Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saint: Saint Oswald (-992)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 23 Excommunication for Faults; Ch 24 Degrees of Excommunication

Mass: 1 Pt 1:3-9; Resp Ps 111; Mk 10-17-27

Exquisite in all their delights.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to Monday. Ash Wednesday cometh. A good place to begin on this particular Monday is with the words of Saint Peter: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (1 Pet 1:3). God is praised! We consider too these words, while reflecting on the wisdom of Pope Saint Gregory the Great below. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:6-7). I belief, help my unbelief. Dear Job, pray for us.

We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia.

It is great comfort in tribulation if, in times of adversity, we recall the gifts the Creator has given us. Nor will overwhelming sorrow break us, if we quickly call to mind the gifts which have sustained us. For it is written: On the day of prosperity do not forget affliction, and on the day of affliction do not forget prosperity. For if a man receives God's gifts, but forgets all his affliction, he can fall through his own excessive joy ...

Thus both attitudes must be united so that one may be supported by the other: the memory of the gift can temper the pain of affliction, and the foreboding and fear of the affliction can modify the joy of the gift.

(From the Moral Reflections on Job by Saint Gregory the Great, pope, in Office of Readings, Eighth Week in Ordinary Time, Monday)

SAINT OSWALD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is from a Sunday stroll. It seemed fitting for a Monday, a day of revving up the engines for the week ahead, no matter how discombobulated we feel. Lent is coming soon.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

In other years: Saint Gregory of Narek, Doctor (c.950-1005)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 21 The Deans of the Monastery

Mass: Sirach 27:4-7; Resp Ps 92; 1 Cor 15:54-58; Lk 6:39-45

.

Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Saint Benedict offers many tools for good works in Chapter 4 of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, enough to keep us well-equipped for a lifetime. One of the tools may be a good place to start when reflecting upon Jesus' words in today's Gospel. In verse 62 of Chapter 4, Benedict tells us, "Do not aspire to be called holy before you really are, but first be holy that you may more truly be called so." The onus here is on us, or rather me. First, I am to be holy. I should not be so worried about the holiness, or what I judge as lack of holiness, in others. I should not be pointing my finger, in other words, at someone else. A friendly reminder is that when I do so, there are three fingers pointing at me. 😔As Jesus asks us: Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? (Lk 6:41). This is an excellent question to ponder these next few days, especially as we prepare for Ash Wednesday and begin the holy season of Lent. United in faith and prayer, we go about removing the wooden beam from our own eyes first; then we can see more clearly to remove the splinter in our brother's eye (Lk 6:42). Do not aspire to be called holy before you really are, but first be holy that you may more truly be called so (RB 4:62). Kyrie, eleison.

We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia. 

SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This amazing winter photo of Yosemite National Park was sent by faithful reader Catherine. Mountains and hills, bless the Lord. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint: Saint Alexander of Alexandria (250-328)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 20 Reverence in Prayer

Mass: James 5:13-20; Resp Ps 141; Mk 10:13-16

O Lord, to you I call; hasten to me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

It is the time in my life when many of my nieces and nephews are having children; it is the time of the "grands". When I see photos of these precious babies, all children of God, I can clearly see why Jesus "embraced the children and blessed them, placing His hands upon them" (Mk 10:16). Yes, "the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mk 10:14). May we re-gain the simplicity, awe and wonder of a child. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it (Mk 10:15). 

United in faith and prayer, we continue to "pray for one another" (Jm 5:16), invoke Mary, Queen of Peace, and pray for the people of Ukraine, and the people of Russia too. We go forth, then, and "lay our petitions before the Lord God of all things with utmost humility and sincere devotion" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 20:2).

May it be of your loving-kindness to make known to the world that grace which you found with God, by obtaining by your prayers pardon for the guilty, healing for the sick, strength for the fainthearted, consolation for the afflicted, help for those in danger, and freedom for your saints.

(Bernard of Clairvaux, in Mary, Most Holy)

SAINT ALEXANDER OF ALEXANDRIA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is a very peaceful place, on our bridge over the Mattole River, as seen here last Monday morning.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saints: Saint Ethelbert (c.560-616); Blessed Maria Adeodata Pisani (1806-1855); Saint Walburga (-776)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: RB 19 The Discipline of the Psalmody

Mass: James 5:9-12; Resp Ps 103; Mk 10:1-12

The Lord is kind and merciful.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

We take the words of Saint James to heart: "Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another that you may not be judged" (James 5:9). United in faith and prayer, let us rather support and encourage one another to take personal responsibility for any ways in which we have disturbed peace in our own hearts, and the hearts of the those with whom we live, work, and socialize. Kyrie, eleison. We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine, and for all those who suffer from the effects of war and violence. Make peace your quest and aim (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 17).

