Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saint: Pope Saint Sylvester I (-335)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 73 This Rule Only the Beginning of Perfection

Mass: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Resp Ps 96; Jn 1:1-18

Let the plains be joyful and all that is in them.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, IMMACULATE,

SAINT JOSEPH, SUPPORT IN DIFFICULTIES,

PRAY FOR US.

Children, it is the last hour.

(1 Jn 2:18)

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died this morning at 9:34 a.m. (CET). We thank him for his humble and simple witness as he served God and the Church in love. May he rest in peace.

On this last day of 2022, with the death of the Pope Emeritus and our preparation for the coming year 2023, it is a good day to take inventory and make this day, as all days, count, and be grateful for every moment given to us on this earth. United in faith and prayer, we are on this journey to everlasting life together, no matter our state in life, and are reminded of this by Saint Rafael Arnaiz, in a letter to his maternal grandmother: "We think that devotion, penance, and talking about spiritual things is the domain of the vowed religious, but that's not true ... This life is short, as you well know, being near the end of it. When we present ourselves before God, He will make demands of all of us-according to what He has given us, of course. And then we will see how much time we have foolishly wasted on trivial things and worldly interests ... Let's not waste time, for there is so little left ... this is true for you as it is for me. I've been an inch from death and I wasn't afraid ... I was joyful, even. God did not will it, so may it be when He wills; sooner or later, it's all the same to me ... And meanwhile, let us love life; for God gives it to us, so we must love it, even with its sufferings and sorrows. Let us praise Him without ceasing and at all times."

Last night, not knowing that Pope Benedict XVI would die in a few hours, I thought to include in today's reflection what I was reading from Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, God and the World: A Conversation with Peter Seewald (Ignatius, 2002), p. 39. Maybe Cardinal Ratzinger was giving me a nudge so here it is.

The life beyond gives me the criteria and gives this life the importance and seriousness that I need in order to live, not just for the moment, but in such a way that in the end my life means something, has some value-and not only for me, but more generally. The God who grants our prayers does not take away our responsibility but in fact teaches us to be responsible. He leads us to live out what is set before us in a responsible fashion and thereby to become worthy in the end to stand before Him. 

 

POPE SAINT SYLVESTER I,

POPE BENEDICT XVI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another one from the daily morning regimen. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saint: Pope Saint Felix I (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 72 The Good Zeal of Monks 

Mass: Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 or Col 3:12-21; Resp Ps 128; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 

Blessed shall you be, and favored.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, SPIRITUAL VESSEL,

JOSEPH, HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, SON OF THE VIRGIN MARY,

JESUS, OUR REFUGE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

And be thankful.

(Col 3:15)

As we turn to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph today, a family human, a family holy, a couple things come to mind. The first is something Cardinal Basil Hume said when he was speaking about vocations. "A good religious, if I may call on my own experience, receives his or her first novitiate in the family. The first lessons in prayer are not given in the seminary or novitiate; they are given at home." The second is the saying, "The family that prays together, stays together." Family members may stray throughout life, wandering here and there, trying this and that. It is part of the human maturation process. In the end though, and much before then, we remember and are thankful. Being formed in a family of faith and prayer is a blessing and gift. Whether our vocation leads us inside the monastery or outside of it, a home life of prayer prepares us to live in the way Saint Paul writes to the Colossians in today's first reading, "Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another ... And over all these, put on love ... (Col. 3:12ff). And much of the same is echoed in what has been called the most beautiful chapter in the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, Ch 72. The Good Zeal of Monks. You have read it here before; it is worth repeating over and over. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, help us to let the peace of Christ control our hearts, the peace into which we were also called in one body. And whatever we do, in word or deed, may we do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (see Col 3:15, 17). 

The Rule of Saint Benedict

CHAPTER 72. THE GOOD ZEAL OF MONKS

Just as there is a wicked zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from evil and leads to God and everlasting life. This, then, is the good zeal which monks must foster with fervent love: They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other, 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. To their fellow monks they show the pure love of brothers; to God, loving fear; to their abbot, unfeigned and humble love. Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting live.

At that same time on this glorious Feast, we continue to pray for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, for his consolation during these difficult hours. May the Lord sustain him in the witness of love until the very end. Deus caritas est. Amen.

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

POPE SAINT FELIX I,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Our creche, detail of the Holy Family. Around your table.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saint: Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop, Martyr (1118-1170)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 71 Mutual Obedience

Mass: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Resp Ps 96; Lk 2:22-35

Announce His salvation day after day.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS, 

PRAY FOR US.

Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall.

(1 Jn 2:10)

We continue to pray for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in these difficult hours, that the Lord may console him and sustain him in the witness of love until the very end. On the subjects of the Pope Emeritus, his witness of love, and Saint John, the beloved disciple who was all about love, I include once again words from Pope Benedict XVI in his Encyclical Letter Deus caritas est (18). 

Love of neighbor is shown to be possible in the way proclaimed by the Bible, by Jesus. It consists in the very fact that, in God and with God, I love even the person I do not like or do not even know. This can only take place on the basis of an intimate encounter with God, an encounter which has become a communion of will, even affecting my feelings. Then I learn to look on this other person not simply with my eyes and my feelings, but from the perspective of Jesus Christ. His friend is my friend. Going beyond exterior appearance, I perceive in others an interior desire for a sign of love, of concern ... Seeing with the eyes of Christ, I can give to others much more than their outward necessities; I can give them the look of love which they crave.

SAINT THOMAS BECKET,

SAINT THOMAS MORE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Our 2022 creche. Bless the work of our hands. Praise and grandeur are in His sanctuary.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

400th Anniversary of the Death of Saint Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church (August 21, 1567-December 28, 1622)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 70 The Presumption of Striking Another Monk at Will

Mass: 1 Jn 1:5-2:2; Resp Ps 124; Mt 2:13-18

Our soul has been rescued like a bird from a fowler's snare.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

(1 Jn 1:5)

UNTIL

(Hafiz, 1320-1389)

I think we are frightened every

Moment of our lives

Until we

Know

Him.

Herod certainly did not know Him. It may be a good day to ask Our Lord to remove the darkness in our hearts and help us to know Him better. No one is beyond fear, anger, or even the "furious rage" (Mt 2:16) of King Herod. With darkness in our hearts each one of us is capable of things better left unsaid. Saint John is clear: "If we say, 'we have fellowship with Him,' while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of His Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn 1:6-7). Let us not deceive ourselves then and acknowledge our sins. God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing (1 Jn 1:8-9). United in faith and prayer, with the grace of God, we go forth. Jesus, author of life, have mercy on us. 

In today's General Audience, Pope Francis asked all of us to pray especially for his 95-year-old predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who is very ill. The Vatican Press Office confirmed that "in the last few hours there has been an aggravation of his health due to advancing age." We pray then with the Holy Father, "may the Lord sustain him in this witness of love until the very end." The Pope Emeritus has led such a long and full life dedicated to God and the Church. Thank you, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

ALL HOLY INNOCENTS,

SERVANT OF GOD JEROME LEJUENE,

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, 

PRAY FOR US. 

Today's photo: From the archives, 2021. Just like the holy innocents, this bird is minding his own business, not bothering a soul. He was busy just being a bird. Just like those poor children, all of those boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under (see Mt 2:16). They were just busy being boys. Broken from the snare and we were freed.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Other Saint: Saint Fabiola, Roman Widow, Disciple of Saint Jerome (4th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 69 The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery

Mass: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Resp Ps 97; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 

Gladness, for the upright of heart.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES,

MARY, QUEEN OF EVANGELISTS,

PRAY FOR US.

What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you.

(1 Jn 1:3)

How blessed we are to be celebrating this Christmas season, and during this Octave within the Nativity of Lord, we commemorate several powerful saints. We kicked things off yesterday with Saint Stephen, and now we look to Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (Jn 20:2), and also the one who outran Simon Peter so as to arrive at the empty tomb of Jesus first (Jn 20:4). Go John go! 

On a regular basis I remind all of us that we are united in faith and prayer. And proof of that is proclaimed in our First Reading at Mass taken from the First Letter of Saint John. There we hear that Saint John, along with the other disciples, not only heard Jesus speak in person, but were with Him in person. They saw Him, touched Him, felt His physical presence; they knew His facial features, the color and length of his hair, his eye color, and so on. We are told this when we hear, "What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you." We hear Jesus proclaimed, but we do not literally "see" Him. However, we are still united with all those who have gone before us and give thanks to Saint John and others who daily proclaim to us what they have seen and heard. O, the beauty and riches of our faith tradition. United in faith and prayer, with all those who have gone before us, we go forth too, and proclaim what we have heard, and seen too, thanks to Saint John and company. ☺ This one wore me out, maybe like Saint John was worn out when he ran faster than Simon Peter. This may also be the reason why Simon Peter went into the empty tomb first (Jn 20:6). John was busy recovering. Much is left to our imagination which just extends the beauty and riches of it all. Keep going, faithful readers. Proclaim the good news!

SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST,

SAINT FABIOLA,

SAINT JEROME,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Standing straight and tall, we give thanks to His holy name.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Other Saint: Pope Saint Dionysius (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 68 The Assignment of Impossible Tasks

Mass: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Resp Ps 31; Mt 10:17-22

You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Lord, do not hold this sin against them.

(Acts 7:60)

Merry Christmas and welcome to the Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr. What came last night was that if someone like Saul of Tarsus, who not only consented to the stoning death of Saint Stephen, spent a considerable amount of time trying to destroy the church by entering house after house and dragging out men and women and handing them over to imprisonment (Acts 8:1-3), not gently and politely I imagine, can be converted and become Saint Paul the Apostle, there is hope for all of us. Thank God for people like Saint Stephen, with the courage and strength to go before us and suffer persecution and death, without holding grudges mind you, to pull us along. I include a little prayer sent by a relative who considers it an honor and an occasion of great joy to celebrate her birthday on this glorious Feast: "May Saint Stephen share with all of us his sacrificial strength, so that, when we are called to suffer, we will be able to follow in his footsteps." Amen.

HE ASKED FOR CHARITY

(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226)

God came to my house and asked for charity.

And I fell on my knees and

cried, "Beloved,

what may I 

give?"

"Just love," He said,

"Just love."

Love, indeed, is the source of all good things; it is an impregnable defense, and the way that leads to heaven. He who walks in love can neither go astray not be afraid: love guides him, protects him, and brings him to his journey's end.

Christ made love the stairway that would enable all Christians to climb to heaven. Hold fast to it, therefore, in all sincerity, give one another practical proof of it, and by your progress in it, make your ascent together.

(From a sermon by Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe, bishop, in Office of Readings, December 26)

SAINT STEPHEN,

POPE SAINT DIONYSIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I have been wanting to include this, a little find of last week. Somehow it fits for today as I find myself asking our Lord to let His face shine upon me and save me in His kindness. You are my rock and my fortress. Jesus, strength of martyrs, have mercy on us.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

The Nativity of the Lord

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saints: Saint Anastasia of Sirmium (b. 281); Blessed Mary of the Apostles, Virgin, Foundress of the Salvatorian Sisters (b. 1833)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 67 Brothers Sent on a Journey

Mass: Vigil Mass: Is 62:1-5; Resp Ps 89; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25/Mass During the Night: Is 9:1-6; Resp Ps 96; Titus 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14/Mass at Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Resp Ps 97; Titus 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20/Mass During the Day: Is 52:7-10; Resp Ps 98; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18

A light will shine on us this day; the Lord is born to us.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH,

SAINT JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF THE REDEEMER,

PRAY FOR US.

Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

(Mt 1:16)

Virgin and mother.

Astounding and unique.

(Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153) 

Never

since the world began 

has it been heard

that a virgin has given birth,

that a mother has remained a virgin.

Never

in the ordinary course of events

is there virginity

where fruitfulness is mentioned

nor fruitfulness

where virginity is maintained with integrity.

She is the only person

in whom virginity and fruitfulness have met.

Here

-just once-

something happened

which never happened before

and never will again.

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.

(Lk 2:14)

Merry Christmas, dear faithful readers. United in faith and prayer, we go forth and rejoice for to us a child is born, to us a son is given. Thank you for being there. 

SAINT ANASTASIA OF SIRMIUM,

BLESSED MARY OF THE APOSTLES,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: The Nativity, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. Light dawns for the just.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

December 24

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saints: Saint Tarsilla, Roman Virgin, Aunt of Pope Saint Gregory the Great (d. 6th century); Saint Irma, Benedictine Abbess (7th-8th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 66 The Porter of the Monastery

Mass in the Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Resp Ps 89; Lk 1:67-79

The favors of the Lord I will sing forever.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

I will make his Kingdom firm.

(2 Sm 7:12)

We are just about there faithful readers. United in faith and prayer, we get ready, for in the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace (Lk 1:78-79). Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

CHRISTMAS EVE DAY

(Some Other Morning: Poems by Jeremy Driscoll)

The earth asleep a season

and birdsong few

the gliding clouds

and the immense quiet

soggy soil yet

already the noiseless

push of the green.

