Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint Balbina, Roman Matron, Foundress of the Roman Church Bearing Her Name (3rd century); Saint Benjamin, Deacon and Martyr (4th-5th century); Blessed Jane of Toulouse (13th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 49 The Observance of Lent

Mass: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Resp Ps 18; Jn 10:31-42 

I cried out to my God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, 

SUPPORT IN DIFFICULTIES,

TERROR OF DEMONS,

GUARDIAN OF THE REDEEMER,

PATRON OF THE DYING,

PRAY FOR US.

Sing to the Lord, praise the Lord, 

For He has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!

(Jer 20:13)

During these last days of the Fifth Week of Lent as we prepare to enter Holy Week, we pray to the Lord to protect us and guide us so that we do what is needed to "look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 49:7). Yesterday, Jesus hid from those who wanted to stone Him (see Jn 8:59). Today, he escapes from the power of those who try to arrest Him (see Jn 10:39). Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

On this last day of March 2023, the month devoted to Saint Joseph, we turn to Pope Pius IX (1792-1878) who, on December 8, 1870, in the document Quemadmodum Deus, declared Saint Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church. We continue to pray to Saint Joseph during these still most troublesome times, when the Church is beset by enemies on every side. Saint Joseph, protector of Holy Church, pray for us.

When in these most troublesome times the Church is beset by enemies on every side ... Pope Pius IX, in order to entrust himself and all the faithful to the Patriarch Saint Joseph's most powerful patronage ... has solemnly declared him Patron of the Catholic Church.

And from Pope Saint Paul VI, in a March 27, 1969, homily on the Feast of Saint Joseph:

The Church invokes [Saint Joseph] as her Patron and Protector through her unshakeable trust that he to whom Christ willed to confide the care and protection of His own frail human childhood, will continue from heaven to perform his protective task in order to guide and defend the mystical Body of Christ Himself, which is always weak, always under attack, always in a state of peril. Finally, we call upon Saint Joseph for the world, trusting that the heart of the humble working man of Nazareth, now overflowing with immeasurable wisdom and power, still harbors and will always harbor a singular and precious fellow-feeling for the whole of mankind. So may it be.

SAINT BALBINA,

SAINT BENJAMIN,

BLESSED JANE OF TOULOUSE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: My cry to Him reached His ears.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint John Climacus, or Saint John the Ladder (579-649); Blessed Amadeus IX, Duke of Savoy (1435-1472)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:22-25 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Gn 17:3-9; Resp Ps 105; Jn 8:51-59  

Look to the Lord in His strength.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, MAN OF FAITH,

PRAY FOR US.

Whoever keeps my word will never see death.

(Jn 8:51)

Today's optional "Prayer over the People," is one response to the word proclaimed by Saint John. Bow and bend low to hear and be blessed ...

Be gracious to your people, Lord, we pray,

that, as from day to day they reject what does not please you,

they may be filled instead with delight at your commands.

Through Christ our Lord.

May God be gracious to us so that we keep His word and delight in His commands, no matter what. 

I think the difference between me and some people is that I'm content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make a change. But if each one would light a candle, we would have a tremendous light.*

(Servant of God Thea Bowman, 1937-1990)

Keep going, faithful readers, and do your little bit today. Thank you for being there.

SAINT JOHN CLIMACUS, ABBOT OF SINAI,

BLESSED AMADEUS IX OF SAVOY,

SERVANT OF GOD THEA BOWMAN,

PRAY FOR US.

*From a May 1987 60 Minutes interview with Mike Wallace.

Today's photo: Early yesterday morning in the garden. This happy flower is in honor of one of our saints of the day, Blessed Amadeus IX, Duke of Savoy, who was nicknamed the Happy. Among other notables, the Happy was a particular protector of the Franciscan friars and endowed other religious houses as well as homes caring for the poor and suffering. So says Wikipedia; it's good enough for me.  May the Happy intercede for us. Seek to serve Him constantly.

©. Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint Joseph of Arimathea, Disciple of Jesus Christ; Saint Eustasius, Bishop of Naples (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:10-21 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass:  Dn 3:14-20; 91-91, 95; Resp Ps (Dn 3); Jn 8:31-42 

Blessed is your holy and glorious name.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON OF EXILES,

PRAY FOR US.

Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent His angel to deliver the servants who trusted in Him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

(Dn 3:95)

No matter how hot the furnace gets today, trust in the Lord, and serve Him. Remain in His word and you will truly be His disciples; you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (see Jn 8:31ff). 

