Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

In other years: Saint Peter Chrysologus (380-450); Saint Justin de Jacobis (1800-1860)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 48 The Daily Manual Labor - Ch 53 The Reception of Guests 

Mass:  1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Resp Ps 119; Rm 8:28-30; Mt 13:44-52

For I love your commands.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, RELIEF OF THE BURDENED,

SAVE US.

SACRED HOST, SACRAMENT OF LOVE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF MARY, LIKE UNTO THE HEART OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

All things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.

(Rm 8:28)

Welcome to the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, one in which we leave July 2023, the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord, behind, and enter the month of August, the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Give God the praise. With all these gifts, in addition to Saint Paul's words above to the Romans and to us, it is a wonder why Saint Peter Chrysologus asks us the following questions. Still, we must listen to his "golden speech." "Why then are you so worthless in your own eyes and yet so precious to God? Why render yourself such dishonor when you are honored by Him? Why do you ask how you were created and do not seek to know why you were made? Was not this entire universe made for your dwelling?"* We have the pearl of great price, dear faithful readers, so as Saint Peter Chrysologus encourages us, "God has made you in His image that you might in your person make the invisible Creator present on earth: He has made you His legate, so that the vast empire of the world might have the Lord's representative."* United in faith and prayer, God calls each one of us. We go forth to love and serve Him.

And now a word or two from our voices for the week:

When the fire of love is in a heart, all furniture flies out the window.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

Here is my secret. It's quite simple: One sees clearly only with the heart. 

Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.

(The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

Truly humble people are centers of peace because they fear neither their own failure nor others' success. Let us pray for the wisdom to judge as God judges: to look at our own and others' achievements from God's perspective.

(Magnificat, Commentary on Psalm 75, July 19, 2023)

Fortified with good intention, wherever you are and whatever you do, always keep it in mind: 

God is here!

(Venerable Maria Kaupas, 1880-1940)

Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.

(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226)

Holiness is for everyone in every circumstance in life. We are all called to be saints. And we become saints by loving God and others with our whole being in whatever situation we find ourselves.

(Danielle Bean, "Mothers First: Saint Bridget and Mother Seton Remind Us That We Are All Called to Holiness," in Seton Reflections, July 23, 2023)

Gratitude is not about what is received; it's about how you receive what is already there.

(Anonymous, Yogi tea bag tag)

SAINT PETER CHRYSOLOGUS,

SAINT JUSTIN DE JACOBIS,

BLESSED SOLANUS CASEY,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA,

SAINT ALPHONSUS MARY DE LIGUORI,

SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI,

SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD,

SAINT PETER FABER,

SAINT GERMANUS OF AUXERRE,

SAINT OSWALD,

SAINT AETHELWOLD,

SAINT JOHN MARY VIANNEY,

SAINT MARY MAJOR,

PRAY FOR US.

*From a sermon by Saint Peter Chrysologus, bishop, in Office of Readings, July 30.

Today's photo: More than gold, however fine.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord

3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 

In other years: Saint Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373); Saints Philip Evans and John Lloyd (-1679); Our Lady, Mother of Divine Grace

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 43 Mistakes in the Oratory - Ch 48 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass:  Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Resp Ps 86; Rm 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43

You alone are God.

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, WITHOUT WHICH THERE IS NO FORGIVENESS,

SAVE US.

Those who are just must be kind;

and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.

(Wisdom 12:19)

Welcome to the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time in the month of July dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord, and the 3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. We remember especially today, then, our grandparents, living and deceased, and all the elderly. We remember them with love, respect, and gratitude while recalling something Saint Benedict teaches us, namely, that the young must respect their seniors, and the seniors must love their juniors (Rule of Saint Benedict, 63:10). Saint Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Grandparents of Our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for us. 

With something more from Saint Benedict, we prayed Psalm 50 [51] at Lauds this morning, just as our holy father Benedict prescribes in Chapter 12 of the Holy Rule. It is in the chapter on the Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds that Saint Benedict prescribes Psalm 50 after Psalm 66 (see RB 12:1-2). With the words from the Book of Wisdom above, we pray: A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit. Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt. Do not drive me away from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit. Restore my joy in our salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit (Ps 50:11-14). Dear Jesus, we place our hope in you alone (see RB 4:41). Have mercy on us and renew our hope. Whoever has ears ought to hear (Mt. 13:43).

United in faith and prayer, we take to heart what Saint Paul assures us with today. When you think you do not know how to pray, remember that we do not know how to pray as we ought. Not to worry though, as the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because He intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will (see Romans 8:26-27). Come, Holy Spirit, come. Your will. O Lord, not mine, be done. 

And now for what has become my favorite section, that is, voices for the week. 

