Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

October is the Month dedicated to the Holy Rosary

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 7:24-54 Humility 

The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

MARY, CONQUERER OF THE INCREDULOUS,

MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Now two men, one name Eldad and the other Medad, were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp. They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent; yet the spirit came to rest on them also, and they prophesied in the camp.

(Numbers 11:26)

Hi dear friends and faithful readers. It is a big day and week as we conclude the month of September dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother and commence the month of October dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and all that comes before we enter the most glorious month of November dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, kicking it all off with the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1st. And not only that, we have a huge line-up of saints to commemorate in October, but not before we finish off September with Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, Saint Raphael, and Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor. Whoa. I am tired already. Not to be daunted though, we keep going. And by way of friendly reminder, this will be the last published reflection for some weeks. As I wrote last week, I have been at this, not without the support of all of you, for just over seven years now. A little breather now and then is good for mind, soul, and body. 

I love Eldad and Medad in our first reading from the Book of Numbers (11:25-29). First, their names can't be beat. As I thought about it, Eldad and Medad just didn't fit in, or they didn't fit in in a way the young man thought they should. Eldad and Medad had not gone out to the tent with others. Shame on them. Eldad and Medad had their ways about things, and in their boldness went about a mission, given to them by the Holy Spirit who came to rest on them, just as the same spirit came to rest on the others. Then, we hear an echo of the situation in today's Gospel (Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48). John goes to the Teacher, in somewhat of a panic perhaps, about the "someone" who had the audacity to drive out demons in the Teacher's name. Imagine that: the "someone" did not follow John and the others. How dare the nameless "someone." So, what was going on with Moses' aide (Numbers 11:28) and John and the others (Mark 9:38)? I recall some words from Saint Paul, namely, "each has a particular gift from God, one of one kind and one another" (1 Cor 7:7). And in another letter, "grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift ... He gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ ..." (Eph 4:7, 11-12). We listen, then to the words of Moses (Nb 11:29), and Jesus the Teacher (Mk 9:39-40): "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow His spirit on them all!"; "Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is not against us if for us." Saint Paul repeats then, "grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift." Do not quench the Spirit (1 Th 5:19), in yourself or in another. 

And now for our voices, a bit more than usual to tide us over until whatever comes next. Please, collect your own voices during these weeks, a voice from here and a voice from there. There are voices everywhere!

To be Your Spouse, to be a Carmelite, and by my union with You to be the Mother of souls, should not this suffice for me? And yet it is not so. No doubt, these three privileges sum up my true vocation: Carmelite, Spouse, Mother, and yet I feel within me other vocations. I feel the vocation of the WARRIOR, THE PRIEST, THE APOSTLE, THE DOCTOR, THE MARTYR. Finally, I feel the need and desire of carrying out the most heroic deeds for You, O Jesus. I feel within my soul the courage of the Crusader, the Papal Guard, and I would want to die on the field of battle in defense of the Church.

(Saint Therese of Lisieux "The Little Flower," 1873-1897, The Story of a Soul, Manuscript B, Ch. IX)

Be cheerful; Jesus will take care of everything.

(Padre Pio, 1887-1968)

Teach me to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.

(Pope Francis, Laudato Si' , 246)

By virtue of the creation and, still more, of the Incarnation, nothing here below is profane for those who know how to see.

(Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, 1881-1955)

I am in God's hands, ready to do God's Will as soon as it is revealed to me ...

God gives us enlightenment in little doses. Doing the Holy Will of God might be 'everything,' but it is not necessarily easy!

(Blessed Anne-Marie Jahouvey, 1779-1851)

Always work to the utmost for the honor of God Almighty.

(Blessed Alcuin of York, 740-804)

But you too, good Jesus, are you not also a mother?

Are you not a mother who like a hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings? ...

And you, my soul, dead in yourself, 

run under the wings of Jesus your mother

and lament your griefs under His feathers.

ask that your wounds may be healed

and that, comforted, you may live again.

Christ, my mother, you gather your chickens under your wings;

This dead chicken of yours puts himself under those wings ...

Warm your chicken, give life to your dead one, justify your sinner.

(Prayer of Saint Anselm of Canterbury, 1033/34-1109)

We should spend as much time thanking God for His benefits as we do in asking Him for them.

(Saint Vincent de Paul "Apostle of Charity," 1581-1660)

Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances.

(Saint Vincent de Paul "Apostle of Charity," 1581-1660)

Fear not, calm will follow the storm, and perhaps soon.

(Saint Vincent de Paul "Apostle of Charity," 1581-1660)

There is nothing good that does not meet opposition, and it should not be valued any less because it encounters objections.

(Saint Vincent de Paul "Apostle of Charity," 1581-1660)

Virtue is not found in extremes, but in prudence, which I recommend as strongly as I can.

(Saint Vincent de Paul "Apostle of Charity," 1581-1660)

May the litany of saints we commemorate in the coming weeks intercede for us.

