Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 18:7 The Order of the Psalmody- Ch 22 The Sleeping Arrangements of the Monks

He brought them to their desired haven.

HEART OF JESUS, OUR PEACE AND OUR RECONCILIATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, HOUSE OF GOLD,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

They were filled with great awe and said to one another,

"Who then is this whom even the wind and sea obey?"

(Mark 4:41)

And as seen in today's photo, even the clouds obey Our Lord. It is He who created heaven and earth. We too, then, should be filled with great awe.

Welcome to the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time, in the middle of the month of June dedicated to the Sacred Heart, in these weeks leading up to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress scheduled for next month in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Hoosier State. It's hot here folks, making it very difficult to sleep. However, we had a bit of relief last night, Still, summer has arrived with force. 

How did you do last week? Take another look at last week's reflection. Have you taken inventory? Were there changes that needed to be made so you could rest both soul and body so as to better love and serve God, your neighbor and yourself? If not, we can take another look this week. We worry, we become anxious, we are overwhelmed. If this weren't so, why would Jesus, in today's Gospel (Mt 6:24-34), bother to tell us not to worry or be anxious? Things come; things go. However, we worry about tomorrow. So, Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. No kidding. Jesus helps us grow in faith. Our Lord beckons us to trust Him. No matter what. Please, Lord, help us to grow in faith, in trust. We are not in this alone. We anchor ourselves in the Rock, Jesus. Blessed Clelia Merloni (1861-1930) encourages us: "In your trials, don't give up turning to God with filial trust. If you call upon Jesus with faith and trust, I assure you, your prayer will be heard by Him. Remember Jesus is sensitive to our ills and has compassion on all our suffering." And His mother will help too. After all, never was it known, that anyone who fled to her protection, or sought her intercession, was left unaided (The Memorare). May we be inspired, may we grow in trust and in faith. O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. I believe, help my unbelief.

Keep going, faithful readers. We remain united in faith and prayer.

I will not mistrust Him, Meg, although I shall feel myself weakening and on the verge of being overcome with fear. I shall remember how St. Peter at a blast of wind began to sink because of his lack of faith, and I shall do as he did: call upon Christ and pray to Him for help. And then 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, in a letter to his daughter Meg, while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London)

In God's will there is great peace.

(Saint Josephine Bakhita, 1869-1947)

By the Mass and Communion, I must become more and more like Christ.

(Blessed Marcel Callo, 1921-1945)

The Holy Face is my life. He is my strength ...

If we wish to adore the real face of Jesus ... we can find it in the divine Eucharist, where the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and the Face of Our Lord is hidden under the white veil of Host.

(Saint Gaetano Catanose, 1879-1963)

The rest of this week's voices come from Madeliene Delbrel, The Little Monk: Wisdom from a Little Friend of Big Faith (Crossroad, 2005). Little monk; little friend; delightful little book; from the little chapter "Humility."

To shine is not the same thing as to enlighten.

(On a day of great eloquence)

The center of the monastery is God's place: don't put yourself in the wrong chair.

(When the little monk had been pontificating)

When certain people question your character, don't respond by doubting theirs.

(When some awfully correct folks told the little monk why he was wrong)

And one last voice from the little chapter "Greatness," which is about humility in any case.

To call oneself "humble" rarely means that one is humble; the truly humble know that they are but novices in matters of humility.

(When the little monk had been self-effacing all around)

SAINT JOSEPH CAFASSO,

SAINT JOHN BOSCO,

SAINT ETHELDREDA,

SAINT THOMAS GARNET,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

SAINT WILLIAM OF VERCELLI,

SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA,

SAINT LUAN,

BLESSED MARY JOSEPHINE CATANEA,

SAINT JOHN SOUTHWORTH,

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR,

BLESSED NYKYTA BUDKA,

BLESSED VASYL VELYCHKOVSKY,

SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT LADISLAUS, 

SAINT IRENAEUS, BISHOP, MARTYR, DOCTOR,

SAINT VINCENTIA GEROSA,

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I captured this glorious sight last Thursday morning. They rejoiced when they were calmed.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 35 Kitchen Servers for the Week - Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink

My lips shall glorify you.

