Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saints: The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (13th-14th century); Saint Fintan of Clonenagh (d. 603); Blessed William Richardson (1572-1603

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 14 The Celebration of Vigils on the Anniversaries of Saints

Mass: Gn 11:1-9; Resp Ps 33; Mk 8:34-9:1

He who fashioned the heart of each.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

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

(Mk 8:34)

We commemorate the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary, or the Servites, "seven men worthy of all our praise and veneration, whom our Lady brought into one community to form this order of hers and her servants. They were like seven stars joined together to form a constellation."* The seven stars came from different backgrounds - some had never been married, some we married men at the same time, others had lost their wives after marriage. They certainly lost many aspects of their lives for the sake of God and that of the Gospel (see Mk 8:35). They lived as hermits on Monte Senario, near Florence, Tuscany, central Italy. They had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and "loved God above all things and dedicated their whole lives to Him by honoring Him in every thought, word and deed."* May they intercede for all of us, no matter our state in life, and help us to love the Lord God with all our heart, our whole soul and all our strength. No matter what. And they remind us too that God calls all kinds of people together to bear witness to Him. By the grace of God, we go forth. 

These are the holy ones, who have received blessings from the Lord, and mercy from the God who saves them, such is the people who seek the Lord.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER,

SAINT FINTAN OF CLONENAGH,

BLESSED WILLIAM RICHARDSON,

PRAY FOR US.

*From an account of the origin of the Servite Order, in Office of Readings, February 17. See also Catholic News Agency, "Seven Founders of the Servite Order."

Today's photo: During one of my cleaning charges, I can look out the window at this favorite of mine when passing by. The leaves in various shades of red are especially attractive. The plan of the Lord stands forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saints: Saint Onesimus, early Christian leader; Blessed Nicholas of Paglia OP (1197-1256)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 13:12-14 The Celebration of Lauds on Ordinary Days

Mass: Gn 9:1-13; Resp Ps 102; Mk 8:27-33

From heaven the Lord looks down on earth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HOLY FAMILY, CENTER OF PEACE AND CONCORD,

PRAY FOR US.

For in the image of God has man been made.

(Gn 9:6)

Welcome to Thursday. Looking around, at all the men, women, boys and girls, made in the image and likeness of God, and the magnificent works of God on earth and above, as seen in today's photo, it is a good question Jesus asks us: But who do you say that I am? (Mk 8:29).

Ash Wednesday and the holy Season of Lent is coming soon. We turn to Saint Benedict and remember that the celebration of Lauds and Vespers must never pass by without the superior's reciting the entire Lord's Prayer at the end for all to hear, because thorns of contention are likely to spring up (Rule of Saint Benedict, 13:12). It is not too early to think about the thorns of contention we might rid ourselves of in the coming liturgical season. Forgive us as we forgive ... and deliver us from evil.

You are the Christ.

(Mk 8:29)

SAINT ONESIUMUS,

BLESSED NICHOLAS OF PAGLIA,

SAINT DOMINIC,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is not the morning of February 6 as you saw before. Here we are at 5:04 a.m. this past Saturday, February 11. From heaven He beheld the earth.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saint: Saint Claude La Colombiere (1641-1682)

Readings of the Day 

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 13:1-11 The Celebration of Lauds on Ordinary Days

Mass: Gn 8:6-13, 20-22; Resp Ps 116; Mk 8:22-26

To you, O Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HOLY FAMILY, OUR SUPPORT IN LIFE AND OUR HOPE IN DEATH,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, SEAT OF LOVE AND COMPASSION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

May the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, 

that we may know what is the hope that belongs to His call.

(Gospel Versicle, Mass)

It happens not occasionally that this leads to that and prompts me to go here and there. Looking at notes from the Holy Father's General Audience Catechesis this morning I read something that the pontiff said, "It's easier to exhort people to love God than to allow ourselves to be loved by Him." This took me to something I read last night, "Why should you deny yourself the same tenderness and warmth you extend to others who are suffering?"* It's true that it is easier to tell others that Jesus loves them and to love Him in return then it is to extend the same courtesy to ourselves. It's like a dear Carmelite friar and friend of happy memory told me once before I was off to lead a retreat: "Just tell the people that Jesus loves them. That's all they need to know." As a result, I've been doing that ever since and many have responded that no one ever told them that before. Or maybe it is because many don't believe it or even think they are worthy of God's love. However, do I tell myself that Jesus loves me? And then do I believe it? Hmmm. It may seem to be a "radical idea" in a way. This is the way Dr. C.K. Germer puts it, what he calls self-compassion: "That's self-compassion--taking care of ourselves just as we'd treat someone we love dearly. If you're used to beating yourself up during periods of sadness or loneliness, if you hide from the world when you make a mistake to begin with, self-compassion may seem like a radical idea."* It may be worthy then to spend some time reflecting on how much Jesus loves us and is always there to embrace us with mercy, love and forgiveness. If we don't embrace this, then how can we extend mercy, love and forgiveness to others. If we are to bear witness to the mercy, love, and forgiveness of God, then, as Pope Francis said to those gathered in the Paul VI Audience Hall, "Bearing witness to Him means radiating Him. But, if we do not receive His light, we will be extinguished. If we do not attend Him, we will bear ourselves instead of Him, and it will all be in vain." Then He laid hands on the man's eyes as second time and he saw clearly (Mk 8:25). I can see clearly now the rain is gone 🎵 ☺. And it just so happens that the rain is gone from here too. There's nothing but blue skies. 

