Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

September is the month dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary

In other years: Saint Monica (331-387)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 69 The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery - Prologue 1-13

Mass: Is 22:19-23; Resp Ps 138; Rm 11:33-36; Mt 16:13-20 

You built up strength within me.

SACRED HOST, IN WHICH THE SOUL IS FILLED WITH GRACE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF MARY, HOPE OF THE AGONIZING,

MARY, MIRROR OF PATIENCE,

PRAY FOR US.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are His judgments and how unsearchable are His ways ...

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.

(Rm 11:33, 36)

Welcome to the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time, a week when we conclude the month of August dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and commence the month of September dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. We could go straight to today's Gospel or start with something just shared with me that goes something like this. Nearly 50 years ago, a woman was telling a wisdom figure that she was going to get married. And quite simply, the wise one said to the young woman: "God will find you wherever you are." And you know what? Our Lord Jesus will find you wherever you are too. And when He finds you, He just may ask: Who do you say that I am? ☺

With our voices for the week, united in faith and prayer, we go forth. As we conclude this year's second read through of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict and begin our third read through, we remember the wisdom of our holy father Saint Benedict: "First of all, every time you begin a good work, you must pray to Christ the Lord most earnestly to bring it to perfection" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 4). And no matter what comes your way, remember that "it is what it is." Or in the words of Issa Kobayashi (1763-1828), Japanese poet, just shared with me: 

The morning dew

is the morning dew

and yet ...

As we commemorate Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, today and her son tomorrow, we let the great Saint and Doctor of the Church Augustine of Hippo (354-430) speak first.

Right is right even if no one is doing it;

wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.

(Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)

Mercy's natural home is misery.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153, On Conversion, VII, 12)

Sickness has real utility when it leads to the doctor's hands, and he whom God restores to health gains by having been ill.

(Saint Bernard on Clairvaux, 1090-1153, On Conversion, VII, 12)

All grace flows from mercy, and the last hour abounds with mercy for us. Let no one doubt concerning the goodness of God, even if a person's sins were as dark as night, God's mercy is stronger than our misery. One thing alone is necessary; that the sinner set ajar the door of his heart, be it ever so little, so let in a ray of God's merciful grace, and then God will do the rest.

(Saint Faustina Kowalska, 1905-1938, The Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska)

Working at the beck of our own will, we become famous and forlorn. Working at the command of religion we become abject and rapturous, being God's friends forever, and rewarded by One who never fails to satisfy.

(Servant of God Rose Hawthorne, 1851-1926)

Is it not true that it would be a very simple, efficacious, and gentle procedure to sanctify ourselves by accepting each day what the Lord asks of us? We have absolute certainty that what God plans for us each day is most suitable and sanctifying ... The only program for me is God's program. Let this day come as it may. God sends it; He and no one else. Let is come as it may, we are sure that it comes wrapped in the love of our Lord and destined to sanctify us. We ought to say: "I will sanctify myself precisely by the events of this day because the loving providence of God has sent them to me. He is acquainted with my necessities; He know what is most conducive to my sanctification." If we were to understand this, would not our soul by a veritable ocean of peace?

(Servant of God Luis Maria Martinez, 1881-1956)

The unknown is where all things are possible; enter it with grace.

(Anonymous, tea bag tag)

SAINT MONICA,

SAINT AUGUSTINE,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

BEATRICE OF NAZARETH, 

SAINTS WARREN AND AMADEUS, 

SAINT AIDEN,

SAINT MARGARET CLITHEROW,

SAINT ANNE LINE,

SAINT MARGARET WARD,

BLESSED GHEBRE MICHAEL,

SAINT FIACRE,

SAINT AIDEN,

SAINT RAYMOND NONNATUS,

SAINT EDMUND ARROWSMITH,

SAINT GILES,

SAINT TERESA MARGARET REDI OF THE SACRED HEART,

BLESSED ANDRE GRASSET,

JESUIT MARTYRS FOR THE NAME OF JESUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The Lord certainly built up the strength in this little one. He may be small, but his croak is mighty. You have heard the words of my mouth.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

