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

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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