Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Alfonso Rodriguez (1533-1617)

Readings of the Day

The RB: Ch 24 Degrees of Excommunication

Mass: Dt 6:2-6; Resp Ps 18; Heb 7:23-28; Mk 12:28b-34

The Lord lives!

Welcome back, faithful readers. Rejoice this day. 59 years ago, October 31, 1962, four Cistercian nuns arrived from Our Lady of Nazareth Abbey, Brecht, Belgium, to begin our foundation, Our Lady of the Redwoods Abbey. One of those four nuns, Sister Veronique, in our midst, continues to inspire and edify us. Please pray for us so that we "grow and prosper the more" (Dt 6:3) and love God with all our heart, with all our understanding, with all our strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves (Mk 12:33). Thank you. We pray for you, united in faith.

SAINT ALFONSO RODRIGUEZ,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome to Our Lady of the Redwoods Abbey. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

World Mission Day

In other years: Saint Antony Mary Claret (1807-1870); Saint Magliore (-575)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:12-19 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Jer 31:7-9; Resp Ps 126; Heb 5:1-6; Mk 10:46-52

The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

HEART OF JESUS, SACRED TEMPLE OF GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

One thing to do today is join Bartimaeus and throw away the cloak that binds us, spring up and go to Jesus, and say, "Master, I want to see" (Mk 10:50-51). Lord Jesus, heal us from whatever keeps us away from you. Help us to see you more clearly and follow you more closely. 

Go your way; your faith has saved you.

(Mk 10:52)

SAINT ANTONY MARY CLARET,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

NB. Dear faithful readers, thank you. This will be the last reflection posted until Sunday, October 31. During the coming days, remember that we are united in faith and prayer. If the going gets tough at any time, or even if it doesn't, remember the verse, O God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me (Ps 70:2/RB 18:1).

Today's photo: One of my favorite colors.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Twenty-Ninth 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 John Capistrano, Priest, Patron Saint of Military Chaplains (1386-1456)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:7-11 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Rm 8:1-11; Resp Ps 24; Lk 13:1-9

The Lord's is the earth and its fullness.

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

We commemorated Pope Saint John Paul II yesterday, and today is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here are words from Pope John Paul II, January 1, 2002, in his homily on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, also the XXXV World Day of Peace. 

If Jesus is Life, Mary is the Mother of Life.

If Jesus is Hope, Mary is the Mother of Hope.

If Jesus is Peace, Mary is the Mother of Peace.

Holy Mother, Mother of the Prince of Peace, help us!

Mother of Humanity and Queen of Peace, pray for us!

SAINT JOHN CAPISTRANO,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More colors in Garberville, CA. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Pope Saint John Paul II (1920-2005)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:1-6 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Rm 7:18-25a; Resp Ps 119; Lk 12:54-59

You are good and bountiful, teach me your statutes.

THANKS BE TO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.

(Rm 7:25a)

There is so much to be thankful for. For one, it's been raining cats and dogs around here. We can also be thankful for fond memories. A few of mine come today. 

As we commemorate Pope Saint John Paul II, I recall the privilege of attending his beatification in 2011. Saint Peter's Square was overflowing into all streets and byways and bridges. I sat myself on Ponte Sant'Angelo, packed full of pilgrims. Speaking of Rome, I defended my doctoral thesis on Cardinal Basil Hume on October 22, 2015. Photos came through this morning in a OneDrive "On this day" email. I pray for all those gathered in the late afternoon of that day. Thank you.

I found this quotation from Pope Saint Paul II on Vatican News this morning, something to keep us grounded and focused amidst it all: "Be vigilant so that nothing might separate us from the love of Christ: neither false slogans, nor erroneous ideologies, nor caving into the temptation to fall into compromises with what is not of God." Something that might help with this is turning to Saint Benedict at the beginning of Chapter 18 of the Holy Rule, "The Order of the Psalmody", the chapter we are busy with for a few days: "Each of the day hours begins with the verse, God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me ..." (RB 18:1). However, we can turn to this verse at any time of day or night, and especially when we are tempted by false slogans, erroneous ideologies, and the like. O God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me.