In other years: Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, "Doctor Mellifluous” (1090-1153); Saint Samuel, prophet; Saint Maria de Mattias, Foundress of the Sisters of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (1805-1866)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 64 The Election of an Abbot - Ch 68 Assignment of Impossible Tasks

Mass: For the Solemnity of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: Wis 7:7-10, 15-16; Resp Ps 19 or Sirach 39:8-14; Resp Ps 37; Ph 3:17-4:1; Mt 5:13-19 or Jn 17:20-26

20th Week in Ordinary Time: Is 56:1, 6-7; Resp Ps 67; Rm 11:13-15, 29-32; Mt 15:21-28

The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, 

giving wisdom to the simple.

OUR LADY, MOTHER AND QUEEN,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SACRED HOST, BOND OF CHARITY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF MARY, COMFORT OF THE AFFLICTED,

PRAY FOR US.

Therefore I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded and the spirit of Wisdom came to me ...

Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, And I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.

(Wisdom 7:7, 10)

Welcome to Sunday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time, and for Cistercians the Solemnity of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor Mellifluous, about whom Pope Pius XII (1876-1958) had this to say: "The 'Doctor Mellifluus,' 'the last of the Fathers, but certainly not inferior to the earlier ones,' was remarkable for such qualities of nature and mind, and so enriched by God with heavenly gifts, that in the changing and often stormy times in which he lived, he seemed to dominate by his holiness, wisdom and most prudent counsel."* In our times, then, not so different than the ones Saint Bernard of Clairvaux found himself in, we pray for holiness, wisdom, and prudence. May the Doctor Mellifluous, whose praise of Jesus "flowed like honey" from his lips, intercede for us. 

With our voices for the week, we go forth united in faith and prayer. Dear faithful readers, please pray for all the brothers and sisters of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, and for all those in the Cistercian family. Thank you for being there.

The psalmist says: "Seek God's face." Nor, I think, will the soul cease to seek God even when she has found Him. It is not with steps of the feet that God is sought, but with the heart's desire ...

Think, if you can, of this eagerness to see God as not caused by God's absence, for God is always present. And think of the desire for God as without fear or failure, for grace is abundantly present.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux)

Human action cannot help us, but only the sufferings of Christ. My aspiration is to share them.

(Edith Stein, "Martyr for Love," at her 1938 profession as a Carmelite nun, 1891-1942)

Do everything through love and nothing through constraint.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

The Christian must suffer unjustly, but if he keeps his eyes on Jesus, God will work wonders in his soul.

(Mother Angelica of the Annunciation, 1923-2016)

This is our main endeavor: to think, to feel, to love as Christ Jesus, to act and to speak as He ... We need, above all, to study His life, know it, and mediate upon it, not only in its outward appearance, but by immersing ourselves in the thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams of Jesus Christ.

(Saint Henry de Osso y Cervello, 1840-1896)

O how lovingly can we expect everything from God when we expect nothing from ourselves! There is nothing I cannot do in Him, knowing as I do there is nothing I can do without Him.

(John of Forde, 1140-1214)

I want my life to be like the tabernacle candle, and it is daily carrying my cross that I can shine. In whatever suffering you experience, let your life be like the tabernacle candle, always burning in His presence.

(Father Andrew Hofer, O.P.)

If everyone simply did his Christian duties, we would not have so much hate and misery in the world.

(Blessed Karl of Austria, 1887-1922)

SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX,

SAINT SAMUEL, PROPHET,

SAINT MARIA DE MATTIAS,

POPE SAINT PIUS X,

SAINT JOHN KEMBLE,

SAINT ROSE OF LIMA,

SAINT EUGENE,

SAINT JOHN WALL,

SAINT BARTHOLOMEW,

SAINT LOUIS OF FRANCE,

SAINT JOSEPH CALASANZ,

SAINT MARY OF JESUS CRUCIFED BAOUARDY,

BLESSED DOMINIC BARBERI,

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN,

SAINT DAVID LEWIS,

OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA,

SAINT CAESARIUS OF ARLES,

BLESSED JACQUES RETOURET,

SAINT TERESA OF JESUS' TRANSVERBERATION,

SAINT JEANNE ELIZABETH DES BICHIER,

PRAY FOR US.

