April 2026

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

April is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament

April 12 is Divine Mercy Sunday

From the rising of the sun to its setting.

OUR LADY, ARK OF THE COVENANT,

SAINT FRANCIS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, BREAD OF LIFE,

SACRED HOST, GREATEST AID TO HOLINESS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

It is said that April showers bring May flowers. With that, welcome to the first day of April from a place where it is raining. You who seek God, may your hearts revive! (Psalm 69). Rise and shine say the tulips in the garden. Not surprisingly, mowing and garden work have commenced in our neck of the woods. Glorious April, the month, as it is, dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. And this first day of the month finds us on Wednesday of Holy Week. Lord, in your great love, answer me (Psalm 69).

April is a packed month with Holy Week leading to the Paschal Triduum which takes us to Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord. And that is not all as we have the Octave of Easter that leads us into the Easter Season which leads us into May ... And we will see what is in store for us in May, the month for flowers! In summary, our plate is full, dear faithful readers. For the gift to us, we give God the praise. 

My beloved missal highlights "Saints Who Wrote Hymns," this month. One project could be to reflect upon your favorite Easter Hymn and when you recall it, to pray with and meditate on the words. And sing it too! Maybe there is a favorite line that comes to mind throughout your busy day, doing this, that, and the other. Sing we to our God above ...

Or, how about taking Saint Josemaria Escriva's words that follow to heart and writing down one practical thing you will do this month for Christ's apostolate. But don't stop at just writing it down, carry it out in word and deed!

The apostolic concern which burns in the heart of ordinary Christians is not something separate from their everyday work. It is part and parcel of one's work, which becomes a source of opportunities for meeting Christ. As we work at our job, side by side with our colleagues, friends, and relatives and sharing their interests, we can help them become closer to Christ ...

We are not doing our apostolate. If we were, what could we possibly say? We are doing Christ's apostolate, because God wants it to be done and because He has commanded us to do it: Go out all over the world, and preach the Gospel to the whole of creation. The errors are ours; the fruits are His ...

Christ's plea is addressed to each and every Christian. No one can consider himself excused, for whatever reason: age, health, or occupation. There are no excuses whatsoever. Either we carry out a fruitful apostolate or our faith will prove barren.

(Saint Josemaria Escriva, 1902-1975)

And no matter what you encounter in the days of this month, remember Saint Pius of Pietrelcina "Padre Pio" (1887-1968), and his words of encouragement: "Courage, then, and keep forging ahead." 

And for more encouragement, we hear some other strong voices too. 

There is a general rule concerning all special graces granted to any human being. Whenever the divine favor chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfill the task at hand.

(From a sermon by Saint Bernardine of Siena, priest, in Office of Readings, March 19)

If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbor, you should approach God first with all you heart. Ask Him simply to fill you with charity, the greatest of all virtues, with it you can accomplish what you desire.

(From the treatise On the Spiritual Life by Saint Vincent Ferrer, in Office of Readings, April 5)

God does not want our wretchedness, but He is aware of it, and indeed He makes use of our weakness to make saints of us ...

the realization that we are made of clay, and cheap clay at that, has to lead us, above all, to strengthen our hope in God alone.

(Saint Josemaria Escriva, 1902-1975)

The only truly happy people are those who have chosen Jesus and His cross on earth ... Jesus is filled with compassion for those who suffer ... making Himself our Simon of Cyrene.

(Father Jean du Coeur de Jesus d'Elbee, 1892-1982)

Being at one with God is the utmost happiness man can know, 

and that it is His own happiness and glory.

(Caryll Houselander, 1901-1954)

Our concern should be what is happening right now. 

There is plenty of work for love to do, you know.

(Bishop Trevor Mwamba to Mma Ramotswe in 

Alexander McCall Smith, Tea Time for the Traditionally Built)

Love does not want a divided heart; He wants all or nothing.

(Saint Teresa Margaret Redi, 1747-1770)

Prayer purifies us, reading instructs us. Both are good when both are possible. Otherwise, prayer is better than reading.

