Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

In other years: Saint Otto, Bishop of Bamberg, indefatigable evangelizer and apostle of the Pomeranians (1060-1139)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 25 Serious Faults - 31 Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer

Mass: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a; Resp Ps 89; Rm 6:3-4, 8-11; Mt 10:37-42

You are the splendor of their strength.

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

MARY, IMMACULATE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, STREAM OF MERCY,

SAVE US.

If then we have died for Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.

(Rm 6:8)

Welcome to the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time and the week when we celebrate our country's Independence Day, that is, the 4th of July! This week we pray especially to Saint Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton (1774-1821), "the first daughter of the United States of America to be glorified with this incomparable title," as Pope Saint Paul VI preached at Mother Seton's canonization on September 14, 1975. "Saint Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton is a saint!", the pontiff proclaimed. In his homily, the Holy Father quoted Cardinal Francis Spellman (1889-1967), Archbishop of New York, who declared, "Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American." So, we pray to Mother Seton to intercede on behalf of our country, the people of our country, and the Church in our country. And may Mary, Immaculate Conception, the principal patroness of the United States of America, cover us in her protective veil. Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing!

Throughout this week, let us think of ourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus (see Rm 6:11). Like Mother Seton, may we be courageous witnesses to our faith, take up our crosses and follow after Jesus, for whoever does not take up his cross and follow after Jesus is not worthy of Him. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for Jesus' sake will find it (see Mt 10:38-39). "Be children of the Church," were the words of Mother Seton on her deathbed, January 2, 1821. United in faith and prayer, then, let us give it up for the Lord and be children of the Church. Amen.

For the voices this week, I turn again to tea bag tags. Gems are found therein. However, to keep things in priority, the first voice seems the best place to start. Saint Roman Adame was canonized by Pope Saint Paul II in the Jubilee Year of 2000. His feast is celebrated May 21.

Let everything be for God.

(Saint Roman Adame Rosales, 1859-1927)

Every neighbor can be your teacher.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

Let your energy be used to build, not destroy. 

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

The one who listens understands.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

Let the opportunities come to you.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

Balance of head and heart builds strength of character.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

Earth laughs in flowers.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

All you Saints of the Week, pray for us!

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN BAYLEY SETON,

BLESSED PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI,

SAINT OTTO,

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE, PATRON OF ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL,

BLESSED JOHN CORNELIUS,

BLESSED MARIE CROCIFISSA CURCIO,

SAINT ANTONY MARY ZACCARIA,

SAINT MODWEN

BLESSED GEORGE NICHOLS, RICHARD YAXLEY, THOMAS BELSEN, HUMPHREY PRITCHARD,

SAINT MARIA GORETTI,

SAINT MONINNE,

BLESSED PETER TO ROT,

BLESSED EUGENE III,

SAINT MAELRUAIN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I found this some weeks ago in a medical office parking lot in Eureka. At your name they rejoice all the day.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint John Climacus, or Saint John the Ladder (579-649); Blessed Amadeus IX, Duke of Savoy (1435-1472)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:22-25 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Gn 17:3-9; Resp Ps 105; Jn 8:51-59  

Look to the Lord in His strength.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, MAN OF FAITH,

PRAY FOR US.

Whoever keeps my word will never see death.

(Jn 8:51)

Today's optional "Prayer over the People," is one response to the word proclaimed by Saint John. Bow and bend low to hear and be blessed ...

Be gracious to your people, Lord, we pray,

that, as from day to day they reject what does not please you,

they may be filled instead with delight at your commands.

Through Christ our Lord.

May God be gracious to us so that we keep His word and delight in His commands, no matter what. 

I think the difference between me and some people is that I'm content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make a change. But if each one would light a candle, we would have a tremendous light.*

(Servant of God Thea Bowman, 1937-1990)

Keep going, faithful readers, and do your little bit today. Thank you for being there.

SAINT JOHN CLIMACUS, ABBOT OF SINAI,

BLESSED AMADEUS IX OF SAVOY,

SERVANT OF GOD THEA BOWMAN,

PRAY FOR US.

*From a May 1987 60 Minutes interview with Mike Wallace.

Today's photo: Early yesterday morning in the garden. This happy flower is in honor of one of our saints of the day, Blessed Amadeus IX, Duke of Savoy, who was nicknamed the Happy. Among other notables, the Happy was a particular protector of the Franciscan friars and endowed other religious houses as well as homes caring for the poor and suffering. So says Wikipedia; it's good enough for me.  May the Happy intercede for us. Seek to serve Him constantly.

©. Gertrude Feick 2023

Fifth Sunday of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

In other years: Saint Castulus, Early Christian Martyr on the Via Labicana near Rome

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 46 Faults Committed in Other Matters

Mass: Ezk 37:12-14; Resp Ps 130; Rm 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US. 

Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken Him.

(Jn 1:11)

Welcome to the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Since yesterday, I have been thinking about sleeping, death, and living a life of mediocrity. There are various ways in which we walk around sleeping, like zombies, immune to this or that, enclosed in the little boxes that we have constructed for ourselves, and even worse, the little boxes that others have enclosed us in, or think they have enclosed us in. This just won't do for people of faith and hope. Keep going, faithful readers, and break the chains that bind you in one way or another. Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light (Eph 5:14). Through the intercession of Mary Most Holy, may our faith and hope in Jesus be strengthened, especially in moments of greater trial and difficulty. Amen.

If the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the One who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through His Spirit dwelling in you.

(Rm 8:11)

SAINTS MARTHA, MARY, AND LAZARUS,

SAINT PAUL,

SAINT CASTULUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From last Friday morning, a marvel spotted while on kitchen duty. That You may be revered. 

© Gertrude Feic 2023

Friday of the First Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint Katharine Drexel (1858-1955); Saint Vignal (c.460-532)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 26 Unauthorized Association with the Excommunicated

Mass: Ezk 18:21-28; Resp Ps 130; Mt 5:20-26

My soul waits for the Lord.

 MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF SNOWS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, SERVANT OF CHRIST,

PRAY FOR US.

But if the wicked, turning away from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life ... he shall surely live, he shall not die.

(Ezekiel 18:27-28)

With our words from the Prophet of Ezekiel today, we are immersed in Saint Benedict's chapters (Ch 23-30) on the penal code. We take responsibility for and acknowledge our sins during this holy season of Lent. Our loving and merciful God does not derive pleasure from the death of the wicked. Instead, He rejoices when the wicked turns from his evil that he may live (see Ezk 18:22-23). Thankfully, God has a short memory along with a great deal of patience. In the midst of the daily temptations and struggles, we are united in faith and prayer, and choose life. Let love for him be reaffirmed, and let all pray for him (Rule of Saint Benedict, 27:4)

At the same time, we have the privilege of commemorating Saint Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphia heiress who abandoned her family's fortune to found the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a congregation dedicated to serving impoverished Native American and blacks while helping them to acquire education and grow in the faith. Saint Katharine was the second American born person ever to be canonized. She was canonized along with Saint Josephine Bakhita and 121 others, 120 of them Martyrs of China, by Pope Saint John Paul in 2000.*

With great courage [Saint Katharine Drexel] placed her confidence in the Lord and gave her life and wealth totally to His service ...

May the example of St. Katharine Drexel be a beacon of light and hope inspiring all of us to make an even greater gift of our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of those most in need.

(Address of the Holy Father John Paul II to the Pilgrims Who Have Come to Rome for the Canonization of New Saints, October 2, 2000)

SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL,

SAINT VIGNAL,

PRAY FOR US.

*For more on Saint Katharine Drexel see the website for the National Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel in Philadelphia, www.saintkatharinedrexelshrine.com. For one, you will find a nice 20ish-minute documentary on her life, "Saint Katharine Drexel: The Holy Heiress," aired March 23, 2019. St. Katharine's sacred remains were transferred to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia August 2, 2018; a new tomb was solemnly installed in November of the same year. For a nice summary of her life, see Catholic News Agency, "St. Katharine Drexel."

Today's photo: That you may be revered.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

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

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Dt 30:15-20; Resp Ps 1; Lk 9:22-25 

Delights in the law of the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF SNOWS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

HOLY FAMILY, PRAISED BY THE ANGELS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom. If you obey the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin on you today, loving Him, and walking in His ways, and keeping His commandments, statutes and decrees, you will live and grow numerous ...

if you turn away your hearts and will not listen, but are led astray and adore and serve other gods, I tell you now that you will certainly perish.

(Dt 30:15-18)

Welcome to Thursday after Ash Wednesday. How did it go yesterday? 

The words above from the author of the Book of Deuteronomy are pretty clear. What will it be then, life and prosperity, or death and doom? There are plenty of opportunities throughout the day to make a choice. United in faith and prayer, we go forth, deny ourselves in one way or the other, take up our cross, and follow Him. This is how we save our lives (see Lk 9:23-24). May it be that when faced with contradictions and pinpricks throughout the day, we could pray as Saint Polycarp did just before he embraced martyrdom.

Lord, almighty God, Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ ... I bless You for judging me worthy of this day, this hour, so that in the company of the martyrs I may share the cup of Christ, Your anointed one ...