Thanks to a faithful reader who sent greetings the other day along with a bit about walking and praying on one's knees, I was led to something I read recently. From two late pontiffs, then: 

.

Man is never so great as when he is kneeling.

(Pope Saint John XXIII)

Pope Benedict XVI had this to say about kneeling:

The attitude of kneeling ought never to be allowed to disappear from the Church. It is the most impressive physical expression of Christian piety, by which, on one hand, we remain upright, looking out, gazing upon Him, but, on the other, we nonetheless bow down.*

At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, every tongue confess Him, king of glory now ...

SAINT JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA,

SAINT EUSTASIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

* Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, God and the World: A Conversation with Peter Seewald (Ignatius, 2002), pp. 409-410.

Today's photo: I found these sweet little ones outside the kitchen yesterday morning while on kitchen duty. The God of our fathers.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Pope Saint Sixtus III (d.440); Saint Castor, Martyr of Tarso 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:1-9 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Nb 21:4-9; Resp Ps 102; Jn 8:21-30

O Lord, hear my prayer.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, FAITHFUL GUIDE,

PRAY FOR US.

But with their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses ...

(Nb 21:4-5)

Instead of complaining about what may come our way today, why not go this way: "Armed with God's justice and power, let us prove ourselves through patient endurance.* Amen.

That's what humility means-learning to accept disappointments and even defeat as God-sent, learning to persevere and carry on with peace of heart and confidence in God, secure in the knowledge that something worthwhile is being accomplished precisely because God's will is at work in our life and we are doing our best to accept and follow it ...

(Servant of God Walter J. Ciszek, S.J., from He Leadeth Me, in Magnificat, March 28, 2023, "Meditation of the Day," p. 414)

POPE SAINT SIXTUS III,

SAINT CASTOR, MARTYR OF TARSO,

PRAY FOR US.

*Liturgy of the Hours, Daytime Prayer, Midafternoon Antiphon.

Today's photo: This one seemed fitting for our Lenten journey. Patience, people ... Joshua Tree National Par,

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint John of Egypt (304-394); Saint Rupert, Bishop of Salzburg (d.c.710)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 47 Announcing the Hours for the Work of God

Mass: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Resp Ps 23; Jn 8:1-11  

All the days of my life.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF WORKERS,

PRAY FOR US.

They suppressed their consciences; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments.

(Dn 13:9)

Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.

(Jn 8:7)

Welcome to Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Holy Week is coming soon. I love the first reading from the Book of Daniel. Read it out loud - it is packed! I am busy today passing along voices from here and there, all related. As I have said before, O the beauty and gift of our tradition of faith. United in faith and prayer, we march on. Keep going! Pray to your patron saint today.

Being incapable of acknowledging guilt is the most dangerous form of spiritually arrested development one can imagine because this in particular makes people incapable of improvement.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

Our high priest is Christ Jesus, our sacrifice is His precious body which He immolated on the altar of the cross for the salvation of all people ...

All who have embarked on true contrition and penance for sins they have committed, and are firmly resolved not to commit sins again for the future but to persevere constantly in that pursuit of virtues which they have now begun, all these become sharers in this holy and eternal sacrifice.

(From a commentary on the psalms by Saint John Fisher, bishop and martyr, in Office of Readings, Monday, Fifth Week of Lent)

Go, and from now on do not sin any more.

(Jn 8:11)

SAINT JOHN OF EGYPT,

SAINT RUPERT,

SAINT MARIA ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is the bud you saw last Thursday. My cup overflows.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Fifth Sunday of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

In other years: Saint Castulus, Early Christian Martyr on the Via Labicana near Rome

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 46 Faults Committed in Other Matters

Mass: Ezk 37:12-14; Resp Ps 130; Rm 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US. 

Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken Him.

(Jn 1:11)

Welcome to the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Since yesterday, I have been thinking about sleeping, death, and living a life of mediocrity. There are various ways in which we walk around sleeping, like zombies, immune to this or that, enclosed in the little boxes that we have constructed for ourselves, and even worse, the little boxes that others have enclosed us in, or think they have enclosed us in. This just won't do for people of faith and hope. Keep going, faithful readers, and break the chains that bind you in one way or another. Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light (Eph 5:14). Through the intercession of Mary Most Holy, may our faith and hope in Jesus be strengthened, especially in moments of greater trial and difficulty. Amen.

If the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the One who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through His Spirit dwelling in you.

