Pentecost Sunday

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

How manifold are your works, O Lord!

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, FORMED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT 

IN THE WOMB OF THE VIRGIN MARY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

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

(The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)

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

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)

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

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

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

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

Set me on fire to love you.

Enlighten me to recognize you.

Draw me [to you] to delight in you.

Affect me [to receive] thorough fruition of you.

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

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

(Pope Saint Gregory the Great, 540-604)

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

(Pope Francis, 1936-2025)

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

(Saint Ephrem the Syrian, 306-373)

O Lord,

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

Patient and charitable, And a taste of your Holy Spirit

In all our thoughts, words, and deeds.

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

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

and the power to love Him back.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153) 

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

or grace in us shall remain void.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153) 

And lastly, prayer for all times ...

Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

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

(See Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1831)

So as to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit:

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

(See Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1832)

SAINT JAMES BERTHIEU,

SAINT WILLIAM OF YORK,

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

SAINT COLUMBA,

BLESSED EDWARD POPPE,

SAINT JOSE DE ANCHIETA,

SAINT BARNABAS THE APOSTLE,

SAINT ONUPHRIUS,

BLESSED ALPHONSUS MAZUREK AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED HILARY JANUSZEWSKI,

SAINT ANTONY OF PADUA,

SAINT DAVNET,

SAINT ELISHA,

BLESSED MARIA CANDIDA OF THE EUCHARIST,

SAINT LIDWINA,

SAINT METHODIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

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

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Saints: Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Bishop, Doctor, Cappadocian Father with his elder brother Saint Basil the Great and their friend Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, (335-395); Saint William of Bourges, Cistercian Bishop (1140-1209); Pope Saint Agatho (d. 681); Blessed Pope Gregory X (d. 1276); Pope Saint Militades (d. 314); Blessed Ann of the Angeles Monteagudo OP (16012-1686); Blessed Gonsalvo of Amarante OP (c. 1187-1259)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:1-10 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Heb 1:1-6 and Heb 2:5-12; Resp Ps 8; Mk 1:14-20 and Mk 1:21-28*

The birds of the air.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF SAINTS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

JESUS, MOST POWERFUL,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

God spoke to us through the Son, 

whom He made heir of all things and through whom He created the universe ...

let all the angels of God worship Him.

(Heb 1:2,6)

Welcome to the First Week in Ordinary, a time that a beloved chaplain of happy memory used to say, is anything but ordinary. It is a blessed time we are in, one in which, among other things, we can continue to take inventory and grow in our relationship with God and those with whom we live and work. After all, as Jesus tells us in today's Gospel, This is the time for fulfillment. The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel (Mk 1:15). There is no time like the present then to leave our nets behind and follow Him (see Mk 1:18-10). United in faith and prayer, we go forth.

SAINT GREGORY OF NYSSA,

SAINT WILLIAM OF BOURGES,

POPE SAINT AGATHO,

BLESSED POPE GREGORY X,

POPE SAINT MILITADES,

BLESSED ANN OF THE ANGELS MONTEAGUDO,

BLESSED GONSALVO OF AMARANTE,

PRAY FOR US.

*Since we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord yesterday, the readings assigned to Monday may be joined to those of Tuesday so that openings of each book may be read. 

Today's photo: This magnificent shot shows a hummingbird busy with Monkshood. From a longtime friend of 30 years or so in Indianapolis, Indiana. O Lord, our God.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last Week, in Ordinary Time

Blessed Virgin Mary

Other saints: Saint Stephen the Younger, Martyr (764); Saint James of the March (1394-1476); Bd James Thompson, Martyr (15820

Readings of the Day

RB: RB 48:10-21 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Rev 22:1-7; Resp Ps 95 (refrain 1 Cor 16:22B; see Rv 22:20c); Lk 21:34-36

All generations will call me blessed, for God has looked on His lowly handmaid.

MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

PRAY FOR US.