PEACE

Quiet yourself.

Reach out with your mind's skillful hand.

Let it go inside of me

and touch

God.

Don't

be shy, dear.

Every aspect of Light we are meant

to know.

The calm hand holds more

than baskets of goods.

from the market.

The calm soul knows more

than anything this world

can offer from her

beautiful

womb.

(From the section on St. John of the Cross, in R. Ladinsky, Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voice from the East and West, p. 329)

SAINT ETHELBERT,

BLESSED MARIA ADEODATA PISANI,

SAINT WALBURGA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another one from Monday of this week. I like it. I wonder how old this stump is ... Praise and exalt Him above all forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saint: Blessed Constantius of Fabriano OP (-1481)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: RB 18:20-25 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: James 5:1-6; Resp Ps 49; Mk 9:41-50

Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

The Holy Father has called a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Ukraine, set for Ash Wednesday, March 2. In the meantime, we embrace the words of Cardinal Secretary of State Parolin in a statement released today: "We continue to pray and fast - as we shall do this coming Ash Wednesday - for peace in Ukraine and the entire world." We make peace our quest and aim (Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue 17) and continue to invoke, Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

BLESSED CONSTANTIUS OF FABRIANO,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From Monday morning's walk. Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saint: Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr (-155)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:12-19 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: James 4:13-17; Resp Ps 49; Mk 9:38-40

Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

We commemorate early Christian martyr Saint Polycarp, who, "even before his martyrdom ... had received every mark of honor in tribute to his holiness of life." It is unlikely that we will suffer martyrdom in the way that Saint Polycarp did. Nevertheless, we have our daily trials and tribulations, the picking up of our crosses and carrying them so as to follow Jesus and be His disciples. May we do so with the faith, strength, courage, and resolve of Saint Polycarp. By the grace of God, we go about this day with the words of Saint James. Since "you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow", just say, "if the Lord wills it, we shall do this or that" (Jm 4:14-15). It is true what Esther De Waal writes: "Life must be lived in the present moment. The past is the past, I must let go; the future is unknown, the only reality lies in the present" (The White Stone: The Art of Letting Go, p. 37). United in faith and prayer, we keep going.

SAINT POLYCARP,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This came out nice. Taken yesterday morning around 8am. Ice and snow, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle

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

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: RB 18:7-11 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: 1 Peter 5:1-4; Resp Ps 23; Mt 16:13-19

In verdant pastures He gives me repose.

MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES,

MARY, QUEEN OF TEACHERS,

MARY, QUEEN OF PASTORS,

PRAY FOR US.

Two things for our Feast of the Chair of Saint, celebrated in Rome since at least the fourth century. How blessed we are with our faith tradition. Today we commemorate the teaching authority of the Vicar of Christ, the Pope. Something to consider from Monsignor Ronald Knox, 1888-1957, is a quotation included every year in Magnificat on this Feast. Monsignor Knox said this: "Perhaps it would be a good thing if every Christian, certainly if every priest, could dream once in his life that he were pope, and wake from that nightmare in a sweat of agony" (in Magnificat, February 22, 2022, p. 315).

With these words, then, we listen to what Jesus said to Peter, as Jesus foretold Peter's denial: I have prayed that your own faith may not fail (Lk 22:32). We pray for more faith, Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. United in faith and prayer, we strengthen and encourage one another (cf. Lk 22:32). 

SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I just took this one of the second field, 8 am this morning. Frost and chill, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saint: Saint Peter Damian, Bishop, Doctor (1007-1072); Saint Robert Southwell, Martyr (1561-1595)

Presidents' Day, officially Washington's Birthday. 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:1-6 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: James 3:13-18; Resp Ps 19; Mk 9:14-29

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.

WHO AMONG YOU IS WISE AND UNDERSTANDING?

LET HIM SHOW HIS WORKS BY A GOOD LIFE IN HUMILITY THAT COMES FROM WISDOM.

(James 3:13)

Welcome to Monday. We commemorate two great saints today: first, Saint Peter Damien, Bishop and Doctor, who, when he wasn't serving as Cardinal Bishop of Ostia, spent his religious life at the Monastery of Fonte Avellana in Italy, and second, Saint Robert Southwell, canonized in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. I recall a 2006 visit to the magnificent Fonte Avellana in the mountains of the Marche region of Italy. The bus went up, up, up, winding here and there to get there. We pray for all members of the Camaldolese Benedictine Congregation, especially the monks at the New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, CA, those at Incarnation Monastery in Berkeley, CA, the monks at Holy Family Hermitage in Bloomingdale, OH, and for the Sisters at Transfiguration Monastery in Windsor, NY! (Did I leave any out?). At the same time, we pray for the people of England and Wales.