THOSE WHO ARE LEAST REMEMBERED,

MY JESUS HAVE MERCY.

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her.

(Wisdom 6:12)

Welcome to the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time as we continue to blaze through the glorious month of November dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. For all who have died, for the poor souls in Purgatory, for all those who don't have anyone to pray for them, and for all those who pray for us as we continue on our journey of faith and respond to the universal call to holiness. Give praise to God! And how fitting it is this week as we commemorate All the Saints of the Benedictine Family to heed the words of our holy father Benedict in the Prologue to the Holy Rule. After all, it is Jesus who tells us to Stay awake and be ready! For you do not know on what day your Lord will come. It behooves us to be ready. And if it's not Wisdom that you run into, run the other way! 

Let us get up then, at long last, for the Scriptures rouse us when they say: It is high time for us to arise from sleep. Let us open our eyes to the Light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge: If you hear His voice today, do not harden your hearts, And again: You that have ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. And what does He say? Come and listen to me, sons; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Run while you have the light of life, that the darkness of death may not overtake you. 

(Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 8-13)

And for our voices for the week, we give praise as we hear first from my patron saint, commemorated November 16. A voice that turns out to be a nice little mantra for just about all situations, those pleasant and not so pleasant as we are bound to be presented with a little of both. ☺

In all that concerns me, Lord, Your adorable will be done.

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

Teach me the language you speak, O God, and make me understand those little signs, by which you give understanding hearts to know what is your will.

(William of St. Thierry, c. 1085-1148)

You are the tabernacle of God; you the temple of God. As the Apostle says: Holy is the temple of God which you are. A temple, because the Lord will reign forever in you. And yet a tabernacle, because God is on pilgrimage in you, God hungers in you, God thirsts in you.

(Aelred of Rievaulx, 1110-1167)

Humility is not a coward's virtue. Its beatitude is found through an abandonment in faith that touches the heroic.

(Bishop Eric Varden, ocso, Bishop of Trondheim, Norway) 

God will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

Everything may be taken from us, but God we shall find everywhere. Courage, Sisters, courage!

(Saint Julie Billiart, 1751-1816, in collaboration with a devout noblewoman, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame)

We must keep the flame of faith alive in our heart. This flame is lit with the oil of charity and prayer; charity performed through and for the love of God.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

The greater my unworthiness, the more abundant His mercy.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

All for God, and all through Mary.

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron, 1911-1938)

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER CABRINI,

ALL SAINTS OF THE BENEDICTINE FAMILY,

SAINT MACHAR,

BLESSED MARIA TERESA SCRILLI,

SAINT DYFRIG OR DUBRIC OR DUBRICUS,

SAINT LAURENC O'TOOLE,

THE BEATIFIED MARTYRS OF THE CLIFTON DIOCESE,

THE READING MARTYRS,

SAINT JOSEPH PIGNATELLI,

ALL CARMELITE SAINTS,

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

COMMEMORATION OF ALL CARMELITE SOULS,

SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT JOSEPH MOSCASTI,

SAINT EDMUND OF ABINGDON,

OUR LADY OF THE GATE OF DAWN,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY,

SAINT HILDA,

SAINT HUGH OF LINCOLN,

SAINT DIONYSIUS OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL,

SAINT ROSE-PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE,

SAINT ROMAN OF ANTIOCH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one from a little walk my beloved sister and I took a few days ago. Don't forget to look down; don't forget to look up. Lifting up my hands, I will call upon Your name. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 29 Readmission of Brothers Who Leave the Monastery - Ch 34 Distribution of Goods According to Need

O Lord, my heart is not proud.

