Second Sunday of Lent

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family

March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 19 The Discipline of Psalmody - Ch 25 Serious Faults

My vows to the Lord I will pay.

HOLY FAMILY, OUR SUPPORT IN LIFE AND OUR HOPE IN DEATH,

SAINT JOSEPH, PROTECTOR OF THE HOLY CHURCH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

(Romans 8:31b)

Welcome to the Second Sunday of Lent, in February, the month dedicated to the Holy Family, in a Leap Year that welcomes at end of this week, the month of March, dedicated to Saint Joseph. We are moving along, faithful readers. How are you doing so far in these 40 days of Lent? 

In today's Gospel, we are presented with the Transfiguration when Jesus, with Peter, James, and John in tow, went up a high mountain to be apart by themselves. There, Jesus was transfigured before them; His clothes became dazzling white. With this scene over the past days, I have been thinking of how God has called me over the years, how He has, in a sense, transfigured me to take a new direction in life, to change or be converted in one way or another over the years, essentially since the time He formed me in the womb and knew me, when He dedicated me before I was born (see Jer 1:5). Then after I was born, when my parents gave me the greatest gift they ever gave me, namely, they had me baptized when I was just 20 days old. It was then that I became a child of God, a member of the Body of Christ, the Church, a member of the family of faith. Another way I have looked at it is when were the times when Grace has knocked on my door, and with His grace, I have opened the door and responded to the Lord's call: "This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him" (Mk 9:7). In any case, grace abounds and thankfully, there have been many times in my life when I opened the door and let Grace in. And there have been enough times too, when I have not let Grace in, and gone on my merry way. These days may be days when you and I together, as beloved children of God, reflect on how God has called us, and continues to call us to moments of transfiguration, to change us from one degree of glory to another (see 2 Cor 3:18); moments to grow closer to the Lord, and to pick up our cross and follow Him. As He says: Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lost it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Mt 16:24-25). Grace abounds; open the door. Not my will, Lord, but Yours be done. I believe, help my unbelief. 

Many of our voices this week come from Mother Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821), in T. Hoopes, "Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Explains How to Pray, Fast, and Give," Seton Reflections, February 18, 2024.

God is with us-and if sufferings abound in us, His Consolations also greatly abound, and far exceed all utterance.

My own troubles will teach me I hope how to comfort others.

Let your chief study be to acquaint yourself with God because there is nothing greater than God, and because it is only knowledge which can fill the heart with a peace and joy, which nothing can disturb.

The nearer a soul is truly united to God, the more its sensibilities are increased to every being of His Creation; much more to those whom it is bound to love by the tenderest and most endearing ties.

The first I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in a manner He wills it; and thirdly to do it because it is His will.

So, our "wholly American" saint asks us these questions, more to ponder as we journey through these 40 days. 

Does the life of our Jesus animate us?

Do we indeed give Him the true service of the heart without which whatever we give has no value?

And the last voice comes from Saint Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850), especially as we heed to Our Father's words, and listen to His beloved Son. Here, I am! (Gen 22:1). 

Not the intellect, but God. Not the will, but God. Not the soul, but God ... Not the goods of the world, but God. Not honors, but God ... God always and in everything.

United in faith and prayer, we are. Keep going, faithful readers.

SAINT ETHELBERT,

BLESSED MARIA ADEODATA PISANI,

SAINT WALBURGA,

SAINT ALEXANDER OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK,

BLESSED MARIA CARIDAD BRADER,

SAINT OSWALD,

SAINT DUNSTAN,

SAINT ETHELWOLD,

SAINT DAVID,

SAINT CHAD,

BLESSED CHARLES THE GOOD OF DENMARK,

SAINT DONATIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: They are popping up everywhere. In the presence of all His people.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

First Sunday of Lent

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family

February 19th: Presidents' Day

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 15 The Times for Saying Alleluia - Ch 18 The Order of the Psalmody

He teaches the humble His way.

HOLY FAMILY, HIDDEN AND UNKNOWN IN NAZARETH,

MARY, QUEEN OF ANGELS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

Christ suffered once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that He might lead you to God.

(1 Peter 3:18)

Welcome to the First Sunday of Lent. Here we go, dear faithful readers, united as we are in faith and prayer. And we bring with us those preparing to enter the Church at Easter who will come forward today for the Rite of Election. May the grace of God be with us during this holy season of Lent, the forty days that run from Ash Wednesday up to but excluding the Mass of the Lord's Supper. During these days, the Alleluia is not said, so it no wonder that Saint Benedict has Ch. 15 "The Times for Saying Alleluia," in the Holy Rule. And it is the reading for February 18! Among other things, our holy father Benedict instructs us that "the alleluia is never added to the responsories except from Easter Pentecost" (RB 15:4). Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!

