Thought for the Day – 31 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Last Day of the Year
“Now that the year is almost over, cast your mind back to the good resolutions which you made at the beginning of it. Have you put these resolutions into effect? Has there been any improvement in your spiritual life during these twelve months, or must you confess, that it has deteriorated? How often have you committed sin, perhaps even grave sin, during the year? When God appealed to you to perform some good action, how often did you refuse Him?
Your future outlook is very dark if your life has developed into a gradual descent towards evil. Anyday, God could grow tired of your ingratitude and obstinacy and send death to end your infidelity. Then you would almost certainly, be damned forever. If you have surrendered to spiritual languor and mediocrity, therefore, it is time for you to stir yourself. It is time to become more generous with God, to display a greater spirit of self-sacrifice in responding to His appeals and to form further resolutions.
Virtue cannot co-exist with spiritual tepidity, which leads inevitably, towards sin.”
Thought for the Day – 30 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
As Fr Clarke has left us in the lurch for the last 3 days of December, I am revisiting dear Cardinal Bacci to come to our aid. I pray you, like myself, never tire of his wisdom.
The Holy Family – Mary
“The Blessed Virgin Mary, is the second model proposed for our imitation in the Holy Family. … We do not read that Mary worked miracles, had ecstasies, or possessed any extraordinary external gifts. Her sanctity was completely internal. She trod the ordinary way of perfection, therefore, the way most easily imitated by us and, nevertheless, reached the highest peak of holiness. Since we are her devoted and affectionate children, let us ask her for the grace to follow her in the way of perfection and of complete resignation to the will of God. Although we may have to follow her from afar, let us follow with enthusiasm and love..”
The Holy Family – Joseph
“The third member of the Holy Family is St Joseph, the most just of men, faithful to his vocation as the foster-father of the Child Jesus and chaste spouse o the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us imitate his purity, his utter dedication to the service of God and his burning love for Jesus, Whom he was privileged to clasp to his breast before any other man. Let us ask him to obtain for us the grace to be able to imitate him in his life so that we may also imitate him in his holy death. May he, who died with Jesus and Mary by his side, obtain peace for us in our final agony, so that we may expire with the names of Jesus and Mary on our lips and in our hearts.”
Thought for the Day – 29 D ecember – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
As Fr Clarke has left us in the lurch for the last 3 days of December, I am revisiting dear Cardinal Bacci to come to our aid. I pray you, like myself, never tire of his wisdom.
The Holy Family – Jesus
“We have in the Holy Family, the highest possible models of perfection – Jesus, Mary and Joseph. As God, Jesus is essentially holy. By means of the Hypostatic Union, this sanctity is transmitted also to His human nature. The holiness of Jesus was only gradually revealed as He grew older because He wished to be like us in everything, save in sin. As the Gospel says, He “advanced in wisdom and age and grace before God and men” (Lk 2:52). Jesus gave us an example of holiness which we should find easier to imitate because it was eternally increasing all the time. He offered us, as an example, the kind of sanctity which has its beginning and foundation in utter humility and detachment from worldly goods. “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29).
Socrates advised his followers to have few desires and to desire these as little as possible, in order to remain content, for the man who is full of desires is always uneasy and restless. This human counsel is very true but, it is incomplete. It recommends detachment from earthly things but fails to teach the ardent and practical desire for supernatural things. Jesus Christ teaches us both. After He has urged us to become gentle and humble like Himself, after He has told us not to worry about the future and not to fret about what to wear and what to eat, He points out the way in which Providence clothes the lilies of the filed and feeds the birds of the air. Then He adds: “Seek the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be given you besides” (Cf Lk.12:22-31).
We must limit and moderate our desire for earthly goods, therefore but, should ardently yearn to love God, to serve and obey Him in this life and to enjoy Him forever in Heaven. This is what the Infant Jesus wishes to teach us.”
Thought for the Day – 28 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Christmas Eve
+1. How did Mary and Joseph spend the first Christmas Eve St Joseph spent it in a fruitless attempt to find a lodging for his holy spouse Vainly he sought for a place in the caravanserais or inn, where travellers were received. Vainly he went from house to house in Bethlehem. Everywhere he was disappointed. Thus it is how God prepares His Saints and chosen ones for some unique blessing. We must not be cast down by the fruitlessness of our efforts. It is a sign that some great grace is close at hand!
+2. Mary meantime, was patiently waiting. She was simply praying that God’s will might be done, whatever suffering it might bring to her. She was offering herself to God , to be used by Him as He should see fit. She was making acts of perfect conformity to the Will of God in all things. Blessed are those who wait patiently in such a spirit. God will soon fulfil all the desires of their heart.
+3. Yet, Mary and Joseph, in spite of the sorrow of the one and the anxiety of the other, were both of them, overflowing with heavenly consolations. How could it be otherwise, when one of them carried Christ in her chaste womb and the other, was more dear to God than any other of the sons of men, for he was Mary’s chosen spouse and he knew that before another day was past, she was to bring forth into the world, the Son of God. Our happiness, like that of Joseph and Mary, does not depend upon external circumstances but upon the love we bear to God in our hearts.
