Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of Our Lord

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 30 The Manner of Reproving Boys- Ch 35:11 Kitchen Servers of the Week  

Our eyes are fixed on the Lord.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, STREAM OF MERCY,

SAVE US.

MARY, MOTHER OF OUR SAVIOR,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, 

PRAY FOR US.

My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.

(2 Cor 12:8)

Welcome to the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time, in the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of Our Lord, and a week when we celebrate our holy father Saint Benedict, the principal patron saint of Europe as declared by Pope Saint Paul VI in the Apostolic Letter, Pacius Nuntius, October 24, 1964. Indeed, Saint Benedict was a "messenger of peace, maker of unity, the master of civilization, and especially the herald of Christianity and the author of monasticism in the West." And his voice continues to resound throughout all the earth. San Benedetto, prega per noi.

The second reading from today's Mass (2 Cor 12:7-10) is powerful. In fact. it is not a bad idea to read the entirety of Chapter 12 in Saint Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians. Paul went to the Lord and begged Him about the thorn in his side; Paul went to the Lord not one time, but three times. Lord, remove the thorn from my side; Lord, remove the thorn from my side; Lord, remove the thorn from my side. And what did Our Lord say? My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. Let that sink in. Power in weakness. How does Paul respond to the words of Our Lord? I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, then, in order that the power of Christ my dwell in me. I am content, says Paul, with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, I am strong. A question, then, is, "Who doesn't want the power of Christ to dwell in them?" The question is not so different from one Saint Benedict poses in the Prologue of his holy rule: "Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days?" (RB Prologue 15). Yes, we want the power of Christ to dwell in us. Yes, we yearn for life and desire to see good days. Go to Our Lord with your thorns, your weaknesses. His grace is sufficient for you. If you are going to boast, then, make your boast in the Lord, for His grace, for His power is made perfect in your thorny weaknesses. The love of Christ must come before all else ... prefer nothing whatever to Christ (RB 4:21/72:11).

For our voices of the week, we turn to the wisdom of our holy father Saint Benedict contained his Holy Rule.

The fourth step of humility is that in this obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions, his heart quietly embraces suffering and endures it without weakening or seeking escape. For Scripture has it: Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved, and again, Be brave of heart and rely on the Lord.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:35-36)

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.

(RB 20:1-2)

He will regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar, aware that nothing is to be neglected.

(RB 31:10)

Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may be truly served as Christ.

(RB 36:1)

Your way of acting should be different from the world's way.

(RB 4:20)

You must honor everyone.

(RB 4:8)

The younger monks, then, must respect their seniors, and the seniors must love their juniors.

(RB 63:10)

We go forth, then, united in faith in prayer, and "then with Christ's help, keep this little rule that we have written for beginners" (RB 73:8). May Christ bring us all together to everlasting life (RB 72:12). Amen.

BLESSED PETER TO ROT,

SAINT MAELRUAIN,

SAINT KILIAN,

SAINT AQUILA AND PRISCILLA,

SAINT WITHBURGA,

SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

THE MARTYRS OF GORCUM,

SAINT PAULINA OF THE HEART OF THE DYING JESUS,

SAINT LEO IGNATIUS MANGIN, PRIEST, MARY ZHU WU AND COMPANIONS, MARTRYS,

BLESSED JANE SCOPELLI,

VENERABLE AUGUSTUS TOLTON,

SAINT AMALBERGA, or SAINT AMELIA,

OUR HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT, ABBOT,

SAINT JOHN JONES,

SAINTS LOUIS MARTIN AND MARIE AZELIE GUERIN,

SAINT VERONICA,

SAINT HENRY,

POPE BLESSED EUGENE III,

SAINT JOHN GUALBERTI, ABBOT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Pleading for His mercy.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Fourth Sunday of Lent

March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph

Laetare Sunday

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 32 The Tools and Goods of the Monastery - Ch 37 The Elderly and Children

We hung up our harps.

SAINT JOSEPH, LOVER OF POVERTY,

MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

By grace you have been saved ... For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works so that you may boast. For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.

