tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40982709364092670422024-03-18T05:28:48.082-07:00Daily Lectio DivinaA spiritual tool of the monastic vocationSr. Gertrude Feickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03937691061517795874noreply@blogger.comBlogger2108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-10954488181496237232024-03-17T13:41:00.000-07:002024-03-17T20:42:19.920-07:00Fifth Sunday of Lent<p>March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph</p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:</b> <b>Ch 38 The Reader for the Week - Ch 43 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1vhF68KMZGByvMviJLiUFrlN4AfqCaEFgZlIsXbppgyy6WXR0U_JhuuIrlfng9uUkpRvJ4USHYXqlAanrMgJ8KvIwqWc3O6or5qVeJ-FyQdroy9YfyCvs4Anj9ERy2Q8ddBrqXBsDBAYccdaaZ0OwUfqT4yVo_LnYnj_SJpnnao__CCyQxgvxJ1ggI3I/s4032/IMG_5929.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1vhF68KMZGByvMviJLiUFrlN4AfqCaEFgZlIsXbppgyy6WXR0U_JhuuIrlfng9uUkpRvJ4USHYXqlAanrMgJ8KvIwqWc3O6or5qVeJ-FyQdroy9YfyCvs4Anj9ERy2Q8ddBrqXBsDBAYccdaaZ0OwUfqT4yVo_LnYnj_SJpnnao__CCyQxgvxJ1ggI3I/s320/IMG_5929.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>A clean heart create for me, O God.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOSEPH, MINISTER OF SALVATION,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOSEPH, TERROR OF DEMONS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, MIRROR OF JUSTICE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>He was heard because of His reverence. Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal life for all who obey Him.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Hebrews 5:8-9)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Fifth Sunday of Lent, and in other years, the commemoration of Saint Patrick, Apostle of Ireland. Remember that on Saint Patrick's Day, everyone is Irish. So why not join my very Irish Great Aunt Mary of happy memory and send out this old Irish blessing, or perhaps it's an old Irish curse. 😉 Aunt Mary had it typewritten on a bit of paper and placed with a magnet on the front of her refrigerator. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>May those who love us, love us.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>And those who don't love us, </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>may God turn their hearts.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>And if He doesn't turn their hearts, </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>may He turn their ankles,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>so we'll know them by their limping.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we absorb the words from the Letter to the Hebrews above, how about we make this week one of obedience to God's will. Our Lord tells us quite plainly in today's Gospel that whoever serves Him must follow Him; where He is so will His servant be (John 12:26). We are here to love and serve the Lord and obey Him by carrying our crosses, the big ones, and the little ones of tiny pinpricks that rub us the wrong way, upset our nicely organized apple carts, and shake us up a bit. In a beautiful letter received the other day, a young wife and mother related what a spiritual director told her once, before even dating her now husband: "Marriage is choosing to love your spouse every day. Every single day you have to wake up and choose to love him." It is like that for all the faithful. Every day. Every day we wake up and choose to love God and our neighbor, our husband or wife, our children, our co-workers, our teenage neighbor next door, the old man in the pew behind us at Mass, the sister or brother sitting next to us at a meal, and so on. Or not. We choose to follow the Lord, or not. The choice is ours. We will encounter much joy in the daily, and much suffering too. The Lord certainly did. No matter. He kept going; He was made perfect. Thankfully, the Father honors whoever serves His Son, Jesus Christ. We reach out to the Lord who is with us, without fail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our voices for the week continue with a prayer that might be used as a morning offering, especially this week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Jesus, you know that we love you and that we wish to imitate your virtues. Today, grant us the virtue of obedience, that we might submit our judgment and our will to God's. Grant us that forgetfulness of self that will separate us from ourselves and which will unite us more to you forever. O Holy Virgin, obtain for me the grace of never wasting the least opportunity to obey, because this is the indisputable road to holiness, to maintain interior peace, to please Jesus, and to attain heaven.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Amen.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Concepcion Cabrera de Armida, 1862-1937, wife, mother, and widow, the first Mexican laywoman to be beatified, see <i>Magnificat</i>, Meditation of the Day, March 15, 2024)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience, </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all else.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, 5:1)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Bow down in suffering, love your enemies, avoid your friends, be patient in the midst of adversities. That is my cry now. Give me your help generously now, so that God may make my grief and my suffering bearable, so that I may wrest my way to the very pinnacle of God's will: <i>Not as I will, but as you will ...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Servant of God Joseph Mueller, 1894-1944)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>I was like a stone lying in the deep mire;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>and He that is mighty came, </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>and His mercy lifted me up,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>and verily raised me aloft and placed me on top of the wall.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Patrick, 5th century)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>It is always tempting to take credit for the gifts of grace and to lay blame elsewhere for our faults. If we do not claim responsibility for the choices that are truly ours, neither can we ask for or accept forgiveness. Too heavy for us, our offenses-too heavy not to allow the Lord to wipe them away.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Magnificat</i>, Prayer for the Morning, Introduction to Psalm 65, March 9, 2024)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">United in faith and prayer, we keep going.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>I trust in your faithfulness.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Grant my heart joy in your help,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>That I may sing of the Lord,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>"How good our God has been to me!"</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Psalm 13:6)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PATRICK, APOSTLE OF IRELAND,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BRIGID OF KILDARE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GERTRUDE OF NIVELLES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SERVANT OF GOD CHIARA LUBICH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT EDWARD THE MARTYR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED FRANCIS PALAU Y OUER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BENEDICT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DEOGRATIUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT NICHOLAS OWEN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT TURBIUS OF MONGROVEJO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: Peach tree blossom; glorify the Lord with me. <i>A willing spirit sustain in me. </i>Thank you, dear Beth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-90520868648284230642024-03-10T10:20:00.000-07:002024-03-16T05:22:53.257-07:00Fourth Sunday of Lent<p>March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph</p><p><i>Laetare </i>Sunday</p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:</b> <b>Ch 32 The Tools and Goods of the Monastery - Ch 37 The Elderly and Children</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmL0qRmREkl07VDHNpd9XB8Zo3T5FPnDDJtfUdduvBafi6OdL-S0letKoLsGqv5LbHrnG9RLvh-jLI2U0JpMJHj8P-LVumNRnP-M5syt8ep0Q1HzInW4TiqTAWhJhpsGenDoKGebiVY6E5FPhB7jTKD9PCKtVmZH0BeDxFyKQh_dfMF2r502CJJe_njtv/s4032/IMG_9184.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmL0qRmREkl07VDHNpd9XB8Zo3T5FPnDDJtfUdduvBafi6OdL-S0letKoLsGqv5LbHrnG9RLvh-jLI2U0JpMJHj8P-LVumNRnP-M5syt8ep0Q1HzInW4TiqTAWhJhpsGenDoKGebiVY6E5FPhB7jTKD9PCKtVmZH0BeDxFyKQh_dfMF2r502CJJe_njtv/s320/IMG_9184.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>We hung up our harps.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOSEPH, LOVER OF POVERTY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>By grace you have been saved ... For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works so that you may boast. For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Ephesians 2:5, 8-10)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How about Saint Paul's words to the Ephesians above? Awesome. More on this after a few ☺introductory musings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Fourth Sunday of Lent, <i>Laetare </i>Sunday: <i>Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at the consoling breast </i>(see Isaiah 66:10-11). We pray especially for all those preparing to enter the Church this Easter who will receive the Second Scrutiny today. We join them in prayer so as to be free from the deceptions of the world and heed the words of Saint Benedict: "Your way of acting should be different from the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else" (<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, 4:20-21).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still in the month of March dedicated to Saint Joseph, how is it going as we work on four weeks into the holy season of Lent? Be alert, faithful readers, as we recall some words from C.S. Lewis: "The tempter always works on some <i>real </i>weakness in our own system of values: offers food to some need we have starved" ("Equality", <i>The Spectator</i>, August 27, 1943). Saint Joseph, faithful guide and source of inspiration, pray for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the subject of the gift of grace, I pass along something from Father Michael Casey, in <i>Grace: On the Journey to God</i> (Paraclete, 2018), pp. 31-32: "We need to appreciate how the transcendent reality of divine grace interacts with the workaday reality of the human condition since, as the Scholastic theologians used to say, 'Whatever is received is received in the measure of the receiver.' Grace itself is limitless; any restrictions come from the side of the receiver, that is, us. Grace as it is received is often less complete than grace as it is given." I pass this along because yesterday, while standing near the altar at Mass, I prayed, "Jesus and Mary, please do something." At the moment, I don't think I could have stood more unprotected before the Lord. I needed help. And you know what? Jesus and Mary did something. For this gift, I give God the praise. If you going to petition Jesus and Mary, then believe and be open, for as Saint Paul writes, "by grace you have been saved through faith." And if you are going to boast, boast in the Lord. It's all gift; don't put limits on the gifts of God. <i>I believe, help my unbelief.</i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On to our voices for the week ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>It is always tempting to take credit for the gifts of grace and to lay the blame elsewhere for our faults. If we do not claim responsibility for the choices that are truly ours, neither can we ask for or accept forgiveness. Too heavy for us, our offenses-too heavy not to allow the Lord to wipe them away.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Magnificat</i>, Introduction to Psalm 65, Saturday, March 9, 2024, p. 129)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>What then is man, if you do not visit him? Remember, Lord, that you have made me as one who is weak, that you formed me from dust. How can I stand, if you do not constantly look upon me, to strengthen this clay, so that my strength may proceed from your face? <i>When you hide your face, all grows weak </i>(Ps 104:29) ... [But] God does not reject those He sees, because He purifies those upon whom He gazes. Before Him burns a fire capable of consuming our guilt. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Saint Ambrose of Milan, 339-397, <i>De Interpellatione David</i> The Plea of David, IV, 6, 22)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>In this Holy Lent, let us lift up our hearts and always go forward for the triumph of the reign of Christ in Society.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-1925)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>In the case of those who are making progress from good to better the good angel touches the soul gently ... while the evil spirit touches the soul sharply, with noise and disturbance.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Become what you were meant to be and you will set fire to the whole earth.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Catherine of Siena, 1347-1380)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>There is a dignity and poignancy in the bare fact that a thing exists.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(C.S. Lewis, 1898-1963, <i>They Asked for a Paper</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And lastly, united in faith and prayer, we set about the week, and no matter what, we keep going inspired by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), from a letter he wrote to Pope Innocent II in 1134:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>If sadness were our continual state, who could bear it? If, on the other hand, things always went well, then who could not think little of them? Wisdom, the careful controller of all things, alternates the temporal life of his chosen ones with necessary changing between good things and bad. By such a regimen, they will neither be crushed by adversity nor lose discipline through too much joy. Also, it is by this means that joys are appreciated and difficulties more readily endured. Blessed be God forever!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>THE FORTY HOLY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN OGILVIE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT AENGUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CONSTANTINE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT THEOPHANES THE CHRONICLER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SERAPHINA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT RODERICK,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MATILDA OF RINGELHEIM,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED JOHN ANNE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CLEMENT M. HOFBAUER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT ZACHARY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINTS HILARIUS AND TATIANUS OF AQUILEIA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JULIAN OF ANTIOCH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>VENERABLE JAN TYRANOWSKI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>VENERABLE MARY ALPHONSA HAWTHORN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: Not rose colored on this <i>Laetare </i>Sunday, it will do just fine. <i>Our despoilers urged us to be joyous</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div><p></p>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-10886692853454271202024-03-03T10:01:00.000-08:002024-03-06T11:09:08.838-08:00Third Sunday of Lent<p>March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph</p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:</b> <b>Ch 26 Unauthorized Association with the Excommunicated - Ch 31 Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbnY-xvZh8pOfXvAIONm50n1K0YWiIjNhyphenhyphenMGTkzO2z1H4-vkxXcg0fWl-com-23OWznWR6fj7dzUxK24VsRPFkGwUZUzr3ug00j21U1uaIlZleJ7wFA-aXnSkBHWgGvvL7cBH3BB0aiEBoJqz8W-7yTa1tkF0eieScsx2KR6P7QTDtiB47sAPN1p4LeCC/s4032/IMG_9113.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbnY-xvZh8pOfXvAIONm50n1K0YWiIjNhyphenhyphenMGTkzO2z1H4-vkxXcg0fWl-com-23OWznWR6fj7dzUxK24VsRPFkGwUZUzr3ug00j21U1uaIlZleJ7wFA-aXnSkBHWgGvvL7cBH3BB0aiEBoJqz8W-7yTa1tkF0eieScsx2KR6P7QTDtiB47sAPN1p4LeCC/s320/IMG_9113.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Come, let us bow down in worship.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOSEPH, GUARDIAN AND PROTECTOR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>We proclaim Christ crucified ...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Cor 1:22, 24-25)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The world lives unmindful of the sufferings of Jesus, which are the miracle of miracles of the Love of God ... Christ crucified is the work of love, the most stupendous work of the love of God. The bottomless sea of the love of God, where virtues are found, where one can lose oneself in love and sorry.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Paul of the Cross, 1694-1775)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Third Sunday of Lent in the month of March dedicated to Saint Joseph, spouse of the Mother of God, guardian of the Redeemer, most diligent protector of Christ; dear Joseph, strong, obedient, faithful. We continue to pray for those preparing to enter the Church at Easter who today receive the First Scrutiny. May they persevere and grow in faith. And so may all the faithful. <i>I believe, help my unbelief</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some time ago I quoted Willi Graf (1918-1943), who said, "To be a Christian is perhaps the hardest thing to ever become in life." It is true. Otherwise, why would Father Jacques Phillipe (b. 1947) bother to tell us that "t<span style="text-align: center;">he Christian life is a combat, a war without mercy." We proclaim Christ crucified, certainly a stumbling block to Jews and Greeks alike (see 1 Cor 1:23), and countless others. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">However, we are called and so we respond. Rely on the strength of God. </span>Need we question, "Is the Lord in our midst or not?" (Ex 17:7). I think not. The Lord is in our midst, here, there, and everywhere. Keep the faith; keep going. For, "what the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness of people ... capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and for true life" (Pope Francis, <i>Porta Fidei</i> 15). However, we have to start with ourselves. By God's grace, I am what I am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>We are to hear the words of the Father applied to ourselves: <i>This is by beloved Son ...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The entire Christian life can be understood as the progressive knowing of ourselves as the Father's beloved children. The project of the Christian life is to train our ears to hear these words and our hearts to accept them ...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>To encounter Christ is to encounter ourselves. When we behold his glory, we learn our lofty calling and goal. When we listen to His words, we learn the path to such glory.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Father Paul Scalia, priest in the diocese of Arlington, VA, son of Justice Antonin Scalia, d 2016, who served on the United States Supreme Court for 30 years)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The sword of the spirit, the word of God, must abound in your mouths and hearts. Let all you do have the Lord's word for accompaniment.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Saint Albert of Jerusalem, 1149-1214)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Our charity should not know limits; it cannot exclude anyone on earth, in purgatory, or in heaven.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Father Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, 1877-1964)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Love of our neighbors is the greatest act of gratitude that we can show God for His love. Love is the first thing that God requires of us, and whoever walks in His love remains in God and God in them!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Franz Jaegerstaetter, 1907-1943)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Abide in the love of Jesus Christ; always sit before His face; walk along with Him; converse with Him unceasingly.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara of the Holy Family, 1805-1871)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>A man without love, a religious without love is like a shadow without sun, totally nothing ... Love is the soul, light, and life of the religious life and of each human association.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Stanislaus Papczynski, 1631-1701)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">United in faith and prayer, we go forth and listen to Saint Benedict when he quotes from the Book of Sirach: "A kind word is better than the best gift" (see <i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, 31:14/Sirach 18:17). Thank you for being there, faithful readers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Saint David of Wales, 6th century, his last words)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT VIGNAL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SAMPSON,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MAGLIORE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CASIMIR JAGIELLON, PATRON SAINT OF POLAND AND YOUNG PEOPLE, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT KIERAN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN JOSEPH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT KYNEBURGHA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT COLETTE OF CORBIE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINTS PERPETUA AND FELICITY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT STEPHEN OF OBAZINE, CISTERCIAN ABBOT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN OF GOD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SENAN, BISHOP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DUTHAC,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FELIX,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FRANCES OF ROME,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: We've had a bit of snow; it's wet and heavy. <i>Let us kneel before the Lord who made us.