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is nice, here at Redwoods.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint John Bridlington (1319-1379); Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, Priest, and Saint Pedro Calungsod (-1672)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Rm 6:19-23; Resp Ps 1; Lk 12:49-53

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

NOT SO THE WICKED, NOT SO;

THEY ARE LIKE CHAFF WHICH THE WIND DRIVES AWAY.

FOR THE LORD WATCHES OVER THE WAY OF THE JUST,

BUT THE WAY OF THE WICKED VANISHES.

(Psalm 1:4-5)

An interesting tidbit about one of the saints we commemorate today, Saint John Bridlington, canonized by Pope Boniface IX in 1404, is that he was the last English saint to be canonized before the Reformation. We have another courageous Jesuit too, Diego Luis de Vitores, who entered the Society of Jesus at the age of 13. He and a lay catechist, himself a teenager, Pedro Calungsod, were brutally killed in 1672 by a village chief while serving as missionaries in Micronesia. It is as Jesus said: I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a house of five will be divided ... (Lk 12:49-53). United in faith and prayer, we keep going, no matter what or who comes our way. By God's grace, we are what we are. 

SAINT JOHN BRIDLINGTON,

BLESSED DIEGO LUIS DE SAN VITORES,

SAINT PEDRO CALUNGSOD,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: You'll find colors like these in Garberville, CA.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest (1699-1775); Blessed Daudi Okelo (1902-1918) and Jildo Irwa (1906-1918)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Rm 6:12-18; Resp Ps 124; Lk 12:39-48

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

I RESOLVED TO KNOW NOTHING WHILE I WAS WITH YOU EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST, AND HIM CRUCIFIED.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

October rolls on with more saints to commemorate, all who heeded the Lord's command to "be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come" (Lk 12:40). We pray for the people of Uganda, who have two great saints to intercede for them. Youngsters and catechists soley devoted to teaching the Christian faith, Blessed Daudi and Jildo were killed at the ages of 16 and 12, respectively. Then we have Saint Paul of the Cross, an Italian mystic, the founder of the Passionate Order, now an Order of vowed priests and brothers, sisters and nuns. I took a look at a Passionate website last night, passionate.org, the site for the Passionists of Holy Cross Province. There I read that "for St. Paul of the Cross, the Passion of Jesus was 'the most overwhelming work of God's love'". I also found two daily prayers, both powerful. I include one here.

Dear Lord, I have allowed the world to come into my heart and rob me of my inner peace. When I experience these difficulties it seems that there will be no end-I see no way out of my suffering. Forgive me for my lack of faith and trust. Though I try to fight it, I let fear and anxiety rule my mind and my thoughts and keep me in despair. Help me to remember that there is nothing so great, so overwhelming or so insurmountable that your love cannot conquer it. Embrace me in these dark times. Show me the way. 

SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS,

BLESSED DAUDI OKELO AND JILDO IRWA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A sweet and colorful tree.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, and their Companions, Martyrs (17th century); Saint Philip Howard (1557-1595); Saint Frideswide (-735); Saint Peter of Alcantara (-1562)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 15 The Times for Saying Alleluia

Mass: Rm 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21; Resp Ps 40; Lk 12:35-38

May all who seek you exult and be glad.

BE VIGILANT AND PRAY THAT YOU MAY HAVE THE STRENGTH TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN.

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

I am remembering this morning the Gospel of this past Sunday when James and John wanted primacy of place in Jesus' glory. But you do not know what you asking, Jesus told them. Were James and John ready to drink the chalice of suffering, to lay down their lives for Jesus, pick up their crosses and follow Him? We have certainly had examples these days of those who were. I think of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, who on his way to Rome for execution, wrote to the Romans: "I am writing to all the churches to let it be known that I will gladly die for God if only you do not stand in my way." And today we commemorate Saint John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues and their Companions, 17th century North American martyrs for the faith. One can get a pretty good idea of what they faced as portrayed in the film Black Robe. And here is an entry from the spiritual diaries of Saint John de Brebeuf, priest and martyr, found in Office of Readings, October 19:

For two days now I have experienced a great desire to be a martyr and endure all the torments the martyrs suffered.