(Ephesians 2:5, 8-10)

How about Saint Paul's words to the Ephesians above? Awesome. More on this after a few ☺introductory musings.  

Welcome to the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday: Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at the consoling breast (see Isaiah 66:10-11). We pray especially for all those preparing to enter the Church this Easter who will receive the Second Scrutiny today. We join them in prayer so as to be free from the deceptions of the world and heed the words of Saint Benedict: "Your way of acting should be different from the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:20-21).

Still in the month of March dedicated to Saint Joseph, how is it going as we work on four weeks into the holy season of Lent? Be alert, faithful readers, as we recall some words from C.S. Lewis: "The tempter always works on some real weakness in our own system of values: offers food to some need we have starved" ("Equality", The Spectator, August 27, 1943). Saint Joseph, faithful guide and source of inspiration, pray for us.

On the subject of the gift of grace, I pass along something from Father Michael Casey, in Grace: On the Journey to God (Paraclete, 2018), pp. 31-32: "We need to appreciate how the transcendent reality of divine grace interacts with the workaday reality of the human condition since, as the Scholastic theologians used to say, 'Whatever is received is received in the measure of the receiver.' Grace itself is limitless; any restrictions come from the side of the receiver, that is, us. Grace as it is received is often less complete than grace as it is given." I pass this along because yesterday, while standing near the altar at Mass, I prayed, "Jesus and Mary, please do something." At the moment, I don't think I could have stood more unprotected before the Lord. I needed help. And you know what? Jesus and Mary did something. For this gift, I give God the praise. If you going to petition Jesus and Mary, then believe and be open, for as Saint Paul writes, "by grace you have been saved through faith." And if you are going to boast, boast in the Lord. It's all gift; don't put limits on the gifts of God. I believe, help my unbelief. 

On to our voices for the week ...

It is always tempting to take credit for the gifts of grace and to lay the blame elsewhere for our faults. If we do not claim responsibility for the choices that are truly ours, neither can we ask for or accept forgiveness. Too heavy for us, our offenses-too heavy not to allow the Lord to wipe them away.

(Magnificat, Introduction to Psalm 65, Saturday, March 9, 2024, p. 129)

What then is man, if you do not visit him? Remember, Lord, that you have made me as one who is weak, that you formed me from dust. How can I stand, if you do not constantly look upon me, to strengthen this clay, so that my strength may proceed from your face? When you hide your face, all grows weak (Ps 104:29) ... [But] God does not reject those He sees, because He purifies those upon whom He gazes. Before Him burns a fire capable of consuming our guilt. 

(Saint Ambrose of Milan, 339-397, De Interpellatione David The Plea of David, IV, 6, 22)

In this Holy Lent, let us lift up our hearts and always go forward for the triumph of the reign of Christ in Society.

(Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-1925)

In the case of those who are making progress from good to better the good angel touches the soul gently ... while the evil spirit touches the soul sharply, with noise and disturbance.

(Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)

Become what you were meant to be and you will set fire to the whole earth.

(Saint Catherine of Siena, 1347-1380)

There is a dignity and poignancy in the bare fact that a thing exists.

(C.S. Lewis, 1898-1963, They Asked for a Paper)

And lastly, united in faith and prayer, we set about the week, and no matter what, we keep going inspired by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), from a letter he wrote to Pope Innocent II in 1134:

If sadness were our continual state, who could bear it? If, on the other hand, things always went well, then who could not think little of them? Wisdom, the careful controller of all things, alternates the temporal life of his chosen ones with necessary changing between good things and bad. By such a regimen, they will neither be crushed by adversity nor lose discipline through too much joy. Also, it is by this means that joys are appreciated and difficulties more readily endured. Blessed be God forever!

