CATHOLIC Quotes – Page 207

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One Minute Reflection – 13 February – ‘…This hidden treasure.’

Posted on February 13, 2020February 12, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 February – Thursday of the Fifth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings11:4-13, Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37, 40, Mark 7:24-30 and the Memorial of Blessed Archangela Girlani (1460-1494)

“Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” … Mark 7:28

REFLECTION – “When she came up to Jesus the Canaanite woman just said these words: “Have pity on me” (Mt 15:22) and her repeated cries drew a large crowd of people. It was a touching sight to see this woman crying out with such great feeling, a mother pleading on behalf of her daughter, a child who was so severely possessed. (…) She didn’t say: “Have pity on my daughter” but “Have pity on me.” “My daughter is not aware of her plight but I, I experience sufferings in profusion, it makes me ill to see her in such a state, I am almost out of my mind at seeing her like this.” (…)

Jesus answered her: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ” (Mt 15:24) Now what did the Canaanite woman do when she heard these words? Did she lose heart? Not in the least! She urged him even more. This is not what we do when our prayers are not answered – we turn away in discouragement, whereas, we ought to be pleading even more insistently. Who, it is true, would not be discouraged by Jesus’ response? His silence would have been enough to take away all hope. (…) This woman, however, does not lose heart, on the contrary, she comes nearer to Him and bows to the ground, saying: “Lord, help me” (v.25) (…) If I am a little dog in this house then I am no longer a foreigner. I well know that food is necessary for children (…) but it cannot be forbidden to give away crumbs. They should not be refused me (…) because I am a little dog who cannot be pushed aside.”

It was because he foresaw her answer that Christ delayed to grant her prayer (…) His replies were not intended to cause this woman pain but, to reveal this hidden treasure.” … St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Church – Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, no.52, § 2 mark 7 28 yes lord but even the dogs - this woman does not lose heart - st john chrysostom 13 feb 2020

PRAYER – Lord support us as we pray, protect us day and night. Grant us the grace of total trust and teach us to hear Your Voice and do Your Will. May the prayers of Blessed Archangela Girlani (1460-1494), help us and strengthen us that we may grow in worthiness to receive Your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. BL ARCHANGELA GIRLANI PRAY FOR US 13 FEB 2020

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Thought for the Day – 12 February – Self-Love

Posted on February 12, 2020February 11, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 12 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Self-Love

“By self-love we mean here, an inordinate love of self.
We are not forbidden to love ourselves.
In fact, this is something natural to us and, therefore, intended by God.
We should love ourselves, however, in a properly ordered manner.
In the first place, we must love God above everything and, therefore, more than ourselves.
God is our creator and our Redeemer and our final end.
Everything comes to us from Him and for this reason, everything must return to Him.
We should not be self-centred but, God-centred.
In other words, we must direct all our actions towards God, not towards ourselves.
We cannot set our own ego in the place which belongs to God, still less above Him.
To do so, would be equivalent of robbing God, because everything is His and we ourselves belong to Him.
If we have any intelligence at all, let us remember that God gave it to us.
If we have sound health, strength, or good looks, let us remember, that these are His gifts.
If we have amassed a great store of cultural or artistic learning as a result of our ability and study, let us not become too attached to it, nor look for praise and admiration.
It is God who gave us this ability and the energy and enthusiasm to cultivate it.
Honour and glory are due to God alone!“

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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One Minute Reflection – 13 February – What is my treasure?

Posted on February 12, 2020February 12, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 February – Wednesday of the Fifth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings10:1-10, Psalm 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40, Mark7:14-23 and the Memorial of St Eulalia of Barcelona (c 290-c 303) Virgin and Martyr

And he said, “What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and they defile a man.” Mark 7:20-23

REFLECTION – “The boundary between good and evil does not pass outside of us but rather within us. We could ask ourselves: where is my heart? Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” What is my treasure? Is it Jesus, is it His teaching? If so, then the heart is good. Or is my treasure something else? Thus it is a heart which needs purification and conversion. Without a purified heart, one cannot have truly clean hands and lips which speak sincere words of love — it is all duplicitous, a double life — lips which speak words of mercy, of forgiveness but only a sincere and purified heart can do this.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 30 August 2015 mark-7-20-what-comes-out-of-a-man-the-boundary-between-good-and-evil-pope-francis-13feb2019 and 12 Feb 2020

PRAYER – God our Saviour, through the grace of Baptism, You made us children of light. Hear our prayer, that we may always walk in that light and work for truth, as Your witnesses before men. May our hearts be purified by You grace and may our hands and lips speak with sincere words of love. St Eulalia of Barcelona, child as you were, you bravely withstood all the assaults against Christ your Lord, with zeal and passion, please pray for us. We make our prayer, through Christ our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st eulalia pray for us 12 feb 2020