Those who endure the greatest suffering, 

my Jesus, mercy!

MARY, QUEEN OF THE HUMBLE OF HEART,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Has not the one God created us?

(Malachi 2:10)

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

(Mt 23:12)

Welcome to the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time and the month of November dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. 

There is plenty for us to do this week. One is to humble ourselves and be busy about serving others, whether we are in the mood or not. I already passed along these words from Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997); however, they are clear: "If you are truly humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are." And that is what we are now, children of God made in the image and likeness of the one, living and true God. As children, we declare boldly: "By God's grace I am what I am (1 Cor 15:10), and again, "he who boasts should make his boast in the Lord" (2 Cor 10:17)/Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 31-32. 

And remember, the word of God is now at work in you who believe (see Th 2:13). I believe, help my unbelief. 

Now our voices for the week as we keep the faith and respond to the universal call to holiness. We begin with Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), to help us as we pray for the dying and the already deceased, those who die alone and suffer alone in purgatory with no one on earth to pray for them. And this is one reason why I ask a dying person not to forget me and help me get to Heaven to join them. Give God the praise. 

The practice of recommending to God the souls in Purgatory, that He may mitigate the great pains which they suffer, and that He may bring them to His glory, is most pleasing to the Lord and most profitable to us. For those blessed souls are His eternal spouses, and most grateful are they to those who obtain their deliverance from prison, or even a mitigation of their torments. When, therefore, they arrive in Heaven, they will be sure to remember all who have prayed for them.

Follow the saints, because those who follow them will become saints.

(Pope Saint Clement I, d. 99)

In everything, do that which will make God loved the more.

(Blessed Frances d’Amboise, 1427-1485)

My fellow Christians, do we wish to celebrate joyfully the birth of this temple [the Lateran Basilica]? Then let us not destroy the living temples of God in ourselves by works of evil. I shall speak clearly, so that all can understand! Whenever we come to church, we must prepare our hearts to be as beautiful as we expect this church to be. Do you wish to find this basilica immaculately clean? Then do not soil your soul with the filth of sins. Do you wish this basilica to be full of light? God too wishes that your soul not be in darkness, but that the light of good works shine is us, so that He who dwells in the heavens will be glorified. Just as you enter this church building, so God wishes to enter your soul, for He promised: I shall live in them, and I shall walk the corridor of their hearts.

(From a sermon by Saint Caesarius of Arles, d. 542, in Office of Readings, November 9)

Invisible in His own nature [God] became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, He chose to come within our grasp.

(Pope Saint Leo the Great, d. 461)

Here was a man [Saint Martin of Tours] words cannot describe. Death could not defeat him nor toil dismay him. He was quite without a preference of his own; he neither feared to die nor refused to live. With eyes and hands always raised to heaven he never withdrew his unconquered spirit from prayer ... he left this life a poor and lowly man and entered heaven rich in God's favor.

(From a letter by Sulpicius Severus, 363-425, in Office of Readings, November 11)

The human mind is prone to pride when not supported by power; how much more, then, does it exalt when it has that support.

(Pope Saint Gregoy the Great, d. 604)

The lively consideration of graces received makes us humble 

because knowledge of them excites gratitude.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622, Introduction to the Devout Life, IV, 5)

Whoever needs less should thank God and not be distressed, but whoever needs more should feel humble because of his weakness, not self-important because of the kindness shown to him.

(The Rule of Saint Benedict, 34:2-4, Distribution of Goods According to Need)

Hold the cross high so I may see it through the flames!

