Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

RB 7:59

Mass: Job 7:1-4, 6-7; Resp Ps 147; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39 

Praise the Lord, for He is good; sing praise to our God for He is gracious.

CHRIST TOOK AWAY OUR INFIRMITIES AND BORE OUR DISEASES.

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA. 

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

There are days, and periods of time, when we find ourselves lamenting like poor Job in our first reading: Oh, "I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been allotted me ... the night drags on; I am filled with restlessness" (Jb 7:3-4). We lose hope, especially during these difficult times. I hear over and over again from folks, "when will things be back to normal?" Ah, this is when I think of dear Sister Mary Blanche of happy memory, whose response to "How are you?" would be, "I am doing pretty well in the situation I find myself." Hers was a good approach to the daily, take it as it is and make the best of it. And most importantly, keep seeking Jesus, the Divine Physician, and ask Him to help you. With whatever ails you, go to the Lord. He will grasp your hand and help you up according to His will. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted (Ps 147). 

SAINT JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A look at a clear day and what we have been blessed with these days. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Saint Paul Miki and Companions, the Martyrs of Japan (16th century)

First Saturday of the Month

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:56-58

Mass: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Resp Ps 23; Mk 6:30-34

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

JESUS, COURAGE OF MARTYRS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month. It may be a good day to pray with the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Here are some reasons why with related texts to guide us. 

First, from the Letter to the Hebrews: "Through Jesus, let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind" (Heb 13:15-16). 

We confess the Name of Jesus then, while guarding our lips from harmful or deceptive speech (RB 4:51) and remembering Saint Benedict's ninth step of humility, where our holy father Benedict quotes a Proverb and the psalmist: "In a flood of words you will not avoid sinning (Pr 10:19), and A talkative man goes about aimlessly on earth (Ps 140:12)" (RB 7:57-58). 

And lastly, from the writings of Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur (1866-1914).

I wish I could organize a holy crusade against hate and promote justice and love among men and women. At any rate, in this garden God has given me to cultivate, I want to plead by my attitude, my words, and my actions before everyone I meet the great cause of charity. Will I not be defending the cause of God? My God, help us; send a ray of light and love into our midst.

(In Magnificat, January 6, 2021, p. 97)

PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I don't think I've ever captured this view before. Taken yesterday, it shows what a beautiful day it was. God is praised.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Saint Agatha, Early Christian Martyr

First Friday of the Month

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:55

Mass: Heb 13:1-8; Resp Ps 27; Mk 6:14-29

The Lord is my light and my help.

JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER.

(Heb 13:8)

On this First Friday of the Month, we have three related texts.

First, from the Letter to the Hebrews: "Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Heb 13:7).

Second, from the Holy Rule: "The eighth step of humility is that a monk does only what is endorsed by the common rule of the monastery and the example set by his superiors" (RB 7:55).

Third, from the Office of Readings and a homily on Saint Agatha by Saint Methodius of Sicily: "Agatha, the name of our saint, means 'good'. She was truly good because she was a child of God ... Agatha, her goodness coincides with her name and way of life. She won a good name by her noble deeds, and by her name she points to the nobility of those deeds. Agatha, her name wins all men over to her company. She teaches them by her example to hasten with her to the true Good, God alone."

May we be noble in word and deed, and by our way of life and faith, set a good example to those who look to us to lead and guide them.

Modern man listens more readily to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.

(Pope Saint Paul VI, Address to the Members of the Consilium de Laicis, October 2, 1974)

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

and all your Saints;

admit us we beseech you,

into their company,

not weighing our merits,

but granting us your pardon,

through Christ our Lord.

[Eucharist Prayer I (Roman Canon)]

SAINT AGATHA,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I can't help it folks. Our sky is marvelous indeed. Here around 11am yesterday.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Catholic Schools Week

International Day of Human Fraternity

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:51-54

Mass: Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Resp Ps 48; Mk 6:7-13

As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND; REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL.

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

In today's Gospel, Jesus summons the Twelve and begins to send them out, two by two. Our Lord instructs them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick. That's it, nothing else. They could, however, wear sandals. Jesus' instructions are simple and take me to a few places in the Holy Rule where Saint Benedict's instructions are simple too. In Chapter 4, "The Tools for Good Works", Saint Benedict writes: "Your way of acting should be different from the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else" (RB 4:20-21). In Chapter 72 on "Good Zeal", he writes, "let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ" (RB 72:11). Jesus Christ is the Rock on which we stand firm. If we stand firmly on Him, all shall be well. As Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) wrote, "All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well."