*Doctor Mellifluus Encyclical of Pope Pius XII on Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the Last of the Church Fathers, May 24, 1953.

Today's photo: Agnolo Gaddi (1350-1396), "Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Benedict, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and Saint Catherine of Alexandria," about 1380-1390, tempera and gold on wood, once formed part of a larger altarpiece, Indianapolis Museum of Art. My dear oldest sister and I saw this in 2017. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

In other years: Saints Pontian and Hippolytus (-235); Saint Fachtna or Fachanan of Ross, Ireland, Patron of the Diocese of Ross, probably the first bishop (6th century); Blessed William Freeman (-1595)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 59 the Offering of Sons by Nobles or the Poor- Ch 63 Community Rank

Mass: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a; Resp Ps 85; Rm 9:1-5; Mt 14:22-33

Truth shall spring out of the earth.

QUEEN, ASSUMED INTO HEAVEN,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SACRED HOST, GREATEST AID TO HOLINESS, 

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF MARY, SEAT OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid.

(Mt 14: )

Welcome to the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary in our month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in a week when we celebrate with solemnity the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Give God the praise. I saw a letter where the writer signed off: "In the heart of Jesus." Yes, we are in the heart of Jesus, and in the heart of His Mother our Queen, assumed into heaven.  

With Jesus' words to the frightened disciples in today's Gospel, I am glad for the introduction to our bonus voice for the week, namely that of Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), and words the priest prays after the Lord's Prayer, ones that I pray interiorly. The priest prays to the Lord that we may be "safe from all distress." Yes, dear Lord, you are with us. Please, dear Lord, keep us safe from all distress, and protect us from all anxiety as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And what does the great Saint Francis de Sales have to say? "Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul except sin. God commands you to pray; He forbids you to worry." Please then, Lord, deliver us from every evil and graciously grant peace in our days. Kyrie, eleison. 

In the hearts of Jesus and Mary, united in faith and prayer, we go forth, no matter how turbulent the waters that rock our boats, high the waves that toss us, and strong the winds that blow us.

And for this week's other voices.

 You know the general principal: that God is everywhere. On the throne of His glory among the blessed indeed, but also throughout the whole universe which He fills, governs and preserves, ruling it by wisdom and grace. This we learn in our infancy, as of all of our memory in childhood. Yet in the practice of life, we live along as if we scarcely remembered that God sees us.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

Apply yourself seriously because the years are passing by and we are getting old so we have to become wise.

(Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-1925)

There is nothing so great as the Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given it to us.

(Saint John Vianney, 1786-1859)

Do not receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament so that you may use Him as you judge best, but give yourself to Him and let Him receive you in this Sacrament, so the He Himself, God your savior, may do to you and through you whatever He wills.

(Saint Cajetan, 1480-1578)

In the face of anti-social and anti-Catholic schools, alternative schools must be opened whose mission is to direct, to define and distinguish good and evil; schools that may disarm the enemies by giving the true definition.

(Blessed Francisco Palau y Quer, 1811-1872)

This story told me that there is no limit to one's ability-certainly not age-to accomplish in life what one must. Within each individual in this large and complicated world there lives an astounding potential of greatness. Yet it is rare that these hidden gifts are brought to life unless by the chance of fate.

(Velma Wallis, introduction in V. Wallis, Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival, Epicenter, 1993, p. xiii)

Relations became better between The People and the two women. Both learned that from hardship, a side of people emerged that they had not known. The People had thought themselves to be strong, yet they had been weak. And the two old ones whom they thought to be the most helpless and useless had proven themselves to be strong.

