May 2026

Jubilee Year of Saint Francis on the 800th Anniversary of His Death 

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Praise the Lord from the heavens. 

OUR LADY, QUEEN AND MOTHER,

OUR LADY, STAR OF THE SEA,

MOTHER ADMIRABLE,

MOTHER OF HOPE,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to May, the month dedicated to Our Lady. Still in the Easter Season, here's to hoping you are still singing your favorite Easter hymn, or mine, "Jesus Christ is Risen Today, Alleluia ..." 🎵 

It's a big month, dear faithful readers. What can be better than kicking off the festivities with today, May 1, when we commemorate Saint Joseph the Worker. Saint Joseph, model of workers, man of strength, man of courage, pray for us! Thank you. We celebrate Mother's Day on May 10 so let us rejoice. Thank a mother today for all she is and for all she does. Give God the praise for mothers! Our Lady, Queen of mothers, pray for us! Thank you. 

Depending on where you are in the world, we celebrate The Ascension of the Lord, either on Thursday, May 14, or Sunday, May 17. Next up is Pentecost Sunday set for May 24. And if that isn't enough, the next day, Monday, May 25, is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. It was Pope Saint Paul VI, who solemnly confirmed the title, Mother of the Church, in an address to the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council on November 21, 1964. The Pontiff decreed that the whole Christian people should, by the use of this beautiful title, give still greater honor to the Mother of God. And a beautiful title for Our Lady it is. Speaking of titles for Our Lady, why not take a look at the Litany to Mary and select a few of your favorite titles. Then, address Mary using the titles. As I say, go to Mary, she knows what to do. One of my favorite titles is Star of the Sea. Indeed, Our Lady is a star that will guide us, especially when we go astray. For never was it known that she left anyone unaided. 

In this glorious month of May when we turn our minds and hearts to blessed Mary, Our Lady, she, who said to the angel Gabriel, "Let it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38), and she, who "kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart" (Lk 2:19), we might also reflect on our particular vocations*  our call from the Lord, to love Him and serve Him. No matter our state in life, be it married, single, widow, religious or priest, we remember words from our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, given in his March 16, 2026, Message for the 63rd World Day of Prayer, celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2026:

A vocation is not a fixed point, but a dynamic process of maturation sustained by intimacy with our Lord. To grow in one's vocation means being with Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to act in our hearts and in the circumstances of life, and reinterpreting everything in light of this gift ...

a vocation, therefore, is not an immediate possession-something 'given' once and for all. Instead, it is a path that unfolds much like life itself. The gift we receive must not only be protected but also nourished by a daily relationship with God in order to grow and bear fruit. 'This is helpful, since it situates our whole life in relation to the God who loves us. It makes us realize that nothing is the result of pure chance but that everything in our lives can become a way of responding to the Lord, who has a wonderful plan for us.

One last thought, on May 30, we commemorate the great Saint Joan of Arc (d. 1431). With her in mind when you are looking for a parking place, turn to the Maid of Orleans and pray, "Saint Joan of Arc, show me a place to park." Joan knows what to do. And if for some reason or another, Joan is busy helping someone else, which is highly unlikely since she can manage quite a few things at once, you can turn to Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) and pray, "Mother Cabrini, help me park the macchini." Keep going with inspiration from the following voices ...

Belief is certainty that God has shown Himself and has opened for us the view of truth itself.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

Jesus says to each one of us, no matter where we are, "The path I have for you is simple enough for a child to follow. When we know we are loved as His very own, the Lord's way is wholly uncomplicated.

(Sister Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., member of the Sisters of Life)

Here we join Saint Faustina Kowalska in her words ...

I feel tremendous pain when I see the sufferings of my neighbors. All my neighbors' sufferings reverberate in my own heart; I carry their anguish in my heart is such a way that it even physically destroys me. I would like all their sorrows to fall upon me, on order to relieve my neighbor.

(Saint Faustina Kowalska, 1905-1938)

And then invoke Our Lady ...

Mother of Mercy,

pray for us.

