Friday of the First Week of Lent

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

Saints: Saint Aengus (-824); Saint Constantine (6th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 33 Monks and Private Ownership

Mass:  Ezk 18:21-28; Resp Ps 130; Mt 5:20-26

If you, Lord, mark our iniquities, who can stand?

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

(Mt 5:9)

Saint Benedict, in this tool for good works, echoes Jesus in today's Gospel: "If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down" (RB 4:73). In the Prologue to his Rule, Saint Benedict says that peace must be our quest and aim (RB Prol 18). Christ is our peace (Eph 2:14). We have been given the gift of Christ's peace; we are to be people of peace.

Having been forgiven, we are called to forgive. Having been justified by God's grace, we are called to give witness to justice in our lives, for we know full well that peaceful relationships can exist in the world only when the justice of Christ permeates hearts and is expressed in all the structures of society.

But in order to communicate peace according to Christ's words, we must live that peace. In the words of the Apostle Paul, "Christ's peace must reign in your hearts, since as members of the one body, you are called to that peace" (Col 3:15). Yes, dear brothers and sisters, there must be peace ... in the hearts of all who embrace His Gospel of love.

(Pope John Paul II, Homily, Holy Mass for Peace, Manila, Philippines, February 19, 1981, para. 6, 7)

Clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Bear with one another ... Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.

(Col 3:12-13) 

SAINT AENGUS,

SAINT CONSTANTINE,

PRAY FOR US.

NB. A worthwhile read for reflection is the homily of Pope Saint John Paul II quoted above. It is not so long and can be found on the internet, for example, at www.vatican.va. United in faith and prayer, we continue to pray for all affected by war, violence, strife, and unrest, and any who, for whatever reason, find themselves in harm's way.

Today's photo: Lest you strike your foot against a stone.

© Gertrude Feick 2022