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