Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Our Lady of Arabia; Saint Felix of Nola, Priest (early 3rd century); Saint Sava (1174-1235)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:30-32 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Have 4:12-16; Resp Ps 19; Mk 2:13-17

Refreshing the soul.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, FULL OF GRACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, EXAMPLE OF VIRTUES,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

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)

The rain keeps on; steady she goes. 

It is true that the above quotation from the Letter to the Hebrews is a favorite; the Word and the Spirit with Him blow where they will. Pay attention; be alert, "no creature is concealed from Him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must render an account" (Heb 4:13). And through it all we give thanks, for Jesus who reminds us why He came: Those who are well do not need a physician, says the Lord, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners (Mk 2:17). Thanks be to God. United in faith and prayer, we join Levi who got up from the customs post and followed Jesus (see Mk 2:14).

In honor of Our Lady, and today especially Our Lady of Arabia, the principal patroness of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, the following is from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153).

Fear not, Mary,

you have found grace with the Lord.

How much grace?

Full grace

unique grace.

Unique or general?

Both surely,

Because full,

both unique and general.

You have received the general grace uniquely.

Both unique and general, I say,

for you alone found grace above everyone.

Unique

for you alone found it in its fullness.

General

for from that fullness all may receive it.

Blessed are you among women

and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Uniquely of your womb is the fruit,

but it comes to the being of all

through you.

OUR LADY OF ARABIA,

SAINT FELIX OF NOLA,

SAINT SAVA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: During a brief break in the rain yesterday, I managed this. The Mattole River, full and busy. Rejoicing the hearts.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Word of God Sunday: A day devoted to the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God

Year of Saint Joseph

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: "Abide in my love and you will bear much fruit"

In other years: Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor (1567-1622)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 6 Restraint of Speech

Mass: Jon 3:1-5, 10; Resp Ps 25; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20

In your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord.

I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, SAYS THE LORD; WHOEVER FOLLOWS ME WILL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, BUT WILL HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

As can be seen at the top of today's reflection, it is a busy day. Therefore, we could be about many things. One, as I was reminded by a commentator, is to go back to the basics. That is by listening to Jesus when He begins His public ministry: This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel (Mk 1:15). Indeed, this is the time of fulfillment. Repent, and believe in the Gospel. 

Spend some time with the Word of God today. How is Jesus calling you to repent and follow Him more closely? Teach me your ways, O Lord (Ps 25).

To accept Jesus' call is to reject other options, with all their joys and sorrows. The first disciples grew slowly into their call and its price tag as they left behind families, jobs, home, country, and finally life itself. They counted the choice worth the cost. And so may we.

(Magnificat, Prayer for the Evening, Canticle commentary, January 23, 2021)

SAINT FRANCES DE SALES,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A beautiful look at Crater Lake, Oregon. Thanks, MO. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: "Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit."

Year of Saint Joseph

In other years: Saint Anthony, Abbot (251-356)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 3:7-13

Mass: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Resp Ps 40; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42

I have waited, waited for the Lord, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.

I like the postures of the people in today's Gospel. First, there is John the Baptist "standing", firmly grounded in belief in the One who came after him. Grounded in faith, John watches Jesus walk by. "Behold," says John, "the Lamb of God." John's two disciples who were with John hear him and follow Jesus. Jesus turns and sees. The Lord questions the disciples. The Lord questions each one of us: What are you looking for? So, what is it you are looking for? If you aren't sure, listen to the voice of the Lord: Come, and you will see. 

It is fitting too that we remember Saint Anthony, "the celebrated Father of Monks". Anthony heard the voice of the Lord: If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor-you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me. And Anthony did just that. 

What, dear brothers and sisters, is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us? See how the Lord in His love shows us the way of life. Clothed then with faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see him who has called us to His kingdom.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 19-21)

May the Virgin Mary help us make our lives a hymn of praise to God in response to His call  and in the humble and joyful fulfillment of His will.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, January 17, 2021)

Today's photo: Thanks to dear TAF, a 7am look at Lake Tippecanoe, Leesburg, IN, January 13, 2021. Crosley Jayne, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2021