December 2025

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

December is the month dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ.

Maranatha!

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF JESUS,

IMMACULATE MARY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Dear Faithful Readers, Happy New Liturgical Year and welcome to the most holy season of Advent, on this first day of December 2025, the month dedicated to Advent and the coming of Christ. Come, and save us, Lord our God; let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. Alleluia, alleluia. 

The holy season of Advent is a time of preparation, a time to be still, a time to free ourselves from the obstacles that limit our experience of the presence of Jesus who has already come, who will come, and who continuously comes. One way to go about that is by embracing the wisdom of Abba Antony. As the story goes, "Someone asked the Abba Antony, 'What sort of practices do I need to maintain in order to please God?' In reply the elder said, 'Practice what I am prescribing for you: Wherever you go, keep God right before your eyes-always. Whatever you're doing, hold on to the testimony of the holy Scriptures. Wherever you're living, don't be in a hurry to move on. Keep these practices and you'll be saved.'"* Stay awake. Wait. Wait for the Lord. Be still and know that He is God. Recognize His presence at all times and in all places. And you will be saved.

At the same time, it is in this holy season that we anticipate Christmas with the great "O" Antiphons, listed here in part, traditionally sung before and after the Canticle of Mary at Vespers from December 17-23. May we proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Come, Lord Jesus, come. 

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High ... 

come and teach us the way of prudence.

O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel ...

come and redeem us with outstretched arm.

O root of Jesse, who stands as a sign among the people ...

come to deliver us and tarry not.

O Key of David, opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom ...

come and free the prisoners of darkness!

O Rising Dawn, splendor of eternal Light and Sun of Justice ...

come and illuminate those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

O King of the nations and their Desire, the Cornerstone who binds two into one:

come and save mankind, whom you fashioned from clay.

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver ...

come and save us, O Lord our God!

United in faith and prayer, we go forth with words to inspire us ...

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.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, 1920-2005, General Audience, December 18, 2002)

The world might have expected the Son of God to be born in an inn; a stable would certainly be the last place in the world where one would look for Him. The lesson is: divinity is always where you least expect to find it. So the Son of God made man, is invited to enter into His own world through a back door.

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)

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)

The whole of Christ's life was a continual teaching: His silences, His miracles, His gestures, His prayer, His love for people, His special affection for the little and the poor, His acceptance of the total sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of the world, and His resurrection are the actualization of His word and fulfillment of revelation.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae, 9)

When it is sincere and comes from the heart, deep emotion is the most eloquent response [to] a great love or a great sorrow ... No word or gesture or gift can substitute for it because it is the best gift. It means opening oneself to the other.

(Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M., Cap., preacher to the papal household)

Strict with myself, I want to be only kind and gentle with my neighbor. To live in interior union with our God, and to make of all the monotony, triviality, and simple duties of my life so many prayers for others.

(Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur, 1866-1914)

At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God's own love and concern.

(Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world disturb it.

(Saint John of the Cross "The Mystical Doctor," 1542-1591)

All my works, Lord, are truly nothing without your grace and mercy, which you so generously shower on all creatures, and this without number or measure. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God (Rom 11:33).

(Venerable Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471)

But because I ask for silence,

don't think I'm going to die.

The opposite is true;

it happens that I'm going to live.

(Pablo Neruda, 1904-1973)

No one heals himself by wounding another.

(Saint Ambrose of Milan, 339-397)

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.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 563)

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.

(Saint Caesarius of Arles, 468/70-542)

Now Christmas is come

Let us beat up the drum,

And call all our neighbors together,

And when they appear, 

Let us make them such cheer

As will keep out the wind and the weather.

