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