Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart

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

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week:  Ch 23 Excommunication for Faults- Ch 29 Readmission of Brothers Who Leave the Monastery

Sing praise to the Lord, you His faithful ones.

HEART OF JESUS, DELIGHT OF ALL THE SAINTS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, PEACE AND TENDERNESS OF HEARTS,

SAVE US.

VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

God did not make death,

nor does He rejoice in the destruction of the living.

(Wisdom 1:13)

Welcome to the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary, a week that begins with the end of the month of June dedicated to the Sacred Heart and gets going on Monday with the beginning of July dedicated to the Precious Blood of Our Lord. And not only that, we commemorate Saint Thomas the Apostle to warm us up for the celebration of our country's national holiday - July 4th, Independence Day! We have plenty of saints to commemorate and will include our "wholly American" Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. My country, 'Tis of Thee ...

There are two things that come from reflection on this Sunday's readings. First, there is living; second is faith. God is not God of the dead, but of the living (Luke 20:38). Jairus, the synagogue official whose daughter was at the point of death, fell at the feet of Jesus and pleaded earnestly with Him to come and lay hands on his daughter so that she would get well and live (see Mark 5:22-23). Then there is the woman afflicted with hemorrhages for 12 years. 12 long years of bleeding and not getting any help from doctors who only made her suffering worse. It seems to me that she was fed up and instead of dying, the woman was determined to live. So, she fought the crowd and went to Jesus, the God of the living, and simply touched His clothes. Immediately the woman was healed (see Mark 5:25-29). Both Jairus and the woman had courage. They found strength in the Lord to go straight to Jesus. Yes, they believed; they had faith in the Healer. It was a simple faith, uncomplicated. Faith. Jesus is speaking to you, to me: Daughter, your faith has saved you (Mark 5:34). Do not be afraid; just have faith (Mark 5:36). The woman went in peace; the synagogue official's 12-year-old daughter arose and walked around. All of them lived. God is not God of the dead but of the living, for to Him all are alive. This may be a week to first chose living over dying. Be alive. Pray for courage and a greater faith. Go to Jesus. Straight to Jesus with your needs. And if you haven't read Fredrik Bachman's A Man Called Otto and then seen the very well-done film starring Tom Hanks, consider it. Otto too, decided to live. Enough was enough. I believe, help my unbelief.

Now with our voices for the week. They are a cascade of sorts ...

The disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other disciples. As he touches Christ and is won over to belief, every doubt is cast aside and our faith is strengthened. So the disciple who doubted, then felt Christ's wounds, becomes a witness to the reality of the resurrection ... The true believer practices what he believes. But of those who pay only lip service to faith, Paul has this to say: 'They profess to know God, but they deny him in their works.' Therefore James says: 'Faith without works is dead.'

(From a homily on the Gospels by Saint Gregory the Great, pope, in Office of Readings, July 3)

What the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness of people enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and true life, life without end.

(Pope Benedict XVI, Porta Fidei, 15)

Embracing the words of Pope Benedict XVI, then, we turn to the Second Letter to Timothy:

Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient of inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

(2 Timothy 4:2)

God does not discriminate against anyone because He loves everyone.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, June 30, 2024)

Happy the person who at each gift of grace returns to God in whom is the fullness of grace ... For the only thing that hinders us from advancement in the spiritual life is our ingratitude.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux "Doctor Mellifluous", 1090-1153)

Now with a fitting introduction to our last voice: "Let us join our praise to the praise of all creation as we rejoice in the One who is the God of the living."*

By virtue of being created, of being held in existence by the loving power of the Creator Spirit, all beings give glory to God simply by being themselves.

