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