Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

June is the month of the Sacred Heart

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

In other years: Saint Luan (520-592)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18 The Order of the Psalmody - Ch 24 Degrees of Excommunication

Mass: Jer 20:10-13; Resp Ps 69; Rm 5:12-15; Mt 10:26-33

Shame covers my face.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, DELIGHT OF ALL THE SAINTS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, COURAGE OF MARTYRS,

SAVE US.

So do not be afraid.

(Mt 10:31)

Welcome to the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Blessed be our God, always.

On the subject of not being afraid, then, for how could we be afraid in any case. The Lord is with us, no matter what, be it joy, trial, persecution, murmuring, grief, and so forth. Through it all, the Prophet Jeremiah could still sing to the Lord, and praise the Lord; for He has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked (see Jer 20:13). And what about "the Shreveport Martyrs" who I learned about yesterday. Shreveport, you ask? Yes, that would be Shreveport, Louisiana, USA, in the Diocese of Shreveport. The martyrs, now Servants of God (whose cause for canonization continues per the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops who voted unanimously to continue it!), were five young French priests who immigrated to Shreveport in 1873 during an outbreak of yellow fever. Father Isidore A. Quemerais, Father Jean Pierre, Father Jean Marie Biler, Father Louis Marie Gergaud, and Father Francois LeVezouet, responded to a posting on the wall of their seminary in France. It went like this:

We offer no salary, no recompense, no holiday or pension. But, much hard work, a poor dwelling, few consolations, many disappointments, frequent sickness, a violent or lonely death, and an unknown grave.

Still, the young men went for it. God is praised. When they arrived in Louisiana and commenced their work, the disease struck. The yellow fever epidemic was no small matter, either. It was the "third-worst epidemic of Yellow Fever in United States history"; people fled the city and within three months of August 1873, Shreveport lost one-fourth of its population - over 1,200 deaths in total. The epidemic was over by mid-November 1873, leaving in its wake devastating losses for the city of Shreveport, including all five priests who died of the fever in September and October 1873. So, with gratitude for their "giving it all up for Jesus," let's pray them into sainthood and ask them to please intercede for us, giving us strength, courage, and perseverance as we pray to grow in faith, hope, and love. May we be inspired. And, cry out with Father Biler as he died, "I am going to Heaven!" Mary, queen of all martyrs, pray for us. Mary, queen of all saints, pray for us.*

This week's voices come again from George Cardinal Pell and his Prison Diary: The Cardinal Makes His Appeal, Volume 1. I continue to be inspired by the Cardinal's voice as well as by the voices he quotes.

If you have hate in your heart, you won't do any good; 

you won't be at peace until you get ride of it.

(Bishop James Patrick? O'Collins, 1892-1983, p. 216)

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, p. 214)

Life is mostly froth and bubble,

Some things stand like stone,

Friendship in another's trouble,

Courage in your own.

(Adam Lindsey Gordon, 1833-1870, the first Australian poet to be recognized, horseman, police officer, and politician, p. 281)

If you can wait and not be tired of waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise.

(From Rudyard Kipling's, 1865-1936, poem, "If", p. 147)

Here are two reminders to maintain a positive attitude and be grateful for simple pleasures, those types of things we take for granted. And also, just to "go with the flow." Freedom is found therein.

I regard the pasties which are sometimes served at Saturday lunch, with tomato sauce, as the best meal available here. An added unusual bonus today was that it was warm; not hot, but warm food is something special. Deo gratias. 

(Cardinal Pell, p. 212)

Life returned to normal this morning as the siren sounded at 7:17 am, which is as close as we ever get to precision here in the jail. Delay is built into the system as a reminder to us, as prisoners, of our status. Once you accept this basic premise, life is simple and the warders are not unpleasant. 

(Cardinal Pell, pp. 192-193)

I have found the Cardinal's prayers to be helpful, so other-centered; he always prayed for others.

God our Father, I thank you for so many good friends; keep them in our care, reward them for their kindness, do not allow them to be put to the test too often, and keep their children faithful, good, and happy.