(Elizabeth Johnson, in Ask the Beasts: Darwin and the God of Love)

As we go forth this week, united in faith and prayer, we go with the motto of Saint Junipero Serra: siempre adelante, always go forward. And Jesus will help us as He said: Do not be afraid; just have faith. At the same time, as we reflect on living and faith this week, we turn to the woman healed from her suffering. She went in peace. May we too go in peace this week for as Saint Peter Chyrsologus preached: 

Peace is the mother of love, the bond of concord and the manifest sign of a pure soul, one which seeks to please God, which seeks to be fulfilled and has it desire rewarded ... We must keep peace before all other virtues, since God is always in peace. Love peace, and all the world will be tranquil and quiet. By doing so you store up rewards for me, and joy for yourselves, that the Church of God may be founded on the bond of peace and may cling to perfect observance in Christ.

(From a sermon attributed to Peter Chrysologus, bishop, 380-450, in Office of Readings, July 13, commemoration of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, 1271-1336)

THE FIRST MARTYRS OF THE SEE OF ROME,

SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT,

BLESSED NAZJU FALZON,

SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA, APOSTLE OF CALIFORNIA, THE FATHER OF CALIFORNIA MISSIONS,

SAINT OTTO, BISHOP OF BAMBERG, APOSTLE OF THE POMERANIANS, FATHER OF THE MONKS,

SAINT THOMAS, APOSTLE,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINT ANTHONY MARY ZACCARIA,

SAINT MODWEN,

BLESSED GEORGE NICHOLS, RICHARD YAXLEY, THOMAS BELSON, HUMPHREY PRITCHARD,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL,

BLESSED JOHN CORNELIUS,

BLESSED MARIA CROCIFISSA CURCIO,

BLESSED PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI,

SAINT MARIA GORETTI, VIRGIN, MARTYR,

PRAY FOR US.

*Magnificat, July 30, 2024, Intercessions, p. 418.

Today's photo: A favorite color of mine. Dew and rain, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever. 

© 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

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

Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saints: Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, The Nagasaki Martyrs (1564/6-1597); Saints Gonsalo Garcia, Peter Baptista and Companions (-1597)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:56-58 Humility

Mass: Gn 1:1-19; Resp Ps 104; Mk 6:53-56  

Evening came, and morning followed - the first day.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

THE HOLY FAMILY, IMAGE OF THE BLESSED TRINITY HERE ON EARTH,

PRAY FOR US.

Let there be light ...

God saw how good it was.

(Gn 1:3, 18)

Welcome to Monday in this month of the Holy Family. Like the people in today's Gospel, we may scurry about. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ, though; He is in your town and mine too. Do you recognize Him? Reach out to touch Him, even if only the tassel on His cloak. As many as touched it were healed (Mk 6:56).

We are honored to commemorate the Nagasaki Martyrs this day and hear from an account of their martyrdom:

Our brother, Paul Miki, saw himself standing now in the noblest pulpit he had ever filled. To his "congregation" he began by proclaiming himself a Japanese and a Jesuit. He was dying for the Gospel he preached. He gave thanks to God for this wonderful blessing and he ended his "sermon" with these words: "As I come to this supreme moment in my life, I am sure none of you would suppose I want to deceive you. And so I tell you plainly: there is no way to be saved except the Christian way. My religion teaches me to pardon my enemies and all who have offended me. I do gladly pardon the Emperor and all who have sought my death. I beg them to seek baptism and be Christians themselves.

(From an account of the martyrdom of Saint Paul Miki and his companions, by a contemporary writer, in Office of Readings, February 6)

United in the same faith and in prayer, may we pardon our enemies and all who have offended us. May we live the faith with the same courage of so many who have gone before us. Keep going.

SAINTS PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS,

SAINTS GONSALO GARCIA, PETER BAPTISTA AND COMPANIONS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome to the First Story of Creation as proclaimed this week, literally as seen early this morning. Robed in light as with a cloak. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

In other years: Saint Agatha (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:55 Humility

Mass: Is 58:7-10; Resp Ps 112; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16

Light shines through the darkness for the upright.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, CALLED THE "HOLY FAMILY" FROM ALL TIME,

PRAY FOR US.