We must contain ourselves in patience, remembering each morning that our main job is to love God and to serve Him and if we don't get things done due to interruptions, well, it cannot be helped, and God will take care of what we leave undone. Saint Teresa says that God cannot rest in an unquiet heart. I have to remember that many times during the day.

(Servant of God Dorothy Day, 1897-1980)

Humility is not self-contempt but the truth about ourselves couples with a reverence for others; it is self-surrender to the highest goal.

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)

Think ... of how we first came into being, of what we were at the first moment of our existence. Think of the dark tomb out of which our Creator brought us into His world where He had His gifts prepared for us even before we were born. All this we owe to Him and for everything we must give Him thanks. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(From a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement, pope, late 1st century)

We ought to be like the sunflower which follows all the 

movements of the sun and ever turns toward it.

(Saint Julie Billiart, 1751-1816)

Let us endure with courage the painful little experiences that Divine Providence allows to befall us. They are a necessary part of every life, and force us to place all our trust in God, for He alone can support and guide us.

(Saint Julie Billiart, 1751-1816)

The whole purpose of our lives is to be for others what Mary was for her Son on Calvary.

(Venerable Mary Potter, 1847-1913)

I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen-not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

(C.S. Lewis, 1898-1963)

Let us be inspired by the beauty of love; let us become witnesses to the love that Jesus has given us and taught us! Let us show every day that it is beautiful to love-that the greatest joys, in every situation, come from knowing how to give and from giving of ourselves, especially when we reach out to those most in need. The light of charity, nurtured in our homes and lived out in faith can truly transform the world.

(Pope Leo XIV, April 22, 2026, address to young people and families, Bata, Equatorial Guinea)

God has established as a law that His graces should flow to us through channels of prayer and the Sacraments; and they are so united that the performance of one is a preparation for the other. Prayer is a plant, the seed of which is sown in the heart of every Christian, but its growth depends entirely on the care we take to nourish and cultivate it; if neglected, it will die; if nourished by constant practice, it will blossom and produce fruit in abundance ...

(Venerable Catherine McAuley, R.S.M., 1778-1841)

I want creation to penetrate you with so admiration that everywhere, wherever you may be, the least plant may bring you to the clear remembrance of the Creator.

(Saint Basil the Great, 330-379)

Here are the last words of Blessed Maria Guggiari Echeverria (1925-1959), spoken at 4:10 am, April 28, 1959, as "she was dying, propped up on cushions, and surrounded by her siblings and parents, she sat up and spoke" them. They are fitting words to end each and every day ...

Jesus, I love you! What a sweet encounter! O Virgin Mary!

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER,

SERVANT OF GOD TAKASHI NAGAI,

SAINT ATHANASIUS, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES,

THE ENGLISH MARTYRS,

BLESSED MARIE-LEONIE PARADIS,

SAINT CONLETH,

THE BEATIFIED MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES,

SAINT JOSE MARIA RUBIO,

BLESSED ANGEL PRAT HOSTENCH AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED EMILY BICCHIERI, OP,

SAINT ASAPH,

SAINT HILARY OF ARLES,

BLESSED EDMUND RICE,

SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LACONI,

SAINT ROSE VENERINI,

SAINT ANGELUS,

SAINT FRANCOIS DE LAVAL,

SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY,

SAINT EPIPHANIUS OF SALAMIS,

BLESSED ALBERT OF BERGAMO, OP,

BLESSED CATHERINE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE,

SAINT PETER OF TARANTAISE,

THE ALGERIAN MARTYRS,

SAINT PACHOMIUS,

BLESSED FRANZ JAGERSTATTER, 

SAINT ANDREW BOBOLA,

BLESSED JOHN SULLIVAN,

BLESSED ALOYSIUS RABATA,

SAINT GEORGE PRECA,

SAINT DAMIEN OF MOLOKAI,

SAINT JOHN OF AVILA,

SAINT COMGALL,

SAINT ANTONIUS OF FLORENCE, OP,

THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS,

SAINT NEREUS AND ACHILLEUS, MARTYRS,

SAINT PANCRAS, MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN HOUGHTON AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED JANE OF PORTUGAL, OP,

