Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

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

Saints: Saint Isidore of Seville, Bishop, Doctor (560-636); Saint Benedict the Moor (1526-1589)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 53:1-15 The Reception of Guests

Mass: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Resp Ps 23; Jn 8:12-20

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

(Jn 8:12)

Monday has rolled around once again. Welcome to it in this Fifth Week of Lent, the week before Palm Sunday and entrance into Holy Week. As usual, it is a busy Monday with going full pelt before the crack of dawn. God is praised.

The work week begins with one of my favorite readings taken from the Book of the Prophet Daniel, the long version too. Have you ever been the target of calumny? It is not pleasant, just ask beautiful and God-fearing Susanna about it. At one point, Susanna says, "I am completely trapped" (Dn 13:22). At another, "the whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God who saves those who hope in Him" (Dn 13:60). No matter what comes your way this day, remember Saint Benedict's tool for good works: "Place your hope in God alone" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:41). 

Prayer purifies us, readings instructs us. Both are good when both are possible. Otherwise, prayer is better than reading.

If a man wants to be always in God's company, he must pray regularly and read regularly. When we pray, we talk to God; when we read, God talks to us.

(From the Book of Maxims by Saint Isidore, bishop, in Office of Readings, April 4)

SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE,

SAINT BENEDICT THE MOOR,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These delights were found yesterday morning, in our kitchen garden, certainly a place of beauty.

© Gertrude Feick 2022