Pentecost Sunday

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

How manifold are your works, O Lord!

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, FORMED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT 

IN THE WOMB OF THE VIRGIN MARY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.

(The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed)

Welcome to Pentecost Sunday, dear faithful readers, in the month of June dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and entrance into the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time, but not without first celebrating The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. And we can't forget to pray for the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, and ask his predecessor in name, Pope Leo XIII, to intercede for him, especially since the latter approved the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for public use in 1899. What is your favorite invocation in the Litany? One of mine is, Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy on us. And it occurs to me that Pope Leo XIV has a heart full of goodness and love too. On the other hand, how could he not. He is North American by birth, born and raised east of the Mississippi River, in Chicago, Illinois, "The Prairie State." Who would have thought? Not I. 

Why is it that the Holy Spirit is often the neglected Person of the Holy Trinity? Maybe we just can't wrap our minds around the Holy Spirit. We pray to the Father ... ok. We pray to the Son ... ok. Holy Spirit ... uhhh. On the other hand, we are talking about a mystery of our faith here. And we are talking about love as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us:  The Holy Spirit is "the Third divine Person of the Blessed Trinity, the personal love of Father and Son for each other. Also called the Paraclete (Advocate) and Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit is at work with the Father and the Son from the beginning to the completion of the divine plan for salvation" (Glossary). Does that whet your appetite to learn more, or perhaps renew yourself in mind and heart? Pray to the Holy Spirit to help you, then turn to the Catechism, our pearl of great price, and check out Paragraphs 683-747. ☺ And we can always look to Mary to help us understand and grow in faith of the mystery, as Pope Benedict XVI said during his Angelus Address on Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2009:

The Virgin Mary, in her docile humility, became the handmaid of divine love; she accepted the Father's will and conceived the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. In her the Almighty built a temple worthy of Him and made her the model and image of the Church, mystery and house of communion for all human beings. May Mary, mirror of the Blessed Trinity help us to grow in faith of the Trinitarian mystery.

And now a voice or two, from here and there. If you would be so kind, the next time you pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, like on Pentecost Sunday and every Sunday and Wednesday, and commence the third mystery, Descent of the Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Mystery being Spiritual Gifts, please join me and ask Our Lord to breathe on us and send forth His spirit to renew the face of the earth. Veni Sancti Spiritus ... Come, Holy Spirit, come! And from your celestial home, Shed a ray of light divine!

O Spirit of truth, make me know your Word; teach me to remember all He has said; enlighten me, guide me, make me conformable to Jesus as an alter Christus, another Christ, by giving me His virtues, especially His patience, humility, and obedience; let me take part in His redemptive work by making me understand the love the cross.

(Sister Carmela of the Holy Spirit, OCD, 1910-1949)

O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.

(Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)

When the Spirit has been sent, the face of the earth is created and renewed: this means that our earthly will becomes heavenly, ready at a nod to obey more quickly than a nod. Blessed are the people like this, for not only do they perceive no evil, but they abide in a certain marvelous expansion of heart.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)

The first gift of love is love itself, and all the other gifts emanate from this supreme gift, as from their source. Therefore, the Gift of the love of God is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not give himself to us without pouring charity into our hearts.

(Servant of God Luis Maria Martinez, 1881-1956)

Come, Holy Spirit, come, O God, love;

fill my heart, which, alas, is empty of all that is good.

Set me on fire to love you.

Enlighten me to recognize you.

Draw me [to you] to delight in you.

Affect me [to receive] thorough fruition of you.

(Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, 1256-1301/2)

Let us love our neighbors, my friends, let us love the one who is near us, so that we may be able to reach the love of the one who is above us. Then we shall reach the happiness of the heavenly multitude, the happiness of which we have received an assurance of the Holy Spirit. Let us move forward toward that goal where we shall be happy without end with all our love.

(Pope Saint Gregory the Great, 540-604)

The first task of Christians is to keep alive the flame that Jesus brought to the earth, which is the love of God: the Holy Spirit. Without the fire of the Spirit, prophesies are extinguished, sorrow supplants joy, and routine substitutes love.

(Pope Francis, 1936-2025)

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit and raises man to Heaven.

(Saint Ephrem the Syrian, 306-373)

O Lord,

give us a mind that is humble, quiet, peaceable,

Patient and charitable, And a taste of your Holy Spirit

In all our thoughts, words, and deeds.