Though tested and plagued by a host of misfortunes, I have no fear so long as your grace is with me. It is my strength, stronger than any adversary; it helps me and gives me guides.

(Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471, The Imitation of Christ)

We know not, and we shall not ask before the time, where our earthly way will lead us. We know only this, that to those who love the Lord, all things will work together to the good, and further, that the ways by which our Savior leads us point beyond this earth.

(Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, 1891-1942)

The attempt to develop a sense of humor and to see things in a humorous light is some kind of trick learned while mastering the art of living.

(Victor E. Frankl, 1905-1997, Man's Search for Meaning)

Compassion never stands at arm’s length.

(Magnificat, July 2023, Introduction to Psalm 13, p. 102)

Joy, with peace, is the sister of charity. Serve the Lord with laughter.

(Saint Padre Pio, 1887-1968)

The unknown is where all outcomes are possible; enter it with grace.

(Anonymous, Yogi tea bag tag)

Smiling is the most basic kind of peace work.

(Anonymous, Yogi tea bag tag)

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN,

SAINTS PHILIP EVANS AND JOHN LLOYD,

SAINT CHARBEL MAKHLOUF,

SAINT DECLAN,

SAINT JOHN BOSTE,

BLESSED ROBERT LUDLAM AND NICHOLAS GARICK,

BLESSED JOHN SORETH,

BLESSED MARIA MERCEDES PRAT,

SAINT JAMES,

SAINT TITUS BRANDSMA,

BLESSED ROBERT SUTTON,

BLESSED RUDOLPH ACQUAVIVA AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT PANTELEON,

POPE SAINT VICTOR,

SAINT SAMPSON,

SAINT ALPHONSA MUTTATHUPADATHU,

SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Angel trumpet brought to you by Esther in the Hoosier State. Glorify your name.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord

Sea Sunday: We remember and pray for seafarers and their families, in gratitude for their lives and work - Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for us.

In other years: The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Saint Helier (-555)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 37 The Elderly and Children - Ch 43 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: Is 55:10-11; Resp Ps 65; Rm 8:18-23; Mt 13:1-23

Greatly have you enriched it.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, STAR OF THE SEA,

MARY, QUEEN OF ANGELS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, PEACE AND TENDERNESS OF HEARTS,

SAVE US.

Just as from the heavens the rain and snow came down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful ... so shall my word be that goes from my mouth.

(Isaiah 55:10-11). 

Welcome to the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time in the month of July dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord. With today's invocation from the Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, I remember Sister Mary Blanche Smith, OSB, of happy memory, who, as I was went to her for a blessing before I flew somewhere, always told me to pray that the Blood of Christ wash over the people below as the plane flew over them. We could all certainly benefit from the Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, washing over us. This week, let us spend some time tending to the soil of our hearts to receive God's heart of peace and tenderness. May we receive the word of God with open minds and the willingness to listen with ears that ought to hear (see Mt 13:9), no matter what as we groan within ourselves and wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies (see Rm 8:23). Listen carefully, my child, to the master's instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 1).

With a late addition to today's wordy words, I add something that came to me as the priest proclaimed the Gospel at this morning's Mass. In Matthew 13:10, we hear that the disciples approached Jesus and asked, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" With that I recalled something my Irish Dominican professor in Rome said, that is, "Jesus is a walking parable." Add that one to your reflections this week. It is nice for sure. Jesus is a walking parable. And it is in Him that we live, and move, and have our being. 

This week's voices are all from Cardinal Basil Hume (1923-1999), during the centenary of his birth. Fitting too as next year we commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death. May the dear Cardinal intercede for us. Give God the praise! United in faith and prayer, we are pilgrims on the journey of life.

Life is a pilgrimage. We are on a march and sooner or later we shall reach our destination. That destination we call heaven.

This pilgrim way [is] not at all easy ... it can be pretty rough and uphill business as I try to make my way along it.

The pilgrim wanders through life, often limping, sometimes bewildered, at times quite lost; and the pilgrim is searching, often quite unconsciously, for something or someone to make sense of life, and certainly to make sense of death.

(To Be a Pilgrim: A Spiritual Notebook/The Mystery of the Cross/To Be a Pilgrim)

We talk of knowing about God, whereas the point is to know God. We want to know God, that is why there is prayer in our lives. It is only in the experience of praying that we become aware not only that we seek God, but that God is always seeking us.

(To Be a Pilgrim: A Spiritual Notebook)

Always think of God as your lover. Therefore He wants to be with you, just as a lover wants to be with the beloved. He wants your attention, as every lover wants the attention of the beloved. He wants to listen to you, as every lover wants to hear the voice of the beloved. If you turn to me and ask, "Are you in love with God?" I would pause, hesitate and say, "I am not certain. But on one thing I am certain-that He is in love with me."

