Third Week in Ordinary Time

January is the month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

Sunday of the Word of God

January 18-25: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

January 22: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish" (Saint Teresa of Calcutta).

January 27: Interviews Holocaust Remembrance Day

Readings for the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 4:63 The Tools for Good Works - Ch 7:18 Humility

Good and upright is the Lord.

JESUS, OUR WAY AND OUR LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

MARY, VIRGIN MOST PRUDENT,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The world in its present form is passing away.

(1 Cor 7:31)

Welcome to the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, on the Sunday of the Word of God, still in the week of prayer for Christian Unity, with January 22 as a day of prayer for the legal protection of unborn children, all in the month of January dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, and the inauguration of a Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year! Whew. And if that is not enough, beloved Jonah is on the move through the enormously large city of Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-5, 10). May we, great and small alike, follow the people of Nineveh and believe God. May the dear Lord see by our actions that we are about turning from our evil ways. It is never too late to repent and believe in the Gospel, as Saint Cyprian of Carthage (d. 258) tells us: "To him who remains in the world, no repentance is too late. The approach to God's mercy is open." 

United in faith and prayer, we untangle the nets that ensnare us, abandon everything and follow the Lord. May Our Lady cover us in her protective veil.

And now a word from our sponsors in the manner of voices for the week:

Harbor neither hatred nor jealousy of anyone.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:65-66)

Silence is good for the soul, essential to recollection, and conducive to humility. Remember Our Lord's silence throughout His life and during the hours of His Passion.

When I am in the company of others, for their good, I will talk freely on exalted and serious subjects, the discussion of which cannot fail to enlarge and strengthen both my own soul and theirs.

I will talk about nothing trivial and mean, and no petty grievances. My speech shall be recollected, and my silence living.

(Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur, 1866-1914)

There is a time to keep silence and a time for speech. Christ, the wisdom of God, has given us an example of both. We must not speak, so as to give advantage to cavils, we must not be silent as to betray the truth.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

Run, jump, shout, but do not sin.

(Saint John Bosco, 1815-1888)

We must speak to them with our hands before we speak to them with our lips.

(Saint Peter Claver, 1580-1654)

There is no love without renunciation.

(Saint Josemaria Escriva, 1902-1975)

There can be no doubt that for us who love Jesus, prayer is the great pain-reliever.

(Saint Josemaria Escriva, 1902-1975)

We need not do a great deal of thinking to appreciate what Jesus has been for us. We need only recall some of the happy memories of our lives and, full of gratitude and love, we shall realize some of what we owe Him ... God grants His grace to souls not because they merit it, but because He wants to.

(Blessed Concepcion Cabrera de Armida, 1861-1937)

And a couple more on the importance of reading, and writing too!

I’ve always loved to read, long before I began to write. If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write.

(Stephen King, b. 1947)

I kept always two books in my pocket: one to read, one to write in.

(Robert Louis Stevenson, 1815-1894)

SAINT MARIA GABRIELLA SAGHEDDU,

SAINT AGNES,

SAINT NINO,

SAINT PUBLIUS,

BLESSED ANTHONY DELLA CHIESA,

BLESSED HENRY SUSO,

SAINT TITUS AND TIMOTHY, BISHOPS,

SAINT ANGELA MERICI,

SAINT VINCENT, DEACON,

SAINT MARIANNE COPE,

BLESSED BENEDETTA BIANCHI PORRO,

SAINT DAMIAN OF MOLOKAI,

SAINT ILDEPHONSUS

SAINT EUGENIUS,

SAINT LEOCADIA,

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,

SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE,

SAINT ALBERIC, ROBERT, AND STEPHEN, ABBOTS, FOUNDERS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: It was raining cats and dogs when this one appeared, from July 10, 2019. By the way, it is still raining cats and dogs. 🐈🐶

© Gertrude Feick 2024

Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

September is the month dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary

Rule of Saint Benedict Reading for the Week: Ch 4 The Tools for Good Works - Ch 5 Obedience 

Heals all your ills.