BLESSED JOAN, PRINCESS OF PORTUGAL,

OUR LADY OF FATIMA,

SAINT ERCONWALD,

BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI, OP,

SAINT MATTHIAS, APOSTLE,

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, MARTYR,

SAINT ERIK OF SWEDEN,

SAINT DUNSTAN,

POPE SAINT CELESTINE V,

SAINT MILBURGA,

SAINT IVO OR YVES,

SAINT RAPHAEL LOUIS RAFIRINGA,

SAINT FRANCIS COLL GUITART, OP,

SAINT BERNARDINE OF SIENA, PRIEST,

BLESSED COLUMBA OF RIETI, OP,

SAINT CHRISTOPHER MAGALLANES AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT EUGENE DE MAZENOD,

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

SAINT JANE ANTIDE THOURET,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST DE ROSSI,

SAINT VINCENT OF LERINS,

SAINT JOACHINE DE VEDRUNA DE MAS,

OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

BLESSED LOUIS-ZEPHIRIN MOREAU,

SAINT ALDHELM,

SAINT DOMINIC,

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH,

POPE SAINT GREGORY VII,

VENERABLE EMIL KAPAUN, 

SAINT MARY MAGDALAN OF PAZZI,

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE,

SAINT PHILIP NERI, PRIEST,

SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP,

BLESSED ANDREW FRANCHI, OP,

BLESSED MARGARET POLE, COUNTESS OF SALISBURY,

BLESSED MARY BARTHOLOMEW BAGNESI, OP,

BLESSED ANTONI JULIAN NOWOWIEJSKI,

POPE SAINT PAUL VI,

SAINT MAXIMINUS,

BLESSED JOSEPH GERARD,

SAINT URSULA LEDOCHOWSKA,

BLESSED ELIA OF SAINT CLEMENT,

BLESSED WILLIAM ARNAUD, OP, AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT ZDZISALAWA OF LEMBERK, OP,

SAINT LUKE KIRBY,

THE YORKSHIRE MARTRYS,

SAINT JOAN OF ARC,

SAINT WALSTAN,

PRAY FOR US.

* Vocation comes from the Latin vocare, "to call".

This month's photo: A major Ohhhh Ahhh. 😊

Praise Him in the heights. 

© Gertrude Feick 2026

Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 33:11 Monks and Private Ownership- Ch 41 The Times for the Brothers' Meals

Truth shall spring out of the earth.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, RELIEF OF THE BURDENED,

SAVE US.

MARY, MOTHER OF COMPASSION AND MERCY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before Him. 

(Ephesians 1:3-4)

Welcome to the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, in the midst of a HOT July dedicated to the Precious Blood of Our Lord. Thank you for being there with this posting of late in the day.

I am most often attracted to the second reading for Mass on Sunday's, and this week's powerful, once again, words from Saint Paul. In short, let what Saint Paul writes to us sink in. He chose you; He chose me, to be holy and without blemish before Him, yes, He who loves us with an everlasting love. To the praise of His glory then, we keep going, with Saint Rafael Arnaiz who wrote to his Aunt: "The Lord asks me to keep going and not stop. What am I to do: look up, up high ... and keep going and not stop ... You ought to do the same." United in faith and prayer, may we do the same. Jesus and Mary, please help us. 

For our voices of the week, I turn to a book I reviewed, Mark O'Keefe and Maria Gonzalo-Garcia, To Live for God Alone: The Life and Spirit of Saint Rafael Arnaiz (Cistercian, 2023). There is no end to the number of quotations to be collected. So, all voices this week come from wisdom to be found in the book, both from Rafael and others as well. 

I enjoy flowers and birds and children. Everything is a reason to praise God: stars, nighttime, fields covered in light.

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

Once you understand the purpose of life, which is to live for God and for Him alone, there is nothing in the world that can trouble your soul.

