Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Saint: Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, Cistercian Abbot (1110-1167); Saint Margaret Bourgeoys (1620-1700); Saint Benet (Benedict) Biscop (c.628-690); Saint Antonio Maria Pucci, Priest (1819-1892); Saint Arcadius, Martyr (d. 302)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 1:16-22 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Heb 3:7-14; Resp Ps 95; Mk 1:40-45  

For He is our God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, ETERNAL WISDOM,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil and unfaithful heart, so as to forsake the living God.

(Heb 3:12)

The above from the Letter to the Hebrews is one reason why we invoke Saint Michael the Archangel every day, and throughout the day too. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil ...

One of our saints of the day, Saint Margaret Bourgeoys, the first woman saint of the Catholic Church in Canada to be canonized (by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1982), lived a life of profound imitation of the Virgin Mary, who was, as Margaret noted, "not cloistered," but "everywhere preserved an internal solitude" and "never refused to be where charity or necessity required help."* The Virgin Mary then, like her Son in today's Gospel did what needed to be done like tending to others, going to deserted places to pray to the Father and refresh, all while people kept coming to them from everywhere. So, Saint Margaret Bourgeoys followed their lead. We hear then from another saint of the day, one dear to our Order, Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, Cistercian Abbot, who had plenty to say about the Virgin Mary.

She,

filled with God

greater than the world

higher than heaven

more fertile than Paradise

the splendor of virgins

the glory of women

the praise of humanity

the gladness of angels

she whom the Son of God chose

to be His mother,

called herself a handmaiden.

United in faith and prayer then, we pray with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God: Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.

SAINT AELRED OF RIEVAULX,

SAINT MARGARGET BOURGEOYS,

SAINT BENEDICT BISCOP,

SAINT ANTONIO MARIA PUCCI,

SAINT ARCADIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

* Please read about another remarkable woman, Saint Margaret Bourgeoys, on Catholic News Agency, "Saint Margaret Bourgeoys."

Today's photo: With all this rain, the Thompson Creek is busy. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

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

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 55:15-22 The Clothing and Footwear of the Brothers

Mass: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Resp Ps 98; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

Sing to the Lord a new song.

MARY, QUEEN CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,

MOTHER INVIOLATE,

MARY, MOST CHASTE,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

PRAY FOR US.

Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before Him.

(Eph 1:3-4)

O, Mary, conceived free from the stain of original sin, "full of grace ... the Angel greets Mary with this title. It is the name that God, through His messenger, chose to describe the Virgin. This is always how He has seen and thought of her, ab aeterno (from all eternity)" (Pope Saint John Paul II). On this most glorious Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, may our souls, like the soul of Mary, proclaim the greatness of the Lord; may our spirits rejoice in God our savior (see Lk 1:46-47). Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing.

Now from three of our great saints ... Mary, Queen of all saints, pray for us.

God

the author of miracles

worked three specific wonders

in Mary.

He marvelously instilled

full purity in her

so that the ark of the covenant could be covered

with the purest gold.

He made her virginal purity 

flourish powerfully

so that the burning bush could not be consumed.

He remarkably joined together

the lowest things with the highest,

so that through the medium of Jacob's ladder

earthly things could be linked

with heavenly ones.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, in Mary Most Holy: Meditations With the Early Cistercians)

Blessed Lady, sky and stars, earth and rivers, day and night-everything that is subject to the power or use of man-rejoice that through you they are in some sense restored to their lost beauty and endowed with inexpressible new grace ...

The universe rejoices with new and indefinable loveliness. Not only does it feel the unseen presence of God Himself, its Creator, it sees Him openly, working and making it holy. These great blessings spring from the blessed fruit of Mary's womb ...

Lady, full and overflowing with grace, all creation receives new life from your abundance. Virgin, blessed above all creatures, through your blessing all creation is blessed, not only creation from its Creator, but the Creator Himself has been blessed by creation ...

Truly the Lord is with you, to whom the Lord granted that all nature should owe as much to you as to Himself.