If a man always wants to be in God's company, he must pray regularly and read regularly. When we pray, we talk to God; when we read, God talks to us.

All spiritual growth comes from reading and reflection. By reading we learn what we did not know; by reflection we retain what we have learned.

(From the Book of Maxims by Saint Isidore, bishop, in Office of Readings, April 4)

The human heart is always drawn by love.

(Saint Catherine of Siena, 1347-1380, The Dialogue)

Until you hear the whole story, until you dig deeper, and listen, she [Mma Ramotswe] thought, you know only a tiny part of the goodness of the human heart.

(in Alexander McCall Smith, Tea Time for the Traditionally Built)

The more you are led by God's love, the more you become yourself and it is all done without ever losing your freedom.

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)*

We begin to act differently when we recognize the immensity of our possibilities.

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)

We must not expect to see our plan for our own sanctification being realized instead of God's plan. His plan for us is His secret-a lover's secret- and we must trust His love. In fact, our trust in God, especially when we see our own unworthiness, is the greatest compliment we can pay Him.

(Dom M. Eugene Boylan, O.C.R., d. 1964)

SAINT CEALLACH,

SAINT HUGH OF GRENOBLE,

SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLA,

SAINT JOHN PAYNE,

BLESSED PEDRO CALUNSGOD,

SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE,

SAINT BENEDICT 'THE BLACK',

SAINT VINCENT FERRER,

VENERABLE JEROME LEJEUNE,

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE,

SAINT HENRY WALPOLE,

SAINT JULIA BILLIART,

BLESSED ANTHONY NEYROT, OP,

SAINT MICHAEL DE SANCTIS,

SAINT STANISLAW,

SAINT ZENO OF VERONA,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT FAUSTINA KOWALSKA,

SAINT PERFECTUS,

POPE SAINT MARTIN I, MARTYR,

SAINT MARGARET COSTELLO, OP,

BLESSED LUCIEN BOTOVOSOA,

BLESSED LIDWINA OF SCHIEDAM,

BLESSED PETER GONZALEZ, OP,

SAINT HUNNA,

SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS,

SAINT DONAN,

BLESSED BAPTIST SPAGJOLI OF MANTUA,

BLESSED CLARA GAMBACORTA, OP,

BLESSED MARIA MANCINI, OP,

SAINT LASERIAN OR MOLAISE,

BLESSED ANNE-MARIE BLONDIN,

SAINT MARY OF EGYPT,

BLESSED MARY OF THE INCARNATION,

SAINT ALPHEGE,

BLESSED ISNARD OF CHIAMPO, OP,

BLESSED SIBYLLINA BISCOSSI, OP,

SAINTS MARCELLINUS, VINCENT, AND DOMNINUS,

SAINT BEUNO,

SAINT AGNES OF MONTEPULCIANO, OP,

SAINT ANSELM OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT MAELRUBHA,

POPE SAINTS CAIUS AND SOTERA,

SAINT GEORGE, MARTYR,

SAINT ADALBERT OF PRAGUE,

BLESSED TERESA MARIA OF THE CROSS,

SAINT FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN, PRIEST, MARTYR,

SAINT ERKENWALD,

SAINT EGBERT,

SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST,

ANZAC DAY,

BLESSED ROBERT ANDERTON AND WILLIAM MARSDEN,

SAINT ASICUS,

SAINT MAUGHOLD,

BLESSED HOSANNA OF KOTOR, OP,

SAINT ZITA,

SAINT RAFAEL ARNAIZ BARON,

SAINT PETER CHANAL, PRIEST, MARTYR,

SAINT LOUIS MARIE GRIGNION OF MONTFORT, PRIEST,

BLESSED MARIA GUGGUIARI ECHEVERRIA,

SAINT GIANNA BERETTA MOLLA,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA, VIRGIN, MARTYR,

POPE SAINT PIUS V,

SAINT MARIE OF THE INCARNATION,

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF AFRICA,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. Thankfully, the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen is set for September 24, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri (The Show Me State). Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will preside. 