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-54766200194080856132024-02-25T10:34:00.000-08:002024-03-02T05:02:12.490-08:00Second Sunday of Lent<p>February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family</p><p>March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph</p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 19 The Discipline of Psalmody - Ch 25 Serious Faults</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilffKTonqfQiWvXZVxzoswHtdpfXR-rbIFLY6_D4FxfVRhDVLgX6j7P_KPNo_XoxhANteXKCgyScQSGHzuIxNyWVnwBGeSoYSd7Y5mJT1i_6qjgIqFQsxY7H9HYBOjV1ZWLKOluS4EM3BpHoVLLyOWkT6ZSe7xjKOE78VsEVTwe1YBeb0HBFr77F22QTj8/s4032/IMG_9009.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilffKTonqfQiWvXZVxzoswHtdpfXR-rbIFLY6_D4FxfVRhDVLgX6j7P_KPNo_XoxhANteXKCgyScQSGHzuIxNyWVnwBGeSoYSd7Y5mJT1i_6qjgIqFQsxY7H9HYBOjV1ZWLKOluS4EM3BpHoVLLyOWkT6ZSe7xjKOE78VsEVTwe1YBeb0HBFr77F22QTj8/s320/IMG_9009.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>My vows to the Lord I will pay.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>HOLY FAMILY, OUR SUPPORT IN LIFE AND OUR HOPE IN DEATH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOSEPH, PROTECTOR OF THE HOLY CHURCH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>If God is for us, who can be against us?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Romans 8:31b)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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: <i>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 </i>(Mt 16:24-25). Grace abounds; open the door. Not my will, Lord, but Yours be done. I believe, help my unbelief. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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," <i>Seton Reflections</i>, February 18, 2024.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>God is with us-and if sufferings abound in us, His Consolations also greatly abound, and far exceed all utterance.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>My own troubles will teach me I hope how to comfort others.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, our "wholly American" saint asks us these questions, more to ponder as we journey through these 40 days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Does the life of our Jesus animate us?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Do we indeed give Him the true service of the heart without which whatever we give has no value?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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. <i>Here, I am! </i>(Gen 22:1). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">United in faith and prayer, we are. Keep going, faithful readers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ETHELBERT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED MARIA ADEODATA PISANI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT WALBURGA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ALEXANDER OF ALEXANDRIA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED MARIA CARIDAD BRADER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT OSWALD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DUNSTAN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ETHELWOLD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DAVID,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CHAD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED CHARLES THE GOOD OF DENMARK,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DONATIAN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: They are popping up everywhere. <i>In the presence of all His people.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-47598402263936761742024-02-18T10:13:00.000-08:002024-02-24T05:25:42.784-08:00First Sunday of Lent<p>February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family</p><p>February 19th: Presidents' Day</p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:</b> <b>Ch 15 The Times for Saying Alleluia - Ch 18 The Order of the Psalmody</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdhe6D2TlpfhjVr2Y7GOX1MZdxL_1hwn2BToHwhZ4vh548jKwHiKrxEx7KNw0PexJGZlKHsR91WW22h1BF4bMOMysRQMxZlNKPA5G3dvbYBrpJnHtZTENuyAetBUkUtiFQOvJBfF8vCIR9pjoaezOPq8DDrU6Y5lCdyMnXGItvkYUGNbtkDwVFdZSL3K5/s4032/IMG_8965.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdhe6D2TlpfhjVr2Y7GOX1MZdxL_1hwn2BToHwhZ4vh548jKwHiKrxEx7KNw0PexJGZlKHsR91WW22h1BF4bMOMysRQMxZlNKPA5G3dvbYBrpJnHtZTENuyAetBUkUtiFQOvJBfF8vCIR9pjoaezOPq8DDrU6Y5lCdyMnXGItvkYUGNbtkDwVFdZSL3K5/s320/IMG_8965.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>He teaches the humble His way.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>HOLY FAMILY, HIDDEN AND UNKNOWN IN NAZARETH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF ANGELS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Christ suffered once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that He might lead you to God.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Peter 3:18)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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 <i>Alleluia</i> 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 <i>alleluia</i> is never added to the responsories except from Easter Pentecost" (<i>RB </i>15:4). <i>Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Voices this week all come from one voice, namely, C.S. Lewis. In addition to reading <i>The Screwtape Letters</i>, I stumbled across a little gem when working in the library the other day, <i>A Mind Awake: An Anthology of C.S. Lewis</i>, 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. <i>Repent, and believe in the Gospel (Mk </i>1:15). <i>Kyrie eleison. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The tempter always works on some <i>real </i>weakness in our own system of values: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>offers food to some need which we have starved.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(C.S. Lewis, "Equality," in <i>The Spectator</i>, August 27, 1943)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>No good work is done anywhere without the aid from the Father of Lights.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(C.S. Lewis, <i>Reflections on the Psalms, </i>Ch. 11)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(C.S. Lewis, unpublished letter, August 1, 1953)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Virtue-even attempted virtue-brings light; indulgence brings fog.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(C.S. Lewis, <i>Mere Christianity</i>, Book 3, Ch. 5)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>There is a kind of happiness and wonder that makes you serious. It is too good to waste on jokes.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(C.S. Lewis, <i>The Last Battle</i>, Ch. 15)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(C.S. Lewis, "I was Decided Upon," <i>Decision</i>, 1963)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>and I hope you may always do so. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Unpublished letter to a little girl, October 26, 1963)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED JOHN OF FIESOLE OP, <i>Fra Angelico</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FLAVIAN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SIMON,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CONRAD OF PIECENZA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FRANCISCO AND JACINTA MARTO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OUR LADY OF FATIMA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED ALVAREZ OF CORDOBA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED CHRISTOPHER OF MILAN OP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ROBERT SOUTHWELL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED JOSEPHA GIRBES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED CONSTANTIUS OF FABRIANO, OP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED THOMAS MARIA FUSCO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT VICTORINUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PETER DAMIAN, BISHOP, DOCTOR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT POLYCARP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>NB</i>. A little bit about one of the saints we commemorate this week, namely, <i>Fra Angelico</i>. I have not only seen in person, along with my beloved sisters Kathy and Vicki, his fresco, <i>The Annuciation,</i> 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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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. ☺ <i>In Your kindness remember me. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-39532370176003965232024-02-14T05:31:00.000-08:002024-02-17T05:39:06.678-08:00Ash Wednesday <p><b>February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family </b></p><p><b>In other years: </b><b>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. </b></p><p><b>Readings of the Day: Joel 2:12-18; Resp Ps 51; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18</b></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzz_Y0lS2iEYbpQWhyphenhyphenwJvYNlAp9BCaSAVHVz-OBlM0F4bTD_faU_KO-Lv4SQ1ghSgyZG129TBRXOuUhIM0wLFGUhRH-IHV9u0icoIPHbRWbMDsn-5CGeFptt1uB8sVINQYh0uDEoKqPaE-Ajq_R-MtsUT4OQvLoqzj9WBRaEL71u-m4oXliVUR9k0zAr8/s4032/IMG_0592.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzz_Y0lS2iEYbpQWhyphenhyphenwJvYNlAp9BCaSAVHVz-OBlM0F4bTD_faU_KO-Lv4SQ1ghSgyZG129TBRXOuUhIM0wLFGUhRH-IHV9u0icoIPHbRWbMDsn-5CGeFptt1uB8sVINQYh0uDEoKqPaE-Ajq_R-MtsUT4OQvLoqzj9WBRaEL71u-m4oXliVUR9k0zAr8/s320/IMG_0592.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Thoroughly</b></span><b> wash me from my guilt.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>HOLY FAMILY, FAITHFUL IN OBSERVANCE OF DIVINE LAWS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Spare, O Lord, Your people.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Joel 2:17)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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 <i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, Ch. 49), it may be helpful to go about the season in any of the following ways. Why not choose one fast and feast. <i>Kyrie eleison. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on unity of life.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from anger; feast on patience.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from worry; feast on trust.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>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.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Amen. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">United in faith and prayer, we go forth. <i>Now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation </i>(2 Cor 6:2).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT METHODIUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CYRIL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>21 COPTIC MARTYRS OF LIBYA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT VALENTINE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BENEDICT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: <i>Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>© </i>Gertrude Feick 2024</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-40409182413220766952024-02-11T14:39:00.000-08:002024-02-17T05:39:43.249-08:00Sixth Week in Ordinary Time/Ash Wednesday and the days following <p>February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family</p><p>World Day of the Sick</p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:</b> <b>Ch 9 The Number of Psalms at the Night Office - Ch 14 The Celebration of Vigils on the Anniversary of Saints </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiek7DPggbsu0mScN-bxAWRoo3XqeOfm94fOrqyAX1PeovjuHhAZUl7gPaZRiAZUfa0f4mBnWsPcjib-N0EQctgKu5H-9CueiFg1zZRDI1xduVNBasTjWKLGZheK40qE2bZ7jHqWqTUMAEJWh1VeGsK4o0PA6DTV9a0mpwGcAF9rR6q8LHkGVfUi6N_Euql/s4032/IMG_8883.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiek7DPggbsu0mScN-bxAWRoo3XqeOfm94fOrqyAX1PeovjuHhAZUl7gPaZRiAZUfa0f4mBnWsPcjib-N0EQctgKu5H-9CueiFg1zZRDI1xduVNBasTjWKLGZheK40qE2bZ7jHqWqTUMAEJWh1VeGsK4o0PA6DTV9a0mpwGcAF9rR6q8LHkGVfUi6N_Euql/s320/IMG_8883.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>In whose spirit is no guile.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>HOLY FAMILY, OUR SUPPORT IN LIFE AND OUR HOPE IN DEATH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God ...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Cor 10:31, 11:1)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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/<i>RB </i>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 <i>RB</i> 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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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 ... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dear Lord, guide all of us as we respond to the universal call to holiness and give You the glory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>I want to be a saint. And that's the most important thing. And that's why I'm here on earth.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Mr. Harrison Butler, Kansas City Chiefs field goal kicker)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Learn to be stronger in spirit than in your muscles. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>If you are, you will be real apostles of faith in the Lord.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-1925)</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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 ...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Servant of God Catherine de Heuck Doherty, 1896-1985)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Jesus is in the fire in the very center of our souls ever burning. </i></b><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Mother Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Lord, here are my hands.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Place in them what you will,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Take from them what you will,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Lead me where'er you will,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>In everything-your will be done.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Eduard Mueller, 1911-1943)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Prayer of Generosity</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Lord teach me to be generous.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Teach me to serve you as You deserve.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>To give and not count the cost.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>To fight and not to heed the wounds.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>To toil and not to seek to rest.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>To labor and not to seek reward,</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Except that of knowing I do Your will.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From another excellent novel with inspiration to keep going, no matter what ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Terry to Tova in S. van Pelt, <i>Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel, </i>Ecco 2022, p. 316)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OUR LADY OF LOURDES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GOBNAIT, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JULIAN THE HOSPITALLER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CATHERINE DE RICCI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED REGINALD OF ORLEANS, OP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT METHODIUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CYRIL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT VALENTINE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>21 COPTIC MARTYRS OF LIBYA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CLAUDE LA COLOMBIERE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED NICHOLAS OF PAGLIA, OP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ONESIMUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED JORDAN OF SAXONY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>THE SEVEN HOLY PROPHETS OF THE SERVITE ORDER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FINTAN OF CLONENAGH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED WILLIAM RICHARDSON,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>NB. </i>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 <i>Salvifici doloris </i>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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: <i>Exult, all you upright of heart.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-56259093683449375732024-02-04T10:49:00.000-08:002024-02-09T05:26:27.601-08:00Fifth Week in Ordinary Time<p>February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family</p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:</b> <b>Ch 7:41 Humility - Ch 8</b> <b>The Divine Office at Night</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqbQqiP2PmO0u53aw3mqWtmXldKopXPSA-oM7_BVi5rzePAvDTh1gAGKkRMv9JImyk_9667je575b2TFwPux6VBRbtCSJJ-VI-xxMQNzVKuUISemrRwPQ6SeG5YtS_x6BJjg-qvainRKzY4KoTXeFcHXdmwpXuq6ISlZLjkgXXZxCpvZG3Ta9mr10sN_7/s4032/IMG_8920.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqbQqiP2PmO0u53aw3mqWtmXldKopXPSA-oM7_BVi5rzePAvDTh1gAGKkRMv9JImyk_9667je575b2TFwPux6VBRbtCSJJ-VI-xxMQNzVKuUISemrRwPQ6SeG5YtS_x6BJjg-qvainRKzY4KoTXeFcHXdmwpXuq6ISlZLjkgXXZxCpvZG3Ta9mr10sN_7/s320/IMG_8920.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>He calls each by name.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>HOLY FAMILY, TESTED BY THE GREATEST DIFFICULTIES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, MOTHER ADMIRABLE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Cor 9:22-23)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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>I believe, help my unbelief.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now our voices for the week, seven sandwiched by Saint Benedict from the Holy Rule, Chapter 7. Humility:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Those who are patient amid hardships and unjust treatment are fulfilling the Lord's command:<i> 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. </i>With the Apostle Paul, they<i> bear with false brothers, endure persecution, and bless those who curse them.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Rule of Saint Benedict, </i>7:42-43)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>It is a pity that having before us an eternity of rest we seek to rest here on earth.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Blessed Tiburcio Arnaiz Munoz, 1865-1926)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><b>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.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Saint Genoveva Torres Morales, 1870-1956)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>As soon as we know the will of God, we must fulfill it, even if we die.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Gaetano Errico, 1791-1890)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Gaetano Errico, 1791-1890)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Seek not your own interests, but those of Jesus Christ.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Tiburcio Arnaiz Munoz, 1865-1926)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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 ...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>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.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Jerome Emiliani, 1486-1537)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>It is a blessing that You have humbled me so that I can learn Your commandments.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, 7:54)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN DE BRITTO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED MARIE-EUGENE GRIALOU,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CATHERINE DE' RICCI, OP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT AGATHA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINTS PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GONSALO GARCIA, PETER BAPTISTA AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINTS WILLEBALD, WINNEBALD, AND WALBURGA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JEROME EMILIANI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT APOLLONIA, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SCHOLASTICA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CUTHMAN OF STEYNING,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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. <i>Sing praise to our God, for He is gracious.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-49343806712883169332024-01-28T10:31:00.000-08:002024-02-02T18:59:04.684-08:00Fourth Week in Ordinary Time<p>January is the month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus</p><p>January 28: World Leprosy Day</p><p>Catholic Schools Week: January 28-February 3, 3024 "Catholic Schools: United in faith and community"</p><p>February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family </p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:</b> <b>Ch 7:19-50 Humility</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XcxCTNsLe1fe11nhaMhI3PEde2HsKOIb_3LfrmwF4kZ611yTq9TBn1gLgosNrQWKTdb_gA2o5WVGVBpFQg4u2E3lIDEdzd1-C2PRli602AAIB1sPRyXJ_pMIEym1B1xgRsVi7vvLeUSpFeFAa5mUMx-yRWUX7d31iwNA3vBlEgy78dMpaEat_JfEFmjv/s4032/IMG_8882.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XcxCTNsLe1fe11nhaMhI3PEde2HsKOIb_3LfrmwF4kZ611yTq9TBn1gLgosNrQWKTdb_gA2o5WVGVBpFQg4u2E3lIDEdzd1-C2PRli602AAIB1sPRyXJ_pMIEym1B1xgRsVi7vvLeUSpFeFAa5mUMx-yRWUX7d31iwNA3vBlEgy78dMpaEat_JfEFmjv/s320/IMG_8882.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Come, let us bow down in worship.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>JESUS, THE MIGHTY GOD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>HAVE MERCY ON US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, ARK OF THE COVENANT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>I should like you to be free of anxieties.