SAINT CLAUDE LA COLOMBIERE,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE,

PRAY FOR US.

*See C.K. Germer, The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions (Guildford Press, 2009), p. 2. 

Today's photo: I managed to get this beauty yesterday in between the snow, rain, wind, sun, rain, sun here and there, and so on. As I say, here they come. The flowers, that is. ☺ For all the good He has done for me.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saints: Saint Valentine, Patron Saints of Europe, Patron Saint of Lovers; Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop (9th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 12 The Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds

Mass: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10: Resp Ps 29; Mk 8:14-21

Praise is fitting for loyal hearts.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF HEARTS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, HEARTS UNITED IN THE LORD,

PRAY FOR US.

Do you still not understand?

(Mk 8:21)

Happy Saint Valentine's Day. 💖 

First, in response to Jesus' question above, look to Isaiah 41:17-20 which I had the privilege of proclaiming at Lauds this morning. That all may see and know, observe and understand (Is 41:20). It is snowing right now. Do I need more signs than that? Hmmm. And then there is Noah who just did as the Lord commanded him (Gn 7:5). 

And now a word or two about Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. According to tradition he risked his life to marry couples in a Christian way during the time of the Roman persecution. He was eventually martyred for his witness to the faith. Dear Saint Valentine can certainly intercede for all married couples, and also pray for all couples who do not find it necessary to get married in the Church, or any church for that matter. There are many saints who were married with families so lots of others to intercede too, like Saint Margaret of Scotland (11th century), married for 23 years and the mother of eight children; Saint Louis IX (13th century), married 36 years and the father of 11 children; Saint Thomas More (14th-15th century), married 33 years with 4 children and one stepdaughter; Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, married nine years with five children; and Saints Louis Martin and Zelie Marie-Azelie Guerin (19th century), the first spouses in the Church's history to be canonized as a couple. They had nine children with only five daughters who survived infancy. And they were all nuns including Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, and Servant of God Leonie Martin.* 

We also commemorate the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, born in Thessalonica, Greece, and educated in Constantinople in what is modern-day Turkey. Together they set off for Moravia, in the eastern part of what is now the Czech Republic, to preach the faith. They translated liturgical texts into the Slavonic language and invented the Cyrillic alphabet. Just after one of them, called Constantine at birth, was clothed in the monastic habit and took the name of Cyril, he lived the life of a monk for fifty days. Not long before he died, he prayed to the Lord, his God. And he intercedes for us now, along with his brother. 

Hear my prayer and protect your faithful people, for you have established me as their unsuitable and unworthy servant.

Keep them free from harm and the worldly cunning of those who blaspheme you. Build up your church and gather all into unity. Make your people known for the unity and profession of their faith. Inspire the hearts of your people with your word and your teaching ...

Direct them with your powerful right hand, and protect them under the shadow of your wings. May all praise and glorify your name, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(From an Old Slavonic Life of Constantine, in Office of Readings, February 14)

SAINT VALENTINE, 

SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND, 

SAINT LOUIS IX,

SAINT THOMAS MORE,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINTS LOUIS MARTIN AND ZELIE MARIE-AZELIE GUERIN,

SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX,

SERVANT OF GOD LEONIE MARTIN,

SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catholic News Agency, "St. Valentine," and CatholicVote "Saints Who Were Married," and Wikipedia too. 

Today's photo: To celebrate Saint Valentine's Day, these colorful and precious glass hearts come courtesy of a friend from the neighborhood where we both were born and raised in Muncie, Indiana (the Hoosier State). We have not seen one another since just before high school (not a few years ago lol 😉), when she moved to Kansas, the Sunflower State, where she still lives. Can you imagine? Recently gifted with an old glass kiln by her brother, she has taken on a new hobby. I am reminded of the wonderful song with words, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and other gold." Give to the Lord glory and praise.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saint: Blessed Jordan of Saxony OP (c.1185-1237); Saint Catherine de' Ricci OP (1522-1590)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 11 The Celebration of Vigils on Sunday

Mass: Gn 4:1-15, 25; Resp Ps 50; Mk 8:11-13 

Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

If you can do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door; his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.

