Wednesday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saints: Saint Wilfrid (634-709); Blessed Jan Beyzym (1850-1912); Our Lady of Aparecida (Brazil)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 9 The Number of Psalms at the Night Office

Mass: Gal 5:18-25; Resp Ps 1; Lk 11:42-46

He is like a tree planted near running water.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

(Gal 5:25)

In the spirit of commemorating the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, it occurred to me this morning to include passages from some of the documents promulgated at the Second Vatican Council. In this spirit then, and as we live in the Spirit, and desire to follow the Spirit, we pray for the fruit of the Spirit, that is, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal 5:22-23). The Spirit will help us bear fruit as we respond to the universal call of holiness. 

In the Church, everyone whether belonging to the hierarchy, or being cared for by it, is called to holiness, according to the saying of the Apostle: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification." However, this holiness of the Church is unceasingly manifested, and must be manifested, in the fruits of grace which the Spirit produces in the faithful; it is expressed in many ways in individuals, who in their walk of life, tend toward the perfection of charity, thus causing the edification of others ...

Every person must walk unhesitatingly according to his own personal gifts and duties in the path of living faith, which arouses hope and works through charity.

(Lumen Gentium Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Ch 5:39, 41)

United in faith and prayer, we belong to Christ Jesus and have crucified our flesh with its passions and desires (see Gal 5: 24). At the same time, we know there will be ongoing suffering, setbacks, obstacles, and failures. No matter, we keep going. Heart of Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life, have mercy on us.

A sincere desire knows how to touch deeply the chords of our being, which is why it is not extinguished in the face of difficulties or setbacks ... obstacles and failures do not stifle desire; on the contrary, they make it even more alive in us.

(Pope Francis, Wednesday General Audience Catechesis, October 12, 2022)

SAINT WILFRID,

BLESSED JAN BEYZYM,

OUR LADY OF APARECIDA,

POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The Metolius River, Central Oregon. Whose leaves never fade.

© Gertrude Feick 202