This week, let us listen to Saint James, and pray for wisdom from above, that is, wisdom that is "all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity" (Jm 3:17). And let us not forget about peace for, "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace" (Jm 3:18). 

When we accept our shortcomings, we enjoy a special kind of grace.

(Francis Mahieu, ocso, 1912-2002)

The beatitudes are like multi-colored flowers produced by humility.

(Francis Mahieu, ocso)

SAINT PETER DAMIAN,

SAINT ROBERT SOUTHWELL,

SAINT ROMUALD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Are you tired from last week’s worldly views? If so, we’re back at Redwoods. This one from a late Sunday afternoon walk. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

In other years: Blessed Christopher of Milan OP (c.1410-1484)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 17 The Number of Psalms to be Sung at These Hours

Mass: 1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; Resp Ps 103; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Lk 6:27-38

Merciful and gracious is the Lord.

I SAY TO YOU THAT LISTEN.

(6:27)

Jesus continues from last Sunday's presentation of the Beatitudes (Lk 6:20-26). Not only do we need to hear the Master's words; we need to listen with the ear of our hearts (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 1). It is again no wonder that Saint Benedict instructs us to pray the Lord's Prayer so many times throughout the day, "because thorns of contention are likely to spring up" (RB 13:12). And also why Saint Benedict echoes Jesus in Chapter 4 of the Holy Rule, giving us the Tools for Good Works. It is true that these sayings are hard. Nevertheless, let's continue to accompany Jesus (cf. Jn 6:66). He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6). 

Love your enemies.

 (Lk 6:27/RB 4:31)

Do good to those who hate you.

 (Lk 6:27/RB 4:29)

Bless those who curse you 

(Lk 6:28/RB 4:32)

Pray for those who mistreat you.

 (Lk 6:28/RB 4:33)

Do to others what you would have them do to you.

 (Lk 6:31/RB 4:9)

Stop judging and you will not be judged.

(Lk 6:37/RB 4:39-40)

And so on ...

HE ASKED FOR CHARITY

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."

(Section on St. Francis of Assisi, in D. Ladinsky, Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West, p. 33)

Remembering that we are still immersed in the Year of the Family (March 19, 2021 - June 26, 2022), what follows comes from the pastoral constitution Gaudium et spes on the Church in the modern world of the Second Vatican Council, n. 48, included in yesterday's Office of Readings. Family life surely demands much of what is included in today's Gospel. We continue to pray for all families.

True married love is caught up into God's love; it is guided and enriched by the redeeming power of Christ and the saving action of the Church, in order that the partners may be effectively led to God, and receive help and strength in the sublime responsibility of parenthood.

BLESSED CHRISTOPHER OF MILAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is simply awesome. Spring in South Tirol, Italy. You might ask if this is a recent photo as someone already did. I do not know; let's pretend that it is. 😎 Vielen herzlichen Dank, Schwester Daniela. Sei umarmt. Un abbraccio forte. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint: Blessed Alvarez of Cordoba OP (-1430) 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 16 The Celebration of the Divine Office During the Day

Mass: James 3:1-10; Resp Ps 12; Mk 9:2-13

You will protect us, Lord.

MARY, VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

It is no wonder that Saint Benedict has the subject of Restraint of Speech in Chapter 6 of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict. What he has to say could well serve as a response to Saint James in our first reading at Mass, There, Saint James warns of the deadly poison that the tongue can be, for "no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing" (Jm 3:8-10). In his chapter on Restraint of Speech, St Benedict, among other things, reminds us of the Prophet's counsel: I said, I have resolved to keep watch over my ways that I may never sin with my tongue, I have put a guard over my mouth (RB 6:1), and refers to the Book of Proverbs, "as it is written: In a flood of words you will not avoid sin; and elsewhere, The tongue holds the key to life and death (RB 6:4-5). As we reflect on this wisdom, we put into practice what we hear from Saint Benedict, immersed as we are in the chapters on the liturgical code. Here, our holy father Benedict quotes the Psalmist: Seven times a day have I praised you (RB 16:1) ... and, let us arise at night to give Him praise (RB 16:1, 5).

Amid all the ranks of saints, the first place for humility, purity, and tender love is held by the blessed Virgin, the mother of Jesus, And in the same way she shines out gloriously above all God's lovers, for the greatness of her charity.