SAINT MICHAEL, SAINT GABRIEL, SAINT RAPHAEL,

SAINT JEROME, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

BLESSED RICHARD ROLLE,

SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX, DOCTOR,

SAINT TERESA OF AVILA, DOCTOR,

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF SUSSEX,

SAINT THOMAS CANTILUPE,

MOTHER SAINT THEODORE GUERIN. PATRON OF INDIANA, 

BLESSED ANDRE DE SOVERAL AND AMBROSIO FRANCISCO FERRO,

SAINT FRANCIS BORGIA,

SAINT FAUSTINE KOWALSKA,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS,

BLESSED MARIE ROSE DUROCHER,

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN,

SAINT PAULINUS,

SAINT DANIEL COMBONI,

POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII,

SAINT KENNETH,

BLESSED WILLIAM HOWARD,

SAINT EDWARD THE CONFESSOR,

SAINT MARGARET D'YOUVILLE,

SAINT RICHARD GYWN,

SAINT GALL,

BLESSED DAUDI OKELO AND JILDO IRWA,

SAINT JOHN OF BRIDLINGTON,

BLESSED DIEGO LUIS DE SAN VITORIS AND SAINT PEDRO CALUNSGOD,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT ETHELFLAEDA,

SAINT MAGLIORE,

FREI GALVAO,

SAINT CHAD,

SAINT CEDD,

SAINT OTTERAN,

SAINT BRUNO,

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY,

SAINT DENIS AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS

SAINT JOHN LEONARDI,

POPE SAINT CALLISTUS I, MARTYR,

SAINT HEDWIG,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH,

SAINT LUKE,

SAINT ISAAC JOGUES AND JOHN BREBEUF AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS,

SAINT JOHN OF CAPISTRANO,

SAINT SIMON, APOSTLE, 

SAINT JUDE,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF DOUAI COLLEGE,

SAINT COLMAN MACDUAGH,

SAINT MARCELLUS,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF WINCHESTER,

SAINT THOGER,

BLESSED DOMINIC COLLINS,

BLESSED MARIA TERESA TAUSCHER,

SAINT ALFONSO RODRIQUEZ,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Cleanse me from my unknown faults.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 5 Obedience - Ch 7:1-23 Humility

The Lord upholds my life.

HOLY MARY, TREASURE OF THE FAITHFUL,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.

(James 3:18)

Welcome to the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today is the autumnal equinox, the first day of fall. Change is in the air, dear faithful readers, in ways big and not so big. Take a stroll today: feel, look, listen, what changes are taking place in the place where you find yourself? What is stirring in your heart and soul ... is it time for a change, a shift toward moving closer to the heart of Jesus? 

At Mass late this morning, the words from the Book of Wisdom were proclaimed; I heard something the wicked say: "Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us" (Wisdom 2:12). It may be that we find this Christian way of life somehow obnoxious, inconvenient, even burdensome at times. Maybe we just aren't in the mood to love our neighbor, especially the one who we find difficult. And as far as looking after a poor and needy one, or as Saint Benedict says, "relieve the lot of the poor ...go to help the troubled and console the sorrowing" (RB 4:14, 18), what if I am busy or spending my limited quiet time in prayer? It is not unlikely that Jesus was busy, or conversing with His Father, when the poor, lame, hungry, sick, and dying came to Him. I don't recall that the Lord sent such people away. His disciples, well, that's another matter. Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), who we commemorate this Friday, and comes as our first voice for the week, wrote this: 

It is our duty to prefer the service of the poor to everything else and to offer such service as quickly as possible. If a needy person requires medicine or other help during prayer time, do whatever has to be done with peace of mind. Offer the deed to God as your prayer. Do not become upset or feel guilty because you interrupted your prayer to serve the poor. God is not neglected if you leave Him for such service. One of God's works is merely interrupted so that another may be carried out. So when you leave prayer to serve some poor person, remember that this very service is performed for God. Charity is certainly greater than any rule.

Padre Pio (1887-1968), another great saint who we commemorate this week, on Monday, wasn't about turning people away either. It is said that he heard confessions 15-18 hours a day. That's a lot of confessions, a lot of penance given, and a lot of absolution too. Dear Lord have mercy. 

Jesus never said following Him was going to be easy. If you wanted to be His disciple, He was clear that we must carry our cross and follow Him. And that includes helping others to carry their crosses, or as Saint Benedict puts it, "supporting with greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body and behavior" (RB 72:5). Willie Graf, 1918-1943, was clear: "To be a Christian is perhaps the hardest thing to ever become in life." It seems reason enough to become a Christian then, in word, deed, heart, and mind, whether or not it is inconvenient, burdensome, or in some way upsets our apple cart. This week, we can perhaps, united as we are in faith, prayer, and carrying our crosses, not question the Lord or argue about what He is asking us to do. We pray for the grace to go about the daily and be about the pure wisdom from above that is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity (see James 3:17). After all, Jesus did say, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35). By the grace of God, we are what we are.

