Friday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Jerome, Priest, Doctor (340-420)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:31-33 Humility

Mass: Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5; Resp Ps 139; Lk 10:13-16

O Lord, you have probed me and you know me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, COMPANION OF THE SORROWFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to Friday and the last day of September 2022. On this day we conclude our month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother. We look especially to Mary, most sorrowful mother, and ask her to pray for us. We remember too something Saint Rafael Arnaiz wrote: "You often say, 'All for Jesus.' Why not add, 'All for Jesus, and to Jesus through Mary?'" What are your favorite invocations to Mary from the Litany of the Sorrowful Mother? My favorites include, Mary, rock of constancy, and Mary, protectress of all who fight. On the other hand, all of the invocations will do just fine. ☺

We have another great saint to commemorate today, Saint Jerome*.  Among other things, he, with the help of Saint Paula and company, founded a monastery, a hospice, and a school in Bethlehem. Saint Jerome was also busy translating the Bible into Latin, the translation we know as the Vulgate, a translation “with some revisions” still in use today. This project took 15 years or so. All in a day's work. And Saint Jerome is regarded as the patron saint of those with difficult personalities. Apparently, he had one. lol. We turn to Saint Jerome then, and to one of his commentaries on the Book of Isaiah. You will find this in the Prologue (included in Office of Readings, September 30).

I interpret as I should, following the command of Christ: Search the Scriptures, and Seek and you shall find ...For is, as Paul says, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, and if the man who does not know Scripture does not know the power and the wisdom of God, then ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.

United in faith and prayer, we seek the power of God and the wisdom of God through our reading and study of and reflection on Scripture. Blessed indeed is he who ponders the law of the Lord day and night: he will yield fruit in due season (Entrance Antiphon, Mass). What is your favorite Book of the Bible? This was a question posed to me and my classmates some years ago in a course, Introduction to the Bible. At the time, I did not know my favorite Book, but I did know some of my favorite stories. Then I found myself teaching the course years later and I asked the students the same question. In any case, go to your favorite Book in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament too, or at least to a favorite story or passage. What is God saying to you?

Here are a few of my favorite stories/passages from the Bible, the first three favorites since childhood. 

Make yourself an ark of gopherwood, put various compartments in it, and cover it inside and out with pitch ...

"Go into the ark, you and your household, for you alone in this age I have found to be truly just. Of every clean animal, take with you seven pairs ...

(Genesis 5:14; 7:1-2)

Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons, for he was the child of his old age; and he had made him a long tunic ...

(Genesis 37:3)

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord swept the sea with a strong east wind throughout the night and so it turned into dry land. When the water was thus divided, the Israelites marched into the midst of the sea on dry land, with water like a wall to their right and to their left ...

(Exodus, 14:21-22)

But Ruth said, "Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you! for wherever you will go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there be buried ...

(Ruth 1:15-17)

Judith threw herself down prostrate, with ashes strewn upon her head, and wearing nothing but sackcloth ...

(Judith 9:1)

Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, likewise had recourse to the Lord. Taking off her splendid garments, she put on garments of distress and mourning. In place of her precious ointments she covered herself with dirt and ashes ...

(Esther C:12-13) 

Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.

(Matt 1:16)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

(Ph 4:4-7)

SAINT JEROME,

SAINT PAULA,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. Saint Jerome is one of the four great Doctors of the Western Church. Saint Jerome joins Saint Ambrose of Milan (339-397), Saint Augustine (354-430), and Pope Saint Gregory the Great (540-604). The four great Doctors of the Eastern Church are Saint Athanasius (296/8-373), Saint Basil of Caesarea (330-379), Saint John Chrysostom (347-407), and Saint Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390). 

Today's photo: From a September camping trip to the Metolius River, Central Oregon. Thank you, Catherine. Wonderful are your works.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:24-30 Humility

Mass: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-13 or Rev 12:7-12a; Resp Ps 138; Lk 1:47-51 

In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF ANGELS,

MARY, PROTECTRESS OF THOSE WHO FIGHT,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.

The dragon and its angels fought back, 

but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.