In today's Gospel, Jesus cautions us: Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy (Lk 21:34), and not without reason. Saint Benedict echoes the same at the beginning of his chapter on the daily manual labor: "Idleness is the enemy of the soul" (RB 48:1). Benedict's prevention of such idleness is by prescribing "specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading" (RB 48:1). Jesus tells us to be vigilant at all times and pray (Lk 21:36). It is far too easy to become burdened and unduly focused on the daily drudgery of routine. It is far too easy to find ourselves trapped in anxiety and fear. Or as a friend put it some years ago: "Be careful, you can become bitter overnight." We all need strength to carry on and constantly "seek the things that are above" (Col 3:1). The holy season of Advent begins tomorrow. May we be vigilant and prepare the way of the Lord. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus! Our hearts are ready, O God, our hearts are ready (Ps 57:8). 

HEART OF JESUS, SOURCE OF ALL CONSOLATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Friday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last Week, in Ordinary Time

Other saints: Saint Fergal (c.700-784); Saint James Intercisus, Martyr (c.421); Saint Secundinus, Bishop (447); Saint Maximus of Riez, Bishop (c.460); Saint Congar, Abbot (Sixth Century); Saint Virgil of Salzburg, Bishop (784); Bd Bernardino of Fossa (1420-1503)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 48:1-9 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Rev 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a; Resp Ps 100; Lk 21:20-28

Blessed are they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you.

HOLY TRINITY, ONE GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Since my computer alerted me that today is the Day after Thanksgiving, I see no reason not to stay on the theme of gratitude and thanksgiving in these few days before we begin a new liturgical year and embark upon the holy season of Advent. I've referred before to a little book I stumbled upon, the title speaks for itself: The Way of Gratitude: Readings for a Joyful Life (Orbis, 2017). It is full of gems, short ones and longer ones too. Here's a sweet quotation from the delightful Garrison Keillor (b. 1942) that could be a wonderful way to begin each day: "Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough." Or this one from Maya Angelou (1928-2014): "This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before." 😊

We continue then, in faith, united in prayer, and make each day one of praise and thanksgiving. 

STAND ERECT AND RAISE YOUR HEADS BECAUSE YOUR REDEMPTION IS AT HAND.

(Gospel Acclamation, Mass)

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Thursday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last Week, in Ordinary Time

Thanksgiving Day 

Other saints: Saint Leonard of Porto Maurizio (1676-1751); Saint John Berchmans (1599-1621); Pope Saint Siricus (399); Saint Conrad of Constance, Bishop (975); Saint Nikon "Metanoiete" (998); Bd Pontius of Faucigny, Abbot (1178); Saint Sylvester Gozzolini, Abbot (c. 1177-1267); Saint Elear (c. 1285-1323) and Bd Delphina (c. 1285-1360); BB Hugh Taylor and Marmaduke Bowes, Martyrs (1585); Bd Humilis of Bisignano (c. 1582-1637); Saint Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 47 Announcing the Hours for the Work of God

Mass: For Mass of Thanksgiving Day: Sir 50:22-24; Resp Ps 145;1 Cor 1:3-9; Lk 17:11-19

For the feria: Rev 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a; Resp Ps 100; Lk 21:20-28

I will praise your name forever, Lord.

JESUS, AUTHOR OF LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Happy Thanksgiving! I'll offer a bit of this and that for today.

How did you do on your list of ten, or at least five, things you are grateful for? It's not too late to get started since this whole day is devoted to thanksgiving and gratitude, as Saint Paul writes, "Give thanks in all circumstances," whatever they are, "for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Th 5:18), And as our Catechism teaches: "Every joy and every suffering, every event and need can become the matter for thanksgiving which, sharing in that of Christ, should fill one's whole life" (2648). So why not join the leper healed by Jesus, the one who glorified God in a loud voice, fell at the feet of Jesus, and thanked Him (Lk 17:15-16). 

We were on the theme of thanksgiving and gratitude at Vigils this morning when we heard a text from Thomas Merton, from his Thoughts in Solitude. But first King David's Prayer from the First Book of Chronicles was proclaimed (1 Chron 29:10-13). There David prays: ... Our God, we give you thanks and we praise the majesty of your name.

To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us-and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by heresay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.

(Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude)

So we go forth with praise, thanksgiving, and gratitude in our hearts and on our lips and "bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth; Who fosters peoples growth from their mother's womb, and fashions them according to His will! May He grant you joy of heart and may peace abide in you" (Sir 50:22-23). Amen. 

MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Wednesday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last Week, in Ordinary Time

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin, Martyr (d. 305)

Other saints: Saint Colman of Cloyne (522-600); Saint Moses of Rome, Martyr (251); Saint Mercurius, Martyr (date unknown); Saint Peter of Alexandria, Bishop and Martyr (311); Bd Elizabeth the Good (1386-1420)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 46 Faults Committed in Other Matters

Mass: Rev 15:1-4; Resp Ps 98; Lk 21:12-19

Let the rivers clap their hands.

It is not too early to prepare for tomorrow's celebration of Thanksgiving. One way to prepare is to make a list of ten things you are grateful for. And if you can't manage ten, how about five. There are plenty of ways to go about this, and it seems the most important way to begin is with prayer. Remember what Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) said: "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." But what do I have to be grateful for, you may ask, especially during such difficult times. Ah, but "when we pray," the Holy Father said in today's General Audience, "God opens our eyes, renews and changes our hearts, heals our wounds and grants us the grace we need." So why not join "those who had won victory over the beast" (Rev 15:2) and sing the song of Moses (Rev 15:2). 

Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty. Just and true are your ways, O king of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.

(Rev 15:3-4)

Keep going, dear friends. Be strong in the faith and take courage, for by your perseverance you will secure your lives (Lk 21:19), no matter what or who comes your way.

SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Tuesday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last Week, in Ordinary Time

Saints Andrew Dung-Lac and his Companions, Martyrs (17th-19th centuries)

Other saints: Saint Chrysogonous, Martyr (? c. 304); Saint Colman of Cloyne, Bishop (c. 530-606); Saint Enfleda, Abbess (c. 704); Saint Albert of Louvain, Bishop and Martyr (c. 1166-1192); Bd Mary Anna Sala (1829-1891)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 45 Mistakes in the Oratory

Mass: Rev 14:14-19; Resp Ps 96; Lk 21:5-11

Let the sea and what fills it resound.

JESUS, STRENGTH OF MARTYRS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

As we remember the Vietnamese martyrs and pray for their intercession, we look first to the period of intense persecution of Christians in Vietnam. One source states that from roughly 1625 to 1886, over the whole territory of Vietnam, about 130,000 Christians were killed. Today we remember "117 of these heroes (those whose sufferings were cruellest and best documented)" who were canonized by Pope Saint John Paul II on June 19, 1988. The following account is well stated: "Each one of them was a soul individually created and loved by God, with a life and gifts uniquely his or her own; but with such a huge crowd one can only classify. By nationality, there were 96 Vietnamese, 11 Spanish and 10 French. By status, there were 8 bishops, 50 priests, and 59 laymen and women. By mode of death, 75 were beheaded, 22 strangled, 6 burned alive, and 9 died of torture in prison" (Universalis). All I can do is stop and pause. What faith. What courage. What witness. 

It may be that we won't suffer at the hands of such cruelty. However, if we want to be disciples of Jesus Christ, we have to pick our crosses and follow Him, and this entails suffering. And sometimes it will be in the most unexpected places and from the most unlikely people. All the while, though, each one of us is individually created and loved by God, with a life and gifts uniquely our own. Jesus Christ loves us; He gave His life to save us; and now He lives at our sides, every day to enlighten, strengthen and free us (EG 164). May we too, as reminded by today's Gospel versicle, remain faithful until death and receive the crown of life. Mary, Queen of martyrs, pray for us.

May we never boast, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the word of the Cross is the power of God to us who have been saved.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

ALL VIETNAMESE MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Monday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last, Week in Ordinary Time

Pope Saint Clement I (c. 100); Saint Columbanus, Abbot and Missionary (c.543-615); Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro, Martyr (1891-1927)

Other saints: Saint Amphilochius, Bishop (339-400); Saint Gregory of Girgenti, Bishop (c. 603); Saint Trond (c. 630-692)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 44 Satisfaction by the Excommunicated

Mass: Rev 14:1-3,4b-5; Resp Ps 24; Lk 21:1-4

Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? or who may stand in His holy place?