MARY, CALMER OF TEMPESTS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time still in the month of September dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Thank you for tuning in after a couple weeks of silence on my part. It goes like this; I took a "vacation." Now this particular vacation was kind of like the vacation I took from regular Mass attendance when I was in my 20s or so. I thought to stop going to Mass to see how it went. In fairly short order, I missed Mass and realized that Mass was not something to take a vacation from. In like manner, with these weekly musings in the form of a blog, I tried to take a vacation. Well, as you can see, it took only two weeks to realize that random musings are not something for me to take a vacation from. And it is all fitting as about six years ago, when I inquired about vacations, I was told quite simply: "Cistercians don't take vacations." There you have it then: We don't take a vacation from Mass and so united in faith and prayer, none of us takes a vacation from the daily ora et labora. As Saint Paul tells us then: None of lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's (Rm 14:7-8). Encouraged, we keep going because "being a light to the nations," as I was told the other day, "takes a lot of energy." And in the words of Saint John Chrysostom, dear "golden-mouth": 

Do not say: it is impossible for me to influence others. If you are a Christian, it is impossible for this not to happen. Things found in nature cannot be denied; so here, for it is a question of the nature of a Christian.

Do not insult God: If you say that the sun cannot shine, you have insulted Him. If you say that a Christian cannot help others, you have insulted God and called Him a liar. It is easier for the sun not to give warmth or shine than for the Christian to not shed his light. It is easier for the light to be darkness than for this to happen.

Do not say that it is impossible. The opposite is impossible. Do not insult God. If we have put our affairs in order, these things will certainly come to be, and will follow as a natural consequence. The light of a Christian cannot escape notice. So bright a lamp cannot be hidden.

(Saint John Chrysostom, from a homily on the Acts of the Apostles, in Office of Readings, Common of Holy Men)

This week how about we focus on forgiveness and reconciliation starting with some of Saint Benedict's Tools for Good Works, namely, "harbor neither hatred or jealousy of anyone, and do nothing out of envy. Do not love quarreling; shun arrogance. Respect the elders and love the young. Pray for your enemies out of love for Christ. If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down. And finally, never lose hope in God's mercy" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:65-74). And we have plenty of voices to encourage us, starting with one we heard a few weeks ago.

Seventy-seven times forgiveness acknowledges that I do not see the whole story, that God does not love me more than He loves those with whom I am in conflict. It is absolute surrender and love, and extravagant kind of grace, and undeserved forgiveness that holds out a hand that may be refused.

(Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

There are many ways of excusing sins. One will say: "I didn't do it." Another: "I did it, but I was perfectly right in doing it." If it was wrong, he may say: "It isn't all that bad." If it was decidedly harmful, he can fall back on: "I meant well." If the bad intention is too evident, he will take refuge in the excuses of Adam and Eve and say someone else led him into it.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Steps of Pride and Humility, XVII, 45)

It is only by God's grace that we find the strength to put aside what we are due in justice and charity in order to turn towards others who have deeply hurt us with mercy ... Forgiveness must be unconditionally and freely given as Christ has given it to us ...

The question we are faced with each day as we experience the pain and sin of others, on top of the reality of our own sinfulness and weaknesses, is how do we want to live? Do we want to allow the rejections we endure at the hands of others-especially those closest to us-to stifle our willingness and ability to love others? Do we want to cling to bitter resentment, which turns us into shells of people? Do we want to join in Lucifer's non serviam because we don't want to be crucified on the Cross of forgiveness?

(Constance T. Hull, "The Supernatural Power of Forgiveness," in Catholic Exchange, September 7, 2023)

With Mrs. Hull's words, then, we might ponder something Major Pettigrew thought to himself:

No one really contemplates death when making life decisions, thought the Major. If they did, what different choices might they make?