Thought for the Day – 27 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“O Emmanuel”
“O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the expectation of the nations and their Saviour, Come to save us, O Lord our God!”
+1. Emmanuel, God with us, is a Name which in every way belongs to Christ Our Lord. He is with His people in all their needs, ever ready to help and console them. He is with us on every Altar, waiting for us to come and pour out our sorrow and our needs before Him. He is with us, above all, in Holy Communion, when He Comes to dwell in our heart and to bring with Him every grace we need. He is with us in the hour of death and He will be with us forever in Heaven.
+2. He Who thus Comes to dwell with us in familiar friendship is our King; He Who thus condescends to be our companion, is the God Who has an absolute right to our obedience. He is our Lawgiver and the statutes He enacts for us have but one end and aim and object, to lead His subjects into the ways of happiness and the paths of peace .
+3. Come then, O God, our Lord and our Saviour. Come and save us from all the perils of the Evil One and from our own weakness and frailty. Come and save us in the hour of temptation, for Thou alone art our King and none save Thee shalt rule over us. Come and bring us safely through this vale of tears to Thy Eternal Kingdom, where we shall dwell forever, O sweet Jesus, in the everlasting delights of Thy blissful Company.
Thought for the Day – 26 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“O Rex Gentium”
“O King of the nations and desired of them and the Cornerstone which maketh both one, Come and save man, whom Thou didst form of dust.”
+1. Never was there a king who had such a claim to sovereignty as Christ Our Lord. He is King by Divine appointment and His own right. He is King by the consentient voice of His subjects and by the right of conquest. He is King by reason of His having purchased us with His Own Blood. What unnumbered claims He has on me! and besides all the rest, does He not deserve to reign supreme by reason of His having won me by His Love?
+2. Christ was desired by all nations, long before they knew Him Whom they desired. The heathen world felt a craving want which it could not define but which was the desire for the Saviour, Who should free them from the bondage of sin. So now, men of goodwill, outside the Church, feel something of the same strange longing. Nothing will satisfy it save submission to their King by union with His Mystical Body, the Church of God. Oh, how happy am I, whose desires are fulfilled, in that I am no alien but a servant of that King, Whom to serve, is my own desire!
+3. Christ is the Cornerstone which maketh both one; the King of peace, Whose work it is to unite together, those who love Him in the unity of mutual love of one another, for His sake. Thus He desires that I should be united to those around me that there should be no dissension or disunion. Do I ,in this, fulfil the pleasure of my King?
Christmas Wishes filled with Joy and Love to You All!
This day a great Light has descended upon the earth! Alleluia!
“And the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us, full of Grace and Truth; we have beheld His Glory, Glory as of the Only Son from the Father.”
John 1:14
My sincere thanksgiving for those most generous and loving Benefactors, who, in their generosity, have constantly contributed to the upkeep of this site. For those who, in the midst of their manifold duties during this very busy time, have still found time to send Christmas donations and prayers. May the Divine Infant, His Immaculate Mother and Holy St Joseph, Bless you all.
My wishes for a most Holy and Blessed Christmas May the Divine Babe of Bethlehem fill your hearts with His Joy, Peace and Love!
Sent with my love and prayers to you and yours. Ana 🤗🙏🧡
Thought for the Day – 25 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“O Oriens”
“O Orient, Splendour of Eternal Light and Sun of Justice; Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”
The night of pagan times was long and dark and seemed hopeless. Deeper and deeper the nations were sinking in misery and vice. But at length the Orient, the brightness of the Eternal Light of Heaven, rose and scattered the darkness , changing the gloom into a brilliant day. So too for those who have been long shrouded in the dense gloom of sin or sorrow, there waits the same Divine Light, ready to scatter their darkness in a moment, if only they will draw nigh to Him. He waits for me, ready to brighten my path, to scatter my sins and sorrows, if I will avail myself of His Love.
+2. That rising Light is the Sun of Justice, Who shall exercise His Justice in delivering the captive and in recompensing His friends a hundred, nay, a thousandfold, for every little service done for Him. For His Justice is virtually identical with His Mercy and rejoices to employ itself in works of pity and of love.
+3. Come then, O Orient, O Sun of Justice; shine upon those who sit in darkness, upon those who are enveloped in the thick mists of heathendom and heresy. Come and enlighten their ignorance that they may not perish Come and deliver them from the shadow of death, for they cannot deliver themselves. Pour upon them such a flood of Light and Grace, as may guide their feet into the way of peace.
Quote/s of the Day – 25 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” –
“With hearts truly grateful, Come, all ye faithful, To Jesus, to Jesus in Bethlehem; See Christ your Saviour, Heaven’s greatest favour. Let us hasten to adore Him; Our God and King.”
DEO GRATIAS!
“And the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us, full of Grace and Truth; we have beheld His Glory, Glory as of the Only Son from the Father.”