Before we hear a few voices, please note that this is the penultimate post that you will see for some weeks. There will be no posts during the month of October, the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and perhaps into the month of November, the month dedicated to the holy souls in Purgatory. I have been at this since September 10, 2017, at least. That's over seven years. A little break is good for the heart and soul. So why not get busy and start collecting some voices, some you hear, here there and everywhere. Thank you for your prayerful support. 😊

Here then with more shouts from here and there, some echoes, some not:

At the death of Vratislaus, the people of Bohemia made his son Wenceslaus their king. He was by God's grace a man of utmost faith. He was charitable to the poor, and he would clothe the naked, feed the hungry and offer hospitality to travelers according to the summons of the Gospel. He would not allow widows to be treated unjustly; he loved all his people, both rich and poor; he also provided for the servants of God, and he adorned many churches.

(From the old Slavic legend, in Office of Readings, September 28)

We are never strong enough to bear our cross. It is the cross which carries us. Nor are we so weak to be unable to bear it, since the weakest become strong by its virtue.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit and raises man to Heaven.

(Saint Ephram the Syrian, 306-373)

What profit you gain from God when you are generous? You give a coin and receive a kingdom; you give bread from wheat and receive the Bread of Life; you give a transitory good and receive an everlasting one. You will receive it back, a hundred times more than you offered.

(Saint Thomas of Villanova, Father of the Poor, 1488-1555)

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

(Padre Pio, 1887-1968) 

God loves a cheerful giver.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 5:16/2 Cor 9:7)

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)

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION,

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA, FATHER OF THE POOR,

SAINT PIO OF PIETRELCINA,

SAINT ADOMAN OF IONA,

SAINT STEPHANIE,

OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM,

BLESSED EMILIE TAVERNIER-GAMELIN,

BLESSED ANTON MARTIN SLOMSHEK,

SAINT FINBARR,

BLESSED HERMANN CONTRACTUS "THE WONDER OF HIS AGE,"

SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS,

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, "APOSTLE OF CHARITY,"

SAINT WENSCESLAUS, MARTYR,

SAINT LAURENCE RUIZ AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I will praise your name, O Lord, for your goodness.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 2:33 Qualities of the Abbot - Ch 4 The Tools for Good Works

For He is good, the Lord.

MARY, JOY OF THE AFFLICTED,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, 

PRAY FOR US.

So now, O children, listen to me, be attentive to the words of my mouth!

(Proverbs 7:24)

Dear faithful readers, I'm a bit behind schedule this week due to some traveling. However, I am back. And guess what, this week we are in Saint Benedict's chapter on the Tools for Good Works. Why not take a look at it; you will find plenty of tools to pick up and put to good use. Why not pick just one tool to use this week, beginning with first, "love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself" (RB 4:1). I think I'll work with placing my hope in God alone (RB 4:41). Our voice for the week certainly did that. I best get busy. ☺

So, for our voice of the week, I turn to Venerable Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan (1928-2002), who spent 12 years as a prisoner in communist Vietnam with more than two thirds of that time in solitary confinement. One might expect such a man to be bitter, resentful, and angry. However, I have read a little of what he wrote and been amazed at his positive attitude and joy. In fact, one colleague of the Cardinal's who worked with him at the National Catholic Register, Kishore Jayabalan, said this about the Cardinal: "He was almost always smiling or laughing, but never in a superficial or happy-go-lucky way. You could tell his joy came through his suffering and identification with Christ." Here are the Cardinal's ten "rules of life." * 

I will live the present moment to its fullest.

I will discern between God and God's works.

I will hold firmly to one secret: prayer.

I will see in the holy Eucharist my only power.

I will have only one wisdom: the science of the cross.

I will seek the peace the world will not give.

I will speak one language and wear one uniform: charity.

I will have one very special love: Mary.

I will carry out a revolution by renewal in the Holy Spirit.

I will remain faithful to my mission in the Church and for the Church as a witness to Jesus Christ.

OUR LADY OF SORROWS,

VENERABLE FRANCIS XAVIER NGUYEN VAN THUAN,

SAINT MIRIN,

POPE SAINT CORNELIUS,

SAINT CYPRIAN,

SAINT NINIAN,

SAINT MARTIN OF FINOJOSA, CISTERCIAN BISHOP,

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE,

SAINT HILDEGARD OF BINGEN, BISHOP,

SAINT ALBERT OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT EDITH KEMSING,

SAINT STANISLAW KOSTKA,

SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO,

SAINT EMILY DE RODAT,

SAINT JANUARIUS,

SAINT THEODORE OF TARSUS,

SAINT ANDREW KIM TAEGON AND PAUL CHONG HASANG,

 AND THEIR COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST,

PRAY FOR US.

* See Tom Hoopes, "Learn Vietnam Hero Cardinal Van Thuan's 10 Rules of Life with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton," in Seton Reflections, September 16, 2024. 