Voices this week all come from one voice, namely, C.S. Lewis. In addition to reading The Screwtape Letters, I stumbled across a little gem when working in the library the other day, A Mind Awake: An Anthology of C.S. Lewis, ed. C. S. Kilby (Harvest/HBJ, 1980). In one way or another, each quotation is fitting for this holy season of Lent. And as in today's Gospel, where Jesus is tempted in the desert, we are reminded to be on guard. The tempter is prowling; he is waiting to pounce. Repent, and believe in the Gospel (Mk 1:15). Kyrie eleison. 

The tempter always works on some real weakness in our own system of values: 

offers food to some need which we have starved.

(C.S. Lewis, "Equality," in The Spectator, August 27, 1943)

No good work is done anywhere without the aid from the Father of Lights.

(C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms, Ch. 11)

How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing ... it is irresistible. If even ten percent of the world's population had it, would not the whole world be converted and happy before a year's end?

(C.S. Lewis, unpublished letter, August 1, 1953)

Virtue-even attempted virtue-brings light; indulgence brings fog.

(C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Book 3, Ch. 5)

There is a kind of happiness and wonder that makes you serious. It is too good to waste on jokes.

(C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle, Ch. 15)

 

It is not enough to want to get rid of one's sins. We also need to believe in the One who saves us from our sins ... Because we know that we are sinners, it does not follow that we are saved.

(C.S. Lewis, "I was Decided Upon," Decision, 1963)

If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, 

and I hope you may always do so. 

(Unpublished letter to a little girl, October 26, 1963)

BLESSED JOHN OF FIESOLE OP, Fra Angelico

SAINT FLAVIAN,

SAINT SIMON,

SAINT CONRAD OF PIECENZA,

SAINT FRANCISCO AND JACINTA MARTO,

OUR LADY OF FATIMA,

BLESSED ALVAREZ OF CORDOBA,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

BLESSED CHRISTOPHER OF MILAN OP,

SAINT ROBERT SOUTHWELL,

BLESSED JOSEPHA GIRBES,

BLESSED CONSTANTIUS OF FABRIANO, OP,

BLESSED THOMAS MARIA FUSCO,

SAINT VICTORINUS,

SAINT PETER DAMIAN, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE, 

SAINT POLYCARP,

PRAY FOR US.

NB. A little bit about one of the saints we commemorate this week, namely, Fra Angelico. I have not only seen in person, along with my beloved sisters Kathy and Vicki, his fresco, The Annuciation, that hangs at the convent of San Marco in Florence, I visited his tomb several times at Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. And one time, my beloved sisters were with me. For this and for my beloved sisters, I give God the praise. 

Today's photo: This little flower follows in the footsteps of the Holy Family, hidden and unknown on 7th Street in Eureka, a bit hidden and no longer unknown if it ever was in the first place. ☺ In Your kindness remember me. 

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Ash Wednesday

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family 

In other years: Saint Methodius (826?-885) and Saint Cyril (827?-869), brothers born in Thessalonica who went to Moravia to preach the faith. They translated liturgical texts into the Slavonic language and invented the Glagolithic and possibly the Cyrillic alphabet. Alrighty then. 

Readings of the Day: Joel 2:12-18; Resp Ps 51; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt.

HOLY FAMILY, FAITHFUL IN OBSERVANCE OF DIVINE LAWS,

MARY, VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Spare, O Lord, Your people.

(Joel 2:17)

Welcome to Ash Wednesday. As has become customary over the years of publishing a reflection, on Ash Wednesday I pass along the following from Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship. As we add to our usual measure of service something by way of private prayer and abstinence of food or drink, then, so as to look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing (see Rule of Saint Benedict, Ch. 49), it may be helpful to go about the season in any of the following ways. Why not choose one fast and feast. Kyrie eleison. 

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on 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 feasting, gift us with Your presence, so that we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen. 

United in faith and prayer, we go forth. Now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).