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Thought for the Day – 11 February – The Love of Our Neighbour

Posted on February 11, 2020February 10, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 11 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Love of Our Neighbour

“The Gospel not only commands us to love God above all things but also, to love our neighbour as ourselves (Cf Mt 13:35-40).
The Christian love of our neighbour, flows necessarily from the love of God.
Our Creator loves all men as His own sons.
Therefore, we ought to love one another as brothers, even as Our Lord loves us.
We should see, in our neighbour, especially if he is in need, the person of Christ Himself, our elder brother, “the first-born among many brethren” (Rom 8:29).

If men sincerely loved one another, not merely as brothers but as much as they love themselves, what problems would be solved!
Who can say how many evils would be abated and how many sorrows would be assuaged?
To transform the world, it would be enough to put into practice the first great commandment of the Gospel, which is the commandment of charity.
Admittedly, the world would not become an earthly paradise, for any such Utopia is an impossibility.
But, it would become a dignified dwelling place of brothers, loving and helping one another.
“Love is the fulfilment of the law,” St Paul very truly says (Rom 13:10).
“Have charity, which is the bond of perfection” (Col 3:14).

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 February – Our Lady of Lourdes, St Gregory II

Posted on February 11, 2020February 11, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 11 February – The Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes and St Pope Gregory II (669-731)

“I am the Immaculate Conception.”

Our Lady of Lourdes to St Bernadette
25 March 1858

St Pope Gregory II “Defender of Icons”

Here is an excerpt of one of his letters to the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, Leo III the Isaurian, who became an iconoclast and issued an imperial decree forbidding the use of sacred images:

“The pious Emperors were submissive to the Pontiffs of the Church and never dishonoured them. You, on the contrary, since the day when you apostatised from the Faith, incurring the same curse that [in previous letters] you made against those who persecute sacred ministers and condemning yourself by your own decree, you have separated yourself from the Holy Ghost and you do persecute and tyrannise us, by the hands of your soldiers and earthly weapons. We do not have weapons or armies but we invoke the King of the whole Universe, Christ, Who is seated in Heaven over all the celestial powers and armies, to deliver you to Satan, as the Apostle says, in the flesh and the spirit.

We are travelling to the far East to assist those who are asking for Baptism. I had already sent Bishops and priests from my Church to them. The Princes of those places have not yet been washed in the waters of the Baptism and they have chosen me as Godfather. So, we need to be on our way, fearful lest one day God will ask an account for our negligence.

I pray God to give you prudence and repentance so that you will return to the truth that you left and bring the people to the bosom of the Catholic Church.”

St Pope Gregory II

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One Minute Reflection – 11 February – …’He is seated upon an extremely valuable throne…’

Posted on February 11, 2020February 11, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 February – Tuesday of the Fifth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, Psalm 84:3-5, 10-11, Mark 7:1-13 and the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes

“This people honours me with their lips but their hearts are far from me” … Mark 7:6 mark 7 6 this people honours me with their lips but their hearts are far from me 11 feb 2020

REFLECTION – “Well, let us imagine that within us is an extremely rich palace, built entirely of gold and precious stones, in sum, built for a lord such as this. Imagine, too, as is indeed so, that you have a part to play, in order for the palace to be so beautiful, for there is no edifice as beautiful as is a soul pure and full of virtues. The greater the virtues the more resplendent the jewels.
Imagine, also, that in this palace dwells this mighty King who has been gracious enough to become your Father and, that He is seated upon an extremely valuable throne, which is your heart. (…)

You will laugh at me, perhaps and say that what I’m explaining is very clear and you’ll be right, for me, though, it was obscure for some time. I understood well that I had a soul. But what this soul deserved and who dwelt within it I did not understand because I had covered my eyes with the vanities of the world. For, in my opinion, if I had understood as I do now, that, in this little palace of my soul dwelt so great a King, I would not have left Him alone so often. I would have remained with Him at times and striven more so as not to be so unclean.
But what a marvellous thing, that He who would fill a thousand worlds and many more with His grandeur, would enclose Himself in something so small!” … St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church – The Way of Perfection, ch. 28, 9-11

PRAYER – Grant us, O merciful God, protection in our weakness, that we, who keep the Memorial of the Immaculate Mother of God, may, with the help of her intercession, rise up from our iniquities. Grant, we pray that our lives may be gifts to all those who cry out in pain. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever, amen. ou-lady-of-lourdes-pray-for-us-11-feb-2019 and 2020

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Thought for the Day – 10 February – The Love of God

Posted on February 10, 2020February 9, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 10 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Love of God

“God’s law is founded on love.
We read in the Gospel how the Pharisees asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment of the Law.
Jesus replied: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets” (Mt 22:37-40).