(Washington Irving, 1783-1859)

BLESSED CLEMENTINE ANUARITE,

SAINT ALEXANDER BRIANT,

SAINT RALPH SHERWIN,

SAINT EDMUND CAMPION,

SAINT BIBIANA,

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER, PRIEST,

SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE, PRIEST, DOCTOR,

SAINT CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINT GERARD OF MAYO,

SAINT JOHN ALMOND,

SAINT BIRINUS,

SAINT NICHOLAS, BISHOP,

SAINT AMBROSE OF MILAN,

SAINT JUAN DIEGO CUAUHTLATOATZIN,

OUR LADY OF LORETO,

SAINT EULALIA OF MERIDA,

SAINT MELCHIADES,

SAINT EDMUND GENNINGS,

SAINT JOHN ROBERTS,

SAINT EUSTACE WHITE,

SAINT POLYDORE PLASDEN,

SAINT SWITHIN WELLS,

POPE SAINT DAMASCUS I,

SAINT MARIA MARAVILLAS OF JESUS,

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE,

SAINT FINIAN OF CLONARD,

SAINT LUCY, VIRGIN, MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS,

SAINT VIRGINIA CEBTURIONE BRACELLI, 

BLESSED URBAN V,

SAINT CHAEROMON,

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,

SAINT ADELAIDE,

SAINT GATIAN,

BLESSED MARY OF THE ANGELS,

SAINT OLYMPIAS,

BLESSED SCUBILION,

SAINT FACHANA OF KILFENORA,

SAINT FLANNAN, BISHOP,

SAINT DOMINIC OF SILOS,

SAINT JOHN OF KETY, PRIEST,

SAINT THORLAK THORHALLSSON,

SAINT STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST,

SAINT ANYSIUS,

THE HOLY FAMILY,

POPE SAINT SYLVESTER I,

PRAY FOR US.

* See Tim Vivian, Becoming Fire: Through the Year with the Desert Fathers and Mothers (Cistercian Studies/Liturgical Press, 2024), entry for December 2, p. 370.

This month's photo: The Light has come into the world; He is wrapped in swaddling clothes. For you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays (Malachi 3:20a).

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Second Week of Advent

December is the month dedicated to Advent and Christmas and the Immaculate Conception 

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 57 The Artisans of the Monastery - Ch 61 The Reception of Visiting Monks

Justice shall look down from heaven.

MARY, CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; 

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

(Isaiah 40:5)

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: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths (Mk 1:3). It is time to listen, then, with the ear of your heart (Rule of Saint Benedict 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.

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.

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. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come. 

Here a voice, there a voice, everywhere a voice, voice ...

Time slows,

waiting with the text,

waiting for the Word to come,

Waiting with my heart

Wide open

For Him to write

His pages there.

(David Hodges)

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.

(Saint John Henry Newman, 1801-1890)

In putting his signature, in faith, to the mysterium 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.

(Theodor Schnitzler, 1910-1982)

God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.

(James M. Barrie, 1860-1937, author of Peter Pan)

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.

(Thomas Merton, 1915-1968)

Put aside hatred and hostility. See to it that you refrain from harsh words.

(Saint Francis of Paola, 1416-1507)

The golden urn is blessed Mary,

golden by reason of the excellence of her life,

golden through her integrity and purity,

golden through the fullness of grace.

(Amadeus of Lausanne, 1110-1159)

Salve Regina! Immaculate Virgin,

Hear me implore; and thy pity bestow;

Wild waves of trouble around me are surging,

Light with thy smile the deep night of my woe.

Queen of the saints! hear my earnest petition,

Mother of Jesus, conceived without sin,

Turn me aside from the road to perdition,

Let me the fold of thy love enter in.

(William A.C. Hosmer, 1814-1877)

OUR LADY OF LORETO,

SAINT MELCHIADES,

SAINT JOHN ROBERTS,

SAINT EDMUND GENNINGS,

SAINT EUSTACE WHITE,

SAINT POLYDORE PLASDEN,

SAINT SWITHIN WELLS,

POPE SAINT DAMASUS I,

SAINT MARIA MARAVILLAS OF JESUS,

SAINT FINIAN OF CLONARD,

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,

SAINT LUCY,

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS,

SAINT VIRGINIA CENTURIONE BRACELLI,

BLESSED MARY OF THE ANGELS,

SAINT ADELAIDE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This shot, taken after some days of considerable rainfall, turns out to be perfect. Glory dwelling in our land.

