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