February 2026

Jubilee Year of Saint Francis on the 800th Anniversary of His Death 

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family

February 7-14, National Marriage Week

February 11, World Day of the Sick. "The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing one another's pain”

Let your face shine on your servant. 

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, SON, MOTHER, AND HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Dear faithful readers, just when you thought it was safe to go outside in the new calendar year, it's time to turn another page on the calendar. At the same time, we are privileged to see that we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on the 2nd. 

Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all peoples; a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.

(Luke 2:29-32)

May we, too, go in peace these days. Jesus is the Peace the world does not give. 

As usual, it's another busy month. This month is dedicated to the Holy Family, and not only can we invoke Jesus, Mary, and Joseph each and every day, we can also invoke beloved Saint Francis of Assisi, especially as the Holy Father proclaimed a Jubilee Year of Saint Francis to commemorate the 800th anniversary of il Poverello's death. Have you ever been to Assisi? If not, you might add it to your list of travel destinations. You will not be disappointed. And get ready for Ash Wednesday and the holy season of Lent, coming soon to a theatre near you. Mark your calendar for February 18, that would be Ash Wednesday. Then comes the first Sunday of Lent on the 22nd, a day to also commemorate Saint Peter's Chair. Have you ever been to Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome to see the golden chair of the rock on which the Church is built? While there you can also see the bones of Saint Peter, the Scavi, if you book in advance. If not, you can certainly see that on your Italian pilgrimage. You are going to be busy. Don't be too busy, however, to skip out on a gelato, or three or more. Yum.

Some other notables are February 10 to commemorate Saint Scholastica, whose twin brother is Saint Benedict. If you are keeping up with the daily reading of the Holy Rule, you will find yourself still in Chapter 7, Humility, the fourth step, all the way to Chapter 23, on Excommunication. The same day, the 10th, that is, sees the Shipwreck of Saint Paul, the birth of the Maltese Church. Up for the 11th is the ever-popular 6th-century Irish Saint Gobnait, the patron saint of bees, beekeepers, and the sick. "Least is the bee among winged things, but she reaps the choices of harvests" (Sirach 11:3). On the 26th we have Saint Alexander of Alexandria who hopefully was never confused about his name and where he was from. One never knows, though. 

What is one way to prepare for Lent? First, go to Chapter 49 of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, where our holy father exhorts us, among other things, "to add to the usual measure of our service something by way of private prayer and abstinence from food and drink, so that each of us will have something above the assigned measure to offer God of his own will with the joy of the Holy Spirit" (RB 49:5-6). Keep reading because we can also deny ourselves needless talking and idle jesting and still look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual long (RB 49:7). How will you make this Lent one of joy? And don't forget to look to Chapter 48 on The Daily Manual Labor. It is there that we find that we are to read the whole of a book straight through (RB 48:15). What spiritual reading will you tackle this season? 

Last and not least, kind of, what follows is the customary Ash Wednesday offering by Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

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

Fast on emphasis on differences; feast on unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with Your presence, so that we can be a gift to others in carrying out Your work. Amen.

Since we will move into the Lenten desert this month, how about we hear from the Desert Mothers and Fathers. We go to them, then, for a word or two ....*

Abba Gregory said, "These three things God requires of all the baptized: right faith in the heart, truth on the tongue, temperance in the body.

Abba Poemen said, "Teach your heart to guard that which your tongue teaches."

Another of the old men questioned Amma Theodora saying, "At the resurrection of the dead, how shall we rise?" She said, "As pledge, example, and prototype we have Him who died for us, and is risen, Christ our God.

Abba Pambo said, "If you have a heart, you can be saved."

Abba Paul said, "Keep close to Jesus."

Amma Syncletica said, "There are many who live in the mountains and behave as if they were in town, and they are wasting their time. It is possible to be a solitary in one's mind while living in a crowd, and it is possible for one who is a solitary to live in the crowd of his own thoughts. 

Amma Sarah said, "If I prayed God that all men approve of my conduct, I shall find myself a penitent at the door of each one, but I shall rather pray that my heart be pure towards all.

Abba Sisoes said, "Seek God, and do not seek where He dwells."

