Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saint: Saint Mel (d. 488); Saint Richard (8th century); Pope Blessed Pius IX (1792-1878)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:59 Humility

Mass: Gn 1:20-2:4a; Resp Ps 8; Mk 7:1-13  

Thus the heavens and the earth and all their array were completed.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, SON, MOTHER, AND HEAD OF HOLY FAMILY,

PRAY FOR US.

Since on the seventh day God was finished with the work He had been doing, He rested on the seventh day from the all the work He had undertaken.

(Gn 2:2)

Take a look around and see. It is no wonder God rested on the seventh day; He must have been tired. 

For the beauty of the earth

For the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,

This our hymn of grateful praise.

About the saints we commemorate today, Saint Mel, Saint Richard, and Blessed Pope Pius IX. It is said that Saint Mel or Moel was a Briton who came to Ireland with his uncle, Saint Patrick, with whom he worked until he was ordained. Saint Mel is one of the earliest Irish saints and gave the religious veil to Saint Brigid. Saint Richard was the father of three saints, Saints Willibald, Winnebald, and Walburga. Saint Richard has been called "King of the English". And among other things, Pope Blessed Pius IX convoked the First Vatican Council in 1868.*

SAINT MEL,

SAINT RICHARD,

POPE BLESSED PIUS IX,

SS. WILLEBALD, WINNEBALD, AND WALBURGA,

SAINT PATRICK,

SAINT BRIGID,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Universalis, "About Today," Catholic News Agency "St. Richard," and Vatican News, "Saint of the Day."

Today's photo: Welcome to the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, South America. Faithful reader, Catherine, and her husband just returned from a few weeks in Chile. About the National Park and the beauty of the place, Catherine commented, "Can never get enough. Completely over the top - what our Creater has made!!!" God looked at everything He made, and He found it very good.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saints: Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, The Nagasaki Martyrs (1564/6-1597); Saints Gonsalo Garcia, Peter Baptista and Companions (-1597)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:56-58 Humility

Mass: Gn 1:1-19; Resp Ps 104; Mk 6:53-56  

Evening came, and morning followed - the first day.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

THE HOLY FAMILY, IMAGE OF THE BLESSED TRINITY HERE ON EARTH,

PRAY FOR US.

Let there be light ...

God saw how good it was.

(Gn 1:3, 18)

Welcome to Monday in this month of the Holy Family. Like the people in today's Gospel, we may scurry about. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ, though; He is in your town and mine too. Do you recognize Him? Reach out to touch Him, even if only the tassel on His cloak. As many as touched it were healed (Mk 6:56).

We are honored to commemorate the Nagasaki Martyrs this day and hear from an account of their martyrdom:

Our brother, Paul Miki, saw himself standing now in the noblest pulpit he had ever filled. To his "congregation" he began by proclaiming himself a Japanese and a Jesuit. He was dying for the Gospel he preached. He gave thanks to God for this wonderful blessing and he ended his "sermon" with these words: "As I come to this supreme moment in my life, I am sure none of you would suppose I want to deceive you. And so I tell you plainly: there is no way to be saved except the Christian way. My religion teaches me to pardon my enemies and all who have offended me. I do gladly pardon the Emperor and all who have sought my death. I beg them to seek baptism and be Christians themselves.

(From an account of the martyrdom of Saint Paul Miki and his companions, by a contemporary writer, in Office of Readings, February 6)

United in the same faith and in prayer, may we pardon our enemies and all who have offended us. May we live the faith with the same courage of so many who have gone before us. Keep going.

SAINTS PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS,

SAINTS GONSALO GARCIA, PETER BAPTISTA AND COMPANIONS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome to the First Story of Creation as proclaimed this week, literally as seen early this morning. Robed in light as with a cloak. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

In other years: Saint Agatha (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:55 Humility

Mass: Is 58:7-10; Resp Ps 112; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16

Light shines through the darkness for the upright.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, CALLED THE "HOLY FAMILY" FROM ALL TIME,

PRAY FOR US.

That your faith might not rest on human wisdom but on the power of God.

(1 Cor 2:5)

Benvenuto, Papa Francesco. The Holy Father is back in Rome after his six-day Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Mary, Solus Populi Romani, pray for us. Help us this day and throughout this week to let our lights shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our heavenly Father. After all, we are the salt of the earth, we are about being courageous witnesses of the faith to all those we meet. And it is wonderful what a little kindness extended to another will do. It can certainly cure what ails you. Reach out to someone today. United in faith and prayer, we go forth and proclaim: Out with the dark and in with the Light! Thank you for being there, faithful readers. Jesus loves you!

