Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

In other years: Saints Pontian and Hippolytus (-235); Saint Fachtna or Fachanan of Ross, Ireland, Patron of the Diocese of Ross, probably the first bishop (6th century); Blessed William Freeman (-1595)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 59 the Offering of Sons by Nobles or the Poor- Ch 63 Community Rank

Mass: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a; Resp Ps 85; Rm 9:1-5; Mt 14:22-33

Truth shall spring out of the earth.

QUEEN, ASSUMED INTO HEAVEN,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SACRED HOST, GREATEST AID TO HOLINESS, 

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF MARY, SEAT OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid.

(Mt 14: )

Welcome to the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary in our month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in a week when we celebrate with solemnity the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Give God the praise. I saw a letter where the writer signed off: "In the heart of Jesus." Yes, we are in the heart of Jesus, and in the heart of His Mother our Queen, assumed into heaven.  

With Jesus' words to the frightened disciples in today's Gospel, I am glad for the introduction to our bonus voice for the week, namely that of Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), and words the priest prays after the Lord's Prayer, ones that I pray interiorly. The priest prays to the Lord that we may be "safe from all distress." Yes, dear Lord, you are with us. Please, dear Lord, keep us safe from all distress, and protect us from all anxiety as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And what does the great Saint Francis de Sales have to say? "Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul except sin. God commands you to pray; He forbids you to worry." Please then, Lord, deliver us from every evil and graciously grant peace in our days. Kyrie, eleison. 

In the hearts of Jesus and Mary, united in faith and prayer, we go forth, no matter how turbulent the waters that rock our boats, high the waves that toss us, and strong the winds that blow us.

And for this week's other voices.

 You know the general principal: that God is everywhere. On the throne of His glory among the blessed indeed, but also throughout the whole universe which He fills, governs and preserves, ruling it by wisdom and grace. This we learn in our infancy, as of all of our memory in childhood. Yet in the practice of life, we live along as if we scarcely remembered that God sees us.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

Apply yourself seriously because the years are passing by and we are getting old so we have to become wise.

(Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-1925)

There is nothing so great as the Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given it to us.

(Saint John Vianney, 1786-1859)

Do not receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament so that you may use Him as you judge best, but give yourself to Him and let Him receive you in this Sacrament, so the He Himself, God your savior, may do to you and through you whatever He wills.

(Saint Cajetan, 1480-1578)

In the face of anti-social and anti-Catholic schools, alternative schools must be opened whose mission is to direct, to define and distinguish good and evil; schools that may disarm the enemies by giving the true definition.

(Blessed Francisco Palau y Quer, 1811-1872)

This story told me that there is no limit to one's ability-certainly not age-to accomplish in life what one must. Within each individual in this large and complicated world there lives an astounding potential of greatness. Yet it is rare that these hidden gifts are brought to life unless by the chance of fate.

(Velma Wallis, introduction in V. Wallis, Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival, Epicenter, 1993, p. xiii)

Relations became better between The People and the two women. Both learned that from hardship, a side of people emerged that they had not known. The People had thought themselves to be strong, yet they had been weak. And the two old ones whom they thought to be the most helpless and useless had proven themselves to be strong.

(Velma Wallis, Two Old Women, p. 117)

SAINTS PONTIAN AND HIPPOLYTUS

SAINT FACHNA,

BLESSED WILLIAM FREEMAN,

BLESSED MICHAEL MICGIVNEY,

SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE,

SAINT STEPHEN OF HUNGARY,

SAINT ROCK,

BLESSED MARIA SAGRARIO OF SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA,

BLESSED ANGELUS MAZZINGHI,

SAINT CLARE OF MONTEFALCO,

BLESSED VICTORIA RASOAMANARIVO,

SAINT ALBERTO HURTADO CRUCHAGA,

BLESSEDS JOHN-BAPTIST DUVERNEUIL, MICHAEL-ALOYSIUS BURLARD AND JAMES GAGNOT,

SAINT JOHN EUDES,

SAINT HYACINTH,

BLESSED MARTYRS OF ROCHEFORT,

BLESSED GUERRIC, CISTERCIAN ABBOT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And justice shall look down from heaven.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saints: Saint Teilo (6th century); Saint Apollonia, Virgin and Martyr of Alexandria Egypt (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:62-70 Humility

Mass: Gn 2:18-25; Resp Ps 128; Mk 7:24-30

Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HOLY FAMILY, WHOSE PROTECTOR IS A MODEL OF PATERNAL CARE,

PRAY FOR US.