JESUS, SPLENDOR OF THE FATHER,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I have been waiting for today's Gospel about the poor widow who offered her two small coins for the treasury (Lk 21:1-2). Some months ago a friend sent a line from a text she read by Soren Kierekegaard (1813-1855), She couldn't recall precisely, but it was from either Fear and Trembling or Purity of Heart. Kierekegaard's text, which my friend described as a "totally marvellous little piece about the widow who have her ALL". The text was loosely related as follows: Soren Kierkegaard says kind men observing the widow would probably have said "There, there little Mother. You keep those coins ..." But the Lord God says YES! Give me the LOT!

It is true, Our Lord asks us for everything, from our wealth and from our poverty. As my friend added: "The Lord God takes us seriously enough to ask us to give absolutely everything." Amen. May we offer all that we say and do to God, and trust in His merciful love and care. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 

POPE SAINT CLEMENT I,

SAINT COLUMBANUS,

BLESSED MIGUEL AUGUSTIN PRO,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Saturday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

World Fisheries Day

Other saints: Pope Saint Gelasius I (496); Bd Mary Siedlinska, Foundress (1842-1902); 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 43:1-12 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: For the feria: Rev 11:4-12; Resp Ps 144; Lk 20-27-40; For the memorial: Prov 8:22-31; Resp Ps 44; Lk 2:15-19

I will make your name renowned through all generations.

Today we celebrate the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and also observe World Fisheries Day and the work of Stella Maris that supports fishers and their families. We can do this by praying the Ave Stella Maris (Hail Star of the Sea) included here. May we all grow in our love for Jesus with the aid of His Blessed Mother. We go forth and "seek Mary's intercession and join her in offering ourselves to the Lord" (Magnificat, November 21, 2020, p. 309).

Hail, bright star of ocean, 

God's own Mother blest,

Ever sinless Virgin,

Gate of heavenly rest.

Taking that sweet Ave 
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva's name.

Break the captives' fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine.

Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.

Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus,
Joy forevermore.

Through the highest heaven
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

QUEEN OF PROPHETS,

GLORY OF THE APOSTLES, 

PRIDE OF THE MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Friday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Other saints: Saint Edmund, King and Martyr (d.869); Saint Dasius, Martyr (?303); SS Sapor and Isaac, Bishops and Martyrs (339); Saint Bernward, Bishop (c.960-1022); Bd Mary Fortunata Viti (1827-1922)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 42 Silence after Compline

Mass: Rev 10:8-11; Resp Ps 119; Lk 19:45-48

I gasp with open mouth in my yearning for your commands.

HEART OF JESUS, SACRED TEMPLE OF GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

My house shall be a house of prayer (Lk 19:46), says Jesus in today's Gospel. On this Friday, let us enter into the Heart of Jesus and pray that our hearts may be one with His Heart, Sacred Temple of God, so that we too become a house of prayer. What follows is a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926), one I have wanted to include and better do it now before Autumn has come and gone. 🙏

Autumn

The leaves are falling, falling as from way off,

as though far gardens withered in the skies;

they are falling with denying gestures.

And in the nights the heavy earth is falling

from all the stars down into loneliness.

We are all falling. This hand falls.

And look at others; it is in them all.

And yet there is one who holds this falling

endlessly gently in his hands.

If you sometimes find yourselves so troubled and disturbed that you cannot find peace, turn immediately to prayer and persevere in it, in imitation of Jesus Christ our Lord, who prayed three times in the garden, to show us that prayer must always be our recourse and refuge.