© Gertrude Feick

December 22

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O Rex gentium!

Saints: Saints Chaeromon, Bishop, Ischyrion, and Others, Marytyrs (250); Blessed Jutta of Diessenberg (1136)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 65:1-10 The Prior of the Monastery

Mass: 1 Sm 1:24-28; Resp Ps (1 Sm 2); Lk 1;46-56 

He raises the needy from the dust.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT JOSEPH, MOST STRONG,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.

(Lk 1:46)

We march on to the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord and pray: O King of the nations and their Desire, the Cornerstone who binds two into one; come and save mankind, whom you fashioned from clay. As we continue our countdown to Christmas, we have another day of joy and much thanksgiving. We have beloved Hannah, Mary, and Elizabeth in our readings at Mass. They alone bring us much to rejoice about. These strong, faithful women are busy interceding for us. They know something about what life is about, with all its up and downs. Women of prayer, may they inspire us to get down on our knees and pray for one another, especially for those who find these days difficult, those who grieve, those who suffer with depression, loneliness, isolation, or illness. Reach out in one way or another. Let your Spirit rejoice in God your Savior and help lift up the lowly.

Let Mary's soul be in each of you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord. Christ has only one mother in the flesh, but we all bring forth Christ in faith ... Magnify the Lord with me. The Lord is magnified, not because the human voice can add anything to God but because He is magnified in us. Christ is the image of God, and if the soul does what is right and holy, it magnifies that image of God, in whose likeness it was created and, in magnifying the image of God, the soul has a share in its greatness and is exalted.

(From a commentary on Luke by Saint Ambrose, bishop, in Office of Readings, December 21)

SAINT CHAEROMON, ISCHYRION AND OTHERS,

BLESSED JUTTA OF DIESSENBERG,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From the daily morning regime, on "the hill." Don't forget to stop and take a closer look now and then. He raises up again.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Our Lady of Loreto

Saints: Pope Saint Melchiades (d. 314); Saint John Roberts (1575-1610); Saint Edmund Gennings (1567-1591); Saint Eustace White (1559-1591); Saint Polydore Plasden (1563-1591); Saint Swithin Wells (c.1536-1591)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 57 The Artisans of the Monastery

Mass: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Resp Ps 80; Mt 17:9a, 10-13

Protect what your right hand has planted.

OUR LADY OF LORETO,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Savior.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass for the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Loreto)

God is praised on this Saturday that concludes the Second Week of Advent 2022. During this month of December dedicated to the Incarnation Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus, today we commemorate Our Lady of Loreto. There are many places to read about the Holy House of Loreto which now sits in the village of Loreto, Italy. It is the holy house where Mary was born and raised, the one where the angel Gabriel was sent from God to the Virgin called Mary and is believed to have the original walls of the house where Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, the home where the Christ Child Jesus was raised. Tradition holds that angels miraculously transported the house from Nazareth in Galilee to Loreto in the 1294.* It seems a good day, then, to take out the Litany of Loreto, and ask Mary, Queen of families, to pray for us. I can never decide what title for Mary is my favorite in the Litany of Loreto. It seems to depend upon the day. At the same time, it never hurts to come up with our own title for Mary. Mary, Queen of all hearts, pray for us.

Let us honor Mary, then ... with all the affections of our hearts and all our prayers, because that is the wish of him who desires us to possess all things through Mary.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, "Sermon for the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary")

POPE SAINT MELCHIADES,

SAINT JOHN ROBERTS,

SAINT EDMUND GENNINGS,

SAINT EUSTACE WHITE,

SAINT POLYDORE PLASDEN,

SAINT SWITHIN WELLS,

PRAY FOR US.

* See the University of Notre Dame (faith.nd.edu), Catholic News Agency, and Weekend Loop from Catholic Vote.