(From a sermon by Saint Anselm, bishop, in Office of Readings, December 8)

HOW GREAT GOD IS! AND HOW SWEET IS MARY!

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz in The Collected Works: Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

Today's image: Loving Kindness through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. He has done wondrous deeds.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 43:1-12 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: Rev 14:1-3, 4b-5; Resp Ps 24; Lk 21:1-4

The Lord's are the earth and its fullness.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Holy Mother of God, Mary ever-virgin, you are the temple of the Lord and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Beyond all others you were pleasing to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

(The Liturgy of the Hours, Evening Prayer, Canticle of Mary, Antiphon)

Welcome to Monday and the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a day when we commemorate the presentation of the Blessed Virgin as a child by her parents Joachim and Anne in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was then that Mary was consecrated to the Lord. After being introduced by the Byzantine Catholic Church to the Roman Catholic Church in the 15th century, the feast was removed from the liturgical calendar, and thankfully reestablished by Pope Sixtus V in 1585. We rejoice then in God Our Savior as we commemorate the faith of Joachim and Anne and the purity of Mary (see Catholic News Agency).

Pope Saint John Paul II canonized many saints during his 26-year pontificate from 1978 to 2005 - 482 of them! It so happens that the Pope Saint beatified my patron for the new liturgical year, but it was our current pontiff, Pope Francis, who canonized my patron Saint Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad on June 5, 2016. And I just read that Pope Francis has canonized 898 saints so far. Dear, Lord. Saint Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad (1850-1957), was a beautiful woman who radiated God's love. Swedish by birth, baptized Lutheran, off to the United States around the age of 18, she was a nurse who encountered many Catholic families, including workers injured while building Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Elizabeth was eventually received into the Roman Catholic Church, went back to Europe, was confirmed in Rome, then founded a new branch of Brigittine nuns (see Magnificat, November 2022, "Saint Who?", p. 167). All in a day's work. As one faithful reader said about her new patron for the year, Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, "I plan to get to know her better." Another faithful reader has Saint Rose of Lima as her new patron. And another one Saint John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco. For all the saints ...

We turn now to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

O Full of Grace

you I congratulate and praise.

You gave birth

to the Loving-kindness I received.

You gave shape

to the candle I accepted.

You prepared the wax

for the touch of the light.

O Virgin,

Virgin of Virgins

when

as the unblemished mother

you clothed in unblemished flesh

the unblemished Word.

(Guerric of Igny, 1070/80-1157)

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

SAINT ROSE OF LIMA,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY,

SAINT JOHN BOSCO,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The way I found it; this is a peaceful scene. Peaceful. Just like Our Lady, whose heart is clean.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Ambrose Barlow, OSB (1585-1641); Saint Egwin, Bishop (8th century); Blessed Agnellus of Pisa, Priest (13th century); Saint Nicholas of Tolentino (1246-1306); Blessed Francis Garate (1857-1929)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:1-10 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: 1 Cor 10:14-22; Resp Ps 116; Lk 6:43-49

To you will I offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, VESSEL OF HONOR,

COMFORT OF THE SORROWFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them.

(Lk 6:47)

We listen to Jesus' words and build our foundation on Him, our Rock (Lk 6:48). As people of faith and the goodness of our hearts, we then produce good. For as the Lord says, a good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit (Lk 6:43-44).

When we believe in Jesus Christ, partake of His mysteries, and keep His commandments, the Savior Himself comes to love, in us, His Father and His brethren, our Father and our brethren. His person becomes, through the Spirit, the living and interior rule of our activity.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2074)

And as we dedicate our day to the Blessed Virgin Mary:

How could we not bless God ... with all our strength, considering His great mercy toward humanity in placing the Most Blessed Virgin Mary between heaven and earth?