(Blessed Clelia Merloni, 1861-1930)

BLESSED FORTUNATA VITI,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Thursday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Mechtilde of Hackeborn (1241-1298)

Other saints: Saint Roque Gonzalez and his companions (-1628); Saint Raphael Kalinowski (1835-1907); Saint Barlaam, Martyr (?Fourth Century); Saint Nerses, Bishop, and other Martyrs (Fourth Century); Saint Nerses I, Martyr (c. 330-373); Bd James of Mantua, Bishop (1338)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 41 The Times for Meals

Mass: Rev 5:1-10; Resp Ps 149; Lk 19:41-44

For the Lord loves His people.

HEART OF JESUS, OUR PEACE AND OUR RECONCILIATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

As Jesus continues His journey to Jerusalem and now sees the city, He weeps over it, saying: If this day you only knew what makes for peace. Those words followed by what Our Lord says next, are relevant here and now, but now it is hidden from your eyes (Lk 19:42). We too, do not know what makes for peace unless we keep in the forefront of our minds, hearts, words and deeds that the peace of Jesus is not as the world gives, as Jesus told the disciples at the Last Supper: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. (Jn 14:27). The peace that Christ gives is, as an acquaintance wrote, a peace that relates to finding contentment in one's vocation. It is "peace that allows us to say with confidence and Divine Solace: Father, Thy will be done." Put another way in a commentary: "Peace lies in surrendering to the Lord in trust and living by His love, not in fretting over the wrongs done by others. Undue concern over evils we cannot mend prevents us from taking true delight in Him" (Magnificat, Prayer for the Evening, November 18, 2020, p. 279). Yes, surrendering to Our Lord and seeking to do His will in all that we say and do. And from experience, we find that surrendering ourselves to the heart and will of Jesus does not come without shaking us up a bit. We fret. Oh, let not your hearts be troubled (Jn 14:27), says Our Lord and Master. With the words of the Prophet Isaiah, we go forth: "By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies (Is 30:15). Peace I leave with you.

A little longer-and the wicked shall have gone.

Look at his place, he is not there.

But the humble shall own the land

and enjoy the fullness of peace.

(Ps 37)

SAINT MECHTILDE OF HACKEBORN,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Wednesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852); The Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Other saints: Saint Romanus of Antioch, Martyr (304); Saint Mawes (?Fifth Century); Saint Odo of Cluny, Abbot (c. 880-892); Bd Caroline Kozka, Martyr (1898-1914)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink

Mass: Rev 4:1-11; Resp Ps 150; Lk 19:11-28

Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!

JESUS, SON OF THE LIVING GOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US. 

Praise for our hearts and lips come from the Book of Revelation: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come ... worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created" (Rev 4:8,11).

If in prayer we understand that each day given by God is a call, our hearts will then widen and we will accept everything. We will learn how to say: 'What you want, Lord. Promise me only that You will be present every step of my way ... Lord, what you want, when You want, and how You want'.

(Pope Francis, General Audience, November 18, 2020)

SAINT ROSE PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE,

SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

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

Other saints: Saint Margaret of Scotland (1046-1093); Saint Edmund of Abingdon, Bishop (c. 1175-1240); Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn; Commemoration of All Carmelite Souls; Saint Eucherius of Lyons, Bishop (c. 449); Saint Afan, Bishop (Sixth Century); Saint Agnes of Assisi (1253); Saint Edward Osbaldeston, Martyr (1594)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 38 The Reader for the Week

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

Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.

HEART OF JESUS, BURNING FURNACE OF CHARITY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

May Jesus say to each one of us, as He did to the blind man: Have sight; your faith has saved you (Lk 18:42). May we, in all we do and say today, follow Our Lord Jesus Christ and give glory to God (Lk 18:43). I believe, help my unbelief. A prayer comes from Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta. 

Make me

great in faith,

rejoicing in hope,

patient in tribulation,

delighting in your praise,

fervent in spirit,

faithfully serving you, Lord God, my true king, and persevering vigilantly with you to the very end of my life. Thus, what I now believe in hope, I may gladly see with my eyes in reality. Let me see you as you are; let me see you face to face. There, dear Jesus, satiate me with yourself; there, in the fruition of you mellifluous countenance, let there be rest for me forever.

Amen. Amen. Amen.

