Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years: Pope Saint Sixtus II and his companions (-258); Saint Cajetan (1480-1547); Blessed Nicholas Postgate (1598-1679); Saint Albert Trapani (c.1240-1307)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 55:1-14 The Clothing and Footwear of the Brothers

Mass: Wisdom 18:6-9; Resp Ps 33; Heb 11:1-2, 8-19; Lk 12:32-48

Our soul waits for the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

HEART OF MARY, UNITED TO THE HEART OF JESUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Arise, O God, and defend your cause, and forget not the cries of those who seek You.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass, in part)

In today's Gospel, the Lord answers Peter's question with a question of His own: Who then is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? (Lk 12:42). It may be that a faithful and prudent steward is, among other things, someone who pays attention. Someone who, as we sing praise at the end of a psalm, pays attention and gives Praise to the God who is, praise to the God who was, praise to the God who is to come, for ages unending. Amen. So many things pass by without us noticing. Or rather, pass by without me noticing. For example, the beauty of God's creation that surrounds us at every moment. It just so happens that I was paying attention late yesterday afternoon when I went looking for a flower to use with today's reflection. And you can see what I found instead. Stay awake and be ready! For you do not know on what day the Lord will come (Gospel acclamation, Mass). Mary Oliver puts it this way:

Messenger,

by Mary Oliver (1935-2019)

My work is loving the world.

Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird-

    equal seekers of sweetness.

Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums.

Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.

Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?

Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect? Let me

    keep my mind on what matters.,

which is my work,

which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished. 

The phoebe, the delphinium.

The sheep in the pasture, and the pasture.

Which is mostly rejoicing, since all the ingredients are here,

which is gratitude, to be given a mind and a heart

    and these body-clothes,

a mouth with which to give shouts of joy

    to the moth and the wren, to the sleepy dug-up clam,

telling them all, over and over, how it is

    that we live forever.

It is entirely up to you. If you want Christ to love you and help you, you must love Him and always make an effort to please Him. Do not waver in your purpose, because even if all the saints and every single creature should abandon you, He will always be near you, whatever your needs.

(From a letter by Saint Cajetan, priest, in Office of Readings, August 7)    

POPE SAINT SIXTUS II AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT CAJETAN,

BLESSED NICHOLAS POSTGATE,

SAINT ALBERT TRAPANI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: See text above. 😊 May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

First Saturday of the Month

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 54 Letters or Gifts for Monks

Mass: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14; Resp Ps 97; 2 Pt 1:16-19; Lk 9:28b-36

All peoples see His glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

HEART OF MARY, LIKE UNTO THE HEART OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, 

His kingship shall not be destroyed.

(Dn 7:14)

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month and the celebration of the Feast of Transfiguration of the Lord. Listen to the voice from the cloud that said: This is my beloved Son; listen to Him (Lk 9:35). United as we are, baptized into the family of faith, we too are the beloved children of God. As brothers and sisters, may we listen to the Lord with open hearts and minds. We enter into this day before the Sabbath, usually a day full of things to do like yard work, cleaning this or that like the parish or monastery church, laundry, cooking, shopping, and so on, with something to ponder: "The true miracle of the Transfiguration is not the shining face or the white garments, but the fact that for the rest of the time Jesus hid His glory so well" (Universalis). It is wonderful in our eyes. Amen.

Jesus goes up before us to show us the way, both up the mountain and into heaven, and-I speak boldly- it is for us now to follow Him with all speed, yearning for the heavenly vision that will give us a share in His radiance, renew our spiritual nature and transform us into His own likeness, making us forever sharers in His Godhead and raising us to heights as yet undreamed of ...

It is indeed good to be here, as you have said, Peter. It is good to be with Jesus and to remain here for ever. What greater happiness or higher honor could we have than to be with God, to be made like Him and to live in His light?