Before his downfall a man's heart is haughty,

but humility goes before honors.

(Proverbs 18:12)

Divine Scripture calls to us saying: 

Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:1)

As we conclude this year's first reading of Saint Benedict's Chapter 7 on Humility, we pray that we will quickly arrive at that perfect love of God which casts out fear and do everything out of love for Christ good habit and delight in virtue (RB 7:69). United in faith and prayer, we go forth.

Truly humble people are centers of peace because they fear neither their own failure nor others' success. Let us pray for the wisdom to judge as God judges: to look to our own and others' achievements from God's perspective.

(Magnificat, February 8, 2023, Prayer for the Evening, Introduction to Psalm 75)

SAINT TEILO,

SAINT APOLLONIA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From my dear cousin in Windsor, CA, who thought of me when she found this sweet daffodil in her yard the other day. That is certainly enough to brighten anyone's day. Flowers, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs

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

400th Anniversary of the Death of Saint Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church (August 21, 1567-December 28, 1622)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 70 The Presumption of Striking Another Monk at Will

Mass: 1 Jn 1:5-2:2; Resp Ps 124; Mt 2:13-18

Our soul has been rescued like a bird from a fowler's snare.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

(1 Jn 1:5)

UNTIL

(Hafiz, 1320-1389)

I think we are frightened every

Moment of our lives

Until we

Know

Him.

Herod certainly did not know Him. It may be a good day to ask Our Lord to remove the darkness in our hearts and help us to know Him better. No one is beyond fear, anger, or even the "furious rage" (Mt 2:16) of King Herod. With darkness in our hearts each one of us is capable of things better left unsaid. Saint John is clear: "If we say, 'we have fellowship with Him,' while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of His Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn 1:6-7). Let us not deceive ourselves then and acknowledge our sins. God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing (1 Jn 1:8-9). United in faith and prayer, with the grace of God, we go forth. Jesus, author of life, have mercy on us. 

In today's General Audience, Pope Francis asked all of us to pray especially for his 95-year-old predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who is very ill. The Vatican Press Office confirmed that "in the last few hours there has been an aggravation of his health due to advancing age." We pray then with the Holy Father, "may the Lord sustain him in this witness of love until the very end." The Pope Emeritus has led such a long and full life dedicated to God and the Church. Thank you, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

ALL HOLY INNOCENTS,

SERVANT OF GOD JEROME LEJUENE,

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, 

PRAY FOR US. 

Today's photo: From the archives, 2021. Just like the holy innocents, this bird is minding his own business, not bothering a soul. He was busy just being a bird. Just like those poor children, all of those boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under (see Mt 2:16). They were just busy being boys. Broken from the snare and we were freed.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint: Saint Irenaeus, Bishop, Doctor, Martyr (130-202)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 21 The Deans of the Monastery

Mass:  Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12; Resp Ps 5; Mt 8:23-27

At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before You.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?

(Mt 8:26)

Call on Jesus today; He, the One who calms all storms. Yes, even the winds and sea obey Him.  O God, come to my assistance, O Lord, make haste to help me. I believe, help my unbelief. Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy on us.

The glory of God gives life; those who see God receive life ...

Life in man is the glory of God; the life of man is the vision of God.

(From the treatise "Against the Heresies" by Saint Ireneaus, in Office of Readings, June 28)

SAINT IRENAEUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Good morning from Windsor, CA. To proclaim your love in the morning.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saint: Blessed Edward Poppe (d. 1924)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:62-70 Humility

Mass: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-16; Resp Ps 27; Mt 5:27-32

Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE, 

PRAY FOR US.

Shine like lights in the world, as you hold onto the word of life. 

Alleluia. Alleluia.

(Gospel acclamation, Mass)

There are a couple of things I read within the last 24 hours that brought a smile to my face. The first is a remark about silence, from Blessed Rafael Arnaiz Baron. It may help us as we conclude Saint Benedict's chapter 7 on humility and continue to ascend the steps of humility. On silence, then, Rafael said, "Brother, do not make noise, I am speaking with God" (God Alone: A Spiritual Biography of Blessed Rafael Arnaiz Baron, p. 42). Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, have mercy on us.

