Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saints: Saint Chad (-672); Saint Cedd (-664): Pope Saint Evaristus (d. 107)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 19 The Discipline of the Psalmody

Mass: Eph 6:1-9; Resp Ps 145; Lk 13:22-30

The Lord lifts up all who are falling.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Let us consider how we ought to behave in the presence of God and His angels, and let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 19:6-7)

If we do the will of God from the heart (see Eph 6:6), we will enter through the narrow gate (see Lk 13:24). Jesus never said it was going to be easy. And as Saint Benedict tells us, "Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. It is bound to be narrow at the outset" (RB Prologue 48). We pray for the strength to keep going. Not my will, Lord, be done, but Yours. 

Let us put on unity of mind, thinking humble thoughts, exercising self-control, keeping ourselves free from all backbiting and slander, being righteous in deed, and not in word only ...

It is our duty then to be eager to do good, for everything is from God ... He urges us, who believe in Him with all our heart, not to be idle or careless in any good work. Our boasting and our confidence must rest on Him. Let us be subject to His will.

(From a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement, pope, in Office of Readings, Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday)

SAINT CHAD,

SAINT CEDD,

POPE SAINT EVARISTUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Saints of the Day: Saints Chad and Cedd were brothers, both educated at Lindisfarne under Saint Aidan (d. 651). And a fun fact you've heard before is that I know a Chad and a Cedd, both Benedictine monks in the UK. 

Today's photo: This one from the archives, 2019. And raises up all who are bowed down.

© Gertrude Feick 2022