(Velma Wallis, Two Old Women, p. 117)

SAINTS PONTIAN AND HIPPOLYTUS

SAINT FACHNA,

BLESSED WILLIAM FREEMAN,

BLESSED MICHAEL MICGIVNEY,

SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE,

SAINT STEPHEN OF HUNGARY,

SAINT ROCK,

BLESSED MARIA SAGRARIO OF SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA,

BLESSED ANGELUS MAZZINGHI,

SAINT CLARE OF MONTEFALCO,

BLESSED VICTORIA RASOAMANARIVO,

SAINT ALBERTO HURTADO CRUCHAGA,

BLESSEDS JOHN-BAPTIST DUVERNEUIL, MICHAEL-ALOYSIUS BURLARD AND JAMES GAGNOT,

SAINT JOHN EUDES,

SAINT HYACINTH,

BLESSED MARTYRS OF ROCHEFORT,

BLESSED GUERRIC, CISTERCIAN ABBOT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And justice shall look down from heaven.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 54 Letters of Gifts for Monks - Ch 58 The Procedure for Receiving Brothers

Mass: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Resp. Ps 97; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Mt 17:1-9

The mountains melt like wax before the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY OF THE SNOW,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

PLEDGE OF FUTURE GLORY,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF MARY, THRONE OF GLORY,

PRAY FOR US.

Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him.

(Daniel 7:10)

Welcome to the glorious Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. One response to that is something our holy father Saint Benedict tells us in this week's readings from the Holy Rule. In Ch 57 "The Artisans of the Monastery," our holy father quotes Saint Peter and reminds us, all artisans in one way or another, that no matter what we do, we do it "so that in all things God may be glorified" (RB 57:9/1 Pet 4:11). Among other gems that Saint Benedict offers this week is from Ch 58 "The Procedure for Receiving Brothers," and sisters too. It is there we learn that the concern for anyone entering a monastery is whether or not she "truly seeks God and whether he shows eagerness for the Work of God [the Liturgy of the Hours], for obedience and trials" (RB 58:7). Is there clutter or are there attachments that you might need to let go so that your search for God is not blocked for one reason or another, that you are eager to pray, thankful too, for even a few seconds to raise your mind and heart to God*  - O God, come to my assistance, make haste to help me - and to pick up your cross and follow the Lord? Or remember something the Little Flower, Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897) wrote: "For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." Go to the mountain with Peter, James and John, or even the valley; you will find Jesus there. You will do well to be attentive to His voice, for it is a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (see 2 Pet 1:19).

We have some strong voices this week. They all speak loud and clear. For starters, an anonymous voice asks: "What can you appreciate at this moment?" (Yogi tea bag tag). We go forth, united in faith and prayer remembering that "the Lord dwells in light upon the holy mountain and lives among us hidden in the darkness of daily life. Let us pray that we may see Him and serve Him."** Lord, it is good that we are here (Mt 17:4). Amen.

If we live our daily lives with all the windows open, it becomes possible for the Spirit's gentle breeze to penetrate our resistance and bring us relief from the tightness we impose on ourselves. We consent to live on the brink of the unexpected, alert for any indication of where inspiration may prompt us to go.

(Michael Casey, ocso, b. 1942, Monk of Tarrawarra Abbey, Australia)

Just living is not enough, said the butterfly. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.

(Hans Christian Anderson)

Grant that I may say with confidence: O my God, forgive me as I forgive others. Grant that I may pray to you with a peaceful heart for those who have hurt me, teach me to conquer myself and to check the impulse which would lead me to take revenge.

(Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)

Happy the man who loves you, O God, and his friends in you. He alone loses no one who is dear to him, because he loves them in the One who is never lost."

(Saint Augustine of Hippo)

Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people ... do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers to equal your tasks.

(Blessed Solanus Casey, 1870-1957)

I feel like an utter failure ... The older I get the more I feel that faithfulness and perseverance are the greatest virtues - accepting the sense of failure we all must have, in our work of others around us, since Christ was the world's greatest failure ... Christ understands us when we fail.

(Servant of God Dorothy Day, 1897-1980)

The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it emotionally.

