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
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