(Saint Joan of Arc, 1412-1431)

BLESSED FRANCES D'AMBOISE,

SAINT JEAN-THEOPHANE VENARD,

SAINT ENGELBERT,

ALL THE SAINTS OF IRELAND,

ALL SAINTS OF AFRICA,

SAINT ILLTUDE OR ILLTYD,

SAINT NUNO ALVARES PEREIRA,

BLESSED JOSEPH GIRBES,

SAINT WILLIBRORD,

ALL SAINTS OF WALES,

BLESSED GEORGE NAPIER,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY,

SAINT JOHN,

POPE SAINT LEO THE GREAT,

SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I walk by this little beauty more than once a day. Thankfully, no creature great or small has managed to eat it. Give God the praise.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

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

In other years: Saint Francis of Paola 91436-1507); Saint John Payne (c.1550-1582); Blessed Pedro Calungsod (-1672)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 51 Brothers on a Short Journey

The Commemoration of the Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem: Mt 21:1-11

Mass: Is 50:4-7; Resp Ps 22; Ph 2:6-11; Mt 26:14-27:66   

In the midst of the assembly I will praise you.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, WORD OF GOD,

DIVINE ESSENCE, ONE TRUE GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

And when He entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, "Who is this?"

(Mt 21:10)

Welcome to Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. In the words of Saint Andrew of Crete (c.650-740), "let us go together to meet Christ on the Mount of Olives. Today He returns from Bethany and proceeds of His own free will toward His holy and blessed passion, to consummate the mystery of our salvation ... He will be meek and humble, and He will make His entry in simplicity ... Let us run to accompany Him as He hastens towards His passion, and imitate those who meet Him then, not by covering His path with garments, olive branches or palms, but by doing all we can to prostrate ourselves before Him by being humble and by trying to live as He would wish. Then we will be able to receive the Word at His coming, and God, whom no limits can contain, will be within us."* The donkey certainly was meek and humble. United in faith and prayer, we go forth to receive the Word; God is within us.

THE POET THINKS ABOUT THE DONKEY

On the outskirts of Jerusalem

the donkey waited.

Not especially brave, or filled with understanding,

he stood and waited.

How horses, turned out into the meadow,

leap with delight!

How doves, released from their cages,

clatter away, splashed with sunlight!

But the donkey, tied to a tree as usual, waited.

Then he let himself be led away,

Then he let the stranger mount.

Never had he seen such crowds!

And I wonder if he at all imagined what was to happen.

Still, he was what he had always been: small, dark, obedient.

I hope, finally, he felt brave.

I hope, finally, he loved the man who rode so lightly upon him,

as he lifted one dusty hoof and stepped, as he had to, forward.**

THE DONKEY

When fishes flew and forests walked

And figs grew upon thorn,

Some moment when the moon was blood

Then surely I was born.

When monstrous head and sickening cry

And ears like errant wings,

The devil's walking parody

On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,

Of ancient crooked will;

Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,

I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;

One far fierce hour and sweet:

There was shout about my ears,

And palms before my feet.***

*From a sermon by Saint Andrew of Crete, bishop, in Office of Readings, Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday).

**Mary Oliver, "The Poet Thinks About the Donkey,' in M. Oliver, Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver (Penguin, 2017), p. 130.

***G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936), "The Donkey." 

SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLA,

SAINT JOHN PAYNE,

BLESSED PEDRO CALUNGSOD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Pope Saint Sixtus III (d.440); Saint Castor, Martyr of Tarso 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:1-9 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Nb 21:4-9; Resp Ps 102; Jn 8:21-30

O Lord, hear my prayer.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, FAITHFUL GUIDE,

PRAY FOR US.

But with their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses ...

(Nb 21:4-5)

Instead of complaining about what may come our way today, why not go this way: "Armed with God's justice and power, let us prove ourselves through patient endurance.* Amen.

That's what humility means-learning to accept disappointments and even defeat as God-sent, learning to persevere and carry on with peace of heart and confidence in God, secure in the knowledge that something worthwhile is being accomplished precisely because God's will is at work in our life and we are doing our best to accept and follow it ...

(Servant of God Walter J. Ciszek, S.J., from He Leadeth Me, in Magnificat, March 28, 2023, "Meditation of the Day," p. 414)

POPE SAINT SIXTUS III,

SAINT CASTOR, MARTYR OF TARSO,

PRAY FOR US.