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1Cor 7:32)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hi dear faithful readers, welcome to the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time. Even though we are still in anything but Ordinary Time, it is not too early to anticipate Ash Wednesday (February 14) and the holy season of Lent, coming soon to a theatre near you. Have you given any thought to how you might refuse to indulge in at least one evil habit and deny yourself of some food, drink, sleep, needless talking, also known as idle chit-chat, and so on (See <i>Rule of Saint Benedict </i>49 The Observance of Lent)? Hmm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now by way of anecdote, I had the privilege of serving as <i>hebdomadarian</i> last week. Put simply, the sister who is assigned that "function" intones the Call to Worship at the Liturgy of the Hours, proclaims the proclamation, sings the Collect, leads the prayer before dinner, and so on. She also proclaims the reading at the midday prayer. It happens that on the day we commemorated the great Saint Francis de Sales (he was the oldest of 13 children how cool is that!), this was the reading:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Let us practice those ordinary virtues ... patience, forbearance toward our neighbor, service of others, humility, gentleness of heart, affability, tolerance of our own imperfections, and similar little virtues. I do not say that we are not to ascend by prayer, but that we do so one step at a time.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622, <i>Letters of Spiritual Direction</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, as I boldly proclaimed, "slowly, clearly, and distinctly" as my dear dad of happy memory taught me, I stumbled over the phrase, "tolerance of our own imperfections." I thought I read "imperfection," so read the phrase again as "imperfections." As you might imagine, or not, there were a few glances thrown, as well as stirring about. A few days later, I learned that I did not read "imperfection" or even "imperfections," but rather "perfection" and "perfections"! Now how fitting is that? This true to life story caused me to think the last few days that, if a person has no tolerance for her own imperfections, she has even more intolerance for the imperfections of others. Or perhaps a person conveniently forgets her own imperfections and shortcomings and prefers to focus on everyone else's. Why on earth would Saint Francis de Sales include this call to action if it were not the case? I sometimes think of the business of perfectionism and imperfections as a plague of religious life, especially since a kind sister told me when I first entered the monastery some 24 years ago, "Welcome to the human race." However, since Saint Francis de Sales wrote primarily to the lay faithful, the plague must not be in containment. The business of perfectionism and imperfections must also be a plague of the married life, and surely the single life as I can attest. Otherwise, why would Pope Saint Gregory the Great have bothered to write this in the 7th century?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The married should not ... worry themselves so much about what they must endure from their spouse but consider what their spouse must endure on account of them. For if one really considers what must be endured on his account, it is all the easier to bear the things of others.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Pope Saint Gregory the Great, d. 604)</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And why would Grace, in the novel <i style="text-align: center;">Major Pettigrew's Last Stand </i><span style="text-align: center;">(Random House, 2011)</span><i style="text-align: center;">, </i><span style="text-align: center;">have</span><i style="text-align: center;"> </i><span style="text-align: center;">bothered to say this to Major Pettigrew?</span><i style="text-align: center;"> </i><span style="text-align: center;">"Oh, I deserved it completely," said Grace. "It's so much easier to tell other people how to do their job than fix one's own shortcomings, isn't it?" Hmmm. In any case, these are some things to reflect upon and pray about, or not, as we anticipate the holy season of Lent, coming soon, as I say, to a theatre near you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">Along the same line of thought, the Holy Father was on the business of evil and the devil at today's Sunday Angelus Address. He re-emphasized something he said at his November 27, 2023, General Audience catechesis. Pope Francis reminded us that, </span>"There is no dialogue with the devil, because if you enter into dialogue with him, he wins, always. Be careful." When tempted then, to conveniently forget my own imperfections and shortcomings, and when I feel the chains of evil amid the devil's relentless attacks, it is best to call on the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. That is what we do, folks, and that is our definition as Pope Benedict XVI tells us: "<span style="text-align: center;">This is our definition: we belong among those who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."* Invoke the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus, come to my aid; help me! Then be silent and listen. "Quiet! Come out of her!" (See Mark 1:25). And it certainly doesn't hurt to call on Saint Michael the Archangel as well, to defend us in the battle. It's not a coincidence either, that I just started to re-read C.S. Lewis's <i>Screwtape Letters. </i>Be careful. Wormwood, mentored by his Uncle Screwtape, is on the prowl. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we go forth this week, united in faith and prayer, here are a few other voices to consider. One step at a time. One step at a time. "For Scripture has it: 'Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved,' and again, 'Be brave of heart and rely on the on the Lord'" (<i>Rule of Saint Benedict </i>7:36-37). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Do not be anxious. Rouse yourself to serve the Lord with steadfastness, attentiveness, and meekness. That is the true way to serve Him. If you can refrain from trying to do all things, but instead attempt to do only some one thing, then you will do much.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Gospel of life is at the heart of Jesus' message. Lovingly received day by day by the Church, it is to be preached with dauntless fidelity as "good news" to the people of every age and culture ... It is therefore a service of love which we are all committed to ensure our neighbor, that his or her life may always be defended and promoted, especially when it is weak or threatened.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pope Saint John Paul II, <i>Evangelium vitae </i>Gospel of Life, 1, 77). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a couple of lengthy quotations, well worth it though. Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of faith and the tradition of the Church, the Body of Christ. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>All things have value if they are inspired and carried out by love, while without love nothing has value, at least not in life's final analysis. If this is our focus, we will be able to say of each of our actions, "this will remain." This holds true for our work, as it does for our relaxation, for educating our children, for our conversations with others, our travels, our way of dressing, our manner of eating, and for any other smallest of actions. It holds true for all the unexpected things that each day brings, the surprises God has in store for us. It even holds true-and this is very consoling-if any illness forces us to inactivity and confines us to bed with no apparent end in sights.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Servant of God Chiara Lubich, 1920-2008)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>My last word to you, by which I implore you even with my blood, is that you live in harmony, united together, all of one heart and one will. Be bound to one another by the bond of charity, esteeming each other, helping each other, bearing with each other in Jesus Christ. For if you strive to be like this, without any doubt the Lord God will be in your midst. You will have in your favor Our Lady, the apostles, all the saints, the angels, and finally all heaven and all the universe. God has so ordained from all eternity that for those who for His honor are united in doing good enjoy every prosperity, and what they do turns out well, because they have God Himself and every one of His creatures in their favor.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Angela Merici, 1474-1540)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And as always, there is one more thing before we invoke the glorious saints. I was surprised to learn that there may be more faithful readers out there than I thought. Give God the praise. Yes, I know that not everyone reads everything, or even a bit, but a world record of over 200 people have at least opened this reflection each of the last four weeks. Maybe there was one word, or a phrase, or the name of a saint, or a quotation, or anything else that might have served as an inspiration. After all, we are about spreading the Good News, in word and deed. I believe, help my unbelief. Mary, please cover all of us in your protective veil. Keep going!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DAMIAN OF MOLOKAI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MARIANNE COPE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GILDAS THE WISE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CONSTANTINUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PAPIAS AND MAURUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SULPITIUS SEVERUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED ARCHANGELA GIRLANI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED VILLANA DE' BOTTI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT AEDAN OF FERNS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT HYACINTHA OF MARISCOTTI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BRIGID OF IRELAND,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT HENRY MORSE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT THOMAS GREEN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED BENEDICT DASWA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED CANDELARIA OF SAINT JOSEPH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ANSGAR, BISHOP, THE APOSTLE OF THE NORTH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BLAISE, BISHOP, MARTYR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2002, <span style="text-align: center;">General Audience, November 22, 2006.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: This sweet little one and its companions (forthcoming) are some of the first in each year to appear. <i>Oh, that today you would hear His voice.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div><p></p>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-38098332387823870882024-01-21T10:40:00.000-08:002024-02-18T14:52:15.044-08:00Third Week in Ordinary Time<p>January is the month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus</p><p>Sunday of the Word of God</p><p>January 18-25: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity</p><p>January 22: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish" (Saint Teresa of Calcutta).</p><p>January 27: Interviews Holocaust Remembrance Day</p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: </b><b>Ch 4:63 The Tools for Good Works - Ch 7:18 Humility</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTsSMNDBTdEsHp-3eFG-g_ptjkBDoRI1UMRczuoCQ4AtJDOXeroNXOCM1FIG0LOnKfSiDDC47CB7YqrVM0RkrBeZ09-0T6M3sPIEPwy04xCp1jMYDs-arKx2pZSU25p7fIRjv5BX__ZkCpuAE0Ggz5NvObh0OHdjDVhWY0IWRI_tDThrNdN_uw9yrpvy2/s4032/IMG_3444.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTsSMNDBTdEsHp-3eFG-g_ptjkBDoRI1UMRczuoCQ4AtJDOXeroNXOCM1FIG0LOnKfSiDDC47CB7YqrVM0RkrBeZ09-0T6M3sPIEPwy04xCp1jMYDs-arKx2pZSU25p7fIRjv5BX__ZkCpuAE0Ggz5NvObh0OHdjDVhWY0IWRI_tDThrNdN_uw9yrpvy2/s320/IMG_3444.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Good and upright is the Lord.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>JESUS, OUR WAY AND OUR LIFE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>HAVE MERCY ON US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, VIRGIN MOST PRUDENT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The world in its present form is passing away.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Cor 7:31)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, on the Sunday of the Word of God, still in the week of prayer for Christian Unity, with January 22 as a day of prayer for the legal protection of unborn children, all in the month of January dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, and the inauguration of a Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year! Whew. And if that is not enough, beloved Jonah is on the move through the enormously large city of Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-5, 10). May we, great and small alike, follow the people of Nineveh and believe God. May the dear Lord see by our actions that we are about turning from our evil ways. It is never too late to repent and believe in the Gospel, as Saint Cyprian of Carthage (d. 258) tells us: "To him who remains in the world, no repentance is too late. The approach to God's mercy is open." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">United in faith and prayer, we untangle the nets that ensnare us, abandon everything and follow the Lord. May Our Lady cover us in her protective veil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now a word from our sponsors in the manner of voices for the week:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Harbor neither hatred nor jealousy of anyone.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, 4:65-66)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Silence is good for the soul, essential to recollection, and conducive to humility. Remember Our Lord's silence throughout His life and during the hours of His Passion.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>When I am in the company of others, for their good, I will talk freely on exalted and serious subjects, the discussion of which cannot fail to enlarge and strengthen both my own soul and theirs.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>I will talk about nothing trivial and mean, and no petty grievances. My speech shall be recollected, and my silence living.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur, 1866-1914)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>There is a time to keep silence and a time for speech. Christ, the wisdom of God, has given us an example of both. We must not speak, so as to give advantage to cavils, we must not be silent as to betray the truth.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Run, jump, shout, but do not sin.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint John Bosco, 1815-1888)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>We must speak to them with our hands before we speak to them with our lips.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Peter Claver, 1580-1654)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>There is no love without renunciation.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Josemaria Escriva, 1902-1975)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>There can be no doubt that for us who love Jesus, prayer is the great pain-reliever.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Josemaria Escriva, 1902-1975)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>We need not do a great deal of thinking to appreciate what Jesus has been for us. We need only recall some of the happy memories of our lives and, full of gratitude and love, we shall realize some of what we owe Him ... God grants His grace to souls not because they merit it, but because He wants to.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Concepcion Cabrera de Armida, 1861-1937)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a couple more on the importance of reading, and writing too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>I’ve always loved to read, long before I began to write. If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Stephen King, b. 1947)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>I kept always two books in my pocket: one to read, one to write in.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Robert Louis Stevenson, 1815-1894)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MARIA GABRIELLA SAGHEDDU,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT AGNES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT NINO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PUBLIUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED ANTHONY DELLA CHIESA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED HENRY SUSO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT TITUS AND TIMOTHY, BISHOPS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ANGELA MERICI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT VINCENT, DEACON,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MARIANNE COPE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED BENEDETTA BIANCHI PORRO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DAMIAN OF MOLOKAI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ILDEPHONSUS</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT EUGENIUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT LEOCADIA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP, DOCTOR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ALBERIC, ROBERT, AND STEPHEN, ABBOTS, FOUNDERS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: It was raining cats and dogs when this one appeared, from July 10, 2019. By the way, it is still raining cats and dogs. 🐈🐶</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div><p></p>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-33081280916147059322024-01-14T15:03:00.000-08:002024-01-19T05:13:38.045-08:00Second Week in Ordinary Time<p>January is the month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus</p><p>January 18-25: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity</p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 2:30 Qualities of the Abbot - Ch 4:62 Humility</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi8Pez94MBMeIqa6onqJXWtkpUrQVcT7vDO6exoEbVaNtPLhR-pJTgWYVbB1ZspVaB09HrruLffDkHo2jmXUpjVzpsKRjHyiAHLS7r5BTYHGT5ZJWjNJiX60WTbij7LkglJh3AmeTDA8KLPeIFwnwHeLeDYZOzaotW4WegZ8QnVzWex5aMTpYWK3M9AuZ/s480/IMG_4515.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi8Pez94MBMeIqa6onqJXWtkpUrQVcT7vDO6exoEbVaNtPLhR-pJTgWYVbB1ZspVaB09HrruLffDkHo2jmXUpjVzpsKRjHyiAHLS7r5BTYHGT5ZJWjNJiX60WTbij7LkglJh3AmeTDA8KLPeIFwnwHeLeDYZOzaotW4WegZ8QnVzWex5aMTpYWK3M9AuZ/s320/IMG_4515.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>He stooped toward me and heard my cry.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>JESUS, LOVER OF US,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>HAVE MERCY ON US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, FULL OF GRACE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(1 Cor 6:19)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the anything but ordinary Second Week in Ordinary Time, during the month of January dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, and the commencement of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. During this week, we turn to Saint Maria Gabriella Sagheddu of Unity (1914-1939), to intercede for us. In the papal encyclical <i>Ut Unum Sint </i>The call for Christian unity<i>, </i>Pope Saint John Paul II wrote this: "Sister Maria Gabriella, called by her vocation to be apart from the world, devoted her life to meditation and prayer centered on chapter seventeen of Saint John's Gospel, and offered her life for Christian unity. This is truly the cornerstone of all prayer: the total and unconditional offering of one's life to the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit. The example of Sister Maria Gabriella is instructive; it helps us to understand that there are no special times, situations or places of prayer for unity. Christ's prayer to the Father is offered as a model for everyone, always and everywhere" (27). Saint Maria Gabriella Sagheddu's remains are at the Cistercian monastery in Vittorchiano, Italy; I have been there. For this, I give thanks to God. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When preparing for today with today's Gospel, what came to mind when I read, "... as he watched Jesus walk by ..." (John 1:36), were the passages that I marked in my <i>Magnificat </i>this past week: "As He passed by the Sea of Galilee" (Mark 1:16); "On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew ..." (Mk 1:29); A leper came to Him and kneeling down begged Him and said, 'If you wish, you can make me clean" (Mk 1:40); ... it became known that He was at home. Many gathered together ..." (Mk 2:1-2); and "As He passed by ..." (Mk 2:13). I took note of Jesus' movement, and if He wasn't on the move, people went to Him. I asked myself if I notice when Jesus walks or passes by, or when He is sitting or standing at home or anywhere else, do I go to Him. The straight answer is, no, I do not. What a pity. However, it is time to be more alert and pay attention. Jesus is always on the move, and He is always present in our midst. It is time to get up and follow Him more closely. <i>Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. </i>We are not our own; it is time to glorify God with mind, heart, soul, and in body. May we make known the name of the Father, so that the love with which the Father loves us, may be in all others. <i>Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The voices this week come from Helen Simonson, <i>Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel </i>(Random House, 2011)<i>. </i>There are more than a few keepers in this engaging work. And the first one speaks of the importance of reading, no matter what.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>You are right, of course, but I tell myself that it does not matter what one reads-favorite authors, particular themes-as long as we read something. It is not even important to own books.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Mrs. Ali to Major Pettigrew, p. 63)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Memories are like tomb painting, thought the Major, the colors still vivid no matter how many layers of mud and sand time deposited. Scrape at them and they come up all red and blazing.