THE FORTY HOLY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE,

SAINT JOHN OGILVIE,

SAINT AENGUS,

SAINT CONSTANTINE,

SAINT THEOPHANES THE CHRONICLER,

SAINT SERAPHINA,

SAINT RODERICK,

SAINT MATILDA OF RINGELHEIM,

SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC,

BLESSED JOHN ANNE,

SAINT CLEMENT M. HOFBAUER,

POPE SAINT ZACHARY,

SAINTS HILARIUS AND TATIANUS OF AQUILEIA,

SAINT JULIAN OF ANTIOCH,

VENERABLE JAN TYRANOWSKI,

VENERABLE MARY ALPHONSA HAWTHORN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Not rose colored on this Laetare Sunday, it will do just fine. Our despoilers urged us to be joyous. 

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 7:41 Humility - Ch 8 The Divine Office at Night

He calls each by name.

HOLY FAMILY, TESTED BY THE GREATEST DIFFICULTIES,

MARY, MOTHER ADMIRABLE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.

(1 Cor 9:22-23)

Welcome, dear faithful readers, to yet another rainy morning now in the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time, fully immersed in the month of February, the month dedicated to the Holy Family, with, by way of friendly reminder, Ash Wednesday and the days after it, coming soon to a theatre near you. And the first question that came to mind as I typed Saint Paul's words above, what am I willing to do for the sake of the gospel? What about you? Reading the rest of Saint Paul's words of the last part of Ch. 9 in his first letter to the Corinthians, I certainly do not want to run around aimlessly and engage in shadowboxing; no, I, with you, am looking to win an imperishable crown (see 1 Cor 9:24-27). So, what is it I am going to do? Thankfully, I have a bit more time to reflect and take inventory before the commencement of the holy Season of Lent. At the same time, I pray for the grace to do God's holy will, no matter what. We join Jesus then, and go off to a deserted place, or any place available to us, and pray (see Mark 1:35). Put your hand out, Jesus will grasp it, and help you up. And the fever that ails us just may leave (see Mark 1:31). I believe, help my unbelief.

And now our voices for the week, seven sandwiched by Saint Benedict from the Holy Rule, Chapter 7. Humility:

Those who are patient amid hardships and unjust treatment are fulfilling the Lord's command: When struck on one check, they turn the other; when deprived of their coat, they offer their cloak also; when pressed into service for one mile, they go two. With the Apostle Paul, they bear with false brothers, endure persecution, and bless those who curse them.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:42-43)

It is a pity that having before us an eternity of rest we seek to rest here on earth.

(Blessed Tiburcio Arnaiz Munoz, 1865-1926)

If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that He has great designs for you, and that He certainly intends to make you a saint.

(Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)

In the middle of my physical sufferings, the inner music of my soul will not stop praising God with acts of virtue offering Him my love.

(Saint Genoveva Torres Morales, 1870-1956)

As soon as we know the will of God, we must fulfill it, even if we die.

(Saint Gaetano Errico, 1791-1890)

God ... is always more merciful than His ministers; may you be as merciful as you can be, so that you will receive mercy from God.

(Saint Gaetano Errico, 1791-1890)

Seek not your own interests, but those of Jesus Christ.

(Blessed Tiburcio Arnaiz Munoz, 1865-1926)

Our end is God, source of every good, in whom alone, as we say in prayer, we must put confidence and not in others. Our benign Lord has wanted to increase in you the faith and to answer your holy prayer to Him ...

And right now I repeat and affirm it again: if you remain steadfast in faith, especially during temptations, the Lord will console you in this world, will lead you out of temptations, and will give you peace and tranquility in this world, I say, temporarily, and in the next forever.

(Saint Jerome Emiliani, 1486-1537)

It is a blessing that You have humbled me so that I can learn Your commandments.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:54)

SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM,

SAINT JOHN DE BRITTO,

BLESSED MARIE-EUGENE GRIALOU,

SAINT CATHERINE DE' RICCI, OP,

SAINT AGATHA,

SAINTS PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT GONSALO GARCIA, PETER BAPTISTA AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT MEL,

SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER,

SAINTS WILLEBALD, WINNEBALD, AND WALBURGA,

SAINT JEROME EMILIANI,

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA,

SAINT APOLLONIA, 

SAINT SCHOLASTICA,

SAINT CUTHMAN OF STEYNING,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Folks, it's raining cats and dogs. Again. However, we do get a break once in while like here, just last Sunday, January 28. Sing praise to our God, for He is gracious.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saints: The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (13th-14th century); Saint Fintan of Clonenagh (d. 603); Blessed William Richardson (1572-1603