We invoke Saint Agatha, patron saint of rape victims, breast cancer, wet nurses, and martyrs.

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 her deeds. Agatha, her mere name wins all men over to her company. She teaches them by her example to hasten with her to the true Good, God alone.

(From a homily on Saint Agatha by Saint Methodius of Sicily, bishop, in Office of Readings, February 5)

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, Anastastia

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.

(Roman Canon, Eucharistic Prayer I)

SAINT AGATHA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Sunday needs white flowers; these sent by my dear cousin in Windsor. He is gracious and merciful and just.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Catholic Schools Week

First Saturday of the Month

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Gilbert of Sempringham (1083-1190); Saint John de Britto (1647-1693); Blessed Mary-Eugene Grialou (1894-1967); Saint Catherine de Ricci OP (1522-1590); Saint Joseph of Leonessa (1556-1612)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:51-54 Humility

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

He refreshes my soul.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

HOLY FAMILY, CENTER OF PEACE AND CONCORD,

PRAY FOR US.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have;

God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

(Heb 13:16)

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month, this one a Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary and one with the Holy Father in South Sudan. This morning Pope Francis was busy in the Cathedral of Saint Therese in the nation's capital city of Juba addressing bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians and lay pastoral workers. That's quite a crowd. Keep going, Papa Francesco. And once again, we also have plenty of saints to invoke to help us. Whatever we need this day, we turn to them and to Mary, the Mother of God with the words of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.*

Let us ask for grace

and let us ask through Mary

because she has found what she sought

and she cannot be disappointed.

Let us ask for grace

but grace with God.

For with human beings

grace is a delusion.

Let others ask for merit

let us eagerly seek grace.

Why?

Is it not by grace

that we are here?

This is the last day of Catholic Schools Week. We will continue, though, to pray for all teachers, students, staff, administration, parents, and all the faithful involved in the work of teaching our faith and passing on the richness of our tradition. We conclude this week then with words from Pope Saint John Paul II in his Message to the National Catholic Education Association of the United States, April 16, 1979. Pope John Paul II quotes Pope Saint Paul VI, from his September 15, 1975, Address to the Cardinals and Bishops of the United States of America.

 

With profound conviction I ratify and reaffirm the words that Paul VI originally spoke to the Bishops of your country:

"Brethren, we know the difficulties involved in preserving Catholic schools, and the uncertainties of the future, and yet we rely on the help of God and on your own zealous collaboration and untiring efforts, so that Catholic schools can continue, despite grave obstacles, to fulfill the providential role at the service of genuine Catholic education, and at the service of your country."

Yes, the Catholic school must remain a privileged means of Catholic education in America. As an instrument of the apostolate it is worthy of the greatest sacrifices.

May all the faithful make the necessary sacrifices to preserve Catholic schools in the United States of America. United in faith and prayer, we go forth.

MARY, QUEEN OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION,

POPE SAINT PAUL VI,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, 

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, 

SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM,

SAINT JOHN DE BRITTO,

BLESSED MARY-EUGUNE GRIALOU,

SAINT CATHERINE DE RICCI,

SAINT JOSEPH OF LEONESSA,

PRAY FOR US.

* In Mary Most Holy: Meditating With the Early Cistercians (Cistercian Publications, 2003), pp. 330-31.

Today's photo: Our Lady, this is for you. Seen early yesterday morning when things were fresh. Mary, Our Lady of the Protective Veil, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Catholic Schools Week

First Friday of the Month

Saints: Saint Ansgar (Oscar), Bishop (-865); Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, Patron Saint of the Throat (4th century); Saint Laurence of Canterbury (-619); Saint Dunstan of Canterbury (-988); Saint Theodore of Canterbury (602-690); Saint Werburg (d. c. 700); Saint Anne Line, nee Heigham (1565?-1601); Saint Anthony of Pavio OP (1326-1374); Blessed Bartholomew of Cerverio OP (c.1420-1466); Blessed Peter of Rufia OP (c.1320-1365)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:49-50 Humility

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

He will hide me in His abode.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

HOLY FAMILY, PRAISED BY THE ANGELS,

PRAY FOR US.

Let mutual love continue. 

Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have knowingly entertained angels.

(Heb 13:1)

Welcome to South Sudan Papa Francesco. Keep going. 

