Tuesday 26th October

Care for the caregivers, too

In November 2017 European members of the World Medical Association convened at the Vatican for a conversation on ethical issues surrounding palliative care. Nearby, the International Confederation of Catholic Health Care Institutions was meeting to discuss inequalities in health care. Pope Francis addressed them all: “The categorical imperative is to never abandon the sick.” No matter the graveness of the medical condition, “we are called to show love and closeness.” Recognizing that “visit the sick” is one of the seven corporal works of mercy, how can you show or send care today—perhaps by supporting Catholic chaplains during this Pastoral Care Week?

Today's readings: Romans 8:18-25; Luke 13:18-21 (480).

“Sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.”

Wednesday 27th October

Gentle reminder: Pray today

Benedictine monk Father Godfrey Diekmann, O.S.B., a pillar of the liturgical movement of the last century, tells the story of picking watercress one day on his monastery’s grounds and landing in a swamp. Try as he might he couldn’t extricate himself. He was eventually rescued by his fellow monks. He wrote of the incident: “ What now bothers me is that during the entire ordeal of about 25 minutes I didn’t have a single pious thought! What does that say of my more than 50 years of monastic life? Do I have to start all over again?” Forgetting to pray happens to the best of us. But it is never too late to start. A simple prayer of blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, or praise will suffice. Better yet, start with Veni, Sancte Spiritus!, “Come, Holy Spirit!"

Today's readings: Romans 8:26-30; Luke 13:22-30 (481).

“The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought.”

Thursday 28th October

FEAST OF SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES

Strive for decreasing returns

Saints Simon and Jude have countless images and namesakes, yet we know almost nothing about these apostles whose feast day is today. They were among the 12 apostles, and tradition has it they spread the Good News in Persia. We honor their memory anyway, knowing that for the faithful, “He must increase, and I must decrease, ” as John the Baptist put it. To be remembered after death as a faithful apostle is not a bad legacy for any Christian! Do one small act today that makes you recognizable as a faithful apostle.

Today's readings: Ephesians 2:19-22; Luke 6:12-16 (666).

“Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.”



Friday 29th October

Tender mercies

Depression, anxiety, profound sadness, or grief—these can sometimes make us feel like we’re no good or God has abandoned us. But it is at these times especially when God tenderly draws close to us. Though it may be difficult to lift our hearts in prayer when we are suffering, we can pray this prayer for ourselves and one another (attributed to Saint Augustine): “Watch, O Lord, with those who wake or watch or weep tonight, and give your angels and saints charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones. And all for love’s sake.” Amen!

Today's readings: Romans 9:1-5; Luke 14:1-6 (483).

“I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart.”

Saturday 30th October

Room to grow

We’ve all heard that the “humble will be exalted.” Sounds nice, but where can we look for examples, for a role model? Look no further than Mary, Mother of God. Saturday is the traditional day of the week to recall Mary’s example of exalted humility. Mary was humble enough to “make room” for God—literally, in her womb. She was willing to trust God with everything—her reputation, her envisioned marriage, her very body. Do you trust enough to make room so that God can be born in you?

Today's readings: Romans 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29: Luke 14:1, 7-11 (484).

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”