Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saints: Saint Frey Galvao, First Brazilian-born Saint (1739-1822); Saints Crispin and Crispinian,** Brothers, Preachers and Martyrs in 3rd century Gaul (modern day France)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:20-25 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Eph 5:21-33; Resp Ps 128; Lk 13:18-21

Blessed are you who fear the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Be subordinate to one another out of love for Christ.

(Eph 5:21)

The first line of today's reading from Saint Paul's Letter to the Ephesians is fitting for all of us. It is in the same way that Saint Benedict teaches us to foster good zeal with fervent love. We should try to be the first show respect to the other, and pursue not what we judge better for ourselves, but instead, what we judge better for someone else (see Rule of Saint Benedict, 72:3, 4, 7). It is also the same fervent love, good zeal, respect, and reverence that a husband and wife give to one another. We pray especially today for all married couples, that they may grow in love for the Lord, and grow then in their love for one another. Each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband (Eph 5:21). The family that prays together, stays together. 

Christ loved the Church and handed Himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the Church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

(Eph 5:25-27)

May Christ dwell in our hearts through faith, and may charity be the root and foundation of our life.

(See Eph 3:17)

SAINT FREY GALVAO,

SAINTS CRISPIN AND CRISPINIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

** About two of the saints of the day, the twin brothers Crispin and Crispinian. We hear about them in Shakespeare's Henry V, Act 4, when the king rouses the English forces to victory against fearful odds at the battle of Agincourt. "This day is called the feast of Crispian: He that outlives this day, and comes safe home/Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named, And rouse him at the name of Crispian." Many can call Saints Crispin and Crispian their patron saints including cobblers, glove makers, lace workers, leather workers, saddle makers, saddlers, shoemakers, tanners and weavers. (See "Saint of the Day," in The Catholic Loop, October 25, 2022).

Today's photo: Blessed shall you be, and favored.

© Gertrude Feick 2022