Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Our Lady of Arabia; Saint Felix of Nola, Priest (early 3rd century); Saint Sava (1174-1235)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:30-32 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Have 4:12-16; Resp Ps 19; Mk 2:13-17

Refreshing the soul.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, FULL OF GRACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, EXAMPLE OF VIRTUES,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

(Heb 4:12)

The rain keeps on; steady she goes. 

It is true that the above quotation from the Letter to the Hebrews is a favorite; the Word and the Spirit with Him blow where they will. Pay attention; be alert, "no creature is concealed from Him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must render an account" (Heb 4:13). And through it all we give thanks, for Jesus who reminds us why He came: Those who are well do not need a physician, says the Lord, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners (Mk 2:17). Thanks be to God. United in faith and prayer, we join Levi who got up from the customs post and followed Jesus (see Mk 2:14).

In honor of Our Lady, and today especially Our Lady of Arabia, the principal patroness of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, the following is from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153).

Fear not, Mary,

you have found grace with the Lord.

How much grace?

Full grace

unique grace.

Unique or general?

Both surely,

Because full,

both unique and general.

You have received the general grace uniquely.

Both unique and general, I say,

for you alone found grace above everyone.

Unique

for you alone found it in its fullness.

General

for from that fullness all may receive it.

Blessed are you among women

and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Uniquely of your womb is the fruit,

but it comes to the being of all

through you.

OUR LADY OF ARABIA,

SAINT FELIX OF NOLA,

SAINT SAVA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: During a brief break in the rain yesterday, I managed this. The Mattole River, full and busy. Rejoicing the hearts.

© Gertrude Feick 2023