Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sea Sunday to honor the lives and work of seafarers

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Dt 30:10-14; Resp Ps 69; Col 1:15-20; Lk 10:25-37

I will glorify Him with thanksgiving.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, STAR OF THE SEA,

PRAY FOR US.

Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation ...

He is the beginning, the firstborn of the dead, that in all things He Himself might be preeminent.

(Col 1:15, 18)

Welcome to the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, a time, as our former Jesuit chaplain of happy memory used to say, that is anything but ordinary. How right he was. 

It just so happens that I am re-reading a little book by Rowan Williams, emeritus Archbishop of Canterbury, entitled Being Disciples: Essentials of Christian Life (London: SPCK, 2016). I took note of something the other day that I thought might provide a commentary on Saint Benedict's Chapter 4, The Tools for Good Works, namely, the first tool. Saint Benedict begins the chapter in this way: "First of all, love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (RB 4:1-2). And then I read the Gospel for today, where Jesus answers a scholar of the law who asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Lk 10:25). Jesus' reply is the source of our first tool for good works, that is, You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself (Mt 10:27). This tool is the foundation for all the other tools for good works that we strive to put into use each and every day, the tool that identifies us as Christians, people who are loving, charitable, merciful, forgiving, and compassionate. All the tools are based in our love of God, our love of neighbor, and the love we have for ourselves. "So faith, hope, and love remain," writes Saint Paul, "these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Cor 13:13). And what does Rowan Williams have to say? "Being with the Master", he writes, "is recognizing that who you are is finally going to be determined by your relationship with Him ... love God less and you love everyone and everything else less" (Kindle, loc. 193). Enough said. Heart of Jesus, full of goodness, love, and compassion, have mercy on us.

The command is something very near to you, already in your mouths and your hearts; all you have to do is carry it out.

(Dt. 30:14)

Today's photo: From a dear friend and faithful reader, recently on a family camping/hiking trip to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, along the Smith River, Crescent City, CA. See, you lowly ones, and be glad. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and his Companions, Martyrs (17th-20th century)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Is 6:1-8; Resp Ps 93; Mt 10:24-33

Robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Even the hairs on your head are counted. So do not be afraid.

(Mt 10:30-31)

Good morning. It's always good to turn to Our Lady on a Saturday, so we turn to her and pray, Mother of Good Counsel, pray for us.

There are two things I include on the subject of kindness. The first comes from our holy father Saint Benedict and his Chapter 31 on the Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer. The cellarer, who in addition to being humble (RB 31:13), should meet all requests with a kind word, "for it is written: A kind word is better than the best gift" (RB 31:14/Sirach 18:17). The second comes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I am slowly making my way through the Catechism's Part IV, Section Two on The Lord's Prayer "Our Father!" (CCC 2759-2865). Here, our Catechism refers to Saint John Chrysostom: "You cannot call the God of all kindness your Father if you preserve a cruel and inhuman heart; for in this case you no longer have in you the marks of the heavenly Father's kindness" (CCC 2784). Heart of Jesus, full of kindness, have mercy on us. United in faith and prayer, we go forth.

SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG AND COMPANIONS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Martyr red from the archives to honor today's martyrs. Queen of Angels Monastery, Mt. Angel, OR. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Pope Blessed Eugene III, Cistercian (1080-1153); Saint Kilian (-689); Saint Withburga (-743)

Readings of the Day

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

Mass: Hosea 14:2-10; Resp Ps 51; Mt 10:16-23

A clean heart create for me, O God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Straight are the paths of the Lord, in them the just walk, but sinners stumble in them.

(Hosea 14:10)

It is another one of my favorites today, that is, Saint Benedict's Ch 31 on the Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer. The cellarer, who in some ways may be similar to a Chief Operating Officer, or someone who, like a friend who was at one time a COO said about her job, makes sure the lights are turned out at night, and in the morning turns them all back on.  The monastery cellarer takes care of everything (RB 31:3). The qualifications and responsibilities of the cellarer are demanding; she will be held accountable for those she cares for like the sick, children, guests and the poor (RB 31:9). At the same time, she regards all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar, aware that nothing is to be neglected (RB 31:10-11). These, and many other of the qualifications of a cellarer, are qualifications for all the faithful to embody. The one chosen from the community for cellarer is someone "who is wise, mature in conduct, temperate, not an excessive eater, not proud, excitable, dilatory or wasteful, but God-fearing" (RB 31:1-2). Moreover, the cellarer "should not be prone to greed, nor be wasteful and extravagant with the goods of the monastery, but should do everything with moderation ..." (RB 31:12). Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, have mercy on us. 

United in faith and prayer, we keep going with Jesus' words in heart and mind: Whoever endures to the end will be saved (Mt 10:22).

POPE BLESSED EUGENE III,

SAINT KILIAN,

SAINT WITHBURGA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Welcome back to Redwoods and the first field early this morning. Dear faithful readers, thank you for being there. My mouth shall proclaim your praise.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

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