*Liturgy of the Hours, Daytime Prayer, Midafternoon Antiphon.

Today's photo: This one seemed fitting for our Lenten journey. Patience, people ... Joshua Tree National Par,

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saints  Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs (-203)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 30 The Manner of Reproving Boys

Mass: Is 1:10, 16-20; Resp Ps 50; Mt 23:1-12

No goats out of your fold.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

OUR LADY OF SNOWS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, LIGHT OF PATRIARCHS,

PRAY FOR US.

Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord.

(Is 1:18)

Put simply, what is it you must do to set things right? After all, the Lord says "us." We are united in faith and prayer, and the mouth of the Lord has spoken (Is 1:20). If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land (Is 1:19). Whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Mt 23:12).

The day of the martyrs' victory dawned. They marched from their cells into the amphitheater, as if into heaven, with cheerful looks and graceful bearing. If they trembled it was for joy and not for fear ...

Brave and happiest martrys! You were called and chosen for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(From the story of the death of the holy martyrs of Carthage, in Office of Readings, March 7)

To us, also, your servants, who, though sinners, hope in your abundant mercies, graciously grant some share and fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs ...

Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all your Saints: admits us, we beseech you, into their company, not weighing our merits, but granting us your pardon, through Christ our Lord.

(Eucharistic Prayer I, Roman Canon)

SAINTS FELICITY AND PERPETUA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Snug as a bug in a rug. When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?

© 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

Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Saint: Saint Thomas Aquinas, OP, Priest, The Angelic Doctor; Patron of Catholic Schools (1225-1274)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:19-23 Humility

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

He has raised up for us a mighty savior.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY QUEEN OF ANGELS,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, WORD MADE FLESH,

I HAVE MERCY ON US.

God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal life.

(Gospel Acclamation, Mass)

As we commemorate the great Saint Thomas Aquinas, Doctor Angelicus, we look to him for our commentary. Saint Thomas Aquinas, please help us to carry our crosses and follow the example of God's only-begotten Son in love, patience, humility, obedience, and detachment from all things that do not lead us to Him. I believe, help my unbelief. We pray for all Dominicans today, friars, nuns and sisters alike, and especially for the students, teachers, and staff at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, all of them living and deceased. I spent several privileged years studying at the university, known as the Angelicum. And so did Pope Saint John Paul II! 

If you seek the example of love: Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends. Such a man was Christ on the cross. And if He gave His life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for His sake.

If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross ...

If you seek an example of humility, look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be judged by Pontius Pilate and to die.

If you seek an example of obedience, follow Him who became obedient to the Father unto death ...

If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow Him who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ...

Do not be attached, therefore, to clothing and riches, because they divided my garments among themselves. Nor to honors, for He experienced harsh words and scourgings. Not to greatness of rank, for weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head. Nor to anything delightful, for in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

(From a conference by Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest, in Office of Readings, January 28)

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I looked up yesterday afternoon and found this near the honey building where several of my favorite trees stand straight and tall. All the days of our life.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Saint: Saint Anthony the Great, Abbot (251-356)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Heb 6:10-20; Resp Ps 111; Mk 2:23-28 

Great are the works of the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MONKS AND NUNS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, LORD OF THE SABBATH,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God,

For great is the power of God; by the humble He is glorified.