Today's photo: For Our Lady of Loreto. Lord, make us turn to you.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Second Week of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saints: Saint John Almond (c.1565-1612); Saint Birinus (7th century); Saint Hedda (-705); Saint Bartholomew Fanti (c.1428-1495 ); Blessed Philip Rinaldi (1856-1931) 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 53:16-24 The Reception of Guests

Mass: Is: 35:1-10; Resp Ps 85; Lk 5:17-26

Kindness and truth shall meet.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF VIALANKANNI,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.

(Is 35:2)

Welcome to Monday of the Second Week of Advent. Just like Ol' Man River, the Season of Advent keeps rollin' along. One might ask what Ol' Man River has to do with Advent. I just listened to Paul Robeson singing Ol' Man River; it just seems to fit. And with what has to be one of the most beautiful passages from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah proclaimed at Mass today, how can we not, along with the people in today's Gospel, be seized with astonishment and glorify God, and struck with awe say, "We have seen [and heard] incredible things today"! (see Lk 5:26).

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf be unstopped;

Then will the lame leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

(Is 35:5)

We close with inspiration from one of our saints of the day, Blessed Philip Rinaldi, a Salesian and Saint John Bosco's third successor. 

What must you do to have life? Before all else, the first thing you have to do is pray for courage every day to carry the cross the Lord has assigned to you. Then let each of you do your own work really well, the work proper to your state, as God wants it, and according to your condition.

(Blessed Philip Rinaldi)

SAINT JOHN ALMOND,

SAINT BIRINUS,

SAINT HEDDA,

SAINT BARTHOLOMEW FANTI,

BLESSED PHILIP RINALDI,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Here it is, our Advent wreath lit for the Second Week of Advent. Glory dwelling in our land.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Second Sunday of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

In other years: Saint John Damascene, Priest, Doctor of the Church, "Last of the Church Fathers" (675/76-749)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 53:1-16 The Reception of Guests

Mass:  Is 11:1-10; Resp Ps 72; Rm 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12

Profound peace, till the moon be no more.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God

(Rm 15:7)

Welcome to the Second Sunday of Advent. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

John the Baptist makes his grand appearance this season and literally appears in the desert and preaches: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Mt 3:1-2). And how might our repentance be evident? It is by the good fruit that we produce (Mt 3:8). Very good fruit, then, is in how we welcome one another, as Saint Paul writes, welcome one another as Christ welcomed us (see Rm 15:7). And that is one reason why our holy father Saint Benedict begins his chapter on the reception of guests in this way: "All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for He Himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Proper honor must be shown to all, especially to those who share our faith and to pilgrims" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 53:1-2). United in faith and prayer, all that we do in word and deed is for the glory of God. For His dwelling shall be glorious (Is 11:10).

Lead me to pastures, Lord, and graze there with me. Do not let my heart lean either to the right or to the left, but let your good Spirit guide me along the straight path. Whatever I do, let it be in accordance with your will, now until the end.

(From The Statement of Faith by Saint John Damascene, priest, in Office of Readings, December 4)

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: By custom, today's photo would be of our Advent wreath with two candles burning. This photo, from an early morning, February 21, 2021, fit so well with the Responsorial Psalm though. Our Advent wreath is coming soon. Justice shall flower in his days.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the First Week of Advent

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saint: Saint Catherine Laboure (1806-1876)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 40:10-21 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass:  Is 4:2-6; Resp Ps 122; Mt 8:5-11

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The Lord's glory will be shelter and protection: shade form the parchment heat of day, 

refuge and cover from storm and rain.