(Major Pettigrew in Helen Simonson, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel, Random House, 2011)

And of something Saint Benedict tells us:

Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:47)

And furthermore,

No one heals himself by wounding another.

(Saint Ambrose, 339-397)

An insult is either sustained or destroyed, not by the disposition of those who insult, but in the disposition of those who bear it.

(Saint John Chrysostom, 347-407)

Pardon one another so that later on you will not remember the injury. The recollection of an injury is in itself wrong. It adds to our anger, nurtures our sin and hates what is good. It is a rusty arrow and poison for the soul. It puts all virtue to flight.

(Saint Francis de Paola, 1416-1507)

Forgiveness often seems impossible, but nothing is impossible for God. The God who lives within us will give us the grace to go beyond our wounded selves and say, "In the Name of God you are forgiven."

(Henri Nouwen, 1932-1996)

And this prayer from the son of Saint Monica, Doctor of the Church Saint Augustine, bears another showing:

Grant that I may say with confidence: O my God, forgive me as I forgive others. Grant that I may pray to you with a peaceful heart for those who have hurt me, teach me to conquer myself and to check the impulse which would lead me to take revenge.

(Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)

We have quite a few saints to intercede for us this week, plus a few of my favorites thrown into the mix ... For all the saints ... Please, help us to lift high the cross and forgive those who trespass against us. 

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE,

SAINT HILDEGARD OF BINGEN,

SAINT ALBERT OF JERUSALEM,

SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO,

SAINT MARY OF CAMPOROSSO,

SAINT EMILY DE RODAT,

SAINT EDITH KEMSING,

SAINT STANSILAW KOSTKA,

SAINT JANUARIUS,

SAINT THEODORE OF TARSUS,

SAINT ANDREW KIM TAEGON, PAUL CHONG HASANG, AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST,

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGEND,

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA,

SAINT PIO OF PETRELCINA,

SAINT ADOMNAM OF IONA,

SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one helps to heal all that ills. So surpassing is His kindness toward those who fear Him.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint John of Egypt (304-394); Saint Rupert, Bishop of Salzburg (d.c.710)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 47 Announcing the Hours for the Work of God

Mass: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Resp Ps 23; Jn 8:1-11  

All the days of my life.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF WORKERS,

PRAY FOR US.

They suppressed their consciences; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments.

(Dn 13:9)

Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.

(Jn 8:7)

Welcome to Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Holy Week is coming soon. I love the first reading from the Book of Daniel. Read it out loud - it is packed! I am busy today passing along voices from here and there, all related. As I have said before, O the beauty and gift of our tradition of faith. United in faith and prayer, we march on. Keep going! Pray to your patron saint today.

Being incapable of acknowledging guilt is the most dangerous form of spiritually arrested development one can imagine because this in particular makes people incapable of improvement.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

Our high priest is Christ Jesus, our sacrifice is His precious body which He immolated on the altar of the cross for the salvation of all people ...

All who have embarked on true contrition and penance for sins they have committed, and are firmly resolved not to commit sins again for the future but to persevere constantly in that pursuit of virtues which they have now begun, all these become sharers in this holy and eternal sacrifice.

(From a commentary on the psalms by Saint John Fisher, bishop and martyr, in Office of Readings, Monday, Fifth Week of Lent)

Go, and from now on do not sin any more.

(Jn 8:11)

SAINT JOHN OF EGYPT,

SAINT RUPERT,

SAINT MARIA ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is the bud you saw last Thursday. My cup overflows.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Second Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint Aengus (-824); Saint Constantine (6th century); Saint Aurea (11th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 33 Monks and Private Ownership

Mass: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Resp Ps 103; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

He heals all your ills.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JOSEPH MOST STRONG, 

PRAY FOR US.

Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of His inheritance;

Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, 

And again will have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt?