Today's photo: Sing to Him a new song.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Chapter 1 The Kinds of Monks - Ch 2:1-32 Qualities of the Abbot

The Lord raises up those who are bowed down.

MARY, REMEDY IN PERPLEXITY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Say to those whose hearts are frightened:

Be strong, fear not!

(Isaiah 35:4)

Hi folks! Welcome to Sunday, the Lord's day, the day of Resurrection, the day of Christians - it is our day!* So, let us rejoice in the Lord always, let me say it again, rejoice!

I will keep things simple ... just believe what the Lord says. When He says, "Be strong, fear not!" then be strong and fear not. If the eyes of the blind can be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared ... if streams will burst forth in the desert, and burning sands will become pools (see Is 35:4-7a), then it is so. If God chose the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He promised to those who love Him (see James 2:1-5), then love Him because anything is possible with God. He has certainly done all things well (see Mark 7:31-37). Not a few things, but all things. If He says, "I am the light of the world, and whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will instead have the light of life" (see John 8:12), then follow Him and have the light of life. When He says, "This is my Body; this is my Blood. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life," then believe it. This is our faith. We believe because Jesus tells us it is so. Keep repeating: "I believe, help my unbelief." As I echo: Anything is possible with God. 

Keep going faithful readers and believe. Let me know what happens ... ☺

And now, as usual, a voice from here and a voice from there. 

The Church and the world have a great need of eucharistic worship. Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration and contemplation that is full of faith and ready to make reparation for the great faults and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, 1920-2005, Dominicae cenae, 3)

We should pant after the light of grace that the day of glory and honor may shine upon us.

(Adam of Perseigne, 1145-1220)

Study, I beg you, and each day meditate on the words of your Creator. Learn the heart of God in the words of God, so that you may long more ardently for eternity.

(Pope Saint Gregory the Great, 540-604)

When you cease to believe in God, you believe in anything.

(G.K. Chesterton, 1874-1936)

How can there be too many children? That's like saying there are too many flowers.

(Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

I am not advocating world-movements or public meetings ... my appeal is rather to the individual conscience than to the public ear; my hope is rather to see the emergence of a Saint, than that of an organization ...

There is no harm in besieging heaven for the canonization of such and such holy persons now dead. But should we not do well to vary these petitions of ours by asking for more Saints to canonize?

(Ronald Knox, 1888-1957)

The real contemplative standard is to have no standard, to be ourselves. That's what God is asking of us, to be ourselves.

(Thomas Merton, 1915-1968)

And just in case you are thinking about becoming a missionary ...

This is what it means to be a missionary, to make oneself all things to all people, both interiorly and externally; to be responsible for everything, people, animals, and things, and all this in order to gain souls, with a large and generous heart.

(Saint Jacques Berthieu, 1838-1896)

Remember, however, that you can be a missionary in your own neighborhood. Your neighbor is waiting for someone to reach out to her. Go for it. And don't forget to take a plate of freshly baked cookies; you can't go wrong with Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies. And I just saw a recipe yesterday for Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake. I bet your neighbor would enjoy that too; I certainly would. 

SAINT PETER CLAVER,

SAINT CIARAN OF CLONMACNOISE,

SAINT OSBURG,

SAINT AMBROSE BARLOW, OSB,

SAINT EGWIN, BISHOP,

BLESSED AGNELLUS OF PISA, PRIEST,

BLESSED FRANCIS GARATE,

SAINT DEINIOL,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

BLESSED MARY OF JESUS,

SAINT JOHN GABRIEL PERBOYTE,

SAINT AILBE,

BLESSED FRÉDÉRIC OZANAM,

BLESSED OGIER OF LOCEDIO, CISTERCIAN ABBOT,

SAINT PETER II OF TARENTAISE, CISTERCIAN BISHOP,

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1166. I love the Catechism ☺.

Today's photo: The Lord shall reign forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

September is the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother

September 2: Labor Day

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Prologue

Whoever walks blamelessly and does justice. 

MARY, ROCK OF CONSTANCY,

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Listen with the ear of your heart.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 1)

Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in your souls.

(James 1:21)

Welcome to the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time and the commencement of the month of September dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother. And tomorrow is Labor Day in our country. Let us honor all those who work in one way or another, those who seek to build a better society in their homes, families and communities. Here is something Andreas Widmer, a Swiss Guard under Pope Saint John Paul II, said about work: "Work can be liberating. It should infuse us with a purpose. It is a means of sanctification. This is the good news that we want to shout from the tallest skyscrapers and into the deepest valleys." So, in the words of our holy father Saint Benedict, every time we begin a good work, we must pray to God most earnestly to bring it to perfection (Prologue 4). Labor Day is also the unofficial end of summer. Many families and friends are together to celebrate. May all those who gather, gather in a spirit of good-will, seeking to spread the love of God with one another and all those they meet along the way. After all, we are doers of the word and not hearers only. Remember too, that we, although in the world, are not to be of the world. We go forth, then, and keep ourselves unstained by the world (James 1:27), and make our way of acting different from the world's way (RB 4:20). Bless the work of our hands and hearts; bless the work of our hands and hearts.