(John of Forde, 1140-1244)

BLESSED ALVAREZ OF CORDOBA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome back to Biarritz, France. Moni knows her way around a camera. Praise and exalt Him above all forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saint: Blessed John Fiesole OP (c.1386-1455)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 15 The Times for Saying Alleluia

Mass:  James 2:14-24; Resp Ps 112: Mk 8:34-9:1

Light shines through the darkness for the upright.

JUST AS A BODY WITHOUT A SPIRIT IS DEAD,

SO ALSO FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.

(James 2:26)

Today we commemorate the great Blessed John Fielsole, better known to the world as Fra Angelico. You are likely familiar with his works of art. We know from Butler's that he "was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 3 October 1982 and declared the patron of Christian artists" (February volume, p. 193). It is at the Convento de San Marco in Florence that you will find many of his famous works, including his painting of the Annunciation. It is magnificent. Well placed, it hangs at the top of a set of stairs so when you climb the stairs it comes into view. I wept when I saw it, not expecting to find it there. I remember that day well as I was with my two older sisters who came to visit me in Rome. We spent a day in Florence. Fra Angelico is buried at Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome; I used to visit his tomb. For all artists then, we pray to the Lord.

We are also presented with one of my favorite Gospels today. It is there that Jesus is direct: Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me (Mk 8:34). There is no way around it. 

For every disciple of Jesus, the journey will always be a cross-bearing journey.

(Andre Louf in Mercy in Weakness)

The extraordinary greatness of Christianity is not that it provides us with medicine against suffering, but that it gives perspective to our suffering.

(Simone Weil)

FOR 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)

BLESSED JOHN FIESOLE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome to Chile! This comes from a fellow Hoosier, now monk at Miraflores Abbey in Chile. We just became acquainted. He contacted me after reading about my recent Solemn Profession and noting that I was born in Muncie, Indiana. It turns out that he was born about 30 miles away from Muncie in Elwood, some years earlier than I, though. 😊 Since our connection, I contacted another monk in the Order, also a native Hoosier. He told me of four other native Hoosiers he knew of who have now gone to glory. RIP. And he is sure there have been others. In any case, God is praised. One never knows who is out there. Go Hoosiers!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saints: The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (13th-14th century); Saint Fintan of Clonenagh (d. 603); Blessed William Richardson (1572-1603)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 14 The Celebration of Vigils on the Anniversary of Saints

Mass: James 2:1-9; Resp Ps 34; Mk 8:27-33

I will bless the Lord at all times.

ADHERE TO THE FAITH IN OUR GLORIOUS LORD JESUS CHRIST.

(James 2:1)

Inspiration comes from the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, commemorated today. Their story is remarkable, as are pretty much all the saints' stories. Today though we commemorate seven young Italian men, all from Florence, who, between the years 1225-1227, joined the Confraternity of the Blessed Virgin in Florence, known as Laudesi, or "Praisers." As Butler's Lives of the Saints continues, "The chaplain to the Laudesi was a man of considerable spiritual insight named James of Poggibonsi; encouraged the seven to life of service to the Blessed Virgin Mary and increasing renunciation of 'the world'" (February volume, p. 167). Eventually they built a hermitage outside of Florence, but refused to accept recruits, even with all the many visitors that they had. Encouraged by a Cardinal and the bishop of Florence, and guided by a "vision of Our Lady carrying a black habit, which an angel bearing a scroll inscribed 'Servants of Mary'", they eventually adopted the Rule of Saint Augustine and became the Order of Servants of Mary, the Servites, considered one of the original Mendicant Orders along with the Dominicans and Franciscans. The Order is largely responsible for spreading the devotion to Our Lady as the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, among other things. There are men and women Servites all over the world today. As far as the seven holy founders, they "were jointly canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1888" (p.168). Another source relates that "their feast is celebrated today because one of the seven founders, Saint Alexis Falconieri, died on 17 February 1310" (Universalis). One never knows what will come from those who serve the Blessed Virgin; those who adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. 

There were seven men worthy of all our praise and veneration, whom our Lady brought into one community to form this order of hers and her servants. They were like seven stars joined together to form a constellation ...

They loved God above all things and dedicated their whole lives to Him by honoring Him in their every thought, word and deed.

(From an account of the origin of the Servite Order, in Office of Readings, February 17)

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome to Tomar, Portugal, here the Aqueduct dos Pegoes Altos. A family of three, friends from Washington, simply divested themselves of most of their possessions and moved to Portugal. Go for it. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saints: Saint Nicholas of Paglia OP (1197-1256)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 13:12-14 The Celebration of Lauds on Ordinary Days

Mass: James 1:19-27; Resp Ps 15; Mk 8:22-26

Who shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

JESUS TOOK THE BLIND MAN BY THE HAND ...

