Readings of the day: RB 11Mass: Joel 4:12-21; Resp. Psalm 97; Luke 11:27-28
We are gifted with two profound verses in today’s Gospel; both point to the announcement of the birth of Jesus:
First, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.”
Second, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe.”
“Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
“Let it be done to me according to your word.”
The greatness

First Saturday of the Month
Readings of the day: RB 7:56-58Mass: Baruch 4:5-12,27-29; Resp. Psalm 69; Luke 10:17-24
It may be a good day to reflect on what Jesus means when he speaks of “the childlike.”
I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. 

Readings of the day: Rule of Saint Benedict (RB) 2:33-40Mass: Hebrews 5:7-9; Resp. Psalm 31or 1 Timothy 1:1-2,12-14; Resp. Psalm 16; Stabat Mater Sequence (optional); John 19:25-27 (obligatory for the memorial)
Following yesterday’s Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we celebrate Our Lady of Sorrows, Mary, who stood by the cross of her son, Jesus. We reflect in the words of Cardinal Basil Hume: