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NOVEMBER
16
ST
GERTRUDE
ON KEEPING THE LORD'S DAY HOLY[1]
CHAPTER I
DIES DOMINI
The Celebration of the Creator's
Work
"Shabbat": the Creator's joyful rest
12. In the Creator's plan, there is both a distinction and
a close link between the order of creation and the order of salvation. This is
emphasized in the Old Testament, when it links the "shabbat"
commandment not only with God's mysterious "rest" after the days of
creation (cf. Ex 20:8-11), but also with the salvation which he offers
to Israel in the liberation from the slavery of Egypt (cf. Dt
5:12-15). The God who rests on the seventh day, rejoicing in his creation, is
the same God who reveals his glory in liberating his children from Pharaoh's
oppression. Adopting an image dear to the Prophets, one could say that in both
cases God reveals himself as the bridegroom before the bride (cf. Hos
2:16-24; Jer 2:2; Is 54:4-8).
As certain elements of the same Jewish tradition suggest, to reach the heart of the "shabbat", of God's "rest", we need to recognize in both the Old and the New Testament the nuptial intensity which marks the relationship between God and his people. Hosea, for instance, puts it thus in this marvelous passage: "I will make for you a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the creeping things of the ground; and I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land; and I will make you lie down in safety. And I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness; and you shall know the Lord" (2:18-20).
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost[2] The focus of this Sunday is a reminder of the Book of Life and the resurrection of the body.
THE Introit of the Mass consoles us, and
encourages us to confidence in God, who is so kind to us, and will not suffer
us to be always in tribulation. “The Lord saith, I think thoughts of peace, and
not of affliction. You shall call upon Me, and I will hear you, and I will
bring back your captivity from all places. Lord, thou hast blest Thy land, Thou
hast turned away the captivity of Jacob.”
Prayer.
Absolve, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the
sins of Thy people, that we may be delivered by Thy goodness from the bonds of
sin which, by our frailty, we have committed.
EPISTLE. Phil. iii. 17-21; iv. 1-3.
Be followers of me, brethren, and
observe them who walk so as you have our model. For many walk, of whom I have
told you often (and now tell you weeping) that they are enemies of the cross of
Christ; whose end is destruction: whose God is their belly: and whose glory is
in their shame: who mind earthly things. But our conversation is in heaven:
from whence also we look for the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will reform
the body of our lowness, made like to the body of His glory, according to the
operation whereby also He is able to subdue all things unto Himself. Therefore,
my dearly beloved brethren, and most desired, my joy and my crown: so, stand
fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beg of Evodia, and I beseech Syntyche to
be of one mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, my sincere companion, help
those women that have labored with me in the Gospel, with Clement and the rest
of my fellow- laborers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Explanation.
In these words, the Apostle gives
warning against the false teachers of his day, who, although outwardly
receiving and preaching Christianity, in heart hated the strict requirements of
Christian morals, and lived according to their sensual lusts. He therefore
cautions the faithful not to take them for patterns, for they are only
hastening to eternal perdition, but rather to be followers of him, and of those
who imitate his life. These warnings and admonitions apply also to us. For are
there not among us enemies of the cross of Christ, who are called Christians,
but who will have nothing to do with self-denial, mortification, chastity, and
such like virtues? who indeed despise them, and count those who practice them
fools? Let us not be led astray by them. For what will be the end of them?
Everlasting destruction. For he who does not crucify his flesh does not belong
to Christ (Gal. v. 24); whoever does not bear about his body the dying of
Christ, in his body the life of Christ, will never be made manifest (n. Cor.
iv. 10). Whoever does not already walk in heaven, that is, direct his thoughts
and desires to heavenly goods, will not find admission there after death.
Ejaculation.
O my God would that
I might say, with St. Paul, the world is crucified to me, and I to the world
(Gal. vi. 14).
GOSPEL.
Matt, ix. 18-26[3]
At that time, as Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, behold a certain ruler came up, and adored Him, saying: Lord, my daughter is even now dead; but come, lay Thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus rising up, followed him with His disciples. And behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment. For she said within herself: If I shall touch only His garment I shall be healed. But Jesus turning and seeing her, said: Be of good heart, daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. And when Jesus was come into the house of the ruler and saw the minstrels and the multitude making a rout, he said: Give place, for the girl is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed Him to scorn. And when the multitude was put forth, He went in, and took her by the hand. And the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that country.
🤠
Bucket List Trip: Around the World “Perfect Weather”
7-day Austin Stay & Reflection Itinerary,
anchored at Americas
Best Value Inn Austin University (~$75/night). Each day blends Eucharistic
rhythm, civic hospitality, and musical joy.