That your faith might not rest on human wisdom but on the power of God.

(1 Cor 2:5)

Benvenuto, Papa Francesco. The Holy Father is back in Rome after his six-day Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Mary, Solus Populi Romani, pray for us. Help us this day and throughout this week to let our lights shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our heavenly Father. After all, we are the salt of the earth, we are about being courageous witnesses of the faith to all those we meet. And it is wonderful what a little kindness extended to another will do. It can certainly cure what ails you. Reach out to someone today. United in faith and prayer, we go forth and proclaim: Out with the dark and in with the Light! Thank you for being there, faithful readers. Jesus loves you!

We invoke Saint Agatha, patron saint of rape victims, breast cancer, wet nurses, and martyrs.

Agatha, her goodness coincides with her name and way of life. She won a good name by her noble deeds, and by her name she points to the nobility of her deeds. Agatha, her mere name wins all men over to her company. She teaches them by her example to hasten with her to the true Good, God alone.

(From a homily on Saint Agatha by Saint Methodius of Sicily, bishop, in Office of Readings, February 5)

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:

with ... Felicity, Perpetua,

Agatha, Lucy,

Agnes, Cecilia, Anastastia

and all your Saints;

admit us, we beseech you,

into their company,

not weighing our merits

but granting us your pardon,

through Christ our Lord.

(Roman Canon, Eucharistic Prayer I)

SAINT AGATHA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Sunday needs white flowers; these sent by my dear cousin in Windsor. He is gracious and merciful and just.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr

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

Other Saint: Pope Saint Dionysius (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Resp Ps 31; Mt 10:17-22

You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Lord, do not hold this sin against them.

(Acts 7:60)

Merry Christmas and welcome to the Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr. What came last night was that if someone like Saul of Tarsus, who not only consented to the stoning death of Saint Stephen, spent a considerable amount of time trying to destroy the church by entering house after house and dragging out men and women and handing them over to imprisonment (Acts 8:1-3), not gently and politely I imagine, can be converted and become Saint Paul the Apostle, there is hope for all of us. Thank God for people like Saint Stephen, with the courage and strength to go before us and suffer persecution and death, without holding grudges mind you, to pull us along. I include a little prayer sent by a relative who considers it an honor and an occasion of great joy to celebrate her birthday on this glorious Feast: "May Saint Stephen share with all of us his sacrificial strength, so that, when we are called to suffer, we will be able to follow in his footsteps." Amen.

HE ASKED FOR CHARITY

(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226)

God came to my house and asked for charity.

And I fell on my knees and

cried, "Beloved,

what may I 

give?"

"Just love," He said,

"Just love."

Love, indeed, is the source of all good things; it is an impregnable defense, and the way that leads to heaven. He who walks in love can neither go astray not be afraid: love guides him, protects him, and brings him to his journey's end.

Christ made love the stairway that would enable all Christians to climb to heaven. Hold fast to it, therefore, in all sincerity, give one another practical proof of it, and by your progress in it, make your ascent together.

(From a sermon by Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe, bishop, in Office of Readings, December 26)

SAINT STEPHEN,

POPE SAINT DIONYSIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I have been wanting to include this, a little find of last week. Somehow it fits for today as I find myself asking our Lord to let His face shine upon me and save me in His kindness. You are my rock and my fortress. Jesus, strength of martyrs, have mercy on us.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

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

Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saint: Saint Otteran (d. 548); Saint Frumentius, Patron Saint of Ethiopia (d. 380)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 20 Reverence in Prayer

Mass: Eph 6:10-20; Resp Ps 144; Lk 13:31-35

Blessed be the Lord, my rock!

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Draw your strength from the Lord and from His mighty power.

(Eph 6:10)

I had the privilege of proclaiming the First Reading at Mass this morning, more from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians, a letter packed full of good news. As far as I am concerned, this morning's reading is awesome. How true it is that we need all the strength the Lord can give us. It is to the Lord that we turn then and put on His armor so that we may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil (see Eph 6:13). United in faith and prayer, we must resist and hold our ground. And we have more cause to continue to invoke Saint Michael the Archangel, each and every day. Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war. My mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer.