(Rev 12:7-8)

Welcome to a day we have been waiting and preparing for, the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael! May Jesus say to of each one of us what He said of Nathanael: There is no duplicity in him (Jn 1:47). Led by the glorious Archangels, we respond to Saint Benedict's call in the Prologue of the Holy Rule: "This message of mine is for you, then, if you are ready to give up your own will, once and for all, and armed with the strong and noble weapons of obedience to do battle for the true King, Christ the Lord" (RB Prologue 3). We remember too what Saint Benedict writes in the chapter on humility, that is, "If every day the angels assigned to us report our deeds to the Lord day and night, then we must be vigilant every hour" (RB 7:29). Yes, angels deliver messages to the Lord, we learn from Pope Saint Gregory the Great in one of his homilies on the Gospels. Angels "who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels" (in Office of Readings, September 29). The Archangel Raphael presented and read Tobit and Sarah's prayer before the Glory of the Lord, and he did the same thing when they buried the dead (Tobit 12:12). So why not turn your prayers over to the angels today and let them go to work!

No need to fear; you are safe. Thank God now and forever. As for me, when I came to you it was not out of any favor on my part, but because it was God's will. 

So continue to thank Him every day; praise Him with song.

(Tobit 12:17-18)

He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve Him. 

His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away,

His kingship shall not be destroyed.

(Daniel 7:14)

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him,

we humbly pray; and do thou O Prince of the Heavenly Host,

by the power of God,

thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits 

who prowl around the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

SAINT MICHAEL Who is like God?, PRINCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, DEFENDER OF THE CHURCH, PATRON OF SOLDIERS;

SAINT GABRIEL, The strength of God, THE HERALD OF THE INCARNATION;

SAINT RAPHAEL God heals, DEFENDER OF ADOLESCENT CHASTITY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Michael the Archangel, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. Great is the glory of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Twenty-Six Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Wenceslaus of Bohemia, King, Martyr (907-935); Saint Lawrence Ruiz and his Companions, Martyrs (17th century); Saint Lioba (c.710-782)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:19-23 Humility

Mass: Job 9:1-12, 14-16: Resp Ps 88; Lk 9:57-62

Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MEDICINE OF THE SICK,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

And in the Prayer too we ask God that His will be done in us.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:20)

Dear faithful readers, united in faith and prayer, we set a hand to the plow and do not look to what was left behind (Lk 9:62). No excuses. Fit for the Kingdom of God, we follow Him wherever He goes. No matter what.

The souls of the Saints are rejoicing in heaven, the Saints who followed the footsteps of Christ, and since for the love of Him they shed their blood, they now exult with Christ for ever.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

SAINT WENCESLAUS,

SAINT LAWRENCE RUIZ AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT LIOBA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: To you I stretch out my hands.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint: Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:10-18 Humility

Mass: Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23; Resp Ps 88; Lk 9:51-56

Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, REMEDY IN PERPLEXITY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, SALVATION OF THOSE WHO TRUST IN YOU,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Jesus resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.

(Lk 9:51)

It may be that we are going to have days like what Job experienced. We grumble, speak ill of our situation, I have no peace nor ease; I have no rest, for trouble comes! (Job 3:26). We must keep on though. Jesus didn't turn back; we follow Him. And as Saint Vincent de Paul said, "What was the life of Christ but a perpetual humiliation?" We continue our journey (Lk 9:56), with faith and courage, united in prayer.

We should be simple in our affections, intentions, actions and words; we should do what we find to do without artifice or guile.

(Saint Vincent de Paul)

Let us love God, but with the strength of our arms, in the sweat of our brow.

(Saint Vincent de Paul)

Extend mercy toward others, so that there is no one need whom we meet without helping. For what hope is there for us if God should withdraw His mercy from us?

