By Brea Cannon, Liturgical Rhythm of Life
The dog days of summer are upon us with fruitful gardens, summer vacations and schools back in session with teachers, students and parents adjusting to the new school year. Liturgically we are still in Ordinary Time which gives us opportunities to read, watch and focus on aspects of our faith that we may not often give time like we do during the Advent or Lenten seasons.
August is a great month to look to some of our greatest advocates and friends, Mary and the Saints. Their lives on earth exuded holiness and were grounded in truth. They are witnesses to us and their intercession in heaven can help lead us to grace and holiness.
I often encourage others to have a calendar to mark down special feast days and solemnities in the liturgical calendar. This organizational tool is also great to write down specific details about a feast day or a little information about a saint. Pull out a calendar and join me in celebrating and praying together throughout the month of August. Let’s dive in!
Aug. 6: The Transfiguration – Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a mountain to pray. While there, Moses and Elijah appeared and Jesus became dazzling white and changed in appearance to show his divinity and glory. This is a great day to read the three accounts of The Transfiguration in Matthew, Mark and Luke’s Gospels and to enjoy a walk or hike reflecting on the hope we have in heaven. Grapes are traditionally blessed at Mass and eaten on this day to signify the transformation of grapes into wine, and ultimately the blood of our Lord in the Eucharist.
Aug. 14: St. Maximilian Kolbe – As a priest who loved our Blessed Mother and gave his life in prison at Auschwitz to save a husband and father, St. Maximilian gives us an example of mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Father Kolbe knew the love Mary had for all of her children and wore and encouraged others to wear the miraculous medal. Spend some time praying to the Blessed Mother. Research the events of and wear a miraculous medal. Father Kolbe is the patron saint of prisoners; fast and pray for the men and women in prison and their families that they will know their worth and the deep love of our Lord.
Aug. 15: The Assumption of Mary – Mary was assumed into heaven not in a spiritual sense but bodily. This is a dogma, something we must believe, in the Catholic Church. This is such a special day in the Church that it is a solemnity and a holy day of obligation. Mary leads us to her son in the Eucharist and invites all of us to, “look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come” (Nicene Creed). Traditionally, this day has also been celebrated as ‘herb day.’ Catholics take homegrown, or store bought, herbs to Mass for a blessing to then be used in the kitchen, as decorations or in balms and herbal remedies.
Aug. 27 and 28: Sts. Monica and Augustine –These two saints had a family dynamic like many modern families. In his teenage years, Augustine became a bit rebellious and spiraled into sin as a young adult. Through many experiences and years of feeling empty, he began to read the Bible and live a life of virtue. His mother Monica was a faithful woman and obedient to her role as wife and mother. As her son made many errors, Monica never gave up hope nor did she stop praying for him. This is a great day to reach out to your children, especially if they are no longer living with you, and remind them of the love of God and of your prayers for them. If you have a loved one who has fallen away from the Church pray and fast for him or her this day.
This green meadow of Ordinary Time is a great time to learn and celebrate our faith. It gives us an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus through men and women who have gone before us in faith. Take some time this summer to reflect on your own spiritual journey and the men and women who have shaped your faith life.
Brea Cannon is a Diocese of Evansville native and member of St. Peter Parish in Montgomery with her husband, three children and extended family.