(Spiritual Exercises of Gertrud the Great of Helfta, I, 225-232)

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fourth World Day of the Poor

In other years: Saint Albert the Great, Bishop, Doctor (1206-1280)

Other saints: SS Gurias, Samonas, and Abibus, Martyrs (Fourth Century); Saint Didier of Cahors, Bishop (655); Saint Malo, Bishop (Sixth-Seventh Century); Saint Fintan of Rheinau (c. 879); Saint Leopold of Austria (1075-1136); Bd Lucy of Narni (1476-1544); Saint Roque Gonzalez and Companions, Martyrs (1628); Saint Joseph Pignatelli (1737-1811); Saint Raphael Kalinowski (1835-1907)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 37 The Elderly and Children

Mass: Prov 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Resp Ps 128; 1 Th 5:1-6; Mt 25:14-30

Blessed are those who fear the Lord, and who walk in His ways!

JESUS, FATHER OF THE POOR,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Reflection on today's Gospel is leading me to a variety of places. One is to Saint Paul and his words: "Everyone has his own gift from God, one this another that" (1 Cor 7:7). And then the proclamation from yesterday's First Vespers, words from Hans Urs von Balthasar: "We have received talents in trust and are supposed to work with them not only for ourselves ... but for God. For we owe ourselves, together with all we have, to God".  Recognition may be a key here. First, each one of us has gifts, or talents if you prefer, from God. God doesn't leave anyone out. And no one has all the gifts. Or, as Pope Francis told those gathered for a 2014 Angelus Address, "the Lord does not give the same things to everyone in the same way. He knows us personally and entrusts us with what is right for us; but in everyone, in all, there is something equal: the same, immense trust. God trusts us. God has hope in us!" 

Sadly, there may be a tendency to think that everyone else has gifts and "I" have been left out. I wonder if this dismissal, so to speak, of what God has given me is giving honor and glory to God. Am I burying the gifts God has given me, like the servant in Gospel who went off and buried his talent in the ground?(Mt 25:25). Do I recognize and acknowledge with gratitude whatever gifts God has given me while at the same time rejoice in the gifts of others? If someone compliments me, do I say "thank you" and not brush it off? When was the last time I complimented someone else and expressed gratitude for a particular gift I see in her? We are together in our journey to the Lord. We are children of the light and children of the day (1 Th 5:5). We are supposed to work with our God given gifts, not for our personal glorification, but rather to build the Body of Christ "so that in all things God may be glorified (1 Pet 4:11). God trusts us. God has hope in us. May we be found worthy (Pr 31:10) and rewarded for our labors (Pr 31:31) so God, the giver of all good gifts will say: Well done my good and faithful servant ... come, share your master's joy (Mt 25:21, 23). 

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Saturday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Blessed Virgin Mary

Other saints: Saint Laurence O'Toole, Bishop (1128-1180); Saint Dyfrig, Bishop (c. 550); The Beatified Martyrs of the Clifton Diocese; The Reading Martyrs; Saint Joseph Pignatelli (1737-1811); All Carmelite Saints; Bd Serapion, Martyr (1240); Saint Nicholas Tavelik and Companions, Martyrs (1391); Bd John Liccio (1511)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 36 Care of the Sick

Mass: 3 Jn 5-8; Resp Ps 112; Lk 18:1-8

Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just.

JESUS, BRIGHTNESS OF ETERNAL LIGHT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

One way to support one another and be co-workers in the truth (3 Jn 8), is to look how the sick and their caregivers share in mutual service as laid out in today's chapter of the Holy Rule, "Care of the Sick". "Care of the sick", writes Saint Benedict, "must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ" (RB 36:1). "The sick", however, "on their part", should "bear in mind that they are served out of honor for God," so "let them not by their excessive demands distress those who serve them" (RB 36:4). Even though, "the sick must be patiently borne with, because serving them leads to a greater reward" (RB 36:5), it seems fitting that the sick should also be patient with their caregivers, because caregivers don't always get it right, or just the way the sick would prefer. In the end, both caregivers and the sick, and the healthy too, support one another with love and in humility. May we be faithful in all we do for one another (3 Jn 5) as we set out daily "for the sake of the Name" (3 Jn 7). And remember to "pray always without becoming weary" (Lk 18:1). O God, come to my assistance, O Lord, make haste to help me.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Friday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini, the first United States citizen to be canonized, Mother Cabrini was proclaimed a saint by Pope Pius XII on July 7, 1946 and proclaimed Celestial Patroness of All of Immigrants in 1950 (1850-1917)