(Saint Vincent de Paul)

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is fascinating. A little different look than we had on the Feast of Saint Matthew. Incline your ear to my call for help.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs, Patron Saints of Doctors, Surgeons, and Pharmacists (3rd century) 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:5-9 Humility

Mass: Job 1:6-20; Resp Ps 17; Lk 9:46-50

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, HELP OF THE FAINT,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to Monday, faithful readers. We find ourselves reading from the Book of Job at Mass this week. The first thing I took note of was Satan's response to the Lord, who asked, "Whence do you come?" Satan related that he was busy "roaming the earth and patrolling it" (Job 1:7). As we learned last week, "there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecc 1:9). Satan is still busy roaming and patrolling the earth, not minding his own business in other words. Thank God we have our faith and the help of so many heavy hitter saints to intercede for us this week. And then come the Archangels "Michael who is like God, the defender of the Church; Gabriel, the herald of the Incarnation; and Raphael, whose name means 'God heals'". Watch out anybody or anything that tries to get in our way. Keep going, faithful readers. Coraggio. Why not join dear Job, cast yourself prostrate upon the ground (if this poses no threat to your health and well-being, that is 😊) and say: Naked I came forth from my mother's womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21). No matter what comes your way then, think of Job who, today anyway, "did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God" (Job 1:22). Oh, and don't forget to maintain a sense of humor. 😎

We turn to Eucharistic Prayer I (Roman Canon), and pray to all the saints for their intercession:

In communion with those whose memory we venerate, 

especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary, 

Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ,

and blessed Joseph, her Spouse,

your blessed Apostles and Martyrs,

Peter and Paul, Andrew ...

Cosmas and Damian

and all your Saints;

we ask that through their merits and prayers,

in all things we may be defended

by your protecting help.

SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Snug as a bug in a rug. From their foes to refuge at your right hand.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years: Saint Finbarr (c.550-c.620)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:1-4 Humility

Mass: Amos 6:1a, 4-7; Resp Ps 146; 1 Tim 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31

The Lord raises up those who are bowed down.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, PEARL OF VIRGINS,

MARY, GATE OF HUMILITY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, HOUSE OF GOD AND GATE OF HEAVEN,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Thoughts are scatted today. Keeping in touch, though, I greet you on this Sunday, this one like last, a day when things go together. We begin Saint Benedict's great Chapter 7 on Humility and are presented with the Gospel about the nameless rich man and Lazarus, described as the poor man (Lk 16:19-20). Let's hear from Saint Benedict first as he begins Ch 7. "Divine Scripture calls to us saying: Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." Furthermore, this "shows us that every exaltation is a kind of pride, which the Prophet indicates he has shunned, saying, Lord, my heart is not exalted; my eyes are not lifted up and I have not walked in the ways of the great nor gone after marvels beyond me. And why? If I had not a humble spirit, but were exalted instead, then you would treat me like a weaned child on its mother's lap" (RB 7:1-4). As Saint Benedict says, every exaltation is kind of pride. It may also be that a person can exalt herself in her humility. We recall something Saint Benedict writes in Ch 4, The Tools for Good Works: "Do not aspire to be called holy before you really are, but first be holy that you may more truly be called so" (RB 4:62). 

About the "rich" man and the "poor" man then, and what each might represent, consider something I read in today's Magnificat Prayer for the Morning: "The poor are all those who stand in need of our love, our time, our interest, our concern. Our wealth is not necessarily our money. It is whatever good God has done for us and given to us" (p. 352).

We keep going, faithful readers, as we "pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness" (1 Tm 6:11). In this way, united in our life of prayer, we "compete well for the faith" (1 Tm 6:12). Thank you for being there.

Abba Anthony said, 'I saw snares that the enemy spreads out over the world and I said groaning, "What can get through from such snares?" Then I heard a voice saying to me, "Humility."'

(The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Alpha, Anthony the Great, 7)

SAINT FINBARR,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Here with yet another "don't forget to look up!" The Lord shall reign forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Stephanie, Martyr (4th century); Our Lady of Walsingham; Blessed Emilie Tavernier-Gamelin (1800-1851); Blessed Anton Martin Slomshek (1800-1862)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 6 Restraint of Speech

Mass: Ecc 11:9-12:8; Resp Ps 90; Lk 9:43b-45

Return, O Lord! How long?

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SORROWFUL MOTHER,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Light is sweet! And it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. However many years a man may live, let him, as he enjoys them all, remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that is to come is vanity.