(Rm 8:11)

SAINTS MARTHA, MARY, AND LAZARUS,

SAINT PAUL,

SAINT CASTULUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From last Friday morning, a marvel spotted while on kitchen duty. That You may be revered. 

© Gertrude Feic 2023

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint Dismas the “Good Thief” (see Lk 29:39-43)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 45 Mistakes in the Oratory

Mass: Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Resp Ps 40; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38 

Your law is within my heart.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT GABRIEL, GOD IS MY STRENGTH,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN,

PRAY FOR US.

The Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son,

and shall name Him Emmanuel, which means

"God is with us!"

(Is 8:10)

Welcome to the glorious Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. "Let's love God dearly ... love Mary dearly ... look to heaven ... sing ... go crazy"!* Amen.

Clearly that womb was blessed

even before it carried the Lord 

Day and night

with purest desire

and the longing of a holy and consecrated love

it prepared itself to bear its holy burden.

In the silence of her heart

Mary said to herself

Let Him kiss me with the kiss of His mouth.

There has never been another soul

or rather,

there has never been one of the blessed spirits

-not even from the most blissful

of the nine choirs-

that takes its name from the fire of charity

and refreshes the heat of its immense love

by the continual contemplation of eternity

and the ceaseless praise of the holy Trinity;

no, not even among the cherubim

has there been anyone

who made progress like her

in desiring and receiving this kiss.

To make her ready

for such great grace

from her mother's womb she was fashioned

by Him who establishes the heavens

and every single moment

during the successive stages

by which God established her

the fullness of grace was built up.

One day she would become

God's mother

and then an angel would call her

full of grace.

So her womb is blessed

in the very manner

 of its establishment

in blessedness

yet it is far more blessed when it

finally

in a divine and indescribable way

receives its most blessed burden.

Blessed indeed

yes, utterly blessed,

is that womb

 when it bore Him

when it formed Him

when it was in labor with Him

when it brought Him to birth.**

SAINT DISMAS the “GOOD THIEF”,

PRAY FOR US.

*Saint Rafael Arnaiz (1911-1938)

**John of Ford (1140-1214) in Mary Most Holy: Meditating With the Early Cistercians (Cistercian, 2003), pp. 275-277.

Today's image: Muttergottes im Kloster Melchtal. This sent by dear Sister M. Daniela, Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Melchtal, Switzerland. The statue of the Mother of God is in their monastery at Melchtal, Benediktinerrinenkloster Nicklaus von Flue, where I have been numerous times. One time I walked from Kloster Maria Rickenbach to Kloster Melchtal, a 7 1/2 hour Spaziergang. Wunderbar! We remember in prayer, and ask the Patron of Switzerland, Saint Nicholaus of Flue, to intercede for the Benedictine Sisters of Maria Rickenbach, Melchtal, and Sarnen, and the monks of Engelberg too.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint Macartan, Companion of Saint Patrick (-506); Saint Catherine of Sweden, Daughter of Saint Bridget of Sweden, Friend of Saint Catherine of Siena (1331/2-1381)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 44 Satisfaction by the Excommunicated

Mass: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; Resp Ps 34; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH, MOST JUST,

PRAY FOR US.

They said among themselves, thinking not aright ...

To us, [the just one] is the censure of our thoughts; merely to see him is a hardship for us.

Because his life is not like that of others, and different are his ways.

(Wisdon 2:1a, 14-15)

They (we) certainly were (are) not thinking aright. God's ways are not our ways (see Is 55:8); so high are His ways above our ways and His thoughts above our thoughts (see Is 55:8-9). I find all these prophetic words comforting. At the same time, it is possible to be uncomfortable with these words as were those presented to us in the reading from the Book of Wisdom, those who reviled the just one, those who tortured him and put him to the test and condemned him to a shameful death (see Wisdom 2:19-20). It is not easy to be called to task, to have weaknesses and wounds made more evident. However, God's grace is sufficient; His power is made perfect in weakness (see 2 Cor 12:9). May we stand unprotected before the Lord in prayer and ask for His mercy and kindness as we proclaim with Saint Paul, "I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me" (2 Cor 12:9).

Let us recall that we are always seen by God in heaven, that our actions everywhere are in God's sight and are reported by angels at every hour ...

We believe that the divine presence is everywhere and that in every place the eyes of the Lord are watching the good and the wicked.

(Rule of Saint Benedict 7:13; 19:1)

Love makes a demand that cannot leave me untouched. In love I cannot simply remain myself, but I always have to lose myself by having rough edges taken off, by being hurt. And it is just this-that it hurts me so as to bring out more of my potential-it seems to me, that constitutes the greatness of love, that is part of its healing power.*

SAINT MACARTAN,

SAINT PATRICK,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SWEDEN,

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA,

SAINT BENEDICT,**

PRAY FOR US.

* Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger in God and the World: Believing and Living in Our Times A Conversation with Peter Seewald (Ignatius Press, 2002), pp. 83-84.

** With two saints commemorated today, we end up invoking four others as they are all related by blood or friendship and all of them related in the bond of faith. That makes us related to them too! We give thanks and praise to God for the gift of faith and the continuity of tradition. United in faith and prayer, we carry it on. I believe, help my unbelief.

Today's photo: We have been busy this week with scenes from Laetare Sunday.  When the just cry out, the Lord hears them.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint Tiribius of Mongrovejo (1538-1606)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 43:13-19 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: Ex 32:7-14; Resp Ps 106; Jn 5:31-47

They forgot the God who had saved them.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?

(Jn 5:44)

With the reading from the Book of Exodus, I always think of one my favorite movies of all time, Cecille B. Demille's The Ten Commandments, with Charleston Heston. I used to watch it annually. Do you remember the molten calf? Moses comes down from the mountain and hears cries of revelry with the people dancing about, busy making a golden calf with all their gold jewelry (see Exodus 32). It's a great scene even with Moses's wrath flaring up when he saw what was going on. At the same time, I am reminded that I, "we", all of us, can get off course, become depraved and stiff-necked, and turn to anything but the only God for hope. United in faith and prayer, let's not go there. "God's plans will not be defeated for those who believe." 

Place your hope in God alone. If you notice something good in yourself, give credit to God, and not to yourself, but be certain that the evil you commit is always your own and yours to acknowledge.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:41-43)

As we continue in our March devoted to Saint Joseph, who certainly did not get off course, we ask the guardian of the Redeemer to guard and guide us on our journey.

Devotion to Saint Joseph is one of the choicest graces that God can give to a soul ... When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, He unites it to Saint Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good saint.

(Saint Peter Julian Eymard, 1811-1868)

SAINT TIRIBIUS OF MONGROVEJO,

SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Things are coming along. Wondrous deeds in the land of Ham.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint Lea of Rome (4th century); Saint Deogratias (d. 457); Saint Nicholas Owen (c.1550-1606)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 43:1-12 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: Is 49:8-15; Resp Ps 145; Jn 5:17-30

The Lord lifts up all who are falling.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, 

PRAY FOR US.

Sing out, heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song you mountains. 

For the Lord comforts His people, and shows mercy to His afflicted.

(Is 49:13)

My first response to the word of God through the Prophet Isaiah is, "thanks be to God," for His mercy endures forever. Dear Jesus, help us to honor you with thanksgiving in word and deed, and so honor the Father who sent You (see Jn 5:23). We honor God the Father and Son through fasting, this Wednesday through the lips of "golden-mouthed" Saint John Chrysostom, a great Doctor of the Eastern Church (347-407).

Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies.

Let the hands hold fast, by being free of avarice. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. Let the ears fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip. Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.

For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers and sisters?

(Saint John Chrysostom, from Homily 111 On the Statues)

SAINT LEA,*

SAINT JEROME,

SAINT DEOGRATIAS,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF OWEN,

PRAY FOR US.

* Saint Lea was a close friend of Saint Jerome, a great Doctor of the Western church (342-420). Saint Jerome wrote a brief description of Lea's life after she died. See Catholic News Agency, "St. Lea."

Today's photo: More from Laetare Sunday. Holy in all His works.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Transitus of Saint Benedict (480-547); Saint Nicholas of Flue, Patron of Switzerland (1417-1487); Saint Enda (-530)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 42 Silence after Compline

Mass: Ezk 47:1-9, 12; Resp Ps 46; Jn 5:1-16

The astounding things He has wrought on earth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, MAN OF SILENCE,

PRAY FOR US.

Monks should diligently cultivate silence at all times, but especially at night.

(Rule of Saint Benedict 42:1)

As many in the Benedictine tradition celebrate the transitus of Saint Benedict today, we turn to our holy father Benedict and his holy twin Saint Scholastica and pray for their intercession. We also commemorate Saint Nicholas of Flue, the Patron Saint of Switzerland. However, the holy hermit is commemorated September 25 in Switzerland and Germany, so we will look to him then too. 