(Rafael Arnaiz, in The Collected Works: Saint Rafael Arnaiz, p. 581)

SAINT AMBROSE BARLOW,

SAINT EGWIN,

BLESSED AGNELLUS OF PISA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

BLESSED FRANCIS GARATE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More beauty in southern Washington. I will call upon the name of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 1:1-5 The Kinds of Monks

Mass: Mich 5:1-4a or Rm 8:28-30; Resp Ps 13; Mt 1:1-16, 18-23

With delight I rejoice in the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MOTHER, PIERCED BY THE SWORD,

PRAY FOR US.

Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.

(Mt 1:16)

Welcome to the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. "Today the Virgin is born, tended and formed, and prepared for her role as Mother of God, who is the universal King of the ages ... Therefore, let all creation sing and dance and unite to make worthy contribution to the celebration of this day" (From a discourse by Saint Andrew of Crete, bishop, in Office of Readings, September 8). 

Mary! What is a name? A name is the song you sing when you see someone coming! 

"Mary!" That word expresses so many things ... If only I knew how to write about it! ... But then, I'd never stop ...

Affection for the Virgin is so loving and consoling. It makes me sad when people don't know her or love her. Her, even just a little bit ...! Even so, my dear brother, what Christian is there, even the most lukewarm of all, who doesn't think of the Virgin Mary at some point in life?

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz, 1911-1938, in The Collected Works: Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

ALL THINGS WORK FOR GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.

(Rm 8:28)

Given Mary, how could you not love God!!! ... How great God is! And how sweet is Mary!

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz).

May Our Lady console all mothers, and all mothers who are afflicted with the suffering of their children.

(Pope Francis, General Audience Catechesis, September 7, 2022)

MARY, QUEEN OF MOTHERS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For all mothers and their children too. Let me sing of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Pope Saint Pontian and Saint Hippolytus, Priest, Martyrs (-235); Blessed Michael J. McGivney, Founder of the Knights of Columbus (1852-1890)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 59 The Offering of Sons by the Nobles or by the Poor

Mass: Ezk 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32; Resp Ps 51; Mt 19:13-15

A willing spirit sustain in me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

HEART OF MARY, BLESSED AMONG ALL HEARTS,

PRAY FOR US.

Children were brought to Jesus that He might lay His hands on them and pray.

(Mt 19:13)

Welcome to Saturday, and this one is a good day to pray for all children, that they may be nurtured, cared for, loved, and formed in the faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ. And may all children know how much Jesus loves them. After He placed His hands on them, He went away (Mt 19:15). We entrust all children to the care and protection of Our Blessed Mother Mary. Mary, source of all consolation, pray for us.

To honor Our Lady, here is part of a meditation on Mary, by Cistercian monk Amadeus of Lausenne (c. 1110-1159), from Mary, Most Holy: Meditating with the Early Cistercians (Cistercian Publications, 2003), p. 87.

Consider

that when the mother gave birth

the face of the universe smiled

and the glad world applauded its Lord.

Reflect

that the clouds were swept away

and the sky put on its beauty

and the stars, saying here we are

blazed with joy

for Him.

And this, from Saint Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997):

If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon our Lady, just say this simple prayer: "Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now." I must admit, this prayer has never failed me. 

POPE SAINT PONTIAN AND SAINT HIPPOLYTUS,

BLESSED MICHAEL J. MCGIVNEY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For the Blessed Mother. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary time

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint: Saint Peter Chrysologus, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (380-450)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:22-25 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Jer 26:11-16, 24; Resp Ps 69; Mt 14:1-12

See you lowly ones and be glad.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Listen to the voice of the Lord your God.

