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

Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Saint: Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr (-304)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:63-78 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Resp Ps 47; Mk 3:20-21   

For king of all the earth is God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, GIVER OF ALL GOOD GIFTS,

PRAY FOR US.

Cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.

(Heb 9:14)

As followers, first and foremost, of Jesus, the Son of God, then of those who followed Him like Saint Agnes, the many other early Christian martyrs, Saint Benedict, and "all the saints who from their labors rest," we live by God's commandments every day; treasure chastity, harbor neither hatred nor jealously of anyone, and do nothing out of envy. We do not love quarreling, we shun arrogance, respect our elders and love the young. We pray for our enemies out of love for Christ, and if we have a dispute with someone, we make peace with her before the sun goes down. And finally, we never lose hope in God mercy (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:63-74). If others say about us, "they are out of their minds," so be it (see Mk 3:21). We go forth, united in faith and prayer. Thank you for being there faithful readers. 

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, Anastasia ...

(Eucharistic Prayer I, the Roman Canon)

SAINT AGNES,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Just before I entered the front door of the monastery yesterday afternoon, I looked up. The response of a friend to this was right on: “WOW! Stunning.”

© 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

Saturday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

First Saturday of the Month

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Domninus, Teothimus and Companions, Martyrs (3rd-4th century); Blessed Frances d'Amboise (1427-1485); Blessed Bernard Lichtenberg, Priest and Martyr (1875-1943)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 29 Readmission of Brothers Who Leave the Monastery

Mass: Ph 4:10-19; Resp Ps 112; Lk 16:9-15

The upright generation shall be blessed.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, HELP OF ALL CHRISTIANS,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

PRAY FOR US.

I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me.

(Ph 4:13)

What is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.

(Lk 16:15)

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month. We have more saints to commemorate and also dedicate the day to Our Blessed Mother. With Jesus, His Mother Mary, and all the saints in glory, we are good to go.

May your poor heart encounter in the Most Blessed Virgin Mary the tenderness of a mother, of a sister-that is what really matters. May you speak to Her with total honesty; talk of Her divine Son; ask Her for anything; and have confidence in Her. Then you'll see, things will go well for you ...

with God, I can do all things, and with Mary's help, I can do even more ... You'll see how, with those two things, and without relying on ourselves for anything at all, we'll become saints ...

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz in a November 27, 1935, letter to his Aunt Maria Osorio)

SAINTS DOMNINUS, THEOTHIMUS AND COMPANIONS,

BLESSED FRANCES D'AMBROISE,

BLESSED BERNARD LICHTENBERG,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A rose for Our Lady. Mary, comfort of all those who mourn, pray for us.

© 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

Wednesday of the Twenty-Six Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Wenceslaus of Bohemia, King, Martyr (907-935); Saint Lawrence Ruiz and his Companions, Martyrs (17th century); Saint Lioba (c.710-782)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:19-23 Humility

Mass: Job 9:1-12, 14-16: Resp Ps 88; Lk 9:57-62

Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MEDICINE OF THE SICK,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

And in the Prayer too we ask God that His will be done in us.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:20)

Dear faithful readers, united in faith and prayer, we set a hand to the plow and do not look to what was left behind (Lk 9:62). No excuses. Fit for the Kingdom of God, we follow Him wherever He goes. No matter what.

The souls of the Saints are rejoicing in heaven, the Saints who followed the footsteps of Christ, and since for the love of Him they shed their blood, they now exult with Christ for ever.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

SAINT WENCESLAUS,

SAINT LAWRENCE RUIZ AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT LIOBA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: To you I stretch out my hands.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and their Companions, Korean Martyrs (18th-19th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:44-62 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13; Resp Ps 119; Lk 8:19-21

I will meditate on Your wondrous deeds.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

It is the Lord who proves hearts.

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

(Pr 21:2-3)

We are inspired by the Korean martyrs and the witness given to us through their faith and courage. Nothing is new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9); we face many of the same oppositions today, wherever we are, that they did. We must also be strong and courageous. Yes, thanks be to God we have come into this world. We have work to do. United in faith and prayer, brothers and sisters of Jesus, we listen to the word of God and act on it (Lk 8:21). Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father, says the Lord (Mt 10:32-33).

My brethren and dear friends, think about this time and reflect on it; from the beginning of time God has ordered the heavens, the earth, and all things. Consider the creation of man in this light and reflect on why He has created man, in His image and likeness: why and with what purpose.

If, then, placed as we are in this world full of danger and misery, we do not know the Lord our creator, what is the point in having been born? Our life is pointless. Thanks be to God we have come into this world. Also thanks be to God, we have received baptism, we have entered the Church, and we have received the glorious name of disciples of the Lord.

(From the final exhortation of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, priest and martyr, in Office of Readings, September 20)

SAINTS ANDREW KIM TAEGON, PAUL CHONG HASANG, AND THEIR COMPANIONS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For today's Korean martyrs. I will keep your law continually.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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

Saints: Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs (-304); Saints Pothinus and Blandina, Martyrs (2nd century)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Resp Ps 16; Jn 17:20-26 

I bless the Lord who counsels me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they may also be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.

