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