(Jer 26:13)

Welcome to Saturday, a day customarily dedicated to the Virgin. It is also a day to commemorate Bishop of Ravenna, "the city of mosaics," Italy, and Doctor of the Church, Saint Peter Chrysologus, whose name means "golden speech." We also conclude our reading from another one of my favorite chapters of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, namely, Chapter 48 on the Daily Manual. It may just be that it is one where I am challenged as I am not necessarily a person of moderation. As it turns out, I read an article this morning entitled, "3 Tips for a Restful Sabbath," by Liz Montigny. The title alone prompts me to pass along some of Saint Benedict's wisdom from Chapter 48. And since tomorrow is the Sabbath, it all goes together. As we find in the Letter to the Hebrews, "therefore, a sabbath rest still remaims for the people of God. And whoever enters into God's rest, rests from his own works as God did from His" (Hebrews 4:9-10). What does Saint Benedict have to say about the sabbath of Sunday? Our holy father says that "on Sunday all are to be engaged in reading except those who have been assigned various duties" (RB 48:22). We have, then, another tip for a restful Sabbath. God is praised. Until tomorrow we go forth, united in faith and prayer. Thank you for being there. 

That the Creator is in His creature and God is in the flesh brings dignity to man without dishonor to Him who made him ...

He has made you in His image that you might in your person make the invisible Creator present on earth; He has made you His legate, so that the vast empire of the world might have the Lord's representative. Then in His mercy God assumed what He made in you; He wanted now to be truly manifested in man, just as He had wished to be revealed in man as an image. Now He would be in reality what He had submitted to be in symbol.

(From a sermon by Saint Peter Chrysologus, bishop, in Office of Readings, July 30)

With you

have been hidden the unfailing treasures

of truth and grace

of peace and pity

of salvation and wisdom

of glory and honor.

(Adam of Perseigne, c. 1145-1221, in Mary Most Holy: Meditating with the Early Cistercians) 

MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH,

SAINT PETER CHRYSOLOGUS,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I love the colors of this one, sighted early the other morning, in our garden of delights. I think the Blessed Mother is pleased, along with Saint Peter Chrysologus.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 14 The Celebration of Vigils on the Anniversaries of Saints

Mass: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25; Resp Ps 89; Mt 6:24-34 

Forever I will maintain my love for my servant.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,

have mercy on us.

With Jesus' closing words in today's Gospel, Our Lord tells us not to worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil (Mt 6:34). If you do have worries, take them to His blessed Mother. She will help you. 

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, 

our life our sweetness and our hope.

 to thee do we cry,

 poor banished children of Eve. 

To thee do we send up our sighs,

mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

thine eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this our exile

show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

With you

have been hidden the unfailing treasures

of truth and grace

of peace and pity

of salvation and wisdom

of glory and honor.

(Adam of Perseigne, 1145-1221, Cistercian monk and abbot in Mary Most Holy: Meditating with the Early Cistercians)

There is no danger in loving Mary too much ... because all that we entrust to the Lady, Jesus receives with increase ... loving Mary, we love God, and it takes nothing from Him, but does altogether the opposite.

(Blessed Rafael Arnaiz Baron, in G.M. Fernandez, God Alone, p. 87)

MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,

PRAY FOR US. 

Today's photo: Back to Ordinary Time, we are blessed to dedicate this Saturday to the Virgin Mary. I searched the archives for something Our Lady might like. For you then, Mother admirable, please pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 55:15-22 Clothing and Footwear

Mass: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Resp Ps 98; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

MARY, QUEEN CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,

PRAY FOR US.

What has been going through my heart this morning is gratitude. How blessed are we with our faith tradition, and especially today as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. With Saint Paul we proclaim: "Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before Him in love" (Eph 1:3-4). In the words of Pope Saint Paul II, then, "today let us contemplate the humble girl of Nazareth, holy and blameless before God in love, in that 'love' whose original source is God Himself, one and triune." What follows is last year's reflection with a few changes. It works. 

The hymn "Immaculate Mary" comes to mind this morning: Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing, you reign now in splendor with Jesus our King. Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria. It is helpful to turn to the words of Pope Bl Pius IX in his 1854 Encyclical Letter Ineffabilis deus for the Church's teaching on the Immaculate Conception:

The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.