Jesus, my Lord and Savior, what can I give you in return for all the favors you have conferred on me? I will take from your hand the cup of your sufferings and call on your name. I vow before the eternal Father and the Holy Spirit, before your most holy Mother and her most chaste spouse, before the angels, apostles and martyrs, before my blessed fathers Saint Ignatius and Saint Francis Xavier-in truth I vow to you, Jesus my Savior, that as far as I have the strength I will never fail to accept the grace of martyrdom, if some day you in your infinite mercy should offer it to me, your most worthy servant.

May we never boast, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the word of the Cross is the power of God to us who have been saved.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

SAINT JOHN DE BREBEUF AND ISSAC JOGUES AND THIER COMPANIONS,

SAINT PHILIP HOWARD,

SAINT FRIDESWIDE, 

SAINT PETER OF ALCANTARA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Fall colors abound. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist

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 Tm 14:10-17b; Resp Ps 145; Lk 10:1-9

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

THE LORD JESUS APPOINTED SEVENTY-TWO DISCIPLES WHOM HE SENT AHEAD OF HIM IN PAIRS TO EVERY TOWN AND PLACE HE INTENDED TO VISIT.

(Lk 10:1)

We celebrate Saint Luke the Evangelist, physician and patron saint of artists. We pray then, that Saint Luke intercede for all those who work in the medical field, and for all artists too. May they go about their work and service so that in all things God may be glorified (1 Pt 4:11/RB 57:9).

Beloved brothers, our Lord and Savior sometimes gives us instruction by words and sometimes by actions. His very deeds are his commands; and whenever he acts silently he is teaching us what we should do. For example, he sends his disciples out to preach two by two, because the precept of charity is twofold-love of God and love of one's neighbor. 

(From a homily on the gospels by Saint Gregory the Great, pope, in Office of Readings, October 18)  

SAINT LUKE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This little explorer, Teddy, is certainly a friend of Our Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

In other years: Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop (- 107)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 13:12-14 The Celebration of Lauds on Ordinary Days

Mass: Is 53:10-11; Resp Ps 33; Heb 4:14-16; Mk 10:35-45

May your kindness, Lord, be upon us.

JESUS, MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

It can't be said that James and John, the sons of Zebedee in today's Gospel lacked boldness. They went straight to Jesus and didn't mince words: "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you" (Mk 10:35). What do you wish me to do for you? (Mk 10:36), asked Jesus, calmly and with patience as I picture the scene. Essentially, James and John wanted primacy of place, one to sit at the Teacher's right, and the other at His left. Although not intended by Saint Benedict, one commentary on this exchange between James and John, and Jesus, could be provided by Benedict in Ch 72 of the Holy Rule, where he addresses the Good Zeal of Monks. 

Saint Benedict allows one kind of competition in the monastery. Benedict turns to Saint Paul in his Letter to the Romans: They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other (Rm 12:10), supporting with greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body or behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another. No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else" (RB 72:4-7). At the same time, however, we have to "evaluate our heart's real intentions," as Pope Francis put it in today's Angelus Address, and ask ourselves, "Why am I carrying out this work, this responsibility? To offer service, or rather to be recognised, praised and to receive compliments?" Real service requires humility and self-sacrifice. There will be suffering involved. We look to Jesus, the Teacher, who tells us: Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom to many (Mk 10:43-44).

We turn to Our Lady, as Pope Francis did at the conclusion of his Angelus Address: "And let us pray to the Madonna: she - even though she was the greatest - did not seek to rise up, but was the humble servant of the Lord, and is completely immersed in our service to help us encounter Jesus."

We go forth, then, and "confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help" (Heb 4:16). 

Let none of you take a merely natural attitude toward neighbor, but love one another continually in Jesus Christ.

(Saint Ignatius of Antioch)

SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Some of my favorites, and the colors too, strawflowers from our still thriving garden of delights.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Twenty-Eighth 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 Hedwig (c.1174-1243); Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 16:1-11 The Celebration of the Divine Office During the Day

Mass: Rm 4:13, 16-18; Resp Ps 105; Lk 12:8-12

Throughout the earth God's judgments prevail.

MARY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

PRAY FOR US.

I think of a saying from Julian of Norwich, "All will be well and all manner of things will be well." This may be good to keep in mind and heart when listening to Jesus speak in today's Gospel: When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what you defense will be or about what you are about to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say (Lk 12:11-12). Come, Holy Spirit, come. Mary, help of Christians, pray for us.