With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.

(Eph 6:18)

SAINT OTTERAN,

SAINT FRUMENTIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: What about our saint of the day, Saint Otteran. He was abbot of Meath and later came to Iona, where he died and was buried. Is that Iona, you say? Well, it just so happens that the rock you see here is from the island of Iona. It's true folks. It came all the way from Iona and I have had it since 2015. From Iona to Redwoods and everywhere in between. This is one well-traveled rock.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saints: Saint John of Bridlington (1319-1379); Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, Priest, and Saint Pedro Calungsod (-1672); Blessed Karl of Austria (1887-1922)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 17 The Number of Psalms to Be Sung at These Hours

Mass: Eph 4:1-6; Resp Ps 24; Lk 12:54-59

The Lord's are the earth and its fullness.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

(Eph 4:1-3)

Take note. The first reading at Mass is one sentence. Go, Saint Paul, go! United, we are one Body and one Spirit, also called to the one hope of our call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (see Eph 4:4-6). Another sentence, not included today, is this: "But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift; (Eph 4:7). Let your light shine then, so the Light shines. Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong (1 Cor 16:13). 

A peaceful spirit with oneself and with others is one of the greatest gifts of God. Follow that spirit and all his inspirations: he will work wonders in your neighbor and yourself.

(Jean-Pierre de Caussade, d. 1751, in Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence)

SAINT JOHN OF BRIDLINGTON, 

BLESSED DIEGO LUIS DE SAN VITORES,

SAINT PEDRO CALUNGSOD,

BLESSED KARL OF AUSTRIA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The world and those who dwell in it.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

Saints: Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, and their Companions (aka North American Martyrs, Canadian Martyrs, Jesuit Martyrs of North America, and Martyrs of France), (17the century); Saint Philip Howard (1557-1595); Saint Frideswide (-735); Saint Peter of Alcantara (-1562)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 15 The Times for Saying Alleluia

Mass: Eph 3:2-12; Resp Ps (Is 12); Lk 12:39-48

I am confident and unafraid.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

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)

It may not be that we suffer martyrdom in the way the North American Martyrs did, but we are to imitate their firm and solid faith, self-sacrifice, courage, delight and joy in the face of the little and not so little things that come our way each and every day. Saints John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues and their companions were certainly faithful and prudent stewards; may they help us be the same. We can remember too something Isaac Jogues said: "What is suffered is known only to One for whose love and whose cause it is pleasing and glorious to suffer." God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and He has been by savior ... Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim His name.

For two days now I have experienced a great desire to be a martyr and to endure all the torments martyrs suffered. 

Jesus, my Lord and Savior, what can I give you in return for all the favors you have first conferred on me? ...

in truth I vow to you, Jesus my Savior, that as far as I have the strength I will never fail to accept the grace of martyrdom, if some day in your infinite mercy should offer it to me, your most unworthy servant.

I bind myself in this way so that for the rest of my life I will have neither permission nor freedom to refuse opportunities of dying and shedding my blood for you, unless at a particular juncture I should consider it more suitable to act otherwise at the time. Furthermore, I bind myself to this so that, on receiving the blow of death, I shall accept it from your hands with the fullest delight and joy of spirit. For this reason, my beloved Jesus, and because of the surging joy which moves me, here and now I offer my blood and body and live. May I die only for you, if you will grant me this grace, since you willingly died for me.

(From the spiritual diaries by Saint John de Brebeuf, priest and martyr, 

in Office of Readings, October 19)

SAINTS JOHN DE BREBEUF AND ISAAC JOGUES AND THEIR COMPANIONS,

SAINT PHILIP HOWARD, 

SAINT FRIDESWIDE,

SAINT PETER OF ALCANTARA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Proclaim how exalted is His name.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month: Respect Life Sunday*

In other years: The Holy Guardian Angels 

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4; Resp Ps 95; 2 Tim 1:6-8, 13-14; Lk 17:5-10

Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

PRAY FOR US.