(From a prayer by Saint Thomas More, 1478-1535)

It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the audacity to believe that God loves us,

and the power to love Him back.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153) 

The Holy Spirit must teach us to carry out in action the good that is inspired, 

or grace in us shall remain void.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153) 

And lastly, prayer for all times ...

Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

(See Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1831)

So as to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit:

Charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity.

(See Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1832)

SAINT JAMES BERTHIEU,

SAINT WILLIAM OF YORK,

SAINT EPHRAEM THE DEACON, "HARP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,"

SAINT COLUMBA,

BLESSED EDWARD POPPE,

SAINT JOSE DE ANCHIETA,

SAINT BARNABAS THE APOSTLE,

SAINT ONUPHRIUS,

BLESSED ALPHONSUS MAZUREK AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED HILARY JANUSZEWSKI,

SAINT ANTONY OF PADUA,

SAINT DAVNET,

SAINT ELISHA,

BLESSED MARIA CANDIDA OF THE EUCHARIST,

SAINT LIDWINA,

SAINT METHODIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I call these beauties "tongues of fire." Tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest upon us, united as we are in faith and prayer. I will be glad in the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Pentecost Sunday/Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Ch 4 The Tools for Good Works - Ch 6 Restraint of Speech

Lord, send forth your Spirit.

MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 

gentleness, self-control.

(Galatians 5:22-23)

Welcome to Pentecost Sunday in the month of May dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. And we are certainly going to need mercy as we move this week with Saint Benedict's Chapter 4 on the Tools for Good Works. So, let us "never lose hope in God's mercy" (RB 4:74). 

On this Pentecost Sunday and entrance into Ordinary Time once again, allow the Holy Spirit to stir you, rouse you, inspire you to turn from evil and do good, as, in the words of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, "The Holy Spirit must teach us how to carry out in action, the good that is inspired, or grace in us shall remain void." The Holy Spirit will change your heart and mind if you let Him in. Uncomfortable, antsy, not particularly enjoying the Spirit-filled ride? Well, feel the breath of God and receive the Holy Spirit (see John 20:22). As we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit (see Gal 5:25). Yes, "Jesus is Lord" (see 12:3b).

 

Our voices this week are varied as we go forth and profess with all the faithful, "I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life" (The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed). 

The Holy Spirit is the one who moves us forward, who helps us progress, who enables us to develop Christian life ... The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to live the Christian life, and for this reason, with this courage, it changes our lives. Listen to the Spirit, pray to the Spirit, and if it's Him changing your life, trust the Spirit.

(Pope Francis, Vigil Mass of Pentecost, Verona, Italy, May 18, 2024)

When the Spirit has been sent, the face of the earth is created and renewed: this means that our earthly will becomes heavenly, ready at a nod to obey more quickly than a nod. Blessed are people like this, for not only do they perceive no evil, but they abide in a certain marvelous expansion of heart.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)

We say that we must seek God, go to Him to ask for forgiveness, but when we go, He is waiting for us. He is first! ... You go [a] sinner, but He is waiting to forgive you.

(Pope Francis, Vigil of Pentecost, May 18, 2013)

Pour into our hearts your Holy Spirit, that you may keep us in unity of spirit and the bond of peace.

(Aelred of Rievaulx, 1110-1167)

Let the dove, I say, come with the olive branch, 

proclaiming peace with this branch that speaks of renewal and light.

(William of St. Thierry, 1075/80/85-1148, On Contemplating God)

Everyone has his or her own personality, and this can make it very difficult to live together. But "difficult" does not me "impossible"; otherwise Jesus never would have prayed: 

That they all may be one! ...

In the face of difficulties, I will not break, I will imitate the rushes and reeds, each one leaning toward the other-heart to heart, united in love; mind to mind, united in intelligence-so as to be able to reflect together and find the truth. 

(Venerable Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, 1928-2002)

O Spirit of truth, make me know your Word; teach me to remember all He has said; enlighten me, guide me, make me conformable to Jesus as an alter Christus, another Christ, by giving me His virtues, especially His patience, humility, and obedience; let me take part in his redemptive work by making me understand and love the cross.