John 1:14
“Now this Word, Who was in God, this Word, Who was God, through Whom, all things were made and without Whom, nothing was made, in Whom, is Life – He has Come down to us. What were we? Did we deserve Him to Come to us? No, we were unworthy of His having compassion on us but He was Worthy of taking pity on us.”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“Our Saviour, dearly beloved, is born today; let us rejoice! It is not right to be sad today, the natal day of Life – He Who has dispelled the fear of mortality and brought us to the joy of promised eternity. Let no man be cut off from a share in this rejoicing. The cause of our joy is common to every man because, our Lord, the destroyer of sin and death, Who finds none guiltless, Comes to free all. Let the holy exult, he draws near his palm; let the sinner rejoice, he is invited to pardon; let the Gentile be quickened, he is called to Life!”
St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father & Doctor of the Unity of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 25 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day! – Titus 2:11-15; Luke 2:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… For today in the City of David, a Saviour has been born to you, Who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:11
REFLECTION – “Brethren, now we have been told about the miracle, let us turn aside to see this unusual sight, as Moses did (Ex 3:3) – in Mary, the burning bush is not consumed, the Virgin gives birth to the Light, without defilement … Let us then run to Bethlehem, the Town of the Good News! If we are real shepherds, staying awake on our watch, then it is to us that the voice of the Angels is addressed, announcing a great joy … “Glory to God in the highest for peace is coming down to earth!” There, where, only yesterday, there was nothing but misfortune, battlefields and exile, now earth receives peace for today “Truth shall spring out of the earth and justice shall look down from heaven” (Ps 84:12). Behold the fruit earth gives to humankind, in reward for the goodwill reigning among men (Lk 2:14). God is joined to man, to raise man to the stature of God.
At this news, my brethren, let us go to Bethlehem to behold … the mystery of the crib, a child wrapped in swaddling clothes rests in a manger. A Virgin, after giving birth, His undefiled Mother, embraces her Son. Let us repeat the words of the Prophet along with the shepherds: “As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of our God.” (Ps 47:9)
But why does our Lord seek shelter in this cave at Bethlehem? Why is He sleeping in a manger? Why does He participate in Israel’s census? My brethren, He who brings liberty to the world, comes to be born into our slavery to death. He is born in this cave to reveal Himself to us, who are immersed in darkness and the shadow of death. He rests in a manger because, He is the One Who makes grass grow for the cattle (Ps 103:14). He is the Bread of Life, Who feeds us with a spiritual food that we too might live in the Spirit… What more joyful Feast is there than that of today? Christ, the Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20), comes to illumine our night. What had fallen, is raised up again, what was overcome, is now set free… what was dead is restored to life… Let us all sing today with one voice over all the earth: “Death came through one man, Adam, today salvation has come through One Man (cf Rom 5:17)” … St Gregory of Nyssa (c 335–c 395) Bishop, Father of the Church (Sermon on the Nativity).
PRAYER – O God, Who have brightened this most holy night with the splendour of the true Light, grant, we beseech Thee that we may know in Heaven the joy of that light which we have known mystically on earth. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 25 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Our Saviour and Redeemer – Its Christmas Day!
Afar from Where the Sun Doth Rise A Solis Ortus Cardine By Coelius Sedulius (Died c450) Trans Msgr Ronald A Knox (1888-1957)
Afar from where the sun doth rise To lands beneath the western skies, Homage to Christ our King we pay, Born of a Virgin’s womb this day
Blessed Creator, Thou didst take__ A servant’s likeness for our sake, And didst in flesh our flesh restore To bid Thy creature live once more.
Chaste was the womb where Thou didst dwell, Of heavenly grace the hidden cell; Nor might the blessed Maid proclaim Whence her dread Guest in secret came.
Down from on high God came to rest__ His glory in a sinless breast; Obedience at His word believed, And virgin innocence conceived.
Ere long, that holy child she bore By Gabriel’s message named before, Whom yet unborn, with eager pride, The swift forerunner prophesied.
Fast doth He sleep, where straw doth spread, A humble manger for His bed. A Mother’s milk that strength renewed, Which gives the birds of heaven their food.
Glory to God, the angels cry; Earth hears the echo from on high; Mankind’s true Shepherd and it’s Lord By shepherd hearts is first adored.
Saint of the Day – 25 December – Saint Anastasia of Sirmium (Died 304) Widow, Martyr. Patronages – of martyrs, weavers, widows, Borgorose, Italy, Burana in Kyrgyzstan. She is one of seven women who, along with Blessed Virgin Mary, are commemorated by name in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
From a Triptych in Zadar Cathedral
Before the liturgical reforms of the 20th Century, this Martyr enjoyed the distinction, unique in the Roman Liturgy, of having a special commemoration in the second Mass on Christmas Day. Since the time of St Gregory the Great (Papacy 590-604) and celebrated by the Pope himself, her name was also inserted into the Roman Canon.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The birthday of St Anastasia, who, in the time of Diocletian, first suffered a severed and harsh imprisonment on the part of her her husband, Publius, in which, however, she was much consoled and encouraged by the Confessor of Christ, St Chrysogonus. Afterwards, she was thrown into prison again by order of Florus, Prefect of Illyria and, finally having her hands and feet stretched out, she was tied to stakes with a fire kindled about her in the midst of which, she ended her Martyrdom on the Island of Palmarola, whither she had been conveyed with two hundred men and seventy women, who have made Martyrdom a glorious thing by the various kinds of death they so courageously endured. ”
Anastasia, daughter of Pretestato a noble Roman, was a native of Sirmium, Pannonia, a Roman City in what is now Yugoslavia. She was the wife of Publius, a pagan, nevertheless, she was entirely devoted to assisting the Christians of Rome, who were forbidden, by an unjust law, to carry out any profession. Her husband, who was very much against her good works, cruelly punished her every disobedience but she was comforted by the advice of St Chrysogonus, who was also persecuted and imprisoned.