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

The interior life ... the spiritual life, a life of prayer. "My God! that must be difficult!" But it's not at all. Get rid of everything in your heart that's in the way. And you'll find God there ... Behold the life of prayer. We don't need to add to something that's already there. Rather, we need to get rid of what's in the way.

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

We human beings can do nothing more than trust in His divine providence, knowing that what He does is well done, even if at first glance it might go against our desires. But I believe that true perfection is to have no other desire other than "may His will be done in us."

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

Forgetfulness of created things,

remembrance of the Creator,

attention toward inward things,

and loving the Beloved.

(Saint John of the Cross, "The Sum of Perfection")

If you take little account of yourself, you will have peace, wherever you live.

(Abba Poemen, 4th century desert father, in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection)

The specific value that draws a Christian into the 'desert' and 'solitude' (whether or not he remains physically 'in the world') is a deep sense that God alone suffices.

(Thomas Merton, in Contemplation in a World of Action)

SAINT CAMILLUS OF LELLIS,

SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA,

SAINT BONAVENTURE, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT SWITHUN,

SAINT OSMUND OF SALISBURY,

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL,

SAINT HELIER,

SAINT KENELM,

BLESSED JOHN SUGAR, PRIEST, AND ROBERT GRISSOLD, MARTYRS,

BLESSED INACIO DE AZEVEDO,

BLESSED THERESE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE AND COMPANIONS,

POPE SAINT LEO IV,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF SCHONAU,

SAINT JOHN PLESSINGTON,

SAINT ARSENIUS,

SAINT APOLLINARIS, BISHOP, MARTYR,

BLESSED VIRGIN MARTYRS OF ORANGE, 

SAINT MARGARET OF ANTIOCH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And justice shall look down from heaven.

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory

The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time is World Day of the Poor

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 41 The Times for Meals- Ch 46 Faults Committed in Other Matters

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

MARY, QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

FOR THE WORLDY-MINDED, WHO FAILED TO USE THEIR WEALTH AND TALENTS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD,

MY JESUS MERCY!

For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.

(1 Th 5:5-6)

Welcome to the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time, still in the month of November dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. It is this week that we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Give God the praise!. It is fitting and right, then, that we think about all the gifts and blessings Our loving God has given each one of us, individually and collectively. At the same time, we think about what we have, or have not done, with the gifts, or "talents", that God has bestowed upon us in abundance. There could be many reasons why we don't use the gifts God has given us. Perhaps we feel unworthy, or we do not trust God to give us the strength we need to carry out what is asked of us, or maybe we are afraid of the unknown. Or maybe we do not even know what our gifts are, and sadly, no one else has bothered to help us develop our gifts. And there could be plenty of reasons to wonder why another would be bothered by such a thing. There are not a few things, then, to keep in mind. First, remember how Saint Benedict begins Ch 40 of the Holy Rule, "The Proper Amount of Drink." Our holy father begins with words from Saint Paul and reminds us that "everyone has his own gift from God, one this and another that" (1 Cor 7:7/RB 40:1). That would be everyone, not just a select few. And Saint Paul tells us elsewhere that "God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength" (1 Cor 10:13). It seems to me then, that we should just go for it and give glory to God. If others are jealous, envious, in the comparing mode, or whatever, that is their problem, not yours. It's all for the glory of God and the good of the Body of Christ. Build up; don't tear down. And if you notice something good in another, for the sake of Our living and true God, tell her! We turn once again to Saint Benedict who turns to Saint Paul who declared: "By God's grace I am what I am (1 Cor 15:10), and again, "he who boasts should make his boast in the Lord" (2 Cor 10:17)/RB Prologue 31-32. And while we are at it, we might as well cry out with Saint Joan of Arc and declare, "I am not afraid; I was born to do this."

As we go forth this week, united in faith and prayer, we join Pope Francis and all those gathered in Saint Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus, and pray, 

Lord, I trust in You; give me the strength to keep going; I trust in You, in the things You have given me; let me know how to carry them forward.