All Saints of the Benedictine Family

Other saints: Saint Machar (8th century); Bl Maria Teresa Scrilli (1825-1889); Saint Arcadius and Companions, Martyrs (437); Saint Brice, Bishop (444); Saint Eugenius of Toledo, Bishop (657); Saint Maxellendis, Martyr (c. 670); Pope Saint Nicholas I (c. 820-867); Saint Abbo of Fleury, Abbot (1004); Saint Homobonus (1197); Saint Augustina Pietrantoni, Marytr (1864-1894)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 35:12-18

Mass: For the feria: 2 Jn 4-9; Resp Ps 119; Lk 17:26-37; For All the Saints of the Benedictine Family: Is 61:9-11; Resp Ps 88; Jn 15:1-8

Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.

JESUS, CROWN OF SAINTS,

PRAY FOR US.

As we continue our romp through the beautiful month of November, we have much to celebrate with the saints of our Church, those known and unknown to us. We turn to words from the Prophet Isaiah: "I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul" (Is 61:10). We thank God for our faith and pray for more faith. We are called this day, and every day, to "love one another" (2 Jn 5) and walk according to Our Lord's commandments (2 Jn 6). If you remain in the me, says the Lord, and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. For by this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples (Jn 15:7-8). "As we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love" (RB Prologue 49). 

MOTHER FRANCIS XAVIER CABRINI,

ALL SAINTS OF THE BENEDICTINE FAMILY,

PRAY FOR US.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Thursday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Josaphat (c. 1580-1623)

Other saints: Saint Nilus the Elder (c. 430); Saint Emilian Cucullatus (574); Saint Machar, Bishop (Sixth Century); Saint Cunibert, Abbot (c. 665); Saint Lebuin (c. 773); Saint Benedict and Companions, Martyrs (1003); Bd Rainerius of Arezzo (1304); Bd John della Pace (c. 1332); Bd Gabriel of Ancona (1456); Saint Didacus (c. 1400-63)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 35:1-11 Kitchen Servers of the Week

Mass: Philemon 7-20; Resp Ps 146; Lk 17:20-25

The Lord will reign forever.

JESUS, STRENGTH OF MARYTRS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

It is early and the last line from today's first reading rings loud and clear: "Refresh my heart in Christ" (Philemon 7:20). And I hear the psalmist's song: "My heart is ready, O God; I will sing, sing your praise. Awake my soul; awake lyre and harp, I will awake the dawn" (Ps 107:2-3). Are you ready for the day, or the rest of the day as the case may be? Behold, says Jesus in today's Gospel, the Kingdom of God is among you (Lk 17:21). Yes, the Kingdom of God is among, or within you. May we bear witness to the Kingdom of God and be shining lights of our Christian faith. And maybe, just maybe someone might say "Look, the Kingdom of God is within her!" So, a prayer to be prayed every day, recommends Pope Francis, is this: "Lord, open my heart so that I can understand what You have taught us; so that I can remember Your words; so that I can follow Your words; so that I can come to the fullness of the truth" (Homily, Casa Santa Marta, May 22, 2017). I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord; whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit. Alleluia. 

SAINT JOSAPHAT,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick

Wednesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary

Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop (c316-397)

Other saints: Saint Mennas, Martyr (c. 300); Saint Theodore the Studite, Abbot (759-826); Saint Bartholomew of Grottaferrata, Abbot (c. 980-c. 1050); Bd Eugene Bossilkov, Bishop and Martyr (1900-52)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch RB 34 Distribution of Goods According to Need

Mass: Titus 3:1-7; Resp Ps 23; Lk 17:11-19

Only goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life.