Fear nothing, [said the Virgin Mary] you shall be my true daughter and I will always be your good mother.

(Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque) 

Take shelter under our Lady's mantle, and do not fear. She will give you all you need. She is very rich, and besides is very generous with her children. She loves giving.

(Blessed Raphaela Maria, 1850-1925)

But above all preserve peace of heart. This is more valuable than any treasure. In order to preserve it there is nothing more useful than renouncing your own will and substituting it for the will of the divine heart. In this way he will carry out for us whatever contributes to his glory, and we will be happy to be his subjects and to trust entirely in him.

(From a letter by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin, in Office of Readings, October 16)

SAINT HEDWIG,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Zion National Park, UT.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Teresa of Avila, Virgin, Doctor (1515-1582)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 12 The Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds

Mass: Rm 4:1-8; Resp Ps 32; Lk 12:1-7

Exult, all you upright of heart.

To be a servant of love is a dignity so great that it delights me in a wonderful way to think about it.

(Saint Teresa of Avila, The Book of Her Life, 11,1)

We commemorate another remarkable saint today, Saint Teresa of Avila, also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus. I was privileged to have a semester long course on this great saint, so she is a favorite. Saint Teresa of Jesus is one in an illustrious group of women Doctors of the Church. The others who join her are Saint Catherine of Siena (Feast on April 29), Saint Therese of Lisieux (Feast on October 1), and Saint Hildegard of Bingen (Feast on September 17). 

If you read one book about Saint Teresa of Avila, a good one to pick up is The Book of Her Life. It is in Chapter 1 where the reader learns something of Teresa's childhood and formation in the faith from her father, "a man very charitable with the poor and compassionate toward the sick, and even toward servants" (1,1), and her mother who "also had many virtues" (1, 2). Her mother "suffered much sickness in her life ... was extremely modest", and "although very beautiful, she never gave occasion to anyone to think she paid any attention to her beauty" (1, 2). Teresa's mother "was gentle and very intelligent. Great were the trials she suffered during her life. Her death [at the age of 33] was a truly Christian one" (1, 2). In all, the children were "three sisters and nine brothers. All who resembled their parents in being virtuous" (1, 3). However, Teresa did not include herself in their company, for she relates, "I am ashamed when I recall the good inclinations the Lord gave me and how poorly I knew how to profit by them" (1, 3).

Not daunted and not held back from the service of God, Teresa and her favorite brother read the lives of the saints. They desired to be martyrs and "agreed to go off to the land of the Moors and beg them, out of love for God, to cut off our heads there"! (1, 4). However, they didn't have the means to fulfill that mission and it seemed that their parents were their "greatest obstacle" (1, 4). So the two of them, if not able to be killed for God then, made a plan to be hermits. Teresa goes on: "And in the garden that we had in our house, we tried as we could to make hermitages piling up some little stones which afterward would quickly fall down again. And so in nothing could we find remedy for our desire" (1, 5). Teresa gave alms and sought out solitude to pray her many devotions, especially the rosary, to which her "mother was very devoted" (1, 6). She also liked to play with her friends too, and enjoyed it immensely when they pretended they were nuns in a monastery (1, 6).

Teresa goes on as you will read. Teresa's mother died when Teresa was around 12 years old. It was then that Teresa found solace in Our Lady and "besought her with many tears to be her mother" (1, 7). The story doesn't end there, as many of you already know. I just find her childhood especially interesting as I was with the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah early this morning, where the Lord calls Jeremiah: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you (Jer 1:5). We just never know what God has in my mind for us. Let's turn to Saint Teresa of Avila for inspiration and intercession. Pope Benedict XVI, expounding on Saint Teresa of Avila (St. Teresa of Jesus) in his General Audience of February 2, 2011 (see www.vatican.va website or Holy Women by Pope Benedict XVI, p. 135), said this:

Dear brothers and sisters, St. Teresa of Jesus is a true teacher of Christian life for the faithful of every time. In our society, which all too often lacks spiritual values, St. Teresa teaches us to be unflagging witnesses of God, of his presence, and of his action. She teaches us truly to feel this thirst for God that exists in the depths of our hearts, this desire to see God, to seek God, to be in conversation with him and to be his friends.