(Micah 7:18-19)

May we rid ourselves of anger and rather delight in clemency, and have compassion on others. We just might find ourselves in a predicament of one kind or another someday. May we have sincere remorse and the humility to reconcile. 

Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you ...

While he was still a long way off, the son's father caught sight of his son, and was filled with compassion.

(Lk 15:20-21)

Groggy and in haste, I wasn't paying attention. I got a bit ahead of myself in the Office of Readings with the following quotation. On the other hand, it never hurts to hear from Saint Augustine, and, as he says, we are in training. Now.

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 make petitions to Him. Our praise is expressed with joy, our petitions with yearning ...

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 AENGUS,

SAINT CONSTANTINE,

SAINT AUREA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This was taken in July 2019. These colorful beauties should bring joy and gladness to any heart. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint Frances of Rome, Religious (1384-1440)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 31:13-19 Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer

Mass: Jer 17:5-10; Resp Ps 1; Lk 16:19-31  

For the Lord watches over the way of the just.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF SNOWS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH, PROTECTOR OF HOLY CHURCH,

PRAY FOR US.

I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart, 

To reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.

(Jeremiah 17:10)

With the words of the Lord through the Prophet Jeremiah, I go to Saint Benedict's Ch 7 on Humility. It is there that our holy father Benedict presents to us in the first step of humility that "The Prophet indicates this to us when he shows that our thoughts are always present to God, saying: God searches hearts and minds; and again he says: The Lord knows the thoughts of men; likewise, From afar you know my thoughts; and, The thought of man shall give you praise. That he may take care to avoid sinful thoughts, the virtuous brother must always say to himself: I shall be blameless in his sight if I guard myself from my own wickedness (RB 7:14-18). And it happens that the "if" is a big one. Now is the acceptable time. United in faith and prayer, we turn from sin and evil and do good. And go forth with words from Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471): "When there is a choice to be made, take the narrow way. This alone will make you more like Christ." 

God had not chosen [Frances of Rome] to be holy merely for her own advantage. Rather, the gifts He conferred upon her were to be for the spiritual and physical advantage of her neighbor. For this reason He made her so lovable that anyone with whom she spoke would immediately feel captivated by her love and ready to help her in everything she wanted. Divine power was present and working in her words, so that in a few sentences she could bring consolation to the afflicted and anxious, calm the restless, pacify the angry, reconcile enemies and extinguish long-standing hatreds and animosities. Again and again she would prevent a planned revenge from being carried out. She seemed to be able to subdue the passions of every type of person with a single word and lead them to do whatever she asked.

(From the Life of Saint Frances of Rome by Mary Magdalene Anguillaria, superior of the Oblates of the Tower of Specchi, in Office of Readings, March 9)

SAINT FRANCES OF ROME,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This awesome shot of the Roman Forum is perfect for our saint of the day, Saint Frances of Rome, wife and mother, woman of charity, humility, and patience. The facade and bell tower of the church of Santa Francesca Romana can be seen in the back, on the right, just this side of the Colosseum. Thank you, dear Anna and Nicola, my Italian family.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Friday of the First Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint Katharine Drexel (1858-1955); Saint Vignal (c.460-532)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 26 Unauthorized Association with the Excommunicated

Mass: Ezk 18:21-28; Resp Ps 130; Mt 5:20-26

My soul waits for the Lord.

 MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF SNOWS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, SERVANT OF CHRIST,

PRAY FOR US.

But if the wicked, turning away from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life ... he shall surely live, he shall not die.