(Sister Carmela of the Holy Spirit, O.C.D., 1910-1949)

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT BERNADINO OF SIENA,

BLESSED COLUMBA RIETI OP,

SAINT CHRISTOPHER MAGALLENES AND HIS COMPANIONS, 

SAINT EUGENE DE MAZENOD,

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA,

SAINT JOACHINA DE VEDRUNA DE MAS,

OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

BLESSED LOUIS-ZEPHERIN MOREAU,

SAINT ALDHELM,

SAINT DOMINIC,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT MARY MAGDALEN DE'PAZZI,

SAINT EUPHROSYNE OF POLATSK,

SAINT JANE ANTIDE THOURET,

SAINTS DONATIAN AND ROGATION, MARTYRS,

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT CUTHBERT,

SAINT MARY MAGDALENE DE PAZZI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And renew the face of the earth.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Pentecost Sunday

May is the Month of Mary, Dedicated to the Devotion of the Blessed Mother

In other years: Blessed Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury (1473-1541); Blessed Bartholomew Bagnesi, OP (1514-1577)

Memorial Day: Monday, May 29

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:10-18 Humility

Mass:  Acts 2:1-11; Resp Ps 104; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; Squence Veni, Sancte Spiritus; Jn 20:19-23

Lord, send forth your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN,

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HOLY SPIRIT, 

ENGRAVE YOUR LAW IN OUR HEARTS.

Peace be with you ...

Receive the Holy Spirit.

(Jn 20:19, 22)

Welcome to Pentecost Sunday, the fiftieth day. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. I believe, help my unbelief! There sure are plenty of things to today. One would be to pray with the Sequence Veni, Sancte Spiritus, which can be prayed after the second reading from the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians and before the Gospel Acclamation. You just may find a phrase or two that fits whatever comes your way this week. Come, Holy Spirit, come! ... O most blessed Light divine, Shine within these hearts of yours, And our inmost being fill! Or you can pray with the Litany to the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, fire ever burning, have mercy on us.

One of my favorite readings used at Mass comes from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, the third reading proclaimed at the Vigil Mass of Pentecost. It will surely bring a smile to your face and give you hope at the same time. Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: See! I will bring spirit into you, make flesh grow over you, cover you with skin, and put spirit in you so that you may come to life and know that I am the Lord ... From the four winds come, O spirit, and breathe into these slain that they may come to life ... and the spirit came into them; they came alive and stood upright, a vast army (Ezk 37:4-6, 9-10). Google the YouTube of the Cathedral Quartet singing "Dry Bones." It is awesome. "Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones ... now hear the Word of the Lord ... Your thigh bone connected to your hip bone ... These bones, these bones, got up and walked around!”

Another favorite comes from the epistle also proclaimed at the Vigil Mass. It is not uncommon to hear people say that they don't know how to pray. And it is true - we don't! So Saint Paul reassures us: The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And furthermore, the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because He intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will (Rm 8:26-27). It seems, then, that we are good to go. From our own will, deliver us, O Holy Spirit. 

And our voices for the week ... United in faith and prayer, we go forth. And we honor all the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Rest in peace. Love and life of saintly souls, have mercy on us.

Come, Holy Spirit, come, O God, love;

fill my heart, which, alas, is empty of all that is good.

Set me on fire to love you.

Enlighten me to recognize you.

Draw me [to you] to delight in you.

Affect me [to achieve] thorough fruition of you.

(Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, Spiritual Exercises, II, 32-37)

When the Spirit has been sent, the face of the earth is created and renewed: this means that our earthly will becomes heavenly, ready at a nod to obey more quickly than a nod. Blessed are people like this, for not only do they perceive evil, but they abide in a certain marvelous expansion of the heart.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)

Uncage your heart, free your heart, let it be wild.

(Anonymous, on the tag of a Yogi teabag ☺)

May everyone be warmed and enlightened by the flame that burns in your heart and the light of your inner fire. 

(Saint Luigi Orione, 1872-1940)

Do not quench the Spirit.

(1 Th 5:19)

The first task of Christians is to keep alive the flame that Jesus brought to the earth, which is the love of God: the Holy Spirit. Without the fire of the Spirit, prophecies are extinguished, sorrow supplants joy, and routine substitutes love.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, May 26, 2023)

Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

So as to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit:

Charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity.

COME, HOLY SPIRIT! FILL THE HEARTS OF YOUR FAITHFUL,

AND ENKINDLE IN THEM THE FIRE OF YOUR LOVE.