LET THE CHRISTIAN BE VALIANT.

(Saint Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle, 1, 13)

SAINT TERESA OF AVILA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Back at Paul and Sue's in Mt. Angel, OR.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Pope Saint Callistus I (-222)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 11 The Celebration of Vigils on Sunday

Mass: Rm 3:21-30; Resp Ps 130; Lk 11:47-54

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice!

WHAT OCCASION IS THERE THEN FOR BOASTING?

(Rm 3:27)

HE WHO BOASTS SHOULD BOAST IN THE LORD.

(2 Cor 10:17)

With the Gospel accounts this week, and today with folks acting with hostility toward Jesus, interrogating Him and plotting to catch Him (Lk 11:54), how about we turn to an instruction by Saint Columban, abbot, from Tuesday's Office of Readings:

How I wish He would awaken me, His humble servant, from the sleep of slothfulness, even though I am of little worth. How I wish He would enkindle me with that fire of divine love. The flames of His love burn beyond the stars; the longing for His overwhelming delights and the divine fire ever burn within me!

How I wish I might deserve to have my lantern always burning at night in the temple of my Lord, to give light to all who enter the house of my God. Give me, I pray you, Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son and my God, that love that does not fail so that my lantern, burning within me and giving light to others, may be always lighted and never extinguished. 

POPE SAINT CALLISTUS I,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome to Bryce Canyon, Utah.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Edward the Confessor (1003-1066)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Rm 2:1-11; Resp Ps 62; Lk 11:42-46

God is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold.

IF YOU, O LORD, SHOULD MARK INIQUITIES, LORD, WHO COULD STAND? BUT WITH YOU IS FOUND FORGIVENESS, O GOD OF ISRAEL.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

One thought that occurred to me today came from the Entrance Antiphon from Mass included above. I certainly know that if the Lord marked my iniquities, I could not stand. Thankfully, with the Lord I find forgiveness, love, and mercy. Another thought came to me from our first reading at Mass. There, Saint Paul warns us about judging one another. Beware. There are no excuses for judging another for when we point that one finger at another person, three fingers are pointing at us. You are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things (Rm 2:1). I am reminded of the Family Circus cartoon strip, always a favorite. I think of the scenes when either Mom or Dad asks the children who did something. I just looked up some of the scenes and several appeared. Take a look. In one of them, the whole family is at dinner and Dad asks, "All right -- who is kicking the table?" The answers include, "Not me!", "Ida know!", "Nobody!", and even the baby thinks aloud, "Not me!" At the same time the dog sits quietly under the table and the little "Nobody", "Not me", and "Ida know" goblins are busy kicking the table legs. 😊

SAINT EDWARD THE CONFESSOR,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Zion National Park again. Awesome cloud formation. Where do those stairs lead ... 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Wilfrid (634-709); Blessed Jan Beyzym (1850-1912); Our Lady of Aparecida (Brazil) 

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Rm 1:16-25; Resp Ps 19; Lk 11:37-41

The heavens proclaim God's glory.

HOLY TRINITY, ONE GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

We are in the midst of some of my favorite chapters of the Rule of Saint Benedict, those that provide instruction on the Work of God, also called the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours, the universal prayer of the Church. The 12 some chapters, often called the liturgical code, provide the structure for our common prayer. Essentially, the chapters treat what psalms and how many psalms we are to pray, and when to pray certain psalms throughout the liturgical year. Today's chapter on the Number of Psalms at the Night Office offers a wake up call. There is a call to keep us focused and grounded in what we are about in our life of faith and at the Work of God. It is here that Saint Benedict writes, "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" (RB 9:7). With profound bow, we honor the Holy Trinity: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. If our minds or hearts are wandering, we have opportunity at this time to remember who we are, where we are, and what we are doing. We should be no where else or doing anything else. With profound bow, Holy Trinity, One God, we revere you. As our Catechism teaches us: 

The mystery of the Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the "hierarchy of truths." The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men "and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin."