This month's photo: Praise be the Name of the Lord. From friends visiting Cozumel, Mexico.

© Gertrude Feick 2026

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

She is clothed with strength and dignity, 

and she laughs at the days to come.

MARY, QUEEN OF MOTHERS,

PRAY FOR US.

On you have I leaned from my birth,

from my mother's womb you have been my help.

My hope has always been in you.

(Psalm 70:6)

Welcome to Good Shepherd Sunday and the celebration of Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day. We pray for all mothers, biological, psychological, or spiritual, that through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will guide them, and bless and reward them for their sacrifices, love, and care. Bless the work of their hands and hearts. 

The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.

(Saint Therese of Lisieux, "The Little Flower", 1873-1897)

A woman by her very nature is maternal - for every woman, either married or unmarried, is called upon to be a biological, psychological, or spiritual mother - she knows intuitively that to give, to nurture, to care for others, to suffer with and for them - for maternity implies suffering - is infinitely more valuable in God's sight than to conquer nations and fly to the moon.

(Alice von Hildebrand, 1923-2022)

We invoke some of the saints who were mothers ...

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINT PERPETUA,

SAINT HELENA OF CONSTANTINOPLE,

SAINT MONICA,

SAINT OLGA OF KIEV,

SAINT ADELAIDE OF BURGANDY,

SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND,

SAINT HEDWIG OF SILESIA,

SAINT FRANCES OF ROME,

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA,

SAINT MARGARET POLE,

SAINT MARGARET BALL,

SAINT MARIE OF THE INCARNATION,

SAINT MARIE-MARGUERITE D'YOUVILLE,

SAINT MARIA CRISTINA OF SAVOY,

SAINT ELISABETTA SANNA,

BLESSED EUROSIA FABRIS BARBARI,

SAINT HILDEGARD BURJAN,

BLESSED CONCEPCION CABRERA DE ARMIDA,

BLESSED WIKTORIA ULMA,

SAINT GIANNA MOLLA,

SAINT ZDZISLAWA OF LEMBERK, OP,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Give her a reward of her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Sixth Sunday of Easter

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Prologue 21 - Ch 2:10 Qualities of the Abbot

Sing to the Lord a new song.

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

In this is love: not that we have loved God, 

but that He loves us and sent His Son as expiation for our sins.

(1 John 4:10)

Welcome to the Sixth Sunday of Easter fully immersed in the glorious month of May, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. What is written about the word in the Letter to the Hebrews certainly rings true today, namely, "the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart" (Heb 4:12). Our readings are packed with wisdom to take to lectio divina, that is, divine reading. What is the word of God saying to you today? Stop. Take inventory. Whether in a moment of gratitude, sorrow, joy, anxiety, restlessness, warmth or cold, listen. Remain in my love, says the Lord.  As the Father loves me, so I also love you, yes, you. It is through Our Lord that we have life. We have life and light to love Him, ourselves and one another. We say with Saint Paul, "I myself am also a human being." Yes, "by God's grace I am what I am" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 31/1 Cor 15:10). I grow in virtue; I stumble and fall along the path to holiness. No matter, we are all acceptable to the Lord, for He shows no partiality. Our Lord loves saint and sinner alike. He wants His joy to be in us so that our joy might be complete. Complete to share with whoever we encounter on the road to glory. Make God the center of your life, and as Saint Julian of Norwich says, "All will be well." "Only if God exists," writes Pope Benedict XVI, "only if He becomes the center of my life, is this love my neighbor as myself possible. But if He exists, if He becomes the center of my life, then it is also possible to reach this inward freedom of love." Love one another, commands the Lord. I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give you. Whatever. Absorb His words that penetrate between soul and spirit. 

All our voices this week speak of the Blessed Virgin Mary, dear Mary, who will help us in this way of love so that we bear fruit, fruit that will remain. Indeed, "we must run and do now what will profit us forever" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 44). And, as Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron wrote to his Uncle Leopoldo in 1937, "Given Mary, how could you not love God!!!"  "Not to us, Lord, not to us give the glory, but to your name alone" (RB Prologue 30).