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 14 The Celebration of Vigils on the Anniversaries of Saints

Mass: Gn 11:1-9; Resp Ps 33; Mk 8:34-9:1

He who fashioned the heart of each.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

(Mk 8:34)

We commemorate the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary, or the Servites, "seven men worthy of all our praise and veneration, whom our Lady brought into one community to form this order of hers and her servants. They were like seven stars joined together to form a constellation."* The seven stars came from different backgrounds - some had never been married, some we married men at the same time, others had lost their wives after marriage. They certainly lost many aspects of their lives for the sake of God and that of the Gospel (see Mk 8:35). They lived as hermits on Monte Senario, near Florence, Tuscany, central Italy. They had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and "loved God above all things and dedicated their whole lives to Him by honoring Him in every thought, word and deed."* May they intercede for all of us, no matter our state in life, and help us to love the Lord God with all our heart, our whole soul and all our strength. No matter what. And they remind us too that God calls all kinds of people together to bear witness to Him. By the grace of God, we go forth. 

These are the holy ones, who have received blessings from the Lord, and mercy from the God who saves them, such is the people who seek the Lord.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER,

SAINT FINTAN OF CLONENAGH,

BLESSED WILLIAM RICHARDSON,

PRAY FOR US.

*From an account of the origin of the Servite Order, in Office of Readings, February 17. See also Catholic News Agency, "Seven Founders of the Servite Order."

Today's photo: During one of my cleaning charges, I can look out the window at this favorite of mine when passing by. The leaves in various shades of red are especially attractive. The plan of the Lord stands forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Catholic Schools Week

First Saturday of the Month

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Gilbert of Sempringham (1083-1190); Saint John de Britto (1647-1693); Blessed Mary-Eugene Grialou (1894-1967); Saint Catherine de Ricci OP (1522-1590); Saint Joseph of Leonessa (1556-1612)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:51-54 Humility

Mass: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Resp Ps 23; Mk 6:30-34    

He refreshes my soul.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

HOLY FAMILY, CENTER OF PEACE AND CONCORD,

PRAY FOR US.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have;

God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

(Heb 13:16)

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month, this one a Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary and one with the Holy Father in South Sudan. This morning Pope Francis was busy in the Cathedral of Saint Therese in the nation's capital city of Juba addressing bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians and lay pastoral workers. That's quite a crowd. Keep going, Papa Francesco. And once again, we also have plenty of saints to invoke to help us. Whatever we need this day, we turn to them and to Mary, the Mother of God with the words of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.*

Let us ask for grace

and let us ask through Mary

because she has found what she sought

and she cannot be disappointed.

Let us ask for grace

but grace with God.

For with human beings

grace is a delusion.

Let others ask for merit

let us eagerly seek grace.

Why?

Is it not by grace

that we are here?

This is the last day of Catholic Schools Week. We will continue, though, to pray for all teachers, students, staff, administration, parents, and all the faithful involved in the work of teaching our faith and passing on the richness of our tradition. We conclude this week then with words from Pope Saint John Paul II in his Message to the National Catholic Education Association of the United States, April 16, 1979. Pope John Paul II quotes Pope Saint Paul VI, from his September 15, 1975, Address to the Cardinals and Bishops of the United States of America.

 

With profound conviction I ratify and reaffirm the words that Paul VI originally spoke to the Bishops of your country:

"Brethren, we know the difficulties involved in preserving Catholic schools, and the uncertainties of the future, and yet we rely on the help of God and on your own zealous collaboration and untiring efforts, so that Catholic schools can continue, despite grave obstacles, to fulfill the providential role at the service of genuine Catholic education, and at the service of your country."

Yes, the Catholic school must remain a privileged means of Catholic education in America. As an instrument of the apostolate it is worthy of the greatest sacrifices.

