She warns us also “against flesh and blood.” as explained in the Epistle, which also describes what the well-equipped Christian must wear for this war. But God will be “our refuge” (Gradual). Consoling too are the words of Mardochai (Introit), confiding in God even when his beloved people faced destruction. Our second preparation consists in forgiveness of all injuries suffered during this life-struggle, even as we, relying on Divine Mercy, expect the forgiveness of all debts to the Divine Justice (Gospel). The Prayer, Secret and Communion are in line with these sentiments of struggle against flesh and devil and of the exercise of charity toward our neighbour.
Today falls the Feast of St. Hubertus: Confessor. The 8th Century Saint is one of the Four Holy Marshals, patron of hunters, archers and dogs, invoked for protection against rabies, plague and other diseases— perhaps these days the Swine Flu. Bread is blessed in his honour on this day for the faithful to take home. The Blessing is in the rituale. Ask the holy Saint to protect our families from a pandemic. St. Hubert was a libertine and noble-man who enjoyed hunting. One day, on Good Friday, he was hunting and chased down a stag who turned with a crucifix between its antlers. A voice told Hubert to change his ways or he would be condemned to hell. Changing his life, he studied for the priesthood upon the death of his wife and was consecrated Bishop of Maastricht, Netherlands. Later, he became first Bishop of Liege.