(Is 4:6)

Welcome to Monday of the First Week of Advent. Yes, it is Monday and not much else needs to said about that. At the same time, we are in the holy season of Advent. We remember from the Church's norms on the liturgical year that Advent has a twofold character, "for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ's Second Coming at the end of time." Advent then is a "period of devout and expectant delight" (39).  It is also a time, as put by wife, mother of a disabled son, and by profession an academic dean, Kimberly Shankman, when we find ourselves in what she calls "a new certainty: we long for what has already happened, but is still happening today. When we quiet down, and embrace our neediness, we can see Christ present here and now" ("What Are We Waiting For?", in Magnificat, November 2022, p. 390). We get busy then and as discussed yesterday, awake from sleep, arise from stupor, throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. United in faith and prayer, we want to be prepared for Jesus Christ in our midst right now, in the midst of the daily, even the Monday daily. Christ is in the midst of our relations with others, even the most difficult ones, in our suffering, neediness, joy, sorrow, and trials. Keep an eye out for Him today. Praise to the God who is, praise to the God who was, praise to the God who is to come, for ages unending. Amen.

WHY NOT BE POLITE

by Hafiz, c.1320-1389

Everyone 

Is God speaking.

Why not be polite and

Listen to

Him?

SAINT CATHERINE LABOURE,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Perfect for the blessed season of Advent. I will pray for your good.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

December 24

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 66 The Porter of the Monastery

Mass in the Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Resp Ps 89; Lk 1:67-79

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

BEHOND, WHEN THE FULLNESS OF TIME HAD COME, GOD SENT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

Ready or not, our blessed Season of Advent ends tonight before First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of Christmas. Let Christmas Time begin from First Vespers. We have some time yet to prepare the way of the Lord and make straight His paths. What is one thing you will do today to help "guide our feet into the way of peace" (Lk 1:79)? My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready. 

CHRISTMAS EVE DAY

by Jeremy Driscoll 

The earth asleep a season

and birdsong few

the gliding clouds

and the immense quiet

soggy soil yet

already the noiseless

push of the green.

This afternoon the light

was clearly longer than

    yesterday

    and the day

    before.

Let us celebrate the light 

    tonight.

let us light a candle

    and a tree.

Far stars shall see

out hopeful signals

and let down mercies

    and skyly strengths

waking the earth

stirring the birds

drying the soil

and pulling the green.

MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS,

SAINT JOSEPH, FOSTER FATHER OF JESUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: One last look at our Advent wreath 2021. Blessed be the work of our hands.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

December 20

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saints: Blessed Scubilion (1897-1867); Saint Fachanan of Kilfenora (?)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 64:1-6 The Election of an Abbot

Mass: Is 7:10-14; Resp Ps 24; Lk 1:26-38

The Lord's are the earth and its fullness.

O key of David and scepter of the house of Israel; who open and none can shut: who shut and none can open: come and lead to freedom the prisoner who sits in darkness and the shadow of death.

Welcome to another Monday. This is no ordinary Monday though. We are still in the blessed Advent Season first of all, now in the fourth and final week. The celebration of the Nativity of the Lord is coming soon. We must continue to prepare the way of the Lord in our hearts and minds. If things get rough today at work or at home, we join Mary in her yes, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word (Lk 1:38). At the same time, we address God with the title, O key of David. This is the key who opens and shuts, shuts and opens. We are all prisoners in one form or another. Prisoners that have things that bind us and limit our love for God, love for our neighbor, and love for ourselves. Here then is something Pope Francis said in a 2016 Angelus Address: "In this season of Advent, we are called to expand the horizons of our hearts, to be amazed by the life which presents itself each day with newness. In order to do this, we must learn to not depend on our own certainties, or our own established strategies, because the Lord comes at a time that we do not imagine. He comes to bring us into a more beautiful and grand dimension." There is still time to prepare. O key of David ... come and lead to freedom the prisoner who sits in darkness and the shadow of death. 

BLESSED SCUBILION,

SAINT FACHANAN OF KILFENORA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: You've met Theo before. Here he is again in Park City, Utah. Theo belongs to a dear friend, since our days at McKinley Middle School in our hometown of Muncie, Indiana. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

December 17

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Happy 85th Birthday to Pope Francis. Ad multos annos!

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 62 The Priests of the Monastery

Mass: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Resp Ps 72; Mt 1:1-17

Of her was born Jesus.