May all the faithful make the necessary sacrifices to preserve Catholic schools in the United States of America. United in faith and prayer, we go forth.

MARY, QUEEN OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION,

POPE SAINT PAUL VI,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, 

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, 

SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM,

SAINT JOHN DE BRITTO,

BLESSED MARY-EUGUNE GRIALOU,

SAINT CATHERINE DE RICCI,

SAINT JOSEPH OF LEONESSA,

PRAY FOR US.

* In Mary Most Holy: Meditating With the Early Cistercians (Cistercian Publications, 2003), pp. 330-31.

Today's photo: Our Lady, this is for you. Seen early yesterday morning when things were fresh. Mary, Our Lady of the Protective Veil, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Monday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saint: Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, Martyr (-107)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 13:12-14 The Celebration of Lauds on Ordinary Days

Mass: Eph 2:1-10; Resp Ps 100; Lk 12:13-21

Know that the Lord is God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is a gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast.

(Eph 2:8-9)

Essentially, if we are going to boast about anything at all, we should make our boast in the Lord (see 2 Cor; 10:17/Rule of Saint Benedict Prologue 32). All is gift; all is grace. Made in the image and likeness of God, we are united in faith and prayer and go forth. We ask another great intercessor, Saint Ignatius of Antioch, whose one desire was to belong to God, to help us be courageous and strong in our faith. Saint Ignatius was not going to let anyone, or anything stand in the way of his martyrdom. On his journey to Rome to be martyred, Ignatius was clear in his letter to the Romans: "I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire." Mary, Queen of martyrs, pray for us. 

For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God has prepared in advance that we should live in them.

(Eph 2:10)

SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Martyr red berries in honor of Saint Ignatius of Antioch and all the martyrs, past and present. He made us, we are His.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Peter Claver (1581-1654); Saint Ciaran of Clonmacnoise (516-546); Saint Osburg (-1018)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 1:6-13 The Kinds of Monks

Mass: 1 Cor 10:14-20; Resp Ps 116; Lk 6:43-49

Grace and glory He bestows.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

HELP OF THE NEEDY,

PRAY FOR US.

Run to win ... not aimlessly as if shadowboxing.

(1 Cor 9:24, 26)

Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother's eye.

(Lk 6:42)

With these two favorite lines, I go to Saint Benedict who, in his chapter on the good zeal of monks, wrote: "They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other, supporting with greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body of behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another. No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 72:4-7). This takes years of practiced discipline with no finger pointing. After the imperishable crown (1 Cor 9:25), and by the grace of God, we keep going, united in faith and prayer.

SAINT PETER CLAVER,

SAINT CIARAN OF CLONMACNOISE,

SAINT OSBURG,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More from the area near Mount Adams in southern Washington. Their hearts are set upon the pilgrimage.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Our Lady of Budslau

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 25 Serious Faults 

Mass: Amos 9:11-15; Resp Ps 85; Mt 9:14-17

Truth shall spring out of the earth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.

(Mt 9:17)

Welcome to Saturday, the day traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. Saturdays, often a day off for those who work all week, are also a day when folks clean, clear out, grocery shop, and at this time of the year mow and garden and go to the farmer's market. It can be a day of renewal and making things fresh, wherever you are, and whatever you do. It can be a day when we bring out the fresh wineskins and pour in new wine. What needs to be cleaned, cleared out, released, and made new, both inside and out? Look to Jesus, open your heart, ask for the grace you need to clear and remove all that keeps you from His love and mercy. Jesus, our way and our life, have mercy on us. Mary, refuge of sinners, pray for us.

O God, who through the grace of adoption

chose us to be children of light,

grant, we pray,

that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error

but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

(Collect, Mass)

OUR LADY OF BUDSLAU,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Justice and peace shall kiss.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

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

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:23-29 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Resp Ps 113; Jn 15:9-17

Above the heavens is His glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

You, Lord, know the hearts of all.