(Cardinal Pell, p. 147)

THE SHREVEPORT MARTYRS,

BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS,

BLESSED PIER GIORGIO FRASSITI,

SAINT LUAN,

BLESSED JOSEPHINE CATANEA,

SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINT JOHN SOUTHWORTH,

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR,

BLESSED NYKYTA BUDKA,

BLESSED VASYL VELYCHKOVSKY,

SAINT IRENAEUS,

SAINT PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES,

THE FIRST MARTYRS OF THE SEE OF ROME,

SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT,

SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA, FATHER OF CALIFORNIA,

BLESSED NAZJY FALZON,

OUR LADY OF BUDSLAU,

PRAY FOR US.

* See Emily Glover, June 22, 2023, in CATHOLICVOTE, "Who are 'the Shreveport Martyrs'." Also, the official website, shreveportmartyrs.org, which includes a trailer for the documentary, "The Five Priests," a Cannes World Film Festival Winner.

Today's photo: Water lily with trellis shadow. I pray to you, O Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Catholic Schools Week

Saints: Saint Brigid (451?-525); Saint Henry Morse (1595-1645); Blessed Benedict Daswa (1946-1990); Saint Candelaria of Saint Joseph (1863-1940)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:35-43 Humility

Mass: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Resp Ps 103; Mk 6:1-6  

And His justice toward children's children.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Endure your trials as "discipline."

(Heb 12:7)

Welcome to February, the month dedicated to the Holy Family, and now in the midst of Catholic Schools Week. We have much to be thankful for, including something Saint Theophane Venard said: "Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves, and helps, and cares for others." In this month of the Holy Family, then, a Christian education in the faith begins in the home. Holy Family, tested by the greatest difficulties, pray for us.

Speaking of difficulties and trials, our readings for the day speak about them. We are disciplined by such things as the Letter to the Hebrews tells us. And discipline may seem a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it (Heb 12:11). In the Gospel, Jesus is essentially dismissed as a nobody, a mere carpenter, the son of Mary and with brothers even. Who on earth does He think He is anyway? People took offense at Him when He walked the earth (see Mk 6:3); they take offense at Him now. There is nothing new under the sun. We have also been in the midst of Saint Benedict's Chapter 7 on humility and I've been waiting for today when we read about the fourth step of humility, my favorite. Our holy father Benedict begins this way: "The fourth step of humility is that in this obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions, [my] heart quietly embraces suffering and endures it without weakening or seeking escape" (RB 7:35-36). 

They are going to happen, these things that, yes, are painful. And trials will come in the home, at work, in the monastery, in social settings; wherever we find ourselves and even in places we least expect to find them. However, Jesus has been there; He leads the way. He was silent throughout. Remember, for Scripture has it: Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved, and again, Be brave of heart and rely on the Lord. 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 being put to death continually; we are regarded as sheep marked for slaughter" (RB 7:36-37). And why do we endure our trials? It is because we are so confident in our expectation of reward from God that we continue joyfully and say, But in all this we overcome because of Him who so greatly loved us (RB 7:39). 

United in faith and prayer then, may we be patient amid hardships and unjust treatment and fulfill the Lord's command: When struck on one cheek, turn the other; when deprived of our coat, offer our cloak also; when pressed into service for one mile, go two. Bear with false brothers and sisters, endure persecution, and bless those who curse us. (RB 7:42-43). We can do it, faithful readers, let us strengthen our drooping hands and our weak knees (se Heb 12:12), for as Jesus told us last "Beatitude Sunday", Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me (Mt 5:11). Keep going, rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven (Mt 5:12a).

And we continue to pray for the Holy Father Pope Francis, who celebrated Mass today for more than a million people at the "Ndolo" airport in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Praise God from Whom all blessing flow. 

The presence of the Church in the field of education is wonderfully manifested in the vast and dynamic network of schools and educational programs extending from the preschool through adult years. The entire ecclesial community - bishops, priests, religious, the laity - the Church in all her parts, is called to value ever more deeply the importance of this task and mission, and to continue to give it full and enthusiastic support.