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth ...

[before] the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life breath returns to God who gave it.

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, all things are vanity!

(Ecc 11:7-8, 12:1, 7-8)

Young or not so young, no matter, with however many days we have, we sing with the psalmist, teach us, O Lord, to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart (Ps 90). We consider and take to heart too, Saint Benedict's wisdom offered in Ch 6 of the Holy Rule, on Restraint of Speech. Our holy father Benedict calls us to "follow the Prophet's counsel: I said, I have resolved to keep watch over my ways that I may never sin with my tongue. I have put a guard over my mouth, I was silent and was humbled, and I refrained from good words. Here the Prophet indicates that there are times when good words are to be left unsaid out of esteem for silence. For all the more reason, then, should evil speech be curbed so that punishment for sin may be avoided ... it is written: In a flood of words you will not avoid sin: and elsewhere, The tongue holds the key to life and death" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 6:1-2, 4-5). Our Lady will help us, for "Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart" (Lk 2:19).

Even though what Saint Rafael Arnaiz (1911-1938) has to say is about silence in his Trappist monastery of San Isidro de Duenas, it is relevant for anyone who lives a life of prayer and contemplation in one way or another, whether inside or outside a monastery, no matter their vocation. And come to think of it, that is likely all of you faithful readers out there who take the time to read these reflections. We are united in faith and prayer; the world needs our courageous witness to the faith. Thank you for being there.

It is silence that makes us humble; that makes us resigned; when we have some difficulty, silence makes it so that we tell only Jesus about it, so that He might take care of it in silence too...

Silence is necessary for prayer. With silence, it is difficult to lack charity; with silence, we show greater gratitude for a brother's love and affection than we would with words ... In short, silence is everything in contemplative life ...

A Trappist only opens his mouth to sing to God ... and here in the world it's the opposite, when you want to talk about God, everyone shuts up.

(Rafael Arnaiz in The Collected Works: Saint Rafael Arnaiz, p. 176)

SAINT STEPHANIE,

OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM,

BLESSED EMILIE TAVERNIER-GAMELIN,

BLESSED ANTON MARTIN SLOMSHEK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For Our Lady. Blessed is the fruit of Thy womb.

© Gertrude Feick

Friday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Padre Pio, Capuchin friar and priest (1887-1968); Saint Adoman of Iona (627/8-704)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 5:14-19 Obedience

Mass: Ecc 3:1-11; Resp Ps 144; Lk 9:18-22

Man is like a breath; his days like a passing shadow.'

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, STRENGTH OF THE WEAK,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

I have considered the task which God has appointed for me to be busied about. 

He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without man's ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.

(Ecc 3:10-11)

Considering what we hear above from the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes, and since there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc 1:9) and an appointed time for everything (Ecc 3:1), there is no need to be worried about yesterday or tomorrow. We take what comes this day and go with it, "not cringing or sluggish or half-hearted, but free from any grumbling or any reaction of unwillingness" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 5:14), for God loves a cheerful giver (RB 5:16). Inspired by Padre Pio* then, "Go ahead! Courage! In the spiritual life, he who does not go forward goes backward. It is the same with a boat which must always go forward. If it stands still, the wind will blow it back." 

And since we are in Saint Benedict's Ch 5 on Obedience, and the first step of humility is unhesitating obedience" (RB 5:1), we can be further inspired by Padre Pio.

Humility, humility and always humility. Satan fears and trembles before humble souls. The Lord is willing to do great things, but on the condition that we are truly humble.

Where there is no obedience, there is no virtue; where there is no virtue, there is no goodness, no love; and where there is no love there is no God: without God we do not go to Paradise.

Furthermore,

Walk with simplicity in the way of the Lord and do not torment your spirit. Learn to hate your faults, but to hate them calmly.

You must always have prudence and love. Prudence has the eyes; love has the legs. Love which has the legs would like to run to God, but its impulse to rush ahead Him is blind and at times might stumble, if it were not guided by prudence which has the eyes. When prudence sees that love could become unbridled, it loans its eyes to love. In this way love restrains itself and guided by prudence, acts as it should and not as it would like.