Grant, O merciful Father, that Your Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame, and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

BLESSED MARGARET POLE,

BLESSED BARTHOLOMEW BAGNESI,

POPE SAINT PAUL VI,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

BLESSED JOSEPH GERARD,

BLESSED ELIA OF SAINT CLEMENT,

BLESSED WILLIAM ARNAUD AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT ZDZISLAWA OF LEMBERK, OP,

SAINT LUKE KIRBY,

THE YORKSHIRE MARTYRS,

SAINT JOAN OF ARC,

SAINT WALSTAN,

BLESSED JAMES SOLOMONIO,

SAINT JUSTIN MARTYR,

SAINT MARCELLINUS AND PETER, MARTYRS,

SAINTS POTHINUS AND BLANDINA,

SAINTS CHARLES LWANGA AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT KEVIN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: How manifold are your works, O Lord. Rowena Crest, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. Thank you, Maddy, avid hiker, photographer extraordinaire. Veni, Sancte Spiritus.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint: Pope Saint John Paul II (1920-2005)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:1-6 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Eph 4:7-16; Resp Ps 122; Lk 13:1-9

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

"Everyone knows John Paul II: his face, his characteristic way of moving and speaking; his immersion in prayer and his spontaneous cheerfulness. Many of his words have become indelibly engraved in our memories, starting with the passionate cry with which he introduced himself to the people at the beginning of his pontificate: 'Open wide the doors to Christ, and be not afraid of him!' Or this saying: 'No one can live a trial life: no one can love experimentally.' An entire pontificate is condensed in words like these. It is like he would like to open the doors for Christ everywhere and wishes to open up to people the gate that leads to true life, to true love."

(Pope Benedict XVI)

There is plenty to be said about Pope Saint John Paul II, the saint we commemorate today. I am fortunate to have on my shelf several of his Encyclical Letters (he wrote 14 of them), as well as a few Apostolic Exhortations (he wrote 15 of those), and a few other treasures. I chose a couple of passages to pass along. Another source is the website for our country's shrine in Washington, D.C., the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. Today's reflection begins with something I learned there. The words from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI provide us with a good summary of yet another great intercessor. Pope Saint John Paul II, help us to open wide the doors to Christ, and be not afraid of Him. United in faith and prayer, we go forth.

The breath of the divine life, the Holy Spirit, in its simplest and most common manner, expresses itself and makes itself felt in prayer. It is a beautiful and salutary thought that, wherever people are praying in the world, there the Holy Spirit is, the living breath of prayer. It is a beautiful and salutary thought to recognize that, if prayer is offered throughout the world, in the past, in the present, and in the future, equally widespread is the presence and action of the Holy Spirit, who "breathes" prayer in the heart of men and women in all the endless range of the most varied situations and conditions, sometimes favorable and sometimes unfavorable to the spiritual and religious life ...

The Holy Spirit is the gift that comes into man's heart together with prayer.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, Dominum et Vivificantem Holy Spirit Giver of Life, 65)

O Mary,

Mother of Mercy,

watch over all people,

that the Cross of Christ

may not be emptied of its power,

that man may not stray

from the path of the good

or become blind to sin,

but may put his hope ever more fully in God

who is "rich in mercy".

May he carry out the good works prepared

by God beforehand

and so live completely

"for the praise of His glory".

(Pope Saint John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor Splendor of Truth, 120)

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is the Pope John Paul II hybrid tea rose, known as one of the finest, most fragrant roses of all time. And we have them here at Redwoods. God is praised. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saints: Saint Wilfrid (634-709); Blessed Jan Beyzym (1850-1912); Our Lady of Aparecida (Brazil)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 9 The Number of Psalms at the Night Office

Mass: Gal 5:18-25; Resp Ps 1; Lk 11:42-46

He is like a tree planted near running water.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

(Gal 5:25)

In the spirit of commemorating the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, it occurred to me this morning to include passages from some of the documents promulgated at the Second Vatican Council. In this spirit then, and as we live in the Spirit, and desire to follow the Spirit, we pray for the fruit of the Spirit, that is, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal 5:22-23). The Spirit will help us bear fruit as we respond to the universal call of holiness. 