This afternoon the light

was clearly longer than

yesterday

and the day

before.

Let us celebrate the light 

tonight.

let us light a candle

and a tree.

Far stars shall see

our hopeful signals 

and let down mercies 

and skyly strengths

waking the earth

stirring the birds

drying the soil

and pulling the green.

SAINT TARSILLA,

SAINT IRMA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This was a welcome favor. My mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

December 23

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O Emmanuel!

Saint: Saint John of Kety, Priest (1390-1473); Saint Thorlak Thorhallsson, Patron Saint of Iceland (1133-1193)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 65:11-22 The Prior of the Monastery

Mass: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Resp Ps 25; Lk 1:57-66

Teach me your paths.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, VIRGIN OF SWEET EXPECTATION,

SAINT JOSEPH, MOST OBEDIENT,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me ...

Surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

(Malachi 3:1/Lk 1:66)

We are almost there, faithful readers. We celebrate our final countdown to the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord with O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the hope of all nations and their Savior; come and save us, O Lord our God! We pray that our King and Lawgiver come and save us. May we follow the lead of Saint John the Baptist and do our part to prepare the way before Him. "Look today to John the Baptist," preached Pope Saint John Paul II, "an enduring model of fidelity to God and His law. John prepared the way for Christ by the testimony of his word and his life. Imitate him with docile and trusting generosity ... He was a model of uprightness and courage in defending the truth, for which he was prepared to pay in his person, even to the point of imprisonment and death ... dear brothers and sisters, be brave enough always to give priority to the values of the spirit" (Holy Mass, homily, June 24, 2001, Kiev, Ukraine). We go forth then, with faith, uprightness, courage. Keep going, dear faithful readers. Thank you for being there. 

Let us ask Mary, the Virgin of Sweet Expectation, to teach us how "watch and prayer" so that we do not get distracted in our following of her Son, and to discover His saving presence in the events of our daily lives.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, December 23, 2022)

SAINT JOHN OF KETY,

SAINT THORLAK THORHALLSSON,

PRAY FOR US.

NB: These reflections are published by 9:30 a.m. PST, daily (barring any unforeseen complications), and can be found on our website www.redwoodsabbey.org as soon as they are published. They are sent automatically to email accounts at 3 p.m. PST. Thank you for being there wherever you are. We remain united in faith and prayer.

Today's photo: Yesterday morning during the daily regime. All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

December 22

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O Rex gentium!

Saints: Saints Chaeromon, Bishop, Ischyrion, and Others, Marytyrs (250); Blessed Jutta of Diessenberg (1136)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 65:1-10 The Prior of the Monastery

Mass: 1 Sm 1:24-28; Resp Ps (1 Sm 2); Lk 1;46-56 

He raises the needy from the dust.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT JOSEPH, MOST STRONG,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.

(Lk 1:46)

We march on to the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord and pray: O King of the nations and their Desire, the Cornerstone who binds two into one; come and save mankind, whom you fashioned from clay. As we continue our countdown to Christmas, we have another day of joy and much thanksgiving. We have beloved Hannah, Mary, and Elizabeth in our readings at Mass. They alone bring us much to rejoice about. These strong, faithful women are busy interceding for us. They know something about what life is about, with all its up and downs. Women of prayer, may they inspire us to get down on our knees and pray for one another, especially for those who find these days difficult, those who grieve, those who suffer with depression, loneliness, isolation, or illness. Reach out in one way or another. Let your Spirit rejoice in God your Savior and help lift up the lowly.

Let Mary's soul be in each of you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord. Christ has only one mother in the flesh, but we all bring forth Christ in faith ... Magnify the Lord with me. The Lord is magnified, not because the human voice can add anything to God but because He is magnified in us. Christ is the image of God, and if the soul does what is right and holy, it magnifies that image of God, in whose likeness it was created and, in magnifying the image of God, the soul has a share in its greatness and is exalted.

(From a commentary on Luke by Saint Ambrose, bishop, in Office of Readings, December 21)

SAINT CHAEROMON, ISCHYRION AND OTHERS,

BLESSED JUTTA OF DIESSENBERG,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From the daily morning regime, on "the hill." Don't forget to stop and take a closer look now and then. He raises up again.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

December 21

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O Oriens!