(Flannery O'Connor, 1925-1964)

POPE SAINT SIXTUS II AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT CAJETAN,

BLESSED NICHOLAS POSTGATE,

SAINT ALBERT OF TRAPANI,

SAINT DOMINIC,

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSS,

SAINT BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS (EDITH STEIN),

SAINT NATHY,

SAINT FELIM,

SAINT LAURENCE, DEACON AND MARTYR,

SAINT CLARE,

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL,

PRAY FOR US.

*"Prayer is the raising one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God" (Saint John Damascene, 675/6-749).

**Magnificat, May 5, 2023, introduction to Psalm 43, p. 73.

Today's photo: From Maddy through her dear mother. North Cascade Mountains. All peoples see His glory.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord

August is the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

In other years: Saint Peter Chrysologus (380-450); Saint Justin de Jacobis (1800-1860)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 48 The Daily Manual Labor - Ch 53 The Reception of Guests 

Mass:  1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Resp Ps 119; Rm 8:28-30; Mt 13:44-52

For I love your commands.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, RELIEF OF THE BURDENED,

SAVE US.

SACRED HOST, SACRAMENT OF LOVE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

HEART OF MARY, LIKE UNTO THE HEART OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US.

All things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.

(Rm 8:28)

Welcome to the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, one in which we leave July 2023, the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord, behind, and enter the month of August, the month dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Give God the praise. With all these gifts, in addition to Saint Paul's words above to the Romans and to us, it is a wonder why Saint Peter Chrysologus asks us the following questions. Still, we must listen to his "golden speech." "Why then are you so worthless in your own eyes and yet so precious to God? Why render yourself such dishonor when you are honored by Him? Why do you ask how you were created and do not seek to know why you were made? Was not this entire universe made for your dwelling?"* We have the pearl of great price, dear faithful readers, so as Saint Peter Chrysologus encourages us, "God has made you in His image that you might in your person make the invisible Creator present on earth: He has made you His legate, so that the vast empire of the world might have the Lord's representative."* United in faith and prayer, God calls each one of us. We go forth to love and serve Him.

And now a word or two from our voices for the week:

When the fire of love is in a heart, all furniture flies out the window.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

Here is my secret. It's quite simple: One sees clearly only with the heart. 

Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.

(The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

Truly humble people are centers of peace because they fear neither their own failure nor others' success. Let us pray for the wisdom to judge as God judges: to look at our own and others' achievements from God's perspective.

(Magnificat, Commentary on Psalm 75, July 19, 2023)

Fortified with good intention, wherever you are and whatever you do, always keep it in mind: 

God is here!

(Venerable Maria Kaupas, 1880-1940)

Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.

(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226)

Holiness is for everyone in every circumstance in life. We are all called to be saints. And we become saints by loving God and others with our whole being in whatever situation we find ourselves.

(Danielle Bean, "Mothers First: Saint Bridget and Mother Seton Remind Us That We Are All Called to Holiness," in Seton Reflections, July 23, 2023)

Gratitude is not about what is received; it's about how you receive what is already there.

(Anonymous, Yogi tea bag tag)

SAINT PETER CHRYSOLOGUS,

SAINT JUSTIN DE JACOBIS,

BLESSED SOLANUS CASEY,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA,

SAINT ALPHONSUS MARY DE LIGUORI,

SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI,

SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD,

SAINT PETER FABER,

SAINT GERMANUS OF AUXERRE,

SAINT OSWALD,

SAINT AETHELWOLD,

SAINT JOHN MARY VIANNEY,

SAINT MARY MAJOR,

PRAY FOR US.

*From a sermon by Saint Peter Chrysologus, bishop, in Office of Readings, July 30.

Today's photo: More than gold, however fine.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord

3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 

In other years: Saint Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373); Saints Philip Evans and John Lloyd (-1679); Our Lady, Mother of Divine Grace

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 43 Mistakes in the Oratory - Ch 48 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass:  Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Resp Ps 86; Rm 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43

You alone are God.

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, WITHOUT WHICH THERE IS NO FORGIVENESS,

SAVE US.