If a man wants to know if he is living a good Christian life, therefore, all he has to do is ask himself if he loves God above everything and his neighbour as himself.
If he lacks this love, he is not a true Christian – everything else is insignificant, if not useless.
“Love God,” says St Augustine “and do what you will.”
Why so?
Because, if anyone loves God sincerely, he does not offend Him.
Moreover, he serves Him diligently and promotes His honour and glory by every means in his power.
Nor does he find it very difficult to do this.
Love gives wings to his feet and pours enthusiasm and fervour into his heart.
“He who loves does not feel tired,” says St Augustine.
“Where there is love,” adds St Bernard, “there is no weariness but a gentle pleasure instead.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 February – Do you believe?

Posted on February 10, 2020February 10, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 10 February – The Memorial of St Scholastica (c 482-543) Twin sister of St Benedict (c 482-547)

When he entered the house, the blind men came to him
and Jesus said to them,
“Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”
Then he touched their eyes, saying,
“According to your faith be it done to you.”
And their eyes were opened. …

Matthew 9:28-30

“When she heard her brother refuse her request, the holy woman joined her hands on the table, laid her head on them and began to pray. As she raised her head from the table, there were such brilliant flashes of lightning, such great peals of thunder and such a heavy downpour of rain that neither Benedict nor his brethren could stir across the threshold of the place where they had been seated. Sadly he began to complain: “May God forgive you, sister. What have you done?” “Well,” she answered, “I asked you and you would not listen, so I asked my God and He did listen. So now go off, if you can, leave me and return to your monastery.” … (St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) on St Scholastica)

“I asked you and you would not listen,
so I asked my God and He did listen.”

St Scholastica

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One Minute Reflection – 10 February – The more we believe, the more shall we receive!

Posted on February 10, 2020February 10, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 February – Monday of the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13, Psalm 132:6-10, Mark 6:53-56 and the Memorial of St Scholastica (c 482-547) Twin sister of St Benedict

“That they might touch only, the tassel on his cloak and as many as touched it were healed” … Mark 6:56

REFLECTION – “Jesus had planned a picnic for the tired apostles. What a picnic it turned out to be, for no sooner did they land at Gennesaret, than crowds recognised Him and ran to tell others about Him, so that wherever He went – to villages, towns or farms – they brought to Him the sick, lying on their mats and helped them to just touch the fringe of His cloak. This was profound personal faith, because all those who touched Him were cured. Such faith had to be fully and suitably blessed and rewarded.
Faith is not merely a series of formulae which we profess, nor is faith a bundle of pious practices.
Faith is touching and being touched by Jesus.
The more we believe, the more shall we receive!” … Msgr Alex Rebello – Wrexham, Wales – Daily Reflections 2020 mark 6 56 that they might touch onl;y the tassle on his cloak-faith is not - bible diary 10 feb 2020

PRAYER – O God, that You created the universe so wondrously but more wondrously you created redemption. To Your divine Son, who came to repair us and lead us to You, to take on our pain and heal us of our sin, we turn in trust and wonder and touch Him. May the prayers of St Scholastica help us to grow in faith. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st-scholastica-pray-for-us 10 feb 2017

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Thought for the Day – 9 February – The Use of Creatures

Posted on February 9, 2020February 8, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 9 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Use of Creatures

“God has created all things for Himself, as He is the most perfect being and the final end of all things.
He has made man supreme in the world, however and has made all other creatures subject to him (Cf Gen 1:28)
This God-given supremacy over the universe continues, even after the fall of Adam.
It can no longer be exercised without trouble and suffering, as it was in the state of innocence, however.
Now, it must be acquired, by hard manual labour and by keen intellectual research and study.
After man’s disobedience to God, even the relationship which existed between him and created things was disturbed.
But these things are still a ladder which leads to God, if they are properly used.
They are a distant reflection of His beauty and omnipotence.
“The heavens,” says the Psalmist, “declare the glory of God and the firmament proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 18:2).

Let us listen to the voice of creation, for it speaks to us of God.
St Therese of the Child Jesus wept when she beheld the fragile beauty of a flower and said, “How great is God’s love for us!”
St Francis of Assisi saw the image of the common Creator everywhere around him and called all these things, including fire and water, his brothers and sisters. He even conversed with them in a simple way. He looked upon death itself, as the good sister who was to free him from the slavery of the body and unite him to God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 February – ‘What more could I want?’

