Monday of Holy Week

The Month of April Dedicated both to Devotion to the Eucharist and Devotion to the Holy Spirit

In other years: Pope Saint Sixtus I (42-c.128); Saint Irene of Rome, Martyr, Widow of the Martyr Saint Castulus (d. 288); Saint John, Bishop of Naples, aka the Peacemaker (d. 849); Saint Richard, Bishop of Chichester in England (1197-1253)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 52 The Oratory of the Monastery

Mass: Is 42:1-7; Resp Ps 27; Jn 12:1-11  

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAIINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, ONLY SON OF THE FATHER,

HOLY SPIRIT, THE COMFORTER,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

The passion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the hope of glory and a lesson in patience.

(Saint Augustine)

Welcome to Monday of Holy Week. A passage from the Letter to the Hebrews was brought to my attention yesterday as one to reflect upon this holy week. It happens that it is sandwiched nicely between today's patristic reading from the Office of Readings, one taken from a sermon by Saint Augustine. 

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before Him He endured the cross, despising its shame and has taken His seat at the right of the throne of God.

(Hebrews 12:1-2)*

The death of the Lord our God should not be a cause of shame for us; rather, it should be our greatest hope, our greatest glory. In taking upon Himself the death that He found in us, He has most faithfully promised to us life in Him, such as we cannot have of ourselves ...

Let us then fearlessly acknowledge, and evenly openly proclaim, that Christ was crucified for us; let us confess it, not in fear but in joy, not in shame but in glory.

(Saint Augustine)

United in faith and prayer then, we go forth and proclaim with Saint Paul: Let me not boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

POPE SAINT SIXTUS I,

SAINT IRENE,

SAINT CASTULUS,

SAINT JOHN THE PEACEMAKER,

SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER,

PRAY FOR US.

*All of Chapter 12 from the Letter to the Hebrews may prove helpful. 

Today's photo: It is difficult to tire of looking up. Be stouthearted, wait for the Lord.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Pope Saint Sixtus III (d.440); Saint Castor, Martyr of Tarso 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:1-9 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Nb 21:4-9; Resp Ps 102; Jn 8:21-30

O Lord, hear my prayer.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, FAITHFUL GUIDE,

PRAY FOR US.

But with their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses ...

(Nb 21:4-5)

Instead of complaining about what may come our way today, why not go this way: "Armed with God's justice and power, let us prove ourselves through patient endurance.* Amen.

That's what humility means-learning to accept disappointments and even defeat as God-sent, learning to persevere and carry on with peace of heart and confidence in God, secure in the knowledge that something worthwhile is being accomplished precisely because God's will is at work in our life and we are doing our best to accept and follow it ...

(Servant of God Walter J. Ciszek, S.J., from He Leadeth Me, in Magnificat, March 28, 2023, "Meditation of the Day," p. 414)

POPE SAINT SIXTUS III,

SAINT CASTOR, MARTYR OF TARSO,

PRAY FOR US.

*Liturgy of the Hours, Daytime Prayer, Midafternoon Antiphon.

Today's photo: This one seemed fitting for our Lenten journey. Patience, people ... Joshua Tree National Par,

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Saint: Saint Thomas Aquinas, OP, Priest, The Angelic Doctor; Patron of Catholic Schools (1225-1274)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Heb 11:1-2, 8-19; Resp Ps (Lk 1); Mk 4:35-41    

He has raised up for us a mighty savior.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY QUEEN OF ANGELS,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, WORD MADE FLESH,

I HAVE MERCY ON US.

God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal life.

(Gospel Acclamation, Mass)

As we commemorate the great Saint Thomas Aquinas, Doctor Angelicus, we look to him for our commentary. Saint Thomas Aquinas, please help us to carry our crosses and follow the example of God's only-begotten Son in love, patience, humility, obedience, and detachment from all things that do not lead us to Him. I believe, help my unbelief. We pray for all Dominicans today, friars, nuns and sisters alike, and especially for the students, teachers, and staff at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, all of them living and deceased. I spent several privileged years studying at the university, known as the Angelicum. And so did Pope Saint John Paul II! 

If you seek the example of love: Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends. Such a man was Christ on the cross. And if He gave His life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for His sake.

If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross ...

If you seek an example of humility, look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be judged by Pontius Pilate and to die.

If you seek an example of obedience, follow Him who became obedient to the Father unto death ...

If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow Him who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ...

Do not be attached, therefore, to clothing and riches, because they divided my garments among themselves. Nor to honors, for He experienced harsh words and scourgings. Not to greatness of rank, for weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head. Nor to anything delightful, for in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

(From a conference by Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest, in Office of Readings, January 28)

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I looked up yesterday afternoon and found this near the honey building where several of my favorite trees stand straight and tall. All the days of our life.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

In other years: Saint Marcellus (d. 300); The Blessed Martyrs of Winchester (16th century); Blessed Dominic Collins (1566-1602); Blessed Maria Teresa Tauscher (1855-1938)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 23 Excommunication for Faults 

Mass: Wisdom 11:22-12:2; Resp Ps 145; 2 Th 1:11-2:2; Lk 19:1-10

 I will extol You, O my God and my King.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, 

PRAY FOR US.

