Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Other saints: Pope Saint Martin I, Martyr (598-655); Bl. Margaret of Castello or Metola (c. 1287-1320)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 59 The Offering of Sons by Nobles or the Poor

Mass: Acts 4:32-37; Resp Ps 93; Jn3:7b-15

The Lord is king; He is robed in majesty.

HEART OF JESUS, KING AND CENTER OF ALL HEARTS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

 

Some verses from today's first reading at Mass, taken from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 4:32-37), are included in the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict. It is no wonder, as the community of believers described in the Acts of the Apostles is life in Christian community, that is, a community of believers "of one heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). Although life as set forth in the passage from the Acts of the Apostles is a foundation of life in Christian community, our holy father Benedict refers to two verses, verse 32 once, and verse 35 twice, in his chapters on private ownership (RB 33), distribution of goods according to need (RB 34), and clothing and footwear (RB 55). 

For your reflection, I include for you here how St. Benedict uses the verses. First, regarding monks and private ownership, we read: "For [the monks'] needs, they are to look to the father of the monastery, and are are not allowed anything which the abbot has not given or permitted. All things should be the common possession of all, as it is written, so that no one presumes to call anything his own (Acts 4:32/RB 33:5-6). Second, regarding distribution of goods according to need, we read: "It is written: Distribution was made to each one as he had need (Acts 4:35). By this we do not imply that there should be favoritism-God forbid-but rather consideration for weaknesses. Whoever needs less should thank God and not be distressed, but whoever needs more should feel humble because of his weakness, not self-important because of the kindness shown to him. In this way all the members will be at peace. First and foremost, there must be no word or sign of the evil of grumbling, no manifestation of it for any reason at all" (RB 34:1-6). And third, regarding clothing and footwear: "The abbot, however must always bear in mind what is said in the Acts of the Apostle: Distribution was made to each one as he had need (Acts 4:35). In this way the abbot will take into account the weaknesses of the needy, not the evil will of the envious" (RB 55:20-21).

Dear Jesus, may we be so blessed to live in a community of believers, and give us the strength and courage to live fully such a life. And if we do not find ourselves in a community of believers, may each one of us be true to the faith and give full witness according to your Divine Will. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

POPE SAINT MARTIN I,

BLESSED MARGARET OF COSTELLO,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This red-headed woodpecker is busy.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 19 The Discipline of the Psalmody
Mass: Ep 4:1-6; Resp Ps 24; Lk 12:54-59

Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received ...

Tuesday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 4:1-21 The Tools For Good Works
Mass: 1 Co 12:12-14, 27-31a; Resp Ps 100; Lk 7:11-17

Now the body is not a single part, but many.

There are many benefits to living in community. One aspect of communal life which I find particularly valuable is that there is always someone who can help, or has the specific gift needed to assist. If I need something mended, there is the expert mender; if I need help cooking a particular dish, there is the one with culinary skills; if I need help with artwork, there is the artist; there is a sister who serves as infirmarian to assist with health related matters. As St Paul tells the Corinthians, Christ's Body is made of individual parts, individual people, each one made in the image and likeness of God, each who has a gift or gifts for this or that. Communities are made of prophets, teachers, administrators, gardeners, artists, chefs, musicians, seamstresses, launderers, scholars, manual laborers, linguists, ones who see the big picture and those who pay attention to details, older ones and younger ones. Indeed, 'everyone has her own gift from God, one this and another that' (1 Co 7:7). Think about those who surround you in your community, family, classroom, or work team. What are the particular gifts that God has given each one of them? Today may be a good day to go to one or two of them and affirm their gifts and be grateful for their presence. 

You must honor everyone.

(RB 4:8)