(From a sermon on the transfiguration of the Lord by Anastasius of Sinai, bishop, in Office of Readings, August 6)

NB. I was reminded that the month of August is especially dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. From today forward then, after addressing her as Queen of Peace, we will invoke the Blessed Mother with a title from the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Today's photo: This image of the icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord is used with permission of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel, OR. The icon hangs in their chapel at Queen of Angels Monastery. The icon is through the hands of the Iconographic Arts Institute. And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

The Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major

First Friday of the Month

Saint: Blessed Frederic Janssoone (1838-1916)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 53:16-24 The Reception of Guests

Mass: Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7; Resp Ps (Dt 32); Mt 16:24-28

Learn then that I, I alone, am God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD, 

PRAY FOR US.

Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

(Mt 16:24)

Welcome to the First Friday of the Month, a day too when we commemorate the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the four major basilicas (along with Saint Peter's Basilica, the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls, and the Basilica of Saint John in Lateran) in Rome, and the oldest church in the West that is dedicated to Our Lady. The basilica celebrates the motherhood of Mary, as it was built shortly after the Council of Ephesus (431) formally proclaimed the mother of Jesus as the Mother of God. The basilica is home to the icon Mary, Salus Populi Romani, Protectress of the Roman People. It is customary for the Holy Father to pray in front of the icon before Apostolic Journeys, thereby entrusting his visits to Our Lady. Upon his return from a journey, the Pontiff prays in front of the icon again, thanking God for blessing his journey. 

Entrust your cares to Mary, Mother of God. She knows a thing or two about crosses. Our Lady will help you carry yours. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Mary, Mother of God, we salute you. Precious vessel, worthy of the whole world's reverence, you are an ever-shining light, the crown of virginity, the symbol of orthodoxy, an indestructible temple, the place that held Him whom no place can contain, mother and virgin. Because of you the holy gospels could say: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord ...

Behold then the joy of the whole universe. Let the union of God and man in the Son of the Virgin Mary fill us with awe and adoration. Let us fear and worship the undivided Trinity as we sing the praise of the ever-virgin, Mary, the holy temple of God, and of God Himself, her Son and spotless Bridegroom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(From a homily delivered at the Council of Ephesus by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, in Office of Readings, August 5).

BLESSED FREDERIC JANSSONE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: A lily from Queen of Angels Monastery, home of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel. We are united in faith and prayer. Mary, Queen of Angels, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint: Saint Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, Cure of Ars, Principal Patron Saint of Parish Priests (1786-1859)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 53:1-15 The Reception of Guests

Mass: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Resp Ps 51; Mt 16:13-23

Cast me not from Your presence.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Your priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with justice; your holy ones shall ring out their joy.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

This is another wonderful day with a powerful saint to intercede for all of us, but especially for all parish priests. A great inspiration, Saint John Baptist Mary Vianney gave of his entire self to serve the Lord. A devout man of prayer, zealous for the salvation of souls, John Vianney led others to God through catechesis, service to the poor, and spending sixteen to eighteen hours a day in the confessional! Thousands flocked to Ars to receive his pastoral care and guidance. John Vianney certainly knew Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, and helped the faithful to know Him too. And an awesome fun fact is that John Vianney's breviary is located in northern Minnesota. No kidding! I read this: "It will be on display August 19-21 - along with the largest collection of Vatican artifacts outside of Rome" (The Loop). The exhibit is called "Vatican Unveiled: An Exploration of Legacies," in Duluth, MN, the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Google it. 😊

My little children, reflect on these words: the Christian's treasure is not on earth but in heaven. Our thoughts, then, ought to be directed to where our treasure is.

This is the glorious duty of man: to pray and to love. If you pray and love, that is where a man's happiness lies.

(From the catechetical instructions by Saint John Mary, Vianney, priest, in Office of Readings, August 4)

SAINT JEAN-BAPTISTE-MARIE VIANNEY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one is a good companion for our Responsorial Psalm. A view from Cannon Beach, Oregon, sent by a longtime and faithful friend, also an occasional photo contributor to our daily reflections. Your Holy Spirit take not from me.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Germanus of Auxerre (c.378-448); Saint Oswald (c.604-642); Saint Aethelwold (-984)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Jeremiah 31:1-7; Resp Ps (Jer 31); Mt 15:21-28

Proclaim it on distant isles.