HE LAID HIS HANDS ON THE MAN ...

THEN HE LAID HIS HANDS ON THE MAN'S EYES A SECOND TIME AND HE SAW CLEARLY.

(Mk 8:23, 25)

Dear Jesus, please don't let go of my hand.

I BET GOD

If He

let go of my hand, I would

weep so loudly,

I would petition with all my might, I would cause

so much trouble

that I bet God would come to His senses

and never do that 

again.

(From the section on Meister Eckhart, 1260-1326, a Rheinland mystic with Johannes Tauler and Jan van Ruusbroec, in D. Ladinsky, Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and the West, p. 107.) 

SAINT NICHOLAS OF PAGLIA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome back to Switzerland. This visit we are in Saas-Fee Village in the Saastal, or the Saas Valley, in the canton of Valais. Today's contribution comes from my nephew who lives nearby with his family. Sei umarmt. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saints: Saint Claude La Colombiere (1641-1682)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 13:1-11 The Celebration of Lauds on Ordinary Days

Mass: James 1:12-18; Resp Ps 94; Mk 8:14-21

Your comfort gladdens by soul.

HEART OF JESUS, ENRICHING ALL WHO INVOKE THEE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus asks a few questions. For one, He asks, Are your hearts hardened? (Mk 8:17). If your heart is hardened for one reason or another, and even if it is not, why not pray with the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Today is a perfect day to pray with the Litany as we commemorate Saint Claude La Colombiere, the saint largely responsible for promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Saint Claude did not act alone though; he collaborated with another great saint, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690). We have them to thank, then, and ask for their intercession. Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints, have mercy on us.

I need nothing but God, and to lose myself in the heart of God.

(Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque)

SAINT CLAUDE LA COLOMBIERE,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one comes from German Sprachgenius Moni. You've seen some of her photos. Well-traveled and gifted with languages, and her camera too, here she is in Biarritz, France, where she spent a couple of months. It's fitting too as we commemorate Frenchman Saint Claude La Colombiere. Awesome. 

 
© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saints: Saints Cyril Monk, and Methodius, Bishop (9th century), "Apostles to the Slavs", Co-patrons of Europe

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 12 The Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds

Mass: James 1:1-11; Resp Ps 119; Mk 8:11-12

Teach me your statutes.

MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to Monday, our favorite day of the week. It occurred to me yesterday to thank you, faithful readers, for tuning in regularly, or as time permits. With prayer for and appreciation of you, I keep going. Thank you. 

To start things off this week, let's keep things simple. United, we embrace in our hearts and put on our lips words from the Psalmist: Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live (Ps 119:77a). Keep going!

The Holy Brothers of Thessalonica highlight first the contribution of ancient Greek culture and, subsequently, the significance of the influence of the Church of Constantinople and of Eastern tradition, which has so deeply marked the spirituality of so many peoples and nations in the Eastern part of the European continent.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, Apostolic Letter Egregiae Virtutis, 3, December 31, 1980)

SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Fitting for Saint Cyril and Methodius, here we are in Rome, at the Roman Forum. Saint Cyril died in Rome and a fragment of his sacred relics are entombed not far from the Forum, at the Basilica of San Clemente. From the Forum, go to the Colloseum, then up the Via Labicana. Not far, just on the left you will find many treasures behind the 12th facade of San Clemente. San Clemente is looked after by the Irish Dominicans, some of whom I had the privilege of having as professors. For today's photo, we thank dear Italian Anna, who captured the scene on a recent walk in Rome. Abbracci!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

World Marriage Day

In other years: Blessed Jordan of Saxony OP (c.1185-1237)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 11 The Celebration of Vigils on Sunday

Mass: Jer 17:5-8; Resp Ps 1; 1 Cor 15:12, 16-20; Lk 6:17, 20-26

He is like a tree planted near running water.

BLESSED JORDAN OF SAXONY,

PRAY FOR US.

Buona domenica. May you go well wherever you find yourself. Today's contribution is not brief. I can get carried away, as you know. Kyrie eleison. 😊

Came to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases.