PADRE PIO,

SAINT ADOMAN OF IONA,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. "Padre Pio died a few days after the fiftieth anniversary of his receiving the stigmata, and over 100,000 people attended his funeral" (Universalis). And how about this? I know someone who went to San Giovanni Rotondo in southern Italy, to the monastery where Padre Pio spent 50 years, and Padre Pio received him for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. God is praised.

Today's photo: This was taken in 2017 at Joshua Tree National Park, where I hiked with my boss at the time, and his wife. Dear people they are. Let the people praise you, O Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion, Martyrs (d.287); Saint Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 5:1-13 Obedience

Mass: Ecc 1:2-11; Resp Ps 90; Lk 9:7-9

Fill us at daybreak with Your kindness.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MIRROR OF PATIENCE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Nothing is new under the sun.

(Ecclesiastes 1:9)

On Tuesday, when we commemorated the Korean martyrs, I referred to the above line from the Book of Ecclesiastes. And today it appears as part of our first reading at Mass. As the author of the Book continues, "Even the thing of which we say, 'See, this is new!' has already existed in the ages that preceded us. There is no remembrance of the men of old; nor of those who come will there be any remembrance among those who come after them." It is true as one day passes into another and the weeks, months, and years go on. Through it all though, in every age, the Lord has been our refuge (Ps 90). We keep on then and seek the face of God through it all. Even Herod the Tetrarch keep trying to see Jesus (Lk 9:9), as in today's Gospel. We persevere, united in faith and prayer. As the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael quickly approaches (September 29), it is not too early to pray to Saint Michael, especially as the psalmist sang at Vigils this morning: I say to the Lord: You are my God; listen, Lord, to the words of my prayer. My revered Lord, my strong helper, my helmet on the day of battle. Lord, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let their plots succeed (Ps 140:7-9).

Prayer to Saint Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil;

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God,

thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION,

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A nice gift, the beauty in this flower. Teach us to number our days aright.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:63-78 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Resp Ps 19; Mt 9:9-13

The heavens declare the glory of God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, ROCK OF CONSTANCY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH, 

PRAY FOR US.

Follow me ...

Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.

(Mt 9:9, 12-13)

What does Saint Bede the Venerable (673-735) have to say about this?

Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office, and He said to him: Follow me. Jesus saw Matthew, not merely in the usual sense, but more significantly with His merciful understanding of men.

He saw the tax collector, and because He saw Him through the eyes of mercy and chose him, He said to him: Follow me. This meant imitating the pattern of His life-not just walking after Him. Saint John tells us: Whoever says he abides in Christ ought to walk in the same way in which He walked ...

On hearing Christ's voice [then], we open the door to receive Him, as it were, when we freely assent to His promptings and when we give ourselves over to doing what must be done.

(From a homily by Saint Bede the Venerable, priest, in Office of Readings, September 21)

Hearing the call of the Lord, we are united and faith and prayer, and "never lose hope in God's mercy" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:74). No matter then where we find ourselves, or under what circumstances, or with whomever we find ourselves, our souls can be saved, "because God's help is everywhere, and so long as we desire to serve Him, with all our strength, place and position and circumstance are all irrelevant" (Saint Rafael Arnaiz, 1911-1938). We look to Saint Matthew to help us get up immediately and follow Jesus (Mt 9:9). At the same time, we remember, that "Jesus never lets go of our hand ... but He does test us" (Saint Rafael Arnaiz). By the grace of God, we go forth, for no one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God (Lk 9:62).

SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: With our recent rain, then sun, there have been some beautiful cloud formations with a deep blue sky serving as a fitting background. This was yesterday around 5pm, the rain started again around an hour or so later. We hear last Sunday's friendly reminder echoed: Don't forget to look up!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and their Companions, Korean Martyrs (18th-19th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:44-62 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13; Resp Ps 119; Lk 8:19-21

I will meditate on Your wondrous deeds.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

It is the Lord who proves hearts.

