In other years: Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
Readings of the Day
Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 49 The Observance of Lent
Mass: Ecclesiastes 2; 2:21-23; Resp Ps 90; Col 3:1-5, 9-11; Lk 12:13-21
If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.
MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,
PRAY FOR US
Seek what is above.
(Col 3:1)
Embracing Saint Paul's words above in his letter to the Colossians should keep us focused and help us to prefer nothing whatever to Christ. God will provide what we need, not necessarily what we think we want. As Jesus says, one's life does not consist of possessions (Lk 12:15). It never hurts to look to the Holy Rule for guidance too since Saint Benedict tells us that our way of acting should be different from the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:20-21). Furthermore, as "it is written:"
Distribution was made to each one as he had need.
By this we do not imply that there should be favoritism-God forbid-but rather consideration for weaknesses. Whoever needs less should thank God and not be distressed, but whoever needs more should feel humble because of his weakness, not self-important because of the kindness shown to him. In this way all the members will be at peace. First and foremost, there should no grumbling, no manifestation of it for any reason at all.
(Rule of Saint Benedict, 34:1-6)
For what profit comes to man from the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has labored under the sun?
(Ecclesiastes 2:22)
May Our Lady help us understand what the true goods of life are, the ones that last forever.
(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, July 31, 2022)
SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA,
PRAY FOR US.
Today's photo: I was here yesterday. Our local land and water trust, Sanctuary Forest, was behind this adventure to experience and learn about the "Beauty of the Lost Coast: Layers of History." The day began at Needle Rock Visitors Center, where participants learned about the history of the area. This was followed by a three-mile hike to Bear Harbor, lunch on the beach, and then more education. After the three-mile return to Needle Rock, a full day was had. Thank you to the Jennings and Sanctuary Forest, "whose mission is to conserve the Mattole River watershed and surrounding areas for wildlife habitat and aesthetic, spiritual and intrinsic values" (www.sanctuaryforest.org).
© Gertrude Feick 2022
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