JESUS, AUTHOR OF LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Today, and everyday in fact, is a day to join the one leper who "had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him (Lk 17:15-16). In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Alleluia. 

Messenger

Mary Oliver (1935-2019)

 

My work is loving the world.

Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird—

equal seekers of sweetness.

Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums.

Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.

 

Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?

Am I no longer young, and still half-perfect? Let me

keep my mind on what matters,

which is my work,

 

which is mostly standing still and learning to be

astonished.

The phoebe, the delphinium.

The sheep in the pasture, and the pasture.

Which is mostly rejoicing, since all the ingredients are here,

 

which is gratitude, to be given a mind and a heart

and these body-clothes,

a mouth with which to give shouts of joy

to the moth and the wren, to the sleepy dug-up clam,

telling them all, over and over, how it is

that we live forever.

SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Tuesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Pope Saint Leo the Great, Doctor (-461)

Other saints: Saint Aedh, Bishop (589); Saint Justis, Bishop (627); Saint Andrew Avellino (1521-1608)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 33 Monks and Private Ownership

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

Turn from evil and do good, that you may abide forever.

JESUS, INFINITE GOODNESS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

One bottom line is this: "For 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, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of Our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people as His own, eager to do what is good" (Titus 2:11-14). May we, then, be dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love and endurance, reverent in our behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teach what is good, chaste, and control ourselves so that we are models of good deeds in every respect, with integrity, dignity, and sound speech (Titus 2:2-8). Tall orders indeed. We can turn to Saint Benedict for fewer words: Your way of acting should be different from the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else (RB 4:20-21).  Whatever the case, after all this, we can say, "We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do" (Lk 17:10).  

Mercy wishes you to be merciful, righteousness to be righteous, that the Creator may be seen in His creatures, and the image of God may be reflected in the mirror of the human heart.

(Pope Saint Leo the Great)

POPE SAINT LEO THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Other saints: All Saints of Wales; Bd George Napier (-1610); Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880-1906); Bd John Dons Scotus (c. 1265-1308); The Four Crowned Martyrs (306); Saint Cybi, Abbot (6th century); Saint Deusdedit, Pope (618); Saint Tysilio, Abbot (?7th century); Saint Willehad, Bishop (789); Saint Godfrey of Amiens, Bishop (1115)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 31:13-19

Mass: Ws 6:12-16; Resp Ps 63; 1 Th 4:13-18; Mt 25:1-13

My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

HEART OF JESUS, DESIRE OF THE EVERLASTING HILLS,

HAVE MERCY ON US. 

The thought of having a "day off" came to me during Lauds this morning. And then I thought of those wise virgins in today's Gospel who went to meet the bridegroom with flasks of oil and their lamps (Mt 25:4). They were prepared. Then there were the foolish virgins (Mt 25:3), who perhaps, took a day off and so had no oil for their lamps. They found themselves unprepared. We may have a "day off" from this responsibility or another, and those days are needed for extra rest, prayer, reading, spending time with loved ones, enjoying the wonder of creation, tending to those things that nurture us, and so on. On the other hand, there are many, many people who never have the privilege of a day off. Ever.

However, in whatever situation we find ourselves, we do not get days off from being Christian. It's not a matter of deciding to live the Christian witness of faith, hope, and love only on certain days of the week. Or, put another way, "being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction" (Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, 1). And we are to renew this encounter day in and day out, or as Pope Francis put it: "I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting Him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day" (Evangelii Gaudium, 3). This renewed personal encounter with the person of Jesus Christ keeps us prepared. We are then ready with full flasks of oil and our lamps to meet Jesus throughout each day, in every minute and in every circumstance, whether the circumstance be pleasant or not. Jesus doesn't take a day off. He is always prepared to encounter us. Our Lord continuously knocks at the door of our hearts and is ready to be let in. May we be open and wise and "stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour" (Mt 25:13).

The end of all things is at hand. Be serious and sober for prayers. Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

(1 Pt 4:7-11)

MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020