(Jn 17:20-21)

United in faith and prayer, may we, through word and deed, bring others to the faith. Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. At the same time, our faith demands suffering, as we are reminded by the martyrs we commemorate these days. To be a disciple of Jesus, one with the Father, we must pick up our cross and follow Him. Immersed as we are in Saint Benedict's Chapter 7 on humility, we are brought to the fourth step of humility that begins in this way: "The fourth step of humility is that in this obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions, [the disciple's] heart quietly embraces suffering and endures it without weakening or seeking escape. For Scripture has it: Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved (Mt 10:22), and again, Be brave of heart and rely on the Lord (Ps 26[27]:14) (RB 7:35-37). The fourth step of humility is worth reading in its entirety. You may find it relevant and helpful. By the grace of God we go forth, brave of heart. 

Now is the time for Christians to rejoice, since Scripture says that we should rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering trains us to endure faith with patience, patient endurance makes us pleasing to God. and being pleasing to God gives us ground for a hope that will not be disappointed. Only let the love of God be poured forth into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

(From the exhortation to Martyrdom by Origen, priest, in Office of Readings, June 2)

SAINTS MARCELLINUS AND PETER,

SAINTS POTHINUS AND BLANDINA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The delights at your right hand forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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

Saint: Saint Justin, Martyr (-165)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:34 Humility

Mass:  Acts 20:28-38; Resp Ps 68; Jn 17:11b-19

Show forth, O God, your power,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.

And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.

(Jn 17:17-19)

Today, we are reminded by Saint Paul to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Then Paul knelt down and prayed (Acts 20:36). United in faith and prayer, we take note and follow suit.

JESUS, STRENGTH OF MARTYRS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

SAINT JUSTIN MARTYR,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Adorned in martyr red, this one is outside our church and is presented here to honor the martyrs we commemorate these days. He became obedient even to death (Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:34/Ph 2:8).

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

Saints: Saint Christopher Magallanes and his Companions, Martyrs (early 20th century); Blessed Eugene de Mazenod (1782-1861)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:44-62 The Tools for Good Works

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

Serve the Lord with gladness.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Yearn for everlasting life with holy desire.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:46)

We wrap up this week with the ten newly formally canonized saints and plenty of others too, to intercede for us. We are blessed today to commemorate Christopher Magallenes and 24 other Mexican martyrs of the early 20th century, along with the founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, also known as the OMIs, French born Eugene de Mazenod. God is praised. At the same time, we continue to be immersed in Saint Benedict's chapter on the tools for good works. Among other tools to put to use today include "guard your lips from harmful or deceptive speech; prefer moderation in speech and speak no foolish chatter, nothing just to provoke laughter; do not love immoderate or boisterous laughter" (RB 4:51-54). Indeed, our way of acting should be different from the world's way (RB 4:20), as Jesus tells us today: If they persecuted me, they will persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me (Jn 15:20-21). United in faith and prayer, we keep going, no matter what. Jesus understands. Mary, help of Christians, pray for us.

Why search so hard for a heart that understands us and voice that knows how to speak to us of God and the soul, when the Heart of Christ is open to us and no one in the world knows how to love us and understand us as He does?

(E. Leseur, The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, p. 171)

Our thoughts in this present life should turn on the praise of God, because it is in praising God that we shall rejoice for ever in the life to come; and no one can be ready for the next life unless he trains himself for it now. So we praise God during our earthly life, and at the same time we make our petitions to Him ... 

We urge you to praise God. That is what we are telling each other when we say Alleluia. You say to your neighbor, "Praise the Lord!" and he says the same to you. We are all urging one another to praise the Lord, and all thereby doing what each of us urges the other to do. But see that your praise comes from your whole being; in other words, see that you praise God not with your lips and voices alone, but with your minds, your lives and all your actions.

(From a discourse on the psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, Fifth Week of Easter, Saturday)

SAINT CHRISTOPHER MAGALLANES AND HIS COMPANIONS,

BLESSED EUGENE DE MAZENOD,

SERVANT OF GOD ELISABETH LESEUR,

SAINT TITUS BRANDSMA,

SAINT MARIE RIVIER,

SAINT CAROLINA SANTOCANALE,

SAINT CHARLES DE FOUCAULD,

SAINT DEVASAHAYAM PILLAI,

SAINT CESAR DE BUS,

SAINT LUIGI MARIA PALAZZOLA,

SAINT JUSTIN RUSSOLILLO,

SAINT ANNA MARIA RUBATTO,

SAINT MARIA DOMENICA MANTOVANI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From Moni in Veringendorf, Germany. The Lord is good.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

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

Saints: Saint Peter Chanel, Martyr (1803-1841); Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716); Blessed Maria Guggiari Echeverria (1925-1959)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 70 The Presumption of Striking Another Monk at Will 