(Sirach 3:18-19)

We have the privilege to commemorate Saint Anthony the Great, the Father of Western Monasticism, on this Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary. That alone makes this time anything but ordinary. There is plenty to say about dear to all monks and nuns Saint Anthony. The best way to learn about his life is by reading The Life of St. Anthony, written by another great saint, Saint Athanasius (c. 296-373). You can also turn to the second reading in the Office of Readings for January 17. It is in that excerpt from the Life of Saint Anthony that one learns how Anthony got started. When Anthony was about 20 years old, his parents died; Anthony and his younger sister were left to care for themselves. Some months after the death of his parents, Anthony was entering a church just as the Gospel was being proclaimed and he heard the words of the Lord to the rich young man: 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. In brief, Anthony listened to the Lord's call and gave away all the property he inherited, and his possessions too. He placed his sister in the care of some well-known virgins and arranged for her to be brought up in the convent (I wonder whatever came of the dear nameless girl). Then Anthony gave himself to the ascetical life of prayer and manual labor. People in the local area called Anthony "the friend of God, and they loved him as both son and brother." And from that time on, many men and women have responded to the same call from the Lord and followed Anthony's lead. And we keep at it. Anthony died at the ripe age of 105. Well done, good and faithful servant. 

At the same time, it is a good day to reflect on The Sayings of the Desert Father, here from the alphabetical collection, translated by the late Anglican nun, theologian and historian, Benedicta Ward, SLG (1933-2022). Not surprisingly, the first sayings under Alpha come from Anthony the Great. I've included a few sayings for you here.

Abba Anthony said, 'A time is coming when men will go mad, and they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him saying, "You are mad, you are not like us."'

They said that a certain old man asked God to let him see the Fathers and he saw them all except Abba Anthony. So he asked his guide, 'Where is Abba Anthony?' He told him in reply that in the place where God is, there Anthony will be.

Some say of Saint Anthony that he was 'Spirit-born', that is, carried along by the Holy Spirit, but he would never speak of this to men. Such men see what is happening in the world, as well as knowing what is going to happen. 

Abba Anthony said, 'I no longer fear God, but I love Him. For love casts out fear.' 

Abba Anthony said, 'Whoever hammers a lump of iron, first decides what he is going to make of it, a scythe, a sword, or an axe. Even so we ought to make up our minds what kind of virtue we want to forge or we labor in vain.'

He also said, 'Obedience with abstinence gives men power over wild beasts.'

He also said, 'Nine monks fell away after many labours and were obsessed with spiritual pride, for they put their trust in their own works and being deceived they did not give to the commandment that says, "Ask your father and he will tell you."

And he said this, 'If he is able to, a monk ought to tell his elders confidently how many steps he takes and how many drops of water he drinks in his cell, in case he is in error about it.'

SAINT ANTHONY THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I thought it would be a while before we had this glorious sky. However, things cleared some yesterday. And it looks like some of the same is on tap for today. I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Friday before Epiphany

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

First Friday of the Month

Saint: Saint Andre Bessette, "Miracle Man of Montreal," Patron Saint of the Rejected (1845-1937)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 39-44 

Mass: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Resp Ps 147; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-38  

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. 

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US. 

JESUS, BRIGHTNESS OF ETERNAL LIGHT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, 

you who believe in the name of the Son of God.

(1 Jn 5:13)

We have yet another privilege before us today, that is, to commemorate a great saint, Saint Andre Bessette. A simple and humble man, Alfred Bessette, the future Andre, was born into a poor Quebec family in 1845. Both of his parents died when he was young, the family was split up, and Alfred, barely literate and physically weak from birth, wandered from job to job for years. At the age of 25, Alfred presented himself to the Novitiate of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in Montreal. Leary of his sickness, the brothers did not receive him, but prodded by the bishop, assigned him the humble job of porter at Notre Dame College. As porter, our dear Andre simply did the daily of washing floors and windows, cleaning lamps, carrying firewood, and so on. As Brother Andre used to say, "It is with the smallest brushes that the artists paint the most beautiful pictures." Andre just carried on and welcomed whoever came to the door, the sick, heartbroken, and anyone else for that matter, and invited them to pray to Saint Joseph. This went on for 25 years. Andre eventually built a chapel with help from friends and the money he earned from cutting students' hair. So, Andre was resourceful too, not unlike his dear Saint Joseph, guardian and protector. Andre died January 6, 1937, at the age of 91. It is said that a million people braved the bitter Montreal winter and filed past his coffin. Pope Benedict XVI canonized him on October 17, 2010, and preached this: "For him, everything spoke of God, and of God's presence. May we, in his footsteps, seek God with simplicity in order to discover him ever present in the heart of our life! May the example of Bro. Andre inspire Canadian Christian life!"* Amen.