On this glorious celebration, a holy day of obligation, the patronal feast of our country, and still in the Year of Saint Joseph, we look to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who "by the grace of God remained free from every personal sin her whole life long" (CCC 493) to pray for us, and help us on our pilgrim journey of faith. God is patient and ever merciful. He waits for us to turn away from sin and turn towards Him. Dear Lord, may it be done to me according to your word (Lk 1:38). Remember, "nothing will be impossible for God" (Lk 1:37). 

In heaven the blessed your glory proclaim; On earth we your children invoke your fair name. Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria. We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth, And bless, Holy Mary, the land of our birth. Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria.

The uncontaminated beauty of our Mother is incomparable, but at the same time it attracts us. Let us entrust ourselves to her and say 'no' to sin and 'yes' to Grace once and for all.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, December 8, 2020)

MARY, SEAT OF WISDOM,

JOSEPH, CHASTE GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is the one I was looking for, fitting with today's Responsorial Psalm. From the archives, Dreigestirn Mountains, Switzerland, what dear Kornelia used to see out her window at Kloster Melchtal. I remember the beautiful Benedictine Sisters of Melchtal, now joined with the Benedictine Sisters at Sarnen, and the Sisters of Maria Rickenbach too. For their health and well-being, and that includes dear Kornelia, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

20th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the United States

Other saints: Saint Deiniol (-584); Blessed Mary of Jesus (1560-1640)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:11-16 The Qualities of the Abbot 

Mass: 1 Tim 1:15-17; Resp Ps 113; Lk 6:43-49 

Above the heavens is God's glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

On this 20th Anniversary of 9/11, may we bear good fruit and out of goodness in our hearts, produce only good. For all those who died, may they rest in peace. And for all those who grieve the loss of loved ones, dear Jesus, give them comfort and peace. We go forth, with Jesus Christ, the Rock, as our foundation. As Pope Saint John Paul said at his General Audience on the day following the terrorist attacks, "Even if the forces of darkness appear to prevail, those who believe in God know that evil and death do not have the final say." And in the words of Pope Benedict XVI on the first papal visit to Ground Zero in New York, may the Lord "give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and the hearts of all" (April 20, 2008). 

In honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary who helps us, the following is from French Cistercian Adam of Perseigne (1145-1241), from Letter Three, in Mary, Most Holy: Meditating With the Early Cistercians, pp. 350-353.

How happy is she

who is both mother and spouse of God

the gate of heaven

the loveliness of paradise

lady of angels

queen of the universe

joy of the saints

advocate of believers

courage of those who fight

recaller of those who wander

medicine of the penitent.

O sure salvation!

Short path of life!

Sole hope of pardon

sweetness unique.

You, my Lady,

are my all.

In your hands

has been stored for me

the fulness of good.

With you

have been hidden the unfailing treasures

 of truth and grace

 of peace and pity

of salvation and wisdom

of glory and honor.

You are my anchor amid the billows

my port in shipwreck

my support in tribulation

my comfort in grief.

For those who are yours

you are

aid in oppression

help in time of crisis

temperance in prosperity

joy in time of waiting

refreshment in toil.

Whatsoever I can stammer

in your praise

is less

than your praise

for you are worthy of all praise.

SAINT DEINIOL,

BLESSED MARY OF JESUS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one from Wednesday, when the sky was Mary's blue. We had a repeat performance yesterday.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 1:1-5 The Different Kind of Monks

Mass: Micah 5:1-4a or Rm 8:28-30; Resp Ps 13; Mt 1:1-16, 18-23

With delight I rejoice in the Lord.

TODAY THE VIRGIN IS BORN, TENDED AND FORMED, AND PREPARED FOR HER ROLE AS MOTHER OF GOD, WHO IS THE UNIVERSAL KING OF THE AGES ... TODAY THIS CREATED WORLD IS RAISED TO THE DIGNITY OF A HOLY PLACE FOR HIM WHO MADE ALL THINGS. THE CREATURE IS NEWLY PREPARED TO BE A DIVINE DWELLING PLACE FOR THE CREATOR.