Abba Arsenius said, 

"If we seek God, He will shew Himself to us, and if we keep Him, He will remain close to us.

Abba Anthony said, "Our life and our death is with our neighbor. If we gain our brother, we have gained God, but if we scandalize our brother, we have sinned against Christ.

Abba Or also said, "If you have spoken evil of your brother, and you are stricken with remorse, go and kneel before him and say: "I have spoken badly of you, let this be my surety that I will not spread this slander further." For detraction is death to the soul.

Thankfully, we have more than a few saints to commemorate this month. May they intercede for us as we begin our Lenten journey. All saints, please pray for us.

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

SAINT BRIGID,

SAINT HENRY MORSE,

BLESSED BENEDICT DASWA,

BLESSED CANDELARIA OF SAINT JOSEPH,

SAINT ANSGAR, BISHOP,

SAINT BLAISE,

SAINT LAURENCE OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT DUNSTAN OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT THEODORE OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT WERBURG,

SAINT ANNE LINE, NEE HEIGHAM,

BLESSED ANTHONY OF PAVONIO OP,

BLESSED BARTHOLOMEW OF CERVERIO OP,

BLESSED PETER OF RUFFIA OP,

SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM,

SAINT JOHN DE BRITTO,

BLESSED MARIE-EUGENE GRIALOU,

SAINT CATHERINE DE RICCI,

SAINT JOHN OF LEONISSA,

SAINT AGATHA, VIRGIN, MARTYR,

SAINT PAUL MIKI AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT MEL,

SAINT JEROME EMILIANI,

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA,

SAINT CUTHMAN OF STEYNING,

SAINT TEILO,

SAINT APOLLONIA,

SAINT SCHOLASTICA, VIRGIN,

SAINT PAUL,

OUR LADY OF LOURDES,

SAINT GOBNAIT,

BLESSED REGINALD OF ORLEANS OP,

SAINT JULIAN THE HOSPITALLER,

SAINT HUMBELINE, 

SAINT CATHERINE DE RICCI,

BLESSED JORDAN OF SAXONY OP,

BLESSED JAMES MILLER,

SAINTS CYRIL, MONK, AND METHODIUS, BISHOP,

SAINT CLAUDE LA COLOMBIERE,

BLESSED NICHOLAS OF PAGLIA OP,

SAINT ONESIMUS,

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER,

SAINT FINTAN OF CLONENAGH,

BLESSED WILLIAM RICHARDSON,

BLESSED JOHN OF FIESOLE OP,

SAINT JACINTA AND FRANCISCO MARTO,

SAINT CONRAD OF PIACENZA,

BLESSED ALVAREZ OF CORDOBA OP,

BLESSED CHRISTOPHER OF MILAN OP,

SAINT PETER DAMIAN, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SERVANT OF GOD BLANDINA SEGALE,

SAINT ROBERT SOUTHWELL,

SAINT PETER,

SAINT POLYCARP, BISHOP, MARTYR,

BLESSED JOSEPHA GIRBES,

BLESSED THOMAS MARIA FUSCO,

BLESSED CONSTANTIUS OF FABRIANO OP,

SAINT ETHELBERT,

BLESSED MARIA ADEODATA PISANI,

SAINT WALBURGA,

SAINT ALEXANDER OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK, ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT OSWALD,

BLESSED VILLANA DE BOTTI,

PRAY FOR US.

*All quotations come from The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection, translated by Benedicta Ward (Cistercian Publications, 1984).

This month's photo: Welcome to a full moon on February 1, 2026. When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you set in place.

© Gertrude Feick 2026

Ash Wednesday/Lent

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph

April is the month dedicated to the Divine Mercy

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt.

MARY, VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL,

MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,

SAINT JOSEPH, SUPPORT IN DIFFICULTIES,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

DIVINE MERCY, SWEET RELIEF FROM ANGUISHED HEARTS,

I TRUST IN YOU.

Welcome to Ash Wednesday and the days following up to the First Sunday of Lent, now in March dedicated to Saint Joseph, the month that leads us to the month of April, the month dedicated to the Divine Mercy. 