The just one, because of his faith, shall live.

(Habakkuk 2:4)

Welcome to Sunday, faithful readers. We could just keep three small words in our minds and hearts, and on our lips this day: Increase our faith (Lk 17:5). All it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed to uproot mulberry trees and plant them in the sea (Lk 17:6). Expect the unexpected then. I believe, help my unbelief. 

United in faith and prayer, we go forth, with courage, "for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord ... bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God" (2 Tim 1:7-8). For, as Saint Benedict includes in the fourth step of humility, Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved (Mt 10:22), and again, Be brave of heart and rely on the Lord (Ps 27:14)" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:36). Ask your guardian angel to help you, "the angels are here; they are at your side, they are with you, present on your behalf. They are here to protect you and to serve you. But even if it is God who has given them this charge, we must nonetheless be grateful to them for the great love with which they obey and come to help us in our need ...we have only to follow them, stay close to them, and we shall dwell under the protection of God's heaven" (From a sermon by Saint Bernard, abbot, in Office of Readings, October 2). Amen.

How beautiful faith is! ... When it seems that a dark veil has been lowered over your eyes, we can know without a doubt that God is on the other side of it ... What does it matter if we can see Him or not? What matters is knowing that He is there. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.

(Rafael Arnaiz in The Collected Works: Saint Rafael Arnaiz, pp. 150-151)

HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops remind us that "every October, we consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death" (www.usccb.org). This year we focus on Saint Joseph, defender of life. We pray to Saint Joseph then and invoke him every day this month. 

Today's photo: Come, let us bow down in worship.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint: Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:10-18 Humility

Mass: Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23; Resp Ps 88; Lk 9:51-56

Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, REMEDY IN PERPLEXITY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

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

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Jesus resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.

(Lk 9:51)

It may be that we are going to have days like what Job experienced. We grumble, speak ill of our situation, I have no peace nor ease; I have no rest, for trouble comes! (Job 3:26). We must keep on though. Jesus didn't turn back; we follow Him. And as Saint Vincent de Paul said, "What was the life of Christ but a perpetual humiliation?" We continue our journey (Lk 9:56), with faith and courage, united in prayer.

We should be simple in our affections, intentions, actions and words; we should do what we find to do without artifice or guile.

(Saint Vincent de Paul)

Let us love God, but with the strength of our arms, in the sweat of our brow.

(Saint Vincent de Paul)

Extend mercy toward others, so that there is no one need whom we meet without helping. For what hope is there for us if God should withdraw His mercy from us?

(Saint Vincent de Paul)

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is fascinating. A little different look than we had on the Feast of Saint Matthew. Incline your ear to my call for help.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years: Saint Edith of Kemsing (961-984); Saint Stanislaw Kostka (1550-1568)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:1-21 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Amos 8:4-7; Resp Ps 113; 1 Tim 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13

Above the heavens is His glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Since ...

No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.

(Lk 16:13)

then, 

First of all, love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:1-2)

and we go from there.

Bouna domenica! And it's one of those Sundays when many things work together, primarily in the Word as spoken in the Gospel, in wisdom from Saint Benedict, and in what others have to say it about it all, including you. 😊 God is praised!

It is about making choices. We have been given the gift of reason; let us not waste it. May we be faithful in little matters, and faithful in bigger matters too, as a wise and prudent steward would. If what we encounter day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute, leads us to love and serve God, and to love and serve our neighbors as ourselves, then let us choose to go there. If our encounters detract from this love and service, we must choose to avoid them. In all things, may God be glorified (1 Pet 4:11/RB 57:9). Coraggio, dear faithful readers. United in faith and prayer, we pick our crosses, "go against the tide," and follow Him.