(From a discourse by Saint Andrew of Crete, bishop, in Office of Readings, September 8)

Today's Gospel, "The Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham" is one of my favorite passages in the Gospels, and I am not referring to the "shorter form", rather the full deal that includes Mt 1:1-17. These important verses with the beautiful names of our ancestors. These verses are the musical prelude to "how the birth of Jesus Christ came about" (Mt 1:18). As we "celebrate with joy the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary" (Entrance Antiphon, Mass), read the text aloud and let the names roll off your tongue. It is she, Mary, who bore a Son, and Joseph named Him Jesus (Mt 1:25).

Mary 

has been exalted

above the choirs of angels.

The Mother

can contemplate

nothing above herself

but her Son alone.

The Queen

can gaze in wonder

at nothing above herself

but the King.

The Mediatrix

can venerate

nothing above herself

but the Mediator.

May she

by her prayers

represent

reconcile

and commend us

to her Only begotten Son

Jesus Christ

to whom be honor and glory

for endless ages.

(Guerric of Igny, 1050-1157, from his First Sermon for the Feast of the Assumption, in Mary Most Holy: Meditating With the Early Cistercians, pp. 369-70)

MARY, HOLY VIRGIN OF VIRGINS,

SAINT JOSEPH, CHASTE GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Dear readers, I have changed today's photo three times. And this scene, captured moments ago was calling me to capture it before any haze might decide to roll in. And this morning's sky came as blue, to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. God is praised!

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

National Back to School Month

First Saturday of the Month

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Pope Saint Sixtus II and his companions, Martyrs (-258); Saint Cajetan (1480-1547)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 55:1-14 The Clothing and Footwear of the Brothers

Mass: Dt 6:4-13; Resp Ps 18; Mt 17:14-20

Extolled be God my savior!

MARY, VIRGIN MOST FAITHFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

It's the First Saturday of the Month so let's keep it simple with Jesus' unambiguous words: Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you (Mt 17:20). May we not be people of little faith. By the grace of God we go. 

Let all our people fix their minds on death but rather immortality; let them commit themselves to the Lord in complete faith and unflinching courage and make their confession with joy rather than in fear, knowing that in this contest the soldiers of God and Christ are not slain but rather win their crowns.

(From a letter by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr, in Office of Readings, August 7)

If you want Christ to love you and help you, you must love Him and always make an effort to please Him. Do not waver in your purpose, because even if all the saints and every single creature should abandon you, He will always be near you, whatever your needs.

(From a letter by Saint Cajetan, priest, in Office of Readings, August 7)

POPE SAINT SIXTUS II AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT CAJETAN,

SAINT JOSPEH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Yellow rose on the hill.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

National Back to School Month

The Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Feast of Our Lady of the Snow

Saints: Blessed Frederic Janssone (1838-1916)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 53:16-24 The Reception of Guests

Mass: Nb 20:1-13; Resp Ps 95; Mt 16;13-23

Oh, that today you would hear His voice.

OU LADY OF THE SNOW,

PRAY FOR US.

As we celebrate the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), the oldest church in the West dedicated to Our Lady, and located on the Esquiline Hill in Rome, a prayer can be taken from Saint Cyril of Alexandria. Here is part of homily he delivered at the Council of Ephesus in 431. 

Mary, Mother of God, we salute you. Precious vessel, worthy of the whole world's reverence, you are an ever-shining light, the crown of virginity, the symbol of orthodoxy, an indestructible temple, the place that held Him whom no place can contain, mother and virgin. Because of you the holy gospels could say: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord ...

