Thursday of the First Week of Lent

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint John Ogilvie (1579-1615)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 32 The Tools and Goods of the Monastery

Mass:  Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Resp Ps 138; Mt 7:7-12

When I called you answered me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

When the Collect was prayed by the priest at Mass this morning, this came through: Without you we cannot exist. Without the Lord, we cannot exist. Queen Esther certainly knew this, and "seized with mortal anguish, had recourse to the Lord" (Esther C:12), for her people were about to be destroyed. Sadly, the next verse was omitted from today's first reading. It is there that we hear of how the Queen, with utmost humility, prepared herself before she prayed to the Lord: "Taking off her splendid garments, she put on garments of distress and mourning. In place of her precious ointments she covered herself with dirt and ashes. She afflicted her body severely; all her festive garments were put aside, and her hair was wholly disheveled" (Esther C:13). It was only then, that Queen Esther prayed to the Lord: "My Lord, our King, you alone are God. Help me, who am alone and have not help but you, for I am taking my life in my hand" (Esther C:14). Without the Lord, we cannot exist. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened (Mt 7:7-8). Without the Lord, we cannot exist.

You were make in the image of God. If then you wish to resemble Him, follow His example. Since the very name you bear as Christians is a profession of love for others, imitate the love of Christ ...

Let us then be shepherds like the Lord. We must meditate on the Gospel, and as we see in this mirror the example of zeal and loving kindness, we should become thoroughly schooled in those virtues ...

we should not look on others as lost or beyond hope; we should not abandon them when they are in danger or be slow to come to their help. When they turn away from the right path and wander, we must lead them back, and rejoice at their return, welcoming them back into the company of those who lead good and holy lives.

(From a homily by Saint Asterius of Amasea, bishop, in Office of Readings, First Week of Lent, Thursday)

NB. You might consider reading the Book of Esther straight through today. It's ten short chapters and most worthwhile. At the same time, we pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia, and all those affected by war, violence, unrest, and strife, or find themselves, for whatever reason, in harm's way.

SAINT JOHN OGILVIE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: More little beauties clothed in Lenten purple. These come from the Abbey of Our Lady of New Clairvaux, Vina, CA.

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Frances of Rome, Patron of Benedictine Oblates, Patron of Motorists (1384-1440)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 31:13-19 Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer

Mass: Jonah 3:1-10; Resp Ps 51; Lk 11:29-32

Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

We too, like the people of Jesus' generation, seek signs (Lk 11:29) and wonders of the presence of Jesus. He is here now, present in our midst, in people and things both small and great. May we open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts to the marvelous deeds of God. They are everywhere. Something greater than Jonah is here (Lk 11:32). 

God had not chosen her to be holy merely for her own advantage. Rather, the gifts He conferred upon her were to be for the spiritual and physical advantage of her neighbour. For this reason He made her so lovable that anyone with whom she spoke would immediately feel captivated by love for her and ready to help her in everything she wanted. Divine power was present and working in her words, so that in a few sentences she could bring consolation to the afflicted and the anxious, calm the restless, pacify the angry, reconcile enemies and extinguish long-standing hatreds and animosities. Again and again she would prevent a planned revenge from being carried out. She seemed able to subdue the passions of every type of person with a single word and lead them to do whatever she asked.

(From the Life of Saint Frances of Rome by Mary Magdalene Anguilaria, superior of the Oblates of Tor di Specchi, in Office of Readings, March 9)

United in faith and prayer, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russian, and for all who are affected by war, violence, strife, and unrest, or find themselves, for whatever reason, in harm's way.  

SAINT FRANCES OF ROME,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Beauty in Williams, CA. A nice place to spend a few hours with a friend and loved one. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saints: Saint John of God (1495-1550); Saint Senan, Bishop (488-544); Saint Duthac (1000-1065); Saint Felix (7th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 31:1-12 Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer

Mass: Is 55:10-11; Resp Ps 34; Mt 6:7-15

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

This is how you are to pray.

(Mt 6:9)

United in faith and prayer, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia. We can go about that today by first, listening to Saint Cyprian (210-258).

Let us pray as God our Master has taught us. To ask the Father in words His Son has given us, to let Him hear the prayer of Christ ringing in His ears, is to make our prayer one of friendship, a family prayer. Let the Father recognise the works of His Son. Let the Son who lives in our hearts be also on our lips. We have Him as an advocate for sinners before the Father; when we ask forgiveness for our sins, let us use the words given by our advocate. He tells us: Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you. What more effective prayer could we then make in the name of Christ than in the words of His own prayer?

(From a treatise on the Lord's Prayer by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr, in Office of Readings, First Week of Lent, Tuesday)

And second, praying with the most perfect prayer, taught to us by Jesus.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed by your name, 

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread;

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors;

and do not subject us to the final test,

but deliver us from evil.

(Mt 6:9-13)

SAINT JOHN OF GOD,

SAINT SENAN,

SAINT DUTHAC,

SAINT FELIX,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These beautiful women are long-time, faithful friends and fellow Hoosiers. Here they are in Asheville, NC, with Norwegian Fjord Horses. 

© Gertrude Feick 

Monday of the First Week of Lent

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saints: Saint Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs (-203)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Resp Ps 19; Mt 25:31-26

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy ...