After her husband’s death, she was able to exercise her Christian charity more freely. Her spiritual advisor St Chrysogonus, had been arrested and sent to the Imperial Court in Aquileia, Anastasia accompanied him on the journey from Rome and witnessed the interrogation and then his beheading, the body was abandoned at the home of the three Christian sisters Agape, Chionia, Irene, who with the help of the holy priest Zoilus, gave him burial and for this they were all arrested.
Then Diocletian left for Macedonia taking with him all the imprisoned Christians and with them Anastasia; from Macedonia he moved towards Sirmium in Illyria, here the matron Theodota and her three sons were reported to him as fugitive Christians and he had them imprisoned.
The interest which Anastasia had in the fate of the four, aroused the suspicion of the pagans who reported her to the prefect Probus; these, after interrogations and vain attempts to make her renounce Christ, kept her in chains for a month and then put her on a pierced ship, together with other Christians and criminals and sent it out to sea to a certain death. But they miraculously escaped the stormy seas and landed at Palmaria, where they were again captured and offered freedom in exchange for honouring the gods. After their consistent refusal they were all massacred, while Anastasia was burned alive. Her ashes were collected by a woman named Apollonia who placed them in a small Church in her garden.
Although this ‘passio’ is probably partly enhanced and imagined, it is certain that the cult of a Martyr St Anastasia in Sirmium, is very ancient and then spread to Constantinople and Rome. In Sirmium, her Relics were venerated until about 460, when then, the Bishop Gennadius had them transferred to Constantinople to the Church that later took her name. In Rome, since the 4th Century, there was a Titular Church, already dedicated to her, right in the centre of pagan memories (Circus Maximus, on the Palatine).
She is depicted without particular attributes among the virgins in procession in the Church of St Apollinare Nuovo, also present on the bronze door of St Mark in Venice, in the Cathedral of Zadar in Sirmium (Yugoslavia) and others. In ancient times various Churches were dedicated to her, including that of Verona and the other very ancient and important for its historical and archaeological aspect, in Rome, already mentioned which, in the 7th Century, was already listed as the third most important Church after the Lateran and St Mary Major. The Cathedral of Zadar (Sirmium) is also dedicated to her.
The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day! Celebration of the Anniversary of the Birth of Our Lord. In the earliest days of the Church there was no such Feast, the Saviour’s Birth was commemorated with the Epiphany by the Greek and other Eastern Churches. First mention of the Feast, then kept on 20 May, was made by Clement of Alexandria c 200. The Latin Church began in c 300 to observe it on 25 December, though there is no certainty that Our Lord was born on that day. Today, Priests have the privilege of saying three Masses, at midnight, daybreak and morning. This was originally reserved to the Holy Father alone – beginning about the 4th century he celebrated a midnight Mass in the Lateran Basilica (in which according to tradition, the manger of Bethlehem is preserved), a second in the Church of Saint Anastasia, whose Feast comes on 25 December and a third at the Vatican Basilica. Many peculiar customs of the day are the outcome of the pagan celebrations of the January calendar. The Christmas tree, of which the first known mention was made in 1605 at Strasbourg, was introduced into France and England in 1840. The Feast is a Holy Day of Obligation, preceded by the preparatory season of Advent and by a special Vigil – should it fall on a Friday it abrogates the law of abstinence. Of course, Christmas attracts an Octave, when this wonderful Mystery and Miracle is celebrated for eight days. https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/25/the-solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-25-december-2/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/25/the-solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-25-december/ AND: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/25/25-december-the-solemnity-of-the-birth-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-2/
St Adalsindis of Hamay St Alburga of Wilton St Anastasia of Sirmium (Died 304) Widow, Martyr
Thought for the Day – 24 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“O Clavis David”
“ O Key of David and Sceptre of the house of Israel, Who openest and no man shutteth and shuttest and no man openeth; Ccome and deliver from the prisonhouse, the captive who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.”
+1. The Key and the Sceptre, are the symbols of supreme authority; they indicate the sway which the Saviour is to hold over His faithful people and the right which He alone possesses of opening the Gate of Heaven to the children of men and of extending to them the golden sceptre of His mercy and forgiving love. To me, O Key of David, unworthy though I am, open in Thy Mercy the Door of Heaven; stretch forth to me, all undeserving, the sceptre of Thy favour and Thy love.