Posted on February 9, 2020February 9, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 9 February – Fifth Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year A

“I am of the same family as Christ – what more could I want?”

St John XXIII (1881-1963)

Papacy began‎: ‎28 October 1958
Papacy ended‎: ‎3 June 1963

I believe in the surprises of the Holy Spirit.
The story of the Church is a long story,
filled with the wonders of the Holy Spirit.
Why should we think that God’s imagination and love might be exhausted?

Leo Jozef Cardinal Suenens of Belgium (1904–1996)

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Sunday Reflection – 9 February – You receive me as a partaker of Your divinity.

Posted on February 9, 2020February 8, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Sunday Reflection – 9 February – Fifth Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year A

Prayer of St. John Damascene (675-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

God, my God, inextinguishable and invisible fire, You make Your angels flaming fire.

Out of Your inexpressible love You have given me Your divine Flesh as food and through this communion of Your immaculate Body and precious Blood, You receive me as a partaker of Your divinity.

Permeate all my body and soul, all my bones and sinews.

Consume my sins in fire.

Enlighten my soul and illumine my mind.

Sanctify my body and make Your abode in me, together with Your blessed Father and all-holy Spirit, that I may always abide in You, through the intercession of Your immaculate Mother and all Your saints.

Amen

consume my sins in fire ... and make your abode in me - st john damascene 9 feb 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 9 February – ‘For the heart is then illumined by Jesus.’

Posted on February 9, 2020February 8, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 February – Fifth Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Isaiah 58:7-10, Psalm 112:4-9, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth …you are the light of the world…” …Matthew 5:13,16

REFLECTION – “Just as salt seasons our bread and other food and keeps certain meats from spoiling for quite a time, so the spiritual sweetness and marvellous working which result from the guarding of the intellect effect something similar. For in a divine manner they season and sweeten both the inner and the outer self, driving away the stench of evil thoughts and keeping us continually in communion with good thoughts. Many of our thoughts come from demonic provocation and from these derive our evil outward actions. If, with the help of Jesus, we instantly quell the thought, we will avoid its corresponding outward action. We will enrich ourselves with the sweetness of divine knowledge and so will find God, who is everywhere.

Holding the mirror of the intellect firmly towards God, we will be illumined constantly as pure glass is by the sun. Then the intellect, having reached the term of its desires, will, in Him, cease from all other contemplation. (…) Just as he who looks at the sun cannot but fill his eyes with light, so he who always gazes intently into his heart, cannot fail to be illumined. (…) When clouds are scattered, the air is clear and when the fantasies of passion are scattered by Jesus Christ, the Sun of righteousness, bright and star-like thoughts are born in the heart. For the heart is then illumined by Jesus.” … St Hesychios the Sinaite (c 5th century), Monk of the monastery at Vatos on Mount Sinai -sometimes identified with Hesychios of Jerusalem, Priest – Chapters “On watchfulness and holiness”, nos. 87, 88, 108 – St Hesychios the Sinaite’s Liturgical Memorial is on 3 October). matthew5 13 16 you are salt ofthe earth you are the light of the world st hesychios 9 feb 2020

PRAYER – All-powerful, eternal God, splendour of true light and never-ending day, let our striving for Your kingdom not fall short through selfishness or fear, may the universe be alive with the Spirit and our homes be the pledge of the world redeemed. May our eyes see and our hearts have compassion, to all those who need us. May the intercession of our Holy Mother and all the saints, be a strength and a comfort. Through Jesus, our compassionate and loving Redeemer, with the Holy Spirit, one God with You forever, amen. mother mary pray for us - 5 oct 2018

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Second Thought for the Day – 8 February – Blessed Esperanza’s Spiritual Testament

Posted on February 8, 2020February 8, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Second Thought for the Day – 8 February – The Memorial of Blessed Maria Esperanza de Jesus (1893-1983)

Extract from Blessed Esperanza’s Spiritual Testament

“In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, I write to my beloved sons and my beloved daughters this Testament.

I leave entrusted to the Most Holy Virgin, all my sons and daughters and my two beloved Congregations and all the poor people received in them.

I wish to leave to my sons and daughters the precious inheritance that I have, freely and without any merit, received from the Good Jesus.

Recommendations that I make to my beloved sons and to my beloved daughters:
Be humble, love one another, eradicate from your heart the rash judgements, never look for responsibilities or high positions, stay in the hands of obedience like little children; never have discussions or quarrels, never occupy yourselves with things for which you are not responsible, be very charitable and attached to prayer, because the means to obtain grace and glory is prayer; always follow the narrow path of mortification; work to acquire detachment and disdain with respect to yourselves; you will succeed in this with the knowledge of Our God, His love and the knowledge of your nothingness and your miseries; always and in everything, try to accomplish the Will of Our God and always seek His glory and not yours.