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

(Lev 19:2, 18)

Welcome to Monday. United and prayer and faith, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia. Let us invoke the holy martyrs we commemorate today, and some others too, to help us as we strive for holiness. Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Mt 25:34). 

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 ...

Felicity, Perpetua,

Agatha, Lucy,

Agnes, Cecilia, Anatasia

and all yours saints,

admit us, we beseech you,

into their company,

not weighing our merits,

but granting us your pardon,

through Christ our Lord.

[Eucharistic Prayer I (Roman Canon)]

"Stand firm in faith, love one another and do not be tempted to do anything wrong because of our sufferings" ...

Bravest and happiest martyrs! You were called and chosen for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(From the story of the death of the holy martyrs of Carthage, in Office of Readings, March 7)

SAINTS PERPETUA AND FELICITY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I found these sweet, precious beauties, clothed in Lenten purple, in the kitchen garden, late yesterday afternoon. Flowers, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

First Sunday of Lent

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

In other years: Saint Kyneburgha, Abbess (-c.680)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Dt 26:4-10; Resp Ps 91; Rm 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13

Then Moses spoke to the people.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.

(Rm 10:13)

Since "the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart" (Heb 4:12), let us turn to the word of God, and "confidently approach the throne of grace for timely help" (Heb 4:16), for the strength, courage, and mercy we need in time of trial and temptation. 

Our pilgrimage on earth cannot be exempt from trial. We progress by means of trial. No one knows himself except through trial, or receives a crown except after victory, or strives except against an enemy or temptations ...

See yourself tempted in [Christ], and see yourself as victorious in Him. He could have kept the devil from Himself; but if He were not tempted He could not teach you how to triumph over temptation.

(From a commentary on the psalms by Saint Augustine, in Office or Readings, First Sunday of Lent)

United in faith and prayer, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia.

SAINT KYNEBURGHA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I've been waiting to use this one. Another beauty from dear Anna and Nicola. This time from Chiesa di San Pietro in Vincoli, Church of Saint Peter in Chains, Rome, with Michelangelo’s masterpiece, Moses. It is awesome seen in person. Abbracci, amici.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Kieren, Irish monk and bishop (5th-6th century) 

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Is 58:9b-14; Resp Ps 86; Lk 5:27-32

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

I do not wish the death of the sinner, but that he turn back to me and live.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 38/Ezk 33:11)

Jesus is interested in those who need a physician, as Our Lord says in today's Gospel: Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners (Lk 5:27-32). Saint Benedict echoes the same in his section on the penal code, that is, the chapters that guide the conduct of those who lose their way, and those who care for them. In yesterday's chapter, "The Abbot's Concern for the Excommunicated", Saint Benedict tells the abbot that he "must exercise the utmost care and concern for wayward brothers, because it is not the healthy who need a physician, but the sick (RB 27:1). We are all in need of the Divine Physician. 

The following comes from the section on Kabir (c.1440-1518), in Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and the West, p. 209.

I HAD TO SEEK THE PHYSICIAN

I had to seek the Physician

because of the pain this world

caused me.

I could not believe what happened when I got there-

I found my 

Teacher.

Before I left, he said,

"Up for a little homework, yet?"

"Okay," I replied.

"Well then, try thanking all the people

who have caused

you pain.

They helped you

come to 

me."

United in faith and prayer, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia, and all those affected by unrest, strife, violence, and war. Kyrie, eleison.

SAINT KIEREN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This photo was taken four years ago. Snow, bless the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saints: Saint Casimir (1458-1484)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Is 58:1-9a; Resp Ps 51; Mt 9:14-15

Of my sin cleanse me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

I love the Lord, who listened to my voice in supplication.

(Psalm 116)

In today's Gospel, the Pharisees are once again not minding their own business. They wonder why the disciples do not fast as they do (Mt 9:14). The disciples will feast now, however, as Jesus is with them. Jesus is with you; Jesus is with me. He says, Here I am! (Is 58:9a). Remembering that, let us not mourn, let us ask the Lord to help us fast in the way the Lord God wishes, among those with whom we live, work, and play: Release those bound unjustly; untie the thongs of the yoke; set free the oppressed; break every yoke; share your bread with the hungry; shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked; don't turn your back on your own (Is 58:6-7). Saint Benedict might summarize with this tool for good works: “Never turn away when someone needs your love” (RB 4:26). Saint Casimir certainly followed suit. May he intercede for us.

United in faith and prayer, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia. And as we commemorate Saint Casimir, the 15th century second son of King Casimir IV of Poland, we pray also for the people of Poland and Lithuania. Kyrie, eleison. 

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Casimir burned with a sincere and unpretentious love for almighty God that was almost unbelievable in its strength. So rich was his love and so abundantly did it fill his heart, that it flowed out from his inner spirit toward his fellow men ... One would have to compose a long account to record here all his works of love and dedication to God and for mankind. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine or to express his passion for justice, his exercise of moderation, his gift of prudence, his fundamental spiritual courage and stability, especially in a most permissive age, when men tended to be headstrong and by their very natures inclined to sin.

(From the life of Saint Casimir written by a contemporary, in Office of Readings, March 4) 

SAINT CASIMIR,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Thank you again, dear Anna and Nicola, here with Ponte de diavolo, the Roman "Bridge of the Devil," near Biera in the Province of Viterbo, Italy. Abbracci amici.

© Gertrude Feick 2022