Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Blessed Peter To Rot (1912-1945); Saint Maelruain (-c.791)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Hosea 11:1-4, 8e-9; Resp Ps 80; Mt 10:7-15

Protect what your right hand has planted.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you.

(Hosea 11:9)

First, words from Jesus: Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give (Mt 10:8). Second, words from Saint Benedict who turns to his favorite apostle, Saint Paul: God loves a cheerful giver (RB 5:16/2 Cor 9:7). United in faith and prayer, we are grateful, generous, and cheerful people. Jesus, treasure of the faithful, have mercy on us.

BLESSED PETER TO ROT,

SAINT MAELRUAIN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Look down from heaven, and see the gifted hand behind this. Leesburg, IN.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Maria Goretti (1890-1902); Saint Moninne (c.432-c.518)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12; Resp Ps 105; Mt 10:1-7

Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord!

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

It is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain down justice upon you.

(Hosea 10:12)

Yes, it is time to seek the Lord. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed the one who seeks refuge in Him (Ps 34). We are united in our search for God. No matter what, we keep going. Heart of Jesus, our refuge and strength, have mercy on us. 

The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

(Mt 10:7)

SAINT MARIA GORETTI,

SAINT MONINNE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome to Bartholomew County, Columbus, IN and the beautiful flower garden in a friend's backyard. Bless the work of our hands.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539); Saint Modwen (7th century); Blessed George Nichols, Richard Yaxley, Thomas Belson, Humphrey Pritchard (-1589)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 28 Those Who Refuse to Amend after Frequent Reproofs

Mass: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13; Resp Ps 115; Mt 9:32-38

Alleluia.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you, says the Lord.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Welcome to Tuesday. For many this week, it is like a Monday. 😎

Feeling troubled and abandoned like the crowds in today's Gospel (Mt 9:36)? Thankfully, Jesus' heart continues to be moved with pity for any who are, and even for those aren't. Jesus loves you. Go to the Good Shepherd. He will refresh you. Heart of Jesus, full of love, mercy, and compassion, have mercy on us.

SAINT ANTONY MARY ZACCARIA,

SAINT MODWEN,

BLESSED GEORGE NICHOLS, RICHARD YAXLEY, THOMAS BELSON, HUMPHREY PRITCHARD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: There will be plenty of wheat to harvest in Leesburg, IN.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Elizabeth of Portugal (1271-1336); Blessed John Cornelius (-1594); Blessed Maria Crocifissa Curcio (1877-1957); Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925)

Independence Day - The Fourth of July

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Independence  Day: Is 57:15-19; Resp Ps 85; Ph 4:6-9; Jn 14:23-29; Ferial Day: Hosea 2:16, 17c-18, 21-22; Resp Ps 145; Mt 9:18-26

Our land shall yield its increase.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Peace, peace to the far and the near.

(Is 15:19)

Happy Fourth of July! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Jesus comforts us with His words: Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid (Jn 14:27). He leaves us with His peace; Jesus gives His peace to us. Yes, it is His peace, not the peace the world can give. Embrace His peace. Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, have mercy on us.

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

(Ph 4:6-7)

SAINT ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL,

BLESSED JOHN CORNELIUS,

BLESSED MARIA CROCIFISSA CURCIO,

BLESSED PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: You will find the corn knee high by the Fourth of July in Leesburg, IN. Glory dwelling in our land.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years: Saint Thomas the Apostle

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Is 66:10-14c; Resp Ps 66; Gal 6:14-18; Lk 10:1-12, 17-20

Sing praise to the glory of His name.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Peace to this household.

(Lk 10:5)

Welcome to the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. May "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit" (Gal 6:18). Let's make this day about being a peaceful people, in mind and heart. May we spread that peace in word and deed, into whatever house we enter. And "in all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Th 5:18). We go forth, united in faith and prayer. Jesus, God of peace, have mercy on us.

Let the peace of Christ Jesus control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

(Gospel acclamation, Mass)

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Morning sky, Lake Tippecanoe, Leesburg, IN. Come and see the works of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Our Lady of Budslau

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 25 Serious Faults 

Mass: Amos 9:11-15; Resp Ps 85; Mt 9:14-17

Truth shall spring out of the earth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.

(Mt 9:17)

Welcome to Saturday, the day traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. Saturdays, often a day off for those who work all week, are also a day when folks clean, clear out, grocery shop, and at this time of the year mow and garden and go to the farmer's market. It can be a day of renewal and making things fresh, wherever you are, and whatever you do. It can be a day when we bring out the fresh wineskins and pour in new wine. What needs to be cleaned, cleared out, released, and made new, both inside and out? Look to Jesus, open your heart, ask for the grace you need to clear and remove all that keeps you from His love and mercy. Jesus, our way and our life, have mercy on us. Mary, refuge of sinners, pray for us.

O God, who through the grace of adoption

chose us to be children of light,

grant, we pray,

that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error

but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

(Collect, Mass)

OUR LADY OF BUDSLAU,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Justice and peace shall kiss.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Oliver Plunkett (1625-1681); Blessed Junipero Serra (1713-1784); Blessed Nazju Falzon (1813-1865)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 24 Degrees of Excommunication

Mass: Amos 8:4-6, 9-12; Resp Ps 119; Mt 9:9-13

With all my heart I seek you.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

All peoples clap your hands. Cry to God with shouts of joy.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

Welcome to July. 

One of my favorite lines comes in today's Gospel: Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do (Mt 9:12). We are all in need of the merciful and compassionate healing touch of the Divine Physician. Let us be about receiving the mercy of God and extending it to others. As Jesus says: I desire mercy, not sacrifice (Mt 9:13). 

During difficult moments, let us not close in on ourselves, shutting Jesus out. Let us seek Jesus, return to Him, to His forgiveness, to those wounds that have healed us. In this way, we too will become capable of compassion, of approaching the wounds of others.

(Pope Francis)

Let God's grace reign, as it does reign: the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, the one Son of God, the one Lord.

(Saint Augustine on the Predestination of the Saints, in Office of Readings, Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time)

SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT,

BLESSED JUNIPERO SERRA,

BLESSED NAZIO FALZON,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The way of truth I have chosen. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022