Behold then the joy of the whole universe. Let the union of God and man in the Son of the Virgin Mary fills us with awe and adoration. Let us fear and worship the undivided Trinity as we sing the praise of the ever-virgin Mary, the holy temple of God, and of God Himself, her Son and spotless Bridegroom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(From a homily delivered at the Council of Ephesus by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop, in Office of Readings, August 5)

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

MARIA, SALUS POPULI ROMANI, 

BLESSED FREDERIC JANSSONE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More beauty on Kauai.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last Week, in Ordinary Time

Blessed Virgin Mary

Other saints: Saint Stephen the Younger, Martyr (764); Saint James of the March (1394-1476); Bd James Thompson, Martyr (15820

Readings of the Day

RB: RB 48:10-21 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Rev 22:1-7; Resp Ps 95 (refrain 1 Cor 16:22B; see Rv 22:20c); Lk 21:34-36

All generations will call me blessed, for God has looked on His lowly handmaid.

MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

PRAY FOR US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus cautions us: Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy (Lk 21:34), and not without reason. Saint Benedict echoes the same at the beginning of his chapter on the daily manual labor: "Idleness is the enemy of the soul" (RB 48:1). Benedict's prevention of such idleness is by prescribing "specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading" (RB 48:1). Jesus tells us to be vigilant at all times and pray (Lk 21:36). It is far too easy to become burdened and unduly focused on the daily drudgery of routine. It is far too easy to find ourselves trapped in anxiety and fear. Or as a friend put it some years ago: "Be careful, you can become bitter overnight." We all need strength to carry on and constantly "seek the things that are above" (Col 3:1). The holy season of Advent begins tomorrow. May we be vigilant and prepare the way of the Lord. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus! Our hearts are ready, O God, our hearts are ready (Ps 57:8). 

HEART OF JESUS, SOURCE OF ALL CONSOLATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Saturday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Blessed Virgin Mary

Other saints: Saint Laurence O'Toole, Bishop (1128-1180); Saint Dyfrig, Bishop (c. 550); The Beatified Martyrs of the Clifton Diocese; The Reading Martyrs; Saint Joseph Pignatelli (1737-1811); All Carmelite Saints; Bd Serapion, Martyr (1240); Saint Nicholas Tavelik and Companions, Martyrs (1391); Bd John Liccio (1511)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 36 Care of the Sick

Mass: 3 Jn 5-8; Resp Ps 112; Lk 18:1-8

Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just.

JESUS, BRIGHTNESS OF ETERNAL LIGHT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

One way to support one another and be co-workers in the truth (3 Jn 8), is to look how the sick and their caregivers share in mutual service as laid out in today's chapter of the Holy Rule, "Care of the Sick". "Care of the sick", writes Saint Benedict, "must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ" (RB 36:1). "The sick", however, "on their part", should "bear in mind that they are served out of honor for God," so "let them not by their excessive demands distress those who serve them" (RB 36:4). Even though, "the sick must be patiently borne with, because serving them leads to a greater reward" (RB 36:5), it seems fitting that the sick should also be patient with their caregivers, because caregivers don't always get it right, or just the way the sick would prefer. In the end, both caregivers and the sick, and the healthy too, support one another with love and in humility. May we be faithful in all we do for one another (3 Jn 5) as we set out daily "for the sake of the Name" (3 Jn 7). And remember to "pray always without becoming weary" (Lk 18:1). O God, come to my assistance, O Lord, make haste to help me.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Saturday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Blessed Virgin Mary

Other saints: Saint Willibrord, Bishop (658-739); Saint Herculanus, Bishop and Martyr (547); Saint Florentius, Bishop (7th Century); Saint Engelbert, Bishop and Martyr (c. 1186-1225); Bd Helen of Arcella (c. 1208-42); Bd Antony Baldinucci (1665-1717); Bd Vincent Grossi, Founder (1845-1917)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 31:1-12 Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer

Mass: Ph 4:10-19; Resp Ps 112; Lk 16:9-15

Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

PRAY FOR US. 