+2. Thou shuttest , O Lord and no man opens. O shut not upon me the Door which will admit me to draw nigh to Thee! Shut not upon me the Door of Thy Mercy and Grace. Shut not the Door which leads me into the inner sanctuary of Thy Love. Shut not the door of that fold wherein Thy favourite children dwell in peace and happiness. Shut not, above all, the Door of Paradise at my last hour!
+3. Come then , O Lord and open to me now, the Door of my captivity. I am a captive to my own self-will; a captive to my want of charity; a captive to my vanity and love of display a captive to my self-indulgence and dislike of mortification; a captive to a thousand faults of which I am scarcely conscious. Come, O Lord and set the captive free! I am weak and cannot break my chains, unless I receive from Thee, the necessary strength; Come , O Lord Jesus, Come quickly!
Quote/s of the Day – 24 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
“… Let us keep the Feast, not after the manner of a heathen festival but after a Godly sort; not after the way of the world but in a fashion above the world; not as our own but as belonging to Him Who is ours, or rather as our Master’s; not as of weakness but as of healing; not as of creation but of re-creation.”
St Gregory of Nazianzen (330-390) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Taking up the newborn Emmanuel, Mary beheld a Light incomparably fairer than the sun and saw a Fire that water cannot quench. She received, in the covering of flesh Whom she had borne, the Light Who enlightens all things and she was worthy, to carry in her arms, the Word Who carries the universe!” ”
St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) Bishop, Cistercian Monk
(Homilies in praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary IV SC 72)
“She shall bring forth a Son and thou shall call His Name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
“This great Name is compared to oil by the Holy Spirit: “Thy Name is oil poured out” (Sg 1,3). Why? Because, as Saint Bernard explains, just as oil is both light, food and medicine, so the Name of Jesus, is light for our minds, food for our hearts, medicine for our souls. Light for our minds – it was the brilliance of this Name which enabled the world to pass from the shadows of idolatry, to the Light of Faith. … Food for our hearts … And medicine for our souls … No-one who is tempted, will fall, if he calls on Jesus and, for as long as he calls, he will persevere and be saved (cf Ps 17:4).”
St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 24 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 1:1-6, Matthew 1:18-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Joseph, son of David ” – Matthew 1:20
REFLECTION – “There is no doubt that Joseph was a very holy and trustworthy man, since the Mother of the Saviour was to be his wife. He was the “faithful and prudent servant” (Mt 24:45), for God established him to be His Mother’s support, the foster father of His flesh and the assistant for His plan of salvation.
We must recall, that he was of the House of David. He was son of David, not only by bonds of the flesh but even more, because of his faith, holiness and piety. God found in him, a second David, to whom He could confidently entrust His plans, even the most hidden. He revealed to him, as to another David, the mysteries of His Wisdom and disclosed to him, what no teacher in the world, could know. He allowed him to see and listen, to things that so many kings and prophets had wished to see and hear but which,, in spite of their desire, they had not been able to see or to hear (Mt 13:7), even more,, He made him carry and guide, embrace, nurture and protect Him. Both Mary and Joseph belonged to David’s race; in Mary was fulfilled the promise once made by the Lord to David, while Joseph was the witness of this fulfilment.” – St Bernard (1090-1153) (Surname de Fontaine) Priest, Cistercian Monk, The Last Father and Doctor Mellifluus (Mellifluous Doctor) (Homily on the “Missus est”, 2, 16).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who gladden us, year after year, with the expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now welcome with joy Thy Only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also gaze upon Him without fear when He comes as our Judge, our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 24 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Magnis Prophetæ Vocibus With Mighty Voice the Prophets Cry Unknown Author
With mighty voice the prophets cry that Christ the Lord is drawing nigh; rejoicing, they foresee the grace by which He saves us and redeems.
And so our morning sun shines forth, our hearts ablaze with radiant joy; we hear the faithful voice resound, precursor of God’s glorious gift.
At that first Advent, Christ our God came forth not to condemn the world, but came to cleanse our gaping wound, to seek and save what had been lost.
Christ’s Second Coming warns us all that He is standing at the gates, to give to saints their glorious crowns and open wide the heav’nly realm.
Eternal light is now foretold, the saving star is shining forth, its radiant splendour summons us and calls us to the heav’nly court.
Christ Jesus, Thou alone we seek to see Thee face-to-face as God; may this unending vision be an everlasting hymn of praise. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 24 December – Saint Gregory of Spoleto (Died c304) Priest Martyr. Died in Spoleto, Italy after many tortures by being beheaded in c304.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Spoleto, the holy Priest, Gregory. In the time of the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, he was first beaten with rough clubs and then, after being exposed on the gridiron and improised, was struck on the knees with iron carding instrucments, burned on the sides with firebrands and finally, beheaded.”
Gregory was a holy Priest of Spoleto, in Italy, who employed his time, night and day, in fasting and prayer and in teaching others the holy law of God.