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 234)

SAINT WILFRID,

BLESSED JAN BEYZYM,

OUR LADY OF APARECIDA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More from Maddy and Becca's camping adventure in Utah. Here, sunset at Zion National Park.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Pope Saint John XXIII (1881-1963); Saint Kenneth (515-599); Blessed William Howard (1612-1680)

Columbus Day

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 8 The Divine Office at Night

Mass: Rm 1:1-7; Resp Ps 98; Lk 11:29-32

Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands.

IF TODAY YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS.

(Gospel Versicle, Mass)

As we begin yet another week, our reflection is simple. After all, it is Monday. And Columbus Day too, the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Consider the beauty in today's photo, and the beauty that surrounds you, in things small and big too. Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wondrous deeds. (Ps 98). United in faith and prayer, we go forth. 

POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII,

SAINT KENNETH,

BLESSED WILLIAM HOWARD,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Early morning at Bryce Canyon National Park, UT. Thank you Maddy and Becca exploring various parks in Utah, the Beehive State. Wow. You will see more of these awesome photos. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

In other years: Saint Paulinus (-644); Saint Daniel Comboni (1831-1881)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:62-70 Humility

Mass: Wisdom 7:7-11; Resp Ps 90; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mk 10:17-30

Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!

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

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Something came to me last night during Vigils, when the Abbess was proclaiming the Gospel of today. It was this: "Give it up for Jesus." What is it that you need to give up, interiorly or exteriorly, so as not to be encumbered by the one thing you are lacking? Jesus tells us this: Go, sell what you have, and give it to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me (Mk 10:21). Jesus is in charge. Our Lord looks at each one of us and loves us (Mk 10:21). Just when you think you cannot give up one more thing, remember, "All things are possible for God" (Mk 10:27). 

SAINT PAULINUS,

SAINT DANIEL COMBONI,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US. 

Today's photo: Away from Redwoods Monastery and in another monastery for several days, I returned to find this in our garden of delights.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Twenty-Seventh 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 Denis, Bishop, and his Companions, Martyrs (-258); Saint John Leonardi, Priest (1541-1609)

Readings of the Day

RB:  Ch 7:60-61 Humility

Mass: Joel 4:12-21; Resp Ps 97; Lk 11:27-28

Rejoice in the Lord, you just.

MARY, MORNING STAR,

PRAY FOR US.

We have cascading words to take to heart today.

First, from the Gospel, Jesus tell us the foundation: Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it (Lk 11:28).

Second, from the Office of Readings, from a commentary on psalm 118 by Saint Ambrose, bishop: "The true witness is one who bears witness to the commandments of the Lord Jesus and supports that witness by deeds" (October 9).

Third, also from the Office of Readings, from a letter to Pope Paul V by Saint John Leonardi, priest: "Those who want to work for moral reform in the world must first seek the glory of God before all else. Because he is the source of all good, they must wait for his help, and pray for it in this difficult and necessary undertaking. They must then present themselves to those they seek to reform, as mirrors of every virtue and as lamps on the lampstand. Their upright lives and noble conduct must shine before all who are in the house of God. In this way they will gently entice the members of the Church to reform instead of forcing them, lest, in the words of the Council of Trent, they demand of the body what is not found in the head, and thus upset the whole order of the Lord's household" (October 9).

SAINT DENIS AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT JOHN LEONARDI,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More from Queen of Angels Monastery.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:59 Humility

Mass: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2; Resp Ps 9; Lk 11:15-26

I will be glad and exult in you.

THE DESIGNS OF THE HEART ARE FROM AGE TO AGE, TO RESCUE THEIR SOULS FROM DEATH AND TO KEEP THEM ALIVE IN FAMINE.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

With no saints on the official calendar to commemorate today, I went to the October volume of Butler's Lives of the Saints to see who is profiled. Three saints are listed for us to turn to for prayer and intercession. First, we have Saint Pelagia the Penitent. Butler's tells us this: "The genuine St Pelagia, so to speak, was a young virgin martyr of Antioch who was venerated there on 8 October at least as early as the fourth century ... she is commemorated on this day in the Syriac Breviary of the early fifth century" (p. 49). Second, we have Saint Demetrius, "probably a deacon who was martyred sometime before the fifth century at Sirmium (Mitrovic in former Yugoslavia" (p. 50). And third we have Saint Keyne, probably of the sixth century. She "was very well known in parts of south Wales and Cornwall, and may have been active in Herefordshire and Somerset, though there is no trustworthy evidence of an ancient cult of the saint in the latter county" (p. 51).