Saint: Saint Peter Canisius, Priest, Doctor of the Church (1521-1597)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 64:7-22 The Election of an Abbot

Mass: Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Resp Ps 33; Lk 1:39-45

Our soul waits for the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MORNING STAR,

PRAY FOR US.

Hark! My Lover - here he comes, springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills.

(Songs 2:8)

Our readings today speak of lightness, joy, bounding, leaping, and delight in the Lord. It is no wonder as the Prophet Zephaniah prophesies: The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals (Zephaniah 3:17). On this winter solstice then, the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year, and always united in faith and prayer, we celebrate O Rising Dawn, splendor of eternal Light and Sun of Justice: come and illuminate those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Listen for Mary's voice today. At the moment Our Lady greets you, join the infant in Elizabeth's womb and leap for joy! (see Lk 1:44). Or in the words of Saint Rafael Arnaiz, "Love Mary dearly ... look to heaven ... sing ... go crazy ..."

SAINT PETER CANISIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For the winter solstice, just a little something from the archives to whet our appetite for things to come. In Him our hearts rejoice.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

December 20

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O clavis David!

Saints: Saint Dominic of Silos (1000-1073); Blessed Scubilion (1797-1867); Saint Fachanan of Kilfenora (c. 6th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 64 :1-6 The Election of an Abbot

Mass: Is 7:10-14; Resp Ps 24; Lk 1:26-38

He founded it upon the seas.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT JOSEPH, PILLAR OF FAMILIES,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

(Is 7:14)

Welcome to our countdown to the Nativity of the Lord when we rejoice and celebrate O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel; who open and none can shut; who shut and none can open: come and lead us to freedom the prisoner who sits in darkness and the shadow of death.

And speaking of angels, dear Gabriel pays Mary a visit in today's Gospel. Thank you, Mary, for saying yes. 

You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us ...

Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the angel, or rather, through the angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the eternal Word ...

Arise, hasten, open. Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving. Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to me according to your word.

(From a homily In Praise of the Virgin Mother, by Saint Bernard, abbot, in Office of Readings, December 20)

SAINT DOMINIC OF SILOS,

BLESSED SCUBILION, 

SAINT FACHANAN OF KILFENORA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A wonderful photo from the archives. The Lord's are the earth and its fullness.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

December 19

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O Radix Iesse!

Saints: Pope Saint Urban V (1310-1370); Pope Saint Anastasius (d. 401)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 63:10-19 Community Rank

Mass: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Resp Ps 71; Lk 1:5-25

For you are my hope, O Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The Dawn from on high will visit us, guiding our feet in the way of peace.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Welcome to Monday in this Fourth Week of Advent. We continue our countdown to the Nativity of the Lord and celebrate O Root of Jesse, who stand as a sign among the people, before whom kings shall shut their mouths, to whom the nations shall make supplication; come to deliver us, and tarry not.

What with yesterday's Gospel and today's readings for Mass, it seems a good idea to listen to an angel of the Lord if one happens to visit you, whether you are sleeping or awake. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and Joseph did as commanded him; Joseph took his wife into his home (Mt 1:20, 24). An angel of the Lord appeared to the barren wife of Manoah and the woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the Lord blessed him; the Spirit of the Lord stirred him (Judges 13:3, 24). The angel of the Lord Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and the poor man did not believe Gabriel. God prevailed in any case, left Zechariah speechless, and blessed Zechariah's wife Elizabeth with a son to be named John. And John's mission was not a small one, as Gabriel said: He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord (Lk 1:11, 13-17). Even though it is a bit premature to sing this; it comes to mind anyway: Angels we have heard on high! United in faith and prayer, keep going faithful readers. Thank you for being there.

In the presence of the angels I will sing to you.

(Ps 138:1/RB 19:5)

O dear Saint Joseph, I place myself, then, with full confidence under your protection. Teach me to live as you did, in faith and abandonment to God; teach me to live solely for Him, by consecrating myself entirely to His service.

(Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalene, O.C.D., d. 1952)

POPE SAINT URBAN V,

POPE SAINT ANASTASIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I always love this one. My trust, O God, from my youth.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O Adonai!