(Address of His Holiness John Paul II, "Meeting with the Representatives of Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools and Leaders in Religious Education," Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, September 12, 1987)

SAINT BRIGID,

SAINT HENRY MORSE,

BLESSED BENEDICT DASWA,

SAINT BENEDICT OF NURSIA,

SAINT CANDELARIA OF SAINT JOSEPH,

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: As promised, here is Father Cody, who not only looks great in a cassock, looks even more like his patron Saint John Bosco when wearing it. Front and center, Father Cody serves as chaplain for the students at Western Washington University's Newman Center, seen here all beautiful and beaming for the Lord. Again, they inspire us to remain faithful and strong in our respective vocations. Dear Father Cody and all the Newman students at Western Washington University, keep going! Thank you for being there with your courageous witness to the faith in a secular university, where, as your chaplain said, "These kids have to fight for it!". You certainly face your fair share of difficulties and trials. Jesus loves you!

© Gertrude Feick 2023

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

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Pope Saint Clement I (end of the 1st century); Saint Columbanus, Abbot (540?-615); Blessed Miguel Augustine Pro (1891-1927)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 44 Satisfaction by the Excommunicated

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

He comes to rule the earth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty. 

Just and true are your ways, O king of the nations.

(Rev 15:3)

The following from one our saints of the day who encouraged peace and unity, Pope Saint Clement I, the third pope after Saint Peter, should keep us busy. As it turns out, the pontiff's words fit nicely with the Word proclaimed in the Book of Revelation, above, and below.

Beloved, how blessed and wonderful are God's gifts! There is life everlasting, joy in righteousness truth in freedom, faith, confidence, and self-control in holiness. And these are the gifts that we can comprehend; what of all the others that are prepared for those who look to Him. Only the Creator, the Father of all ages, the all-holy, knows their grandeur and their loveliness. And so we should strive to be among those who wait for Him so that we may share in these promised gifts ... It will come about if by our faith our minds remain fixed on God; if we aim at what is pleasing and acceptable to Him, if we accomplish what is in harmony with His faultless will and follow the path of truth, rejecting all injustice, viciousness, covetousness, quarrels, malice and deceit.

(From a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement I, pope, in Office of Readings, November 23)

United in faith and prayer, we go forth and join another saint of the day, Blessed Miguel Pro, a Jesuit who has become "the most recognized martyr-priest of the Mexican Cristeros uprising," using his last words Viva Cristo Rey! (The Loop from CatholicVote, November 23, 2022). By your perseverance you will secure your lives (Lk 21:19).

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 15:4)

POPE SAINT CLEMENT I,

SAINT COLUMBANUS,

BLESSED MIGUEL AUGUSTINE PRO,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: On the move Monday afternoon, I stopped and looked up. He has done wondrous deeds.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Saint Albert the Great Doctor Universalis, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, Teacher of Saint Thomas Aquinas (1206-1280); Commemoration of All Carmelite Souls 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 37 The Elderly and Children 

Mass: Rev 3:1-6, 14-22; Resp Ps 15; Lk 19:1-10

He who does these things shall never be disturbed.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.

(Lk 19:5)

We are privileged to commemorate another great saint, this one another Great, Saint Albert the Great, teacher of Saint Thomas Aquinas at the University of Paris, a bishop, Doctor of the Church and the patron saint of scientists. God is praised!

Since we are busy praising God, we praise Him with our friend Zacchaeus who wanted to see Jesus, no matter what. Jesus looked at Zacchaeus up there in that tree; the Lord looks at you, wherever you are too. He wants to stay at your house. United in faith and prayer, we go to Jesus quickly and receive Him with joy. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what what lost (Lk 19:10).

In the conversion of a sinner we see contrition, confession, and penance; and, on the other hand, the tenderness of God, His mercy and love, His glory and His goodness.

(Saint Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church)

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,

ALL CARMELITE SOULS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is the way I found them. He honors those who fear the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

In other years: Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917); Saint Machar (8th century); Blessed Maria Teresa Scrilli (1825-1889)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 35:12-18 Kitchen Servers of the Week

Mass:  Malachi 3:19-20a; Resp Ps 98; 2 Th 3:7-12; Lk 21:5-19

The mountains shout with them for joy.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,*

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

For those who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.