(Ezekiel 18:27-28)

With our words from the Prophet of Ezekiel today, we are immersed in Saint Benedict's chapters (Ch 23-30) on the penal code. We take responsibility for and acknowledge our sins during this holy season of Lent. Our loving and merciful God does not derive pleasure from the death of the wicked. Instead, He rejoices when the wicked turns from his evil that he may live (see Ezk 18:22-23). Thankfully, God has a short memory along with a great deal of patience. In the midst of the daily temptations and struggles, we are united in faith and prayer, and choose life. Let love for him be reaffirmed, and let all pray for him (Rule of Saint Benedict, 27:4)

At the same time, we have the privilege of commemorating Saint Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphia heiress who abandoned her family's fortune to found the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a congregation dedicated to serving impoverished Native American and blacks while helping them to acquire education and grow in the faith. Saint Katharine was the second American born person ever to be canonized. She was canonized along with Saint Josephine Bakhita and 121 others, 120 of them Martyrs of China, by Pope Saint John Paul in 2000.*

With great courage [Saint Katharine Drexel] placed her confidence in the Lord and gave her life and wealth totally to His service ...

May the example of St. Katharine Drexel be a beacon of light and hope inspiring all of us to make an even greater gift of our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of those most in need.

(Address of the Holy Father John Paul II to the Pilgrims Who Have Come to Rome for the Canonization of New Saints, October 2, 2000)

SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL,

SAINT VIGNAL,

PRAY FOR US.

*For more on Saint Katharine Drexel see the website for the National Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel in Philadelphia, www.saintkatharinedrexelshrine.com. For one, you will find a nice 20ish-minute documentary on her life, "Saint Katharine Drexel: The Holy Heiress," aired March 23, 2019. St. Katharine's sacred remains were transferred to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia August 2, 2018; a new tomb was solemnly installed in November of the same year. For a nice summary of her life, see Catholic News Agency, "St. Katharine Drexel."

Today's photo: That you may be revered.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saints: Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin (1869-1947); Saint Jerome Emiliani (1486-1537); Saint Cuthman of Steyning (7th-8th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:60-61 Humility

Mass: Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17; Resp Ps 104; Mk 7:14-23

At the time when the Lord made the earth and the heavens.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden ... out of the ground the Lord God made various trees grow that were delightful to look at and good for food.

(Gn 2:8-9)

On this Wednesday, called "hump day" by those eager for the work week's end, let us pray that the Lord Our God gives us the grace to rid ourselves of the evils from within, those that defile us, those in our hearts, such as evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, and folly (see Mk 7:21-23). And also remember what Saint Benedict teaches us today in the eleventh step of humility: Speak gently and without laughter, seriously with becoming modesty, briefly and reasonably, but without raising your voice, as it is written: "A wise man is known by his few words" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:60-61). Otherwise, we may be inclined to sin with our tongues, as we are warned in Scripture, In a flood of words you will not avoid sinning (RB 7:57)

One of our saints of the day, Saint Josephine Bakhita, born in a small village in the Darfur region of Sudan, a valiant woman of faith who endured much suffering at the hands of her captors before being "purchased" by a kind and loving Italian family, somehow maintained a certain awe for the world and its creator. Fitting for us as we hear the word proclaimed in the first story of creation, we hear from Saint Josephine Bakhita, "Seeing the sun, the moon and the stars, I said to myself: 'Who could be the Master of these beautiful things?' And I felt a great desire to see Him, to know Him and to pay Him homage.'" May we have the same desire to see Him, know Him, and to pay Him homage. Not surprisingly, it was Pope Saint John Paul II who canonized Saint Josephine Bakhita in 2000. She is the first person to be canonized from Sudan and is the patron saint of the country.* United in faith and prayer, we go forth. ☺⚘

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITI,

SAINT JEROME ELIMILIANI,

SAINT CUTHMAN OF STEYNING,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catholic News Agency, "St. Josephine Bakhita."

Today's photo: It is true that one can't get enough of this. More from Torres del Pain National Park, Patagonia, South America. O bless the Lord, my soul!

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thursday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saint: Pope Saint Leo the Great, Doctor of the Church (-461)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 33 Monks and Private Ownership

Mass: Philemon 7-20; Resp Ps 146; Lk 17:20-25

The Lord gives sight to the blind.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

I give thanks to my God always, remembering you in my prayers ...

I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love.

