Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Quinquagesima Sunday

In other years: Blessed Alvarez of Cordoba OP (-1430); Saint Conrad Confalonieri, Franciscan hermit (1290-1351)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 16 The Celebration of the Divine Office During the Day

Mass:  Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18; Resp Ps103; 1 Cor 3:16-23; Mt 5:38-48

The Lord is kind and merciful.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HOLY FAMILY, TESTED BY THE GREATEST OF DIFFICULTIES,

PRAY FOR US.

Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against any of your people.

(Lev 19:18)

Welcome to Quinquagesima Sunday, the "fiftieth" Sunday. If you count Easter as Day 1, and count backwards, you will reach exactly 50 when you get to today. One thing that means is Ash Wednesday, the days following, and the holy Season of Lent are coming soon. Therefore, it is not too early to get ready. These next few days serve as a warm-up of sorts, days to prepare. And today's readings at Mass can certainly help us. In addition, you can turn to Saint Benedict and his Chapter 4 on the Tools for Good Works, where he exhorts us to never repay one bad turn for another, to never injure anyone, to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, never speak ill of others, harbor neither hatred or jealousy of  anyone, do nothing out of envy, pray for our enemies out of love for Christ, and if we have a dispute with someone, make peace before the sun goes down (Rule of Saint Benedict 4:29-32, 40, 65-66, 72-72). That should keep us busy. It may be good too, to ask how often you remember to pray for those who make your life difficult or unpleasant. What is it you need to do so that you will have something above the assigned measure to offer God of your own will with the joy of the Holy Spirit? In other words, as Saint Benedict writes, what do you have to deny yourself of so as to look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing? (see Rule of Saint Benedict 49:6-7). 

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise ...

Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

(1 Cor 3:18; Mt 5:48)

BLESSED ALVAREZ OF CORDOBA,

SAINT CONRAD CONFALONIERI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: You will find these just outside our main entrance. He heals all your ills.

© Gertrude Feick 2023