Thursday after Ash Wednesday

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saint: Saint Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr (-155)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:12-19 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Dt 30:15-20; Resp Ps 1; Lk 9:22-25 

Delights in the law of the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF SNOWS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

HOLY FAMILY, PRAISED BY THE ANGELS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom. If you obey the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin on you today, loving Him, and walking in His ways, and keeping His commandments, statutes and decrees, you will live and grow numerous ...

if you turn away your hearts and will not listen, but are led astray and adore and serve other gods, I tell you now that you will certainly perish.

(Dt 30:15-18)

Welcome to Thursday after Ash Wednesday. How did it go yesterday? 

The words above from the author of the Book of Deuteronomy are pretty clear. What will it be then, life and prosperity, or death and doom? There are plenty of opportunities throughout the day to make a choice. United in faith and prayer, we go forth, deny ourselves in one way or the other, take up our cross, and follow Him. This is how we save our lives (see Lk 9:23-24). May it be that when faced with contradictions and pinpricks throughout the day, we could pray as Saint Polycarp did just before he embraced martyrdom.

Lord, almighty God, Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ ... I bless You for judging me worthy of this day, this hour, so that in the company of the martyrs I may share the cup of Christ, Your anointed one ...

I praise You for all things, I bless You, I glorify You through the eternal high priest of heaven, Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son. Through Him be glory to You, together with Him and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

(From a letter on the martyrdom of Saint Polycarp by the Church of Smyrna, in Office of Readings, February 23)

SAINT POLYCARP,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Frosty made a brief appearance yesterday. Please take note of his ashes. ⛄ Whatever he does prospers.

© Gertrude Feick 2023