(Acts 1:24)

On this Feast of Saint Matthias, we find ourselves back in Chapter 1 of the Acts of the Apostles, where one of the first tasks at hand for the Apostles is to find a successor for poor Judas. This was not without first devoting themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers (Acts 1:14). First things first. There is a job description for the successor, namely, that it was necessary that he accompanied the Eleven the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among them, from the baptism of John on, up to and including witnessing to the Lord's resurrection (Acts 1:22). They proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, also known as Justus, and Matthias (Acts 1:23). They prayed, cast lots, and left the decision to the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:24). As it should be. Would be so trustworthy and turn matters over to the Holy Spirit. Not my will, but yours be done (Lk 22:42). We ask for the grace we need to keep Jesus' commandments: If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments (Jn 15:10).

Being a follower of Christ means becoming conformed to Him who became a servant even to giving Himself on the Cross. Christ dwells by faith in the heart of the believer, and thus the disciple is conformed to the Lord. This is the effect of grace, of the active presence of the Holy Spirit in us.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, Veritatis splendor Splendor of Truth, 21)

Not to accept everything, but to understand everything; not to approve of everything, but to forgive everything; not to adopt everything, but to search for the grain of truth that is contained in everything.

To repulse no idea and no good will, however awkward or feeble.

To love souls as Jesus Christ loved them, unto suffering, unto death.

(E. Leseur, The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, p. 156)

SAINT MATTHIAS, 

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From dear Maddy on foot from the Columbia River Gorge to Rowena Crest, in the Beaver State of Oregon. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist

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

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 67 Brothers Sent on a Journey

Mass: 1 Pt 5:5b-14; Resp Ps 89; Mk 16:15-20

The heavens proclaim your wonders, O Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to Monday. Here is wisdom from the first Letter of Saint Peter: "Cast all your worries upon God because He cares for you" (1 Pt 5:7). At the same time, remember to be sober and vigilant, for our opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. United, we resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that our brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings (1 Pt 5:8-9). With strength in numbers, and by the grace of God, we go forth and preach everywhere (cf. Mk 16:20) May many come to believe through our witness.

Christ Jesus will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To Him be dominion forever. Amen.

(1 Pt 5:10-11)

SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Just taken, 9:00 am. The favors of the Lord I will sing forever. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Fifth Sunday of Lent

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

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 52 The Oratory of the Monastery

Mass: Is 43:16-21; Resp Ps 126; Ph 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11 or Ezk 37:12-14; Resp Ps 130; Rm 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45

The Lord has done great things for us.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Neither do I condemn you. 

(Jn 8:11)

Thoughts this morning go to an exchange I learned about some years ago, between Cardinal Basil Hume (1923-1999) and a member of the faithful.* Cardinal Hume had recently announced his diagnosis with inoperable stomach cancer. The Cardinal had accepted his illness and was at peace as revealed in a letter to the priests in his diocese: "I intend to carry on working as much and as long as I can. I have no intention of being an invalid until I have to submit to the illness. But nevertheless, I shall be a bit limited in what I can do" (p. 136). As one might imagine, with the Cardinal's status, as well as his popularity with so many of the people throughout England and Wales, when his "terminal illness became publicly known, he received, in a short few weeks before be died, some 5,000 letters" (p. 137), as noted by one his nephews. Here is part of one letter, though, that was not so supportive. The woman wrote: "You have accepted your illness and are at peace ... I learned I was terminally ill the same day as you made that announcement. I am far from happy-I am frightened and I am angry and I am especially angry with you because everyone will pray for you-but no one will pray for me-a lapsed Catholic who is divorced ..." (pp. 139-140). With compassion, the Cardinal promptly replied: "Don't ever say no one will pray for you for from this day on I will pray for you every day." The letter writer responded in haste: "I was so ashamed when I read your generous letter ... I was angry and bitter, forgive me" (p. 140. This is a powerful witness of the mercy and forgiveness of God constantly available to each one of us, then extended to our brothers and sisters. And what about the poor woman in today's Gospel who was brought and made to stand in the middle of the temple area? (Jn 8:3). I imagine she too was frightened, angry, and bitter. How do you reach out to her? We just never know what goes on with others, or even ourselves sometimes. As I was reminded by a fellow student, now priest, many years ago just after I made a derogatory comment about a classmate, "Some addictions are more visible than others." I add now, some addictions, illnesses, hurts and scars, are more visible than others. Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her (Jn 8:7), says the Lord.