Considering the word proclaimed in the Letter to the Hebrews above, we remember something Saint Benedict teaches us in the chapters on the liturgical code, in this case that we consider how we ought to behave in the presence of God and His angels (RB 19:6), for as our holy father tells us in his chapter on humility, "every day the angels assigned to us report out deeds to the Lord day and night" (RB 7:28). I find comfort in this, knowing that there are angels looking after me. And who knows who might show up at the door today. ☺

We have the privilege to commemorate a litany of saints today. One of my favorites is Saint Blaise, 4th century Bishop of Sebastea, Armenia, in modern-day Turkey. He is the patron saint of the throat and there is the traditional blessing of throats on this day. I always loved having my throat blessed as a child and in my adult years too. It is another beauty of our faith tradition and a custom I miss. It is said that Bishop Blaise miraculously saved a young boy from choking on a fish bone, and also successfully commanded a hungry wolf to return a pig that belonged to a poor elderly woman. The latter he did while being led to prison in Sebastea; the wolf did as commanded and to the amazement of all, the pig was alive and uninjured. Refusing to worship pagan gods, Blaise was beheaded.* All in day's work. It's good enough for me, and another reason to remember those who have gone before us who spoke the word of God, then consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. For, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Heb 13:7-8). Thanks be to God.

The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.

What can anyone do to me?

(Heb 13:6)

Little happens by accident. The other day, while working in the library, I opened a book by Simone Weil (French philosopher, 1909-1943), The Need for Roots (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1952). A random opening, it was even more cause to take notice. In the midst of Catholic Schools Week, this what I my eyes found:

Future professional teachers and schoolmasters should simply be told that religion has at all times and in all countries, save quite recently in certain parts of Europe, played a dominant role in the development of human culture, thought, and civilization. An educational course in which no reference is made to religion is an absurdity. Furthermore, in the same way as when studying history little French children are told a lot about France, so it is natural that, being in Europe, when you talk about religion you should refer primarily to Christianity.

(p. 92)

SAINT ANSGAR,

SAINT BLAISE,

SAINT LAURENCE OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT DUNSTAN OF CANTERBURY, 

SAINT THEODORE OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT WERBURG,

SAINT ANNE LINE,

SAINT ANTHONY OF PAVIO,

BLESSED BARTHOLOMEW OF CERVERIO,

BLESSED PETER OF RUFIA,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catholic News Agency, "St. Blaise."

Today's photo: This precious creature makes an appearance now and then. Thank you, MG. He will conceal me in the shelter of His tent.

© Gerrude Feick 2023

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Catholic Schools Week

27th World Day for Consecrated Life

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:44-48 Humility

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

Who is the king of glory?

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

 MOTHER, MOST CHASTE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HOLY FAMILY, POOR IN MATERIAL GOODS, RICH IN DIVINE BLESSINGS,

PRAY FOR US.

And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek.

(Malachi 3:1)

Welcome to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the 27th World Day for Consecrated Life. Again, another busy day. May all men and women with a vocation to Consecrated Life remember that their vocation, "deeply rooted in the example and teaching of Christ the Lord, is a gift of God the Father to His Church through the Holy Spirit" (Pope Saint John Paul II, Vita Consecrata, 1). Please pray for all of us to be faithful witnesses to the Lord; may we reflect the radiance of the true light. And as Pope Francis told the priests, deacons, consecrated persons, and seminarians in Kinshasa's Cathedral of Our Lady of the Congo, we are "to act as signs of Christ's presence, of His unconditional love, His reconciliation and forgiveness, and His compassionate concern for the needs of the poor." May the favor of God be upon us. Thank you, faithful readers, for your prayers.

In honor of the divine mystery that we celebrate today, let us all hasten to meet Christ. Everyone should be eager to join the procession and to carry a light ...

The Mother of God, the most pure Virgin, carried the true light in her arms and brought Him to those who lay in darkness. We too should carry a light for all to see and reflect the radiance of the true light as we hasten to meet Him.

(From a sermon by Saint Sophronius, bishop, in Office of Readings, February 2)

And now more from Pope Saint John Paul II during this week of Catholic Schools:

The life of a teacher, as I know from personal experience, is very challenging and demanding, but it is also profoundly satisfying.

(Address of John Paul II to the Council, Staff and Students of the Institute of Catholic Education, Melbourne, Australia, November 28, 1986)

With these words in mind, may all teachers, especially those who are teaching the faith, approach their sacred vocation in this way:

All who undertake to teach must be endowed with deep love, the greatest patience, and, most of all, profound humility. They must perform their work with earnest zeal. Then through their humble prayers, the Lord will find them worthy to become fellow workers with Him in the cause of truth.

