Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Today is the memorial of St. Romuald (956-c 1027), a Benedictine monk who founded the Order of Camaldoli in Tuscany, Italy. The entrance antiphon presents the image of the cedar tree, a metaphor for the monk who flourishes in the courts of the Lord (the monastery): “The just will flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a Lebanon cedar, planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.” (Ps 82:13-14). [Recall the readings of last Sunday!]

In our first reading from second Corinthians, St. Paul describes a mystical vision [which appears to refer to himself]: “I know a man in Christ, who fourteen years ago…was caught up into Paradise and heard ineffable things…” (2 Cor 12:2). He would rather boast of this encounter with the risen Christ than of any accomplishment on his part. “I will rather boast most gladly of my weakness, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me” (2 Cor 12:9). St. Romuald and St. Paul had much in common in terms of past lives they regretted and a desire the center their lives totally on Christ. The responsory from Psalm 34 is of special importance to Benedictines since verses 10-11 are quoted in the Rule of St. Benedict: “Come, children, hear me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Which of you desires life and takes delight in prosperous days?” The monastery is the school in which one learns to serve the Lord and to prefer nothing whatever to the love of Christ.

In the famous gospel passage about the lilies of the field from Matthew chapter 6, which inspired St. Francis of Assisi, we find an image that is also apt for St. Romuald: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear…Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these will be given you besides” (Mt 6:25,31-33). Romuald lived a life of great austerity, renouncing all worldly goods and focusing his life entirely on Christ. As abbot of the monastery of St. Apollinaire and later of Camaldoli, his life exemplified the ideal set forth in today’s communion antiphon: “The greatest among you must be your servant, says the Lord” (Mt 23:11).

For today: What is at the center of my life? Am I overly concerned about food, clothing, fashion, and prestige?

Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB