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

Second Sunday of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

In other years: Saint Kieren, Irish Monk and Bishop,  (5th-6th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 28 Those Who Refuse to Amend After Frequent Reproofs

Mass: Gn 12:1-4a; Resp Ps 33; 2 Tim 1:8b-10; Mt 17:1-9

Our soul waits for the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, MOST OBEDIENT,

PRAY FOR US.

Abram went as the Lord directed him

(Gn 12:4a)

Welcome to Transfiguration Sunday. We remember to pray for all those preparing to be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. May we support them in prayer and be courageous witnesses to the faith.

Thankfully, we have people like Abraham who have gone before us and are models of prayer and faith. The Church teaches us that "Abraham is a model of prayer because he walked in the presence of God, heard and obeyed Him." Furthermore, Abraham's "prayer was a battle of faith because he continued to believe in the fidelity of God even in times of trial."* May we do likewise. However, like Abraham we have to listen and obey. This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him (Mt 17:5).

"Thy will be done" - what a comfort and support those four little words are to my soul. I have repeated them until they are softened to the sweetest harmony.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

SAINT KIEREN,

PRAY FOR US.

* Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 536. See 2570-2573 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 

Today's photo: Who is our help and our shield.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saints: Saint Valentine, Patron Saints of Europe, Patron Saint of Lovers; Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop (9th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 12 The Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds

Mass: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10: Resp Ps 29; Mk 8:14-21

Praise is fitting for loyal hearts.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF HEARTS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, HEARTS UNITED IN THE LORD,

PRAY FOR US.

Do you still not understand?

(Mk 8:21)

Happy Saint Valentine's Day. 💖 

First, in response to Jesus' question above, look to Isaiah 41:17-20 which I had the privilege of proclaiming at Lauds this morning. That all may see and know, observe and understand (Is 41:20). It is snowing right now. Do I need more signs than that? Hmmm. And then there is Noah who just did as the Lord commanded him (Gn 7:5). 

And now a word or two about Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. According to tradition he risked his life to marry couples in a Christian way during the time of the Roman persecution. He was eventually martyred for his witness to the faith. Dear Saint Valentine can certainly intercede for all married couples, and also pray for all couples who do not find it necessary to get married in the Church, or any church for that matter. There are many saints who were married with families so lots of others to intercede too, like Saint Margaret of Scotland (11th century), married for 23 years and the mother of eight children; Saint Louis IX (13th century), married 36 years and the father of 11 children; Saint Thomas More (14th-15th century), married 33 years with 4 children and one stepdaughter; Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, married nine years with five children; and Saints Louis Martin and Zelie Marie-Azelie Guerin (19th century), the first spouses in the Church's history to be canonized as a couple. They had nine children with only five daughters who survived infancy. And they were all nuns including Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, and Servant of God Leonie Martin.* 

We also commemorate the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, born in Thessalonica, Greece, and educated in Constantinople in what is modern-day Turkey. Together they set off for Moravia, in the eastern part of what is now the Czech Republic, to preach the faith. They translated liturgical texts into the Slavonic language and invented the Cyrillic alphabet. Just after one of them, called Constantine at birth, was clothed in the monastic habit and took the name of Cyril, he lived the life of a monk for fifty days. Not long before he died, he prayed to the Lord, his God. And he intercedes for us now, along with his brother. 

Hear my prayer and protect your faithful people, for you have established me as their unsuitable and unworthy servant.

Keep them free from harm and the worldly cunning of those who blaspheme you. Build up your church and gather all into unity. Make your people known for the unity and profession of their faith. Inspire the hearts of your people with your word and your teaching ...

Direct them with your powerful right hand, and protect them under the shadow of your wings. May all praise and glorify your name, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(From an Old Slavonic Life of Constantine, in Office of Readings, February 14)

SAINT VALENTINE, 

SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND, 

SAINT LOUIS IX,

SAINT THOMAS MORE,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINTS LOUIS MARTIN AND ZELIE MARIE-AZELIE GUERIN,

SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX,

SERVANT OF GOD LEONIE MARTIN,

SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catholic News Agency, "St. Valentine," and CatholicVote "Saints Who Were Married," and Wikipedia too. 

Today's photo: To celebrate Saint Valentine's Day, these colorful and precious glass hearts come courtesy of a friend from the neighborhood where we both were born and raised in Muncie, Indiana (the Hoosier State). We have not seen one another since just before high school (not a few years ago lol 😉), when she moved to Kansas, the Sunflower State, where she still lives. Can you imagine? Recently gifted with an old glass kiln by her brother, she has taken on a new hobby. I am reminded of the wonderful song with words, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and other gold." Give to the Lord glory and praise.

© 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

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O Adonai!

In other years: Saint Flannan, Bishop (7th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 63:1-9 Community Rank

Mass: Is 7:10-14; Resp Ps 24; Rm 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24

Let the Lord enter; He is the king of glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT JOSEPH, CHASTE GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

To all the beloved ... called to be holy.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Rm 1:7)

Welcome to December 18 and the Fourth Sunday of Advent. We continue our countdown to the Nativity of the Lord and celebrate O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flames of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai; come and redeem us with outstretched arm. We turn to Saint Joseph who did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home (Mt 1:24). Saint Joseph, most strong; Saint Joseph, most obedient; Saint Joseph, support in difficulties; Saint Joseph, protector of the holy Church, pray for us.

Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power.

(From a 19th century French prayer book of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary. Every day, for over 40 years, Pope Francis has recited this prayer after Lauds)

In this last week of preparation for the celebration of Christmas things may get hectic. United in faith and prayer, we turn to the Gospel of Saint Matthew and remember God is with us (Mt 1:23). And Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) has something to say about that. 

When the human spirit is ready, God enters without hesitating or waiting. You need not look either here or there. God is no farther away than the door of your heart.

(Meister Eckhart)

SAINT FLANNAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Decked out and set for the Fourth Week. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint: Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face, Virgin, Doctor (1873-1897)

First Saturday of the Month

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:34 Humility

Mass: Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17; Resp Ps 119; Lk 10:17-24

Lord, let your face shine on me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

MARY, QUEEN OF DOCTORS,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month of October, this month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. We will invoke Mary, Queen of the most holy rosary, every day this month then.

There is more in store for us, however. It is another big day as we commemorate Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face; she is also called the "Little Flower". Therese joined the other Doctors of the Church in 1997, when now Pope Saint John Paul II gave her that title. Before that, in 1939, Pope Pius XI named her Patroness of Missions. And more recently, in his 2001 Apostolic Letter Novo millenio ineunte, Pope Saint John Paul II gave a reason why he named her a Doctor of the Church. The pontiff called Therese an "expert in the scientia amoris" (42), due in part to what she wrote in the story her life, Story of a Soul*. Therese wrote: "I understood that the Church had a Heart and this Heart was aflame with Love. I understood that Love alone stirred the members of the Church to act ... I understood that Love encompassed all vocations, that Love was everything" (Manuscript B, Chapter IX, p. 302). Therese was able to exclaim, "in the excess of my delirious joy, I cried out: O Jesus, my love ... my vocation, at last I have found it ... MY VOCATION IS LOVE!" (ibid.)

I have a copy of Therese's Story of a Soul and have so many passages marked I can't include them all. I will encourage you to read it though. How about this great one:

How great is the power of Prayer. One could call it a Queen who has at each instant access to the King and who is able to obtain whatever she asks. To be heard it is not necessary to read from a book some beautiful formula composed for the occasion. If this were the case, alas, I would have to be pitied! ...

For me, prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy; finally, it is something great, supernatural, which expands my soul and unites me to Jesus.

(Manuscript C, Chapter XI, p. 384)

Therese understood too, Jesus' words in today's Gospel, namely, that is to the childlike that the Father, Lord of heaven and earth, reveals things (Lk 10:21). Therese knew her littleness, yet she set her sights high.

Ah! in spite of my littleness, I would like to enlighten souls as did the Prophets and the Doctors. I have the vocation of the Apostle. I would like to travel over the whole earth to preach Your Name and to plant Your glorious Cross on infidel soil. But O my Beloved, one mission alone would not be sufficient for me, I would want to preach the Gospel on all the five continents simultaneously and even to the remote isles. I would be a missionary, not for a few years only but from the beginning of creation until the consummations of the ages. But above all, O my Beloved Savior, I would shed my blood for You even to the very last drop.

(Manuscript B, Chapter IX, p. 300)

As it was, Therese went straight to Pope Leo XIII in 1887 and asked for permission to enter the Carmel of Lisieux when she was 15. She entered a year or so later. She died of tuberculosis at the age of 24. It is after her death that she became Prophet, Doctor, Apostle, and Missionary, and more, in large part due to the publication of her life, Story of a Soul, first published shortly after her death. Translated into over fifty-five languages, it is considered to be a modern spiritual classic, read by millions. Therese must have known something about Saint Benedict's third step of humility, as it was under "obedience for the love of God" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:34) that she wrote the story of her life. Therese dedicated it to the Reverend Mother Agnes of Jesus and began in this way: "It is to you, dear Mother, to you who are doubly my Mother, that I come to confide the story of my soul. The day you asked me to do this, it seemed to me it would distract my heart by too much concentration on myself, but since then Jesus has made me feel that in obeying simply, I would be pleasing to Him ..." (Story of a Soul, Manuscript A, Chapter I, p.13).

Pope Francis canonized Therese's parents Louis and Zelie Martin in 2015, making them the first-ever married couple to be canonized. 

SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS AND OF THE HOLY FACE,

SAINTS LOUIS MARTIN AND MARIE-AZELIE MARTIN,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. All quotations from Story of a Soul included in today's reflection are taken from, St. Therese of Lisieux: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux, a Study Edition prepared by Marc Foley O.C.D., translated from the Original Manuscripts by John Clarke O.C.D. (ICS Publications, 2005).

Today's photo: A little flower for the Little Flower, Saint Therese of Lisieux. Teach me wisdom and knowledge.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Padre Pio, Capuchin friar and priest (1887-1968); Saint Adoman of Iona (627/8-704)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Ecc 3:1-11; Resp Ps 144; Lk 9:18-22

Man is like a breath; his days like a passing shadow.'

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, STRENGTH OF THE WEAK,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

I have considered the task which God has appointed for me to be busied about. 

He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without man's ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.

(Ecc 3:10-11)

Considering what we hear above from the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes, and since there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc 1:9) and an appointed time for everything (Ecc 3:1), there is no need to be worried about yesterday or tomorrow. We take what comes this day and go with it, "not cringing or sluggish or half-hearted, but free from any grumbling or any reaction of unwillingness" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 5:14), for God loves a cheerful giver (RB 5:16). Inspired by Padre Pio* then, "Go ahead! Courage! In the spiritual life, he who does not go forward goes backward. It is the same with a boat which must always go forward. If it stands still, the wind will blow it back." 

And since we are in Saint Benedict's Ch 5 on Obedience, and the first step of humility is unhesitating obedience" (RB 5:1), we can be further inspired by Padre Pio.

Humility, humility and always humility. Satan fears and trembles before humble souls. The Lord is willing to do great things, but on the condition that we are truly humble.

Where there is no obedience, there is no virtue; where there is no virtue, there is no goodness, no love; and where there is no love there is no God: without God we do not go to Paradise.

Furthermore,

Walk with simplicity in the way of the Lord and do not torment your spirit. Learn to hate your faults, but to hate them calmly.

You must always have prudence and love. Prudence has the eyes; love has the legs. Love which has the legs would like to run to God, but its impulse to rush ahead Him is blind and at times might stumble, if it were not guided by prudence which has the eyes. When prudence sees that love could become unbridled, it loans its eyes to love. In this way love restrains itself and guided by prudence, acts as it should and not as it would like.

PADRE PIO,

SAINT ADOMAN OF IONA,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. "Padre Pio died a few days after the fiftieth anniversary of his receiving the stigmata, and over 100,000 people attended his funeral" (Universalis). And how about this? I know someone who went to San Giovanni Rotondo in southern Italy, to the monastery where Padre Pio spent 50 years, and Padre Pio received him for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. God is praised.

Today's photo: This was taken in 2017 at Joshua Tree National Park, where I hiked with my boss at the time, and his wife. Dear people they are. Let the people praise you, O Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years: Saint Cuthbert (634?-687); Saint Mac Nissi (5th century); Blessed Dina Belanger (1897-1929)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 21-32 

Mass: Wisdom 9:13-18b; Resp Ps 90; Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Lk 14:25-33

Fill us at daybreak with Your kindness.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SIGHING MOTHER,

PRAY FOR US.

Lord, take me as I am, with my defects, with my shortcomings, but make me become what you want me to be.

(Pope Blessed John Paul I)

Amidst of crowd of some 25,000 faithful, the Holy Father beatified Servant of God, Pope John Paul I, "the smiling pope", today in Saint Peter's Square. God is praised!

In our Gospel, we find great crowds traveling with Jesus, among them we find ourselves, here, there and everywhere. Jesus addresses us in this way: If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple (Lk 14:26). In other words, Jesus comes first. Saint Benedict is clear too: "The love of Christ must come before all else" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:21), and "let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ" (RB 72:11). Jesus first, and all else will follow according to His will. If ready, "clothed then with faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom" (RB Prologue 21). Be prepared though, as Jesus tells us on more than one occasion, Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple (Lk 14:27). United in faith and prayer, we go forth. 

Jesus asks each person to discern carefully their reason for following Him and the consequences that it will entail ...

To follow Him does not mean to become part of a court or triumphal procession, or even to receive a lifetime insurance policy. On the contrary, it means "carrying one's cross": shouldering like Him one's own burdens and those of others, making one's life a gift, not a possession, spending it in imitation of His own generous and merciful love for us. These are the decisions that engage the totality of our lives. For this reason, Jesus desires that His disciples prefer nothing to His love, even their greatest affections and deepest treasures.

(Pope Francis, homily, Holy Mass and Beatification of Servant of God, Pope John Paul I, Saint Peter's Square, September 4, 2022)

If you want to kiss Jesus crucified, "you cannot help bending over the cross and letting yourself be pricked by a few thorns of the crown on the Lord's head."

(Pope Blessed John Paul I)

POPE BLESSED JOHN PAUL I,

SAINT CUTHBERT,

SAINT MAC NISSI,

BLESSED DINA BELANGER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: That we may shout for joy and gladness all out days.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Blessed Dominic Barberi (1792-1849); Saint David Lewis (1616-1679); Our Lady of Czestochowa; Saint Caesarius of Arles (c.470-542); Blessed Jacques Retouret (1746-1794); Saint Teresa of Jesus' Transverberation (?)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 68 The Assignment of Impossible Tasks

Mass: 1 Cor 1:17-25; Resp Ps 33; Mt 25:1-13

Praise from the upright is fitting.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

HEART OF MARY, OCEAN OF GOODNESS,

OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA,

PRAY FOR US.

For the foolishness of God is stronger than human strength.

(1 Cor 1:25)

We are with one of my favorite chapters of the Holy Rule today, Ch 68. Assignment of Impossible Tasks. Saint Benedict teaches about what to do when given a "burdensome task or something [you] cannot do" (RB 68:1). If this happens, the monk "with complete gentleness and obedience", should "accept the order given him." If the monk is overburdened or feels as if she is unsuited for the work, she should, at the appropriate time, and without pride, obstinance or refusal, talk to the Abbess about it. However, if the Abbess holds course, the monk should recognize that this is best for her, and "trusting in God's help, he must in love obey" (RB 68:5). I think again of dear Father Paschal, OSB, of happy memory, who had a motto, "Say 'Yes' and think about it later." This is how I started to play the organ some years ago. I was told the community needed another organist; did I think I could learn how to play. Well, why not, I thought. So I went for it. And I found out I could play. No concert organist, I did manage to provide the necessary service. God provides so trust in God always; He is our source of strength. Listen, as we hear the echo of Saint Paul: "For the foolishness of God is stronger than human strength." United in faith and prayer, we go for it.