We turn to these saints to help us in our desire "to reach the highest summit of humility" (RB 7:5) as presented to us these days in Saint Benedict's Chapter 7 on Humility. Now in the tenth step of humility, sandwiched between related steps 9 and 11, we ask these saints to help us control our tongues, for Scripture warns us, In a flood of words you will not avoid sinning, and A talkative man goes about aimlessly on earth (RB 7:56-58). That we not be given to ready laughter, for it is written: Only a fool raises his voice in laughter (RB 7:59). And lastly, that we speak gently and without laughter, seriously and with becoming modesty, briefly and reasonably, but without raising our voices, as it is written: "A wise man is known by his few words" (RB 7:60-61). 

One might summarize these steps in this way: Think before you speak. Will whatever you say degrade or uplift? Are you laughing at or with? We are meant to build the Body of Christ and encourage each other in our life of faith and prayer. May we keep our homes of the heart and mind clean, as spoken about in today's Gospel. As related, "When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says. 'I shall return to my home from which I came.' But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first" (Lk 11:24-26). 

SAINT PELAGIA THE PENITENT,

SAINT DEMETRIUS,

SAINT KEYNE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More from Queen of Angels Monastery.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Our Lady of the Rosary

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:56-58 Humility

Mass: Malachi 13-20b; Resp Ps 1; Lk 11:5-13

For the Lord watches over the way of the just.

BEHOLD, YOU WILL CONCEIVE IN YOUR WOMB AND BEAR A SON, AND YOU SHALL NAME HIM JESUS.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Since yesterday we were with the prayer that Jesus taught us, that is, the Lord's Prayer, today, dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, we can be with the Hail, Mary. At the same time, we can check to be sure we have a rosary on our person. And pray with it too. 

Hail, Mary, full of grace,

the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. In this month of October, I invite you to recite this prayer, allowing yourself to be led by Mary to Jesus, her son.

(Pope Francis, Twitter)

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Only one of many beauties at Queen of Angels Monastery, Mt. Angel, OR.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Blessed Mary Rose Durocher (1811-1849); Saint Bruno, Priest (c.1033-1101) 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:55 Humility 

Mass: Jonah 4:1-11; Resp Ps 86; Lk 11:1-4

For to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

JESUS, FATHER OF THE WORLD TO COME,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, MOTHER OF THE LIVING GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today we have the joy of commemorating another two great saints, both founders of religious Orders. First, we have Blessed Mary Rose Durocher, founder of the Congregations of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Dear and much loved Sister Frances Madden, SNJM, of happy memory, taught me Metaphysics. Then we have Saint Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order. The statue of Saint Bruno in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome remains my favorite. In the great basilica, the statue of Saint Bruno is awesome in its grandeur. 

United in our faith and baptism in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we cry out to Our Father in the words that Jesus teaches us in today's Gospel (Lk 11:2-4):

Father, hallowed be your name,

your Kingdom come,

Give us each day our daily bread

and forgive us our sins

for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,

and do not subject us to the final test.

We know, as did Jonah, that God is "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loathe to punish" (Jonah 4:2), and extends His love and forgiveness to each and every one of us, yes, even those who we don't think deserve God's mercy. Let's not be angry like Jonah though, and embrace the words of Jesus in our hearts: Forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us.

BLESSED MARY ROSE DUROCHER,

SAINT BRUNO,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More from Paul and Sue.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938); Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos (1819-1867)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:51-54 Humility

Mass: Jonah 3:1-10; Resp Ps 130; Lk 10:38-42

Lord, hear my voice!

HEART OF JESUS, PATIENT AND MOST MERCIFUL,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

As we commemorate Saint Faustina Kowalska, I remember my visit to Vilnuis, Lithuania, some years ago when I visited the The Shrine of Divine Mercy. It is "home to the famous painting of the Mercy of God, painted by Eugenijus Kazimirovskis in Vilnius in 1934. He painted the image of Jesus according to the visions of the nun Faustina Kowalska" (The Official Development Agency of the City of Vilnius, website). As I recall though, my friend Agniete and I weren't able to go in to the chapel though, it was packed full of people. Jesus, ever merciful, have mercy on us as you did with the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:10). Help us turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Ps 34:15). For, if you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered (Ps 130). Let us join Mary in today's Gospel and sit beside the Lord at His feet and listen to Him speak (Lk 10:39). Our Lord speaks words of mercy, love and forgiveness. May we extend the same to those we meet today, especially those with whom we have the most difficulty. 