Do not seek to have your trials removed, ask rather for the grace to bear them well.

(Brother Saint Andre Bessette)

SAINT ANDRE BESSETTE,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catholic News Agency, "St. Andre Bessette"; "Homily of His Holiness Benedict XVI," October 17, 2010, www.vatican.va; Congregation of the Holy Cross, holycrosscongregation.org. 

Today's photo: Here is another one from Monday afternoon. While my pot of Borscht was simmering, I went on the prowl for photos. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Blessed John Licci, op (1400-1511)*; Saint Dyfrig or Dubric or Dubricius (d. 612); Saint Laurenc O-Toole (1128-1180); The Beatified Martyrs of the Clifton Diocese (16th century); The Reading Martyrs (16th century); Saint Joseph Pignatelli (1737-1811); All Carmelite Saints 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 36 The Sick Brothers

Mass:  Rev 1:1-4; 2:1-5; Resp Ps 1; Lk 18:35-43

For the Lord watches over the way of the just.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!

What do you want me to do for you?

Lord, please let me see.

Have sight; your faith has saved you.

(Lk 18:39, 41-42)

Welcome to a sandwich Monday. This text comes as the meat in the middle of our ever-increasing number of saints to invoke, today with an almost equal amount of bread on the top and bread the bottom. Bring out the real mayonnaise! And what saint did you include in your collection of saints' names today? 

With the servant John, may we give witness to the word of God this day (see Rev 1:2), and follow Jesus, giving glory to Him in word and deed so that others give praise to God too (see Lk 18:43).

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

(Gospel versicle, Mass, November 14, 2022)

BLESSED JOHN LICCI,

SAINT DYFRIG,

SAINT LAURENC O'TOOLE,

THE BEATIFIED MARTYRS OF THE CLIFTON DIOCESE,

THE READING MARTYRS,

SAINT JOSEPH PIGNATELLI,

ALL CARMELITE SAINTS,

PRAY FOR US.

*Fun fact: There is no typo here as Blessed John Licci, op, died at 111 years of age, "one of the longest-living figures in Church history." Furthermore, John joined the Dominicans in 1415 and "wore the habit for 96 years which is the longest known period for any religious." Among many other things, John "prevented disease coming to the cattle of his parishioners [in his hometown of Caccamo, Sicily] and cured three people whose heads had been crushed in accidents." We invoke Blessed John Licci then as the patron saint of head injuries. God is praised. (See Catholic News Agency, "Blessed John Licci").

Today's photo: Welcome to the first snowfall of the season in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Hoosier state. Thanks bro TBF.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: The Blessed Martyrs of Douai College (18th-17th century); Saint Colman MacDuagh (-632); Blessed Maria Restituta Kafka (1894-1943)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 22 The Sleeping Arrangements of the Monks

Mass: Ph 1:18b-26; Resp Ps 42; Lk 14:1, 7-11

My soul is thirsting for the living God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or death.

For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.

(Ph 1:20-21)

Jesus' last words in today's Gospel are that "the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Lk 14:11). His blessed Mother Mary, our Mother, can certainly teach us a thing or two about humility. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For He has looked upon His handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on all ages will call me blessed (Lk 1:46-48). We ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, help of all Christians, to pray for us.

As my Sovereign and my Queen,

Preside over all my actions,

Direct all my enterprises,

Remedy all their defects.

(Barolomeo de Los Rios, 1580-1652)

When the world will end, then She will rest! But while the world is going on, She is so busy taking care of all of us!