(Malachi 3:20a)

Something that comes to mind in light of today's readings is Saint Paul's Letter to the Colossians where the Apostle writes, "Seek the things that are above" (Col. 3:1). So doing, with the grace of God, we will persevere in the faith, amidst the crucible of daily life. Crucible, today's Merriam-Webster "Word of the Day," meaning a difficult test or challenge, presented to us today not by accident. Daily, hourly, sometimes minute by minute we are faced with tests and challenges to our faith, whether it is by others who criticize us, or situations contrary to the ways of God. Let us be busy about our faith, and not busybodies, conducting ourselves in a disorderly way, minding the business of others instead of minding our own business (see 2 Th 3:11). Rather, we work quietly, in the ways of the Lord (see 2 Th 3:12). Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love (1 Cor 16:13-14). 

Never forget that life is nothing but a growing in love and a preparation for eternity.

(Christoph Probst, d. 1943)

If we persevere - Jesus reminds us - we have nothing to fear, even in the sad and ugly events of life, not even in the evil we see around us, because we remain grounded in the good ... May Our Lady, servant of the Lord, persevering in prayer fortify our perseverance.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, November 13, 2022)

UNTIL

I think we are frightened every

Moment of our lives

Until we

Know Him.

 

                            -Hafiz

United in faith and prayer, we seek the things that are above. By your perseverance you will secure your lives (Lk 21:19).  

MOTHER CABRINI,

SAINT MACHAR,

BLESSED MARIA TERESA SCRILLI,

PRAY FOR US.

*About Our Lady of Montilgeon then. Thank you to my dear French sister, I learned about Notre-Dame de Montilgeon, the Shrine of Our Lady of Montilgeon, the world center of prayer for the deceased. You will find the shrine 93 miles from Paris, in the Diocese of Seez, Normandy (France). From the website I learned that every year, the shrine "hosts thousands of pilgrims and visitors who come on a personal quest to find consolation and hope, or to entrust their beloved deceased to Our Lady of Liberatrix (or of Deliverance)." There is plenty more to learn about Our Lady of Liberatrix and the shrine on the website. Check it out. It is fitting and right then to invoke Our Lady of Montilgeon during this month of November, the month devoted to prayer for the poor souls in Purgatory.

Friendly reminder: How is your collection of saints' names coming along? The day to choose a patron, or let one choose you, for the new liturgical is coming soon.

Today's photo: A gift from Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CA. He comes to rule the earth.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion, Martyrs (d.287); Saint Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 5:1-13 Obedience

Mass: Ecc 1:2-11; Resp Ps 90; Lk 9:7-9

Fill us at daybreak with Your kindness.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MIRROR OF PATIENCE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Nothing is new under the sun.

(Ecclesiastes 1:9)

On Tuesday, when we commemorated the Korean martyrs, I referred to the above line from the Book of Ecclesiastes. And today it appears as part of our first reading at Mass. As the author of the Book continues, "Even the thing of which we say, 'See, this is new!' has already existed in the ages that preceded us. There is no remembrance of the men of old; nor of those who come will there be any remembrance among those who come after them." It is true as one day passes into another and the weeks, months, and years go on. Through it all though, in every age, the Lord has been our refuge (Ps 90). We keep on then and seek the face of God through it all. Even Herod the Tetrarch keep trying to see Jesus (Lk 9:9), as in today's Gospel. We persevere, united in faith and prayer. As the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael quickly approaches (September 29), it is not too early to pray to Saint Michael, especially as the psalmist sang at Vigils this morning: I say to the Lord: You are my God; listen, Lord, to the words of my prayer. My revered Lord, my strong helper, my helmet on the day of battle. Lord, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let their plots succeed (Ps 140:7-9).

Prayer to Saint Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil;

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God,

thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION,

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A nice gift, the beauty in this flower. Teach us to number our days aright.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 3:1-6 Summoning the Brothers for Counsel

Mass: Acts 14:19-28; Resp Ps 145; Jn 14:27-31a

Let your faithful ones bless you.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Let not your hearts be troubled; neither let them be afraid.