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end, mightily and sweetly ordering all things; come and teach us the way of prudence.

(Traditional "O" Antiphon)

Let the countdown to Christmas begin as we prepare ourselves for the Nativity of the Lord. One way we do this is with the traditional "O" Antiphons that begin today and go through December 24. The Antiphon of the day will be included at the top of each daily reflection. It is since the 6th century that the Antiphons have been in the life of the Latin Church, celebrated at Vespers, or Evening Prayer, each day with the Magnificat. In 1970, they were introduced into the lectionary with shorter versions used as the Gospel versicle. You will notice them. However, they can be celebrated and prayed at any time. As you will see, each one is a fitting prayer for all times and places. I like this description of the Antiphons from Universalis: The "O" Antiphons "count down the last seven days before Christmas and tie together seven threads of hope, longing and doctrine which all find their culmination and final union in the moment of the Incarnation." Using an Old Testament title for God, we address Him each day with "O", and ask Jesus to come. O Wisdom ... come and teach us the way of prudence.

At the same time, we proclaim Saint Matthew's "book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham" (Mt 1:1) at Mass. Pray with it out loud today, let the names roll off your tongue. Remember, a name is the song you sing when you see someone coming. Tamar ... Amminadab ... Rahab ... Ruth ... Shealtiel ... Eliud ... Yes, "the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations ... (Mt 1:17).

Advent helps us to prepare ourselves for Christmas, welcoming Jesus without fear. If we open wide the doors of our life, everything takes on a new light and our family, work, suffering, health, friendship, become opportunities to discover His consoling presence.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, December 14, 2021)

SAINT JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: Our Lady of the Sign, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. The Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name Him Immmanuel (Is 7:14)

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Other Saints: Saint Cuthbert Mayne (1543-1577)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 49 The Observance of Lent 

Mass: Rm 10:9-18; Resp Ps 19; Mt 4:18-22

The precepts of the Lord are right.

HEART OF JESUS, DELIGHT OF ALL THE SAINTS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

On this last day of the glorious month of November, when we celebrate all the saints in heaven and on earth, and pray too for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, we conclude in a rousing fashion by commemorating Saint Andrew the Apostle. God is praised. 

At the same time, we read from Chapter 49 of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, on the observance of Lent. Since it is as Saint Benedict says, that life ought to be a continuous Lent (RB 49:1), there are many aspects of the chapter that apply to the Season of Advent. Saint Benedict urges the whole community to keep its manner of life most pure and to wash away the negligences of other times (RB 49:2-3). We can do this during the holy season of Advent so as to be clear in our mind and heart to remember the birth of Jesus, and look forward to His Second Coming, as written about this past Sunday. We want to do what we can with the grace of God, to strengthen our hearts to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as Saint Paul exhorts (1 Th 3:13). We can devote ourselves to prayer, and reading, to compunction of heart and self-denial (RB 49:4), and stand erect and alert, even while carrying the burdens of daily life, things that weigh us down like pressures at work, problems in the family, illness, and so on. We can, as we do during Lent, deny ourselves of some food, drink, needless talking and idle jesting (RB 49:7), or any other things that make us "bobalized", as also written about last Sunday. We ask God to help us then, O God, come to my assistance, O Lord, make haste to help me. During Lent, we look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing (RB 49:7) Let us look forward to Christmas then, with joy and spiritual longing. United in faith and prayer, we support each other, from near and far. 

SAINT ANDREW THE APOSTLE,

SAINT CUTHBERT MAYNE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More beauty in the clay pot. Happy Name Day bro James Andrew. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph (December 8, 2020-December 8, 2021)

Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548)

Other saints: The Seven Martyrs of Samosata (?297 or 308); Saint Leocadia, Martyr (?304); Bd Bernard Silvestrelli (1831-1911)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 56 The Abbot's Table

Mass: Is 40:25-31; Resp Ps 103; Mt 11:28-30

O bless the Lord, my soul!