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(p. 64)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"The world is full of small ignorances," said a quiet voice. Mrs. Ali appeared at his elbow and gave the young woman a stern look. "We must all do our best to ignore them and thereby keep them small, don't you think?"</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(P. 66)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">"You know my wife used to laugh at me in just the same manner," he said. "She said if I maintained my aversion to change I risked being reincarnated as a granite post."</i><br />(Major Pettigrew to Mrs. Ali, pp. 110-111)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"I don't believe the greatest views in the world are great because they are vast or exotic," she said. "I think their power comes from the knowledge that they do not change. You look at them and you know that they have been the same for a thousand years."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Mrs. Ali to Major Pettigrew, p. 111)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"But on a spiritual level, there is something about the edge of the land that does make one feel closer to God. A sobering sense of one's smallness, I think."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Major Pettigrew to Mrs. Ali, p. 193)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"A letter unposted is a heavy burden."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Major Pettigrew to Mrs. Ali, p. 194)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"But I think a life of faith must start with remembering that humility is the first virtue before God."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Major Pettigrew to Abdul Wahid, p. 203)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>He had always assumed gossip to be the malicious whispering of uncomfortable truths, not the fabrication of absurdities. How was one to protect oneself against people making things up? Was a life of careful, impeccable behavior not enough in a world where inventions were passed around as fact."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Major Pettigrew, p. 253)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"It is funny, isn't it? she said in a quiet voice. "A couple may have nothing in common but the color of their skin and the country of their ancestors, but the whole world will see them as compatible."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Mrs. Ali, p. 265)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>She hurried down the driveway and as she disappeared, blue dress into deep night, he knew he was a fool. Yet at the moment, he could not find a way to be a different man.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Major Pettigrew, p. 266)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"You have no idea, Major, how hard it is to keep up with the world sometimes-just to keep up with ourselves. I guess I let myself dream I could get out for a while."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Sandy, p. 280)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"Oh, I deserved it completely," said Grace. "It's so much easier to tell other people how to do their job than fix one's own shortcomings, isn't it?"</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Grace to Major Pettigrew, p. 288)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"You are mistaken, Ernest," she said at last. "There is only the passionate spark. Without it, two people living together may be lonelier than if they lived quite alone."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Grace to Major Pettigrew, p. 291)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"Unlike you, who must do a cost-benefit analysis of every human interaction," he said, "I have no idea what I hope to accomplish. I only know that I must try to see her. That's what love is about, Roger. It's when a woman drives all lucid thought from your head; when you are unable to contrive romantic stratagems, and the usual manipulations fail you; when all your carefully laid plans have no meaning and all you can do is stand mute in her presences. You hope she takes pity on you and drops a few words of kindness into the vacuum of your mind."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Major Pettigrew to his son Roger, p. 298)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"How can we not all feel it? We are small-minded people, creeping about the earth grubbing for our own advantage and making the very mistakes for which we want to humiliate our neighbors."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Major Pettigrew to Abdul Wahid, p. 341)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>"But it's not enough to be in love. It's about how you spend your days, what you do together, who you choose as friends, and most of all it's what work you do."</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Amina to Major Pettigrew, p. 351)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FELIX OF NOLA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINTS MAUR AND PLACID,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT MARCELLUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ITA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT REMIGIUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PAUL OF THEBES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FURSA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOSEPH VAZ,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ANTHONY, ABBOT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY, OP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CHARLES OF SEZZE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>THE JESUIT MARTYRS OF THE REFORMATION,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT WULSTAN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FAOLAN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT HENRY OF UPPSALA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CANUTE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED ANDREW PESCHIERA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT FABIAN, MARTYR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SEBASTIAN, MARTYR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: I spotted this on a walk with my beloved sister. <i>A hymn to our God.</i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div></div><p></p>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-40559322092248823842024-01-07T10:17:00.000-08:002024-01-12T19:38:11.505-08:00First Week in Ordinary Time<p>January is the month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus</p><p><b>Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Prologue 45 - Ch 2:31 Qualities of the Abbot</b></p><p></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso5ZA2JUYemYvIHYpmSDoKjhYbywGE0Qdxb3utMcrVWNn2HoFGllmYIxhQAhXs69Z7O3ibhLg9qWsTrcaOirS-W9gv2AnexECjJehPhwkwtym-506-GSh2VfsOX2-Sd_azb5NUWayWjn3dORLKkC2pufOqi7jJdr1LJ71oHZyDXtB5HVB1gd-rBgdeioP/s4032/IMG_8721.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso5ZA2JUYemYvIHYpmSDoKjhYbywGE0Qdxb3utMcrVWNn2HoFGllmYIxhQAhXs69Z7O3ibhLg9qWsTrcaOirS-W9gv2AnexECjJehPhwkwtym-506-GSh2VfsOX2-Sd_azb5NUWayWjn3dORLKkC2pufOqi7jJdr1LJ71oHZyDXtB5HVB1gd-rBgdeioP/s320/IMG_8721.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>From the River to the ends of the earth.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>JESUS, THE MIGHTY GOD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>HAVE MERCY ON US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Seek the Lord while He may be found, call Him while He is near.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Isaiah 55:6)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is most certainly a busy day and a busy week at the beginning of the still New Year 2024 fully immersed in January the month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. Welcome to the Epiphany of the Lord, the Baptism of the Lord, and the First Week in Ordinary Time. And not a few saints to commemorate and guide us on our way. Whew. The life of a Christian is exhausting. It is true something Willie Graf (1918-1943) said: "To be a Christian is perhaps the hardest thing to ever become in life." However, we keep going, and heed the words of Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), who wrote, "Let the Christian be valiant." United in faith and prayer, then, and all in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth, we are valiant in word and deed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of baptism, do you know the date of your baptism? It is an important day, the most important day in your life. As is customary, the Holy Father baptized 16 infants today in the Sistene Chapel. As Pope Francis said to the families gathered in the Sistene Chapel, we should see our baptism as a sort of "birthday." It is the day that the faith was received, a day to be celebrated. After all, it is the day we became a beloved child of God. So, celebrate the date of your baptism. If you do not know the date, contact the parish where you were baptized and find out. I was baptized November 29, 1964, when I was just 20 days old. For this, I thank my parents and godparents, and give God the praise for the gift. <i>I believe, help my unbelief. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now, we let the people speak. ☺</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The object of the new year is not to have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(G.K. Chesterton, 1874-1936)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another; then, in the kingdom of God, to which faith and good words are the way, you will shine as children of the light: through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a sermon by Pope Saint Leo the Great, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, Epiphany)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Christ is bathed in light; let us also be bathed in light. Christ is baptized; let us go down with Him, and rise with Him ... </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Today let us do honor to Christ's baptism and celebrate this feast in holiness. Be cleansed entirely and continue to be cleansed. Nothing gives such pleasure to God as the conversion and salvation of men, for whom His every word and every revelation exist. He wants you to become a living force for all mankind, lights shining in the world. You are to be radiant lights as you stand beside Christ, the great light, bathed in the glory of Him who is the light of heaven.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a sermon by Saint Gregory of Nazianzen, bishop, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, Baptism of the Lord)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The soul is regenerated in the sacred waters of baptism and thus becomes God's child.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Maximilian Kolbe, 1894-1941)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>May the God of love and peace set your hearts at rest and speed you on your journey; may He meanwhile shelter you from disturbance by others in the hidden recesses of His love, until He brings you at last into that place of complete plentitude where you will repose forever in the vision of peace, in the security of trust and in the restful enjoyment of His riches.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a letter by Saint Raymond of Penyafort, priest, in <i>Office of Readings, </i>January7)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>I am well aware, almighty God and Father, that in my life I owe you a most particular duty. It is to make my every thought and word speak of you ..</i>. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Impart to us, then, the meaning of the words of Scripture and the light to understand it, with reverence for the doctrine and confidence in its truth. Grant that we may express what we believe. Through the prophets and apostles we know about you, the one God the Father, and on Lord Jesus Christ. May we have the grace, in the face of heretics who deny you, to honor you as God, who is not along, and to proclaim this as truth.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a sermon On the Trinity by Saint Hilary of Poitiers, bishop, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, January 13)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>I want you to know that in this kind of warfare, the battering ram has always been the Rosary.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Our Lady to Saint Dominic)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond us.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>He does nothing in vain. He may prolong my life, He may shorten it; He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends, He may throw me among strangers, He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide the future from me - still He knows what He is about.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint John Henry Newman, 1801-1890)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, Prologue 49)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT RAYMOND OF PENYAFORT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAID APOLLINARIS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT NATHALAN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PETER THOMAS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ADRIAN OF CANTERBURY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ANDREW CORSINI, OP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED GONSALVO OF AMARANTE, OP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLEESED BERNARD SCAMMACCA, OP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT THEODOSIUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT AELRED OF RIEVAULX,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT WILLIAM OF BOURGES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED MARGUERITE BOURGEOYS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BENEDICT BISCOP,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLEESED ANN OF THE ANGELES MONTEAGUDO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINTS AGATHA YI AND TERESA KIM,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GREGORY OF NYSSA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP, DOCTOR, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: I nearly lost it while getting this shot. Flow river flow. <i>You will draw joyfully from the springs of salvation.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2024</div><p></p>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-66401491530208377862023-12-31T17:18:00.000-08:002024-01-02T19:56:25.795-08:00Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God/Week before the Epiphany of the Lord<p>December is the month dedicated to Advent and Christmas and the Immaculate Conception</p><p>January is the month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus</p><p>World Day of Peace</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>:</b> <b>Ch 73 This Rule Only a Beginning of Perfection - Prologue</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheD6vMh0ZhlJLEeANOzhxonijlzXihgxE9N2RKflHdfWZpks1tGwTEw0ZZJjR2ifIKlNQEaULlBpwFZmnqogOI3xiBsY9V254lUZVIqpaltov_-Bgyx974-aNyYwPZMEyhkxIULG7UplqsUSbam80kyCh7XBHqFz2EJPr6rl6EMeE14yVCjlCxXfZGZ3sQ/s4032/IMG_8703.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheD6vMh0ZhlJLEeANOzhxonijlzXihgxE9N2RKflHdfWZpks1tGwTEw0ZZJjR2ifIKlNQEaULlBpwFZmnqogOI3xiBsY9V254lUZVIqpaltov_-Bgyx974-aNyYwPZMEyhkxIULG7UplqsUSbam80kyCh7XBHqFz2EJPr6rl6EMeE14yVCjlCxXfZGZ3sQ/s320/IMG_8703.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Glory in His holy name.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>JESUS, SON OF THE LIVING GOD.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>HAVE MERCY ON US. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>And in whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to Him through God.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Col. 3:17)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, World Day of Peace and entry into the New Year 2024, all on the week before the Epiphany of the Lord. Alleluia. And that is not all, faithful readers. On January 4, we commemorate "wholly American," first born in the USA American citizen, wife, mother, foundress of the Sisters of Charity, Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton. For all this we give God the praise. And remember that a grateful person is a happy person and happy person is a grateful person. We are God's chosen ones, so we put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bear with one another and forgive one another. Over all these, though, we put on love, that is the bond of perfection, and be thankful. May peace control our hearts (see Col 3:12-21). Lord, give us the grace. Mary, Queen of peace, pray for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now, since we also begin our first read through of the year 2024 of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, why not consider our holy father's first words and spend this year by listening. "Listen carefully," says Saint Benedict, "with the ear of your heart" (Prologue 1). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The coming forth is from the days of eternity.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>But at the end of the ages</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>His coming forth</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>is from the womb of the woman</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>who encompassed Him.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>If the Lord wrought something</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>new upon earth</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>still the fragrance of this wonderful news</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>filled the heaven.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>A woman will encompass a man</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>as a crown encompasses the head.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>For the<i> head of the Church is Christ.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Gilbert of Hoyland, 1110-1170)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>God far exceeds all words that we can here express. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>In silence He has heard, in silence worshipped best.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Angelus Silesius, 1624-1677)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Different men have different names, which they owe to their parents or to themselves, that is, to their own pursuits or achievements. But our great pursuit, the great name we wanted, was to be Christians, to be called Christians.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a sermon by Saint Gregory of Nazianzen, 330-389/390, bishop, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, January 2)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Write what you will, I shall not relish it unless it tells of Jesus. Talk or argue about what you will, I shall not relish it if you exclude the name of Jesus. Jesus is to me honey in the mouth, music in the ear, a song in the heart.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, <i>On the Song of Songs</i>, 15, III, 6)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>God will provide; that is all my comfort.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Mother Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>We are never strong enough to bear our cross; it is the cross which carries us. Nor are we so weak as to be unable to bear it, since the weakest become strong by its virtue.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Mother Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>In whatever distress you may be, I beg you to let me know. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>And I will help you according to my ability.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint John Nepomucene Neumann, prayer from his diary)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>One must never dialogue, brothers and sisters, with the devil</i>. Never! You should never argue. Jesus never dialogued with the devil; He cast him out. And with the wilderness, [the] temptations, He did not respond with dialogue; He simply responded with the words of Holy Scripture, with the Word of God. Be careful: the devil is a seducer. Never dialogue with him, because he is smarter than all of us and he will make us pay for it. When temptation comes, never dialogue. Close the door, close the window, close your heart. And so, we defend ourselves against this seduction, because the devil is astute, intelligent. He tried to tempt Jesus with quotes from the Bible! He was a great theologian there. With the devil you do not dialogue. Do you understand this? Be careful. We must not converse with the devil, and we must not entertain ourselves with temptation. There is no dialogue. Temptation comes, we close the door. We guard our heart ...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>And we must ask for this grace of learning to guard the heart. It is a form of wisdom, how to guard the heart. May the Lord help [us] in this work. But he who guards his heart, guards a treasure. Brothers and sisters, let us learn to guard the heart.