(Jn 14:27)

There is nothing like a considered stoned to death man who gets up and gets busy. So goes our account from the Acts of the Apostles. The crowds, who had enough of Paul, stone him and drag him out of the city. Dead? I don't think so. The disciples gather around Paul; he gets up. The next day he and Barnabas leave for Derbe. Among other things, they make a considerable number of disciples, then move on to strengthen the spirits of other disciples and exhort them to persevere in the faith. As if they need to say: "It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). No kidding. Paul and Barnabas could certainly attest to that. Not much could stop them though. They continue to travel here and there, appoint others to help them, pray and fast, proclaim the word, then catch a boat to Antioch. It must have been quite a lively account they gave the Church in Antioch, as they reported what God had done with them, and done with the Gentiles too. Now for a little well-deserved rest. Amen. No matter what, we keep going, united in faith and prayer. 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), says the Lord.

We should make each day a resume for our whole life by filling it with prayer, work, and charity.

(E. Leseur, The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, p. 163) 

SAINT TITUS BRANDSMA,

SAINT MARIE RIVIER,

SAINT CAROLINA SANTOCANALE,

SAINT CHARLES DE FOUCAULD,

SAINT DEVASAHAYAM PILLAI,

SAINT CESAR DE BUS,

SAINT LUIGI MARIA PALAZZOLA,

SAINT JUSTIN RUSSOLILLO,

SAINT ANNA MARIA RUBATTO,

SAINT MARIA DOMENICA MANTOVANI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: One of my favorites. Let your works give you thanks, O Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter

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

Saint: The English Martyrs (16th-17th century); Blessed Marie-Leonie Paradis (1840-1912); Saint Conleth (-519); The Beatified Martyrs of England and Wales (16th-17th century); Saint Jose Maria Rubio, Apostle of Madrid, Father of the Poor (1864-1929); Blessed Angel Prat Hostench and Companions (d.1936); Blessed Emily Bicchieri OP (1238-1314)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 14-20

Mass: Acts 8:1b-8; Resp Ps 66; Jn 6:35-40

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Let peace be your quest and aim.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 17/Ps 33)

Today's account from the Acts of the Apostles begins with persecution and lamentations while Saul is trying to destroy the Church. Others who managed to scatter, persevered, preached the word, and proclaimed Christ. Crowds paid attention to Philip and watched the good being done. Unclean spirits came out of possessed people; the paralyzed and crippled were cured. And today's account ends: "There was great joy in that city" (Acts 8:8). Whew. United in faith and prayer, we must keep going, no matter what. 

Let us love. Let our souls and our lives be a perpetual song of love for God first of all and for all human beings who suffer, love, and mourn.

Let profound joy live in us, Let us be like the lark, enemy of the night, who always announces the dawn and awakens in each creature the love of light and life. Let us awaken souls.

(Elisabeth Leseur, The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur: The Woman Whose Goodness Changed Her Husband from Atheist to Priest, p. 150)

The first duty now for every soul of good will is perpetual preaching, by word and by example, of the divine law of Charity.

Every Christian should be the voice crying in the desert: "Let us love!" Perhaps some heavenly breeze will carry these words farther than we suspect.

(ibid. p. 156)

THE ENGLISH MARTYRS,

BLESSED MARIE-LEONIE PARADIS,

SAINT CONLETH,

THE BEATIFIED MARTRYS OF ENGLAND AND WALES,

SAINT JOSE MARIA RUBIO,

BLESSED ANGEL PRAT HOSTENCH AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED EMILY BICCHIERI OP,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: With blossoms a bit out of my reach, this one required a long arm stretch. 😊

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday 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

Saint: Saint Monica (331-387)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 69 The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery

Mass: 1 Th 4:1-8; Resp Ps 97; Mt 25:1-13

The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.

THE WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD WILL HERSELF BE PRAISED. HER CHILDREN HAVE CALLED HER MOST BLESSED, HER HUSBAND HAS SUNG HER PRAISES.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

As we commemorate Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, it occurs to me that Saint Monica and Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur (1866-1914) could have a lively discussion about the power of prayer. Jesus tells us a parable today, the one about the foolish virgins and the wise ones. In the end, we are to stay awake, no matter what. We never know the results of perseverance in prayer. We keep on praying for one another; Jesus acts when He will. Saint Monica saw the answer to her prayers before she died. Servant of God Elisabeth saw them in her husband after she died. Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour (Mt 25:13). 