The second comes from the second reading in today's Office of Readings. It appears this week, in these days when the psalms have been coming through loud and clear. As often is the case, the one prayed fits the mood or emotional state. It started early this week when we began with Psalm 39, the psalmist singing too about silence and humility: "I said, 'I will watch my ways, lest I sin with my tongue, I will set a curb on my mouth ..." (Ps 39:2). It is true what Saint Augustine says about the psalms.

Though all Scripture is fragrant with God's grace. the Book of Psalms has a special attractiveness ...

In the Book of Psalms there is profit for all, with healing power for our salvation ... All who read it may find the cure for their own individual failings. All with eyes to see can discover in it a complete gymnasium for the soul, a stadium for all virtues, equipped for every kind of exercise; it is for each to choose the kind he judges best to help him gain the prize.

(From the explanations of the Psalms by Saint Ambrose, bishop, in Office of Readings, Tenth Week in Ordinary Time, Friday)

Look then to the Book of Psalms, for, "in one short reading you can amass a treasure for the memory ... you will find the glory of charity more than a match for the parade of power" (Saint Augustine). So as we did this morning, we sing with one of my favorite psalms: Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name give the glory because of your faithfulness and love ... Those who fear the Lord trust in the Lord, who is their help and their shield (Ps 115:1,11). 

Now, therefore, after ascending all these steps of humility, the monk will quickly arrive at that perfect love of God which casts out fear. Through this love, all that he once performed with dread, he will now begin to observe without effort, as though naturally, from habit, no longer out of fear of hell, but out of love for Christ, good habit and delight in virtue, All this the Lord will by the Holy Spirit graciously manifest in his workman now cleansed of vices and sins.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:67-70)

BLESSED EDWARD POPPE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Some beauty comes in pairs. Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call. Dear faithful reader, Mr. JA. Why not consider sending along a photo of one of your favorite flowers seen while walking ... United in faith and prayer, thank you for being there. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of Holy Week

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

Saint: Saint Stanislaw, Bishop (1036-1079)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 58:1-16 The Procedure for Receiving New Brothers

Mass: Is 42:1-7; Resp Ps 27; Jn 12:1-11

©

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to Monday, though not an ordinary Monday. We are in the midst of Holy Week. May we be renewed and energized on our way to Jerusalem. I have grasped you by the hand (Is 42:6), says the Lord. 

In today's Gospel, we find Jesus in Bethany, where Lazarus was. It was Lazarus that Jesus raised from the dead. Martha and Mary were there too; they gave a dinner for Jesus. I stopped after I read these lines. Just imagine it. Having dinner with your dear friends, one of whom Jesus raised from the dead. It is certainly no wonder that a large crowd gathered too, outside jostling for a position, not only to see Jesus, but also to see this Lazarus raised from the dead. Fear, confusion, and conversion abound, all at once. Some not only wanted to kill Jesus, but Lazarus too, as many became believers because of him. Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench (Is 42:2-3).

In our reading from the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, we begin the chapter on the reception of new members. It's a good week to be immersed in the wisdom offered us. Entrance should not be easy. Patience is needed. Once the newcomer is welcomed, "the concern must be whether the novice truly seeks God and whether she shows eagerness for the Work of God, for obedience and for trials. The novice should clearly be told all the hardships and difficulties that will lead him to God" (RB 58:6-8). We might turn then to the Prologue, where our holy father Benedict is clear: "This message of mine is for you, then, if you are ready to give up your own will, once and for all, and armed with the strong and noble weapons of obedience, to do battle for the true King, Christ the Lord" (RB 58:3). The following quotations may help, in whatever your vocation. By the grace of God go we. Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy on us.

The passion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the hope of glory and a lesson in patience ...

let us fearlessly acknowledge, and even openly proclaim, that Christ was crucified for us; let us confess it, not in fear but in joy, not in shame but in glory ...