Inspired, we keep going, and listen to this week's voices, all from saints. The first shout helps us keep things in perspective as we respond to the universal call to holiness and remember that holiness is for everyone no matter your state of life.*

There is no harm to the saints if their faults are shown as well as their virtues.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

You learn to speak, by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so you learn to love God and man by loving. Begin as a mere apprentice and the very power of love will lead you on to become a master of the art.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

We are not called upon to be successful, but to be faithful.

(Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

Cling inseparably to eternal treasures but things temporal we must use like passers-by, that as we are sojourners beginning to return to our own land, all the good things of this world which meet us may be as aids on the way, not snares to detain us.

(Pope Saint Leo the Great, d. 461)

Praise the Lord with the lyre, make melody to Him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to Him a new song ...

Let us sing a new song not with our lips but with our lives ... 

Everyone one of us tries to discover how to sing to God. You must sing to Him, but you must sing well. He does not want your voice to come harshly to His ears, so sing well, brothers! ...

See how He Himself provides you with a way of singing. Do not search for words, as if you could find a lyric which would give God pleasure. Sing to Him "with songs of joy." This is singing well to God, just singing with songs of joy ...

Your heart must rejoice beyond words, soaring into an immensity of gladness, unrestrained by syllabic bonds. Sing to Him with songs of joy.

(From a discourse on the psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, November 22, Memorial of Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr)

Monks should diligently cultivate silence at all times, but especially at night.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 42:1)

Let us not imprint on ourselves the image of a despot, but let Christ paint His image in us with His words: My peace I give you, my peace I leave with you. But the knowledge that peace is good is of no benefit to us if we do not practice it. The most valuable objects are usually the most fragile; costly things require the most careful handling. Particularly fragile is that which is lost by wanton talk and destroyed with the slightest injury of a brother. Men like nothing better than discussing and minding the business of others, passing superfluous comments at random and criticizing people behind their backs. So those who cannot say: The Lord has given me a discerning tongue, that I may with a word support him who is weary should keep silent, of if they do say anything it should promote peace.

(From an instruction by Saint Columban, abbot, in Office of Readings, November 23)

Creator God, you have endowed each one of us with unique talents and possibilities. Give us the strength to use these gifts to develop ourselves, to serve the community in which we live, and to give glory to you, the source of all giftedness. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.**

SAINT RAFAEL GONZALEZ AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT RAFAEL KALINOWSKI,

SAINT EDMUND,

SAINT CECILIA,

POPE SAINT CLEMENT I,

SAINT COLUMBANUS,

BLESSED MIGUEL AGUSTIN PRO,

SAINT ANDREW DUNG-LAC AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA,

PRAY FOR US.

*For a fun essay, see Donald Demarco, "The Eccentricities of Saints," in Catholic Exchange, November 8, 2023. 

**See Michael Casey, Balaam's Donkey: Random Ruminations For Every Day of the Year (Liturgical Press, 2019).

Today's photo: A contribution from a faithful reader and longtime friend of Redwoods, who just happens to take beautiful photos too. This one from her recent retreat with us. Who walk in His ways!

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

September is the month dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary

In other years: Saint Monica (331-387)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 69 The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery - Prologue 1-13

Mass: Is 22:19-23; Resp Ps 138; Rm 11:33-36; Mt 16:13-20 

You built up strength within me.

SACRED HOST, IN WHICH THE SOUL IS FILLED WITH GRACE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF MARY, HOPE OF THE AGONIZING,

MARY, MIRROR OF PATIENCE,

PRAY FOR US.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are His judgments and how unsearchable are His ways ...

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.