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Last night, after reading the Holy Father's Apostolic Letter Patris corde With a Father's Heart, given in Rome just yesterday to mark the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as patron of the universal Church, I read through the readings for today's Mass. One of the first things that came to me was that Saint Joseph was certainly a man who hoped in the Lord, that the Lord would renew his strength. Joseph soared as with eagle's wings; he ran and did not grow weary; he walked and did not grow faint (Is 40:31). Joseph labored and he faced his struggles and burdens with a strong faith. He was ready to carry out God's will for him, and he went about it with courage and strength. Joseph turned to the Lord in prayer for help. So doing, Joseph's yokes became easier and his burdens lighter. During this Year of Saint Joseph, we ask dear Joseph to pray for us, to intercede for us, to guide us on our journey to carry out God's will for us. 

Included here is a prayer to Saint Joseph, taken from a 19th century French prayer book of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary. You will find it in endnote 10 of Patris corde. Pope Francis writes that he has recited the prayer every day after Lauds for over 40 years. The Holy Father says this about the prayer: "It expresses devotion and trust, and even poses a certain challenge to Saint Joseph".

Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of challenge and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power.

Amen. 

SAINT JUAN DIEGO,

PRAY FOR US.

NB. During the year of Saint Joseph, you will see an invocation from the Litany of Saint Joseph in daily posts. 

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Second Sunday of Advent

In other years: Saint Nicholas, Bishop (Fourth Century); SS Dionysia, Majoricus and Companions, Martyrs (484); Saint Abraham of Kratia, Bishop (474-558); Bd Peter Pascual, Bishop and Martyr (1227-1300)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 54 Letters or Gifts for Monks

Mass: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Resp Ps 85; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8

Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

JESUS, MOST PATIENT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Prompted by an article I read about a documentary on the 2019 fire at Chartes Cathedral, I was delighted to find a fascinating piece on Internet Archives called Chartes Cathedral: A Sacred Geometry, published in 2003. It runs just under an hour and is well worth it. In the work, one of the docents who welcomes English speaking visitors (or did, considering the presentation was done 17 years ago), talks about the opportunity he has to sit quietly in the Cathedral for hours. Some of his time is spent watching visitors enter the Cathedral. He comments on those who come to the Cathedral open to being transformed by the experience. Those with open eyes, ears, hearts and minds. In my words, people who enter the doors with a sense of awe and wonder, with delight and willingness to be changed by the marvels of God. Others, who would be many people I tend to think, enter the doors more closed, burdened with cares, worries, struggles of the day, having lost a sense of awe and wonder. That said, although I have never been to Chartes, and especially after watching the documentary, a visit to the Cathedral would surely transform anyone, burdened or not. I was only watching on a Tablet and was left to continue reflecting on the magnificence of Chartes. In fact, my experience led to further reflection on today's Gospel and the voice of John the Baptist who cries: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths". 

We can spend this holy season of Advent closed and shut down to conversion, with closed hearts and minds to receive John's message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Or we can take an approach given by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: "Enter the inner room of your heart. Put your ear to the door, strain to listen to the tidings God's messenger brings." With our cares and worries, especially during these difficult times, we may have to struggle to regain a sense of awe and wonder, to open ourselves to the One mightier than John the Baptist, the one, true, patient, merciful, compassionate, loving and healing God. Open or closed as we may be, Jesus waits for each one of us. Our Lord wants the best for us. As we hear in today's second reading, Our Lord is "patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pt 9). Come, Lord Jesus. May we "be eager to be found without spot or blemish before Him, at peace" (2 Pt 3:14). 

As we prepare to celebrate Tuesday's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we join the Holy Father who, at the end of today's Angelus Address prayed to Our Lady to help us "to separate ourselves more and more from sin and worldliness, in order to open ourselves to God, to His Word, to His love which restores and saves."