(The Mystery of Love)

To see Christ in everyone you meet, and especially in the poor, the sick and the handicapped. Behave towards others as you expect them to behave towards you.

(To Be a Pilgrim)

Everything in the Christian life, and therefore in the monastic life, is ordered to charity, and charity is concerned with loving other people.

(Unpublished conference to the monks at Ampleforth Abbey, 1967)

Whatever our problems or uncertainties, however dark the future may seem, we can always go forward bravely into the unknown. Jesus Christ experienced this darkness Himself, but through it He encountered light; He rose from the dead. That is the main reason why we should be joyful and at peace.

(The Mystery of the Cross)

From something the Cardinal told the priests of his archdiocese, good for all of us to take to heart as we go and bear good fruit that yields a hundred or sixty of thirtyfold (see Mt 13:8).

I think there is a great need to find a way of speaking about God which touches the lives and hearts of people, because there is a search going on. We have so many riches in our tradition from our collective experience; we have simply got to find a way to communicate.

(Light in the Lord: Reflections on the Priesthood)

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL,

SAINT HELIER,

POPE SAINT LEO IV,

SAINT KENELM,

BLESSED JOHN SUGAR AND ROBERT GRISSOLD,

BLESSED INACIO DE AZEVEDO,

BLESSED THERESE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT CAMILLUS DE LELLIS,

SAINT BRUNO OF SEGNI,

SAINT AEMILIANUS, MARTYR OF MESIA, BISHOP,

SAINT JOHN PLESSINGTON,

SAINT APOLLINARIS,

SAINT ELIJAH, FATHER OF THE CARMELITES,

SAINT LAURENCE OF BRINDISI,

SAINT MARY MAGDALENE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Blessing its yield.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord

In other years: Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and his companions, Martyrs (1648-1930); The Martyrs of Gorcum (-1572); Saint Paulina of the Heart of the Dying Jesus (1865-1942); Saint Leo Ignatius Mangin, Priest, Mary Zhu Wu and Companions, Martyrs (-1900); Blessed Jane Scopelli (1428-1491)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 31 Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer - Ch 36 The Sick 

Mass: Zech 9:9-10; Resp Ps 145; Rm 8:9, 11-13; Mt 11:25-30

Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

BLOOD OF CHRIST, RELIEF OF THE BURDENED,

SAVE US.

He shall proclaim peace to the nations.

(Zechariah 9:10)

You are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you ... if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

(Romans 8:9, 13)

Welcome to the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time and the week when we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Benedict (July 11) and commemorate other powerful intercessors such as Saints Louis Martin and Marie Azelie Guerin (July 12), who were not only the first spouses in the Church's history to be canonized, they were the parents of the Little Flower, Saint Therese of Lisieux; and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, known as "Lily of the Mohawks," and "Genevieve of New France" (July 14). Saints Louis and Marie Azelie and Saint Kateri were beatified by Pope Saint John Paul II and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI. The pontiffs and the Church certainly bestowed proper honor on many of our great saints. However, all of our saints are great, those officially recognized, and all of us "saints in the making." Lord, help us as we respond to the universal call to holiness. Give God the praise!

With all these saints to lead us, then, may we have the open hearts and inquiring minds of little ones so that Jesus can help us to know the Father. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia (Gospel Acclamation, Mass).

And now with our voices for the week, a little of this and a little of that. And if things get tense or heavy, or you feel overwhelmed with this and that, remember what Jesus tells us in today's Gospel. Come to me, He calls, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light (Mt 11:28-30). United in faith and prayer as we are, let us "run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love" (Rule of Saint Benedict Prologue 49), place our hope in God alone (RB 4:41), and declare with the Saint Paul and Saint Benedict: "By God's grace I am what I am," and remember, "He who boasts should boast in the Lord" (RB Prologue 31-32). Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name give the glory! (Ps 115:1). ☺

And with the above in heart and mind, how about these words I just read from the "wholly American," Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: "Keep your hearts at rest. Never can you find a surer way of obtaining all your desires than that of leaving all to God, Who delights to grant the wishes even for this life if you are full of confidence." Amen.

When Jesus is loved, everything is joy!

(Saint Teresa of Jesus of the Andes, 1900-1920)

Be afraid neither of the world, nor of the future, nor of your own weakness. The Lord has allowed you to live in this moment in history, so that, by your faith, His name will continue to resound throughout the world,

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.

(Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, 1796-1868)

One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.

(James Russell Lowell, 1819-1891)

Freedom [is] not the strength to do what I [want] and overcome obstacles on my own; instead it [is] fully embracing my weakness, knowing that my only protection, the only thing to rely on, is God's love.