(Lk 6:18a)

 

Sadly, this important line is left out of today’s Gospel passage. It speaks volumes. After time spent on the mountain in prayer, Jesus chooses the Twelve, and goes down to level ground with them. Disciples, along with a large number of people come from all over. Why did they come? They came to hear Jesus and to be healed of their diseases. All these people wanted to get a closer look at Jesus, for word about Him had spread. They may have wanted to hear what He had to say, yes. Perhaps though they were more interested in being healed. After all, it is much easier to listen when your skin doesn’t itch, your leg isn’t paralyzed, or you are no longer afflicted with one malady or another that has plagued you for years, some maladies more visible than others. These people wanted signs and wonders (Lk 11:29-32/Mk 8:11-13). I rather picture a sort of mob scene. Especially since “everyone in the crowd sought to touch Him” (Lk 6:19), another important line left out.

 

However, Jesus has a message for those gathered, and anyone with ears to hear (Mk 4:9). And I tend to think it was not entirely what they had in mind, or what we necessarily have in mind either, for it was contrary to much of what they had heard. Jesus sees our need for love, to be loved and to love. His heart is full of compassion.

 

What does Jesus have to say those of us gathered around Him? Jesus is telling us to rejoice and leap for joy with what may appear to us as afflictions in need of immediate healing. On the contrary, we can, in our hearts, quietly embrace suffering and endure it without weakening or seeking escape, for anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved (Rule of Saint Benedict/RB 7:35-36). The kingdom of God belongs to the poor, the hungry, the hated, the excluded and insulted (Lk 6:20-22); those in need of a physician (Lk 5:31). What might this look like on a more practical level? It is likely that each one of us would come up with something different. At the same time, there are possibilities that all of us would be familiar with. Let’s consider a few:

 

ü  Blessed are you who are poor: Recognize your need for grace saying with the Prophet, Not to us, Lord, not to us the glory, but to your name alone … declare with Saint Paul, By God’s grace I am what I am, and again, she who boasts should boast in the Lord (RB 4:30-32).

ü  Blessed are you who are now hungry: Remember why you came here, and stay: “The concern must be whether the novice truly seeks God” (RB 58:7).

ü  Blessed are you who are now weeping: “Go to help the troubled and console the sorrowing” (RB 4:18).

ü  Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil: “Do not repay one bad turn for another … bear injuries patiently. Love your enemies. If people curse you, do not curse them back but bless them instead. Endure persecution for the sake of justice” (RB 4:29-33).

 

Let us not be among those most pitiable people, ones who have fallen asleep, those who only hope for Christ in this life, for Christ has been raised from the dead (1 Cor 15:18-20). We place our hope in God alone (RB 4:41), and never lose hope in God’s mercy (RB 4:74). And perhaps if we embrace whatever ails us in this way, we will be healed. And we will rejoice and leap for joy in ways unexpected and more life-giving than we could have ever imagined. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord (Jer 17:7), whatever he does, prospers (Ps 1).

 

Even those who were tormented with unclean spirits were cured ...

power came forth from Him and healed them all.

(Lk 6:18b-19)

Today's photo: Last week featured photos from around our magnificent country. This week features photos from around the world. Beauty abounds. Today we are in Switzerland, near the home of long-time friends, the Benedictine Sisters of Melchtal. No longer in Melchtal, they have joined forces with the Benedictine Sisters in Sarnen, the capital of the canton of Obwalden, about 13 miles south of Lucerne. Switzerland is one beautiful country. Vielen herzlichen Dank, Schwester Daniela.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

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

National Marriage Week

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint: Saint Humbeline of Jully (11th-12th century), sister of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux; Saint Reginald of Orleans OP (c.1180-1220)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 10 The Arrangement of the Night Office in Summer

Mass: 1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34; Resp Ps 106; Mk 8:1-10

Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

JESUS, BREAD OF LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In the Cistercian Order, we commemorate Saint Humbeline of Jully today, the sister of Saint Bernard of the Clairvaux. At the same time, as on so many Saturdays, the universal Church dedicates the day to the Virgin Mary. We are blessed with our faith and so many powerful intercessors. 

Mary was indeed full of grace

in good measure

pressed down

shaken together

and running over

and for this reason:

that through her

the grace of God 

might abound in us.

God chose her

in advance

in a unique way

and accorded her the grace of being endowed

with a triple grace:

the grace of beauty

the grace of favor

and the grace of honor

so that she should be made

beautiful

gracious

and glorious.

(Baldwin of Forde, 1125-1190, in Mary Most Holy: Meditating with the Early Cistercians, pp. 70-71)

MARY, MOST HOLY,

SAINT HUMBELINE OF JULLY,

SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX,

SAINT REGINALD OF ORLEANS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Join us in the Sunshine State, here in Punta Gorda. A couple bros here with friends. Make new friends, but the keep the old, one is silver and the other gold. These are gold, faithful ones from our hometown of Muncie in the Hoosier State.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

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

National Marriage Week

World Day of the Sick

Saints: Our Lady of Lourdes; Saint Gobnait (5th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 9 The Number of Psalms at the Night Office

Mass: 1 Kgs 11:29-32; 12:19; Resp Ps 81; Mk 7:31-37

I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.