(The Cure of Ars Saint John Baptist Marie Vianney, 1786-1859) 

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF DOUAI COLLEGE,

BLESSED MARIA RESTITUTA KAFKA,

SAINT COLMAN MACDUAGH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Yesterday morning, while on the lookout for something for Our Lady, I found this. When shall I go and behold the face of God?

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saints: Saint Paulinus (-644); Saint Daniel Comboni (1831-1881)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1; Resp Ps 113; Lk 11:29-32

Praise, you servants of the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

PRAY FOR US.

Every time you begin a good work, you must pray to Him most earnestly to bring it to perfection.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 4)

Welcome to Monday faithful readers. Saint Benedict's words above from the Prologue of the Holy Rule come to mind, so why not let our holy father help us begin another week. Even though we are ending his chapter on humility, the words are not entirely unrelated to how Saint Benedict concludes that chapter. "After ascending all these steps of humility [all twelve of them!], the monk will arrive at that perfect love of God which casts out fear." Benedict continues, "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" (RB 7:67-69). Out of love for Christ then, as we go through life descending by exaltation and ascending by humility (see RB 7:7), every time we begin a good work, we must pray to God most earnestly to bring it to perfection. May all good work that we do come naturally, out of habit and delight in virtue. Heart of Jesus, source of all good, have mercy on us. And may your blessed Mother Mary, help of all Christians, help us be doers of the word and not hearers only ... not hearers who forget but doers who act. Such a one shall be blessed in what he does (see James 1:22, 25).

Those who want to work for moral reform in the world must seek the glory of God before all else. Because He is the source of all good, they must wait for His help, and pray for it in this difficult and necessary undertaking. They must then present themselves to those they seek to reform, as mirrors of every virtue and as lamps on a lampstand. Their upright lives and noble conduct must shine before all who are in the house of God.

(From a letter to Pope Paul V by Saint John Leonardi, priest, in Office of Readings, October 9)

SAINT PAULINUS,

SAINT DANIEL COMBONI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: High above the nations is the Lord; above the heavens is His glory.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saint: Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:49-54 Humility

Mass: Gal 1:13-24; Resp Ps 139; Lk 10:38-42

You know when I sit and when I stand.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

PRAY FOR US.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Raise your hand if you have had or do have a statue of Saint Francis in your yard. There just might be more than a few hands raised. Certainly popular, Saint Francis of Assisi has been called "the most beloved saint of the Western world." There is more to this cherished saint then meets the eye, however. Wander the streets of Assisi and explore the Umbrian countryside and you will see. We turn to Saint Francis today, and ask him to intercede for us, so that we become meek and humble of heart.

Auguri e buon onomastico Papa Francesco! We extend congratulations to Pope Francis on his name day. May il Poverello intercede for the Holy Father.

I very much understand the outbursts of those saints who shouted in the name of Christ through streets and plazas, and I don't know how they didn't go crazy when they realized that people weren't listening to them ... I very much understand why Saint Francis preached to the fish and the birds.

(Rafael Arnaiz in The Collected Works: Saint Rafael Arnaiz, p. 180)

GOD'S ADMIRATION

God's admiration for us is infinitely greater

than anything we can conjure up

for Him.*

HUMILITY AND COMPASSION

Can true humility and compassion exist in our words and eyes

unless we know we too are capable of

any act?*

IN ALL THINGS

It was easy to love God in all that

was beautiful.

The lessons of deeper knowledge, though, instructed me

to embrace God in all

things.*

THE RESULT OF PRAYER

The result of prayer is life.

Prayer irrigates the 

earth and

heart.*

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

PRAY FOR US.

*Saint Francis of Assisi in Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West, renderings by Daniel Ladinsky (Penguin, 2002), pp. 49, 37, 52, 54.

Today's photo: Saint Francis of Assisi did preach to the birds after all. 🐦 With all my ways you are familiar.

© Gertrude Feick 2022