Often, we enter the holy season of Lent with vigor and enthusiasm. We pray to cleanse ourselves of all that keeps us from growing closer to the Lord. We repent and ask our Lord for forgiveness for our faults and failings, to seek reconciliation with our neighbors, especially those with whom we live and work. And with that we add to the usual measure of our service something by way of private prayer and abstinence from food and drink, or in other words, we deny ourselves some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, as Saint Benedict teaches in Chapter 49 of the Holy Rule, "The Observance of Lent." As laudatory as all this is, it came to me this morning, tired already, that perhaps it might help to enter these holy days gently. It can happen that our initial vigor wanes as the days go on. The daily happens and we experience setbacks and just do not seem to be following our initial Lenten program so to speak. So, why not enter these days fully engaged, with a certain vigor, but simultaneously remember the God of mercy who loves us tenderly, with compassion and love. Remember, as Venerable Fulton Sheen said, "You are infinitely precious because you are loved by God." Infinitely precious; no matter what. Together, united in faith and prayer, whatever we offer to God these days, we want to offer it with the joy of the Holy Spirit so as to look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing (See RB 49).  We are in the Jubilee Holy Year of Hope. And, as Saint Paul writes, "Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). Be full of the love of God that has been given to you. His Love will sustain you. And remember with me: "I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me" (Philippians 4:13). 

Hope is knowing that I have

been forgiven, my guilt removed.

Hope is knowing that there is a future,

a life after death.

Hope is knowing that there is love,

that there is a God,

and I am loved by Him.

Whatever happens He does care.

Hope is knowing that He has plans,

even if I do not understand them.

(Cardinal Basil Hume, The Mystery of Love)

As it has become an annual Lenten practice, I offer the following passed along to me some years ago by a friend of Cardinal Basil Hume, Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments. 

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

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast of purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with Your presence, so that we can be a gift to others in carrying out Your work. Amen.

Some other voices for this holy season ...

In this Holy Lent, let us lift up our hearts and always go forward to the triumph of the reign of Christ in society.

(Blessed, soon to be Saint, Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-1925)

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

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

No sound ought to be heard in the Church but the healing voice of Christian charity.

(Edmund Burke, 1729-1797, in Taylor Caldwell, No One Hears But Him)

Lord, Jesus, open our hearts that we may hear, so that when we open our lips, our utterances may build up your Church.

(Father Richard Veras, in Magnificat, "The Sacred Act of Listening," February 2, 2025, p. 34)

Charity is a right attitude of mind which prefers nothing to the knowledge of God.

(From the chapters On Charity by Saint Maximus the Confessor, abbot, in Office of Readings, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

I gradually gained a bit of satisfaction from being considered an extremist. Was not Jesus an extremist in love? - "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you" ... Was not Paul an extremist for the gospel of Jesus Christ? - "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus" ... Was not Thomas Jefferson and extremist? - "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." So the question is not whether we will be extremist, but what kind of extremists will we be. Will we be extremists for hate, or will we be extremists for love ...

(Martin Luther King Jr., 1929-1968, Letter from Birmingham Jail)

You must be in right earnest, or you will do little or nothing for God.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

And parting words from a fellow American, enough to keep us busy for the days which make up a life that, as Saint Benedict says, should be a continuous Lent ...

To a great extent the world is what we make of it. We get back what we give. If we sow hate, we reap hate; if we scatter love and gentleness we harvest love and happiness. Other people are like a mirror which reflects back on us the kind of image we cast. The kind person bears with the infirmities of others, never magnifies trifles, and avoids a spirit of fault finding.