You have mercy on all, because you can do all things; 

and your overlook people's sins that they may repent.

(Wisdom 11:23)

The words proclaimed from the Book of Wisdom in our First Reading at Mass take me to the Prologue of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, where our holy father Benedict tells us that the Lord waits for us daily to translate into action, as we should, His holy teachings. Therefore our life span has been lengthened by way of a  truce, that we may amend our misdeeds. As the Apostle says: Do you know that the patience of God is leading you to repent? And indeed the Lord assures us in His love: I do not wish the death of a sinner, but that he turn back to me and live (see Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 35-38). How often our Lord turns a blind eye to our misdeeds, and those things that distance us from His love, and keep us from loving our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus even stays at the houses of sinners, those shorter in stature like Zacchaeus in today's Gospel (see Lk 19:1-10), and those not so short in stature too. I guess that means just about all of us, no matter our statures or status. Our Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in love and mercy. Thank you. 

Our prayer today, for one another, our loved ones, and those who are in need of prayers, can be with the words of Saint Paul: "We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Th 1:11-12). United in faith and prayer then, with the mercy of God, may we abandon our wickedness and believe in the Lord and lover of souls (see Wisdom 11:26; 12:2). 

SAINT MARCELLUS,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF WINCHESTER,

BLESSED DOMINIC COLLINS,

BLESSD MARIA TERESA TAUSCHER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Yesterday morning I was on the prowl for a Sunday rose and found this one, still with drops of dew. Every day I will bless You.

© 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

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years: Saint Deinoil (-584); Blessed Mary of Jesus (1560-1640)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:11-15 Qualities of the Abbot

Mass: Ex 32:7-11, 13-14; Resp Ps 51; 1 Tim 1:12-17; Lk 15:1-3

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, HELP OF THE NEEDY,

VIRGIN, MOST MERCIFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all His patience as an example for those who would come to believe in Him for everlasting last.

(1 Timothy 1:16)

Saint Paul's words to Timothy give us plenty to reflect upon. Jesus is forever patient with us and extends His mercy day in and day out. Saint Benedict puts it this way: "With this conclusion, the Lord waits for us daily to translate into action, as we should, His holy teachings. Therefore our life span has been lengthened by way of a truce, that we may amend our misdeeds. As the Apostle says: Do you know that the patience of God is leading you to repent? And indeed the Lord assures us in His love: I do not wish the death of a sinner, but that he turn back to me and live" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 35-38). United in faith and prayer, let us be an example for others and be patient and merciful, especially with those we find most difficult. And we pray for all those who have wandered from the fold, and for those who have not yet come to believe in Jesus for everlasting life. Turn to Mary, Mother of Mercy. She will help us.

Surely we'd go mad if we truly loved Mary. By honoring the Virgin, we will love Jesus more. By placing ourselves under Her mantle, we will understand divine mercy better. When we invoke Her name, it's as if everything becomes lighter. When we turn to Her as our intercessor, what will we not receive from Her Son, Jesus?

(Rafael Arnaiz in, The Collected Works: Saint Rafael Arnaiz, p. 584) 

SAINT DEINOIL,

BLESSED MARY OF JESUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I thought these might be nice for a Sunday. And of my sin cleanse me.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years: Pope Saint Pius X (1835-1914)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 64:7-24 The Election of an Abbot

Mass: Is 66:18-21; Resp Ps 117; Heb 12: 5-7, 11-13; Lk 13:22-30

Glorify Him, all you peoples!

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

HEART OF MARY, REFUGE OF SINNERS,

PRAY FOR US.

So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.

(Hebrews 12:12-13)

I read a line from a homily recently, preached by an Abbot at a monk's Solemn Profession. It's a simple line that speaks volumes: "We are transformed only by being limited." In a way, it is a commentary on Jesus' answer in today's Gospel, to a voice from the crowd who asked, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" (Lk 13:23). Jesus replied: Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough (Lk 13:24). No one said discipleship was going to be easy. Jesus certainly didn't. We are meant to pick up our cross and carry it. Jesus certainly picked up His and helps us to carry ours. The "road to glory", as dear Father Paschal, OSB, of happy memory aptly called it, is narrow. The Gospel way limits us in ways that we would have never expected. If we just take the first and greatest commandment, which also happens to be Saint Benedict's first tool of goods, namely, to love the Lord our God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and the second, to love your neighbor as yourself (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:1-2/Mt 22:37-39; Mk 12:30-31; Lk 10:27), we will be limited and busy at that. We put aside our needs and wants and look to God for strength, mercy, and compassion and then extend it to our neighbor, without exception. We "try to be the first to show respect to the other, supporting with greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body or behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another." Furthermore, "no one is to pursue what she judges better for herself, but instead, what she judges better for someone else" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 72:4-7). The good news is that we do this together, united in faith and prayer, and we will be transformed. The "Lord shows us the way of life" (RB Prologue 20). We look to the Lord, and "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" (RB Prologue 20-21). We go forth "and prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may He bring us all together to everlasting life" (RB 72:11-12).