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pope Francis, General Audience Catechesis, December 27, 2023)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We go forth, united in faith and prayer, and pray for each other, that we learn to guard our hearts. Mary, Mother of the Word Incarnate, please cover us in your protective veil. We join the Holy Father and pray: "May Mary, Queen of the family, help us marvel every day at the good, and to know how to see it on the faces of those nearest to us" (Angelus Address, December 31, 2023)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SERVANT OF GOD JEROME LEJEUNE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SERVANT OF GOD ELIZABETH LESEUR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT SYLVESTER I, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZEN, BISHOPS AND DOCTORS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MUNCHIN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GENEVIEVE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT KURIAKOSE ELIAS CHAVARA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED STEPHANA QUINZANI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MOTHER SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN NEPOMUCENE NEUMANN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ANDRE BESSETTE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: Mary, the Holy Mother of God, with Her child Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. "You too are mothers of the Child who has been born for you and in you ... Keep watch in your care for the newborn Child" (Guerric of Igny, 1070/80-1157)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2023/2024</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-54652354443396566172023-12-24T10:08:00.000-08:002023-12-24T10:11:25.993-08:00The Nativity of the Lord<p>December is the month dedicated to Advent and Christmas and the Immaculate Conception</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>:</b> <b>Ch 66 The Porter of the Monastery- Ch 72 The Good Zeal of Monks</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFQxOXP_6JhX8Qvjja2yLQBeErk5LfIH1bwAlWC_fp3KOZYf24EmPhrgkeI3HyMBxbXXvGC9iG8-zNLaxrH_JaXHN25sgbnkxvP-JAygajSfDmwHrzlDEWjA__PVORU7NW1moS_wW_8ziPZw5WieNejaftbB5r3MpM2l4O46szAx_fmWyDTdachlrJPtI/s4032/IMG_7479.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFQxOXP_6JhX8Qvjja2yLQBeErk5LfIH1bwAlWC_fp3KOZYf24EmPhrgkeI3HyMBxbXXvGC9iG8-zNLaxrH_JaXHN25sgbnkxvP-JAygajSfDmwHrzlDEWjA__PVORU7NW1moS_wW_8ziPZw5WieNejaftbB5r3MpM2l4O46szAx_fmWyDTdachlrJPtI/s320/IMG_7479.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>A light will shine on us this day; the Lord is born for us.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Amen.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Romans 16:27)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to a packed day and week. If life is full and busy and occupied with many things and you think that Christmas is here too soon it is no wonder since we don't even get four full weeks of Advent! Whew. However, so goes it this year. And you can always keep in mind something Mother Teresa once explained to her nuns:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>What did Mary do, after she heard that she was to bear the Savior? Did she stay at home and meditate on the great mystery? No, when she heard that her elderly cousin Elizabeth was also with child, she immediately got up to go on a long journey - a very long journey to help her. To wash the pots and pans and do whatever needed to be done.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, we carry on united in faith and prayer and do whatever needs to be done while remembering some words of Saint Peter Canisius (1521-1597): "<span style="text-align: center;">If you have too much to do, with God's help you will find time to do it." If still </span>overwhelmed with all the things Our Lord and Savior is asking you to do, then ask His blessed Mother Mary to cover you in her protective veil as you respond with her, "I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For our voices for the week, may we listen with the ear of our hearts. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Dearly beloved, today our Savior is born; let us rejoice. Sadness should have no place on the birthday of life. The fear of death has been swallowed up; life brings us joy with the promise of eternal happiness.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a sermon by Pope Saint Leo the Great, in <i>Office of Readings, </i>Christmas)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Whenever we are kept waiting a while for something we greatly long for, when what we love does come it seems sweeter to us. It is up to us then to follow the example of the holy Fathers and to recall their longings and so set our minds on fire with love of and desire for Christ.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Aelred of Rievaulx, 1110-1167)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>When the human spirit is ready, God enters without hesitation or waiting. You need not look either here or there. God is not farther away than the door of the heart.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Meister Eckhart, 1260-1328)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>No one, whether shepherd or wise man, can approach God except by kneeling before the manger of Bethlehem and adoring Him hidden in the weakness of a new-born child.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Catechism of the Catholic Church</i>, 563)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>It is the Holy Spirit who gives us the audacity to believe that God loves us, </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>and the power to love Him back.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>All the way to heaven is heaven.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Servant of God Dorothy Day, 1897-1980)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Let us imitate blessed Stephen as far as God gives us the grace to do so. Let us not only love our friends but also our enemies, because there is nothing whereby we can so well redeem our sins, overcome the devil, and please God.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Saint Caesarius of Arles, 468/470-542)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Our Lady stands before us in all her glory to show what marvels God will accomplish in us, what heights, what nearness to Himself, if we but give ourselves to Him as she did, and allow Him to work in us. She is God's most perfect design, the most perfect image of Christ Jesus ... God is in the simple, the routine, the uneventful, the drab things of life. It is there that we encounter Him and can, if we will, embrace Him as Mary did, for He is Emmanuel, God with us. Our task it to be with Him - always.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Ruth Burrows, 1923-2023)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may He bring us all together to everlasting life.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, 72:11-12)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF ALL APOSTLES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF ALL MARTYRS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF ALL EVANGELISTS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT THOMAS BECKET,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT THOMAS MORE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>ELIJAH AND ELISHA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT THOMAS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>THE HOLY INNOCENTS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: Sunrise over Mt. Hood. <i>Heaven drops dew from above. Let the earth open up and the Savior spring forth.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2023</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-30388422320109965182023-12-17T13:32:00.000-08:002023-12-22T05:35:47.270-08:00Third Week of Advent<p>December is the month dedicated to Advent and Christmas and the Immaculate Conception</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>:</b> <b>Ch 62 The Priests of the Monastery- Ch 65 The Prior of the Monastery</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAyEA7L1eQYG4nK1yWYghrMSbxkqRIFUFzg-LoGefdQ9MYuKphDDCXqymqToGXUX5tf1Nq2u2XmS38JAYcP0V-pqOgsPuSqByV-p_TjlW84NEMrnhyphenhyphen5wB87hpiYf1kQqckqr2xhgOgTP2oTyRtuGSA6s0GYdEgssVy17-B8s-oo6RhxEU2SH2woTEiGAH/s4032/IMG_8469.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAyEA7L1eQYG4nK1yWYghrMSbxkqRIFUFzg-LoGefdQ9MYuKphDDCXqymqToGXUX5tf1Nq2u2XmS38JAYcP0V-pqOgsPuSqByV-p_TjlW84NEMrnhyphenhyphen5wB87hpiYf1kQqckqr2xhgOgTP2oTyRtuGSA6s0GYdEgssVy17-B8s-oo6RhxEU2SH2woTEiGAH/s320/IMG_8469.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>O Sapientia! </i>Come and teach us the way of prudence<i>.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>O Adonai!</i> C</b><b>ome and redeem us with outstretched arm.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>O radix Iesse! </i>Come to deliver us, and tarry not.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>O clavis David!</i> Come and lead to freedom the prisoner who sits in darkness and the shadow of death.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>O Oriens! </i>Come and illuminate those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>O Rex gentium!</i> Come and save mankind, whom you fashioned from clay.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>O Emmanuel!</i> Come and save us, O Lord our God!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Third Sunday of Advent and the days of the glorious "O" Antiphons that help us prepare in a more direct way for the Nativity of the Lord. <i>Come, Lord Jesus! </i>So how about we join Saint John the Baptist and cry out in the desert or city or country, or wherever we find ourselves and say, "make straight the way of the Lord!" Let's start with ourselves though and make straight the way of the Lord in word and deed. What is it you might do this week to prepare for the Lord? And some of our voices of the week just may lend a helping hand. Keep going!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the hymn "On Jordan's Bank," we sing <i>Let us lay down a road for Him who is drawing near</i>. So as we prepare for Him who is drawing near, let's hear what Anthony Esolen has to say:*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>That's some work. Clear the land, get rid of the rocks, dig down for a foundation, and lay the paving stones. And while we're at it, we must get to work on our hearts, furnishing them making them clean and sweet, so that there will be a fit room there in the inn for the Lord at His birth, and He may abide in us, and we in Him (Jn 15:4)</b></i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world disturb it.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint John of the Cross, the Mystical Doctor, 1542-1591) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Gerard Majella, 1726-1755)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The direction of oneself toward God and toward solitude in Him prepares the soul for the acquisition of that peace that helps us in the most distracting, most active external work ... Man's silence makes room for God's word. When man is silent, God is heard. And once we listen intently to God we maintain our silence even in the midst of our speech.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Stefan Wyszynski, 1901-1981)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The greatest things are accomplished in silence-not in the clamor and display of superficial eventfulness, but in the deep clarity of inner vision; in the almost imperceptible start of decision, in quiet overcoming and hidden sacrifice. Spiritual conception happens when the heart is quickened by love, and the free will stirs to action. The silent forces are the strong forces.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Romano Guardini, 1885-1968, in <i>The Lord</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>None of the great things in human life spring from the intellect; every one of them issues from the heart and its love. If even human love has its own reasoning, comprehensible only to the heart that is open to it, how much truer must this be of God's love!</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Romano Guardini, 1885-1968, in <i>The Lord</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>We know that God gives us every grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Faith lifts the soul; hope supports it; experience says it must and Love says ... let it be!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Isaiah 7:9)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Whatever you do, think not of yourself but of God.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Vincent Ferrer, 1350-1419)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we go forth this week, united in faith and prayer, we heed the words of Saint Paul:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>In all circumstance give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Th 5:17-18)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And at the same time, we receive Saint Paul's blessing:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and He will also accomplish it.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Th 5:23-24)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED SCUBILION,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GATIAN OF TOURS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED POPE URBAN V,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FACHANAN OF KILFENORA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DOMINIC OF SILOS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PETER CANISIUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN OF KETY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CHAEROMON,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*A. Esolen, The Poetry of Praise "He is Near," in <i>Magnificat</i>, December 2023, p. 206.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: <i>As the earth brings forth its plants and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2023</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-72940965882425319242023-12-10T08:59:00.000-08:002023-12-16T05:14:08.476-08:00Second Week of Advent<p>December is the month dedicated to Advent and Christmas and the Immaculate Conception </p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>:</b> <b>Ch 57 The Artisans of the Monastery - Ch 61 The Reception of Visiting Monks</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzBLBk7m1i1whElhklcpZ8ndvU8H3cqPe6yaVIEKcm2TgDHPidu7mp7t5GhWp9XZumwOch_NpIMqzwX0rpmANV5wfZYqgLhAMGW9rvZf1oxEd1N-ADsThdyYMT8mQVHhL3PVXJSMuFrDxBVSwmCIfYMJ1a1VtIKDrO-1DaIrPiRGszPg-2jdR76XPm1Bj/s4032/IMG_8375.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzBLBk7m1i1whElhklcpZ8ndvU8H3cqPe6yaVIEKcm2TgDHPidu7mp7t5GhWp9XZumwOch_NpIMqzwX0rpmANV5wfZYqgLhAMGW9rvZf1oxEd1N-ADsThdyYMT8mQVHhL3PVXJSMuFrDxBVSwmCIfYMJ1a1VtIKDrO-1DaIrPiRGszPg-2jdR76XPm1Bj/s320/IMG_8375.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Justice shall look down from heaven.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Isaiah 40:5)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Second Sunday of Advent. The Sunday when we hear a messenger who will prepare the way; a voice of one crying out in the desert: <i>Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths </i>(Mk 1:3). It is time to listen, then, with the ear of your heart (<i>Rule of Saint Benedict </i>Prologue 1). Or as a disciple of Saint Benedict says: "Enter the room of your heart. Put your ear to the door, strain to listen to the tidings God's messenger brings" (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux). Be alert; pay attention. Don't miss a thing, for "there is no room for complacency in Christian life" (Mary Healy). Just what is it that you will do this week to make straight the way of the Lord? We turn to one of my favorites, Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), for help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Make straight the way of the Lord, fill up the valleys, lower the mountains and hills. They, as well as the ditches and valleys, trouble travelers. Make straight the paths. Those that twist and turn fatigue the pilgrim greatly. Our life too contains many hills, valleys and tortuous ways which can be put right only by penitence. Penitence fills up the valleys, lays low the mountains, makes straight and smooths the ways. Do penance ... lower those mountains of pride, fill up those valleys, those ditches of lukewarmness and tepidity. The valleys ... which are none other than fear which, when it is excessive leads to discouragement. Fill up the valleys; that is, fill your hearts with confidence and hope because salvation is near at hand.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jesus, please give us the grace we need this week to further prepare for Your coming. May we be found worthy to enter Your kingdom. United in faith and prayer, we go forth. <i>Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here a voice, there a voice, everywhere a voice, voice ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Time slows,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>waiting with the text,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>waiting for the Word to come,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Waiting with my heart</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Wide open</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>For Him to write</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>His pages there.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(David Hodges)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The Incarnation is the most stupendous event which can ever take place on earth; and after it and henceforth, I do not see how we can scruple at any miracle on the mere ground of its being unlikely to happen.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint John Henry Newman, 1801-1890)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>In putting his signature, in faith, to the <i>mysterium</i> of the Incarnate Son of God, a person is enabled to be a helper of his fellow men, to bring happiness to children, families, and the oppressed. Faith in the Incarnation promotes the salvation of mankind and the implementation of human rights.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Theodor Schnitzler, 1910-1982)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(James M. Barrie, 1860-1937, author of <i>Peter Pan</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Thomas Merton, 1915-1968)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Put aside hatred and hostility. See to it that you refrain from harsh words.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Francis of Paola, 1416-1507)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The golden urn is blessed Mary,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>golden by reason of the excellence of her life,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>golden through her integrity and purity,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>golden through the fullness of grace.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Amadeus of Lausanne, 1110-1159)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Salve Regina! Immaculate Virgin,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Hear me implore; and thy pity bestow;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Wild waves of trouble around me are surging,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Light with thy smile the deep night of my woe.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Queen of the saints! hear my earnest petition,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Mother of Jesus, conceived without sin,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Turn me aside from the road to perdition,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Let me the fold of thy love enter in.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(William A.C. Hosmer, 1814-1877)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OUR LADY OF LORETO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MELCHIADES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN ROBERTS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT EDMUND GENNINGS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT EUSTACE WHITE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT POLYDORE PLASDEN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SWITHIN WELLS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT DAMASUS I,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MARIA MARAVILLAS OF JESUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FINIAN OF CLONARD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT LUCY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT VIRGINIA CENTURIONE BRACELLI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED MARY OF THE ANGELS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ADELAIDE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: This shot, taken after some days of considerable rainfall, turns out to be perfect. <i>Glory dwelling in our land.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-67002130404436414222023-12-03T07:49:00.000-08:002023-12-08T20:00:31.663-08:00First Week of Advent<p>December is the month dedicated to Advent and Christmas and the Immaculate Conception </p><p>December 7 is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day</p><p>December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Patronal Feast of the United States of America</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>:</b> <b>Ch 52 The Oratory of the Monastery - Ch 56 The Abbot's Table</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHroCaPAZWtjwh1cCuURSIx-cEPMFttQs2jR9kMrPYtxJpBiWUH5oifJ1k5k7K-G8zXg6P9K4P_6SE5EDnuc49QXhzMNJjAVv5tNdpO4uEYSB2g57JNxmHe5ufXfcYLolFQ8ZQLVAwfnnSbJjKg6nQ4fVaEK-lef1HPNEt3-uQ-MW0fQBbZIKKdwSnbUx/s4032/IMG_7447.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHroCaPAZWtjwh1cCuURSIx-cEPMFttQs2jR9kMrPYtxJpBiWUH5oifJ1k5k7K-G8zXg6P9K4P_6SE5EDnuc49QXhzMNJjAVv5tNdpO4uEYSB2g57JNxmHe5ufXfcYLolFQ8ZQLVAwfnnSbJjKg6nQ4fVaEK-lef1HPNEt3-uQ-MW0fQBbZIKKdwSnbUx/s320/IMG_7447.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Protect what your right hand has planted.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, QUEEN CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Cor 1:8)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy New Liturgical Year and welcome to the season of Advent. For these gifts, we give God the praise. Our brief connection at the commencement of this most holy and glorious season begins with a voice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>To prepare our hearts to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, will come one day to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize His presence in the events of daily life. Advent is then a period of intense training that directs us decisively to the One who has already come, who will come and who continuously comes.