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Friday of the First Week in Advent

First Friday of the Month

Saint John Damascene, Priest, Doctor (c. 657-749)

Other saints: Saint Fare, Abbess (657); Saint Sigiramnus, Abbot (? 655); Saint Anno, Bishop (1010-1075); Saint Osmund, Bishop (1099); Saint Bernard of Parma, Bishop (1133); Bd Peter of Siena (1289); BB Francis Galvez, Simon Yempo, and Jerome de Angelis, Martyrs (1623); Bd Adolf Kolping, (1813-1865); Bd John Calabria, Founder (1873-1954)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 53:1-15 The Reception of Guests

Mass: Is 29:17-24; Resp Ps 27; Mt 9:27-31

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

JESUS, TRUE LIGHT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

As Jesus, the Divine Healer said to the two blind men in today's Gospel, He says to you, He says to me: Let it be done for you according to your faith (Mt 9:29). Take your needs, cares, worries, joys and sorrows to the Lord today. Approach Him with the words of the blind men: "Son of David, have pity on me!" (Mt 9:27). Do you believe that Jesus will have pity and help you? May our response be the same as the two blind men: "Yes, Lord" (Mt 9:28). Let it be so, according to our faith. I believe, help my unbelief. Dear Jesus, increase our faith. 

Come, Lord Jesus, make our distracted hearts watchful. Awaken within us the desire to pray and the need to love.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, December 4, 2020). 

SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Thursday of the First Week of Advent

Saint Francis Xavier (1506-1552); Saint Lucius (? Second Century); Saint Cassian of Tangier, Martyr (? 298); Saint Birinus, Bishop (? 650); Saint Edward Coleman, Martyr (1678)

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 52 The Oratory of the Monastery

Mass: Is 26:1-8; Resp Ps 118; Mt 7:21, 24-27

O Lord, grant prosperity!

JESUS, OUR REFUGE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Words from the Prophet Isaiah come through loud and clear: "Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock" (Is 26:4). May we build our house on the firm foundation of the eternal Rock, Jesus Christ our Lord, and be grounded in our faith. Listen and act: What I say to you in the darkness speak in the light, says the Lord, what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops (Communion Antiphon, Mass). 

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

Other saints: Saint Chromatius, Bishop (c. 407); Bd John Ruysbroeck (1293-1381); Bd Mary Angela Astorch, Abbess (1592-1665); Bd Raphael Chylinsky (1694-1741)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 51 Those Sent On a Short Journey

Mass: Is 25:6-10a; Resp Ps 23; Mt 15:29-37

Only goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life.

 JESUS, OUR GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In this holy season of Advent, this season of prayer, the Holy Father's December 2020 Prayer Intention focuses on prayer:

The heart of the Church's mission is prayer.

Prayer is the key for us to be able to enter into dialogue with the Father.

Every time we read a short passage from the Gospel we hear Jesus speaking to us.

We have a conversation with Jesus.

We listen to Jesus and we reply.

And this is prayer.

By praying, we change reality. And we change our hearts. Our heart changes when we pray.

We can do many things, but without prayer, it does not work.

We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and life of prayer.

In silence, everyone, each one in heartfelt prayer.

One way to begin a time of prayer is with words of praise and thanksgiving from the Prophet Isaiah: "Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the Lord for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that He has saved us!" (Is 25:9). As time permits, continue with today's responsorial psalm 23, one of the most comforting ones and one of my favorites. Moving to the Gospel, listen to the Word. What is Jesus saying to you? Listen. Speak, then, to the ever-loving and merciful Lord from your heart. Jesus will feed you with love and compassion. Trust. "God's grace changes lives: He takes us as we are, but He never leaves us where we are" (Pope Francis, Twitter, December 2, 2020).

In prayer, we remember the four women missionaries brutally murdered in El Salvador 40 years ago today: Sister Ida Ford (age 40), Sister Maura Clarke (age 49), Sister Dorothy Kazel (age 40), and Jean Donovan (age 27).

IDA FORD, MAURA CLARKE, DOROTHY KAZEL, JEAN DONAVAN,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020