Let us make the best use of fleeting moments. They will not return.

(Saint Marianne Cope, 1838-1918)

Consider the immensity of my love: if you want to know it well, nowhere will you find it more clearly expressed than in the Gospel. No one has ever heard expressed stronger or more tender sentiments than these: As my Father has loved me, so I have loved you" (Jn 15:9).

(Jesus to Saint Mechtilde of Hackeborn, 1241-1298)

Let us love our neighbors, my friends, let us love the one who is near us, so that we may be able to reach the love of the one who is above us. Then we shall reach the happiness of the heavenly multitude, the happiness of which we have received an assurance of the Holy Spirit. Let us move forward toward that goal where we shall be happy without end with all our love.

(Pope Saint Gregory the Great, 540-604)

In Mary ... all the saints have their model. Through the grace that is hers as mother she is able to form each of her children according to the image of her Son. For this reason there are no hopes that may not be fervently entertained by those who entrust themselves to Mary's guiding care.

(Father Marie-Michel Philipon, OP, d. 1972) 

Let us respond to the tremendous thirst of God by our loving trust in His love for us and total surrender to His will with joy. Let us turn to God with deep faith and love, repenting for our sins and begging for His mercy. Let us turn to each other also in love and trust, asking pardon for the hurt we have caused others and forgiving all the hurt we have received ...

(Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

Thankfully, I was recently introduced to novelist Maeve Binchey, a great storyteller who knows something about character development. I've finished two of her novels so far, Night Class, and just yesterday, Echoes. The following voices come from the latter:

Clare in a conversation with her teacher, Miss O'Hara, who encouraged Clare:

"You could get anywhere you wanted, Clare, you know, if you didn't give up and say it's all hopeless. You don't have to turn out like the rest of them."

"I'd love to ... well, to get on you know," Clare admitted. It was out, this thing that had been inside for so long and never said in case it would be laughed at. "But it would be very hard, wouldn't it?"

"Of course, it would, but that's what makes it worth doing. If it were easy, then every divil and dirt could do it. It's because it's hard it's special."

"Like being a saint," Clare said, eyes shining.

"Yes, but that's a different road to go down. Let's see if you can get your education first. Be a mature saint, not a child saint, will you?" ...

"I'd prefer not to be a child saint all right. They're usually martyred for their faith, aren't they?"

"Almost invariably," Miss O'Hara said, nearly sweeping the statue of the Sacred Heart with her as she gathered her books for class.

Clare and her sister Agnes:

"There are some things that are neither right nor wrong. You can't have rules laid down for. Would you understand that?"

"Yes, Clare said immediately, "I would. Like the Holy Ghost."

"Like what?"

"Like the Holy Ghost. We have to believe in Him without understanding Him. He's not a bird and He's not a great wind. He's something though, and that should be enough without understanding it."

"I don't think that's the same at all," said Agnes, troubled. "But if it helps you to understand the problems of trade in a small town, then for heaven's sake use it."

SAINT GILES,

SAINT TERESA REDI OF THE SACRED HEART,

SAINT BEATRICE DA SILVA MENESES,

BLESSED ANDRE GRASSET,

JESUIT MARTYRS FOR THE NAME OF JESUS,

POPE SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT, SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD,

SAINT CUTHBERT,

SAINT MAC NISSI,

BLESSED THOMAS TZUGI,

BLESSED DINA BELANGER,

POPE SAINT BONIFACE,

SAINT HERBERT,

MOTHER SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA,

SAINT ZACHARY, PROPHET,

SAINT ONESIPHORE, DISCIPLE OF SAINT PAUL,

SAINT CLODOALD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From a Spaziergang of some weeks ago. Whoever does these things shall never be disturbed.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament 

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 67 Brothers Sent on a Journey - Ch 73 This Rule Only a Beginning of Perfection

Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

SACRED HOST, IN WHICH THE SOUL IS FILLED WITH GRACE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, WHO ALWAYS COMES TO OUR AID,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

Live in love, as Christ loved us.

(Ephesians 5:2a)

Welcome to the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time, in the last week of the month of August dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. It is also the week when we conclude the second of three "read throughs" of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict for the year. So, with Christ's help, may we keep this little rule that has been written for beginners (see Rule of Saint Benedict, 73:8), so that in all things may God be glorified (RB 57:9).

