May is the Month of Mary, Dedicated to the Devotion of the Blessed Mother
In other years: Saint Matthias, Apostle
Readings of the Day
Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:23-29 Qualities of the Abbot
Mass: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Resp Ps 66;1 Pt 3:15-18; Jn 14:15-21
Come and see the works of God.
MATER CREATORIS, MOTHER OF THE CREATOR,
MATER CHRISTI, MOTHER OF CHRIST,
MATER SALVATORIS, MOTHER OF THE SAVIOR,
PRAY FOR US.
Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.
(1 Pt 3:15)
Welcome to the Sixth Sunday of Easter and the celebration of Mother's Day. For all Mothers and Grandmothers, living and deceased, to be Mothers and Mothers who have already sent their children back to God, Happy Mother's Day. You are God's majestic gift to the world. May Our Lady cover you and your families in Her protective veil.
As we march through the 50 days of the Easter season, let's join Philip and proclaim Christ in word and deed (see Acts 8:5). Remember though to do bear witness with gentleness and reverence (see 1 Pt 3:16). At the same time, keep your conscience clear, so that, when maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil (1 Pt 3:16-17). And as it is said and we believe, our help is in the name of the Lord. So whoever has His commandments and observes them is the one who loves Him. And whoever loves Him will be loved by His Father, and He will love you and reveal Himself to you (see Jn 14:21). May there be great joy in your city (see Acts 8:8).
As far as passing along a few voices for the week, I heard from one faithful reader who said she would re-read and reflect on a different quotation each day and see how it applied to her life. Another faithful reader remarked, "Your collection of voices is remarkable." With their prompting then, I include at least seven quotations, enough to get you through the week leading to the Ascension of the Lord.
A woman by her very nature is maternal - for every woman, whether married or unmarried, is called upon to be a biological, psychological, or spiritual mother - she knows intuitively that to give, to nurture, to care for others, to suffer with and for them - for maternity implies suffering - is infinitely more valuable in God's sight than to conquer nations and fly to the moon.
(Alice von Hildebrand, 1923-2022)
To serve God is to reign.
(Saint Antoninus of Florence, OP, 1389-1459)
Things seen superficially can disturb us, but if we regard them with the profundity of faith, nothing can make us lose peace.
(Servant of God Luis Maria Martinez, d. 1956)
Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness of vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?
(Our Lady of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego, 16th century)
The tenderness of God's love-no one can love us as God. He has made us in His image. He made us. He is our Father.
"The Father loves me, He wants me, He needs me." That kind of attitude is our trust, our joy, our conviction. Anything may come: impatience, failures, joy, but say to yourself, "The Father loves me." God has created the whole world but He is our Father. In prayer, create that conviction, from the inside: Father and child.
(Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)
Take God for your spouse and friend and walk with Him continually, and you will not sin and will learn to love, and the things you must do will work our prosperously for you.
(Saint John of the Cross, 1542-1591)
If it should ever happen that you will waver and perhaps fall into sin, return as soon as possible to the right path by using such remedies as the Church ordains ... Think only of Jesus, and of your desire to gain His love, and nothing will harm you.
(Blessed Henry Suso, 1295-1366)
Sooner or later, we all discover that kindness is the only strength there is.
(Father Greg Boyle, SJ, b. 1954, founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the world's largest gang-intervention and rehabilitation program)
MOTHER SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,
MOTHER SAINT FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI,
SAINT MATTHIAS,
SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER,
SAINT CARTHAGE,
BLESSED ANDREW ABELLON, OP,
BLESSED GILES OF VAOZELA, OP,
SAINT SIMON STOCK,
SAINT BRENDAN,
SAINT JOHN STONE,
POPE SAINT JOHN I,
SAINT DUNSTAN,
SAINT BERNADINO OF SIENA,
BLESSED COLUMBA OF RIETI, OP,
PRAY FOR US.
Today's photo: I literally stumbled over these beauties when I tripped on the hidden curve at the beginning of the path that led to them. Whoopsie daisy. ☺You will find this and plenty of other beauty at Blake Garden in Kensington, CA, a 10.6-acre, public garden 4 miles north of the UC Berkeley campus. I had the privilege of a brief visit to the garden when spending a few hours with beloved friends I had not seen in six years. A married couple, both 88-years old, they have been married for 55 years. People of faith who formed their children in the faith, they keep going. Sing praise to the glory of His name. United in faith and prayer, we keep going with them. And be grateful for the little gifts God gives us each and every day.
© Gertrude Feick 2023