And from Pope Benedict XVI, during a 2007 Pastoral Visit to the Suburbicarian Diocese of Velletri-Segni, Italy: 

If loving Christ and one's brethren is not to be considered as something incidental and superficial but, rather, the true and ultimate purpose of our whole existence, it will be necessary to know how to make basic choices, to be prepared to make radical renouncements, if necessary, even to the point of martyrdom. Today, as yesterday, Christian life demands the courage to go against the tide, to love like Jesus, who even went so far as to sacrifice Himself on the Cross.

(Pope Benedict XVI, September 23, 2007, Eucharistic Concelebration, Holy Mass, Homily, Saint Clement's Square, Velletri, Italy)

And from Pope Francis, in today's Angelus Address, delivered to the pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square:

We are called to be creative in doing good with the prudence and cleverness of the Gospel, using the goods of this world, not only the material but all the gifts we have received from the Lord, not to enrich ourselves, but to generate fraternal love and social fellowship ... Let us pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary so that she may help us be like herself poor in spirit and rich in works of charity for one another.

(Pope Francis, Sunday Angelus, Saint Peter's Square, Rome, September 18, 2022)

SAINT EDITH KEMSING,

SAINT STANISLAW KOSTKA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Seeing some blue sky with a smattering of clouds yesterday morning, I thought it was time to share some of this beauty with a friendly reminder: "Don't forget to look up!" And speaking of looking up, it rained during the night, and it continues to rain this morning. High above the nations is the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: The First Martyrs of the of the Holy Roman Church

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 23 Excommunication for Faults

Mass: Amos 7:10-17; Resp Ps 19; Mt 9:1-8

Giving wisdom to the simple.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Let your "Yes" mean "Yes," and your "No" mean "No."

Anything more is from the evil one.

(Mt 5:37)

Welcome to the last day of the month of June dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. And on this day we commemorate our first martyrs who gave their lives for the faith. Heart of Jesus, strength of martyrs, have mercy on us.

When things get rough today, look to Jesus in today's Gospel: Courage, child .... Rise and walk (Mt 9:2,5). Yes, our sins are forgiven. United in faith and prayer, we go forth. 

Let us put aside empty vain cares, and let us come to the glorious and venerable rule of our tradition, and let us see what is good and pleasing and acceptable in the sight of our Maker. Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ, and let us know that it is precious to His Father because it was poured out for our salvation and it brought the grace of repentance to all the world.

(From a letter of Pope Saint Clement I to the Corinthians, in Office of Readings, June 29)

THE FIRST MARTYRS OF THE HOLY ROMAN CHURCH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Zucchini in Indiana, courgettes elsewhere. Refreshing the soul wherever you find yourself.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop, Doctor (370-444); Saint John Southworth (1592?-1654); Our Lady of Perpetual Succour; Blessed Nykyta Budka (1877-1949); Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky (1903-1973)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 20 Reverence in Prayer

Mass:  Amos 2:6-10; Resp Ps 50; Mt 8:18-22

Consider this, you who forget God.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

This is the way; walk in it.

(Isaiah 30:21)

Welcome to Monday, our favorite day of the week. Since we have several saints to intercede for us today, we pray, Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints, have mercy on us.

Yesterday we had a voice in the crowd boldly telling Jesus, "I will follow you wherever you go" (Lk 9:57). Today, a scribe approaches Jesus and declares: "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go" (Mt 8:19). Are you ready to follow Our Lord too? Or on this Monday, perhaps our "Yes", needs another "Yes." United in faith and prayer and mutually supportive, we listen to Jesus then: Follow me, and let the dead bury the dead (8:22). We go forth, with no turning back.

Never say to God: "Enough"; simply say, "I am ready."

(Blessed Sebastian Valfre, 1629-1710)

SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINT JOHN SOUTHWORTH,

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR,

BLESSED MYKYTA BUDKA,

BLESSED VASYL VELYCHKOVSKY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me.

© Gertrude Feick 2022