🎶 Austin Stay &
Reflection Itinerary
November 16–23 • Musical Joy, Eucharistic Rhythm
Lodging: Americas Best Value Inn Austin University – Koenig Lane
Day 1: Arrival & Musical Benediction (Nov
16)
• Afternoon: Visit Umlauf
Sculpture Garden + Museum – touchable bronze works in a serene outdoor
setting
• Symbolic act: Offer a prayer of arrival beside a sculpture of mercy or
movement
• Evening Music: Austin City Limits Live –
check listings for Nov 16 performances
Day 2: Eucharistic Anchoring & Civic Wonder
(Nov 17)
• Morning Mass: Saint
Mary Catholic Cathedral – Gothic architecture and Eucharistic clarity
• Midday Visit: Austin
Nature & Science Center – fossils, tracks, and civic ecology
• Symbolic act: Leave a prayer near a replica fossil or nature exhibit
Day 3: Marian Listening & Springs
Reflection (Nov 18)
• Church Visit: San
Jose Catholic Church – South Austin warmth and Marian hospitality
• Springs Visit: Barton
Springs Pool – swim or reflect near the leafy banks
• Symbolic act: Pour water over your hands and offer a prayer for renewal
Day 4: Creation Prayer & Artistic Reverence
(Nov 19)
• Museum Visit: The
Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria – modern art in a lakeside villa
• Midday Pause: Psalm 104 reflection near the sculpture trail
• Symbolic act: Sketch a symbol of joy or civic renewal
Day 5: Civic Hospitality & Botanical
Listening (Nov 20)
• Morning Garden: Lady
Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – native plants and seasonal clarity
• Symbolic act: Write a blessing and leave it near a blooming trail or garden
bench
• Evening Music: The
Continental Club – blues, country, and civic rhythm
Day 6: Eucharistic Table & Illusion
Communion (Nov 21)
• Museum Visit: Museum of Illusions
Austin – playful reflection on perception and truth
• Symbolic act: Write a prayer for clarity and leave it near a mirrored exhibit
• Evening Meal: Tex-Mex supper with tortillas, citrus, and communal joy
Day 7: Benediction & Sending Forth (Nov 22)
• Final Walk: Texas
Science & Natural History Museum – reflect on creation and civic memory
• Midday Reflection: Write a closing prayer of sending
• Benediction:
“May this city remember my reverence. May my steps echo music and mercy.”
Would you like this formatted into your devotional guide or added to your pilgrimage calendar? I can also help pair each day with a symbolic meal or film set in Austin.
St. Gertrude[4]
St. Gertrude the Great, a Cistercian nun, is one of the most lovable German saints from medieval times, and through her writings she will remain for all ages a guide to the interior life. When she was twenty-five years old (1281), Christ began to appear to her and to disclose to her the secrets of mystical union. Obeying a divine wish, she put into writing the favors of grace bestowed upon her. Her most important work, Legatus Divinae Pietatis, "The Herald of Divine Love,".
The Gift of Frequent Communion[5]
All too few of us are blessed with the opportunity for daily Mass and Communion. Even St. Gertrude herself had trouble doing that (primarily due to her illnesses). In one of her writings, she relates a conversation with Jesus in which they talked about the graces given to daily communicants…with a surprising statement about when graces are NOT given.
Here’s an excerpt from St. Gertrude’s writings:
·
Gertrude said, “How far above me in beatitude
will those priests be who communicate every day to fulfill the duties of their
ministry!”
o
“It is true,” replied Our Lord, “that those who
celebrate worthily shall shine in great glory, but the love of him who
communicates with pleasure should be judged of very differently from the
exterior magnificence that appears in this mystery. There will be one reward
for him who has
§
approached with desire and love.
§
There will be another for him who approaches
with fear and reverence.
§
and another for him who is very diligent in his
preparation.
§
But those who habitually celebrate through
custom only shall have no share in My gifts.”
–The Life and Revelations of St. Gertrude the Great
How many of us Catholics judge our sanctity by the numbers of Masses and Communions we experience? Holiness is not a numbers game, but a “heart game.” The most eloquent prayers–even the Mass itself–are of little value without engagement of the heart. But prayers fueled by love, devotion and confidence will move the highest mountains.
Reflection: At Communion time, we must always be aware of the awesome significance of what we are about to do. Our hearts must be in the game. It is Christ Himself, Creator of the Universe, whom we receive in the form of the Host.