(Venerable Fulton Sheen, 1895-1979)

SAINT CHAD,

SAINT DAVID,

BLESSED CHARLES THE GOOD, COUNT OF FLANDERS,

SAINT KATHERINE DREXEL,

SAINT VIGNAL,

SAINT CASIMIR,

SAINT KIERAN, 

SAINT KYNEBURGHA,

POPE SAINT LUCIUS I, MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN JOSEPH OF THE CROSS,

SAINTS PERPETUA AND FELICITY,

SAINT STEPHEN OF OBAZINE, CISTERCIAN ABBOT,

SAINT JOHN OF GOD,

SAINT SENAN, BISHOP,

SAINT DUTHAC,

SAINT FELIX,

SAINT AENGUS,

SAINT CONSTANTINE, 

SAINT AUREA,

SAINT JOHN OGILVIE,

SAINT RODERICK,

SAINT THEOPHANUS,

BLESSED JOHN ANNE,

SAINT MATILDA,

SAINT LOUIS DE MARILLAC,

SAINT PATRICK, BISHOP, MISSIONARY,

SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT EDWARD THE MARTYR, 

BLESSED JAN TYRANOWSKI,

SAINT JOSEPH,

SERVANT OF GOD BLANDINA SEGALE,

SAINT HERBERT,

SAINT CUTHBERT,

SAINT BENEDICT,

SAINT ENDA,

SAINT DEOGRATIUS, 

SAINT NICHOLAS OWEN, 

SAINT LEA OF ROME,

BLESSED CLEMENS AUGUST VAN GALEN,

SAINT JOHN OF EGYPT,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLA, HERMIT,

SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT VINCENT FERRER, PRIEST,

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE,

SAINT STANISLAUS, BISHOP, MARTYR,

SAINT PETER CHANEL, PRIEST, MARTYR,

SAINT LOUIS MARIE GRIGNION DE MONTFORT,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA, VIRGIN, DOCTOR,

POPE SAINT PIUS V,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And of my sin cleanse me.

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Ash Wednesday

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family 

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

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

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt.

HOLY FAMILY, FAITHFUL IN OBSERVANCE OF DIVINE LAWS,

MARY, VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Spare, O Lord, Your people.

(Joel 2:17)

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

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

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with Your presence, so that we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen. 

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

SAINT METHODIUS,

SAINT CYRIL,

21 COPTIC MARTYRS OF LIBYA,

SAINT VALENTINE,

SAINT BENEDICT,

PRAY FOR US.

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

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family

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

He calls each by name.

HOLY FAMILY, TESTED BY THE GREATEST DIFFICULTIES,

MARY, MOTHER ADMIRABLE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

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

(1 Cor 9:22-23)

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

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

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

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

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

(Blessed Tiburcio Arnaiz Munoz, 1865-1926)

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

(Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)

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

(Saint Genoveva Torres Morales, 1870-1956)

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

(Saint Gaetano Errico, 1791-1890)

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

(Saint Gaetano Errico, 1791-1890)

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

(Blessed Tiburcio Arnaiz Munoz, 1865-1926)

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

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

(Saint Jerome Emiliani, 1486-1537)

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

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:54)

SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM,

SAINT JOHN DE BRITTO,

BLESSED MARIE-EUGENE GRIALOU,

SAINT CATHERINE DE' RICCI, OP,

SAINT AGATHA,

SAINTS PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT GONSALO GARCIA, PETER BAPTISTA AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT MEL,

SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER,

SAINTS WILLEBALD, WINNEBALD, AND WALBURGA,

SAINT JEROME EMILIANI,

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA,

SAINT APOLLONIA, 

SAINT SCHOLASTICA,

SAINT CUTHMAN OF STEYNING,

PRAY FOR US.

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

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

January is the month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

January 28: World Leprosy Day

Catholic Schools Week: January 28-February 3, 3024 "Catholic Schools: United in faith and community"

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family 

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 7:19-50 Humility

Come, let us bow down in worship.

JESUS, THE MIGHTY GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, ARK OF THE COVENANT,

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, 

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

I should like you to be free of anxieties.

(1Cor 7:32)

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 Rule of Saint Benedict 49 The Observance of Lent)? Hmm.

Now by way of anecdote, I had the privilege of serving as hebdomadarian 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:

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.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622, Letters of Spiritual Direction)

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?

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.

(Pope Saint Gregory the Great, d. 604)

And why would Grace, in the novel Major Pettigrew's Last Stand (Random House, 2011), have bothered to say this to Major Pettigrew?  "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.

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, "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: "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 Screwtape Letters. Be careful. Wormwood, mentored by his Uncle Screwtape, is on the prowl. 