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pope Saint John Paul II)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we prepare, then, to welcome the Lord, let us, united in faith and prayer, pray for the grace to be more aware of the presence of God in our daily lives. Be watchful! Be alert! At the end of each day of Advent, record at least one time when you were aware of the presence of God. Keep a list. Pray with the growing list and be grateful. The Lord is with you, in times of joy, frustration, challenge, in times high and low. Call on Him; He is faithful. He will keep you firm to the end. Praise to the God who is, praise to the God who was, praise to the God who is to come, for ages unending. Amen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of being aware of and alert to the presence of God in the events of daily life, we also want to be aware of the saints who are with us and want us to be with them. “We,” however, as Saint Bernard of Clairvaux tells us, “are indifferent. The souls of the just awake us, and we ignore them … we should not only want to be with the saints, we should also hope to possess their happiness.” So, what saint has been calling your name? Do you have a new patron saint who wants you to be with him or her for Liturgical Year 2023/2024? Let a saint choose you. Pray, first, that the proper saint be guided your way. Pray for yourself that you are open to and aware of the saint who is guided your way. Aware of the presence of God; aware of the presence of your saint, be grateful. A grateful person is a happy person. Dear Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, help me to possess your happiness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT</b> <b>FRANCIS XAVIER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED HEREDIA ZUBIA COMPANIONS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SABAS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN ALMOND,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BIRINUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT HEDDA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BARTHOLOMEW MANTI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GERALD OF MAYO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT NICHOLAS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT AMBROSE OF MILAN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JUAN DIEGO CUAUHTLATOATZIN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>VENERABLE SERVANT OF GOD FULTON SHEEN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR </b></div><p>Today’s photo: Christmas cactus in the luxurious home of dears d and J. <i>Take care of this vine.</i></p><p>© Gertrude Feick 2023</p>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-59420741917425552382023-11-26T10:12:00.000-08:002023-12-02T18:58:03.673-08:00Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe<p>November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory</p><p>December is the month dedicated to Advent and Christmas</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>:</b> <b>Ch 47 Announcing the Hours for the Work of God - Ch 51 Brothers on a Short Journey</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M8ty-N8yqkcc5bIkmEC0NMHrDDn23rZrTzkfA6UgnQTpMy3r5p35alxpFWQ1a4N5qpVbc8XvZ57vf80uiAgVcveVA1KNVrPZmBtmHpOeB-Sd8NgXi8cVBsZQADx3aJio3_dtm6-zmJaRqg2TdjDpqUlHZoSEMA4WcR36Ve5_KZFVb5vn3ZMPP6xrLxdH/s1600/image000001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M8ty-N8yqkcc5bIkmEC0NMHrDDn23rZrTzkfA6UgnQTpMy3r5p35alxpFWQ1a4N5qpVbc8XvZ57vf80uiAgVcveVA1KNVrPZmBtmHpOeB-Sd8NgXi8cVBsZQADx3aJio3_dtm6-zmJaRqg2TdjDpqUlHZoSEMA4WcR36Ve5_KZFVb5vn3ZMPP6xrLxdH/s320/image000001.jpeg" width="148" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>He guides me in right paths.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ALL FOR WHOM LOVE OR DUTY BIDS ME PRAYER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MY JESUS MERCY!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>So that God may be all in all.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Cor 15:28)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and entry into the Last Week in Ordinary Time. <i>How worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honor. To Him belong glory and power for ever and ever. </i>Amen. (Entrance Antiphon, Mass). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let us continue during these final days of November to pray for those who have died, for the poor souls in Purgatory, and especially for those who don't have anyone to pray for them. We pray too, for the repose of the soul of Ruth Burrows (Sister Rachel, OCD), the Quidenham Carmelite who died on November 10, 2023. Ruth summarized her insights in this way: "God offers Himself in total love to each one of us. Our part is to open our hearts to receive the gift." Thank you, Sister Rachel, for your service to God and the Church. Rest in peace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent and the start of the new liturgical year. Is there a saint calling out to be your patron saint for the year? Has there been a nudge from one of the saints you've read about or heard from throughout the days of November? Just who is it that could help you respond to the universal call to holiness and reach out to those in need - the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the imprisoned - for those in need of your attention and care at home, work, parish, or in your neighborhood. You don't have to go far to find someone in need of your love. Just who is it that will help you open your heart to receive the gift of God's love and then pass it along to others ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of the brothers or sisters of mine, </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>you did for me.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Matthew 25:40)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now the time you've been waiting for. Let us rejoice and be glad as we hear from our voices for the week. With all the saints, we join our holy father Saint Benedict "ready to give up our own will, once and for all, and armed with the strong and noble weapons of obedience to do battle for the true King, Christ the Lord" (<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, Prologue 3).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The saints in each generation, joined to those who have gone before and filled like them with light, become a golden chain, in which each saint is a separate link, united to the next by faith, works and love.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Simeon the New Theologian, 949-1022)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>A person can wait for the Lord the more trustfully if his conscience is so at rest as to let him say: Every smallest possession of mine, Lord, is entirely yours.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Guerric of Igny, 1070/80-1157)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Solanus Casey, 1870-1957)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>May we always welcome the word which you send us and give it flesh in our lives, that those who come after us may learn the message of your love from what we do and say.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Arnold Jules Reche, 1838-1890)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Love knows no measure, so in love and for love we should just suffer and work.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Ulrike Franziska Nisch, 1882-1913)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>I wish to be a poor woman and I am happy with it, because it seems to me that this way I am loved even more by the Lord ... It is not riches but doing the will of God that makes the heart happy.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Eurosia Fabris, 1866-1932)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has, and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint John Chrysostom, 347-407)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, 1922-1962)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>O my God, let me remember with gratitude and confess to Thee Thy mercies toward me.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Teresa of Avila, 1515-1582)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT LEONARD OF PORTO MAURIZIO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FRANCESCO ANTONIO FASANI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FERGAL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED BERNARD FRANCIS DE HOYOS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSEDS DENIS AND REDEMPTUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ANDREW, APOSTLE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED CLEMENTINE ANUARITE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ALEXANDER BRIANT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ALL SAINTS OF THE SERAPHIC ORDER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SATURNINUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CATHERINE LABOURE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JAMES OF THE MARCHES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FRANCESCO ANTONIO FASANI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JAMES INTERCISCUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT SECHNALL OF IRELAND,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT LEONARD OF PORT MAURICE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PETER OF ALEXANDRIA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED SANTIAGO ALBERIONE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT RALPH SHERWIN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT EDMUND CAMPION,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ELIGIUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BIBIANA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: <i>For years to come.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>© </i>Gertrude Feick 2023</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-29949783607756044142023-11-19T09:51:00.000-08:002023-11-19T09:56:09.686-08:00Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time<p>November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory</p><p>The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time is World Day of the Poor</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>: Ch 41 The Times for Meals- Ch 46 Faults Committed in Other Matters</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOlkuSb1ZKVTK06ZcI2uXeQEwZrbx1n9fnTl092Fyr1cwr6cHffzyBO_jOn4BjtFfGBNtH-mGfAZyLfR2LiPvjHXCRxznrqtrY2PEBHL9UtVKEb_FW3WDhVR2BLuqcoQ-KJsiJjsW_KZbipVjllVfEHvTy_CNkFvmEoMKnx49B9CRZMeNHJ8Q0MvjPdyq/s1600/image000000.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOlkuSb1ZKVTK06ZcI2uXeQEwZrbx1n9fnTl092Fyr1cwr6cHffzyBO_jOn4BjtFfGBNtH-mGfAZyLfR2LiPvjHXCRxznrqtrY2PEBHL9UtVKEb_FW3WDhVR2BLuqcoQ-KJsiJjsW_KZbipVjllVfEHvTy_CNkFvmEoMKnx49B9CRZMeNHJ8Q0MvjPdyq/s320/image000000.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Blessed are those who fear the Lord.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>FOR THE WORLDY-MINDED, </b><b>WHO FAILED TO USE THEIR WEALTH AND TALENTS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MY JESUS MERCY!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Th 5:5-6)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time, still in the month of November dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. It is this week that we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Give God the praise!. It is fitting and right, then, that we think about all the gifts and blessings Our loving God has given each one of us, individually and collectively. At the same time, we think about what we have, or have not done, with the gifts, or "talents", that God has bestowed upon us in abundance. There could be many reasons why we don't use the gifts God has given us. Perhaps we feel unworthy, or we do not trust God to give us the strength we need to carry out what is asked of us, or maybe we are afraid of the unknown. Or maybe we do not even know what our gifts are, and sadly, no one else has bothered to help us develop our gifts. And there could be plenty of reasons to wonder why another would be bothered by such a thing. There are not a few things, then, to keep in mind. First, remember how Saint Benedict begins Ch 40 of the Holy Rule, "The Proper Amount of Drink." Our holy father begins with words from Saint Paul and reminds us that "everyone has his own gift from God, one this and another that" (1 Cor 7:7/RB 40:1). That would be everyone, not just a select few. And Saint Paul tells us elsewhere that "God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength" (1 Cor 10:13). It seems to me then, that we should just go for it and give glory to God. If others are jealous, envious, in the comparing mode, or whatever, that is their problem, not yours. It's all for the glory of God and the good of the Body of Christ. Build up; don't tear down. And if you notice something good in another, for the sake of Our living and true God, tell her! We turn once again to Saint Benedict who turns to Saint Paul who declared: "By God's grace I am what I am (1 Cor 15:10), and again, "he who boasts should make his boast in the Lord" (2 Cor 10:17)/<i>RB </i>Prologue 31-32. And while we are at it, we might as well cry out with Saint Joan of Arc and declare, "I am not afraid; I was born to do this."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we go forth this week, united in faith and prayer, we join Pope Francis and all those gathered in Saint Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus, and pray, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Lord, I trust in You; give me the strength to keep going; I trust in You, in the things You have given me; let me know how to carry them forward.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Inspired, we keep going, and listen to this week's voices, all from saints. The first shout helps us keep things in perspective as we respond to the universal call to holiness and remember that holiness is for everyone no matter your state of life.*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>There is no harm to the saints if their faults are shown as well as their virtues.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>You learn to speak, by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so you learn to love God and man by loving. Begin as a mere apprentice and the very power of love will lead you on to become a master of the art.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>We are not called upon to be successful, but to be faithful.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Cling inseparably to eternal treasures but things temporal we must use like passers-by, that as we are sojourners beginning to return to our own land, all the good things of this world which meet us may be as aids on the way, not snares to detain us.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pope Saint Leo the Great, d. 461)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Praise the Lord with the lyre, make melody to Him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to Him a new song ...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Let us sing a new song not with our lips but with our lives ... </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Everyone one of us tries to discover how to sing to God. You must sing to Him, but you must sing well. He does not want your voice to come harshly to His ears, so sing well, brothers! ...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>See how He Himself provides you with a way of singing. Do not search for words, as if you could find a lyric which would give God pleasure. Sing to Him "with songs of joy." This is singing well to God, just singing with songs of joy ...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Your heart must rejoice beyond words, soaring into an immensity of gladness, unrestrained by syllabic bonds. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Sing to Him with songs of joy.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a discourse on the psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, November 22, Memorial of Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><b>Monks should diligently cultivate silence at all times, but especially at night.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, 42:1)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Let us not imprint on ourselves the image of a despot, but let Christ paint His image in us with His words: </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">My peace I give you, my peace I leave with you. </i><b>But the knowledge that peace is good is of no benefit to us if we do not practice it. The most valuable objects are usually the most fragile; costly things require the most careful handling. Particularly fragile is that which is lost by wanton talk and destroyed with the slightest injury of a brother. Men like nothing better than discussing and minding the business of others, passing superfluous comments at random and criticizing people behind their backs. So those who cannot say: </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">The Lord has given me a discerning tongue, that I may with a word support him who is weary </i><b>should keep silent, of if they do say anything it should promote peace.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(From an instruction by Saint Columban, abbot, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, November 23)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Creator God, you have endowed each one of us with unique talents and possibilities. Give us the strength to use these gifts to develop ourselves, to serve the community in which we live, and to give glory to you, the source of all giftedness. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Amen.**</i></b></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT RAFAEL GONZALEZ AND HIS COMPANIONS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT RAFAEL KALINOWSKI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT EDMUND,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CECILIA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT CLEMENT I,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT COLUMBANUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED MIGUEL AGUSTIN PRO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ANDREW DUNG-LAC AND HIS COMPANIONS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*For a fun essay, see Donald Demarco, "The Eccentricities of Saints," in <i>Catholic Exchange, </i>November 8, 2023. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">**See Michael Casey, <i>Balaam's Donkey: Random Ruminations For Every Day of the Year </i>(Liturgical Press, 2019).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: A contribution from a faithful reader and longtime friend of Redwoods, who just happens to take beautiful photos too. This one from her recent retreat with us. <i>Who walk in His ways!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2023</div><p></p>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-79265969100691253562023-11-12T10:46:00.000-08:002023-11-18T05:09:58.983-08:00Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time<p>November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>: Ch 35 Kitchen Servers for the Week - Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglayt1Sb5ne_xIO8Z_7BbkyglIRqVHJvoY5lzz6ARfXQhqRqYMP_8ZwO_csDxpbfM4YIaJydAQuMZPKafxi3P8tJBkY1jUUhCAADQZABQ6tDihyphenhyphenhhLqf4y5CFSU5rnwx2fxUcIWb6zkfYv-_K9MYBZag5PyhuQcjggt3f5LBISMZWhE14N9XzrXQhGT70O/s1280/IMG_4276.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglayt1Sb5ne_xIO8Z_7BbkyglIRqVHJvoY5lzz6ARfXQhqRqYMP_8ZwO_csDxpbfM4YIaJydAQuMZPKafxi3P8tJBkY1jUUhCAADQZABQ6tDihyphenhyphenhhLqf4y5CFSU5rnwx2fxUcIWb6zkfYv-_K9MYBZag5PyhuQcjggt3f5LBISMZWhE14N9XzrXQhGT70O/s320/IMG_4276.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>My lips shall glorify you.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>THOSE WHO ARE LEAST REMEMBERED,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MY JESUS HAVE MERCY.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Wisdom 6:12)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time as we continue to blaze through the glorious month of November dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. For all who have died, for the poor souls in Purgatory, for all those who don't have anyone to pray for them, and for all those who pray for us as we continue on our journey of faith and respond to the universal call to holiness. Give praise to God! And how fitting it is this week as we commemorate All the Saints of the Benedictine Family to heed the words of our holy father Benedict in the Prologue to the <i>Holy Rule</i>. After all, it is Jesus who tells us to <i>Stay awake and be ready! For you do not know on what day your Lord will come. </i>It behooves us to be ready. And if it's not Wisdom that you run into, run the other way! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Let us get up then, at long last, for the Scriptures rouse us when they say: <i>It is high time for us to arise from sleep. </i>Let us open our eyes to the Light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge: <i>If you hear His voice today, do not harden your hearts</i>, And again: <i>You that have ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches</i>. And what does He say? <i>Come and listen to me, sons; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Run while you have the light </i>of life, <i>that the darkness </i>of death <i>may not overtake you. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, </i>Prologue 8-13)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And for our voices for the week, we give praise as we hear first from my patron saint, commemorated November 16. A voice that turns out to be a nice little mantra for just about all situations, those pleasant and not so pleasant as we are bound to be presented with a little of both. ☺</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>In all that concerns me, Lord, Your adorable will be done.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, 1256-1301)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Teach me the language you speak, O God, and make me understand those little signs, by which you give understanding hearts to know what is your will.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(William of St. Thierry, <i>c</i>. 1085-1148)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>You are the tabernacle of God; you the temple of God. As the Apostle</i><i> says: Holy is the temple of God which you are. A temple, because the Lord will reign forever in you. And yet a tabernacle, because God is on pilgrimage in you, God hungers in you, God thirsts in you.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Aelred of Rievaulx, 1110-1167)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Humility is not a coward's virtue. Its beatitude is found through an abandonment in faith that touches the heroic.