Saturday – St Benedict, Abbot

Benedict (480–547) Known for his Rule of Monastic Life.
Patron saint of the whole of Europe

Invitation

May I take this opportunity to draw your attention to
the daily reading of the Gospel?

This invitation aims to share with you the joy
of the Gospel. Everyone, without exception,
can experience that joy by opening their hearts
to the healing power of God’s Word.

Available every day

CONSIDERATION

When we wish to make a request of those in high positions, we dare to do so only with humility and reverence. How much more, then, must we pray to the Lord, the God of the universe, with the utmost humility and pure piety. And let us bear in mind that we shall not be heard because of a multitude of words, but because of the purity of our hearts and our tears of contrition. Prayer must therefore be brief and pure, unless one feels compelled to continue it by a desire inspired by God’s grace. (From the Rule of St Benedict)

FIRST READING               Prov . 2:1–9
Turn your heart towards understanding.

My son,
if you accept my words,
and carefully keep my commandments,
and then incline your ear to wisdom,
and turn your heart towards understanding,
yes, if you call out for discernment,
and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it as you would silver,
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
and you will find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
knowledge and understanding come from his mouth.
He ensures the prosperity of the righteous,
and the protection of those who live blamelessly.
He guards the paths of righteousness,
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand justice and righteousness,
uprightness and all the good paths.

INTERLUDIUM                     Ps . 34(33), 2–3, 4 and 6, 9 and 12, 14–15

I will praise the Lord every day.

I will praise the Lord every day,
His praise is ever on my lips.
My spirit rejoices in the Lord’s favour,
let all who hear it rejoice.

Glory the Lord together with me
and let us honour His Name in unity.
Put your trust in Him, and you shall be happy,
for He will not let you down.

Take heed and see how gracious the Lord is,
blessed is he who seeks his salvation in Him.
Come, children, listen to what I say to you;
I shall teach you to fear the Lord.

Keep your tongue from malicious speech,
your lips from deceitful words.
Avoid evil and do only what is good,
always strive for peace and do not let it go.

GOSPEL                  Mt . 19:27–29
You who have given up everything to follow Me,
shall receive a hundredfold in return.

At that time, Peter said to Jesus:
‘Look, we have given up everything to follow You.
What, then, will we receive?’
Jesus said to them:
‘Truly, I say to you:
At the resurrection, when the Son of Man
shall sit on the throne of his glory,
you who have followed Me, too,
shall sit on twelve thrones
and rule over the twelve tribes of Israel.
And everyone who has forsaken his house, brothers or sisters, father or mother,
wife, children or fields
for my Name’s sake,
shall receive a hundredfold in return
and receive eternal life.
___________________________________________

Laudato Si’
Encyclical of
Pope Francis
On care for our common home.

173. It is urgently necessary to draw up international treaties,
given the weakness of local authorities to intervene effectively.
Relations between states
must guarantee the sovereignty of each, but also establish pathways
that are agreed upon to avoid local catastrophes which, in the end, would affect everyone. Relations between states
must guarantee the sovereignty of each, but also establish agreed-upon paths
to avoid local catastrophes that would ultimately harm everyone. Global regulatory frameworks are needed
to impose obligations and prevent unacceptable actions,
such as powerful countries offloading waste and highly polluting industries onto other countries

To be continued
Every morning at 1 am