Second Sunday of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

In other years: Saint Kieren, Irish Monk and Bishop,  (5th-6th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 28 Those Who Refuse to Amend After Frequent Reproofs

Mass: Gn 12:1-4a; Resp Ps 33; 2 Tim 1:8b-10; Mt 17:1-9

Our soul waits for the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, MOST OBEDIENT,

PRAY FOR US.

Abram went as the Lord directed him

(Gn 12:4a)

Welcome to Transfiguration Sunday. We remember to pray for all those preparing to be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. May we support them in prayer and be courageous witnesses to the faith.

Thankfully, we have people like Abraham who have gone before us and are models of prayer and faith. The Church teaches us that "Abraham is a model of prayer because he walked in the presence of God, heard and obeyed Him." Furthermore, Abraham's "prayer was a battle of faith because he continued to believe in the fidelity of God even in times of trial."* May we do likewise. However, like Abraham we have to listen and obey. This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him (Mt 17:5).

"Thy will be done" - what a comfort and support those four little words are to my soul. I have repeated them until they are softened to the sweetest harmony.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

SAINT KIEREN,

PRAY FOR US.

* Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 536. See 2570-2573 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 

Today's photo: Who is our help and our shield.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: "Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit."

Year of Saint Joseph

In other years: Saint Anthony, Abbot (251-356)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 3:7-13

Mass: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Resp Ps 40; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42

I have waited, waited for the Lord, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.

I like the postures of the people in today's Gospel. First, there is John the Baptist "standing", firmly grounded in belief in the One who came after him. Grounded in faith, John watches Jesus walk by. "Behold," says John, "the Lamb of God." John's two disciples who were with John hear him and follow Jesus. Jesus turns and sees. The Lord questions the disciples. The Lord questions each one of us: What are you looking for? So, what is it you are looking for? If you aren't sure, listen to the voice of the Lord: Come, and you will see. 

It is fitting too that we remember Saint Anthony, "the celebrated Father of Monks". Anthony heard the voice of the Lord: If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor-you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me. And Anthony did just that. 

What, dear brothers and sisters, is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us? See how the Lord in His love shows us the way of life. Clothed then with faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see him who has called us to His kingdom.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 19-21)

May the Virgin Mary help us make our lives a hymn of praise to God in response to His call  and in the humble and joyful fulfillment of His will.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, January 17, 2021)

Today's photo: Thanks to dear TAF, a 7am look at Lake Tippecanoe, Leesburg, IN, January 13, 2021. Crosley Jayne, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2021