(Gn 4:7)

Welcome to Monday and a week to celebrate several Dominican saints like Blessed Reginald of Orleans, who received the habit from Saint Dominic, and Blessed Jordan of Saxony, who also received the habit from Saint Dominic and succeeded him as Master of the Order of Preachers. Then there is Saint Catherine de' Ricci, who was born in Florence and took the veil at the Dominican convent in Prat, Tuscany. Among other notables, she was eventually elected perpetual prioress, and due to her sanctity and prudence, had many visitors including bishops, princes, and even cardinals who became popes. She also appeared in a vision to a long-time correspondent, Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595), who lived in Rome, hundreds of miles away from where she was physically located. Otherwise skeptical of miraculous events, Philip apparently confirmed this one. Such a miraculous work was included in Catherine's cause for canonization, celebrated by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746.* And lastly, we have Blessed Nicholas of Paglia, a traveling companion of Saint Dominic, and Blessed John of Fiesole, better known as Fra Angelico. I've seen many of Fra Angelico's marvelous works of art in person, at Il Convento di San Marco in Florence where the famous Annunciation is housed, and at an exhibit at Villa Borghese. Fra Angelico is buried at Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, definitely a favorite of mine. Outside the front of that magnificent Church is Bernini's small statue of an elephant. May all these glorious saints intercede for all friars, sisters, and nuns of the Order of Preachers. We pray especially for all those who study and work at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

United in faith and prayer, we go forth to encourage and support one another so that we master whatever sin is lurking at our doors. Lord, have mercy. Be my protector, O God, a mighty stronghold to save me. For you are my rock, my stronghold! Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name (Entrance Antiphon, Mass).

BLESSED JORDAN OF SAXONY,

SAINT CATHERINE DE' RICCI,

SAINT DOMINIC.

PRAY FOR US.

*On Saint Catherine de' Ricci, see Catholic News Agency, "St. Catherine de' Ricci."

Today's photo: Here they come. The flowers, that is. ☺ From the rising of the sun to its setting.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

In other years: Blessed Reginald of Orleans, OP (c.1180-1220)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 10 The Arrangement of the Night Office in Summer

Mass: Sirach 15:15-20; Resp Ps 119; 1 Cor 2:6-10; Mt 5:17-37 

The wonders of your law.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HOLY FAMILY, WHOSE DIVINE CHILD IS A MODEL OF FILIAL OBEDIENCE,

PRAY FOR US.

Before man are life and death, good and evil,

whichever he chooses will be given him.

(Sirach 15:17)

Who is the man that fears the Lord?

The Lord will instruct him in the way that he should choose.

(Psalm 25:12)

There seems to be no cause to waver then on what is the path to choose. However, we must listen to what the Lord is telling us. Listen, that is, with the ear of our heart. So doing, we can be firm and let our 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and our 'No' mean 'No.' For anything else is from the evil one (see Mk 17:37).

Jesus is the Finger of God who writes in the interior of our being, who etches living truth on the flesh of our heart with His tender yet powerful touch. If He can do this it is because He Himself, eternal Word possesses a human heart and knows how to reach other hearts. And the simple, absolute, and unsurpassable law He inscribes in our hearts is the law of the love of God.

(E. Leiva-Merikakis, Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word: Meditations on the Gospel According to St. Matthew)

BLESSED REGINALD OF ORLEANS,

SAINT DOMINIC,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is a guanaco at spectacular Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Just one of the new animals the Ottos met during their recent Chilean adventure. That I may be firm in the ways of keeping your statutes!

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

World Day of the Sick

Our Lady of Lourdes

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 9 The Number of Psalms at the Night Office

Mass: Gn 3:9-24; Resp Ps 90; Mk 8:1-10

The earth and the world were brought forth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, HEALTH OF THE SICK,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

SAINT RAPHAEL,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HOLY FAMILY, WHOSE MOTHER IS A MODEL OF MATERNAL DILIGENCE,

PRAY FOR US.

My heart is moved with pity for the crowd.

(Mk 8:2)

For the times when we are afraid and try to hide ourselves from the Lord Our God, may we reach out to Him who always looks for us, and loves us with an everlasting love. They ate and were satisfied (Mk 8:8).

And the man called his wife "Eve."

"Mother of all that live shall be her name,"

Said the man, when the Lord had judged their sin.

Somehow the curse and blessing are the same;

Bread shall they eat, though sweat cling to the skin;

In pain shall she bring children to the light,

And one shall crush the serpent's skull, to win-

Not the small grove whence they were put to flight-

New heaven and earth for man His foe, and friend.

Praise her then, in whose fruitful womb unite

Dust, and that life of Eden without end.*

OUR LADY OF LOURDES,

SAINT BERNADETTE OF LOURDES,

PRAY FOR US.

* Anthony Esolen, The Hundredfold: Songs for the Lord (Ignatius, 2019). pp. 51-52.

Today's photo: For Our Lady of Lourdes. Not the pale-yellow roses on the top of Her feet when she first appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, this rose, courtesy of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel, OR, is fitting. Our Lady, mystical rose, likes all flowers, especially roses. That we may gain wisdom of heart.

 © Gertrude Feick 2023