(Rm 11:33, 36)

Welcome to the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time, a week when we conclude the month of August dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and commence the month of September dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. We could go straight to today's Gospel or start with something just shared with me that goes something like this. Nearly 50 years ago, a woman was telling a wisdom figure that she was going to get married. And quite simply, the wise one said to the young woman: "God will find you wherever you are." And you know what? Our Lord Jesus will find you wherever you are too. And when He finds you, He just may ask: Who do you say that I am? ☺

With our voices for the week, united in faith and prayer, we go forth. As we conclude this year's second read through of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict and begin our third read through, we remember the wisdom of our holy father Saint Benedict: "First of all, every time you begin a good work, you must pray to Christ the Lord most earnestly to bring it to perfection" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 4). And no matter what comes your way, remember that "it is what it is." Or in the words of Issa Kobayashi (1763-1828), Japanese poet, just shared with me: 

The morning dew

is the morning dew

and yet ...

As we commemorate Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, today and her son tomorrow, we let the great Saint and Doctor of the Church Augustine of Hippo (354-430) speak first.

Right is right even if no one is doing it;

wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.

(Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)

Mercy's natural home is misery.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153, On Conversion, VII, 12)

Sickness has real utility when it leads to the doctor's hands, and he whom God restores to health gains by having been ill.

(Saint Bernard on Clairvaux, 1090-1153, On Conversion, VII, 12)

All grace flows from mercy, and the last hour abounds with mercy for us. Let no one doubt concerning the goodness of God, even if a person's sins were as dark as night, God's mercy is stronger than our misery. One thing alone is necessary; that the sinner set ajar the door of his heart, be it ever so little, so let in a ray of God's merciful grace, and then God will do the rest.

(Saint Faustina Kowalska, 1905-1938, The Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska)

Working at the beck of our own will, we become famous and forlorn. Working at the command of religion we become abject and rapturous, being God's friends forever, and rewarded by One who never fails to satisfy.

(Servant of God Rose Hawthorne, 1851-1926)

Is it not true that it would be a very simple, efficacious, and gentle procedure to sanctify ourselves by accepting each day what the Lord asks of us? We have absolute certainty that what God plans for us each day is most suitable and sanctifying ... The only program for me is God's program. Let this day come as it may. God sends it; He and no one else. Let is come as it may, we are sure that it comes wrapped in the love of our Lord and destined to sanctify us. We ought to say: "I will sanctify myself precisely by the events of this day because the loving providence of God has sent them to me. He is acquainted with my necessities; He know what is most conducive to my sanctification." If we were to understand this, would not our soul by a veritable ocean of peace?

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

The unknown is where all things are possible; enter it with grace.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

SAINT MONICA,

SAINT AUGUSTINE,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

BEATRICE OF NAZARETH, 

SAINTS WARREN AND AMADEUS, 

SAINT AIDEN,

SAINT MARGARET CLITHEROW,

SAINT ANNE LINE,

SAINT MARGARET WARD,

BLESSED GHEBRE MICHAEL,

SAINT FIACRE,

SAINT AIDEN,

SAINT RAYMOND NONNATUS,

SAINT EDMUND ARROWSMITH,

SAINT GILES,

SAINT TERESA MARGARET REDI OF THE SACRED HEART,

BLESSED ANDRE GRASSET,

JESUIT MARTYRS FOR THE NAME OF JESUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The Lord certainly built up the strength in this little one. He may be small, but his croak is mighty. You have heard the words of my mouth.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint Joseph of Arimathea, Disciple of Jesus Christ; Saint Eustasius, Bishop of Naples (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:10-21 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass:  Dn 3:14-20; 91-91, 95; Resp Ps (Dn 3); Jn 8:31-42 

Blessed is your holy and glorious name.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON OF EXILES,

PRAY FOR US.

Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent His angel to deliver the servants who trusted in Him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

(Dn 3:95)

No matter how hot the furnace gets today, trust in the Lord, and serve Him. Remain in His word and you will truly be His disciples; you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (see Jn 8:31ff). 

Thanks to a faithful reader who sent greetings the other day along with a bit about walking and praying on one's knees, I was led to something I read recently. From two late pontiffs, then: 

.

Man is never so great as when he is kneeling.

(Pope Saint John XXIII)

Pope Benedict XVI had this to say about kneeling:

The attitude of kneeling ought never to be allowed to disappear from the Church. It is the most impressive physical expression of Christian piety, by which, on one hand, we remain upright, looking out, gazing upon Him, but, on the other, we nonetheless bow down.*

At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, every tongue confess Him, king of glory now ...