Let me not boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(From a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, Monday of Holy Week)

As we do battle and fight in the contest of faith, God, His angels and Christ Himself watch us. How exalted is His glory, how great the joy of engaging in a contest with God presiding, of receiving a crown with Christ as judge ...

let us arm ourselves with all our might, let us prepare ourselves for the struggle by innocence of heart, integrity of faith, dedication to virtue.

(From a letter by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr, on Office of Readings, April 11)

We pray for the people of Poland, and ask Saint Stanislaw to intercede for them. And Pope Saint John Paul II too. It is a beautiful country, and Krakow fascinating. Get there if you can. It's worth it.

SAINT STANISLAW,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The apple trees in the garden are busy.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Blessed Archangela Girlani (1460-1495); Blessed Villana de'Botti OP (1332-1361)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:24-31 Humility

Mass: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17; Resp Ps 51; Mk 4:35-41

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

MARY, COMFORTER OF THE AFFLICTED,

PRAY FOR US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus asks the disciples two questions. After His followers woke Jesus from sleeping, He calmed the wind and the sea. Then Jesus asked, "Why were you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?" (Mk 4:40). I opened my Bible to the Gospel of Saint Mark to see just how much the disciples had witnessed so far, up to this account in Chapter 4. One might think they would have faith by now. However, we too lack faith. There is no need to be terrified. The Lord is at our side, who or what should we fear? Nothing. Nevertheless, we do have anxiety, fear, worry, and like the disciples, may even feel as if we are perishing. The other day I suggested to a loved one that we pester the Lord to help us. And He is coming through. May we too be filled with great awe (Mk 4:41). I believe, help my unbelief. 

Mary was indeed full of grace

in good measure

pressed down shaken together and running over

for this reason:

that through her

the grace of God might abound in us.

(Baldwin of Forde, 1125-1190)

BLESSED ARCHANGELA GIRLANI,

BLESSED VILLANA DE'BOTTI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Sweet little white ones, with a hint of lavender, to honor Our Lady.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Hedwig (c.1174-1243); Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 16:1-11 The Celebration of the Divine Office During the Day

Mass: Rm 4:13, 16-18; Resp Ps 105; Lk 12:8-12

Throughout the earth God's judgments prevail.

MARY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

PRAY FOR US.

I think of a saying from Julian of Norwich, "All will be well and all manner of things will be well." This may be good to keep in mind and heart when listening to Jesus speak in today's Gospel: When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what you defense will be or about what you are about to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say (Lk 12:11-12). Come, Holy Spirit, come. Mary, help of Christians, pray for us.

Fear nothing, [said the Virgin Mary] you shall be my true daughter and I will always be your good mother.

(Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque) 

Take shelter under our Lady's mantle, and do not fear. She will give you all you need. She is very rich, and besides is very generous with her children. She loves giving.

(Blessed Raphaela Maria, 1850-1925)

But above all preserve peace of heart. This is more valuable than any treasure. In order to preserve it there is nothing more useful than renouncing your own will and substituting it for the will of the divine heart. In this way he will carry out for us whatever contributes to his glory, and we will be happy to be his subjects and to trust entirely in him.

(From a letter by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin, in Office of Readings, October 16)

SAINT HEDWIG,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Zion National Park, UT.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday 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

Saints: Saint Germanus Auxerre (c.378-448); Saint Oswald (c.604-642); Saint Ethelwold (-984)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 52 The Oratory of the Monastery

Mass: Nb 12:1-13; Resp Ps 51; Mt 14:22-36

A clean heart create for me, O God.

JESUS, OUR REFUGE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

It is likely that there are times when we find ourselves with Saint Peter in today's Gospel. Our faith weakens. We doubt. It is at these times, in the midst of difficult or overwhelming circumstances, that we too can cry out: "Lord, save me!" (Mt 14:30). Jesus speaks: Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid (Mt 14:27).

I will not mistrust [God], though I shall feel myself weakening and on the verge of being overcome with fear ... I trust He shall place His holy hand on me and in the stormy seas hold me up from drowning.

(Saint Thomas More, 1478-1535)

When did it ever happen that a man had confidence in God and was lost?

(Saint Alphonsus Liguori, 1698-1787)

Go ahead! Courage! In the spiritual life he who does not go forward goes backward. It is the same with a boat which must always go forward. It it stands still, the wind will blow it back.