SAINT METHODIUS,

SAINT CYRIL,

21 COPTIC MARTYRS OF LIBYA,

SAINT VALENTINE,

SAINT BENEDICT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Sixth Week in Ordinary Time/Ash Wednesday and the days following

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family

World Day of the Sick

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 9 The Number of Psalms at the Night Office - Ch 14 The Celebration of Vigils on the Anniversary of Saints 

In whose spirit is no guile.

HOLY FAMILY, OUR SUPPORT IN LIFE AND OUR HOPE IN DEATH,

MARY, MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God ...

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

(1 Cor 10:31, 11:1)

Welcome, faithful readers, to the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time that takes us to Ash Wednesday and the days following, all leading to the First Sunday of Lent, still in the month of February dedicated to the Holy Family. The words from Saint Paul above are simply awesome. As Saint Benedict tells us too, in Chapter 57 of the Holy Rule, "The Artisans of the Monastery," whatever we do, we do "so that in all things God may be glorified" (1 Pet 4:11/RB 57:9). Folks, let's give it up for the Lord now, and during the upcoming holy season of Lent. So that in all things God may be glorified, let us refuse to indulge evil habits, devote ourselves to prayer with tears, read one book from cover to cover, look inside our heart with honesty and seek forgiveness, and deny ourselves some food, drink, needless talking and idle jesting. Just say "no" to idle chit-chat. We do these things and look forward to holy Easter with joy (see RB 49. The Observance of Lent). If you are going to boast, then boast in the Lord. All other boasting just might make us look ridiculous. Do everything in word and deed, then, for the glory of God alone. For this, we give God the praise.

And as I write on Super Bowl Sunday, our voices for the week begin with a member of the faithful who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. Mr. Butler certainly has his priorities in order. By the way, do any of you remember the All-Pro fullback Christian Emeka Okoye, "the Nigerian Nightmare," who played for the Chiefs in the late 80s and early 90s? He was awesome too; he barreled through just about everyone, like a juggernaut. Go Chiefs. 😎. I could go on now forever on the glory days of the 70s too, with Fran Tarkenton and Alan Page of the Vikings, Kenny Stabler and Fred Biletnikoff of the Oakland Raiders, "Sweetness" Walter Payton and the Chicago Bears, Ken Anderson and the Bengals ... 

Dear Lord, guide all of us as we respond to the universal call to holiness and give You the glory.

I want to be a saint. And that's the most important thing. And that's why I'm here on earth.

(Mr. Harrison Butler, Kansas City Chiefs field goal kicker)

Blessed Pier also had his priorities in order. And he was no slouch when it came to athletics. In fact, Pier was all-around awesome. May he intercede for us. 

Learn to be stronger in spirit than in your muscles. 

If you are, you will be real apostles of faith in the Lord.

(Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-1925)

Preparation for Lent begins with desire. We exist to desire God. As Saint Augustine says, 'My heart is restless until it rests in Thee.' In this is the preparation for Lent: touching a desire for God that is deep down in the heart. Desire is like a flame, it starts small and it grows. Lent should fan our desire for God into a bonfire ...

(Servant of God Catherine de Heuck Doherty, 1896-1985)

Jesus is in the fire in the very center of our souls ever burning. Yet we are cold because we do not stay by it. Our look of love at Him draws back a look of love on us, and His divine love enkindles that fire of love in us which makes us remember Him continually.

(Mother Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

Lord, here are my hands.

Place in them what you will,

Take from them what you will,

Lead me where'er you will,

In everything-your will be done.

(Blessed Eduard Mueller, 1911-1943)

Prayer of Generosity

Lord teach me to be generous.

Teach me to serve you as You deserve.

To give and not count the cost.

To fight and not to heed the wounds.

To toil and not to seek to rest.

To labor and not to seek reward,

Except that of knowing I do Your will.

(Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)

From another excellent novel with inspiration to keep going, no matter what ...

You know, when I was a kid back in Jamaica, my great-gramma used to say she was 'old but not cold.' She lived to her late nineties. To her last days, she was in the kitchen, baking raisin buns for us kids. She liked to keep busy, too.

(Terry to Tova in S. van Pelt, Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel, Ecco 2022, p. 316)

OUR LADY OF LOURDES,

SAINT GOBNAIT, 

SAINT JULIAN THE HOSPITALLER,

SAINT CATHERINE DE RICCI,

BLESSED REGINALD OF ORLEANS, OP,

SAINT METHODIUS,

SAINT CYRIL,

SAINT VALENTINE,

21 COPTIC MARTYRS OF LIBYA,

SAINT CLAUDE LA COLOMBIERE,

BLESSED NICHOLAS OF PAGLIA, OP,

SAINT ONESIMUS,

BLESSED JORDAN OF SAXONY,

THE SEVEN HOLY PROPHETS OF THE SERVITE ORDER,

SAINT FINTAN OF CLONENAGH,

BLESSED WILLIAM RICHARDSON,

PRAY FOR US.