Before
approaching the table of the Lord, we pray to be worthy; we pray to be in the
moment when God blesses us with this indescribable Eucharistic miracle. We pray
to be prepared.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Day 157
1153 A sacramental celebration is a meeting of God's
children with their Father, in Christ and the Holy Spirit; this meeting takes
the form of a dialogue, through actions and words. Admittedly, the symbolic
actions are already a language, but the Word of God and the response of faith
have to accompany and give life to them, so that the seed of the Kingdom can
bear its fruit in good soil. the liturgical actions signify what the Word of
God expresses: both his free initiative and his people's response of faith.
1154 The liturgy of the Word is an integral part of
sacramental celebrations. To nourish the faith of believers, the signs which
accompany the Word of God should be emphasized: the book of the Word (a
lectionary or a book of the Gospels), its veneration (procession, incense,
candles), the place of its proclamation (lectern or ambo), its audible and
intelligible reading, the minister's homily which extends its proclamation, and
the responses of the assembly (acclamations, meditation psalms, litanies, and
profession of faith).
1155 The liturgical word and action are inseparable both
insofar as they are signs and instruction and insofar as they accomplish what
they signify. When the Holy Spirit awakens faith, he not only gives an
understanding of the Word of God, but through the sacraments also makes present
the "wonders" of God which it proclaims. The Spirit makes present and
communicates the Father's work, fulfilled by the beloved Son.
Singing and music
1156 "The musical tradition of the universal Church is
a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The
main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and
words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy." The
composition and singing of inspired psalms, often accompanied by musical
instruments, were already closely linked to the liturgical celebrations of the
Old Covenant. The Church continues and develops this tradition: "Address .
. . one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making
melody to the Lord with all your heart." "He who sings prays
twice."
1157 Song and music fulfill their function as signs in a
manner all the more significant when they are "more closely connected . .
. with the liturgical action," according to three principal criteria:
beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly at the
designated moments, and the solemn character of the celebration. In this way
they participate in the purpose of the liturgical words and actions: the glory
of God and the sanctification of the faithful:
How I wept, deeply moved by your
hymns, songs, and the voices that echoed through your Church! What emotion I
experienced in them! Those sounds flowed into my ears distilling the truth in
my heart. A feeling of devotion surged within me, and tears streamed down my
face - tears that did me good.
1158 The harmony of signs (song, music, words, and actions)
is all the more expressive and fruitful when expressed in the cultural richness
of the People of God who celebrate. Hence "religious singing by the
faithful is to be intelligently fostered so that in devotions and sacred
exercises as well as in liturgical services," in conformity with the
Church's norms, "the voices of the faithful may be heard." But
"the texts intended to be sung must always be in conformity with Catholic
doctrine. Indeed, they should be drawn chiefly from the Sacred Scripture and
from liturgical sources."
Corner
o
Let’s kick off the day by celebrating National Button Day! Go
through your closet and dig out any clothing that needs a button replaced or
jazzed up. Get creative with mismatched buttons for a funky look.
§
Next up, it’s Icelandic
Language Day. Challenge yourself to learn a few Icelandic
phrases online or listen to an Icelandic music playlist.
·
Continue the fun by observing Louis
Riel Day with a moment of reflection on the history and culture of the
Métis people.
·
For National
Fast Food Day, treat yourself to a budget-friendly fast food
meal of your choice. Make sure to savor every bite and maybe even try a new
menu item.
o
To honor International
Day for Tolerance, take time to educate yourself on different
cultures and traditions through online resources or documentaries.
·
Then, on Have
a Party with Your Bear Day, gather your teddy bear or any plush toy for a
mini celebration. Enjoy a cozy picnic indoors or set up a tea party for you and
your fluffy friend. Don’t forget to snap some photos for memories.
o
As you wind down, mark Check
Your Wipers Day by giving your car some TLC. Check your wipers
for wear and tear, and if needed, replace them to ensure clear visibility on
the roads.
·
End the day on a musical note with Clarinet Day.
Listen to some clarinet performances online or even attempt to play a tune
yourself if you have a clarinet lying around.
o
Finally, pay homage to Indiana Day.
Research the state’s history, famous landmarks, or whip up a classic dish like
cornbread or Hoosier pie to experience a taste of Indiana.
Daily Devotions/Practices
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: The
poor and the suffering.
·
Saturday
Litany of the Hours Invoking the Aid of Mother Mary
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary.
[3]Goffines Devout Instructions, 1896
[4]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2021-11-16
[5]
https://gertrudethegreat.com/the-gift-of-frequent-communion/
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