First, we listen to Romano Guardini (1885-1968), from his classic work, The Lord. Chapter II, The Mother, begins in this way:

Anyone who would understand the nature of a tree, should examine the earth that encloses its roots, the soil from which its sap climbs into branch, blossom, and fruit. Similarly, to understand the person of Jesus Christ, one would do well to look to the soil that brought Him forth: Mary, His mother.

Let us look to Mary, His mother, then, especially this month: Our Lady's month.

Our Mother in heaven deserves all the love our poor hearts are capable of. Our Lady never forgets us ... Ask yourself: Do I try to put new love each day into my effort to stay close to Our Lady?

(Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, 1914-1994, to members of Opus Dei)

The first thing which kindles ardor in learning is the greatness of the teacher. What is greater than the Mother of God? What more glorious than she whom Glory Itself chose?

(Saint Ambrose, 340-397, Bishop of Milan, Doctor of the Church)

Every great man in the Church has been most devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary ...

Virgin most innocent of any stain or fault, make me more worthy of God.

(Saint Robert Bellarmine, 1542-1621)

The knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve has bound fast through unbelief, this did the virgin Mary set free through faith.

(Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, Doctor of the Church, 130-202)

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

as 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, 1070-80-1157)

And as we, united as we are in faith and prayer, go forth this week, we take with us comforting words from Pope Francis, words His Holiness gave to members of the Spanish Confraternity of Our Lady of Montserrat on the 800th anniversary of its foundation (2023). Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.

To celebrate Mary is to celebrate the closeness and tenderness of God who is with His people, who does not leave us alone, who has given us a Mother who cares for us and accompanies us.

SAINT ASAPH,

BLESSED EDMUND RICE,

SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS,

SAINT ANGELUS,

SAINT FRANCOIS DE LAVAL,

SAINT EVODIUS,

SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY,

SAINT ALBERT OF BERGAMO, OP,

SAINT DOMINIC,

SAINT HILDA OF WHITBY,

SAINT PETER OF TARANTAISE,

BLESSED CATHERINE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE,

BLESSED JOHN SULLIVAN,

BLESSED ALOYSIUS RABATA,

SAINT GEORGE PRECA, MALTA'S SECOND FATHER IN FAITH,

SAINT COMGALL,

SAINT ANTONINUS OF FLORENCE, OP,

THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS,

SAINT PAUL,

BLESSED CHRISTIAN DE CHERGE AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS OF ATLAS,

SAINT JOHN OF AVILA,

SAINT DAMIEN DE VEUSTER,

HOLY ABBOTS OF CLUNY,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LACONI,

PRAY FOR US

Today's photo: I managed this one while teetering on a ladder. With God, all things are possible. For He has done wondrous things. Alleluia.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Easter Sunday and the Octave of Easter

March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph

April is the month dedicated to the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 49 The Observance of Lent - Ch 54 Letters or Gifts for Monks

The stone which the builders rejected.

JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF THE REDEEMER,

MOTHER OF OUR SAVIOR,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SPIRIT OF LOVE AND TRUTH,

JESUS, BREAD OF LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised.

(Mark 16:6)

Christians to the Paschal Victim

Offer your thankful praises! ...

The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.

(Victimae paschali laudes)

Welcome to Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord, especially to the newly baptized and confirmed. Together, all members of Christ, let us remain faithful to the Church all the days of our lives. And as members of the Body, we have been raised with Christ, so we seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (see Col 3:1). Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

It's pretty difficult, what with all the Word proclaimed last night at the Easter Vigil, and today on Easter Sunday, to choose a favorite text. Every time I hear the Word proclaimed, or read something in my missal, that particular text becomes my favorite. And so, let us just rejoice in it all, and not draw back, and if we are not already going about it, get busy and announce the Good News: The Lord is truly risen, alleluia. To Him be glory and power for all the ages of eternity, alleluia, alleluia. Live in newness of life (see Roman 6:4); live for God in Christ Jesus (see Romans 6:11)! Alleluia! 