It happened that Flaccus, a General of the armed forces, arrived at that City with a special order from the Emperor Maximian, to punish all the Christians. An information was laid before him, stating that Gregory seduced many and despised the gods and the Emperors. Soldiers were immediately despatched to bring him bound before his tribunal. When he appeared, Flaccus, with a stern countenance, said: “Are you Gregory of Spoleto?” The Martyr answered, “I am.” Flaccus again said, “Are you the enemy of the gods and the enemy of the princes?” St. Gregory replied, “From my infancy, I have always served the God Who formed me out of the earth.” Flaccus asked, “Who is your God?” “He,” replied the Martyr, “Who made man to His Own Image and likeness, Who is all-powerful and immortal and Who will render to all men according to their works.” Flaccus said, “Do not use many words but do what I command you.” The Martyr replied, “I know not what your command implies but I do what I am bound to do.” Flaccus urged, “If you desire to save yourself, go to the wonderful temple and sacrifice to the great gods and you shall be our friend and shall receive many favours from our most invincible Emperors.” St Gregory said, “I desire not such a friendship, nor do I sacrifice to devils but to my God, Jesus Christ.”
The Judge commanded him to be buffeted on the face, beaten with clubs and tortured on the rack and at length, ordered his head to be cut off. This happened in 304. His Relics were originally enshrined in a Church which bears his name at Spoleto. In the 10th Century, St Bruno, the Archbishop of Cologne, transferred Gregory’s Relics to his City’s Cathedral, which gave rise to an impressive local iconography and cultus. In the few figures of the Saint (the 14th Century stained glass window of the Cathedral and the frontispiece of the Cologne Missal) Gregory is depicted in priestly robes with a book in his hand, the Palm of Martyrdom and the sword with which he was beheaded.
In 1037, Baronius found a copy of these Acta of our Saint Gregory, an authentic testimony of a glorious miracle wrought by the touch of these Relics.
The Vigil of the Nativity oL Our Lord Jesus Christ Midnight Mass is the first Liturgy of Christmastide which is celebrated on the night of Christmas Eve, traditionally beginning at midnight when Christmas Eve gives way to Christmas Day. This popular Christmas custom is a jubilant celebration of the Mass in honour of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus By St Alphonsus, THE NINTH DAY
The Miraculous Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague The Ninth Day
St Irmina of Oehren (Died c716) Virgin Princess, Nun, Abbess, Founder and Co-founder of 2 Monasteries, benefactress of St Willibrord, the great Missionary Saint of Germany. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Trier in Austrasia, in Germany, Saint Irmina, Abbess of the Monastery of Öhren, who, a virgin consecrated to God, gave Saint Willibrord a small Monastery she founded in her villa in Echternach and was a generous giver of her goods.” Her Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-saint-irmina-of-oehren-died-c-716/
St Mochua of Timahoe
St Trasilla (Sixth Century) Virgin, Aunt of Saint Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, the birthday of the holy Virgin, Trasilla, Aunt of St Gregory, Pope, who writs of her that at the hour of her death, she saw Jesus coming to her.” St Trasilla’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-st-trasilla-sixth-century-virgin/
Blessed Mercedarian Brother: Blessed Dionysius Roneo Blessed Philip Claro Blessed Giulio Pons Blessed Peter of Valladolid
Blessed Mercedarian Sisters: Blessed Anna Maria Prieto Blessed Anna de Arrano Blessed Orsola de Larisgoizia Blessed Maguna Mary Blessed Margaret Blessed Mary of the Assumption Sarria
Martyred Maidens of Antioch – 40 Saints: A group of forty Virgins Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. None of their names have come down to us. They were martyred in 250 in Antioch, Syria.
Martyrs of Tripoli – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together, date unknown. The only details that have survived are six of the names – Drusus, Lucian, Metrobius, Paul, Theotimus and Zenobius. They were martyred in Tripoli, Libya.
Thought for the Day – 23 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“O Radix Jesse”
“O Root of Jesse , Who standest for a Sign to the nations, before Whom kings shall close their mouth, of Whom the Gentiles shall entreat mercy; Come to set us free and no longer delay!”
+1. The King Who is to Come is of the Root of Jesse, since He is of David’s Royal line. He is the true David, Who laid low the spiritual Goliath, the prince of darkness, who, in pagan times, defied the power of the living God. He is above all, the Man after God’s Own Heart , in that the one motive of His Heart is to carry out His Father’s Will. If this is the motive power of my life, then I too am of the Root of Jesse and in spite of failings, am a man after God’s Own Heart, in proportion as this motive, is ever present to me.
+2. Jesus is a Sign to the nations; a Sign of contradiction to His enemies but before Whom, the most powerful will have to close their mouth in humble subjection; a Sign to His friends, the men of goodwill in every clime and country, who will be drawn to Him to offer their joyful homage at His Feet, entreating of Him that mercy which He is more ready to grant, than they to ask. To me He is a Sign, either fondly loved, or neglected and treated as of no account!