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Bishop Eric Varden, ocso, Bishop of Trondheim, Norway) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>God will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Everything may be taken from us, but God we shall find everywhere. Courage, Sisters, courage!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Julie Billiart, 1751-1816, in collaboration with a devout noblewoman, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>We must keep the flame of faith alive in our heart. This flame is lit with the oil of charity and prayer; charity performed through and for the love of God.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The greater my unworthiness, the more abundant His mercy.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>All for God, and all through Mary.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron, 1911-1938)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER CABRINI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ALL SAINTS OF THE BENEDICTINE FAMILY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MACHAR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED MARIA TERESA SCRILLI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DYFRIG OR DUBRIC OR DUBRICUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT LAURENC O'TOOLE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>THE BEATIFIED MARTYRS OF THE CLIFTON DIOCESE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>THE READING MARTYRS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOSEPH PIGNATELLI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ALL CARMELITE SAINTS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>COMMEMORATION OF ALL CARMELITE SOULS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOSEPH MOSCASTI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT EDMUND OF ABINGDON,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OUR LADY OF THE GATE OF DAWN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT HILDA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT HUGH OF LINCOLN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DIONYSIUS OF ALEXANDRIA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINTS PETER AND PAUL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ROSE-PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ROMAN OF ANTIOCH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: This one from a little walk my beloved sister and I took a few days ago. Don't forget to look down; don't forget to look up. <i>Lifting up my hands, I will call upon Your name</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2023</div><p></p>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-40786509775304135112023-11-05T17:05:00.005-08:002023-11-07T04:40:31.133-08:00Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time<p>November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>: Ch 29 Readmission of Brothers Who Leave the Monastery - Ch 34 Distribution of Goods According to Need</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0apGjqZpZ7LJGnzuhz_Rbvx2r3dptyh7jzHN00lcXf2BHXxX-4aCzyKUTLF4GwVMyKMcKDqOpY3oLsLX8rUCLkGWbkzWaV3ciG3mdDBjLAhJZA9PpQlb-_PDC094b-XTf44FeAo99djApSkGwxtLQISijV5lAe6WzMmV2jhmYfx2jl5BCYU2T0p6H_-mW/s4032/IMG_8166.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0apGjqZpZ7LJGnzuhz_Rbvx2r3dptyh7jzHN00lcXf2BHXxX-4aCzyKUTLF4GwVMyKMcKDqOpY3oLsLX8rUCLkGWbkzWaV3ciG3mdDBjLAhJZA9PpQlb-_PDC094b-XTf44FeAo99djApSkGwxtLQISijV5lAe6WzMmV2jhmYfx2jl5BCYU2T0p6H_-mW/s320/IMG_8166.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>O Lord, my heart is not proud.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Those who endure the greatest suffering, </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>my Jesus, mercy!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF THE HUMBLE OF HEART,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Has not the one God created us?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Malachi 2:10)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Mt 23:12)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time and the month of November dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. <i>Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is plenty for us to do this week. One is to humble ourselves and be busy about serving others, whether we are in the mood or not. I already passed along these words from Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997); however, they are clear: "If you are truly humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are." And that is what we are now, children of God made in the image and likeness of the one, living and true God. As children, we declare boldly: "By God's grace I am what I am (1 Cor 15:10), and again, "he who boasts should make his boast in the Lord" (2 Cor 10:17)/<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, Prologue 31-32. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And remember, the word of God is now at work in you who believe (see Th 2:13). <i>I believe, help my unbelief. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now our voices for the week as we keep the faith and respond to the universal call to holiness. We begin with Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), to help us as we pray for the dying and the already deceased, those who die alone and suffer alone in purgatory with no one on earth to pray for them. And this is one reason why I ask a dying person not to forget me and help me get to Heaven to join them. <i>Give God the praise. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The practice of recommending to God the souls in Purgatory, that He may mitigate the great pains which they suffer, and that He may bring them to His glory, is most pleasing to the Lord and most profitable to us. For those blessed souls are His eternal spouses, and most grateful are they to those who obtain their deliverance from prison, or even a mitigation of their torments. When, therefore, they arrive in Heaven, they will be sure to remember all who have prayed for them.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Follow the saints, because those who follow them will become saints.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pope Saint Clement I, d. 99)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>In everything, do that which will make God loved the more.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Frances d’Amboise, 1427-1485)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">My fellow Christians, do we wish to celebrate joyfully the birth of this temple </span><b>[the Lateran Basilica]? Then let us not destroy the living temples of God in ourselves by works of evil. I shall speak clearly, so that all can understand! Whenever we come to church, we must prepare our hearts to be as beautiful as we expect this church to be. Do you wish to find this basilica immaculately clean? Then do not soil your soul with the filth of sins. Do you wish this basilica to be full of light? God too wishes that your soul not be in darkness, but that the light of good works shine is us, so that He who dwells in the heavens will be glorified. Just as you enter this church building, so God wishes to enter your soul, for He promised:<i> I shall live in them, and I shall walk the corridor of their hearts.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a sermon by Saint Caesarius of Arles, d. 542, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, November 9)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Invisible in His own nature </i>[God] <i>became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, He chose to come within our grasp.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pope Saint Leo the Great, d. 461)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Here was a man [Saint Martin of Tours] words cannot describe. Death could not defeat him nor toil dismay him. He was quite without a preference of his own; he neither feared to die nor refused to live. With eyes and hands always raised to heaven he never withdrew his unconquered spirit from prayer ... he left this life a poor and lowly man and entered heaven rich in God's favor.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a letter by Sulpicius Severus, 363-425, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, November 11)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The human mind is prone to pride when not supported by power; how much more, then, does it exalt when it has that support.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pope Saint Gregoy the Great, d. 604)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The lively consideration of graces received makes us humble </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>because </i></b><b><i>knowledge of them excites gratitude.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622, <i>Introduction to the Devout Life</i>, IV, 5)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Whoever needs less should thank God and not be distressed, but whoever needs more should feel humble because of his weakness, not self-important because of the kindness shown to him.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>The Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, 34:2-4, Distribution of Goods According to Need)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Hold the cross high so I may see it through the flames!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Joan of Arc, 1412-1431)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED FRANCES D'AMBOISE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JEAN-THEOPHANE VENARD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ENGELBERT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>ALL THE SAINTS OF IRELAND,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>ALL SAINTS OF AFRICA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT ILLTUDE OR ILLTYD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT NUNO ALVARES PEREIRA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>BLESSED JOSEPH GIRBES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT WILLIBRORD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>ALL SAINTS OF WALES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>BLESSED GEORGE NAPIER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT JOHN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>POPE SAINT LEO THE GREAT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: I walk by this little beauty more than once a day. Thankfully, no creature great or small has managed to eat it. Give God the praise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2023</div></div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-75739069766914212012023-10-29T10:13:00.003-07:002023-10-31T04:48:02.576-07:00Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time<p>October is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary</p><p>November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>: Ch 22 The Sleeping Arrangements of the Monks - Ch 28 Those Who Refuse to Amend after Frequent Reproofs</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_ipWL_sxQwzw4cl4JlAHRmh0NVDYM6RzFN6MYNcihOhd2IN-exGlflFV8rdEiDuc3mJ4iDNg7a2AEpeVA4YQIjk-DUDQ5kqfRRjJfr_mW7RjwaHd23FDDn5Yhsr7jP4Bp_1qObxlvhzR0MA4ZhAXZ4vtQ38ck818-6FPzJ6BcTUhCXNqzECPpvoXo_Vm/s4032/IMG_6169.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_ipWL_sxQwzw4cl4JlAHRmh0NVDYM6RzFN6MYNcihOhd2IN-exGlflFV8rdEiDuc3mJ4iDNg7a2AEpeVA4YQIjk-DUDQ5kqfRRjJfr_mW7RjwaHd23FDDn5Yhsr7jP4Bp_1qObxlvhzR0MA4ZhAXZ4vtQ38ck818-6FPzJ6BcTUhCXNqzECPpvoXo_Vm/s320/IMG_6169.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Praised be the Lord, I exclaim.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, REFUGE OF SOULS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>For I am compassionate.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Ex 22:26)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time. Jesus gives us a tall order in today's Gospel, that is, <i>You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. </i>And, <i>love your neighbor as yourself </i>(Mt 22:37-39). Do not be daunted. Instead, go to Saint Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (13:1-13) and Saint Benedict's Tools for Good Works found in Chapter 4 of the Holy Rule, for help. Just say no resounding gongs or clashing cymbals (see 1 Cor 13:1). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>So faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1 Cor 13:13)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Never lose hope in God's mercy.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Rule of Saint Benedict </i>4:74)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I learned about a new saint last Thursday. I was especially thinking of him yesterday when we commemorated Saints Simon and Jude. It occurred to me that Saint Jude, the patron saint of lost causes (and desperate situations, forgotten causes, hospital workers, hospitals, impossible causes, and the diocese of Sr. Petersburg, Florida!) was certainly busy working on Blessed Bartolo Longo (1841-1946). And what a story (see reference below *). In short, our dear Bartolo grew up in a family of faith who prayed the Rosary together daily. Then, Bartolo sort of wandered from the fold, to say the least. After his mother's death, Bartolo not only fell in with a paganic group, they "ordained" him as Satanist priest. He participated in all sorts of extracurricular activities - please read for yourself. In any case, Bartolo ultimately experienced a mental breakdown, and with help from his dead father's voice, "Return to God! Return to God!", and Dominican priest who heard Bartolo's confession, Bartolo returned to God and His Church. In 1871, Bartolo became a Third Order Dominican, took the name of Br. Rosario in honor of the Rosary, married a local widow on the advice Pope Leo XIII, and all this goes on to lead to the Basilica of the Most Holy Rosary in Pompeii. I am telling you that you have to read the story for yourself. Pope Saint John Paul II beatified Bartolo on October 26, 1980, calling him the "Apostle of the Rosary." And it is said that over 30,000 people attended the ceremony. There will more to this story as our faith unfolds. All told, with God, <b>ALL</b> things are possible. Give God the praise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In this week when we say farewell to October and welcome to November, our first three voices speak to us of the Most Holy Rosary, and the following honor saints, including some we commemorate this week, or those who preached on the most holy days we celebrate this week. And something to keep in mind throughout the whole of the liturgical year are the words of Blessed Columba Marmion: "We should be by grace what Jesus was by nature, a child of God and a child of Mary." <i>Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>If I ever come to the end of the day without having said the rosary, I confess that I feel disappointed. There are some people who say: "The rosary is a good thing for women and children." Granted. But what does the Lord say? </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Unless you become as little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven-</i><span style="font-weight: bold;">and for my part, I want to go there!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Columba Marmion,<i> </i>1858<i>-</i>1923)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>By its nature the recitation of the rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord's life as seen through the eyes of Her who was closest to the Lord. In this way the unfathomable riches of these mysteries are unfolded.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pope Saint Paul VI, 1897-1978, <i>Marialis Cultus, </i>47) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The rosary is not a devotion to the Blessed Virgin, it is <i>the </i>devotion to Mary!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Blessed Pauline Jaricot, 1799-1862)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Calling the saints to mind inspires, or rather arouses in us, above all else, a longing to enjoy their company, so desirable in itself. We long to share in the citizenship of heaven, to dwell with the spirits of the blessed, to join the assembly of patriarchs, the ranks of the prophets, the council of apostles, the great host of martyrs, the noble company of confessors and the choir of virgins. In short, we long to be united in happiness with all the saints ...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>we must above all seek the prayers of the saints. Thus, what is beyond our own powers to obtain will be granted through their intercession.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a sermon by Saint Bernard, abbot, in <i>Office of Readings, </i>November 1)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Yearn for everlasting life with holy desire. Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die. Hour by hour keep careful watch over all you do, aware that God's gaze is upon you, wherever you may be.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, 4:46-49)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The example of Martin's life is ample evidence that we can strive for holiness and salvation as Christ Jesus has shown us: first, by loving God <i>with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind; and second, by loving your neighbor as yourself ...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Saint Martin, always obedient and inspired by his divine teacher, dealt with his brothers with that profound love which comes from pure faith and humility of spirit. He loved men because he honestly looked on them as God's children and as his own brothers and sisters. Such was his humility that he loved them even more than himself and considered them to be better and more righteous than he was.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(From a homily at the Canonization of Saint Martin de Porres by Pope John XXIII, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, November 3)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">If you wish to make any progress in the service of God we must begin every day of our life with new ardor.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Charles Borromeo, 1538-1584)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally, we join Venerable Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan (1928-2002) in prayer, and at the same time remember that "Whenever one person does something good for another, there God is especially near. Whenever someone opens himself for God in prayer, then he enters into His special closeness."**</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Lord, give to our world many saints. I may produce material goods, but you alone, Lord, can give us saints.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Venerable Francis Xavier Van Thuan)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED BARTOLO LONGO, APOSTLE OF THE ROSARY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED CHIARA LUCE BADANO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF DOUAI COLLEGE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT COLMAN MACDUAGH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MARCELLUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF WINCHESTER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT THOGER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED DOMINIC COLLINS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED MARIA TAUSCHER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ALPHONSO RODRIGUEZ,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT WOLFGANG AND THE 14 HOLY HELPERS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT GIANNA MOLLA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT WINEFRIDE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MALACHY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED JOHN BODY,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED RUPERT MAYER,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT BENEDICT,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* See Angelo Stagnaro, "Blessed Bartolo Longo, the ex-Satanist Who Was Freed Through the Rosary," in <i>National Catholic Register</i>, December 12, 2016.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">**Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, <i>God and the World: A Conversation with Peter Seewald</i> (Ignatius, 2002).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: Acadia National Park, in the woods near Long Pond, Bar Harbor, Maine, The Pine Tree State. Thank you, beloved Marshall family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2023</div><p></p>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-25610984348390020172023-10-22T10:22:00.004-07:002023-10-27T20:29:46.227-07:00Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time<p>October is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>: Ch 18 The Order of the Psalmody - Ch 21 The Deans of the Monastery</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNVK8FXqgorBYddGDT8gPNhobrKe-vXcRezZP7Lcoyr3YOfXEDAI5Y0ox0h_maqe0qr9a_iNxz5r3NgvlpaCYt7bhSgHkiUZq_Y63Zt8ZR3ky8l-5FZBX7cBBbbq_JsuWYpw6I8SeU6TQYVDNGiljPg9IxifpLzvzAVosTOJxK1jVLs-iNU4-eH2u-fbl/s4032/IMG_8036.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNVK8FXqgorBYddGDT8gPNhobrKe-vXcRezZP7Lcoyr3YOfXEDAI5Y0ox0h_maqe0qr9a_iNxz5r3NgvlpaCYt7bhSgHkiUZq_Y63Zt8ZR3ky8l-5FZBX7cBBbbq_JsuWYpw6I8SeU6TQYVDNGiljPg9IxifpLzvzAVosTOJxK1jVLs-iNU4-eH2u-fbl/s320/IMG_8036.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>For great is the Lord and highly to be praised.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, VIRGIN MOST VENERABLE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>I am the Lord, there is no other.