Those who are just must be kind;

and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.

(Wisdom 12:19)

Welcome to the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time in the month of July dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord, and the 3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. We remember especially today, then, our grandparents, living and deceased, and all the elderly. We remember them with love, respect, and gratitude while recalling something Saint Benedict teaches us, namely, that the young must respect their seniors, and the seniors must love their juniors (Rule of Saint Benedict, 63:10). Saint Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Grandparents of Our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for us. 

With something more from Saint Benedict, we prayed Psalm 50 [51] at Lauds this morning, just as our holy father Benedict prescribes in Chapter 12 of the Holy Rule. It is in the chapter on the Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds that Saint Benedict prescribes Psalm 50 after Psalm 66 (see RB 12:1-2). With the words from the Book of Wisdom above, we pray: A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit. Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt. Do not drive me away from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit. Restore my joy in our salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit (Ps 50:11-14). Dear Jesus, we place our hope in you alone (see RB 4:41). Have mercy on us and renew our hope. Whoever has ears ought to hear (Mt. 13:43).

United in faith and prayer, we take to heart what Saint Paul assures us with today. When you think you do not know how to pray, remember that we do not know how to pray as we ought. Not to worry though, as the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because He intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will (see Romans 8:26-27). Come, Holy Spirit, come. Your will. O Lord, not mine, be done. 

And now for what has become my favorite section, that is, voices for the week. 

Though tested and plagued by a host of misfortunes, I have no fear so long as your grace is with me. It is my strength, stronger than any adversary; it helps me and gives me guides.

(Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471, The Imitation of Christ)

We know not, and we shall not ask before the time, where our earthly way will lead us. We know only this, that to those who love the Lord, all things will work together to the good, and further, that the ways by which our Savior leads us point beyond this earth.

(Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, 1891-1942)

The attempt to develop a sense of humor and to see things in a humorous light is some kind of trick learned while mastering the art of living.

(Victor E. Frankl, 1905-1997, Man's Search for Meaning)

Compassion never stands at arm’s length.

(Magnificat, July 2023, Introduction to Psalm 13, p. 102)

Joy, with peace, is the sister of charity. Serve the Lord with laughter.

(Saint Padre Pio, 1887-1968)

The unknown is where all outcomes are possible; enter it with grace.

(Anonymous, Yogi tea bag tag)

Smiling is the most basic kind of peace work.

(Anonymous, Yogi tea bag tag)

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN,

SAINTS PHILIP EVANS AND JOHN LLOYD,

SAINT CHARBEL MAKHLOUF,

SAINT DECLAN,

SAINT JOHN BOSTE,

BLESSED ROBERT LUDLAM AND NICHOLAS GARICK,

BLESSED JOHN SORETH,

BLESSED MARIA MERCEDES PRAT,

SAINT JAMES,

SAINT TITUS BRANDSMA,

BLESSED ROBERT SUTTON,

BLESSED RUDOLPH ACQUAVIVA AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT PANTELEON,

POPE SAINT VICTOR,

SAINT SAMPSON,

SAINT ALPHONSA MUTTATHUPADATHU,

SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Angel trumpet brought to you by Esther in the Hoosier State. Glorify your name.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord

Sea Sunday: We remember and pray for seafarers and their families, in gratitude for their lives and work - Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for us.

In other years: The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Saint Helier (-555)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 37 The Elderly and Children - Ch 43 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: Is 55:10-11; Resp Ps 65; Rm 8:18-23; Mt 13:1-23

Greatly have you enriched it.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, STAR OF THE SEA,

MARY, QUEEN OF ANGELS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

BLOOD OF CHRIST, PEACE AND TENDERNESS OF HEARTS,

SAVE US.

Just as from the heavens the rain and snow came down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful ... so shall my word be that goes from my mouth.

(Isaiah 55:10-11). 

