Friday of the Second Week of Lent

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

Saints: Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386): Saint Edward the Martyr (962-978)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 39 The Proper Amount of Food

Mass: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Resp Ps 105; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46

Remember the marvels the Lord has done.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

What leads us to do the things we read about in today's first reading: "When [Joseph's] brothers saw that their father loved him best of all his sons, they hated him so much that they would not even greet him " (Gn 37:4). Or in the Gospel parable: "But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned" (Mt 21:35). We are all capable of such things, in one form or another. Thank you, Saint Benedict, for these tools for good works: Harbor neither hatred or jealousy of anyone, and do nothing out of envy. Do not love quarreling; shun arrogance. Respect the elders and love the young. Pray for your enemies out of love for Christ. If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down (Rule of Saint Benedict 4:65-73)

The root of all good works is the hope of the resurrection; for the expectation of the reward [moves] the soul to good works.

(Saint Cyril of Jerusalem)

The Spirit comes gently and makes Himself known by His fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for He is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before Him as He approaches. The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. The Spirit comes to enlighten the mind first of the one who receives Him, and then, through Him, the minds of others as well.

(From a catechetical instruction by Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, in Office of Readings, Seventh Week of Easter, Monday)

United in faith and prayer, we keep going. Jesus, Crown of peace, have mercy on us.

SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT EDWARD THE MARTYR,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Mount Hood in its glory as captured here by Jordan in Salem, OR. Yes, Suzanne, it is lovely. Mountains and snow, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022