MARY, HEALTH OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

It's a busy day. Every day is a busy day, thanks be to God, for there are many things and people to pray for. That will keep anyone busy, whether or not they are engaged in the usual "busyness". A perfect way to begin every day, with whatever it holds, is to begin each one with the verse: Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise, as Saint Benedict prescribes for the beginning of Vigils (Rule of Saint Benedict, 9:1). And it's not a bad idea to honor and reverence the Holy Trinity afterwards: "Glory be to the Father ..." (RB 9:7). And when things get rocky at various times throughout the day, here is a powerful verse: God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me (RB 18:1).

We remain in the Year of the Family, celebrate National Marriage Week, and today is World Day of the Sick. So important are the sick in our midst, Saint Benedict devotes an entire Chapter to them, their care, and to the sick themselves, Chapter 36. It's ten verses and worth a look. I include it for you today so that you might apply it wherever you find yourself. If you can't go out, or don't have time for a personal visit to someone who is ill, then a phone call and/or writing a short note will do, and a prayer is always fitting. 😊

Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ, for He said: I was sick and you visited me, and, What you did for one of these least brothers you did for me. Let the sick on their part bear in mind that they are served out of honor for God, and let them not by their excessive demands distress their brothers who serve them. Still, sick brothers must be patiently borne with, because serving them leads to a greater reward. Consequently, the abbot should be extremely careful that they suffer no neglect.

Let a separate room be designated for the sick, and let them be served by an attendant who is God-fearing, attentive and concerned. The sick may take baths whenever it is advisable, but the healthy, and especially the young, should receive permission less readily. Moreover, to regain their strength, the sick who are very weak may eat meat, but when their health improves, they should all abstain from meat as usual.

The abbot must take the greatest care that cellarers and those who serve the sick do not neglect them, for the shortcomings of disciples are his responsibility.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES,

SAINT GOBNAIT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome back to the Hoosier State, another one from Tom and Benedict on a walk at Holliday Park in Indianapolis.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

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

National Marriage Week

Saints: Saint Scholastica, twin sister of Saint Benedict (b. 480); The Shipwreck of Saint Paul celebrated as the birth of the Maltese Church

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 8 The Divine Office at Night

Mass for Feast of St Scholastica: Songs 8:6-7; Resp Ps 148; Lk 10:38-42

Ferial Mass: 1 Kgs 11:4-13; Resp Ps 106; Mk 7:24-30

Young men and women too, old and young alike. 

Let them all praise the Lord's name.

THE LOVE OF CHRIST MUST COME BEFORE ALL ELSE.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:21)

Happy Feast of Saint Scholastica, "the learned woman", twin sister of Saint Benedict, "the blessed man." We pray especially for all Benedictines throughout the world, and in our country for members of the Federation of Saint Scholastica, for their spiritual and temporal welfare.

What we know about Saint Scholastica can be found in Book II of Saint Gregory the Great's (540-604) Dialogues, more specifically in Chapters 33 and 34. You can find the story in today's second reading from the Office of Readings, as well as on the Benedictine website www.osb.org. In short (kind of), the holy twins Scholastica and Benedict were engaged in their annual spiritual conversation, when "they spent the whole day praising God and talking of sacred things." After supper, Benedict announced that it was time for him to return to the monastery. Scholastica though, wanted her brother to stay, saying, "Please do not leave me tonight; let us go on until morning talking about the delights of the spiritual life." When her brother refused her request, Scholastica "joined her hands on the table, laid her head on them and began to pray." Just then lightning and thunder commenced and was joined by a torrential downpour. Since Benedict and the brethren accompanying him could not go back to their monastery, Benedict complained, "May God forgive you, sister. What have you done?" "Well," the learned woman answered, "I asked you and you would not listen; so I asked my God and He did listen. So now go off, if you can, leave me and return to your monastery." Saint Gregory the Great goes on to comment on this exchange: "It is not surprising the she was more effective than he; since, as John says, God is love, it was absolutely right that she could do more, as she loved more."

Saint Gregory relates that three days later, when Benedict was in his cell, he saw his sister's soul leave her body in the form of a dove and fly to heaven. They were buried together in the end, and Saint Gregory would not know, at least in his earthly life, that the remains of the holy twins can now be found at the high altar of the reconstructed cathedral of Monte Cassino, the great Abbey in Italy. I have had the privilege of going there on several occasions.