The day was now approaching when my mother Monica would depart from this life; you knew that day, Lord, though we did not. She and I happened to be standing by ourselves at a window that overlooked the garden in the courtyard of the house. At the time we were in Ostia on the Tiber ... And so the two of us, all alone, were enjoying a very pleasant conversation ... My mother said: "Son, as far as I am concerned, nothing in this life now gives me any pleasure. I do not know why I am still here, since I have no further hopes in this world. I did have one reason for want to live a little longer: to see you become a Catholic before I died. God has lavished his gifts on me in that respect, for I know that you have even renounced earthly happiness to be his servant. So what am I doing here?

(From the Confessions of Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, August 27)

Let us not think that by our personal action we can hasten the coming of God's Kingdom in souls. As soon as the divine hour has come, our efforts will be useless, or rather they will only be an active prayer, and appeal to Him who transforms and saves. Nevertheless, let us make this appeal to Him with the humble conviction that He alone will do what must be done, and will bring life to the souls for which we act and pray.

(Elisabeth Leseur from her Journal, in The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, p. xiv)

SAINT MONICA,

SAINT AUGUSTINE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another look at Three Sisters from atop Scott Mountain, Oregon. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Saints: Saint Bridget of Sweden, Religious (1303-1373); Saints Philip Evans (1645-1679) and John Lloyd,  (1630-1679); Our Lady, Mother of Divine Grace

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 43:13-19 

Mass: Ex 20:1-17; Resp Ps 19; Mt 13:18-23

Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

THE WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD WILL HERSELF BE PRAISED. HER CHILDREN HAVE CALLED HER MOST BLESSED, HER HUSBAND HAS SUNG HER PRAISES.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

One of our saints of the day, and another favorite of mine, Saint Bridget of Sweden, is certainly someone who heard the Word of God, understood it, and bore fruit (Mt 13:23). Her life was full. Happily married to a nobleman, she and her husband Ulf had eight children. Among other notables, Bridget served as a lady-in-waiting to the Queen of Sweden; after she and Ulf went on pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint James at Compostela in Spain, they decided to spend the rest of their lives in monasteries; after Ulf's death in 1944, Bridget founded a double monastery starting a new monastic order, the Order of the Most Holy Savior, what we now call the Bridgettines; in 1350 Bridget went to Rome and spent the rest of her life there "caring for the poor and sick, denouncing the excesses of the aristocracy, and robustly telling the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon." Bridget was also a mystic. Her revelations have been published. May Saint Bridget of Sweden, and her husband Ulf, intercede for us so that we do too bear fruit in our little part of the world. The following prayers I have on a little piece of paper given to me by dear Father Paschal, OSB, of happy memory. He loved Saint Bridget of Sweden.

Prayers of Saint Bridget

Lord, show me your way and make me willing to follow it.

Amen.

Lord God, for whom nothing is impossible, who can do everything, give me the power to do good and to persevere,

Mary, Mother of Peace, Light, and Love who gave birth to the Savior on earth, ask Jesus to show me the way on my pilgrimage to eternal life.

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN,

SAINTS PHILIP EVANS AND JOHN LLOYD,

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is a view of the underside of a licorice fern frond with the little groups of spores all lined up! A favorite fern of today's contributor. These Catherine found in the forest near Neskowin, Oregon. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

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

Readings of the Day

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

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

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

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

HAVE MERCY ON US.

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

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

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 48)

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

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

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

(Saint Thomas More)

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

(Saint Thomas More)

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

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

SAINT JOHN FISHER,

SAINT THOMAS MORE,

SAINT PAULINUS OF NOLA,

SAINT BENEDICT,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

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

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic 

Other saints: Blessed Christian de Cherge and the Martyrs of Algeria (1994-1996); Blessed Catherine of Saint Augustine (1632-1668); Blessed John Sullivan (1861-1933); Blessed Aloysius Rabata (c.1443-1490); Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary over the entire Order of Preachers

Readings of the Day

RB: Prologue 45-50

Mass: Acts 16:1-10; Resp Ps 100; Jn 15:18-21

Know that the Lord is God; He made us, His we are.