I praise You for all things, I bless You, I glorify You through the eternal high priest of heaven, Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son. Through Him be glory to You, together with Him and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

(From a letter on the martyrdom of Saint Polycarp by the Church of Smyrna, in Office of Readings, February 23)

SAINT POLYCARP,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Frosty made a brief appearance yesterday. Please take note of his ashes. ⛄ Whatever he does prospers.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Saints: Saint Marianne Cope (183801918); Blessed Henry Suso OP (-1366); Saint Emerenziana, Roman Martyr; Saint Ildefonsus, Bishop of Toledo; Saint Ementiana, Roman Martyr

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Heb 9:15, 24028; Resp Ps 98; Mk 3:22-30  

For the sake of your name, O Lord, give me life.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, PROTECTOR OF THE UNBORN,

JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, AUTHOR OF LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

The Lord called me from birth, from my mother's womb He gave me my name.

(Is 49:1)

Welcome to Monday and in the dioceses of the United States of America, a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. We get down on our knees then and pray for "the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person through acts of abortion."* At the same time we pray for a greater respect for the dignity of the human person made in the image in likeness of God, from conception to natural death.

God our Creator,

we give thanks to you,

who alone have the power to impart the breath of life

as you form each of us in our mother's womb;

grant, we pray,

that we, whom you have made stewards of creation,

may remain faithful to this sacred trust

and constant in safeguarding the dignity

of every human life.

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.

Amen.

(Collect from the Mass for Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life)

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb.

(Lk 1:41)

SERVANT OF GOD JEROME LEJEUNE,

SAINT MARIANNE COPE,

BLESSED HENRY SUSO,

SAINT EMERENZIANA,

SAINT ILDEFONSUS,

SAINT EMETIANA,

PRAY FOR US.

*See General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 373)

Today's photo: I asked my cousin who lives a little further south if there might be a flower in her yard to use for today's reflection. This one, along with some others, has done pretty well in the "cold, cold weather." With the dark background, the yellow bursts forth, holding onto life. Thank you, dear cuz. ☺💗My God is now my strength!

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: All Saints of Wales; Blessed George Napier (-1610); Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, Patroness of those who have lost their parents (1880-1906)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 31:13-19

Mass: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14; Resp Ps 37; Lk 17:7-10

Take delight in the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.

(Lk 17:10)

During the month of November as we pray for the faithful departed, and especially for those brothers and sisters in purgatory, we remind ourselves of Saint Benedict's Tools for Good Works. Our holy father Benedict exhorts us to yearn for everlasting life with holy desire; to remind ourselves daily that we are going to die (see Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:46-47). We must be about keeping careful watch over all we do (see RB 4:48) here on earth so as to prepare for union with God. Not to be overly scrupulous by any means, but rather, as Saint Paul exhorts younger men in today's first reading, we should model good deeds in every respect, with integrity ... (see Titus 2:6-7). We had the list of qualities to emulate in yesterday's Daily Lectio reflection, and Saint Paul gives us more today. Older men should be temperate, dignified, sound in faith, and so on. Older women should be reverent in their behavior, teaching what is good, training younger women in the faith (see Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur for how to go about that. She was awesome), and so on. Saint Paul provides a good summary for us: "The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age ... eager to do good (Titus 2:11-14). And if all else fails, we turn again to the monastery cellarer who knows that a kind word is better than the best gift (see RB 31:14). Essentially, we do what we are obliged to do expecting nothing in return while on this earth. Our reward will be great in heaven. Everything passes. In the evening of life, nothing remains but love. Everything must be done for love ... I am going to the light, to love, to life (Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, November 1, 1906, just days before her death on November 9, 1906).

Purgatory is not an eternal punishment, but a place of preparation, of making satisfaction for the effects of sin, and of being made ready for the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb. As we pray for our brothers and sisters in purgatory, let us live our earthly life preparing for this union with Christ.

(Magnificat, November 8, 2022, Prayer for the Morning, Commentary on the Canticle of Tobit, p. 110)

I would go so far as to say that if there was not purgatory, then we would have to invent it, for who would dare say of himself that he was able to stand directly before God ... Purgatory basically means that God can put the pieces back together again. That He can cleanse us in such a way that we are able to be with Him and can stand there in the fullness of life. Purgatory strips off from one person what is unbearable and from another the inability to bear certain things, so that in each of them a pure heart is revealed, and we can see that we all belong together in one enormous sympathy of being.

(Pope Benedict XVI)*

ALL SAINTS OF WALES,

BLESSED GEORGE NAPIER,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. From what I can gather, these words from the Pope Emeritus come from Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, God and the World: A Conversation with Peter Seewald (Ignatius, 2002). 