In today's Gospel, Jesus said to His disciples, and He says to us: "The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones" (Lk 16:10). The monastery cellarer, presented to us today and tomorrow in Chapter 31 of the Holy Rule, is someone who is entrusted with matters both small and great. The cellarer is asked to take care of everything (RB 31:3) and knows for certain that he will be held accountable for all things entrusted to him (RB 31:9). In order to fulfill such a responsibility with integrity and good-will, the cellarer prays for the strength that comes from the Lord who empowers her (Ph 4:13). The cellarer chosen from the community is someone "wise, mature in conduct, temperate, not an excessive eater, not proud, excitable, offensive, dilatory or wasteful, but God-fearing, and like a father or mother to the whole community" (RB 31:1-2). The cellarer must show every care and concern for the sick, children, guests and the poor (RB 31:9). In matters both small and great then, the cellarer will regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar (RB 31:10). 

In whatever is entrusted to us, both things small and great, at home, work, or in community, may we, with the monastery cellarer, regard all things and people as sacred vessels of the altar and be ever mindful of that saying of the Apostle: He who serves well secures a good standing for himself (1 Tm 3:13)/(RB 31:8).

WELL FOR THE ONE WHO IS GRACIOUS AND LENDS, 

WHO CONDUCTS HIS AFFAIRS WITH JUSTICE.

(Ps 112)

The Pope's November 2020 Prayer Intention:

Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the epochal change we are experiencing. Robotics can make a better world possible if it is joined to the common good. Indeed, if technological progress increases inequalities, it is not true progress. Future advances should be oriented towards respecting the dignity of the person and of Creation.

Let us pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind...we could say, may it "be human."

 

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Blessed Virgin Mary

Anniversary of the Foundation of Redwoods Monastery

Beatification of Father Michael McGivney, Founder of the Knights of Columbus (1852-1890)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 24 Degrees of Excommunication

Mass: Ph 1:18b-26; Resp Ps 42; Lk 14:1, 7-11

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary.

MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to Saturday, a day dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. And today is especially important on this All Hallows Eve, when we remember our mortality and prepare for the holy month of November, with the Solemnity of All Saints tomorrow, and Monday, when we commemorate all the faithful departed on All Souls' Day. Then follows a line-up of great saints, for example, Saint Martin de Porres, Saint Charles Borromeo, Saint Martin of Tours, Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini, Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, Saint Mechtilde of Hackeborn, Saint Albert the Great, Saint Cecilia, and more, and not to forget the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica on November 9.

But first things first. We turn to Mary, Mother of Hope, Star of the Sea, to guide us and pray for us so that we may join her in praise for, in all things, we give glory to God: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior (Lk 1:46).

To all generations the faithful Mary brought life and she became for them the mother of grace.

(John of Forde)

Today's photo: This statue of Our Lady of the Redwoods, which now hangs in the Novitiate, was a gift from the monks of Our Lady of Refuge Abbey, Zundert, Netherlands. It was given to the founding group of sisters who journeyed in 1962 from Our Lady of Nazareth Abbey, Belgium, to found Our Lady of the Redwoods Abbey. 

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Saturday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop (1807-1870) 

Blessed Virgin Mary 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:12-19

Mass: Eph 4:7-16; Resp Ps 122; Lk 13:1-9

Let us go rejoicing to the house of Lord.

MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,

PRAY FOR US.

In Saint Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, he writes: "Grace was given to each of us to the measure of Christ's gift" (Eph 4:7). In the Apostle's First Letter to the Corinthians, he writes: "Each has a particular gift from God, one of one kind and one of another" (1 Cor 7:7). Whatever the gifts given to each one of us, we are to bear witness to Christ Jesus and build up the Body of Christ. So let us stand firm on the Rock of Christ, the sure foundation and sing with the Entrance Antiphon from Mass: O chosen people, proclaim the mighty works of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. We turn to the martyr Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko (1947-1984) for inspiration:

It is not enough for a Christian to condemn evil, cowardice, lies, and use of force, hatred, and oppression. He must at all times be a witness to and defender of justice, goodness, truth, freedom, and love. He must never tire of claiming these values as a right for himself and others.

(Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko)

SAINT MARY ANTHONY CLARET,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020