(Philemon 4, 7)

We are blessed today to hear from the Letter to Philemon, a short one of only 25 verses. It is not the shortest letter though and we hear from two shorter ones on the next two days. Friday (Saint Martin of Tours) we hear from the Second Letter of Saint John, only 13 verses, and on Saturday (Saint Josaphat) we are in the Third Letter of Saint John with only 15 verses. These Letters are worth reading in their entirety. Although short, they are packed with things to reflect upon. No wonder, they are the Word of God after all. Refresh my heart in Christ (Philemon 20).

All saints are great, not all are called the Great though. Today we commemorate Saint Leo the Great, the first pope to leave sermons for us to read, 97 of them to keep us busy. Who are other great saints called the Great? There is Pope Saint Gregory the Great (September 3); Saint Gertrude the Great (November 16); Saint Albert the Great (November 15); Saint Anthony the Great (January 17); and Saint Basil the Great (January 2). Do you know of others?

A response to the following from Saint Leo the Great is, "thank you, Jesus." 

Invisible in His own nature [God] became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, He chose to come within our grasp.

(Pope Saint Leo the Great)

How true it is what Saint Leo the Great preaches below. We remind ourselves of the Gospel of Saint Matthew when Jesus tells us that "when an unclean spirit goes out of a person it roams through arid regions searching for rest but finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my home from which I came.' But upon returning, it finds it empty, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and brings back with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they move in and dwell there; and the last condition of that person is worse than the first" (Mt 12:43-45). Just like after you mop the kitchen floor, and someone comes in right after and tracks in mud. lol. Be on guard; the tempter is on the prowl. United in faith and prayer, we go forth. Keep going.

The tempter, ever on the watch, wages war most violently against those whom he sees most careful to avoid sin.

(Pope Saint Leo the Great)

SAINT LEO THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Yesterday afternoon around 3pm. The Lord raises up those who are bowed down.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Saint Martin de Porres, Religious (1579-1639); Saint Winefride (6th-7th century); Saint Malachy (c.1094-1190); Blessed John Body (1549-1583); Blessed Rupert Mayer (1876-1945)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 27 The Abbot's Concern for the Excommunicated

Mass: Ph 3:3-8a; Resp Ps 105; Lk 15:1-10

Sing to Him, sing His praise.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

(Ph 3:8a)

Only the third day of glorious November 2022, the month has been full. We continue to commemorate saints galore (don't forget to add another saint's name to your collection) and rejoice in the richness of the Word proclaimed. And today we hit the jackpot. In these days, we have been immersed in Saint Benedict's chapters on the penal code (Ch. 23-30). These chapters are important and have much to say about taking personal responsibility for our motivations and actions. If I am stubborn, disobedient, proud, or when I grumble in any way, despise the holy rule and defy the orders of the Abbess (RB 23:1), something has to be done. It all begins with me, however. Thankfully, the Lord is kind and merciful as proclaimed in today's Gospel when Jesus not only welcomes sinners and eats with them, but goes after the one lost sheep, finds it, sets it on His shoulders and rejoices (see Lk 15:2-6). Saint Benedict echoes this today, in his Ch 27 on the Abbot's concern for wayward brothers (RB 27:1). It is the abbot's responsibility to have great concern and to act with all speed, discernment and diligence in order not to lose any of the sheep entrusted to him (see RB 27:5). Yes, the abbot is to imitate the loving example of the Good Shepherd who left the ninety-nine sheep in the mountains and went in search of the one sheep that had strayed (see RB 27:8). There will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Lk 15:10). Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints, have mercy on us.

The example of Martin's life is ample evidence that we can strive for holiness and salvation as Christ Jesus has shown us ...

Saint Martin, always obedient and inspired by his divine teacher, dealt with his brothers with that profound love which comes from pure faith and humility in spirit. He loved men because he honestly looked at them as God's children and as his own brothers and sisters. Such was his humility that he loved them even more than himself and considered them to be better and more righteous than he was.