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

(Pr 21:2-3)

We are inspired by the Korean martyrs and the witness given to us through their faith and courage. Nothing is new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9); we face many of the same oppositions today, wherever we are, that they did. We must also be strong and courageous. Yes, thanks be to God we have come into this world. We have work to do. United in faith and prayer, brothers and sisters of Jesus, we listen to the word of God and act on it (Lk 8:21). Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father, says the Lord (Mt 10:32-33).

My brethren and dear friends, think about this time and reflect on it; from the beginning of time God has ordered the heavens, the earth, and all things. Consider the creation of man in this light and reflect on why He has created man, in His image and likeness: why and with what purpose.

If, then, placed as we are in this world full of danger and misery, we do not know the Lord our creator, what is the point in having been born? Our life is pointless. Thanks be to God we have come into this world. Also thanks be to God, we have received baptism, we have entered the Church, and we have received the glorious name of disciples of the Lord.

(From the final exhortation of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, priest and martyr, in Office of Readings, September 20)

SAINTS ANDREW KIM TAEGON, PAUL CHONG HASANG, AND THEIR COMPANIONS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For today's Korean martyrs. I will keep your law continually.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Emily de Rodat (1787-1852); Saint Januarius, Bishop, Martyr (early 4th century); Saint Theodore of Tarsus (601-690)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:22-43 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Proverbs 3:27-34; Resp Ps 15; Lk 8:16-18

The just one shall live on your holy mountain.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, HELP OF THE NEEDY,

PRAY FOR US.

To the humble the Lord shows kindness.

(Pr 3:34)

Welcome to Monday and this one is a day to let your light shine so that others come to know the Light through your light. 🌞

Why not grab a tool or two from Saint Benedict's Tools for Good Works for help, with a friendly reminder that our "way of acting should be different than the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else" (RB 4:20-21). Any one of these tools will keep us busy enough. What is your tool of choice today?

You are not to act in anger or nurse a grudge.

Rid yourself of all deceit.

Never give a hollow greeting of peace or turn away from someone who needs your love.

Bind yourself to no oath lest it prove false.

Speak the truth with heart and tongue.

Do not repay one bad turn for another.

Do not injure anyone, but bear injuries patiently.

Love your enemies.

If people curse you, do not curse them back but bless them instead.

Endure persecution for the sake of justice.

You must not be proud, nor be given to wine.

Refrain from too much eating or sleeping, and from laziness.

Do not grumble or speak ill of others.

Place your hope in God alone.

If you notice something good in yourself, give credit to God, not to yourself, but be certain that the evil you commit is always your own and yours to acknowledge.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:22-43)

Whew! 😓

My Redeemer has a claim upon my love, and I do not forget how He questioned Peter, and asked: Do you love me, Peter? Then feed my sheep. He asked this once, then again, then a third time. He inquired about his love, and then He gave him work to do; for the greater one's love is, the easier the work.

(From a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, September 19)

Love Himself gives love to us so that we might love with that Love. 

The world was transformed by the light of this love.

(Dr. Matthew Minerd, from Made by God, Made for God: Catholic Morality Explained, in Magnificat, Meditation of the Day, September 18, 2022, p. 276)

The lamp of faith will always be lit on earth as long as there is the oil of prayer.

(Vatican News, @PONTIFEX, September 19, 2022)

SAINT EMILY DE RODAT,

SAINT JANUARIUS,

SAINT THEODORE OF TARSUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From the area near Mount Adams in southern Washington, see Mount Ranier in the distance. Catherine reports that Mount Adams looks a LOT like Rainier! 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years: Saint Edith of Kemsing (961-984); Saint Stanislaw Kostka (1550-1568)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:1-21 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Amos 8:4-7; Resp Ps 113; 1 Tim 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13

Above the heavens is His glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Since ...

No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.

(Lk 16:13)

then, 

First of all, love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:1-2)

and we go from there.

Bouna domenica! And it's one of those Sundays when many things work together, primarily in the Word as spoken in the Gospel, in wisdom from Saint Benedict, and in what others have to say it about it all, including you. 😊 God is praised!