... we ought all rejoice on this holy day. Let no one draw back from the common celebration because of his awareness of sin. Let not one stand off from the public acts of worship because of his burden of crimes. Although one may be a sinner, on this day he ought not to despair of pardon. This is no small privilege. If even the thief merited paradise, why should not the Christian merit pardon? And if the Lord, when He is crucified, has mercy on the former, will He not all the more have mercy on the latter when He rises?

(From a sermon by Saint Maximus of Turin, 380-465)

SAINT CEALLACH,

SAINT MARY OF EGYPT,

SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLA,

SAINT IRENE OF ROME,

SAINT JOHN PAYNE,

BLESSED PEDRO CALUNGSOD,

SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE,

SAINT LEANDER,

SAINT BENEDICT "THE BLACK",

SAINT VINCENT FERRER,

BLESSED PIERINA MOROSINI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Image of Icon of the Resurrection, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. Has become the cornerstone.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

The Month of April Dedicated both to Devotion to the Eucharist and Devotion to the Holy Spirit

In other years: Saint Laborius, Bishop of Le Mans, Patron Saint of the Cathedral and Archdiocese of Paderborn, Germany (d.396)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 56 The Abbot's Table

The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night: Gn 1:1-2:2; Resp Ps 104 or Ps 33; Gn 22:1-18; Resp Ps 16; Ex 14;15-15:1; Resp Ps (Ex 15); Is 54:5-14; Resp Ps 30; Is 55:1-11; Resp Ps (Is 12); Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Resp Ps 19; Ezk 36:16-17a, 18-28; Resp Ps 42-43 or Resp (Is 12)  or Ps 51; Rm 6:3-11; Gospel Acclamation Ps 118; Mt 28:1-10

Easter Sunday Mass: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Resp Ps 118; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; Sequence (Victimae paschali laudes); Jn 20:1-9

Yes, Christ my hope is arisen.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

JESUS, OUR RESURRECTION,

SPIRIT OF LOVE AND JOY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. 

He is not here, for He has been raised from the dead just as He said.

(Mt 28:5-6)

Happy Easter. He is Risen - Alleluia! Let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1 Cor 5:8). 

Now with news from the Easter Bunny: Dear faithful readers, thank you for being there. First hoppity hop with a few statistics. Since September 10, 2017, Lectio Divina has been published on a daily basis (with the exception of approximately seven days) for a total of 2,060 times. That makes for 5.64 years of reflections. To put it simply, and in sincerity and truth, it is time for a break in the action. In honor of Saint Laborius, the balance of ora et labora is not balanced. Most likely, you will not hear from me again during the Octave of Easter. After the Octave, you will hear from me at least once a week (barring any unforeseen circumstances), and maybe more often. However, you will hear from me on a regular not so regular basis. I am not quite sure of all the details of future reflections with a few things under consideration, like a title for them; I have started a list of ideas. Whatever comes of it all, we remain united in faith and prayer and keep going, no matter what. Please continue to check your email for postings and you can always find the most updated reflection on our website, along with other newsy news from Redwoods. In the meantime, go quickly and join Mary Magdalene and the other Mary ... run to announce the good news! 

He has been raised from the dead!

(Mt 28:7)

SAINT LABORIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Image of the Icon of the Resurrection, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday within the Octave of Easter

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

Saint: Saints Marcellinus, Vincent and Domninus (-374); Saint Bueno (-640); Saint Agnes of Montepulciano OP (1268-1317)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 64:1-6 The Election of an Abbot

Mass: Acts 3:1-10; Resp Ps 105; Lk 24:13-35

Sing to Him, sing praise.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!

(Lk 24:34)

There is much that could be said today, and this week for that matter, when we celebrate Easter every day within this Octave of Easter. Alleluia!