(From a homily at the Canonization of Saint Martin de Porres by Pope Saint John XXIII in Office of Readings, November 3)

Take note: Buon viaggio to the Holy Father Pope Francis. Papa Francesco is on his 39th Apostolic Journey abroad, to the 58th country he has visited, this time the Kingdom of Bahrain. In preparation for his journey, the Holy Father visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome for the 100th time since the start of his pontificate. There, as is customary, he spent some time in prayer before the icon of Maria Solus Populi Romani. Mary, health of the Roman People, pray for us.

SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES,

SAINT WINEFRIDE,

SAINT MALACHY,

BLESSED JOHN BODY,

BLESSED RUPERT MAYER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Glory in His holy name.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

World Mission Sunday

In other years: Saint John of Capistrano, Franciscan (Friars Minor), Patron of Military Chaplains (1386-1456); Saint Ethelflaeda (10th century); Saint Severinus Boethius (d. 524)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:7-11 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; Resp Ps 34; 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-16; Lk 18:9-14

Let my soul glory in the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

MARY, QUEEN OF MISSIONARIES,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens.

(Sirach 35:16)

I took note of something I read in an article this morning. In today's Gospel, the Pharisee spoke a prayer to himself (see Lk 18:11), while the tax collector would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed (see Lk 18:13). The Pharisee, so taken up with himself, doesn't even pray to God. Then the author of the article commented, "It's a funny thought if we didn't often do the same thing."* Hmm. O God, be merciful to me a sinner (Lk 18:13). Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted (Lk 18:14).

As we go forth, united in faith and prayer, "let our prayer be sincere, our humility truthful, and our hearts filled with love when we approach the One who hears us before we ask."** Heart of Jesus, source of mercy and reconciliation, have mercy on us.

To acknowledge one's sin [and] recognize oneself as being a sinner, capable of sin and inclined to commit sin, is the essential first step in returning to God.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, Reconciliatio et Paenitentia Reconciliation and Penance, 13)

SAINT JOHN OF CAPISTRANO,

SAINT ETHELFLAEDA,

SAINT SEVERINUS BOETHIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

*Fr. Paul D. Scalia, "The Disease and the Cure," in The Catholic Thing, October 23, 2022.

**Commentary on Psalm 51, in Magnificat, November 22, 2022, p. 316.

Fun fact: In other years, we would commemorate Saint Ethelflaeda, a 10th century Benedictine nun, Abbess at the Abbey of Romsey in the UK. The Abbey still stands, now as the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Ethelflaeda, a parish church in the Church of England. Things happen there, including concerts, funerals, weddings, christenings/baptisms, and more. 

Today's photo: The lowly will hear me and be glad.

 

© 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

Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

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

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:62-70

Mass: 2 Cor 3:15-4:1, 3-6; Resp Ps 85; Mt 5:20-26

The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.

JESUS, OUR WAY AND OUR LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Jesus is pretty clear in today's Gospel. Our Lord said to His disciples, He says to us: Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement ... (Mt 5:22). Does someone have something against you? Then reconcile. Make haste and settle with your opponent (Mt 5:23-25). Or, as our holy father Saint Benedict tells us: "Pray for your enemies out of love for Christ. If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down" (RB 4:72-73), especially important if you want to have a good night's sleep. A couple other heavy hitter saints have this to say:

No one heals himself by wounding another.

(Saint Ambrose, 340-397)

Pardon one another so that later on you will not remember the injury. The recollection of an injury is in itself wrong. It adds to our anger, nurtures our sin and hates what is good. It is a rusty arrow and poison for the soul. It puts all virtue to flight.

(Saint Francis de Paola, 1416-1507)

SAINT JOSEPH, MOST FAITHFUL,

PRAY FOR US. 

Today's photo: Let light shine out of darkness.

© Gertrude Feick 2021