Therefore we intend to establish a school for the Lord's service. In drawing up its regulations, we hope to set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome. The good of all concerned, however, may prompt us to a little strictness in order to amend faults and to safeguard love. Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. It is bound to be narrow at the outset. But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love. Never swerving from His instructions then, but faithfully observing His teaching in the monastery until death, we shall through patience share in the sufferings of Christ that we may deserve also to share in His kingdom. Amen.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 45-50)

POPE SAINT PIUS X,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I managed to get a few good shots Friday morning in our garden of delights. This one kicks us off and inspires us to go out to all the world and tell the good news.

© 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

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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

Saint: Blessed Bernard Scammacca OP (1430-1487)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 2:11-15 Qualities of the Abbot 

Mass: 1 Sm 1:9-20; Resp Ps (1 Sm 2); Mk 1:21-28 

I have swallowed up my enemies.

GOD THE FATHER OF HEAVEN,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

We read about dear Hannah in today's account from the First Book of Samuel. Hannah, a woman who trusted in the mercy of the Lord, humbly asking Him to remember her and not to forget her (1 Sm 1:11). Hannah, too, was a woman of prayer who remained long at prayer before the Lord (1 Sm 1:13). Whatever your worries, anxieties, or fears, take them to Jesus. He remembers you and will take you into His warm embrace. Be enfolded. Trust. Hope. Have patience. The Lord will provide. Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God (Is 40:1). 

Attend the pleas of your people with heavenly care, O Lord, we pray,

that they may see what must be done

and gain strength to do what they have seen.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity

of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

(Collect, Mass) 

BLESSED BERNARD SCAMMACCA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: It is not a good idea to bother a llama, especially when you find one guarding sheep or goats. This one has been waiting to say hello. It may be best to steer clear of him; he looks to be about his business. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 72 The Good Zeal of Monks

Mass: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Resp Ps 96; Lk 2:36-40

Give to the Lord glory and praise.

JESUS, OUR WAY AND OUR LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's first reading, from the First Letter of Saint John, John writes: "Do not love the world or the things of the world" (1 Jn 2:15). Saint Benedict echoes the same in the Holy Rule. In Chapter 2, "Qualities of the Abbot," Benedict counsels the leader of the monastic community that he "must not show too great concern for the fleeting and temporal things of this world" (RB 2:33). And a Tool for Good Works for the entire community to use, day in and day out, is to make their way of acting different from the world's way (RB 4:20). What are some ways, then, that all the faithful can abide by these teachings? We can look again to Saint Benedict, today presented in a most beautiful chapter, Chapter 72, "The Good Zeal of Monks." On this penultimate day of 2021, we read about good zeal for the third and final time this year. May we then, along with the Abbot, not neglect or treat lightly the welfare of anyone entrusted to us (RB 2:33) and remember at all times that the love of Christ must come before all else (RB 4:21). Yet the world and its enticements are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever (1 Jn 2:17)

CHAPTER 72. The Good Zeal of Monks

Just as there is a wicked zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from evil and leads to God and everlasting life. This, then, is the good zeal which monks must foster with fervent love: They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other, supporting with greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body or behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another. No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else. To their fellow monks they show the pure love of brothers; to God, loving fear; to their abbot, unfeigned and humble love. Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life.

SAINT JOHN,

SAINT BENEDICT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Berries with snow, from d in West Linn, OR. Very nice. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 36 The Sick

Mass: Is 65:17-21; Resp Ps 30; Jn 4:43-54

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

JESUS, PATIENT AND FULL OF MERCY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

In today's Gospel we have the royal official whose son was ill. After hearing that Jesus was in town, the official goes to Jesus, the Divine Physician, and asks Him to heal his son, who was near death (Jn 4:46-47). In today's passage from the Holy Rule, we have Saint Benedict's Chapter 36, on care of the sick. There, we read this: "Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ, for He said: I was sick and you visited me, and, What you did for one of these least brothers you did for me (RB 36:1-3). However, "let the sick on their part bear in mind that they are served out of honor for God, and let them not by their excessive demands distress their brothers who serve them. Still, sick brothers must be patiently born with, because serving them leads to a greater reward. Consequently, the abbot should be extremely careful that they suffer no neglect" (RB 36:4-6). Our Lord is patient with us. We extend patience towards those we serve. United in faith and prayer, we go before the Lord and those who care for us with humility. 

AS FOR ME, I TRUST IN THE LORD. LET ME BE GLAD AND REJOICE IN YOUR MERCY, FOR YOU HAVE SEEN MY AFFLICTION.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

To experience Lent with love means caring for those who suffer or feel abandoned or fearful because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, March 15, 2021)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Beautiful and fragrant Daphne. Thank you, MS. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021