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

We conclude today the Prologue of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict. At the same time, we remember the Martyrs of Algeria, nineteen individuals slain in Algeria between 1994 and 1996 during the Algerian Civil War. Seven of them were Trappist monks from the Atlas Abbey of Tibhirine. Along with the conclusion of the Prologue, I include words from one of the martyred monks, Christophe Lebreton, from his journal Born from the Gaze of God: The Tibhirine Journal of a Martyr Monk (1993-1996). They reveal, among other things, his faithfulness to the Holy Rule.

We live together in a land of hope. We cultivate it. We are dwellers in your house. We live there. We pray there. We abide there until its time to die. We live together in your hand. Who could dislodge us from this blatant happiness?

(May 7, 1995, p. 151)

Therefore we intend to establish a school of the Lord's service. In drawing up its regulations, we hope to set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome. The good of all concerned, however, may prompt us to a little strictness in order to amend our faults and safeguard love. 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. But 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. Never swerving from his instructions, then, but faithfully observing his teaching in the monastery until death, we shall through patience share in the sufferings of Christ that we may deserve also to share in his kingdom. Amen.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 45-50)

BLESSED CHRISTIAN DE CHERGE AND THE MARTYRS OF ALGERIA,

BLESSED CATHERINE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE,

BLESSED JOHN SULLIVAN,

BLESSED ALOYSIUS RABATA,

SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE POOR,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Blessed Christian de Cherge and the Monks of Atlas through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

National March for Life

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:24-30

Mass: Heb 10:32-39; Resp Ps 37; Mk 4:26-3

Take delight in the Lord, and He will grant you your heart's desire.

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

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Some 20 years ago, shortly after I entered the monastery, I went to greet Sister Philomena of happy memory in the back garden. She looked me in the eyes and said: "I will pray for your perseverance." At that time I could not for the life of me figure out why someone would pray for my perseverance. I now better understand what she meant. As we hear in the Letter to the Hebrews, "You need great endurance to do the will of God and receive what He has promised" (Heb 10:36). We keep going though, for "we are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life" (Heb 10:39). Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain (Ps 127:1). 

SAINT JOSEPH, GLORY OF HOME LIFE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Yes, another look at the sky.😊

© Gertrude Feick 2021

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

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 48:10-21
Mass: Rev 15:1-4; Resp Ps 98; Lk 21:12-19

Let the rivers clap their hands, and the mountains shout with them for joy.

First Sunday of Lent

Readings of the Day: RB 15 When the Alleluia Should Be Said

Mass: Gn 9:8-15; Resp. Ps 25; 1 P 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15

The Spirit immediately drove Jesus out into the wilderness.

He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan;

and he was with the wild beasts;

and the angels waited on him.

First, the Spirit descends like a dove on Jesus at his baptism. Now, the Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness. Jesus immediately faces trials. He has paved the way. We all face our own wild beasts—day in and day out. We cannot run away. St Augustine comments: ‘Our pilgrimage on earth cannot be exempt from trial. We progress by means of trial. No one knows himself except through trial, or receives crown except after victory, or strives except against an enemy or temptations.’ The option is to face trials head on. Augustine offers this approach: ‘See yourself as tempted in Christ, and see yourself as victorious in him. He could have kept the devil from himself; but if he were not tempted he could not teach you how to triumph over temptation.’ Lost, bewildered, confused, overwhelmed? Jesus waits with love and patience. He teaches us; he leads us to our heavenly home where he sits ‘at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.’ Keep going. 

Jesus has to enter into the drama of human existence for that belongs to the core of his mission; he has to penetrate it completely, down to its uttermost depths, in order to find the ‘lost sheep,’ to bear it on his shoulders, and to bring it home.

(Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth, p. 26)

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

Readings of the day: RB 48:22-25

Mass: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Resp. Psalm (Dn 3); Luke 21:12-19

By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

When I first entered monastic life, a sister said she would pray for my perseverance. No one had ever said that to me before. I could not figure out why on earth she would pray for such a thing. Now I know what dear Sr Philomena was talking about. It is the daily pinpricks and contradictions that make us want to run and hide, is it not?

Loving God,

grant us the grace to persevere as we journey to you.