In the Church, everyone whether belonging to the hierarchy, or being cared for by it, is called to holiness, according to the saying of the Apostle: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification." However, this holiness of the Church is unceasingly manifested, and must be manifested, in the fruits of grace which the Spirit produces in the faithful; it is expressed in many ways in individuals, who in their walk of life, tend toward the perfection of charity, thus causing the edification of others ...

Every person must walk unhesitatingly according to his own personal gifts and duties in the path of living faith, which arouses hope and works through charity.

(Lumen Gentium Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Ch 5:39, 41)

United in faith and prayer, we belong to Christ Jesus and have crucified our flesh with its passions and desires (see Gal 5: 24). At the same time, we know there will be ongoing suffering, setbacks, obstacles, and failures. No matter, we keep going. Heart of Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life, have mercy on us.

A sincere desire knows how to touch deeply the chords of our being, which is why it is not extinguished in the face of difficulties or setbacks ... obstacles and failures do not stifle desire; on the contrary, they make it even more alive in us.

(Pope Francis, Wednesday General Audience Catechesis, October 12, 2022)

SAINT WILFRID,

BLESSED JAN BEYZYM,

OUR LADY OF APARECIDA,

POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The Metolius River, Central Oregon. Whose leaves never fade.

© Gertrude Feick 202

Pentecost Sunday

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

The Fiftieth Day

In other years: Saint Boniface, Apostle of Germany, Bishop and Martyr (675?-754)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:52-54 Humility

Mass: Acts 2:1-11; Resp Ps 104; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Rm 8:8-17; Squence Veni, Sancte Spiritus; Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26

Pleasing to Him be my theme.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, ONE WITH THE FATHER AND THE SPIRIT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Happy Pentecost Sunday! First, put yourself in this scene, gathered in one place with the faithful, as we are, and suddenly there comes from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it fills the entire house in which we are. Then there appears to us tongues as of fire, which part and come to rest on each one of us. And we are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enables us to proclaim ... (Acts 2:1-4). Some may scoff at us and think we've had too much wine (Acts 2:13). We know, however, that is not the case. Open the door of your heart and let the Holy Spirit in. For no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3b). Receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22), says the Lord. The Holy Spirit whom the Father sends in my name, will teach you and remind you of all that I tell you (Jn 14:26). 

In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life's different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on her course ...

Let us preach the whole of God's plan to the powerful and to the humble, to rich and to poor, to men of every rank and age, as far as God gives us the strength, in season and out of season ...

(From a letter by Saint Boniface, bishop and martyr, in Office of Readings, June 5)

SAINT BONIFACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one, along the Pentecost theme, comes from faithful Catherine, who comes through just at the right moment. O most blessed Light divine.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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

Saint: Saint Clotilde (475-545)

First Saturday of the Month

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:49-50 Humility

Mass: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Resp Ps 11; Jn 21:20-25

The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, ABYSS OF ALL VIRTUES,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month of June, a month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, have mercy on us.

With today's Gospel, where Peter asks Jesus about the disciple whom Jesus loved, Peter is curious. He asks, "Lord, what about him?" I think about something Sister Josephine of happy memory said to me some years ago. I said, "curiosity killed the cat." Matter-of-factly, Sister Josephine replied with a comment I had not heard before, namely, "satisfaction got it back." As Jesus replied to Peter, "what concern is it of yours"?, most things don't concern us. Of our concern should be what else Jesus said to Peter: You follow me (Jn 21:22).

The following, taken from a sermon by a sixth century African author, included in today's Office of Readings, is not without relevance 15 centuries later. 

This Church is the house of God, built up of living stones, whose master is almighty God. It is His delight to dwell here. Take care, then, that He never has the sorrow of seeing it undermined by schism and collapsing in ruins.

A prayer for us, then, as we prepare to celebrate Pentecost Sunday, is this one, a Catholic Byzantine Prayer, included in the site FrassatiUSA, a site in honor of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925). Blessed Pier was a remarkable young man. Let us pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit ...

Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth,

Who is everywhere present and fills all things,

Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life,

come and dwell within us,

cleanse us of all stain, 

and save our souls,

O Gracious Lord. Amen.