(Saint Padre Pio, 1887-1968)

SAINT GERMANUS AUXERRE,

SAINT OSWALD,

SAINT ETHELWOLD,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A redwood lily at Redwoods.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Other saints: Saint Donan, Martyr, Patron Saint of Eigg (7th century); Bl Baptist Spagnoli of Mantua (1447-1516); Bl Clara Gambacorta OP, Dominican nun and widow (1362-1419); Bl Maria Mancini OP, Dominican nun and widow (-1431)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 62 The Priests of the Monastery

Mass: Acts 6:1-17; Resp Ps 33; Jn 6:16-21

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

MARY, LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS,

PRAY FOR US.

It is true that in today's Gospel passage, the disciples were not so much afraid of the turbulent sea and strong wind as they were when they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near their boat (Jn 6:18-19). Oh no, let us not be afraid of Jesus as He says: It is I. Do not be afraid (Jn 6:20). Like the disciples. we may want to take Jesus into our boat (Jn 6:21). Then we realize that He is already there. I keep the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure (Ps 16:8-10). 

About one of the saints of the day, Saint Donan, the patron saint of Eigg, you might investigate the Isle of Eigg. I found a segment on 60 Minutes Overtime from September 26, 2017. What a fascinating place. 

SAINT DONAN,

BLESSED BAPTIST SPANOLI OF MANTUA,

BLESSED CLARA GAMBACORTA,

BLESSED MARIA MANCINI,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another discovery in Eureka. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:31-33

Mass: Heb 11:1-2, 8-19; Resp Ps (Lk 1); Mk 4:35-41

Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel; He has come to His people.

FAITH IS THE REALIZATION OF WHAT IS HOPED FOR AND 

EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN.

(Heb 11:1)

I like it when Jesus asks questions. In a boat with the disciples, Jesus sleeps while the disciples are afraid and anxious about the wind and waves that rock the boat. After being awakened by the frightened disciples, then rebuking the wind and calming the sea, Our Lord poses two questions for us to ponder: Why were you terrified? Do you not yet have faith? (Mk 4:40). Today seems like another good day to pray with the man whose son was possessed by a mute spirit: "I do believe, help my unbelief!" (Mk 9:24), and remember words of Our Lord: Everything is possible to one who has faith (Mk 9:23).

We turn to Mary, comforter of the afflicted, to please pray for us. 

Knowing in advance 

the course and outcome of all miseries

she sooths our fear

she awakens our faith

she strengthens our hope

she dispels our lack of confidence

she bolsters our timidness,

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

Readings of the day: RB 60 The Admission of Priests into the Monastery

Mass: Ac 6:1-7; Resp Ps 33; Jn 6:16-21

It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come.

The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.

Our lives are like this sometimes: we experience dark periods of self-doubt, loneliness, betrayal, disappointment; we have troubles, anxieties, worries, and are afraid. The winds of daily life are blowing—we feel ungrounded, frustrated, and wonder where God is. Nevertheless, a line from Albert Camus’sThe Stranger comes to mind: ‘Mother used to say that however miserable one is, there’s always something to be thankful for.’ Our eyes and ears are opened to see and hear: It is I. Do not be afraid. Jesus walks toward us, behind us, before us, and with us. The Lord is with me; I am not afraid (Ps 118:6). Thank you, Jesus. 

Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you;

and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.

Evangelii Gaudium, 164

Saint Paul of the Cross

Readings of the day: RB 16

Mass: Romans 4:1-8; Resp. Psalm 32; Luke 12:1-7

I don’t know how many times our Lord said, “Do not be afraid,” but I like to think he said it at least 365 times, once for each day of the year. It seems Jesus knew we needed to hear those words over, and over again. In today’s passage from Saint Luke, Jesus tells us two times! Even so, we spend a considerable amount of time being afraid, and worrying about this and that. Then we are given unhelpful advice from too many people, “Oh, stop your worrying.” I prefer the words of Caryll Houselander: “The more you say, ‘I must not worry,’ the more you will: I think it is better simply to offer the worrying to God.” I also offer my fears.

Not one of them has escaped the notice of God. (Lk 12:6)

Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your lifespan?

If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest?

Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:25, 32

I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

Psalm 32

May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us;

Who have put our hope in you.

ALLELUIA.

SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS,

PRAY FOR US.