In other years: Saint Flannan, Bishop (7th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 63:1-9 Community Rank

Mass: Is 7:10-14; Resp Ps 24; Rm 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24

Let the Lord enter; He is the king of glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT JOSEPH, CHASTE GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

To all the beloved ... called to be holy.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Rm 1:7)

Welcome to December 18 and the Fourth Sunday of Advent. We continue our countdown to the Nativity of the Lord and celebrate O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flames of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai; come and redeem us with outstretched arm. We turn to Saint Joseph who did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home (Mt 1:24). Saint Joseph, most strong; Saint Joseph, most obedient; Saint Joseph, support in difficulties; Saint Joseph, protector of the holy Church, pray for us.

Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power.

(From a 19th century French prayer book of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary. Every day, for over 40 years, Pope Francis has recited this prayer after Lauds)

In this last week of preparation for the celebration of Christmas things may get hectic. United in faith and prayer, we turn to the Gospel of Saint Matthew and remember God is with us (Mt 1:23). And Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) has something to say about that. 

When the human spirit is ready, God enters without hesitating or waiting. You need not look either here or there. God is no farther away than the door of your heart.

(Meister Eckhart)

SAINT FLANNAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Decked out and set for the Fourth Week. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

December 17

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O Sapientia!

Saints: Saint Daniel, Prophet (c. 442 BC); Saint Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (c. 442 BC); Saint Olympias, Disciple of Saint John Chrysostom (4th century); Saint John of Matha, Priest, Founder of the Trinitarians (1154-1213); Blessed Hyacinthe-Marie Cormier, Dominican (1832-1916)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 62 The Priests of the Monastery

Mass: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Resp Ps 72; Mt 1:1-17

Justice shall flourish in his time.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

While tribute is brought to him, and he receives the people's homage.

(Is 49:10)

Auguri! Buon compleanno, Papa Francesco! Congratulations and Happy 86th Birthday, Pope Francis! We celebrate with Pope Francis and begin our countdown to Christmas with the great "O" Antiphons used at Vespers. As we prepare in a more direct way for the Nativity of the Lord, we welcome Wisdom on December 17: O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: come and teach us the way of prudence. And if that isn't enough, we have the magnificent Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham (Mt 1:1) for today's Gospel. Read it prayerfully and slowly. Let the holy names roll of your tongue. What are your favorite names? May all generations seek your praise, O, Lord.

Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.

(Mt 1:17)

SAINT DANIEL,

SAINTS HANANIAH, MISHAEL AND AZARIAH,

SAINT OLYMPIAS,

SAINT JOHN OF MATHA,

BLESSED HYANCITHE-MARIE CORMIER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And fullness of peace for ever.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Third Week of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saint: Blessed Mary of the Angels (1661-1717); Saint David, King and Prophet (1040 BC-940 BC); Saint Adelaide, Empress (931-999)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 61:6-14 The Reception of Visiting Monks

Mass: Is 56:1-3a, 6-8; Resp Ps 67; Jn 5:33-36

The earth has yielded its fruits.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, 

my justice about to be revealed.

(Is 56:1)

One way to observe what is right and do what is just, as the Prophet Isaiah prophesies the word of the Lord in today's first reading, is to keep the sabbath free from profanation. And one way to do that is to pray without ceasing (1 Th 5:17), as Saint Paul writes. And what might that mean? We turn to Saint Augustine.

Pray without ceasing. Are we then ceaselessly to bend our knees, to lie prostrate, or to lift up our hands? Is this what is meant in saying: Pray without ceasing? Even if we admit we pray in this fashion, I do not believe that we can do so all the same.

Yet there is another, interior kind of prayer without ceasing, namely, the desire of the heart. Whatever else you may be doing, if you but fix your desire on God's Sabbath rest, your prayer will be ceaseless. Therefore, if you wish to pray without ceasing, do not cease to desire.

The constancy of your desire will itself be the ceaseless voice of your prayer.

(From a discourse on the psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, Third Week of Advent, Friday)

In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

(1 Th 5:18)

BLESSED MARY OF THE ANGELS,

SAINT DAVID,

SAINT ADELAIDE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: God, our God, has blessed us.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saints: Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli (1587-1651) Saint Valerian, Bishop in North Africa, Martyr (377-457)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 61:1-5 The Reception of Visiting Monks

Mass: Is 54:1-10; Resp Ps 30; Lk 7:24-30 

With the dawn rejoicing.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Though the mountains leave their place and the hills are shaken, 

My love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, 

who has mercy on you.