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'" (Rule of Saint Benedict 7:36-37). 

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.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

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.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium vitae Gospel of Life, 1, 77). 

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. 

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.

(Servant of God Chiara Lubich, 1920-2008)

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.

(Saint Angela Merici, 1474-1540)

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!

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

SAINT DAMIAN OF MOLOKAI,

SAINT MARIANNE COPE,

SAINT GILDAS THE WISE,

SAINT CONSTANTINUS,

SAINT PAPIAS AND MAURUS,

SAINT SULPITIUS SEVERUS,

BLESSED ARCHANGELA GIRLANI,

BLESSED VILLANA DE' BOTTI,

SAINT AEDAN OF FERNS,

SAINT HYACINTHA OF MARISCOTTI,

SAINT BRIGID OF IRELAND,

SAINT HENRY MORSE,

SAINT THOMAS GREEN,

BLESSED BENEDICT DASWA,

BLESSED CANDELARIA OF SAINT JOSEPH,

SAINT ANSGAR, BISHOP, THE APOSTLE OF THE NORTH,

SAINT BLAISE, BISHOP, MARTYR,

PRAY FOR US.

* Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2002, General Audience, November 22, 2006.

Today's photo: This sweet little one and its companions (forthcoming) are some of the first in each year to appear. Oh, that today you would hear His voice.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Ash Wednesday

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

In other years: Saint Peter's Chair

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:7-11 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass:  Joel 2;12-18; Resp Ps 51; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

(2 Cor 6:2)

Here we go, dear faithful readers. We pray to God: A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Help us, dear Lord, to deny ourselves of some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting so as to look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing (see Rule of Saint Benedict, 49:7). 

As has been customary, I include a piece sent to me a few years ago by then Archbishop, now Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect for the Congregation of Divine Worship. Thank you, Cardinal Roche.

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

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feast,

gift us with your presence, so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen.

SAINT PETER,

PRAY FOR US.

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

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Ash Wednesday

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

Day of Prayer and Fasting for Ukraine

In other years: Saint Chad (-672)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 25 Serious Faults

Mass:

Of my sin cleanse me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, GOD OF PEACE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Welcome to Ash Wednesday

As has become customary, I include for Ash Wednesday a piece sent to me a few years ago by Archbishop Arthur Roche. Archbishop Roche was appointed Prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments by Pope Francis, last May 2021. Archbishop Roche served as Secretary of the Congregation since 2012. We enter, then, this season of fasting and feasting.

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

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feast,

gift us with your presence, so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen.

United in faith and prayer on this day of prayer and fasting, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia. Kyrie, eleison.

SAINT CHAD,

PRAY FOR US.

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

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Ash Wednesday

Other saints: Saint Alexander of Alexandria (250-328)

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 20 Reverence in Prayer
Mass: Joel 2:12-18; Resp Ps 51; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Ash Wednesday

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 29 The Readmission of Any Who Leave the Monastery
Mass: Joel 2:12-18; Resp Ps 51; 2 Co 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Readings of the day: RB 12 The Celebration of Solemn Lauds

Mass: Joel 2:12-18; Resp. Ps 51; 1 Co 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

 

If the soul is always joyful, it is a good day.

(Pope Francis, General Audience, Feb. 14, 2018)

St Benedict outlines ‘The Observance of Lent’ in Ch. 49 of the Holy Rule. One of my favorite lines, somewhat a summary of the chapter and related to Pope Francis’s words delivered today in the ‘wind and rain….to a small crowd of pilgrims who braved the inclement Roman winter weather’ (Vatican Radio), reads: ‘In other words, let each one deny herself some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing’ (RB 49:7). Lent is not a time for gloom and doom and dour demeanor. As St Matthew tells us: ‘Whenever you fast, do not look dismal like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting.’ Instead, ‘put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.’ These questions come to mind: Will my Lenten practices be cause for joy? Will my Lenten practices be means that lead to greater intimacy with Jesus and deepen my love for my sisters and brothers with whom I live, work, and encounter on a daily basis? Let the people say: ‘We know they are Christians by their joy!’

Your father who sees in secret will reward you.