It is about making choices. We have been given the gift of reason; let us not waste it. May we be faithful in little matters, and faithful in bigger matters too, as a wise and prudent steward would. If what we encounter day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute, leads us to love and serve God, and to love and serve our neighbors as ourselves, then let us choose to go there. If our encounters detract from this love and service, we must choose to avoid them. In all things, may God be glorified (1 Pet 4:11/RB 57:9). Coraggio, dear faithful readers. United in faith and prayer, we pick our crosses, "go against the tide," and follow Him.

And from Pope Benedict XVI, during a 2007 Pastoral Visit to the Suburbicarian Diocese of Velletri-Segni, Italy: 

If loving Christ and one's brethren is not to be considered as something incidental and superficial but, rather, the true and ultimate purpose of our whole existence, it will be necessary to know how to make basic choices, to be prepared to make radical renouncements, if necessary, even to the point of martyrdom. Today, as yesterday, Christian life demands the courage to go against the tide, to love like Jesus, who even went so far as to sacrifice Himself on the Cross.

(Pope Benedict XVI, September 23, 2007, Eucharistic Concelebration, Holy Mass, Homily, Saint Clement's Square, Velletri, Italy)

And from Pope Francis, in today's Angelus Address, delivered to the pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square:

We are called to be creative in doing good with the prudence and cleverness of the Gospel, using the goods of this world, not only the material but all the gifts we have received from the Lord, not to enrich ourselves, but to generate fraternal love and social fellowship ... Let us pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary so that she may help us be like herself poor in spirit and rich in works of charity for one another.

(Pope Francis, Sunday Angelus, Saint Peter's Square, Rome, September 18, 2022)

SAINT EDITH KEMSING,

SAINT STANISLAW KOSTKA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Seeing some blue sky with a smattering of clouds yesterday morning, I thought it was time to share some of this beauty with a friendly reminder: "Don't forget to look up!" And speaking of looking up, it rained during the night, and it continues to rain this morning. High above the nations is the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Virgin, Doctor (1098-1179); Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop, Doctor (1542-1621) 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 3:7-13 Summoning the Brothers for Counsel

Mass: 1 Cor 15:33-37, 42-49; Resp Ps 56; Lk 8:4-15

In God I trust without fear.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, HAVEN OF THE SHIP-WRECKED,

MARY, FAIR AS THE MOON,

MARY, QUEEN OF DOCTORS,

PRAY FOR US.

As for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word of God, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.

(Lk 8:15)

Welcome to Saturday and on this one we pray to Mary, and two Doctors of the Church, Saint Hildegard of Bingen and Saint Robert Bellarmine. God is praised. We ask all three of them to help us hear the word of God and embrace it with a generous and good heart so that we bear fruit through perseverance! United in faith and prayer, we go for our goal as explained nicely by Saint Robert Bellarmine. 

Sweet Lord, you are meek and merciful. Who would not give himself wholeheartedly to your service, if he began to taste even a little of your fatherly rule? What command, Lord, do you give your servants? Take my yoke upon you, you say. And what is this yoke of yours like? My yoke, you say, is easy and my burden light ... And you will find rest for your souls. And what is this yoke of yours that does not weary, but gives rest? It is, of course, the first and greatest commandment: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart. What is easier, sweeter, more pleasant, than to love goodness, beauty and love, the fullness of which you are, O Lord, my God? ...

If you are wise, then, know that you have been created for the glory of God and your own eternal salvation. This is your goal; this is the center of your life; this is the treasure of your heart. If you reach this goal, you will find happiness. If you fail to reach it, you will find misery.

May you consider truly good whatever leads to your goal and truly evil whatever makes you fall away from it.

(From a treatise On the Ascent of the Mind to God by Saint Robert Bellarmine, in Office of Readings, September 17)

SAINT HILDEGARD OF BINGEN,

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: In God, whose promise I glory.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Pope Saint Cornelius, Martyr (-253); Saint Cyprian of Carthage, Bishop and Martyr (210-258); Saint Ninian (c.360-432)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 3:1-6 Summoning the Brothers for Counsel

Mass: 1 Cor 15:12-20; Resp Ps 17; Lk 8:1-3

Lord, when Your glory appears, my joy will be full.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MOTHER MOST TEARFUL,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, 

preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.