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Is 45:6)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time, a week that begins on World Mission Sunday while we are still deeply immersed in October, the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. At the same time, it is not too early to begin preparation for the new Liturgical Year 2023/2024 that commences on the First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2023. You may remember last year that I suggested choosing a patron saint for the New Year, or rather, letting a patron saint choose you as a companion for the year. My faithful companion for Liturgical Year 2022/2023 is Saint Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad (1870-1957), a Briggintine nun. Sadly, I do not remember her enough. However, I trust that she remembers me. That is something saints do - they do not forget all of us here on earth still responding to the universal call to holiness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the subject of saints, in other years we would commemorate the great Pope Saint John Paul II on October 22. I had the privilege of attending his beatification, May 1, 2011. I could go on about that forever. However, put simply, it was an awesome gathering of thousands of people from all over the world. And it is true that we may be inspired by the words of a saint, like ones below from our saint of day, or at least I hope so. That is one reason most of our voices for the week come from the mouths of saints. I am inspired by what they have to say to me, and perhaps you will be inspired too. Inspired, you just may decide to learn about a particular saint's life and be further inspired. In an article, the author Father Michael Rennier writes about the importance of knowing the lives of saints: "Through their lives-not simply by their words-the saints bring theological concepts to reality."* So maybe you have read, or will read, the words of a particular saint included in our voices for the week that is coming through loud and clear. Is there a saint that is inviting you to learn more about his or her life, and then inviting you to have a new patron saint for the Liturgical Year 2024? Remember to be open, your patron beckons in unexpected ways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With all this and more in mind, then, some of our voices come from saints commemorated this week, others not. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our first voice, though meant for clerics, is relevant for all the faithful and a nice one to help us "put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Rm 13:12). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>You are the light of the </i></b><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i>world. </i>Now a light does not illumine itself, but instead it diffuses its rays and shines all around upon everything that comes into its view. So it must be with the glowing lives of upright and holy clerics ... Their own lives should be an example to others, showing how they must live in the house of the Lord.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">(From the treatise Mirror of the Clergy by Saint John of Capistrano, priest, 1386-1456, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, October 23)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><b>The love of Christ arouses us, urges us to run, and to fly, lifted on the wings of holy zeal. The man who truly loves God also loves his neighbor ... The zealous man desires and achieves all things and he labors strenuously so God may always be better known, loved and served in this world and in the life to come, for this is holy love without end.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(From a work by Saint Anthony Mary Claret, bishop, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, October 24)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. On those who waver, have mercy.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Jude 20-22)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>To be always close to Jesus, that's my life's plan.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Eucharist in my highway to heaven. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Rosary is the ladder to climb to Heaven.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Blessed Carlo Acutis, 1991-2006)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>I need nothing but God and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, 1647-1690)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>To live without faith, without a heritage to defend, without battling constantly for truth, is not to live but to "get along"; we must never just "get along."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-1925)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>If the saint is to become himself, he must become himself in Christ.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Father Gregory Pine, O.P., Friar of the Province of Saint Joseph)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And we conclude with a prayer for the week, united as we are in faith and prayer. May we follow the example of Saint Paul, and, as he wrote to the Thessalonians, give thanks to God for each other, remember each other in prayer, and remember that each one of us is loved by God (see Th 1:1-5b). <i>God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me </i>(<i>Rule of Saint Benedict</i>, 18:1/Ps 70:2). Keep going.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>O Virgin Mother,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>guide and sustain us</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>so that we may always live</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>as true sons and daughters</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>of the Church of your Son.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Enable us to do our part</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>in helping to establish on earth</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>the civilization of truth and love,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>as God wills it,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>for His glory.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pope Saint John Paul, II, 1920-2005, <i>Christifideles Laici </i>The Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People<i>, </i>64)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN OF CAPISTRANO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ETHELFLAEDA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ANTHONY MARY CLARET,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MAGLIORE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>FREI GALVAO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CHAD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT CEDD, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT OTTERAN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Father Michael Rennier, "Knowing the Lives of Saints Will Transform Your Lives," in <i>Aleteia</i>, September 17, 2023.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: Coming from the "House on the Hill" the other day, I stopped and looked. With awe and reverence, the words heard later from Anne Frank (1929-1945) now ring true: "I looked up in the sky and trusted in God." It is in Him that we live, and move, and have our being. Give God the praise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2023</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-20454124450920837712023-10-15T10:28:00.002-07:002023-10-21T05:19:17.920-07:00Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time<p>October is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>: Ch 12 The Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds - Ch 17 The Number of Psalms to Be Sung at These Hours</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4W-ApCyq02eScvrQQylT9lHVIX7NGRhegi-2Yzv8RlDaP9SRs1W3s1w0gV5CE0el5azcqiIYMIneMtqetW1fPWtk6Oz9PNA5Qo5exD-AsuPBtJ-5qfGjm11eHvKzNzJYMypscECi9akwsAP7osLSE1Gp3d5SXIPYgdITjs5HDAK_nfwKAm0GwBgHc7UBK/s4032/71667080825__8BF4E655-ED89-4616-A911-2437A5347E48.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4W-ApCyq02eScvrQQylT9lHVIX7NGRhegi-2Yzv8RlDaP9SRs1W3s1w0gV5CE0el5azcqiIYMIneMtqetW1fPWtk6Oz9PNA5Qo5exD-AsuPBtJ-5qfGjm11eHvKzNzJYMypscECi9akwsAP7osLSE1Gp3d5SXIPYgdITjs5HDAK_nfwKAm0GwBgHc7UBK/s320/71667080825__8BF4E655-ED89-4616-A911-2437A5347E48.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>He refreshes my soul.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, SINGULAR VESSEL OF DEVOTION,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Is 25:9)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Marching on in this month of October dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary, we have more heavy-hitter saints to invoke this week kicking it off with the great Doctor Saint Teresa of Avila, who wrote, "Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you ..." Why is it that we let things disturb us though 🤔. Rather, why not take a moment to breathe in the Holy Spirit and breathe out the Peace the world cannot give. And Saint Teresa continues ... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>All things pass away:</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>God never changes.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Patience obtains all things.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>He who has God</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Finds he lacks nothing;</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>God alone suffices</b>. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It happens that I have been going through some old journals which has proven to be both fun and enlightening, among other things. Fun? A November 1997 entry found me in New Zealand where I wrote, "I've written 45 postcards with two left." Rest assured, I did much more than write postcards. ☺However, I love to write postcards (and cards and letters!) and receive them too (hint). Just last week I received three postcards from the state of Maine! Enlightening? A 2003 entry found me in the midst of this exchange. Voice 1: "I don't have time to myself. My personal life is non-existent. Why?" Voice 2: "Because you said 'Yes', Sister." "Yes," is a very powerful word, one voice commented just the other day. And as it relates to today's Gospel (see Mt 22:1-14), the Lord invites each of us to the daily feast. Do you accept the invitation? Does your "Yes" really mean "Yes", no matter what? So, we pray with Pope Francis and all the faithful gathered today in Saint Peter's Square for the Angelus Address, "May Mary, who with her 'yes', made room for God, help us not to be deaf to his invitations." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">United in faith and prayer, we “rejoice and be glad that God has saved us" (Is 25:9). And as we go forth, we thank Saint Paul for his words of encouragement: "My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen" (Ph 4:19-20). <i>Thy will be done</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our voices this week come our great Saint and Doctor of the Church, Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, who influenced our beloved Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897), also known as Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face.* At the name of Jesus every knee should bend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Oh, what a good friend You make, my Lord! How You proceed by favoring and enduring. You wait for others to adapt to Your nature, and in the meanwhile You put up with theirs!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>The Book of Her Life</i>, Ch 8, 6)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else but an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(<i>The Book of Her Life</i>, Chapter 8, 5)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The important thing is not to think much but to love much.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>The Interior Castle</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Let us love the virtues and inward goodness, and let us always apply ourselves and take care to avoid attaching importance to externals.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>The Way of Perfection</i>, Ch IV)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>I mean that the King of glory will not come to our souls-that is, so as to united with them-unless we strive to gain the greatest virtues.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>The Way of Perfection, </i>Ch XVI)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Although it is a great grace from God to practice self-examination, yet "too much is as bad as too little," as they say; believe me, by God's help, we shall advance more by contemplating the Divinity than by keeping our eyes fixed on ourselves, poor creatures of earth that we are ...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Our understanding and our will become more noble and capable of good in every way when we turn from ourselves to God.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>The Interior Castle, </i>Ch 3, 8, 11)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Let the Christian be valiant.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>The Interior Castle, </i>Chapter I, 13)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Getting used to solitude is a great help to prayer. Since prayer must be the foundation on which the house is built, it is necessary for us to learn to like whatever gives us the greatest help in it.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>The Way of Perfection, </i>Chapter IV)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Humility, however deep it be, neither disquiets nor troubles nor disturbs the soul; it is accompanied by peace, joy and tranquility.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>The Way of Perfection</i>, Ch XXXIV)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT TERESA OF AVILA, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT HEDWIG,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUES,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT MARGARET D'YOUVILLE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT RICHARD GWYN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT GALL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT LUKE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT JOHN DE BREBEUF AND ISAAC JOGUES AND THEIR COMPANIONS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT PHILIP HOWARD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT FRIDESWIDE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT PETER OF ALCANTARA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>BLESSED DAUDI OKELO AND JILDO IRWA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT BERTILLA BOSCARDIN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT HILARION,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>SAINT GASPARE OF THE BUFALO,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>BLESSED CHARLES OF AUSTRIA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*<i>NB</i>. Check out the Holy Father's hot off the press issued today, October 15, 2023, Apostolic Exhortation to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth the great Doctor and Saint Therese of Lisieux, <i>C'est la confiance </i>It is confidence and nothing but confidence that must lead us to Love. See www.vatican.va. Go Little Flower ⚘ go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: For our viewing pleasure, my beloved bro Thomas captured this live while doing a little work in his yard, Indianapolis, Indiana, The Hoosier State. <i>Raindrops keep falling on my head</i> ... <i>Sun and moon, bless the Lord, praise and exalt Him forever</i>! Saint Thomas, Saint Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">© Gertrude Feick 2023</div><p></p>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4098270936409267042.post-76972545061869432022023-10-08T09:32:00.009-07:002023-10-12T14:07:02.856-07:00Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time<p>October is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary</p><p><b>Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict </b><b>for the Week</b><b>: Ch 7:59 Humility - Ch 11 The Celebration of Vigils on Sunday</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JlLoM_YFmo8UBKQIg2dhx5Xkq1wdOdtQuOLqkjFwkVLizzwYP7akLvhkM_TTJc76XgDDhMLul6-gf9R8_pWa6MgglllKVhyphenhyphen2nuFMkYUJW-RBUqs4nJTpeYyFnApkUas0s3LYtZOBgLR-bXXJm5Mdg-F_2AR2YD3qWWNGVJtuLcooDteIyQR773-UAK7y/s4032/IMG_2240.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JlLoM_YFmo8UBKQIg2dhx5Xkq1wdOdtQuOLqkjFwkVLizzwYP7akLvhkM_TTJc76XgDDhMLul6-gf9R8_pWa6MgglllKVhyphenhyphen2nuFMkYUJW-RBUqs4nJTpeYyFnApkUas0s3LYtZOBgLR-bXXJm5Mdg-F_2AR2YD3qWWNGVJtuLcooDteIyQR773-UAK7y/s320/IMG_2240.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Take care of this vine.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARY, MIRROR OF JUSTICE,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Then the God of peace will be with you.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Ph 4:9)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time in the month of October dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. And if you don't know who Blessed Alan de la Roche (1428-1478) is (I just met him ☺) or what Blessed Alan de la Roche (1428-1478) said about the rosary, please allow me to pass along his words that I just heard: "The Holy Rosary is the storehouse of countless blessings." So, "recite your Rosary with faith," says Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716), and "with humility, with confidence, and with perseverance." After all, "the greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary" (Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622). <i>Hail Mary, full of grace ... </i>Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As it turns out, the Church offers us some of my favorites today. The first is quoted in the reading from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew. There we hear an echo of the Psalmist and the Prophet Isaiah: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Ps 118:22-23/Is 28:16). And it occurred to me during First Vespers yesterday afternoon that, because of this gift, I should certainly "have no anxiety all" (Ph 4:6), as Saint Paul writes. And that leads me to another favorite, not in the readings today, namely, "Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Ps 127:1). It is the Cornerstone, the Rock, the firm foundation upon which we stand. Build your house on Him. Yes, "by the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes" (Ps 118:23). And "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Ph 4:6-7). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">United in faith and prayer, let us sing about our friend and His vineyard (see Is 5:1), and go forth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now a word or two from our sponsors in heaven to keep us going.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Make my language clear, my Savior, open my mouth and, after filling it, penetrate my heart so that my acts may correspond to my words.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Romanus the Melodist, late 5th century-556) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Let us produce worthy fruits of penance. Let us also love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us have charity and humility. Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin ... We must not be wise and prudent according to the flesh. Rather we must be simple, humble and pure. We should never desire to be over others. Instead, we ought to be servants who are submissive to every human being for God's sake. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on all who live in this way and persevere in it to the end. He will permanently dwell in them. They will be Father's children who do His work. They are the spouses, brothers and mothers of Our Lord Jesus Christ.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226, From a letter written to all the faithful, in <i>Office of Readings</i>, October 4)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>O life so monotonous, how many treasures you contain! When I look at everything with the eyes of faith, no two hours are alike, and the dullness and monotony disappear.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Faustina Kowalska, 1905-1938)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Take every day as a ring which you must engrave, adorn, and embellish with your actions, to be offered up in the evening at the altar of God.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>God's works are done with clasped hands and on our knees. Even when we "run" we must rest spiritually on our knees before Him.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Saint Luigi Orione, 1872-1940)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And to encourage us to pray the rosary during this month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary, we have "Land of Lincoln" Illinois born, Venerable Fulton Sheen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The rosary is the book of the blind where souls see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world have ever known; it is the book of the simple, which initiates them into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying then the education of other men; it is the book of the aged, whose eyes close upon the shadow of this world, and open the substance of the next. The power of the rosary is beyond description.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Venerable Fulton Sheen, 1895-1975)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MARIST MARTYRS OF BARCELONA,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DENIS AND HIS COMPANIONS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN LEONARDI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED DOMINIC BARBERI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PHILIP NERI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT PAULINUS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT DANIEL COMBONI,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT KENNETH,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED WILLIAM HOWARD,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT WILFRID,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED JAN BEYZYM,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OUR LADY OF APERECIDA, PATRONESS OF BRAZIL,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR, PATRONESS OF SPAIN AND THE AMERICAS,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>SAINT EDWARD THE CONFESSOR,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT CALLISTUS</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII,</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>PRAY FOR US.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photo: <i>And protect what Your right hand has planted.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>© </i>Gertrude Feick 2023</div>Sister Gertrudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988786431620550056noreply@blogger.com0