+3. O Root of Jesse O King and Saviour, Come and set us free; free from all which displeases Thee, free from the snares which entangle our feet, free from our perverse attachment to our own will , free from the power of the devil, free from our apathy in obeying Thy commands and holy inspirations, free from all which hinders us in Thy service; Come and say the Word and we shall be delivered!
Quote of the Day – 23 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
Preparation for the Nativity
“Our preparation, finally, should also embrace the will. In other words, we should make good resolutions during our Christmas Novena. We should resolve to be more fervent in prayer, to be more mortified and, to make greater efforts to practise virtue.
Everyday and, if possible, every hour, let us think of and invoke the Divine Child. Let us ask Him to help us to model our lives on His, so that they may be full of humility, of love for God and for our fellowmen, of perfect resignation to suffering and of voluntary mortification and penance, designed to prove our love for Jesus and to expiate our sins.”
One Minute Reflection – 23 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” –1 Corinthians 4:1-5 – Luke 3:1-6– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. ” – Luke 3:6
REFLECTION – “What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerning the Word of Life, we proclaim now to you” (1 Jn 1:1-3) … The Incarnate Word was made known to the Apostles in two ways – first of all, they recognised Him by sight, as receiving knowledge of the Word from the Word Himself; secondly, by hearing, this time by receiving knowledge of the Word from the witness of St John the Baptist.
Concerning the Word, John the Baptist first affirms that: “We have seen His glory”… For Saint John Chrysostom these words are connected with that which precedes in John’s Gospel: “The Word became Flesh.” What the Evangelist means is – the Incarnation has bestowed on us the blessing, not merely of becoming children of God but, of seeing His glory. For indeed, weak and feeble eyes cannot, of themselves, look at the Light of the Sun but when it shines through a cloud, or some other opaque body, then they can do so. Before the Incarnation of the Word, human minds were incapable, of themselves, of beholding the Light “which enlightens everyone.” But so that they might not be deprived of the joy of seeing Him, the Light Himself, the Word of God, desired to be clothed with Flesh, so we might be able to see Him.
Thus, people “turned toward the desert and lo! the glory of the Lord appeared in a Cloud” (Ex 16:10), namely the Word of God in Flesh … And Saint Augustine comments, so that we might be able to see God, the Word cured men’s eyes, by making a healing eye-ointment of His Flesh … That is why, immediately after saying: “The Word became Flesh”the Evangelist adds: “And we saw His glory” as if to say, no sooner had the ointment been applied, than our eyes were cured … This is the glory which Moses desired to see but of which he saw only a shadow and a symbol. The Apostles, on the other hand, saw His Majesty itself!” – St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Dominican, Doctor of the Church (Commentary on St John’s Gospel 1:178).
PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Saint of the Day – 23 December – Saint Frithbert of Hexham (Died 766) Bishop of Hexham, England serving his Diocese for 32 years and administering Lindisfarne. He died on 23 December 766 of natural causes. Also known as – Fridebert, Frithubeorht, Frideberto, Frithelbert.
The Reredos at Hexham Abbey depicting the 7 Canonised Bishops. St Firthbert is shown second from the right,
As the 7th Bishop of Hexham, Frithbert served as the Bishop for a lengthy 32 years until his death. He had been Cconsecrated on 8 September 734 by Archbishop Ecgbert. The Diocese which developed in the territory between the Rivers Aln and Tees, had its Seat in the Monastery founded by St Wilfrid of York in 674. Only thirteen Bishops of this ancient Diocese are known and 7 of them are Canonised Saints. After the devastating raids of the Danish Vikings in the 9th Century, around the year 821, the Diocese was united with that of Lindisfarne.
In 750, when Cynewul, then the Bishop of Lindisfarne – was imprisoned for political reasons during a dynastic clash, Frithbert also administered the See of Lindisfarne.
He died on 23 December 766, the same year as Archbishop Ecgbert. St Bede praised Firthbert as a “truly faithful Bishop.”
St Frithbert’s Relics were re-discovered at Hexham in 1154.
St Ivo of Chartres (c1040-1115) Bishop of Chartres, France from 1090 until his death, Confessor, Reformer, Defender of the Faith, Lawyer, Canon Lawyer, Teacher and Theologian, Writer. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Chartres in France, Saint Ivo, Bishop, who re-established the Order of the Canons and did much work and wrote to promote harmony between the clergy and the civil powers and for the good of the Church.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-ivo-of-chartres-c-1040-1115/
St John Cirita St John Stone St Mardonius of Rome St Mazota of Abernethy St Migdonius of Rome
St Servulus (Died c 590) Layman, Beggar, paralysed by Palsy from birth. Saint Servulus was a perfect model of submission to the divine Will; it would be difficult to offer a more consoling example to persons afflicted by poverty, illnesses and the other miseries of life. It is Saint Gregory the Great who narrates for us his edifying story. St Servulus’ Life of devotion: https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-servulus-died-c-590/
Martyrs of Crete – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians who died in the persecutions of Decius. They were – Agathopus • Basilides • Cleomenes • Eunician • Euporus • Evaristus • Gelasius • Saturninus • Theodulus • Zeticus They were martyred in 250 on the island of Crete.