I find it is sometimes best to go with my first reflections, especially when making haste. We have been blessed, in will continue so blessed, with the lively accounts of the nascent church as related in the Acts of the Apostles. We hear about a man crippled from birth, who, with the words and faith of Peter, "In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk" (Acts 3:6), leaps, stands up, walks around, goes to the temple area, walking and jumping and praising God. This was not before his feet and ankles grew strong though (Acts 3:7).😊 If this man can immediately get going after being crippled from birth, just imagine what we can do. We, each of us, are crippled in one way or another. However, call on the name of the Lord, invoke His name, and do what you can. Many, including us, can too be "filled with amazement and astonishment" (Acts 3:10). Glory in His holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! Look to the Lord in His strength; seek to serve Him constantly (Ps 105).

Jesus, King of glory,

have mercy on us.

SAINT MARCELLINUS, VINCENT AND DOMNINUS,

SAINT BUENO,

SAINT AGNES OF MONTEPULCIANO,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I've never seen one of these before, a favorite of Catherine's, a checkered lily (fritillaria). Wow! Glory in His holy name.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday within the Octave of Easter

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

In other years: Saint Laserian or Molaise (-639); Blessed Marie-Anne Blondin (1809-1890); Blessed Mary of the Incarnation (16th-17th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 63:1-9 Community Rank

Mass: Acts 2:14, 22-33; Resp Ps 16; Mt 28:8-15

Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to Easter Monday. The Lord has risen from the dead, so He said; let us all exult and rejoice, for He reigns for all eternity, alleluia (Entrance Antiphon, Mass). Mary Magdalene and the other Mary bump into Jesus in today's Gospel. We will bump into Him too. Be ready. Hold onto Jesus and worship Him. Do not tarry though. There is work to do. Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me (Mt 28:10). 

I am the Christ ...

Come, then, all you nations of people, receive forgiveness for the sins that defile you. I am your forgiveness. I am the Passover that brings salvation. I am the lamb who was immolated for you. I am your ransom, your life, your resurrection, your light, I am your salvation and your king. I will bring you to the heights of heaven. With my own right hand I will raise you up, and I will show you the eternal Father.

(From an Easter homily by Melito of Sardis, in Office of Readings, Monday within the Octave of Easter)

SAINT LASERIAN OR MOLAISE,

BLESSED MARIE-ANNE BLONDIN,

BLESSED MARY OF THE INCARNATION,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Frohe Ostern from Moni in Freiburg, Germany. Hallelujah!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

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

In other years: Saint Donan (7th century); Blessed Baptist Spagnoli Mantau (1447-1516); Blessed Clara Gambacorta OP (1362-1419); Blessed Maria Mancini OP (-1431) 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 62 The Priests of the Monastery

Mass: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Resp Ps 118; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; Sequence Victimae paschali laudes; Jn 20:1-9

The right hand of the Lord has struck with power.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

ALLEULIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

HE IS RISEN!

ALLELUIA!

Happy Easter dear friends and faithful readers near and far. Thank you for being there. United in faith and prayer, we seek the living God and pray especially for all those received into the Church last night at the Easter Vigil. God is praised. We see and we believe that "we were indeed buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life" (Rm 6:4).

Every time in your ordinary life that God calls you to die to something, and in that act to rise again to new life beyond death, it is a practice run for the final return home and the ultimate resurrection. You may be asked to die to your own hopes and plans, to your cherished self-image, to your for-a-while-successful work, to something which is holding you back from God. Each time you let go and say 'Yes', you are obeying the Spirit's call to life beyond death. You are consenting to be a son or daughter of God. Every time you choose to act in real freedom, in love, forgiveness, humility, truth and self-forgetting generosity, you are accepting your dignity as the beloved adopted heir.

(M. Boulding, Gateway to Resurrection, p. 130)

We go forth then, raised with Christ and seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For we have died and our life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ our life appears, then we too will appear with Him in glory (Col 3:1-4).

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

(Ps 118)

SAINT DONAN,

BLESSED BAPTIST SPAGNOLI MANTUA,

BLESSED CLARA GAMBORTA,

BLESSED MARIA MANCINI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: Icon of the Resurrection, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso.

© Gertrude Feick 2022