Dear friends, let us learn from the Lord Jesus not to judge and not to condemn our neighbor. Let us learn to be intransigent with sin starting with our own! and indulgent with people. May the holy Mother of God, free from all sin, who is the mediatrix of grace from every repentant sinner, help us in this.

(Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus Address, Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 21, 2010)

See, I am doing something new! ...

The people I have formed for myself, that they might announce my praise.

(Is 43:19, 21)

* NB. What is related here can be found in G. Feick, Cardinal Basil Hume: A Pilgrim's Search for God (Gracewing, 2019), pp. 135-140. All original sources are referenced there. 

Today's photo: Clothed in Lenten violet, this one was found in Eureka, CA.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saint: Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr (-155)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:12-19 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: James 4:13-17; Resp Ps 49; Mk 9:38-40

Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

We commemorate early Christian martyr Saint Polycarp, who, "even before his martyrdom ... had received every mark of honor in tribute to his holiness of life." It is unlikely that we will suffer martyrdom in the way that Saint Polycarp did. Nevertheless, we have our daily trials and tribulations, the picking up of our crosses and carrying them so as to follow Jesus and be His disciples. May we do so with the faith, strength, courage, and resolve of Saint Polycarp. By the grace of God, we go about this day with the words of Saint James. Since "you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow", just say, "if the Lord wills it, we shall do this or that" (Jm 4:14-15). It is true what Esther De Waal writes: "Life must be lived in the present moment. The past is the past, I must let go; the future is unknown, the only reality lies in the present" (The White Stone: The Art of Letting Go, p. 37). United in faith and prayer, we keep going.

SAINT POLYCARP,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This came out nice. Taken yesterday morning around 8am. Ice and snow, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

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

Saint: Pope Saint Sylvester I (-335)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 73 This Rule Only a Beginning of Perfection

Mass: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Resp Ps 96; Jn 1:1-18

Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the Lord.

JESUS, FATHER OF THE WORLD TO COME,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Dear faithful readers, thank you for being there. There is so much in today's Gospel to reflect upon. In a sense, I am speechless. There is one line among others that is plenty to embrace this day: All things came to be through Him, and without Him nothing came to be (Jn 1:2). All things, not some, and nothing, absolutely nothing. May we rejoice and be glad, united as we are in faith and prayer, for From His fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace (Jn 1:16).

If that's enough, then how about this beauty, itself a commentary on today's Gospel, from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1, that answers the question, "What is the plan of God for man?"

God, infinitely perfect and blessed in Himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in His own blessed life. In the fullness of time, God the Father sent His Son as Redeemer and Savior of mankind, fallen into sin, thus calling all into His Church and, through the work of the Holy Spirit, making them adopted children and heirs of His eternal happiness. 

And as we prepare to embark upon another calendar year, one prayer can come for Eusebius of Caesarea (265-339), bishop, from his Ecclesiastical History, included in today's Office of Readings.

Glory to God the almighty, the King of the universe, for all His gifts, and gratitude to Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of our souls, through whom we pray that this peace may be preserved for us stable and unshaken for ever: a peace that will keep us safe from troubles outside as well as from all anxieties and disturbances of soul.

So much for being speechless. 😎

POPE SAINT SYLVESTER I,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I remain thankful for these contributions from dear friends, here d in West Linn once again.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:23-29

Mass: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Resp Ps 113l Jn 15:9-17

Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever.