SAINT CLOTILDE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one, found in our garden of delights, was taken early yesterday morning. The upright shall see His face.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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

Saints: Saint Bede the Venerable, Priest, Doctor (673-735); Pope Saint Gregory VII (1020-1085); Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, Virgin (1566-1606)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 6 Restraint of Speech

Mass: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1; Resp Ps 148; Jn 16:12-15

Praise Him in the heights.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

The God who made the world and all that is in it, the Lord of heaven and earth ...

it is He who gives to everyone life and breath and everything.

(Acts 17:24)

Let us seek God, then, even grope for Him and find Him, though He is indeed not far from any of us (Acts 17:27). In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). Pray. Holy Spirit, come. When He comes, the Spirit of truth, He will guide you to all truth (Jn 16:13). Amen.

I have resolved to keep watch over my ways that I may never sin with my tongue. I have put a guard on my mouth. I was silent and humbled, and I refrained even from good words ...

In a flood of words you will not avoid sin ... the tongue holds the key to life and death.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 6:1,4-5)

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT MARY MAGDALENE DE PAZZI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: There are plenty of views like this around here. This is an especially nice one. 😎 Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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

Saints: Our Lady, Help of Christians, Patroness of Australasia; Blessed Louis-Zepherin Moreau (1824-1901); Saint Aldhelm (7th-8th century)

World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 5:14-19 Obedience

Mass: Acts 16:22-34; Resp Ps 138; Jn 16:5-11

Forsake not the work of your hands.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

PRAY FOR US.

God loves a cheerful giver.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 5:16/2 Cor 9:7)

We are in the midst of Saint Benedict's Chapter 5 on Obedience. Try bringing that topic up at the office water cooler. 😶 It may be that what comes from our holy father Benedict in verse 16 of the chapter (see above) is important to keep in mind and heart when embracing some of the other values related to obedience. For example, Saint Benedict is teaching about an obedience that will "be acceptable to God and agreeable to others only if compliance with what is commanded is not cringing or sluggish or half-hearted. but free from any grumbling or any reaction of unwillingness" (RB 5:14). Furthermore, "if a disciple obeys grudgingly and grumbles, not only aloud but also in his heart, then, even though he carries out the order, his action will not be accepted with favor by God, who sees that he is grumbling in his heart" (RB 5:17-18). Essentially, Saint Benedict has no time for grumbling of any sort. These are just a few things to keep in mind today, for whatever comes our way, from boss, husband, wife, child, coach, sister, or brother. God loves a cheerful giver, and a sincere one too. Come, Holy Spirit, come. 

True lovers of our most lovely Lady would praise her everywhere, and see her loved by all the world.

(Saint Alphonsus Mary Liguori, 1696-1787)

BLESSED LOUIS ZEPHERIN-MOREAU,

SAINT ALDHELM,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A yellow rose is especially nice, fragrance and all. You built up strength within me.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

Saints:Pope Saint John I, Martyr (-526)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 3:7-13 Summoning the Brothers for Counsel

Mass: Acts 15:1-6; Resp Ps 122; Jn 15:1-8

Within your gates, O Jerusalem.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Bear much fruit and become my disciples.

(Jn 15:8)

I am the vine, Jesus tells us, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Nothing. Cling to the Vine, for nourishment, for strength, for comfort. Without Him we do nothing. "By God's grace I am what I am" (1 Cor 15:10). United in faith and prayer, we go forth.

The Lord calls Himself the vine and those united to Him the branches in order to teach us how much we shall benefit from our union with Him, and how important it is for us to remain in His love. By receiving the Holy Spirit, who is bond of union between us and Christ our Savior, those who are joined to Him, as branches are to a vine, share in His own nature ...

From Christ and in Christ, we have been reborn through the Spirit in order to bear the fruit of life; not the fruit of our old, sinful life but the fruit of a new life founded upon our faith in Him and our love for Him ... 

By bestowing on them the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the only begotten Son of the Father, gives Christians a certain kinship with Himself and with God the Father because they have been united to Him by faith and by determination to do His will in all things. He helps them to grow in love and reverence for God, and teaches them to discern right from wrong and to act with integrity.

(From a commentary on the Gospel of John by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop, in Office of Readings, Fifth Week of Easter, Tuesday).

POPE SAINT JOHN I,

SAINT TITUS BRANDSMA,

SAINT MARIE RIVIER,

SAINT CAROLINA SANTOCANALE,

SAINT CHARLES DE FOUCAULD,

SAINT DEVASAHAYAM PILLAI,

SAINT CESAR DE BUS,

SAINT LUIGI MARIA PALAZZOLA,

SAINT JUSTIN RUSSOLILLO,

SAINT ANNA MARIA RUBATTO,

SAINT MARIA DOMENICA MANTOVANI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Give thanks to the name of the Lord.

