Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Saint: Saint Thomas Aquinas, OP, Priest, The Angelic Doctor; Patron of Catholic Schools (1225-1274)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:19-23 Humility

Mass: Heb 11:1-2, 8-19; Resp Ps (Lk 1); Mk 4:35-41    

He has raised up for us a mighty savior.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY QUEEN OF ANGELS,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, WORD MADE FLESH,

I HAVE MERCY ON US.

God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal life.

(Gospel Acclamation, Mass)

As we commemorate the great Saint Thomas Aquinas, Doctor Angelicus, we look to him for our commentary. Saint Thomas Aquinas, please help us to carry our crosses and follow the example of God's only-begotten Son in love, patience, humility, obedience, and detachment from all things that do not lead us to Him. I believe, help my unbelief. We pray for all Dominicans today, friars, nuns and sisters alike, and especially for the students, teachers, and staff at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, all of them living and deceased. I spent several privileged years studying at the university, known as the Angelicum. And so did Pope Saint John Paul II! 

If you seek the example of love: Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends. Such a man was Christ on the cross. And if He gave His life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for His sake.

If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross ...

If you seek an example of humility, look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be judged by Pontius Pilate and to die.

If you seek an example of obedience, follow Him who became obedient to the Father unto death ...

If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow Him who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ...

Do not be attached, therefore, to clothing and riches, because they divided my garments among themselves. Nor to honors, for He experienced harsh words and scourgings. Not to greatness of rank, for weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head. Nor to anything delightful, for in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

(From a conference by Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest, in Office of Readings, January 28)

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I looked up yesterday afternoon and found this near the honey building where several of my favorite trees stand straight and tall. All the days of our life.

© Gertrude Feick 2023