Today's photo: These roses a gift from a faithful reader visiting family in Davis, CA. Trust in the Lord and do good.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day)

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 26 Unauthorized Association with the Excommunicated

Mass: Wisdom 3:1-9; Resp Ps 23; Rm 5:5-11 or Rm 6:3-9; Jn 6:37-40

The Lord is my shepherd.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Yearn for everlasting life with holy desire. Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:46-47)

If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.

(Rm 6:8)

Let us then die with Christ, to live with Christ. We should have a daily familiarity with death, a daily desire for death. By this kind of detachment our soul must learn to free itself from the desires of the body.

(From a book on the death of his brother Satyrus by Saint Ambrose, bishop, in Office of Readings, November 2)

In midst of these holy and precious days, we turn our prayers especially this day to the faithful departed. We remember those who have gone before us, some more known than others, most forgotten after living lives that were ordinary, obscure, and laborious. And then all those people who die, like all the ones who will die today, that just die, somewhere, somehow, and unknown to others. Yes, we need to pray for the dead and ask them to pray for us. As the years go on, I begin to understand better and better why, as children, my friends and I used to sing, "Pray for the dead and the dead will pray for you." I often repeat to myself, and too often to others, that there is only one way out of here. However, it is true. United in faith and prayer then, let us make this a good day in Christ Jesus, and as Saint Benedict tells us, "Hour by hour keep careful watch over all you do, aware that God's gaze is upon you, wherever you may be" (RB 4:48-49). Out of the depths I call to you, Lord; Lord, hear my cry! May your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord, mark our sins, Lord, who can stand? But with You is forgiveness and so you are revered ...For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is plenteous redemption (Ps 130).     

All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter into the joy of heaven.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1030)

Let us help and commemorate the dead. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice [see Job 1:5], why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.

(Saint John Chrysostom, 347-407)

ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED,

PRAY FOR US.

Friendly reminder: Don't forget to add another saint's name to your basket, bowl, hat, or other vessel of choice. 👼And, visit a cemetery near you today. 💗

Today's photo: There is nothing I shall want. Mother Myriam, Sister Diane, Sister Godelieve, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint John Fisher, Bishop (1469-1535) and Saint Thomas More (1477-1535), Martyrs; Saint Paulinus of Nola (355-431)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 18:1-7 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Gn 13:2, 5-18; Resp Ps 15; Mt 7:6, 12-14

I am the light of the world, says the Lord.

HEART OF JESUS, SALVATION OF THOSE WHO TRUST IN THEE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Jesus is clear on more than one thing in today's Gospel. First with the golden rule: Do to others what you would have them do to you (Mt 7:12). Second, Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few (Mt 7:13-14). United in faith and prayer, may we be among the few and persevere with the grace of God. And when the going gets tough, pray as at the beginning of each hour of the Divine Office: "O God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me (Ps 69[70]:2/RB 18:1). 

Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. It is bound to be narrow at the outset.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 48)

If a way is not demanding when starting upon it, beware.

(Algerian Sufi master Bentounes in B. Vandekerckhove, The Taste of Silence, p. 59)

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

(Saint Thomas More)

Comfort in tribulation can be secured only on the sure ground of faith holding as true the words of Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church.

(Saint Thomas More)

I give thanks and boast in the Lord, who, one in the same throughout the world, produces His love in His people through the Holy Spirit whom He pours out upon all flesh.

(From a letter by Saint Paulinus of Nola, bishop, in Office of Readings, June 22)

SAINT JOHN FISHER,

SAINT THOMAS MORE,

SAINT PAULINUS OF NOLA,

SAINT BENEDICT,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These beauties can be found outside the Garberville, CA, Community Hospital. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Feast of Saints Philip and James

Readings of the day: RB Prol 8-13

Mass: 1 Co 15:1-8; Resp Ps 19; Jn 14:6-14

I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.

I do not want to be doomed to mediocrity in my feeling for Christ. I want to feel. I want to love. Take me, dear Lord, and set me in the direction I am to go.

(F. O’Connor, A Prayer Journal, p. ix)

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 (Rm 13:11). 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 (Ps 94[95]:8).

(RB Prol. 8-10)

Saint Philip, Saint James,

pray for us.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Readings of the day: RB 13:1-11 Lauds on Ordinary Days

Mass: Dt 30:15-20; Resp. Ps 1; Luke 9:22-25

Today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom.

It seems to me that each one of us has these words of Moses presented to us each and every day. It is up to each one of us to choose our response.

Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live,

by loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him.