Friday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Blessed Dominic Barberi (1792-1849); Saint David Lewis (1616-1679); Our Lady of Czestochowa; Saint Caesarius of Arles (c.470-542); Blessed Jacques Retouret (1746-1794); Saint Teresa of Jesus' Transverberation (?)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 68 The Assignment of Impossible Tasks

Mass: 1 Cor 1:17-25; Resp Ps 33; Mt 25:1-13

Praise from the upright is fitting.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

HEART OF MARY, OCEAN OF GOODNESS,

OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA,

PRAY FOR US.

For the foolishness of God is stronger than human strength.

(1 Cor 1:25)

We are with one of my favorite chapters of the Holy Rule today, Ch 68. Assignment of Impossible Tasks. Saint Benedict teaches about what to do when given a "burdensome task or something [you] cannot do" (RB 68:1). If this happens, the monk "with complete gentleness and obedience", should "accept the order given him." If the monk is overburdened or feels as if she is unsuited for the work, she should, at the appropriate time, and without pride, obstinance or refusal, talk to the Abbess about it. However, if the Abbess holds course, the monk should recognize that this is best for her, and "trusting in God's help, he must in love obey" (RB 68:5). I think again of dear Father Paschal, OSB, of happy memory, who had a motto, "Say 'Yes' and think about it later." This is how I started to play the organ some years ago. I was told the community needed another organist; did I think I could learn how to play. Well, why not, I thought. So I went for it. And I found out I could play. No concert organist, I did manage to provide the necessary service. God provides so trust in God always; He is our source of strength. Listen, as we hear the echo of Saint Paul: "For the foolishness of God is stronger than human strength." United in faith and prayer, we go for it.

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

(1 Cor 1:18)

NB. Among our saints of the day is Blessed Dominic Barberi who received many Anglicans into full communion with the Church, including now Saint John Henry Newman. God is praised!

BLESSED DOMINIC BARBERI,

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN,

SAINT DAVID LEWIS,

SAINT CAESARIUS OF ARLES,

BLESSED JACQUES RETOURET,

SAINT TERESA OF THE TRANSVERBERATION,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022