Here we are with the conclusion of the Bread of Life discourse. Jesus tells us today that there are some among us to do not believe (Jn 6:64), even though we know in our hearts that His words are spirit and life, that He is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. As hard as the Lord's sayings are, we keep on believing. We accept the Lord's authority; we accept His teaching. This is faith. We will never fully explain what the Lord tells us; however, we accept it because He tells us: He speaks with authority (see Luke 4:32). Jesus has the words of eternal life (Jn 6:69).  Saint Paul, in his Letter to the Romans writes: "Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). It just won't do to longer accompany Jesus, to leave His side (see Jn 6:66-67). Something Cardinal Basil Hume said in 1997 might be helpful: "Our faith in the Eucharist depends entirely on what the Lord has told us. Our five senses are utterly useless. No help at all. But I believe this is His Body; I believe that this is His Blood simply on His word. I am absolutely blind but He has spoken these words, and because my faith in Him, because God became man, and He has spoken this word, He has told me about this reality, then I accept it." This is my Body, says the Lord, this is my Blood. There is no better place to go. I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst (John 6:35). Never. I believe, help my unbelief. 

Now for our voices this week. May we be about building a civilization of love, spreading Eucharistic love to all those we meet. For as Pope Francis wrote in his message to Madagascar's National Eucharistic Congress (August 23-26): "Once we have encountered Christ in adoration, once we have touched and received Him in the Eucharistic celebration, it is no longer possible to keep Him to ourselves." We are on a mission, dear faithful readers, so let us go about it in whatever corner of the world we find ourselves in.

We are called to be physicians of that civilization about which we dream, the civilization of love.

(Pope Saint Paul VI, 1963- 1978, General Audience, December 31, 1975)

Peace can write the finest pages of history, inscribing them not only with the magnificence of power and glory but also with the greater magnificence of human virtue, people's goodness, collective prosperity and true civilization: the civilization of love.

Pope Saint Paul VI, 1963- 1978, Peace Day Message, January 1977)

Act in a way that the sad sight of human injustice may not trouble your soul ... One day you will see the unfailing triumph of God's justice arise.

(Saint Pius of Pietrelcina "Padre Pio", 1887-1968)

The reason to love God is God Himself. The measure is to love Him beyond measure.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1113)

Only those who never fight are never wounded.

(Saint John Chrysostom, 347-407)

The way to become a saint, Dominic, is to be always cheerful, do your duties to the best of your ability, and give your classmates a good example. Keep in the mind that the Lord is always with you and wants your happiness.

(Saint John Bosco to Dominic Savio, d. 1857, who joined the Oratory school of John Bosco)

If you correspond to the designs of God, He will make a saint of you. Be generous, and remember that we ought to walk in the footsteps of Jesus crucified.

(Saint Paul of the Cross, 1694-1775)

SAINT LOUIS IX, KING OF FRANCE,

SAINT JEANNE ELIZABETH DES BICHIER DES ANGES,

SAINT JOSEPH OF CALASANZ,

SAINT MARY OF JESUS CRUCIFIED BAOUARDY,

BLESSED DOMINIC BARBERI,

SAINT DAVID LEWIS,

OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA,

SAINT CAESARIUS OF ARLES,

BLESSED JACQUES RETOURET,

SAINT TERESA OF JESUS' REVERBERATION,

SAINT MONICA,

SAINT AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

SAINT BEATRICE OF NAZARETH,

SAINT MARGARET CLITHEROW,

SAINT ANNE LINE,

SAINT MARGARET WARD,

BLESSED GHEBRE MICHAEL,

SAINT FIACRE,

SAINT EDMUND ARROWSMITH,

SAINT JEANNE JUGAN,

SAINT AIDA N,

SAINT WARREN AND AMADEUS, CISTERTIAN ABBOTS,

SAINT RAYMOND NONNATUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I will bless the Lord at all times.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament 

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 63 Community Rank - Ch 66 The Porter of the Monastery

Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

SACRED HOST, GREATEST AID TO HOLINESS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, MOTHER OF OUR MAKER,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Wisdom has built her house ...

"Let whoever is simple turn in here ...Come, eat of my food, and drink of the wine I have mixed! Forsake foolishness that you may live; advance in the way of understanding."

(Wisdom 9:1-6)

Welcome to the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time, still in the midst of the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, have mercy on us.

It occurred to me during Lauds this morning that it is not difficult to be overcome with the riches of the Word. There has been so much week after week to hear, chew, reflect upon, and pray about. This is especially true as we make our way through Chapter 6 of Saint John's Gospel; Multiplication of the Loaves, Walking on Water, The Bread of Life Discourse, and next Sunday, The Words of Eternal Life. Do not give up: these sayings are difficult. With our faith, we seek understanding. Jesus is the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that He will give is His flesh for the life of the world! Forever. Believe. Help our unbelief. When you receive Holy Communion throughout this week, pray for understanding. Unless we eat the true food and drink the true drink of the Eucharist, we will not have life within us! United, we profess our faith: I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

As we go forth with our voices for the week, rooted in the love of Christ, may we try to understand the will of the Lord, be filled with the Spirit, and address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in our hearts, giving thanks always and for everything in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father! Amen. (see Eph 5:15-20). Whew. ☺

The greater the malady He cures, the greater the glory of the Physician.

(Blessed Anthony Grassi, 1592-1671)

Keep your eyes upon God and let Him do His will.