Practising the art of silence, Benedictines learn to maintain an awareness of the close presence of God, which should guide all thoughts and actions. This is especially true during the Summum Silentium, the silence after Compline, when ‘no one will be permitted to speak further.’ This is the silence which prepares one to create other silent spaces throughout the day and ‘see these places and times of silence as the very basis of a mature, adult spiritual life.’ The silence after Compline is not a time for visiting, watching television, or working on the computer. It is time to be more aware of the presence of the Lord and fill ourselves with His love and mercy. Filled with the Lord, Benedictines grow in charity, in service of God, and in service of one another.*

If anyone is found to transgress this rule of silence, he must be subjected to severe punishment, except on occasions when guests require attention or the abbot wishes to give someone a command, but even this is to be done with the utmost seriousness and proper restraint.

(Rule of Saint Benedict 42:10-11)

SAINT BENEDICT,

SAINT SCHOLASTICA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF FLUE,

SAINT ENDA,

PRAY FOR US.

*See G. Feick, Cardinal Basil Hume: A Pilgrim's Search for God (Gracewing, 2019), p. 46.

Today's photo: From Laetare Sunday morning in Lenten glory. Behold the deeds of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 41 The Times for Meals

Mass: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Resp Ps 89; Rm 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a

The son of David will live forever.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,

PRAY FOR US.

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. 

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

(Mt 1:16)

We are undoubtedly children of Mary, and this is our glory and consolation. But we are also adopted children of Saint Joseph and this is no small reason for the confidence that we have in him. Be silent patriarchs, be silent prophets, be silent apostles, confessors and martyrs. Let Saint Joseph speak, for this honor is his alone; he alone is the savior of his Savior.

(Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, d. 1850)

SAINT JOSEPH, PROTECTOR OF HOLY CHURCH,

SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON OF ARTISANS,

SAINT JOSEPH, PILLAR OF FAMILIES,

SAINT JOSEPH, SUPPORT IN DIFFICULTIES,

SAINT JOSEPH, SOLACE OF THE WRETCHED,

SAINT JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This statue of Saint Joseph belongs to one of my brothers and his wife, people of deep faith. Saint Joseph, pillar of families, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Fourth Sunday of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Laetare Sunday

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink

Mass: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Resp Ps 23; Eph 5:8-14

He refreshes my soul.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, GLORY OF FAMILY LIFE,

PRAY FOR US.

Now you are light in the Lord.

Live as children of light.

(Eph 5:8)

Welcome to the Fourth Sunday of Lent also called Laetare Sunday. Laetare, Ierusulam, Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast (Is 66:10-11, Entrance Antiphon, Mass). Is this a time to reorient ourselves so that the works of God might be more visible through us, as they were through the man blind from birth presented in today's Gospel? (see Jn 9:1-3). Lord, help us to learn what is pleasing to you (see Eph 5:10). It is you who look into our hearts (see 1 Sm 16:7). Help us to remove whatever blinds and hinders us from seeking you with our whole hearts and minds, and with all our strength. It is in Your light that we see light. For light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth (Eph 5:9). May Our Lady help us in this, together with Saint Joseph, man of faith and courage. 

Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.

(Eph 5:14)

Today's photo: Joshua Tree National Park. You are at my side.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop, Doctor (315-386); Saint Edward the Martyr (962-978)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 39 The Proper Amount of Food 

Mass: Hosea 6:1-6; Resp Ps 51; Lk 18:9-14

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

FOSTER FATHER OF THE SON OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

Let us know, let us strive to know the Lord ...

He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.

(Hosea 6:3)

And we have certainly had plenty of rain around here. Something to remember for today is that Our Lord desires love and mercy, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings (Hosea 6:6). United in faith and prayer, may we grow in our love and knowledge of God.

Those who are learned will be as radiant as the sky in all its beauty; 

those who instruct the people in goodness will shine like stars for all eternity.

(Morning Prayer, Antiphon, March 18, The Liturgy of the Hours)

SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT EDWARD THE MARTYR,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Be bountiful, O Lord, to Zion in your kindness.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Friday of the Third Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint Patrick, Bishop, Missionary (385-461)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 38 The Reader for the Week

Mass: Hosea 14:2-10; Resp Ps 81; Mk 12:28-34

I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, DILIGENT PROTECTOR OF CHRIST,

PRAY FOR US.

Straight are the paths of the Lord, in them the just walk, but sinners stumble in them.

(Hosea 14:10)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day. Everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick's Day. My Irish roots come from my mother's side. It was from my very Irish great Aunt Mary that I learned the following. She had it typed on a little strip of paper.