NB. In other years, we would commemorate Our Lady of Lourdes. When was the last time you took a look at Pope Saint John II and his Apostolic Letter Salvifici doloris Salvific suffering, given February 11, 1984, the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. One paragraph at a time. Our Lady of Lourdes, please cover us in your protective veil.   

Today's photo: Exult, all you upright of heart.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 7:41 Humility - Ch 8 The Divine Office at Night

He calls each by name.

HOLY FAMILY, TESTED BY THE GREATEST DIFFICULTIES,

MARY, MOTHER ADMIRABLE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.

(1 Cor 9:22-23)

Welcome, dear faithful readers, to yet another rainy morning now in the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time, fully immersed in the month of February, the month dedicated to the Holy Family, with, by way of friendly reminder, Ash Wednesday and the days after it, coming soon to a theatre near you. And the first question that came to mind as I typed Saint Paul's words above, what am I willing to do for the sake of the gospel? What about you? Reading the rest of Saint Paul's words of the last part of Ch. 9 in his first letter to the Corinthians, I certainly do not want to run around aimlessly and engage in shadowboxing; no, I, with you, am looking to win an imperishable crown (see 1 Cor 9:24-27). So, what is it I am going to do? Thankfully, I have a bit more time to reflect and take inventory before the commencement of the holy Season of Lent. At the same time, I pray for the grace to do God's holy will, no matter what. We join Jesus then, and go off to a deserted place, or any place available to us, and pray (see Mark 1:35). Put your hand out, Jesus will grasp it, and help you up. And the fever that ails us just may leave (see Mark 1:31). I believe, help my unbelief.

And now our voices for the week, seven sandwiched by Saint Benedict from the Holy Rule, Chapter 7. Humility:

Those who are patient amid hardships and unjust treatment are fulfilling the Lord's command: When struck on one check, they turn the other; when deprived of their coat, they offer their cloak also; when pressed into service for one mile, they go two. With the Apostle Paul, they bear with false brothers, endure persecution, and bless those who curse them.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:42-43)

It is a pity that having before us an eternity of rest we seek to rest here on earth.

(Blessed Tiburcio Arnaiz Munoz, 1865-1926)

If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that He has great designs for you, and that He certainly intends to make you a saint.

(Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)

In the middle of my physical sufferings, the inner music of my soul will not stop praising God with acts of virtue offering Him my love.

(Saint Genoveva Torres Morales, 1870-1956)

As soon as we know the will of God, we must fulfill it, even if we die.

(Saint Gaetano Errico, 1791-1890)

God ... is always more merciful than His ministers; may you be as merciful as you can be, so that you will receive mercy from God.

(Saint Gaetano Errico, 1791-1890)

Seek not your own interests, but those of Jesus Christ.

(Blessed Tiburcio Arnaiz Munoz, 1865-1926)

Our end is God, source of every good, in whom alone, as we say in prayer, we must put confidence and not in others. Our benign Lord has wanted to increase in you the faith and to answer your holy prayer to Him ...

And right now I repeat and affirm it again: if you remain steadfast in faith, especially during temptations, the Lord will console you in this world, will lead you out of temptations, and will give you peace and tranquility in this world, I say, temporarily, and in the next forever.

(Saint Jerome Emiliani, 1486-1537)

It is a blessing that You have humbled me so that I can learn Your commandments.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:54)

SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM,

SAINT JOHN DE BRITTO,

BLESSED MARIE-EUGENE GRIALOU,

SAINT CATHERINE DE' RICCI, OP,

SAINT AGATHA,

SAINTS PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT GONSALO GARCIA, PETER BAPTISTA AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT MEL,

SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER,

SAINTS WILLEBALD, WINNEBALD, AND WALBURGA,

SAINT JEROME EMILIANI,

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA,

SAINT APOLLONIA, 

SAINT SCHOLASTICA,

SAINT CUTHMAN OF STEYNING,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Folks, it's raining cats and dogs. Again. However, we do get a break once in while like here, just last Sunday, January 28. Sing praise to our God, for He is gracious.

© Gertrude Feick 2024