(Saint Francis de Sales,1567-1622)

Even today, human beings have no control over storms at sea, and sometimes very little control over storms in the heart. Only God has the power to still the tempest without and the tempests within.

(Magnificat, August 13, 2024, Prayer for the Evening, Introduction to Psalm 107, p. 172)

What is a home? It is a place where I am loved, cared for, missed, accepted as I am, where I belong. This home is offered in the heart of Christ to each of us. He said, Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there (Mt 18:20) ...

(Servant of God Sister Ida Peterfy, 1922-2000)

O most benign and generous heart of Jesus, have mercy on all those who suffer ...

O loving Savior, arouse in me the feelings of Thy charitable heart toward all who come to me for help.

The heart of every man is attached to whatever is his treasure. Let us direct our life that all the affections of our heart may be concentrated on the greatest of all treasures, the most amiable Heart of Jesus.

(Saint John Eudes, 1601-1680)

If you follow Mary, you will not get off course; if you cry to her, you will not give up hope; if you think of her, you will not go astray.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)

I was born poor, I lived poor, I die poor.

(Pope Saint Pius X, 1835-1914, final testament)

BLESSED GUERRIC, CISTERCIAN ABBOT,

BLESSED VICTORIA RASOAMANARIVO,

SAINT ALBERTO HERTADO CURCHAGA,

BLESSEDS JOHN-BAPTISTE DUVERNEUIL, MICHAEL-ALOYSIOUS BRULARD AND JAMES GAGNOT,

SAINT JOHN EUDES,

SAINT EZEKIEL MORENO,

SAINT OSWIN,

SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, DOCTOR,

POPE SAINT PIUS X,

OUR LADY, MOTHER AND QUEEN,

SAINT JOHN KEMBLE,

SAINT ROSE OF LIMA,

SAINT EUGENE,

SAINT JOHN WALL,

SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome to Alaska. Photo courtesy of my beloved sister, Vicki, on an adventure with three of her girlfriends, including dear Kathy Kate! His praise shall be ever in my mouth.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament 

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 58 The Procedure for Receiving Brothers - Ch 62 The Priests of the Monastery

Glorify the Lord with me.

SACRED HOST, IN WHICH WE PARTAKE OF CHRIST,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH,

MARY, GATE OF HEAVEN,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love.

(Ephesians 5:2)

Welcome to the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time in the month of August dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, fitting as we are in this Year of Mission spreading the Good News of Eucharistic love after the great Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. And this week is a doozy as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Glorious things are spoken of you, O Mary, who today were exalted above the choirs of Angels into eternal triumph with Christ. 

With the Blessed Mother leading the way, followed by the illustrious saints commemorated this week, how about we make it a week of no more murmuring. It is time to listen to Jesus and stop murmuring among ourselves (see John 6:43). Do not, as Saint Paul tells us, grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption. All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ (Ephesians 30-31). It's a tall task for the week; however, united in faith, love, and prayer, we can do it. What is one way you will go about this task, reaching out to someone who you would prefer just to ignore? Believe, dear faithful readers, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life, Jesus tells us, the living bread that came down from heaven, and whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world (See John 6:47-51). Get up, then, with Elijah, eat and drink and be strengthened for the journey to God (see 1 Kings 19:8). I believe, help my unbelief. 

And now our voices for the week, with a starter from our holy father Saint Benedict who tells us that the concern for anyone entering a monastery is whether the novice truly seeks God. We ask ourselves, then, do I truly seek God, day in and day out, no matter the hardships and difficulties that come my way, those things that will lead us to God? (Rule of Saint Benedict, Ch. 58).

Do not receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament so that you may use Him as you judge best, but give yourself to Him and let Him receive you in this Sacrament, so the He Himself, God your savior, may do to you and through you whatever He wills.

(Saint Cajetan, Priest, 1480-1547)

There is no place for selfishness—and no place for fear! Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands. Do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice. 

(Pope Saint John Paul II, 1920-2005)

Neither science nor speculation has made, or will ever make, a saint. Better to be an idiot capable of love, because in love he will sanctify himself.

(Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini "Mother Cabrini", 1850-1917)

I would become weak and languid and risk losing myself if I were to occupy myself only with exterior things, however good and holy those may be; or if I were to be without the sleep of prayer ... in the heart of my beloved Jesus. Give me, O Jesus, an abundance of mystical sleep.

(Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini "Mother Cabrini", 1850-1917, from her resolutions-the Prositi)

A heart filled with joy is more easily made perfect than one that is sad.

(Saint Philip Neri, 1515-1595)

Beg Jesus to speak incessantly to your soul. I assure you that His voice will teach you more in a single day than can the schools of learned men in many years ... I assure you that if you begin to be faithful to His voice, little by little you won't be able to withdraw from Him at all.

(Blessed Clelia Merloni, 1861-1930)

I no longer have any time for regular prayer, but from the first moment of the day, I endeavor to unite myself to Jesus Christ, and then I do whatever needs to be done with this union in mind.

