FRIDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration: Memorial of St. BENEDICT , Abbot
(480-547). He was born at Norcia, Italy, and was sent to to be educated. He chose to live a solitary life at Subiaco and eventually organized a form of monastic life in twelve monasteries. The monks who joined Saint Benedict devoted themselves to work and prayer. In the great abbey of Monte Cassino, which he founded, he wrote his Rule in which are wonderfully combined the Roman genius and the monastic wisdom of the Christian East. He was proclaimed Patron of Europe by Pope Paul VI because of his wonderful influence in the formation of Christendom in the Middle Ages.
Liturgical Colour: White
Table of the Word
First Reading: Genesis 46:1–7, 28–30
Gospel: Matthew 10:16–23
Theme: The Benedictine Spirit and the rest of us.
Reflection
With joy in our hearts, we gladly join the Mother Church to celebrate the Memorial of St. Benedict, Father of Western Monasticism. It is in the light of this, that I invite yoy to reflect with me on the theme: "The Benedictine Spirit and the rest of us." In the course of this celebration, the Table of the Word beautifully presents before us outstanding legacies like discernment, detachment, discipline, and discipleship which have traces in the life of this great Monk - Benedict.
The first reading shows Jacob’s journey to Egypt, guided by God’s assurance: “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt... I will go down with you.” And this that Jacob and his household did in obedience to the detects and ordinances of God. The virtue (obedience) which was quite outstanding in the spiritual of life of St. Benedict. This serves as an invitation to trust God every now and then even in moment of uncertainty.
According to Evangelist Matthew in today's Gospel pericope, he gave an account of our Lord's exhortation to His disciples, preparing them ahead of the journey when He said: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves... you will be hated because of my name.” (see Matthew 10:16–23 ). The very directive Benedict and his followers upheld with strictness.
Today, whenever we are talking about religious institutes and their rules, it will interest us to know that, all are rooted in "Benedictines' Rule" - a spiritual masterpiece, ordered by divine wisdom. As the gospel reading exhorted, his monks faced challenges, but remained steadfast, rooted in prayer and manual labour. That is why the opening note of this spiritual classics avers: “Listen, O my son, to the precepts of your master and incline the ear of your heart.”
However, today’s Celebration presents the beauty of solitary life and an invitation to imbibe same especially in the present noisy world.
Also, the Rule of Saint Benedict invites us to listen with the ear of the heart through Scripture, prayer, and silence, since "every heart has ear." We are equally, called to be courageous in bearing witness to gospel values in our day-to-day living experience.
Moroever, St Benedict teaches us that true greatness lies in humble service, true wisdom is also born of obedience, and true peace is found in God. As we celebrate his memorial, may we imitate his love for the Word, his courage in mission, and his vision of a life wholly centered on Christ; and with joy spread the tidings where ever man is found.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 11072025
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