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

(1 Cor 1:18)

NB. Among our saints of the day is Blessed Dominic Barberi who received many Anglicans into full communion with the Church, including now Saint John Henry Newman. God is praised!

BLESSED DOMINIC BARBERI,

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN,

SAINT DAVID LEWIS,

SAINT CAESARIUS OF ARLES,

BLESSED JACQUES RETOURET,

SAINT TERESA OF THE TRANSVERBERATION,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of Saint Lawrence

Saint: Saint Lawrence, Deacon, Martyr (-258)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 57 The Artisans of the Monastery 

Mass: 2 Cor 9:6-10; Resp Ps 112; Jn 12:24-26

The upright generation shall be blessed.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

HEART OF MARY, TABERNACLE OF GOD INCARNATION,

PRAY FOR US.

Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

(2 Cor 9:6)

So that in all things God may be glorified.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 57:9/1 Pet 4:11)

Give praise to God as we commemorate Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, "one of the most celebrated saints in the history of the Church" ... "one of the most venerated martyrs of the Roman church since the fourth century" (Butler's Lives of the Saints). Yes, he of gridiron fame; he "who ransacked Rome for the poor supported by the Church", then "assembled the decrepit, blind, lame, cripples, lepers, orphans, widows, and maidens and invited the prefect [of Rome] to inspect the Church's real treasure." For this Lawrence would perish, slowly. It is to Saint Lawrence that we look for inspiration and intercession. We must keep going, united in faith and prayer. About Saint Lawrence and about us too, Saint Augustine preached this: 

In his life he loved Christ; in his death he followed in His footsteps ... we too must imitate Christ if we truly love Him. We shall not be able to render better return on that love than by modeling our lives on His ... Let us understand, then, how a Christian must follow Christ even though he does not shed his blood for Him, and his faith is not called upon to undergo the great test of the martyr's sufferings ... Christ humbled Himself. Christian, that is what you must make your own. Christ became obedient. How is it that you are proud? When this humbling experience was completed and death itself lay conquered, Christ ascended into heaven. Let us follow Him there, for we hear Paul saying: If you have been raised with Christ, you must lift your thoughts on high, where Christ now sits at the right hand of God.

 (From a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, August 10). 

SAINT LAWRENCE,

PRAY FOR US.

NB. With fond memories I recall 5th and 6th grades at Saint Lawrence Catholic School in Muncie, Indiana, my hometown. It was the same school my father attended as a boy, after he and his parents immigrated from Germany in 1933. God is praised. Saint Lawrence, as of the 2021-22 school year, is now unified with Saint Mary Catholic School (where I attended 4th grade) in a single Catholic School, Saint Michael Catholic School. May Saint Lawrence, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Michael intercede for all students, teachers, and staff, and all the faithful in Muncie, Indiana. 

Today's photo: On the prowl for a flower or greenery, I found this. His generosity shall endure forever.

© 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

Thursday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

National Back to School Month

Saints: Blessed Dominic Barberi (1792-1849); Saint David Lewis (1616-1679); Our Lady of Czestochowa; Saint Caesarius of Arles (c.470-542); Blessed Jacques Retouret (1747-1794); Saint Teresa of Jesus' Transverberation

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 68 The Assignment of Impossible Tasks

Mass: Th 3:7-13; Resp Ps 90; Mt 24:42-51

Fill us at daybreak with your kindness.

STAY AWAKE! FOR YOU DO NOT KNOW ON WHICH DAY YOUR LORD WILL COME.

(Mt 24:42)

Something I like about one of our saints of the day, Blessed Dominic Barberi, is that he received many Anglicans into full communion with the Church, including now Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890). Jesus, Crown of Saints, have mercy on us. 