(Kimberly Shankman, Ph.D., academic dean, Benedictine College, Atchinson, KS)

The true believer practices what he believes. But of those who only pay lip service to the faith, Paul has this to say: They profess to know God, but they deny Him in their works. Therefore James says: Faith without works is dead.

(Pope Saint Gregory the Great, 540-604)

We should love and feel compassion for those who oppose us, rather than abhor and despise them, since they harm themselves and do us good, and adorn us with crowns of everlasting glory while they incite God's anger against themselves. And even more than this, we should pray for them and not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by goodness. We should heap good works like red-hot coals of burning love upon their heads, as our Apostle urges us to do, so that when they become aware of our tolerance and gentleness they may undergo a change of heart and be prompted to turn in love to God.

(From a sermon to fellow members of his society of Saint Anthony Zaccaria, priest, 1502-1539)

SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG AND COMPANIONS,

THE MARTYRS OF GORCUM,

SAINT PAULINA OF THE HEART OF DYING JESUS,

SAINT LEO IGNATIUS MANGIN, MARY ZHU WU AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED JANE SCOPELLI,

SAINT AMALBERGA,

SAINT BENEDICT,

POPE SAINT PAUL VI,

SAINT JOHN JONES,

SAINTS LOUIS MARTIN AND MARIE AZELIE GUERIN,

SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX,

SAINT HENRY,

SAINT JOHN GAULBERTI,

SAINT TERESA OF LOS ANDES,

SAINT CAMILLUS OF LELLIS,

SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA, "LILY OF THE MOHAWKS, "GENEVIEVE OF NEW FRANCE,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT BONAVENTURE,

SAINT SWITHUN,

SAINT OSMUND OF SALISBURY,

VENERABLE AUSGUSTUS TOLTON,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More happy flowers even when not at their peak. Are not flowers the stars of the earth? (Clara Lucas Balfour).

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord

In other years: Saint Otto, Bishop of Bamberg, indefatigable evangelizer and apostle of the Pomeranians (1060-1139)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 25 Serious Faults - 31 Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer

Mass: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a; Resp Ps 89; Rm 6:3-4, 8-11; Mt 10:37-42

You are the splendor of their strength.

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

MARY, IMMACULATE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, STREAM OF MERCY,

SAVE US.

If then we have died for Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.

(Rm 6:8)

Welcome to the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time and the week when we celebrate our country's Independence Day, that is, the 4th of July! This week we pray especially to Saint Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton (1774-1821), "the first daughter of the United States of America to be glorified with this incomparable title," as Pope Saint Paul VI preached at Mother Seton's canonization on September 14, 1975. "Saint Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton is a saint!", the pontiff proclaimed. In his homily, the Holy Father quoted Cardinal Francis Spellman (1889-1967), Archbishop of New York, who declared, "Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American." So, we pray to Mother Seton to intercede on behalf of our country, the people of our country, and the Church in our country. And may Mary, Immaculate Conception, the principal patroness of the United States of America, cover us in her protective veil. Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing!

Throughout this week, let us think of ourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus (see Rm 6:11). Like Mother Seton, may we be courageous witnesses to our faith, take up our crosses and follow after Jesus, for whoever does not take up his cross and follow after Jesus is not worthy of Him. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for Jesus' sake will find it (see Mt 10:38-39). "Be children of the Church," were the words of Mother Seton on her deathbed, January 2, 1821. United in faith and prayer, then, let us give it up for the Lord and be children of the Church. Amen.

For the voices this week, I turn again to tea bag tags. Gems are found therein. However, to keep things in priority, the first voice seems the best place to start. Saint Roman Adame was canonized by Pope Saint Paul II in the Jubilee Year of 2000. His feast is celebrated May 21.

Let everything be for God.

(Saint Roman Adame Rosales, 1859-1927)

Every neighbor can be your teacher.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

Let your energy be used to build, not destroy. 

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

The one who listens understands.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

Let the opportunities come to you.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

Balance of head and heart builds strength of character.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

Earth laughs in flowers.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

All you Saints of the Week, pray for us!

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN BAYLEY SETON,

BLESSED PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI,

SAINT OTTO,

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE, PATRON OF ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL,

BLESSED JOHN CORNELIUS,

BLESSED MARIE CROCIFISSA CURCIO,

SAINT ANTONY MARY ZACCARIA,

SAINT MODWEN

BLESSED GEORGE NICHOLS, RICHARD YAXLEY, THOMAS BELSEN, HUMPHREY PRITCHARD,

SAINT MARIA GORETTI,

SAINT MONINNE,

BLESSED PETER TO ROT,

BLESSED EUGENE III,

SAINT MAELRUAIN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I found this some weeks ago in a medical office parking lot in Eureka. At your name they rejoice all the day.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2023