Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

Saints: Saint Bernadino of Siena, Apostle of Italy (1380-1444); Blessed Columba of Rieti OP (1467-1501)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:22-43

Mass: Acts 15:22-31; Resp Ps 57; Jn 15:12-17

I will wake the dawn.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Never turn away when someone needs your love.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:26)

Jesus commands us in today's Gospel: Love one another (Jn 15:17). This may sound like a simple command to follow. On the contrary, we understand that it is in fact a tall order. We need only look to Saint Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians where we find that love is patient, kind, not jealous, not pompous, not inflated, and not rude (1 Cor 13:4-5). Love also does not seek its own interests, it isn't quick-tempered, and does not brood over injury (1 Cor 13:5). Furthermore, love bears all things, believes all things, and endures all things (1 Cor 13:7). Love certainly isn't possessive. And if this isn't enough, one can turn to Saint Benedict and the chapter we are immersed in these days, Chapter 4 and the Tools for Good Works. Among other tools, Saint Benedict lists these: "Rid your heart of all deceit. Never give a hollow greeting of peace ... speak the truth with heart and tongue" (RB 4:24,25,28). And perhaps one of the most difficult: "Love your enemies" (RB 4:31). Some tools to implement for this include: Do not repay one bad turn for another, do not injure anyone, but bear injuries patiently ... and if people curse you, do not curse them back but bless them instead. Endure persecution for the sake of justice. Never speak ill of anyone (RB 4:29-30, 32-33,40). 

I will include two more quotations from Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur, one for today, another for tomorrow. Here then with the penultimate one that happens to be another way to love one another. By the grace of God we go forth, united in faith and prayer. Amen.

To shut one's heart to any complaints and regrets that could escape it; to open it wide to all that it can pour forth of the human sympathy, strength, and kindness.

(E. Leseur, The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, p. 165) 

SAINT BERNADINO OF SIENA,

BLESSED COLUMBA OF RIETI,

SAINT TITUS BRANDSMA,

SAINT MARIE RIVIER,

SAINT CAROLINA SANTOCANALE,

SAINT CHARLES DE FOUCAULD,

SAINT DEVASAHAYAM PILLAI,

SAINT CESAR DE BUS,

SAINT LUIGI MARIA PALAZZOLA,

SAINT JUSTIN RUSSOLILLO,

SAINT ANNA MARIA RUBATTO,

SAINT MARIA DOMENICA MANTOVANI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Jean sent this clematis from Indianapolis.  I will give you thanks among the peoples.

© Gertrude Feick 2022