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

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint Macartan, Companion of Saint Patrick (-506); Saint Catherine of Sweden, Daughter of Saint Bridget of Sweden, Friend of Saint Catherine of Siena (1331/2-1381)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 44 Satisfaction by the Excommunicated

Mass: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; Resp Ps 34; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

SAINT JOSEPH, MOST JUST,

PRAY FOR US.

They said among themselves, thinking not aright ...

To us, [the just one] is the censure of our thoughts; merely to see him is a hardship for us.

Because his life is not like that of others, and different are his ways.

(Wisdon 2:1a, 14-15)

They (we) certainly were (are) not thinking aright. God's ways are not our ways (see Is 55:8); so high are His ways above our ways and His thoughts above our thoughts (see Is 55:8-9). I find all these prophetic words comforting. At the same time, it is possible to be uncomfortable with these words as were those presented to us in the reading from the Book of Wisdom, those who reviled the just one, those who tortured him and put him to the test and condemned him to a shameful death (see Wisdom 2:19-20). It is not easy to be called to task, to have weaknesses and wounds made more evident. However, God's grace is sufficient; His power is made perfect in weakness (see 2 Cor 12:9). May we stand unprotected before the Lord in prayer and ask for His mercy and kindness as we proclaim with Saint Paul, "I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me" (2 Cor 12:9).

Let us recall that we are always seen by God in heaven, that our actions everywhere are in God's sight and are reported by angels at every hour ...

We believe that the divine presence is everywhere and that in every place the eyes of the Lord are watching the good and the wicked.

(Rule of Saint Benedict 7:13; 19:1)

Love makes a demand that cannot leave me untouched. In love I cannot simply remain myself, but I always have to lose myself by having rough edges taken off, by being hurt. And it is just this-that it hurts me so as to bring out more of my potential-it seems to me, that constitutes the greatness of love, that is part of its healing power.*

SAINT MACARTAN,

SAINT PATRICK,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SWEDEN,

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA,

SAINT BENEDICT,**

PRAY FOR US.

* Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger in God and the World: Believing and Living in Our Times A Conversation with Peter Seewald (Ignatius Press, 2002), pp. 83-84.

** With two saints commemorated today, we end up invoking four others as they are all related by blood or friendship and all of them related in the bond of faith. That makes us related to them too! We give thanks and praise to God for the gift of faith and the continuity of tradition. United in faith and prayer, we carry it on. I believe, help my unbelief.

Today's photo: We have been busy this week with scenes from Laetare Sunday.  When the just cry out, the Lord hears them.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saint: Saint Peter Damian, Bishop, Doctor (1007-1072)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:1-6 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass: Sirach 2:1-11; Resp Ps 37; Mk 9:30-37 

The Lord watches over the lives of the wholehearted.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HOLY FAMILY, PRAY FOR US.

Prepare yourselves for trials.

(Sirach 2:1)

They are inevitable, trials that is. And we might face more than a few over the coming days and weeks. The author of the Book of Sirach helps us to navigate all our trials, those that come from within and those from without. Saint Peter Damian too will help us as seen in a letter quoted below, where he writes some words of consolation to a brother embittered by many tribulations. Meanwhile, as Jesus predicts His passion for the second time, the disciples are busy arguing about which one of them is the greatest. If anyone wishes to be first he shall be the last of all and the servant of all (Mk 9:35).

The Scriptures reassure us: let your understanding strengthen your patience. In serenity look forward to the joy that follows sadness. Hope leads you to that joy and love enkindles your zeal. The well-prepared mind forgets the suffering inflicted from without and glides eagerly to what has been contemplated within itself.

(From a letter by Saint Peter Damian, bishop, in Office of Readings, February 21)

No evil can harm the man who fears the Lord; through trials, again and again he is safe.

(Sirach 33:1)

These words from the psalmist, echoed by Saint Benedict, may come in handy too. 

God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 18:1)

SAINT PETER DAMIAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Fun fact: I have been to Fonte Avellana, or the Venerable Hermitage of the Holy Cross in the Marche region of Italy, where our saint of the day Saint Peter Damian lived a monastic hermetical way of life.  The place is spectacular, even just the windy up and up and up bus ride to get there. As I recall, it snowed the day I was there with a group of other monks and nuns, who, like Saint Peter Damian, were of the Benedictine tradition.

Today's photo: This is an awesome close-up of the King penguins that you saw yesterday. They are busy incubating. They take refuge in Him.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month

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

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 20 Reverence in Prayer

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

Blessed be the Lord, my rock!

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

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

(Eph 6:10)

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

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

(Eph 6:18)

SAINT OTTERAN,

SAINT FRUMENTIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

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

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month: Respect Life Sunday*

In other years: The Holy Guardian Angels 

Readings of the Day

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

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

Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

PRAY FOR US.

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

(Habakkuk 2:4)

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

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

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

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

HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS,

PRAY FOR US.

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

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

© Gertrude Feick 2022