(Is 54:10)

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells the crowds about John the Baptist, he who, as Cardinal Jean Danielou wrote, "is the model for all those who are called to devote themselves wholly to preparing God's ways." All of us, united in faith and prayer, with due regard to our respective vocations, are called in one way or another to devote ourselves to preparing God's ways. What is one way you will prepare the way of the Lord today?

All for God, and all through Mary.

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

SAINT VIRGINIA CENTURIONE BRACELLI,

SAINT VALERIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: As I have said before, don't forget to look up. I followed my advice during Tuesday's morning regime. O Lord, my God, forever I give you thanks.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saint: Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor (1542-1591)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 60 The Admission of Priests to the Monastery

Mass: Is 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25; Resp Ps 85; Lk 7:18b-23

Justice shall walk before him

MARY, QUEEN OF DOCTORS,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

I am the Lord, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness ... Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice spring up! I, the Lord, have created this.

(Is 45:6c, 8)

Welcome to Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent when we commemorate Saint John of the Cross, the "Mystical Doctor", Carmelite Priest and Doctor of the Church. Spanish by birth, well-educated, John offered service to the poor in a hospital and eventually entered the Carmelite Order. A reformer of the Order along with Saint Teresa of Avila, John was opposed on many fronts by those he was trying to reform. John was imprisoned in a tiny cell for nine months and endured regular public floggings along with other harsh treatments. Still, John managed to compose poetry that would serve as the basis for his spiritual teaching. Something Pope Saint John Paul II said on the 400th anniversary of Saint John's death speaks volumes. The Holy Father called Saint John of the Cross a "a master in faith and witness to the living God." Saint John of the Cross is a patron of the contemplative life, mystical theology, mystics, and Spanish poets.* We turn to Saint John of the Cross this day, to help us be faithful witnesses to the living God. No matter what.

Seeking my Love

I will head for the mountains and the watersides,

I will not gather flowers,

nor fear wild beasts;

I will go beyond strong men and frontiers.

(Saint John of the Cross, Spiritual Canticle)

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS, 

SAINT TERESA OF AVILA,

PRAY FOR US.

* See Catholic News Agency, "St. John of the Cross."

Today's photo: Part of my morning regime, here is one of my favorite views. Salvation along the way of his steps.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saint: Saint Lucy, Virgin, Martyr (4th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 59 The Offering of Sons by Nobles or by the Poor

Mass: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Resp Ps 34; Mt 21:28-32

I will bless the Lord at all times.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The Word of God moves swiftly; He is not won by the lukewarm, nor held fast by the negligent. Let your soul be attentive to His word; follow carefully the path God tells you to take, for He is swift in His passing.

(From the book on Virginity by Saint Ambrose, bishop, in Office of Readings, December 10)

Our saint of the day, Saint Lucy, was certainly attentive to the Word of God and followed carefully the path God told her to take - lukewarm and negligent she was not. Born into a family of means in 283, her father died when Lucy was young, and Lucy was left to the care of her mother Eutychia. Lucy, from a young age, consecrated her virginity to God and planned to devote any worldly goods to service of the poor. Eutychia had other plans for her daughter though with an arranged marriage. With prayer to Saint Agatha, another early Christian martyr, Lucy managed to have the marriage delayed. Agatha got to work and interceded on the behalf of Eutychia so that Eutychia was healed of a long illness. This drew Euthychia's attention as one might imagine, so Lucy's mother consented to her daughter's desire to live for God. Lucy persevered in her desire to serve God even with the rejected bridegroom denouncing her; the governor trying to force her into prostitution; enduring gruesome torture that included having her eyes torn out (other accounts say that it was Lucy who removed her own eyes in order to give them to a suitor who admired them - this seems like a Lucy thing to do), and so on. When Lucy's body was prepared for burial, it was found that her eyes had been restored. Saint Lucy "light" or "lucid" is the patron saint of the blind, eye trouble, and other eye ailments.* Whatever our vocation, may we be bold and faithful to the God who loves us. Be attentive - along with the Word of God that moves swiftly, so does this blessed season of Advent. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus.

To us, also, your servants,

who, though sinners,

hope in your abundant mercies,

graciously grant some share

and fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs, 

with ...

Felicity, Perpetua,

Agatha, Lucy,

Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia,

and all your Saints ...

(The Roman Canon, Eucharist Prayer I)

SAINT LUCY,

SAINT AGATHA,

PRAY FOR US.

* See Catholic News Agency, "St. Lucy."

Today's photo: The lowly will hear me and be glad.

© Gertrude Feick 2022