© 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

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

Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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 

Other saints: Saint Dunstan (909-988); Saint Milburga (c.715); Saint Ivo or Yves (1253-1303); Blessed Raphael Louis Rafiringa (1856-1919); Saint Francis Coll Guitart OP (1812-1875)

Readings of the Day

RB: 4:1-21 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Acts 20:28-38; Resp Ps 68; Jn 17:11b-19

Show forth, O God, your power.

JESUS, SON OF THE LIVING GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus continues His great prayer (Jn 17:1-26). He prays to His Father for His followers, who do not belong to the world any more than Jesus belongs to the world (Jn 11:14). Jesus does not want His Father to take His followers, including us, out of the world, but that His Father keep us from the evil one (Jn 17:15). Yes, we are in the world. Knowing that, Saint Benedict, in today's passage from the Holy Rule, tells us that our "way of acting should be different from the world's way" (RB 4:20). And how will you make your way of acting different from the world's way? All of us can look to Saint Benedict's tools for good works for many ways to act differently from the world. First and foremost, we are to love the Lord God with our whole heart, our whole soul and all our strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves (RB 4:1). We can honor everyone and never do to another what we do not want done to ourselves (RB 4:8-9). We are to speak the truth with heart and tongue (RB 4:28). Jesus prays to His Father for us: Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth (Jn 17:17). 

We continue in prayer these days leading to Pentecost. After all, as Pope Francis said today in his on-going catechesis on prayer at the weekly General Audience, "believers never stop praying!". Come, Holy Spirit, come.

When the Paraclete comes, whom I will send you, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me, and you also will bear witness, says the Lord, alleluia.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

SAINT DUNSTAN,

SAINT MILBURGA,

SAINT IVO OR YVES,

BLESSED RAPHAEL LOUIS RAFIRINGA,

SAINT FRANCIS COLL GUITART,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More beauty from Whitethorn School.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

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 

Other saints: Saint Pachomius, Desert Father (292-348); Saint Isidore the Farmer, Patron Saint of Madrid (1070-1130); Saint Carthage (c.555-637): Saint Giles of Vaozela OP (c.1184-1265); Bl Andrew Abellon OP (1375-1450)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 2:30-32

Mass: Acts 18:23-28; Resp Ps 47; Jn 16:23b-28

For king of all the earth is God; sing hymns of praise.

JESUS, OUR WAY AND OUR LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us this: Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete (Jn 16:23b-28). Our Catechism teaches us this: "There is no other way of Christian prayer than Christ. Whether our prayer is communal or personal, vocal or interior, it has access to the Father only if we pray 'in the name' of Jesus. The sacred humanity of Jesus is therefore the way by which the Holy Spirit teaches us to pray to God our Father" (2664). Yes, the Spirit will come "to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings" (Rm 8:26) So why not call on the name of Jesus today with the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus. You can find it on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website, among other places. What invocation in the Litany is your favorite? Let it be in your heart and on your lips today. 😊 Ask in the name of Jesus. Receive. May our joy be complete. Come, Holy Spirit, come!

SAINT PACHOMIUS,

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER,

SAINT CARTHAGE,

SAINT GILES OF VAOZELA,

BLESSED ANDREW ABELLON,

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: In honor of Saint Isidore the Farmer, Patron Saint of Farmers, a close-up look at some greens, from our garden of delights. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday, Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings of the day: RB 17

Mass: Romans 4:13,16-18; Resp. Psalm 105; Luke 12:8-12

HOLY SPIRIT

Marianne Misetich, SNJM

Holy Spirit, fill me with your love. Holy Spirit, take my heart and keep it close to the Father, close to the Son, Holy Spirit make us one in love.

Holy Spirit, fill me with your peace. Holy Spirit, take my heart and keep it close to the Father, close to the Son, Holy Spirit, make us one in peace.

Holy Spirit, fill me with your joy. Holy Spirit, take my heart and keep it close to the Father, close to the Son, Holy Spirit, make us one in joy.

When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities,

do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.

For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL,

PRAY FOR US.