May those who love us, love us;

And for those who don't love us,

May God turn their hearts;

And if He doesn't turn their hearts,

May He turn their ankles,

So we will know them by their limping.

Love the Lord God with your whole heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

(Mk 12:30-31)

SAINT PATRICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For the Irish we pray. Erin go bragh.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saints Hilarius and Titianus, Martyrs of Aquileia (3rd century); Saint Julian of Antioch, Martyr (4th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 37 The Elderly and Children

Mass: Jer 7:23-38; Resp Ps 95; Lk 11:14-23

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JOSEPH MOST TRUSTWORTHY,

PRAY FOR US.

Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper.

(Jeremiah 7:23)

It seems time to revisit what was offered on Ash Wednesday, fasting in the words of Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship. His job is not an easy one. We pray for him and all Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Deacons, servants of the Lord. Saint Joseph, servant of Christ, pray for us.

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feast,

gift us with your presence, so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen.

United in faith, we pray.

Prayer gives the armor of patience to those who suffer, who feel pain, who are distressed. It strengthens the power of grace, so that faith may know what it is gaining from the Lord, and understand what it is suffering for the name of God ...

Prayer cleanses from sin, drives away temptations, stamps out persecutions, comforts the fainthearted, gives new strength to the courageous, brings travelers safely home, calms the waves, confounds robbers, feeds the poor, overrules the rich, lifts up the fallen, supports those who are falling, sustains those who stand firm ...

What more needs to be said about the duty of prayer? Even the Lord Himself prayed. To Him be honor and power for ever and ever. Amen.

(From the treatise On Prayer by Tertullian, priest, in Office of Readings, Third Week of Lent, Thursday)

SAINTS HILARIUS AND TITIANUS,

SAINT JULIAN OF ANTIOCH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: After just over 100 inches of rain since September 2022, this daphne rejoices. Let us joyfully sing psalms to Him.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Blessed John Anne (-1589); Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, Redemptorist (1751-1820); Pope Saint Zachary (679-752); Saint Louis de Marillac, Patron Saint of Social Workers (1591-1660)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 36 The Sick Brothers

Mass: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Resp Ps 147; Mt 5:17-19

Swiftly runs His word.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JOSEPH MOST CHASTE,

PRAY FOR US.

Take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, not let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children's children.

(Dt 4:9)

Welcome to Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent in March the month devoted to Saint Joseph. United in faith and prayer, may we keep the eyes of our mind and the ears of heart open, be on our guard, remember, and pass on the riches of our faith tradition, in word and deed. Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven (Mt 5:19).

If you say, "Show me your God," I will say to you, "Show me what kind of person you are, and I will show you my God." Show me then whether the eyes of your mind can see, and the ears of your heart hear ...

God is seen by those who have the capacity to see Him, provided that they keep the eyes of their mind open.

(From the book addressed to Autolycus by Saint Theophilus of Antioch, bishop, in Office of Readings, Wednesday, Third Week of Lent)

BLESSED JOHN ANNE,

SAINT CLEMENT MARY HOFBAUER,

POPE SAINT ZACHARY,

SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC,

PRAY FOR US.

*How are you doing with your patron saint for the liturgical year 2022/2023? Saint Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad, pray for us.

Today's photo: Thompson Creek, around 6:30 p.m. last night. The rain has subsided for now. He sends forth His command to the earth.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint Matilde of Ringelheim, Queen (892-968); Saint Placido Riccardi, Monk of Saint Paul of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (1844-1915) 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 35:12-18 Kitchen Servers of the Week

Mass: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Resp Ps 25; Mt 19:21-35  

Good and upright is the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE DYING,

PRAY FOR US.

And now we follow you with our whole heart, we fear you and we pray to you. Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and mercy. Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord,

(Dn 3:41-43)

May we moved with compassion like the master in the gospel who let his servant go and forgave him the loan (see Mt 18:27). How many times are we to forgive one another? Not seven times but seventy-seven times, says the Lord (see Mt 18:22). Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

Pray for your enemies out of love for Christ. If you have dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:72-73)

No one heals himself by wounding another.

(Saint Ambrose)

A man who is well disposed toward and loves those who revile and abuse him and cause him harm, and who prays for them, in short time attains to great achievement.

(Saint Simeon the New Theologian)

SAINT MATILDE OF RINGELHEIM,

SAINT PLACIDO RICCARDI,

SAINT BENEDICT,

SAINT SIMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is on the other side of the window in our church. Your compassion and your kindness are from of old.

© Gertrude Feick 2023