JESUS, LOVER OF US,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

As we celebrate Saint Matthias, we are also in the midst of Chapter 2 of the Holy Rule, "Qualities of the Abbot". The role of the Abbot, as Saint Benedict writes, is "a difficult and demanding burden" (RB 2:31). It is fitting and right then to think about leadership or any positions of responsibility that we have, or may be given. The first thing to keep in mind and heart is what Jesus tells us in today's Gospel: It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, that will remain ... (Jn 15:16). And something else is this from Universalis that comes up every year for the feast: "When we attain some high or responsible position, we may be tempted to congratulate ourselves on being the best candidate for the job. We would do well to remember that we have got there because of the people we have met and the things we have found ourselves doing, and, more fundamentally, because of the gifts and talents that God has given us. These things are essentially random: like Matthias, we have been chosen by lot" ("About Today", May 14, 2021). So in roles both big and small, may we bear fruit that will last and turn to Saint Paul who declared: By God's grace I am what I am (1 Cor 15:10) and He who boasts should make his boast in the Lord (2 Cor 10:17)/(Rule of Saint Benedict 4:31-32).

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name give the glory because of your faithfulness and love. Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Our God is in heaven; whatever God wills is done. 

(Ps 115:1-2)

SAINT MATTHIAS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Praise the name of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Third Week of Easter

Readings of the day: RB 61:6-14

Mass: Ac 6:8-15; Resp Ps 119; Jn 6:22-29

STEPHEN, FILLED WITH GRACE AND POWER,
WAS WORKING GREAT WONDERS AND SIGNS AMONG THE PEOPLE.
THEY COULD NOT UNDERSTAND THE WISDOM
AND THE SPIRIT WITH WHICH HE SPOKE.

Let us ask St Stephen to intercede for us so that all the words we use to communicate with our families, friends, community members, co-workers, and all those we encounter be words of kindness, gentleness, love, and welcome.

Words from Pope Francis are fitting for all these encounters, what he calls ‘the little details of love’ in Gaudete et Exsultate, 145:

The love of friendship unifies all aspects of marital life and helps family members to grow constantly.  This love must be freely and generously expressed in words and acts.  In the family, "three words need to be used.  I want to repeat this! Three words: ‘Please’, ‘Thank you’, ‘Sorry’.  Three essential words!". "In our families when we are not overbearing and ask: ‘May I?’; in our families when we are not selfish and can say: ‘Thank you!’; and in our families when someone realizes that he or she did something wrong and is able to say ‘Sorry!’, our family experiences peace and joy". Let us not be stingy about using these words, but keep repeating them, day after day.  For "certain silences are oppressive, even at times within families, between husbands and wives, between parents and children, among siblings". The right words, spoken at the right time, daily protect and nurture love (Pope Francis, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, 133).

STEPHEN’S FACE WAS LIKE THAT OF AN ANGEL.

Thursday within the Octave of Easter

Readings of the day: RB 53:16-24

Mass: Ac 3:11-26; Resp Ps 8; Lk 24:35-38

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE;

LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD.

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA.

The Prince of Peace stands in the midst of the disciples: ‘Peace be with you.’ One would think that would be enough to calm any troubled mind and heart. Yet the disciples were startled and terrified. They were troubled thinking they were seeing a ghost. Jesus tries again, ‘Look at my hands and feet. Touch me and see. I am flesh and bones.’ This is not enough. The disciples were still incredulous for joy and were amazed. Jesus tries again, “Have you anything to eat?’ The Master takes and eats in front of them. Finally, ‘Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.’ We have heard, seen, touched, watched; we eat the Bread of Life. Are we ready to live as ‘witnesses of these things’? Peace be with you.

The quest for interior peace is much more than the search for peace of mind. It is really about something else: opening ourselves to God’s actions. It’s important to understand a simple but spiritually important truth: the more we reach out toward peace, the more the grace of God is capable of acting in our lives. Like a tranquil lake perfectly reflects the sun, so is a peaceful heart receptive to the action and movement of the Spirit.

Remaining calm in the face of trouble, uneasiness, and interior disturbances is necessary in order for God to act in our lives. We can still grow in love, and our lives can have the fruitfulness we are called to have if we can accomplish this inward peace.

(J. Philippe)

O CHOSEN PEOPLE, PROCLAIM THE MIGHTY WORKS OF HIM WHO CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS WONDERFUL LIGHT,

ALLELUIA.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Go forward with the Joy of Jesus’ Resurrection, knowing He is always by your side.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, April 5, 2018)