(Saint John Vianney, 1786-1859, when asked for advice on mental prayer)

SAINT CLARE,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

BLESSED ISIDORE BAKANJA,

SAINT MUREDACH,

SAINT ATTRACTA,

SAINT LELIA,

SAINT BLAAN,

SAINT FACHTNA,

BLESSED WILLIAM FREEMAN,

SAINT MAXIMUS,

SAINT ROCK,

BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI,

BLESSED MARIA SAGRARIO OF SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA,

BLESSED ANGELUS MAZZINGHI,

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,

POPE SAINT PONTIAN,

SAINT HIPPOLYTUS,

SAINT MAXIMILLAN KOLBE,

SAINT STEPHEN OF HUNGARY,

SAINT HYACINTH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament 

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Ch 53 The Reception of Guests - Ch 57 The Artisans of the Monastery

The glorious deeds of the Lord and His strength. 

SACRED HOST, IN WHICH THE SOUL IS FILLED WITH GRACE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE AFFLICTED,*

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God's way of righteousness and holiness of truth.

(Ephesians 4: 22-24)

Welcome to the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time in the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament in this Year of Eucharistic Revival. This is a "Year of Mission" dear faithful readers, when we bring Christ to wherever we find ourselves, to our parishes, to our communities of faith. And this week, we are sandwiched between two rich Gospel texts on the Bread of Life. I am the bread of life, Jesus tells us, whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never thirst (John 6:35). Moreover, I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world (John 6:51). For the life of the world! We join the disciples on the road to Emmaus and proclaim: Were not our hearts burning within us when we listened to Him speaking! Listen to Jesus; listen and believe. And remember, "One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. Alleluia." 

This week's voices all point to the wonders of God's creation. As an intro, we hear from the great Saint and Doctor, Augustine of Hippo. Then we turn to the word of God. Let Our Lord speak! And here's a fun fact for the week. Did you know that the North Pacific Whale, the largest animal on earth, consumes some 35,000 pounds of krill a day in the summer?** That's a lot of krill folks. Let the name of the Lord be praised!

Others, in order to find God, will read a book. Well, as a matter of fact there is a certain great big book, the book of created nature. Look carefully at it top and bottom, observe it, read it. God did not make letters of ink for you to recognize Him in; He set before your eyes all these things He as made. Why look for a louder voice? Heaven and earth cry out to you, "God made me." Yes, you can read what Moses wrote. But in order to write it, what did Moses read, a man living in time? Observe heaven and earth in a religious spirit.

(Saint Augustine, 354-430, Sermon 68, 6)

When I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh.

(Genesis 9:13-15)

Ask the beasts and they will teach you;

the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

ask the planets of the earth and they will teach you.

Who among these does not know

that the hand of the bountiful Lord has done this?

In God's hand is the life of every living thing,

and the breath of every human being.

(Job 12:7-10)

God heals the brokenhearted,

and binds up their wounds;

counts out the number of the stars,

and calls each one by name.

(Psalm 147:3-4)

Mountains and hills, bless the Lord;

praise and exalt Him above all forever.

(Daniel 3:75)

All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord;

praise and exalt Him above all forever.

(Daniel 3:81)

The stars shone in their watches and were glad;

God called them, and they said, "Here we are!"

They shone with gladness for the One who made them.

(Baruch 3:34-35)

OUR LAEY OF THE SNOW,

BLESSED FREDERIC JANSSOONE,

SAINT EMYGDIUS,,

POPE SAINT SIXTUS II AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT CAJETAN,

SAINT DOMINIC,

SAINT TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS,

SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON,

SAINT JEAN-BAPTISTE-MARIE VIANNEY, CURE OF ARS,

BLESSED FREDERIC JANSSOONE,

BLESSED NICHOLAS POSTGATE,

SAINT ALBERT OF TRAPANI,

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSS, THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN SAINT,

SAINT NATHY,

SAINT FELIM,

PRAY FOR US.

* Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917), in 1891, when discerning whether or not to assume management of a Scalabriniani hospital for an at once Italian and Catholic hospital in New York City, about ready to close its doors, received a vision in a dream from Our Lady, Mother of the Afflicted. "She saw Our Lady with her sleeves rolled up and her skirt pinned back, going from one bed to another in a hospital ward as a nurse. As soon as Frances recognized the Mother of the Afflicted, she sprang forward offering her help. Upon this Our Lady said, 'I am doing what you refuse to do.' After that there was no hesitation." Mother Cabrini assigned ten sisters to the hospital. There you have it. Work that needed to be done; not necessarily what she wanted to do. See Too Small a World: The Life of Mother Frances Cabrini (Ignatius, 2024), p. 194.

** See Elizabeth A. Johnson, Come, Have Breakfast: Meditations on God and the Earth (Orbis, 2024), p. 184.

Today's photo: The wonders that He wrought. Amen.

© Gertrude Feick 2024