There are at least two prayers to keep in our hearts and on our lips today, especially if we are assigned an impossible task as presented in our reading from the Holy Rule. If assigned a burdensome task or something you cannot do, you should, with complete gentleness and obedience, accept the order given ... trusting in God's help, you must in love obey (RB 68:1, 5). It just may be that what you thought was burdensome is life giving instead. And now we turn to Saint Paul's words to the Thessalonians, and an instruction by Saint Columban.

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen.

(1 Th 3:12-13)

For you are our all: our life, our light, our salvation, our food and our drink, our God. Inspire our hearts, I ask you, Jesus, with that breath of your Spirit; wound our souls with your love, so that the soul of each and every one of us may say in truth: Show me your soul's desire, for I am wounded by your love.

(From an instruction by Saint Columban, abbot, in Office of Readings, Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday)

BLESSED DOMINIC BARBERI,

SAINT DAVID LEWIS,

OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA,

SAINT CAESARIUS OF ARLES,

BLESSED JACQUES,

SAINT TERESA OF JESUS' TRANSVERBERATION,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is an awesome photo of berries of mountain ash. "It's a shrub", I'm told, "not a full size tree. Lovely!"

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs (-304); Saints Pothinus and Blandina, Martyrs (-177)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:35-43

Mass: Tobit 3:1-11a, 16-17a; Resp Ps 25; Mk 12:18-27

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me, teach me your paths.

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Since we are busy commemorating martyrs this week, it is fitting and right to turn to Saint Benedict and his chapter on humility, which we are also busy with this week. Today, our holy father Saint Benedict presents us with the fourth step of humility (RB 7:35-43). The step begins with describing obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions, when one's heart quietly embraces suffering and endures it without weakening or seeking escape (RB 7:35-36). Certainly, everyone is presented with circumstances similar to these at home, work, in community, and all sorts of places. It's how we handle these circumstances, with the grace of God, that matters. This may also be why Saint Benedict makes it clear early in the Holy Rule, in the Prologue where he writes, "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" (RB Prol. 48). He also makes it clear in Chapter 58 on the reception of new members. There, we learn that the concern must be whether the novice truly seeks God and whether he shows eagerness for the Work of God, for obedience and for trials. Furthermore, and of great importance, the novice should be clearly told all the hardships and difficulties that will lead him to God (RB 58:7-8). What is also important to keep in mind is that, as an experienced person may know some of the hardships and difficulties that arise, many hardships are unexpected, arise at what might seem to be unlikely places and at inconvenient times, and are not necessarily welcome guests. We turn to Saint Benedict for some last words:

For Scripture has it: Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved (Mt 10:22), and again, Be brave of of heart and rely on the Lord (Ps 26[27]:14). Another passage shows how the faithful must endure everything, even contradiction, for the Lord's sake, saying in the person of those who suffer, For your sake we are put to death continually; we are regarded as sheep marked for the slaughter (Rm 8:36; Ps 43[44]:22). They are so confident in their expectation of reward from God that they continue joyfully and say, But in all this we overcome become of him who so greatly loved us (Rm 8:37). Elsewhere Scripture says: O God, you have tested us, you have tried us as silver is tried by fire; you have led us into a snare, you have placed afflictions on our backs (Ps 65[66]:10-11). Then, to show that we ought to be under a superior, it adds: You have placed men over our heads (Ps 65[66]:12).

In truth, those who are patient amid hardships and unjust treatment are fulfilling the Lord's command: When struck on one cheek, they turn the other; when deprived of their coat, they offer their cloak also; when pressed into service for one mile, they go two (Mt 5:39-41). With the Apostle Paul, they bear with false brothers, endure persecution, and bless those who curse them (2 Cor 11:26; 1 Cor 4:12).

(Rule of Saint Benedict 7:36-43)

SAINTS MARCELLINUS AND PETER,

SAINT POTHINUS AND BLANDINA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: There is someone hiking in this photo. She is my dear sister, vfo, here on the Rogue River hiking trail near Grants Pass, Oregon.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 5:1-13 Obedience
Mass: Heb 6:10-20; Resp Ps 111; Mk 2:23-28

With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light, we see light.