SAINT FAUSTINA KOWALSKA,

BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Only one of the beauties in Paul and Sue's yard.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:49-50

Mass: Jonah 1:1-2:2, 11; Resp Ps (Jonah 2); Lk 10:25-37

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

JESUS, MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Just the other day I was speaking to a group about how we search for God because He first searches for us. And even when we run away from God, He continues to search for us and will even run after us! So goes the case with our beloved Prophet Jonah who fled all the way to the Tarshish and boarded a ship to get away from the Lord (Jonah 1:3). Jonah didn't have much luck though. The Lord continued in hot pursuit, just as He does when we try to run away. It seems better to just go with the flow so to speak and let it be done to us according to His will. But we do the will of the Lord by embracing His words in today's Gospel: You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mid, and your neighbor as yourself (Lk 10:27). Saint Francis of Assisi certainly did. Yes, do this and you will live (Lk 10:28), says the Lord. 

We must be simple, humble and pure. We should never desire to be over others. Instead, we ought to be servants who are submissive to every human being for God's sake. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on all who live in this way and persevere in it to the end. He will permanently dwell in them. They will be the Father's children who do his work. They are the spouses, brothers and mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(A letter from St Francis of Assisi to all the faithful, in Office of Readings, October 4)

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Icon through the hand of Br Claude, OSB, in a chapel alcove, Queen of Angels Monastery, Mt. Angel, OR.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

In other years: The Blessed Martyrs of Sussex (16th-17th Century); Saint Thomas Cantilupe (1218-1282); Blessed Andre de Soveral and Ambrosio Francisco Ferro (-1645); Saint Francis Borgia (1510-1572) 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:44-48 Humility

Mass: Gn 2:18-24; Resp Ps 128; Heb 2:9-11; Mk 10:2-16

May you see your children's children.

THE LORD IS GOOD TO THOSE WHO HOPE IN HIM, TO THE SOUL THAT SEEKS HIM.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Just yesterday I was speaking to a group about regaining the sense of awe and wonder of a child.  And people are bringing children to Jesus in today's Gospel so that Our Lord can touch them. Let the children come to me, says the Lord, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it (Mk 10:15). And a grandniece of mine was baptized today in Switzerland. God is praised! Open your hearts and minds like a child this day, be awed by the marvelous works of God, be curious, be open to surprises. Jesus is full of surprises. Jesus loves us and wants to embrace us too. May we be "such as these."

Then He embraced them and blessed them, placing His hands on them.

(Mk 10:16)

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF SUSSEX,

SAINT THOMAS CANTILUPE,

BLESSED ANDRE DE SOVERAL,

BLESSED ANDRE DE SOVERAL AND AMBROSIO FRANCISCO FERRO,

SAINT FRANCIS BORGIA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Precious Teddy is back speaking volumes. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

The Holy Guardian Angels

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:35-43 Humility

Mass: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29; Resp Ps 69; Mt 18:1-5, 10

See, you lowly ones, and be glad.

JESUS, JOY OF ANGELS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I read something every year on this day of Guardian Angels and like it so, I thought to share it today. "One of the benefits of this feast is that it reminds us that God cares for each us, individually. We all know this in theory, but it is easy-in times of depression or temptation-to convince ourselves that we are too small to matter, for good or ill. Let us use this feast to remind ourselves that each of us has angel of our very own looking after us; and also pray to God for our own Guardian Angel. What a bore and burden to them some of us are. May we one day be a cause of rejoicing for them also" (Universalis, October 2, 2021). Amen. 

Guardian Angel Prayer

Angel of God, my guardian dear,

to whom God's love commits me here,

ever this day (or night) be at my side,

to light and guard, to rule and guide.

Amen.

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS,

MARY, QUEEN OF ANGELS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These little beauties, like little angels, are busy. Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do His will. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021