Thought for the Day – 22 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“O Adonai”
“O Lord and Leader of the house of Israel, Who didst appear to Moses in a flame of fire in the bush and didst give to him the law on Mount Sinai, Come to Redeem us with Thine outstretched Arm.”
+1. The Saviour for Whom we look, is also Our Lord (Adonai), the Leader and Chief to Whom we have sworn fealty. We speak of Him continually under the familiar Name of Our Lord and, each time we do so, we reassert our acknowledgment of the obligation to follow where He leads and, to be subject to Him, in all things. O happy followers of such a Leader! If we tread in His Footsteps and obey His Voice, He will set our feet in green pastures and lead us to the fountains of the water of life.
+2. The flame of fire in the burning bush, was a figure of Jesus in Mary’s Sacred womb. Holy indeed was the place where God was present and whence He promised to His people their deliverance from Egypt. So He still speaks, as if concealed in Mary’s womb and reminds us that He has made her holy with a holiness second only to His own and, when we draw nigh to her, we hear His Voice announcing to us that He has heard our prayers offered through her and will come to deliver us from our enemies .
+3. What shall be our prayer to Him, when He inspires us to make our request with boldness, at the throne of grace? Come to redeem us with Thine outstretched Arm Come to deliver us from the effects of our past sins. Come to deliver us from the attachment to some sin which still lurks within us. Come to deliver us from all our countless negligences and imperfections. Come with Thine Arm outstretched toward us; from the foe, O Lord and Lover of our souls!
Quote/s of the Day – 22 December – St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917)
“My good Jesus, give me the grace to love Thee with all my heart and to serve Thee with great fidelity in this life, so that I may become a grain of sand to build Thy glory for all eternity.”
“Work in me, oh adorable Heart of Jesus because Thou knowest well, how incapable I am of doing perfectly, everything Thou wants of me.”
One Minute Reflection – 22 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Corinthians 4:1-5 – Luke 3:1-6 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. ” – Luke 3:6
REFLECTION – “And all flesh did see the salvation of God, even of the Father, for He sent the Son to be our Saviour. And in these words by “flesh,” man generally is to be understood, that is, the whole human race. For thus all flesh shall see the salvation of God: no longer Israel only but all flesh. For the gentleness of the Saviour and Lord of all, is not limited, nor did He save one nation merely but rather embraced, within His net, the whole world and has illuminated all who were in darkness. And this is what was celebrated by the Psalmist’s lyre, “All the nations whom Thou hast made, shall come and worship before Thee, O Lord.” While, at the same time, the remnant of the Israelites is saved, as the great Moses also long ago declared, saying, “Rejoice ye nations with His people.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Known as “The Pillar of Faith” Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homiletic Commentary on Luke 3:1-6 – Fragment).
PRAYER – Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee and delay not and with Thy great might, come to our aid, so that what is hindered by our sins, maybe hastened by Thy merciful goodness. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect)
Our Morning Offering – 22 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Veni Redemptor Gentium Saviour of the Nations, Come! St Ambrose’s (340-397) Father & Doctor of the Church
Saviour of the nations, come! Virgin’s Son, here make Thy home! Marvel now, O Heaven and earth, That the Lord chose such a birth.
Not by human flesh and blood; By the Spirit of our God Was the Word of God made flesh, Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.
Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child Of the Virgin undefiled! Though by all the world disowned, Still to be in Heaven enthroned.
From the Father forth He came And returneth to the same, Captive leading death and hell High the song of triumph swell!
Thou, the Father’s only Son, Hast over sin the victory won. Boundless shall Thy kingdom be; When shall we its glories see?
Brightly doth Thy manger shine, Glorious is its Light Divine. Let not sin o’ercloud this Light; Ever be our faith thus bright.
Praise to God the Father sing, Praise to God the Son, our King, Praise to God the Spirit be Ever and eternally. Amen!
Saint of the Day – 22 December – Saint Honoratus of Toulouse (3rd Century) the 2nd Bishop of Toulouse, France Born in Navarre, Spain and died Toulouse, France of natural causes. Also known as – Honore, Onorato.
Bust of St Honoratus in Toulouse
We have very little information about this Saint, of whom we know only that he was the 2nd Bishop of Toulouse, in modern France. He was converted to Christianity by the Founder of the Church in Toulouse, Saint Saturninus who then sent him, to Pampolona in Spain to evangelise the region.
There he met Firminus, son of the senator Firmus, the Governor of Pamplona, converted him and took him back to Toulouse to meet St Saturninus, who then Baptised him and later Ordained him as a Priest. Firminus later founded the Diocese of Amiens and there died a Martyr’s death.
Our Saint was chosen as his successor and Consecrated as the Bishop of Toulouse by his Spiritual Master, St Saturninus. Most of this information is extracted from the Vita of St Firminus.
The cult of Saint Honoratus began in the 13th Century when his Tomb was discovered in the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse and whereafter, a Shrine was erected containing his Relics and miracles were reported.
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