The Christian faithful, having different gifts (cf. Rom 12:6), according to each one's opportunity, ability, charisms and ministry (cf. 1 Cor 3:10), must all cooperate in the Gospel. Hence all alike, those who sow and those who reap (cf. Jn 4:37), those who plant and those who irrigate, must be one (cf. 1 Cor 3:8), so that "in free and orderly fashion cooperating toward the same end," they may spend their forces harmoniously for the building up of the Church.

(Ad Gentus Decree on the Mission Activity of the Church, 28)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another look at Olympic National Park, here Lake of the Angels.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary time

Year of Saint Joseph

Catholic Schools Week

Other saints: Saint Ansgar, Bishop (-865); Saint Blaise, Bishop, Martyr (early 4th century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7;49-50

Mass: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Resp Ps 103; Mk 6:1-6

Bless the Lord, my soul; and all my being, bless His holy name.

STRIVE FOR PEACE WITH EVERYONE, AND FOR THAT HOLINESS WITHOUT WHICH NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD. SEE TO IT THAT NO ONE BE DEPRIVED OF THE GRACE OF GOD, THAT NO BITTER ROOT SPRING UP AND CAUSE TROUBLE, THROUGH WHICH MANY MAY BECOME DEFILED.

(Hebrews 12:14-15)

Although not intended, some of Pope Francis's words provide a commentary on the above from today's first reading.

In his homily at the Vigil Mass on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a day also when the World Day of Consecrated Life is observed, the Holy Father offered some advice for consecrated men and women which are fitting for all the faithful with any vocation: "Please remove yourselves from gossip. It kills community life." Not without a sense of humor, Pope Francis said, "Bite your tongue so it will swell up and occupy your mouth and you won't be able to speak badly!" And, as modeled by the Holy Father, maintain of sense of humor. "It helps so much," said the Pontiff. "It's the anti-gossip, knowing how to laugh at yourself, at situations, even at others-with a good heart!"

SAINT ANSGAR,

SAINT BLAISE,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Near Columbia Gorge, Oregon. Thanks again, Becca.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

The Presentation of the Lord

Year of Saint Joseph

Catholic Schools Week

RB: Ch 7:44-48

Mass: Mal 3:1-4; Resp Ps 24; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 

Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!

YOUR MERICFUL LOVE, O GOD, WE HAVE RECEIVED IN THE MIDST OF YOUR TEMPLE. YOUR PRAISE, O GOD, LIKE YOUR NAME, REACHES THE ENDS OF THE EARTH; YOUR RIGHT HAND IS FILLED WITH SAVING JUSTICE.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

I have with me a picture postcard of The Descent from the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). The masterpiece hangs in the Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp, Belgium. Sadly, I've not seen it in person. The image with me is a detail of the work, with Simeon in the Temple holding the child Jesus in his arms. "Righteous and devout" Simeon, with the Holy Spirit upon him (Lk 2:25). Simeon is looking toward Heaven and blessing God, "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word ... " (Lk 2:29). I also see most precious Anna, who "never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer" (Lk 2:37). She comes forward filled with delight and gives thanks to God (Lk 2:38).

Filled with awe and wonder, let us join Simeon and Anna today and bless God and give thanks.

Come and be enlightened, so as to be not merely carrying lamps but to be very lamps yourselves, shining inside and out, for yourselves and for your neighbors. Be a lamp then in heart, in hand, in lips.

(Guerric of Igny)

Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.

See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds over the peoples;

But upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory.

Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.

(Is 60:1-3)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Becca strikes again with this look at Flapjack Lakes, Olympic National Park, Washington.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Saint Brigid of Kildare (451?-525)

Catholic Schools Week

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:35-43

Mass: Heb 11:32-40; Resp Ps 31; Mk 5:1-20

Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.

LET YOUR FACE SHINE ON YOUR SERVANT. SAVE ME IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE. O LORD, LET ME NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME, FOR I CALL ON YOU.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Welcome to February. It is also Monday so musings are brief.

First, with today's Gospel, my mind goes to the man with an unclean spirit who had frequently been bound with shackles and chains. I keep asking myself what shackles and chains are keeping me from staying focused and seeking the things that are above (Col. 3:1).

Second, we are immersed in Saint Benedict's chapter on humility, today in the fourth step of humility. All the steps of humility present challenges to us so that we grow in humility so as to better love and serve the Lord and our neighbor. For example, let's focus today on this: "In truth, those who are patient amid hardships and unjust treatment are fulfilling the Lord's command: When struck on one cheek, they turn another; when deprived of their coat, they offer their cloak also; when pressed into service for one mile, they go two (Mt 5:39-41). With the Apostle Paul, they bear with false brothers, endure persecution, and bless those who curse them (2 Cor 11:26; 1 Cor 4:12). (RB 7:42-43).

SAINT BRIGID OF KILDARE,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This morning 5:20am. You should have seen it in person. Wow. 😊

© Gertrude Feick 2021