The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family
Catholic Schools Week
First Friday of the Month
Saints: Saint Ansgar (Oscar), Bishop (-865); Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, Patron Saint of the Throat (4th century); Saint Laurence of Canterbury (-619); Saint Dunstan of Canterbury (-988); Saint Theodore of Canterbury (602-690); Saint Werburg (d. c. 700); Saint Anne Line, nee Heigham (1565?-1601); Saint Anthony of Pavio OP (1326-1374); Blessed Bartholomew of Cerverio OP (c.1420-1466); Blessed Peter of Rufia OP (c.1320-1365)
Readings of the Day
Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:49-50 Humility
Mass: Heb 13:1-8; Resp Ps 27; Mk 6:14-29
He will hide me in His abode.
MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,
SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,
PRAY FOR US.
HOLY FAMILY, PRAISED BY THE ANGELS,
PRAY FOR US.
Let mutual love continue.
Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have knowingly entertained angels.
(Heb 13:1)
Welcome to South Sudan Papa Francesco. Keep going.
Considering the word proclaimed in the Letter to the Hebrews above, we remember something Saint Benedict teaches us in the chapters on the liturgical code, in this case that we consider how we ought to behave in the presence of God and His angels (RB 19:6), for as our holy father tells us in his chapter on humility, "every day the angels assigned to us report out deeds to the Lord day and night" (RB 7:28). I find comfort in this, knowing that there are angels looking after me. And who knows who might show up at the door today. ☺
We have the privilege to commemorate a litany of saints today. One of my favorites is Saint Blaise, 4th century Bishop of Sebastea, Armenia, in modern-day Turkey. He is the patron saint of the throat and there is the traditional blessing of throats on this day. I always loved having my throat blessed as a child and in my adult years too. It is another beauty of our faith tradition and a custom I miss. It is said that Bishop Blaise miraculously saved a young boy from choking on a fish bone, and also successfully commanded a hungry wolf to return a pig that belonged to a poor elderly woman. The latter he did while being led to prison in Sebastea; the wolf did as commanded and to the amazement of all, the pig was alive and uninjured. Refusing to worship pagan gods, Blaise was beheaded.* All in day's work. It's good enough for me, and another reason to remember those who have gone before us who spoke the word of God, then consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. For, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Heb 13:7-8). Thanks be to God.
The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?
(Heb 13:6)
Little happens by accident. The other day, while working in the library, I opened a book by Simone Weil (French philosopher, 1909-1943), The Need for Roots (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1952). A random opening, it was even more cause to take notice. In the midst of Catholic Schools Week, this what I my eyes found:
Future professional teachers and schoolmasters should simply be told that religion has at all times and in all countries, save quite recently in certain parts of Europe, played a dominant role in the development of human culture, thought, and civilization. An educational course in which no reference is made to religion is an absurdity. Furthermore, in the same way as when studying history little French children are told a lot about France, so it is natural that, being in Europe, when you talk about religion you should refer primarily to Christianity.
(p. 92)
SAINT ANSGAR,
SAINT BLAISE,
SAINT LAURENCE OF CANTERBURY,
SAINT DUNSTAN OF CANTERBURY,
SAINT THEODORE OF CANTERBURY,
SAINT WERBURG,
SAINT ANNE LINE,
SAINT ANTHONY OF PAVIO,
BLESSED BARTHOLOMEW OF CERVERIO,
BLESSED PETER OF RUFIA,
PRAY FOR US.
*See Catholic News Agency, "St. Blaise."
Today's photo: This precious creature makes an appearance now and then. Thank you, MG. He will conceal me in the shelter of His tent.
© Gerrude Feick 2023
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