Friday, Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 20

Mass: Romans 7:18-25a; Resp. Psalm 119; Luke 12:54-59

The Holy Rule of Saint Benedict

Ch. 20. Reverence in Prayer

Whenever we want to ask some favor of a powerful man, we do it humbly and respectfully, for fear of presumption. How much more important, then, to lay our petitions before the Lord God of all things with the utmost humility and sincere devotion. We must know that God regards our purity of heart and tears of compunction, not our many words. Prayer should therefore be short and pure, unless perhaps it is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace. In community, however, prayer should always be brief; and when the superior gives the signal, all should rise together.

Lord, let your steadfast love become my comfort

according to your promise to your servant.

Psalm 119:76

Our Lady of the Rosary

First Saturday of the Month

Readings of the day: RB 7:56-58

Mass: Baruch 4:5-12,27-29; Resp. Psalm 69; Luke 10:17-24

It may be a good day to reflect on what Jesus means when he speaks of “the childlike.”

I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. 

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY

Saint Francisco de Jesus Marto, Saint Jacinta de Jesus Marto

Servant of God Lúcia de Jesus Rosa dos Santos

PRAY FOR US

BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS (d. 1897)

Readings of the day: RB 7:51-54

Mass: Nehemiah 8:1-4a,5-6,7b-12; Resp. Psalm 19; Luke 10:1-12

The reading from the Book of Nehemiah is one of my favorites, especially the line, “men, women, and those children old enough to understand.” The line is so good it is repeated. The passage also reminds me of something I heard some years ago from a Trappist monk. In a conference on forming new members into the monastic tradition, the monk shared what he tells all newcomers. It also bears repeating. If you are going to fidget, move around, cough, sneeze, slouch, or otherwise lose attention at Mass or during the celebration of the Divine Office, never do so when the Word is proclaimed. When the Word is proclaimed, one should be still, attentive, and mind their posture so to speak. I think of those assembled when Ezra read from the book of the law of Moses. They listened attentively; they rose when Ezra opened the scroll; they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the Lord. The whole people was so moved they wept. And Ezra, he read plainly so that all could understand what was read. 

Do I exhibit the same reverence when the Word is proclaimed? Are my ears and heart open to receive the Word? What about my posture? When I proclaim the Word am I prepared? Am I audible so the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand can understand?

Then all the people went to eat and drink, to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy, for they understood the words that had been expounded to them.

BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS, PRAY FOR US.

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS

Readings of the day: RB 7:35-43

Mass: Exodus 23:20-23; Resp. Psalm 91 or Zechariah 8:1-8; Resp. Psalm 102;

Matthew 18:1-5,10

Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.

Alleluia, Alleluia.

The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy provides insight into today’s celebration: 

“Devotion to the Holy Angels gives rise to a certain form of the Christian life which is characterized by:

• devout gratitude to God for having placed these heavenly spirits of great sanctity and dignity [at our service];

• an attitude of devotion deriving from the knowledge of living constantly in the presence of the Holy Angels of God; serenity and confidence in facing difficulties situations, since the Lord guides and protects the faithful in the way of justice through the ministry of His Holy Angels” (216).

In the presence of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Psalm 137

ANGEL OF GOD,
my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here;
Ever this (day, night) be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.