Mass: Acts 5:27-33; Resp Ps 34; Jn 3:31-36

His praise shall be ever in my mouth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

In today's account from the Acts of the Apostles, the Sanhedrin has had just about enough from Peter and the Apostles. They just would not stop teaching in the name of Jesus. So fed up, the Sanhedrin became infuriated and wanted to put Peter and the Apostles to death. Saint Peter Chanel faced many of the same challenges. However, opposition didn't stop Peter and the Apostles and it didn't stop Saint Peter Chanel, who preached the name of Christ to the people on the island of Futuna in the Pacific Ocean. As related in a eulogy of Saint Peter Chanel, "he could never refuse anything to the Futunians, even to those who persecuted him; he always made excuses for them and never rejected them, even though they were often rude and troublesome. He displayed an unparalleled mildness towards everyone on all occasions without exception" (in Office of Readings, April 28). Eventually martyred, Peter Chanel's witness and work could not be destroyed. "One the day before his martyrdom he had said: "It does not matter if I die. Christ's religion is so deeply rooted on this island that it cannot be destroyed by my death'." And furthermore, "the blood of this martyr benefitted, in the first place, the natives of Futuna, for a few years later they were all converted to the faith of Christ. But it benefited as well the other islands of Oceania, where Christian churches, which claim Peter as their first martyr, are now flourishing." 

United in faith and prayer, we go forth. The harvest is rich but the laborers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers to His harvest (Responsory, Office of Readings).

And with a few words from another one of our saints of the day:

As all perfection consists in our being conformed, united and consecrated to Jesus it naturally follows that the most perfect of all devotions is that which conforms, unites, and consecrates us most completely to Jesus. Now of all God's creatures Mary is the most conformed to Jesus. It therefore follows, that, of all devotions, devotion to her makes for the most effective consecration and conformity to Him. The more one is consecrated to Mary, the more one is consecrated to Jesus ...

This devotion consists in giving oneself entirely to Mary in order to belong entirely to Jesus through her.

(From "On Devotion to the Virgin Mary," by Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort, in Office of Readings, April 28)

VIRGIN MOST RENOWNED,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT PETER CHANEL,

SAINT LOUIS GRIGNION DE MONTFORT,

BLESSED MARIA GUGGIARI ECHEVERRIA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This early morning shot comes from Carmichael, CA. Rise and shine and bring God your glory.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the First Week of Lent

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

Saints: Saint Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs (-203)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 30 The Manner of Reproving Boys

Mass: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Resp Ps 19; Mt 25:31-26

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy ...

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

(Lev 19:2, 18)

Welcome to Monday. United and prayer and faith, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia. Let us invoke the holy martyrs we commemorate today, and some others too, to help us as we strive for holiness. Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Mt 25:34). 

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, Anatasia

and all yours saints,

admit 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)]

"Stand firm in faith, love one another and do not be tempted to do anything wrong because of our sufferings" ...

Bravest and happiest martyrs! 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)

SAINTS PERPETUA AND FELICITY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I found these sweet, precious beauties, clothed in Lenten purple, in the kitchen garden, late yesterday afternoon. Flowers, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saint: Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr (-155)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:12-19 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: James 4:13-17; Resp Ps 49; Mk 9:38-40

Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

We commemorate early Christian martyr Saint Polycarp, who, "even before his martyrdom ... had received every mark of honor in tribute to his holiness of life." It is unlikely that we will suffer martyrdom in the way that Saint Polycarp did. Nevertheless, we have our daily trials and tribulations, the picking up of our crosses and carrying them so as to follow Jesus and be His disciples. May we do so with the faith, strength, courage, and resolve of Saint Polycarp. By the grace of God, we go about this day with the words of Saint James. Since "you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow", just say, "if the Lord wills it, we shall do this or that" (Jm 4:14-15). It is true what Esther De Waal writes: "Life must be lived in the present moment. The past is the past, I must let go; the future is unknown, the only reality lies in the present" (The White Stone: The Art of Letting Go, p. 37). United in faith and prayer, we keep going.

SAINT POLYCARP,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This came out nice. Taken yesterday morning around 8am. Ice and snow, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 70 The Presumption of Striking Another Monk at Will

Mass: 1 Jn 1:5-2:2; Resp Ps 124; Mt 2:13-18

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

GOD IS LIGHT, AND IN HIM THERE IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL.

(1 Jn 1:5)

Today is good day to pray for all children, especially those who suffer in any way from violence, neglect, abuse, and/or exploitation. At the same time, we acknowledge that there are elements of Herod in each one of us, as Saint John writes, "If we say, 'We are without sin,' we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 Jn 1:8). Saint Benedict too instructs us with his Tools for Good Works: "Harbor neither hatred nor jealousy of anyone, and do nothing out of envy" (RB 4:65-67). Dear Jesus, help us. If we acknowledge our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing (1 Jn 1:9).

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

ALL HOLY INNOCENTS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More from Moni in Germany.

© Gertrude Feick 2021