SAINT JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA,

SAINT EUSTASIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

* Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, God and the World: A Conversation with Peter Seewald (Ignatius, 2002), pp. 409-410.

Today's photo: I found these sweet little ones outside the kitchen yesterday morning while on kitchen duty. The God of our fathers.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

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

December 23

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

O Emmanuel!

Saint: Saint John of Kety, Priest (1390-1473); Saint Thorlak Thorhallsson, Patron Saint of Iceland (1133-1193)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 65:11-22 The Prior of the Monastery

Mass: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Resp Ps 25; Lk 1:57-66

Teach me your paths.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, VIRGIN OF SWEET EXPECTATION,

SAINT JOSEPH, MOST OBEDIENT,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me ...

Surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

(Malachi 3:1/Lk 1:66)

We are almost there, faithful readers. We celebrate our final countdown to the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord with O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the hope of all nations and their Savior; come and save us, O Lord our God! We pray that our King and Lawgiver come and save us. May we follow the lead of Saint John the Baptist and do our part to prepare the way before Him. "Look today to John the Baptist," preached Pope Saint John Paul II, "an enduring model of fidelity to God and His law. John prepared the way for Christ by the testimony of his word and his life. Imitate him with docile and trusting generosity ... He was a model of uprightness and courage in defending the truth, for which he was prepared to pay in his person, even to the point of imprisonment and death ... dear brothers and sisters, be brave enough always to give priority to the values of the spirit" (Holy Mass, homily, June 24, 2001, Kiev, Ukraine). We go forth then, with faith, uprightness, courage. Keep going, dear faithful readers. Thank you for being there. 

Let us ask Mary, the Virgin of Sweet Expectation, to teach us how "watch and prayer" so that we do not get distracted in our following of her Son, and to discover His saving presence in the events of our daily lives.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, December 23, 2022)

SAINT JOHN OF KETY,

SAINT THORLAK THORHALLSSON,

PRAY FOR US.

NB: These reflections are published by 9:30 a.m. PST, daily (barring any unforeseen complications), and can be found on our website www.redwoodsabbey.org as soon as they are published. They are sent automatically to email accounts at 3 p.m. PST. Thank you for being there wherever you are. We remain united in faith and prayer.

Today's photo: Yesterday morning during the daily regime. All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

December 19

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

O Radix Iesse!

Saints: Pope Saint Urban V (1310-1370); Pope Saint Anastasius (d. 401)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 63:10-19 Community Rank

Mass: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Resp Ps 71; Lk 1:5-25

For you are my hope, O Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The Dawn from on high will visit us, guiding our feet in the way of peace.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Welcome to Monday in this Fourth Week of Advent. We continue our countdown to the Nativity of the Lord and celebrate O Root of Jesse, who stand as a sign among the people, before whom kings shall shut their mouths, to whom the nations shall make supplication; come to deliver us, and tarry not.

What with yesterday's Gospel and today's readings for Mass, it seems a good idea to listen to an angel of the Lord if one happens to visit you, whether you are sleeping or awake. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and Joseph did as commanded him; Joseph took his wife into his home (Mt 1:20, 24). An angel of the Lord appeared to the barren wife of Manoah and the woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the Lord blessed him; the Spirit of the Lord stirred him (Judges 13:3, 24). The angel of the Lord Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and the poor man did not believe Gabriel. God prevailed in any case, left Zechariah speechless, and blessed Zechariah's wife Elizabeth with a son to be named John. And John's mission was not a small one, as Gabriel said: He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord (Lk 1:11, 13-17). Even though it is a bit premature to sing this; it comes to mind anyway: Angels we have heard on high! United in faith and prayer, keep going faithful readers. Thank you for being there.

In the presence of the angels I will sing to you.

(Ps 138:1/RB 19:5)

O dear Saint Joseph, I place myself, then, with full confidence under your protection. Teach me to live as you did, in faith and abandonment to God; teach me to live solely for Him, by consecrating myself entirely to His service.

(Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalene, O.C.D., d. 1952)

POPE SAINT URBAN V,

POPE SAINT ANASTASIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I always love this one. My trust, O God, from my youth.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

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

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

Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious (1572-1641); Blessed Isidore Bakanja (c.1886-1909); Saint Muredach (5th century); Saint Attracta (5th or 6th century); Saint Lelia (?); Saint Blaan (-590)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 58:17-29 The Procedure for Receiving Brothers

Mass: Ezk 16:1-15, 60, 63 or Ezk 16:59-63; Resp Ps (Is 12); Mt 19:3-12

My strength and my courage is the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

HEART OF MARY, FULL OF GRACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Receive me, Lord, as you have promised, and I shall live; do not disappoint me in my hope.

(Rule of Saint Benedict 58:21/Ps 118:116)

As on many days, we turn to our saints of the day for inspiration and intercession. We have plenty of them to pray for us today, some more well-known than others. Big inspirations for me are women, those who were wives and mothers, and we have a powerful one to commemorate, namely, Saint Jane Frances de Chantal. Jane, born in Dijon, France in the mid-sixteenth century, married a nobleman and was happily married for nine years as wife and the mother of six children, whom she raised in the faith. After her husband's untimely death in a hunting accident, Jane sought the spiritual guidance of Francis de Sales. As she continued to seek God, Jane served the poor and the sick. In 1610, Jane and Francis founded the Order of Visitation for women who devoted themselves to "total trust in humble and gentle service in the spirit of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. " And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy (Lk 1:43-44). My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord (Lk 1:46). Amen. 

In our neighbor we should only observe what is good.

(Saint Jane Frances de Chantal)

The great method of prayer is to have none. If in going to prayer one can form in oneself a pure capacity for receiving the spirit of God, that will suffice for all method.

(Saint Jane Frances de Chantal)

Hell is full of the talented, but Heaven of the energetic.

(Saint Jane Frances de Chantal)

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES,

BLESSED ISIDORE BAKANIA,

SAINT MUREDACH,

SAINT ATTRACTA,

SAINT LELIA,

SAINT BLAAN

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Not looking for something to include in today's reflection, I walked by this and went straight for the camera. Sing praise to the Lord for His glorious achievements.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

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

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:23-29 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Resp Ps 113; Jn 15:9-17

Above the heavens is His glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

You, Lord, know the hearts of all.

(Acts 1:24)

On this Feast of Saint Matthias, we find ourselves back in Chapter 1 of the Acts of the Apostles, where one of the first tasks at hand for the Apostles is to find a successor for poor Judas. This was not without first devoting themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers (Acts 1:14). First things first. There is a job description for the successor, namely, that it was necessary that he accompanied the Eleven the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among them, from the baptism of John on, up to and including witnessing to the Lord's resurrection (Acts 1:22). They proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, also known as Justus, and Matthias (Acts 1:23). They prayed, cast lots, and left the decision to the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:24). As it should be. Would be so trustworthy and turn matters over to the Holy Spirit. Not my will, but yours be done (Lk 22:42). We ask for the grace we need to keep Jesus' commandments: If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments (Jn 15:10).

Being a follower of Christ means becoming conformed to Him who became a servant even to giving Himself on the Cross. Christ dwells by faith in the heart of the believer, and thus the disciple is conformed to the Lord. This is the effect of grace, of the active presence of the Holy Spirit in us.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, Veritatis splendor Splendor of Truth, 21)

Not to accept everything, but to understand everything; not to approve of everything, but to forgive everything; not to adopt everything, but to search for the grain of truth that is contained in everything.

To repulse no idea and no good will, however awkward or feeble.

To love souls as Jesus Christ loved them, unto suffering, unto death.

(E. Leseur, The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, p. 156)

SAINT MATTHIAS, 

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From dear Maddy on foot from the Columbia River Gorge to Rowena Crest, in the Beaver State of Oregon. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022