(Saint Joseph of Calasanza)

Today's photo: On my third trip by this tree yesterday, I went looking for something to go with today's Responsorial Psalm. This is not on the beaten path, so I approached it and looked up. Quite simply, it is awesome. I pass by this beauty at least four times a day, and most often more; it will never quite look the same. It is the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Catholic Schools Week

Saints: Saint Brigid (451?-525); Saint Henry Morse (1595-1645); Blessed Benedict Daswa (1946-1990); Saint Candelaria of Saint Joseph (1863-1940)

Readings of the Day

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

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

And His justice toward children's children.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Endure your trials as "discipline."

(Heb 12:7)

Welcome to February, the month dedicated to the Holy Family, and now in the midst of Catholic Schools Week. We have much to be thankful for, including something Saint Theophane Venard said: "Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves, and helps, and cares for others." In this month of the Holy Family, then, a Christian education in the faith begins in the home. Holy Family, tested by the greatest difficulties, pray for us.

Speaking of difficulties and trials, our readings for the day speak about them. We are disciplined by such things as the Letter to the Hebrews tells us. And discipline may seem a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it (Heb 12:11). In the Gospel, Jesus is essentially dismissed as a nobody, a mere carpenter, the son of Mary and with brothers even. Who on earth does He think He is anyway? People took offense at Him when He walked the earth (see Mk 6:3); they take offense at Him now. There is nothing new under the sun. We have also been in the midst of Saint Benedict's Chapter 7 on humility and I've been waiting for today when we read about the fourth step of humility, my favorite. Our holy father Benedict begins this way: "The fourth step of humility is that in this obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions, [my] heart quietly embraces suffering and endures it without weakening or seeking escape" (RB 7:35-36). 

They are going to happen, these things that, yes, are painful. And trials will come in the home, at work, in the monastery, in social settings; wherever we find ourselves and even in places we least expect to find them. However, Jesus has been there; He leads the way. He was silent throughout. Remember, for Scripture has it: Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved, and again, Be brave of heart and rely on the Lord. Another passage shows how the faithful must endure everything, even contradiction, for the Lord's sake, saying in the person of those who suffer, For your sake we are being put to death continually; we are regarded as sheep marked for slaughter" (RB 7:36-37). And why do we endure our trials? It is because we are so confident in our expectation of reward from God that we continue joyfully and say, But in all this we overcome because of Him who so greatly loved us (RB 7:39). 

United in faith and prayer then, may we be patient amid hardships and unjust treatment and fulfill the Lord's command: When struck on one cheek, turn the other; when deprived of our coat, offer our cloak also; when pressed into service for one mile, go two. Bear with false brothers and sisters, endure persecution, and bless those who curse us. (RB 7:42-43). We can do it, faithful readers, let us strengthen our drooping hands and our weak knees (se Heb 12:12), for as Jesus told us last "Beatitude Sunday", Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me (Mt 5:11). Keep going, rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven (Mt 5:12a).

And we continue to pray for the Holy Father Pope Francis, who celebrated Mass today for more than a million people at the "Ndolo" airport in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Praise God from Whom all blessing flow. 

The presence of the Church in the field of education is wonderfully manifested in the vast and dynamic network of schools and educational programs extending from the preschool through adult years. The entire ecclesial community - bishops, priests, religious, the laity - the Church in all her parts, is called to value ever more deeply the importance of this task and mission, and to continue to give it full and enthusiastic support.

(Address of His Holiness John Paul II, "Meeting with the Representatives of Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools and Leaders in Religious Education," Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, September 12, 1987)

SAINT BRIGID,

SAINT HENRY MORSE,

BLESSED BENEDICT DASWA,

SAINT BENEDICT OF NURSIA,

SAINT CANDELARIA OF SAINT JOSEPH,

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: As promised, here is Father Cody, who not only looks great in a cassock, looks even more like his patron Saint John Bosco when wearing it. Front and center, Father Cody serves as chaplain for the students at Western Washington University's Newman Center, seen here all beautiful and beaming for the Lord. Again, they inspire us to remain faithful and strong in our respective vocations. Dear Father Cody and all the Newman students at Western Washington University, keep going! Thank you for being there with your courageous witness to the faith in a secular university, where, as your chaplain said, "These kids have to fight for it!". You certainly face your fair share of difficulties and trials. Jesus loves you!

© Gertrude Feick 2023