Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Blessed Archangela Girlani (1460-1495); Blessed Villana de'Botti OP (1332-1361)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:24-31 Humility

Mass: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17; Resp Ps 51; Mk 4:35-41

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

MARY, COMFORTER OF THE AFFLICTED,

PRAY FOR US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus asks the disciples two questions. After His followers woke Jesus from sleeping, He calmed the wind and the sea. Then Jesus asked, "Why were you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?" (Mk 4:40). I opened my Bible to the Gospel of Saint Mark to see just how much the disciples had witnessed so far, up to this account in Chapter 4. One might think they would have faith by now. However, we too lack faith. There is no need to be terrified. The Lord is at our side, who or what should we fear? Nothing. Nevertheless, we do have anxiety, fear, worry, and like the disciples, may even feel as if we are perishing. The other day I suggested to a loved one that we pester the Lord to help us. And He is coming through. May we too be filled with great awe (Mk 4:41). I believe, help my unbelief. 

Mary was indeed full of grace

in good measure

pressed down shaken together and running over

for this reason:

that through her

the grace of God might abound in us.

(Baldwin of Forde, 1125-1190)

BLESSED ARCHANGELA GIRLANI,

BLESSED VILLANA DE'BOTTI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Sweet little white ones, with a hint of lavender, to honor Our Lady.

© Gertrude Feick 2022