Let us be about God is love and loving more this day. It is easy to say God is love but putting it into practice is easier said than done. Sadly, we all too often end up resounding like a gong or clashing like a cymbal. One could of course turn to Saint Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13, and learn about what love is, and what love is not. Saint Paul is clear: "Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflated ... (1 Cor 13:1-13). However, we can always turn to the ever relevant and trusty Rule of Saint Benedict. If you are pressed for time, go directly to Chapter 4: The Tools for Good Works. There are several God is love tools for daily use. "First of all, love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love our neighbor as yourself ... honor everyone, help the troubled and console the sorrowing, guard your lips from harmful or deceptive speech, speak no foolish chatter, pray for your enemies out love for Christ, if you have a dispute with someone, make peace with her before the sun goes down ... (RB 4:1, 8, 18-19, 51, 53, 72-73).

Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may He bring us all together to everlasting life.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 72:11-12)

SAINT SCHOLASTICA,

SAINT BENEDICT,

SAINT PAUL,

PRAY FOR US. 

Today's photo: Still in the Beaver State, this painting comes courtesy of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel, OR. This painting of the holy twins was painted by Sister Protasia Schindler (1870-1959) and adorns the monastery refectory. Sister Protasia is not only honored for this and other fine works of art, but she is also honored for planting the Giant Sequioa that stands in front of the monastery. The story is that Sister Protasia found a seedling tree in front of the railroad tracks in 1893. She planted it in front of the monastery to give some life to the monastery grounds. Now recognized as a Mt. Angel landmark, the Giant Sequioa stands over 129 feet tall and was dedicated as an Oregon Heritage Tree on June 1, 2004. I was there for the dedication. It was a privilege. Praise the Lord from the heavens; give praise in the heights. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

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

National Marriage Week

Saint: Saint Teilo, Monk and Bishop (6th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:62-70

Mass: 1 Kgs 10:1-10; Resp Ps 37; Mk 7:14-23

He will make justice dawn for you like the light.

JESUS, ETERNAL WISDOM,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's reading from the First Book of Kings, we hear the account of the Queen Sheba and her encounter with King Solomon. It was then that the Queen of Sheba witnessed the king's great wisdom (1 Kgs 10:4). So impressed was she that she gave the king "one hundred and twenty gold talents, a very large quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did anyone bring such an abundance of spices as the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (1 Kgs 10:10). United in faith and prayer, let us pray for the gift of wisdom, for as Procopius of Gaza (465-528), bishop, tells us in a commentary on the Book of Proverbs, included in today's Office of Readings, "to man who was made in the image of Christ when the rest of creation was created, Wisdom gave the seven gifts of the Spirit to enable him to believe in Christ and to keep His commandments." Wisdom has built herself a house (Proverbs 9:1).

The wise man will reap rewards if he behaves correctly.

(T’ung Jen)

SAINT TEILO,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: d with a contribution from her morning walk. West Linn, Oregon, the Beaver State. God bless America. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

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

National Marriage Week

International Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking: The Power of Care - Women, Economics, and Human Trafficking

Saints: Saint Josephine Bakhita, Patron Saint of Modern Sudan and All Victims of Human Trafficking (1869-1947); Saint Jerome Emiliani (1486-1537); Saint Cuthman of Steyning (?7th-8th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:60-61 Humility

Mass: 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30; Resp Ps 84; Mk 7:1-13

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

LOOK KINDLY ON THE PRAYER AND PETITION OF YOUR SERVANT,

O LORD, MY GOD, AND LISTEN TO THE CRY OF SUPPLICATION WHICH I, YOUR SERVANT, UTTER BEFORE YOU THIS DAY.

(1 Kgs 8:28)

Not much needs to be said on this day of prayer, reflection and action against human trafficking. On this day we are invited by Pope Francis "to consider the condition of women and girls, subjected to multiple forms of exploitation, including forced marriages, and domestic slavery." Human trafficking is a scourge that the Holy Father calls an "open wound in the body of Christ, in the body of all humanity ..." It is happening everywhere, whether or not we see it with our own eyes, or not. As Pope Francis emphasizes, "this is happening in our cities today ... really think about it." I am reminded, rather sadly, of occasional early morning trips to Fiumicino International Airport in Rome, when I would see amidst the dark and shadows, women, most of whom were likely girls, waiting on the side of the road for business. The picture is clear in my mind. I always wondered who was watching and waiting for them in the shadows. Kyrie eleison.

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA,

SAINT JEROME EMILIANI,

SAINT CUTHMAN OF STEYNING,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From my oldest sis, here in Pompano Beach, Florida, the Sunshine State. God bless America. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022