MARY. QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

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

You are my rescuer, by help; O Lord, do not delay.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

It doesn't take much effort to turn to the Lord for help. We can use a few more words, like in today's Entrance Antiphon, or we can join the Canaanite woman in today's Gospel and simply say, "Lord, help me" (Mt 15:25). The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. 

Consider now the way of light; anyone who is bent on reaching his appointed goal must be very careful in all he does. Now that these are the directions that have been given to us for this journey: love your Creator; reverence your Maker; give glory to Him who redeemed you when you were dead; be single-minded but rich in spiritual treasure; avoid those who travel down death's highway; hate whatever is displeasing to God; detest all hypocritical pretense; do not abandon God's commandments. Do not put on airs, but be modest whatever you do; claim no credit for yourself. Plot no evil against your neighbor, and do not give pride an entrance into your heart ...

Such then is the way of light.

(From a letter attributed to Saint Barnabas, in Office of Readings, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday)

SAINT GERMANUS OF AUXERRE,

SAINT OSWALD,

SAINT AETHELWOLD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Here is Needle Rock on the Lost Coast. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God (Mk 10:25).

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop (283-371); Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868); Saint Peter Faber (1506-1546)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 51 Brothers on a Short Journey

Mass: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Resp Ps 101; Mt 14:22-36 or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14

The Lord looked down from His holy height.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

You shall be my people, and I will be your God.

(Jer 30:22)

In one of today's Gospel scenes, Jesus and His disciples arrive at Gennesaret. The men of that place recognize Jesus and essentially alert the media. With the news, people bring to Jesus all those who were sick, and they begged Him that they might touch only the tassel on His cloak. As many as touched it were healed (Mt 14:34-36). Today may be a good day to pay closer attention and recognize Jesus in our midst. He is present in myriad ways. We can touch the tassel on His cloak and be healed. We go forth, united in faith and prayer, with wisdom from the beloved Persian poet Hafiz (c. 1320-1389), who may help us to recognize Jesus in our midst.

Where is the Door to the Tavern?

Where is the door to God?

In the sound of a barking dog,

In the ring of a hammer,

In a drop of rain,

In the face of

Everyone

I see.

Dear beloved, I rejoice in your faith, in the salvation that comes from faith, in your good works, which are not confined to your own surroundings but spread far and wide ...

So I beg you to keep the faith with all vigilance, to preserve harmony, to be earnest in prayer, to remember me always, so that the Lord may grant freedom to His Church which is suffering throughout the world, and that I may be set free form the sufferings that weigh upon me, and so be able to rejoice with you.

(From a letter by Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop, in Office of Readings, August 2)

SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI,

SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD,

SAINT PETER FABER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Another view from last Saturday's "Beauty of the Lost Coast: Layers of History" hike. Look at the sea, great and wide.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint: Saint Alphonsus Mary de'Liguori, Bishop, Doctor of the Church, Patron of Confessors and Moralists (1696-1787)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 50 Brothers Working at a Distance or Traveling

Mass: Jeremiah 28:1-17; Resp Ps 118; Mt 14:13-21

I ponder your will.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

You are the light of the world ... 

your light must shine in the sight of all, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven.

(Mt 5:14, 16)

Welcome to Monday and the first day of August 2022. The summer marches on. 

To commemorate our saint of the day, Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Patron of Confessors and Moralists, and to pray for all Redemptorists, confessors and moral theologians, we go forth with the following prayer from Pope Saint John Paul II in his Encyclical Letter on the Church's Moral Teaching Veritatis Splendor:

O Mary,

Mother of Mercy,

watch over all people,

that the Cross of Christ

may not be emptied of its power,

that man may not stray

from the path of good

or become blind to sin,

but may put his hope ever more fully in God

who is "rich in mercy".

May he carry out the good works prepared

by God beforehand 

and so live completely

"for the praise of His glory".

SAINT ALPHONSUS MARY LIGUORI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Feeling a bit sluggish? Be inspired by this banana slug going full speed ahead.  

© Gertrude Feick 2022