(Lk 8:1)

Let's join the crowd of the Twelve, some women, many of whom had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary the Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna and all the others who provide for the masses out of their resources (cf. Lk8:1-3), and accompany Jesus to proclaim the good news, in word and deed! And just how will you go about that today? I will call upon you, for you will answer me, O God (Ps 17). Thank you for being there, faithful readers. We are united in faith and prayer with all the faithful, saints and sinner alike, who have gone before us. Filled with joy, we go forth!

Cyprian sends greetings to his brother Cornelius. My very dear brother, we have heard of the glorious witness given by your courageous faith. On learning of the honor you had won by your witness, we were filled with such joy that we felt ourselves sharers and companions in your praiseworthy achievements. After all, we have the same Church, the same mind, the same unbroken harmony.

(From a letter by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr, in Office of Readings, September 16)

And we go too, with encouraging words from the Holy Father, who today addressed the participants of our Order, the Order of Cistercians of Strict Observance, gathered in Italy for the General Chapter.

Let the grace of your Baptism bear fruit in a journey of holiness. Let everything be open to God, and to this end choose Him, choose God again and again. Do not be discouraged for you have the power of the Holy Spirit to make it possible, and holiness, after all, is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life.

POPE SAINT CORNELIUS, 

SAINT CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE,

SAINT NINIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I shall be content in Your presence.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Our Lady of Sorrows

Saint: Saint Mirin (565-620)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:33-40 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Heb 5:7-9; Resp Ps 31 or 1 Cor 15:1-11; Resp Ps 118; Sabat Mater Sequence; Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35

Through Her heart, His sorrow sharing.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, COMFORT OF THE SORROWFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.

(Heb 5:8-9)

We suffer in heart and body, through our own suffering, and united with others in theirs. Mary, Mother of Jesus, knew a thing or two about suffering. Go to Mary, "mournful mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last," she "beheld her tender Child." Mary will hold you. O sweet Mother! Font of love, Touch my spirit from above, Make my heart with yours accord. And we pray for all mothers, especially those who grieve the death of their child.

Truly, O blessed Mother, a sword has pierced you heart. For only by passing through your heart could the sword enter the flesh of your Son ...

He died in body through a love greater than anyone had known. She died in spirit through a love unlike any other since His.

(From a sermon by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, abbot, in Office of Readings, September 15)

In this month of September, devoted to Our Lady of Sorrows, pray with the Litany of the Sorrowful Mother. Mother of Our Savior Crucified, pray for us.

SAINT MIRIN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: Mother Do Not Mourn For Me, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Anniversary of the Death of Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:30-32 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Nb 21:4b-9; Resp Ps 78; Ph 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17

By Your Cross You have redeemed the world.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CRUCIFIED,

PRAY FOR US.

At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.

(Ph 2:10-11)

Welcome to the Feast! "We are celebrating the feast of the cross which drove away darkness and brought in the light. As we keep the feast, we are lifted up with the crucified Christ, leaving behind us earth and sin so that we may gain the things above" (From a discourse by Saint Andrew of Crete, bishop, in Office of Readings, September 14). God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life (Jn 3:16). Alleluia!

Nostalgia hit early this morning. From early adult years and beyond, I was always involved in the local parish, wherever I found myself. One of my favorite devotions, that started as a youth in a Catholic school, was participation in the Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent. One of the memorable parts was at the beginning of each station when we would genuflect and say, "We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world." Indeed, "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).

Let us be about picking up our crosses and following Him, Jesus, Lord and King of heaven and earth.

As Christians, we must "be reborn from the pierced side of the crucified Jesus," that "we might be freed from the poison of death." ... "By God's grace," may we "become ever more fully Christian: joyful witnesses of new life, love, and peace."

(Pope Francis, homily, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Nur-Saltan, Kazakhstan, September 14, 2022)

SAINT HELENA,

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is one of my favorites, taken February 10, 2019, a date when we commemorate Saint Scholastica, the twin sister of Saint Benedict. May Christ bring us all together to everlasting life.

© Gertrude Feick 2022