Welcome to the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time in the month of July dedicated to the Precious Blood of the Lord. With today's invocation from the Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, I remember Sister Mary Blanche Smith, OSB, of happy memory, who, as I was went to her for a blessing before I flew somewhere, always told me to pray that the Blood of Christ wash over the people below as the plane flew over them. We could all certainly benefit from the Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, washing over us. This week, let us spend some time tending to the soil of our hearts to receive God's heart of peace and tenderness. May we receive the word of God with open minds and the willingness to listen with ears that ought to hear (see Mt 13:9), no matter what as we groan within ourselves and wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies (see Rm 8:23). Listen carefully, my child, to the master's instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 1).

With a late addition to today's wordy words, I add something that came to me as the priest proclaimed the Gospel at this morning's Mass. In Matthew 13:10, we hear that the disciples approached Jesus and asked, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" With that I recalled something my Irish Dominican professor in Rome said, that is, "Jesus is a walking parable." Add that one to your reflections this week. It is nice for sure. Jesus is a walking parable. And it is in Him that we live, and move, and have our being. 

This week's voices are all from Cardinal Basil Hume (1923-1999), during the centenary of his birth. Fitting too as next year we commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death. May the dear Cardinal intercede for us. Give God the praise! United in faith and prayer, we are pilgrims on the journey of life.

Life is a pilgrimage. We are on a march and sooner or later we shall reach our destination. That destination we call heaven.

This pilgrim way [is] not at all easy ... it can be pretty rough and uphill business as I try to make my way along it.

The pilgrim wanders through life, often limping, sometimes bewildered, at times quite lost; and the pilgrim is searching, often quite unconsciously, for something or someone to make sense of life, and certainly to make sense of death.

(To Be a Pilgrim: A Spiritual Notebook/The Mystery of the Cross/To Be a Pilgrim)

We talk of knowing about God, whereas the point is to know God. We want to know God, that is why there is prayer in our lives. It is only in the experience of praying that we become aware not only that we seek God, but that God is always seeking us.

(To Be a Pilgrim: A Spiritual Notebook)

Always think of God as your lover. Therefore He wants to be with you, just as a lover wants to be with the beloved. He wants your attention, as every lover wants the attention of the beloved. He wants to listen to you, as every lover wants to hear the voice of the beloved. If you turn to me and ask, "Are you in love with God?" I would pause, hesitate and say, "I am not certain. But on one thing I am certain-that He is in love with me."

(The Mystery of Love)

To see Christ in everyone you meet, and especially in the poor, the sick and the handicapped. Behave towards others as you expect them to behave towards you.

(To Be a Pilgrim)

Everything in the Christian life, and therefore in the monastic life, is ordered to charity, and charity is concerned with loving other people.

(Unpublished conference to the monks at Ampleforth Abbey, 1967)

Whatever our problems or uncertainties, however dark the future may seem, we can always go forward bravely into the unknown. Jesus Christ experienced this darkness Himself, but through it He encountered light; He rose from the dead. That is the main reason why we should be joyful and at peace.

(The Mystery of the Cross)

From something the Cardinal told the priests of his archdiocese, good for all of us to take to heart as we go and bear good fruit that yields a hundred or sixty of thirtyfold (see Mt 13:8).

I think there is a great need to find a way of speaking about God which touches the lives and hearts of people, because there is a search going on. We have so many riches in our tradition from our collective experience; we have simply got to find a way to communicate.

(Light in the Lord: Reflections on the Priesthood)

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL,

SAINT HELIER,

POPE SAINT LEO IV,

SAINT KENELM,

BLESSED JOHN SUGAR AND ROBERT GRISSOLD,

BLESSED INACIO DE AZEVEDO,

BLESSED THERESE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT CAMILLUS DE LELLIS,

SAINT BRUNO OF SEGNI,

SAINT AEMILIANUS, MARTYR OF MESIA, BISHOP,

SAINT JOHN PLESSINGTON,

SAINT APOLLINARIS,

SAINT ELIJAH, FATHER OF THE CARMELITES,

SAINT LAURENCE OF BRINDISI,

SAINT MARY MAGDALENE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Blessing its yield.

© Gertrude Feick 2023