versicle, Mass)

There is no denying that some of the Lord's teachings are difficult. We know that some of Jesus' disciples even left Him because His sayings were hard (Jn 6:66), especially when He spoke about eating His flesh and drinking His blood (6:53-58). Jesus also calls us to forgive others, not seven times but seventy-seven times (Mt 18:21-22). Today we are presented with another difficult teaching, namely, when Jesus quite clearly says: Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me (Mk 8:34). Pope Francis put it this way in a 2015 Angelus Address: "To undertake the discipleship of Jesus means to take up your cross-we all have one-to accompany Jesus on His path, an uncomfortable path that is not of success or of fleeting glory, but one which takes us to true freedom, to that which frees us from selfishness and sin." Denying ourselves is uncomfortable. We don't like to be taken out of our comfort zones. As disciples of Jesus though, we are called to carry on, with whatever comes our way, small things and big things and try to keep it all in perspective. We don't carry the crosses of our choice, or as Cardinal Basil Hume said, "We never tailor our own crosses: we don't carve our own crosses to fit our own shoulders: it's always the one that rubs just where it hurts; it's never the cross of my choosing." So whether our crosses come in the form of "misunderstandings, an unearned rebuke, gnawing anxiety, ill-health, fatigue," we make a choice, we decide "whether these are obstacle to happiness or a path leading to it." The choice is ours as we remember what else Jesus tells us today: Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it (Mk 8:35). All said, we don't want to leave Jesus, or with the words of Peter, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (Jn 6:68).

There is no spiritual maturity without the Cross. If you don't meet the Cross sometime in your life you can never be spiritually mature: you remain spiritually a child.

(Cardinal Basil Hume) 

There are so many painful things in the empty monotony and distraction of those times when we are ill. God alone can make of this emptiness, of these little sacrifices and successive privations, a work of redemption for me and for others. Is there no sweetness in being on our Savior's Cross, and so close to Him, obtaining the grace of salvation or conversion for others, for souls that are greatly loved?

(Elisabeth Leseur, Book of Resolutions 1906-1912, in The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, p. 85)

SAINT AILBE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From d's morning walk on Sunshine Lane, West Linn, OR.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

20th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the United States

Other saints: Saint Deiniol (-584); Blessed Mary of Jesus (1560-1640)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:11-16 The Qualities of the Abbot 

Mass: 1 Tim 1:15-17; Resp Ps 113; Lk 6:43-49 

Above the heavens is God's glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

On this 20th Anniversary of 9/11, may we bear good fruit and out of goodness in our hearts, produce only good. For all those who died, may they rest in peace. And for all those who grieve the loss of loved ones, dear Jesus, give them comfort and peace. We go forth, with Jesus Christ, the Rock, as our foundation. As Pope Saint John Paul said at his General Audience on the day following the terrorist attacks, "Even if the forces of darkness appear to prevail, those who believe in God know that evil and death do not have the final say." And in the words of Pope Benedict XVI on the first papal visit to Ground Zero in New York, may the Lord "give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and the hearts of all" (April 20, 2008). 

In honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary who helps us, the following is from French Cistercian Adam of Perseigne (1145-1241), from Letter Three, in Mary, Most Holy: Meditating With the Early Cistercians, pp. 350-353.

How happy is she

who is both mother and spouse of God

the gate of heaven

the loveliness of paradise

lady of angels

queen of the universe

joy of the saints

advocate of believers

courage of those who fight

recaller of those who wander

medicine of the penitent.

O sure salvation!

Short path of life!

Sole hope of pardon

sweetness unique.

You, my Lady,

are my all.

In your hands

has been stored for me

the fulness of good.

With you

have been hidden the unfailing treasures

 of truth and grace

 of peace and pity

of salvation and wisdom

of glory and honor.

You are my anchor amid the billows

my port in shipwreck

my support in tribulation

my comfort in grief.

For those who are yours

you are

aid in oppression

help in time of crisis

temperance in prosperity

joy in time of waiting

refreshment in toil.

Whatsoever I can stammer

in your praise

is less

than your praise

for you are worthy of all praise.

SAINT DEINIOL,

BLESSED MARY OF JESUS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one from Wednesday, when the sky was Mary's blue. We had a repeat performance yesterday.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Ambrose Barlow OSB (1585-1641); Saint Egwin, Bishop (8th century); Blessed Agnelus of Pisa, Priest (13th century); Blessed Francis Garate (1857-1929)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:1-11 The Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: 1 Tim 1:1-2, 12-14; Resp Ps 16; Lk 6:39-42

I say to the Lord, "My Lord are you."

I AM GRATEFUL TO HIM WHO HAS STRENGTHENED ME, CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.

(1 Tim 1:12)

Browsing through my Quotable Saints book, I found this quotation which happens to fit nicely between the words from Saint Paul above and the ones you will find below. 

If we have any natural defect, either in mind or body, let us not grieve or be sorry for ourselves. Who is there that ever receives a gift and tries to make bargains about it? Let us, then, return thanks for what He has bestowed on us. Who can tell whether, if we had a larger share of ability or stronger health, we should not have possessed them to our destruction.

(Saint Alphonsus Liguori, 1696-1787)

THE GRACE OF OUR LORD HAS BEEN ABUNDANT, ALONG WITH THE FAITH AND LOVE THAT ARE IN CHRIST JESUS.

(1 Time 1:14)

SAINT AMBROSE BARLOW, OSB,

SAINT EGWIN,

BLESSED AGNELUS OF PISA,

BLESSED FRANCIS GARATE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one was taken some days ago, early morning in our garden of delights.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Peter Claver (1581-1654); Saint Ciaran of Clonmacnoise (516-546); Saint Osburg (-1018)

hRB: Ch 1:6-13 The Kinds of Monks

Mass: Col 3:12-17; Resp Ps 150; Lk 6:27-38

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!

JESUS, OUR GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Both of our readings at Mass could be used for examination of conscience. Both Saint Paul and Jesus are clear in their messages about what kind of people we are to be, what we are to be about as disciples of Jesus, and how we are to treat others. One summary of all that is required of us comes in the words of Saint Paul: "Whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col 3:17). As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, and going about everything that we say and do, in the name of the Lord Jesus, then how could we not put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience ... (Col. 3). How could we not give to everyone who asks, do to others as we would have them do to us, stop judging ... (Lk 6). Dear Lord Jesus, help us to be merciful just as Our Father is merciful (Lk 6:36).

And be thankful.

(Col. 3:15)

SAINT PETER CLAVER,

SAINT CIARAN OF CLONMACNOISE,

SAINT OSBURG,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Here is one of the photos I was going to use yesterday, until the blue sky came through. And it lasted all day! This beauty was sent some time ago by Catherine, then on Kauai, here at the Limahuli Tropical Botanical Garden.

© Gertrude Feick 2021