Keep yourselves free, my children, from all greed, try hard to have no attachment to earthly things, because the Son and Handmaid of Merciful Love must be occupied with charity, divine and spiritual things and you will arrive there easily if your hearts are strongly attached to the Good Jesus.

Walk with great attention in order to not become implicated in cares foreign to your vocation and to your state, never get involved in secular business contrary to your vocation, not even in the name of charity or prudence.

The Request I address to the Good Jesus, at the time of the death of my body and the life of my soul, by the mercy and the love of my God. I ask that the Good Jesus personally and the glory of God be the cause of the actions of all the sons and daughters and that He always be their Advocate and defend them against the enemies of the respective Congregations, always repeating in their favour: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing!”

Jesus, at the time of death, see to it that all the sons and daughters can say, full of love and confidence, what I say to You in these moments, with hope in Your charity, love and mercy: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Blessed Esperanza de Jesus, Pray for Us!

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Thought for the Day – 8 February – Doing Everything for the Love of God

Posted on February 8, 2020February 7, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 8 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Doing Everything
for the Love of God

“The beginning of perfection consists in doing the will of God, even in our smallest actions.
But, to do everything for the love of God, is the summit of Christian perfection.
If we aimed always at doing God’s will and acting from the motive of love for Him, we should be contented and at peace, because we should be holy.
The saints are the only people who remain calm and undisturbed in the midst of worldly adversity.
They are always content, because they live in God.
Their lives are in full conformity with His Will, guided by His Love and dedicated to His Service.
As a result, they live in a kind of spiritual stratosphere far above the storms of this world.
There they are above the clouds of pride, ambition, avarice and all the other major vices.
There they see and contemplate everything in the Light of God.
Let us become saints!
Then we shall have solved all the problems of life!.” Amen

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – Prayer

Posted on February 8, 2020February 8, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – The Memorial of Blessed Maria Esperanza de Jesus (1893-1983)

Speaking of: Prayer

“The means to obtain grace and glory is prayer.”

Blessed Maria Esperanza de Jesus (1893-1983)

“Half an hour’s meditation
each day is essential,
except, when you are busy.
Then a full hour is needed.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

“Do not neglect prayer,
however busy you may be.”

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade (1761-1850)

“How many things Jesus tells us in our heart,
when we stand at His feet,
if we are careful to listen to His Voice!”

Blessed Giovanni Maria Boccardo (1848-1913)

“Prayer is our strength, our sword,
our consolation and the key to paradise.”

St Joseph Freinademetz (1852-1908)
“Fu Shenfu” – Lucky Priest

“And delicately, gently,
by means of this sweet and peaceful dawn,
God taught me, too, to obey …
God who offers me a little corner
on this earth for prayer,
who gives me a little corner
in which to wait for what I hope.”

St Raphael Arnaiz Baron (1911-1938)

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One Minute Reflection – 8 February – If you wish to come and find Me, seek me aside.

Posted on February 8, 2020February 8, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 February – Saturday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Tme, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 3:4-13, Psalm 119:9-14, Mark 6:30-34 and the Memorial of Blessed Maria Esperanza de Jesus (1893-1983)

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile” … Mark 6:31

REFLECTION – “If you wish to come and find Me, seek me aside. As Mark says: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile. People were coming and going in great numbers and they had no opportunity even to eat.” (Mk 6:31).
Alas, such are the passions of the flesh and the turmoil of thoughts coming and going in our hearts that we have no time to eat the food of everlasting sweetness nor perceive the taste of interior contemplation. That is why our Lord says: “Come away” from the noisy crowd “to a deserted place,” to solitude of mind and heart, “and rest awhile.” For truly, as the book of Revelation says: “There will be silence in heaven for about half an hour” (Rv 8:1); and in the Psalm: “Who will give me wings like a dove that I might fly away and find rest” (Ps 54[55]:7 LXX).
But let us listen to what the prophet Hosea says: “I will seduce her and lead her into the wilderness and I will speak to her heart” (cf. Hos 2:16 Vg). These three expressions: seduce, lead into the wilderness, speak to her heart, represent the three stages of the spiritual life – the beginning, development and perfection. The Lord seduces the beginner when He enlightens him with His grace so that he may grow and progress from virtue to virtue. Then he leads him aside from the din of the vices and disordered thoughts into peace of spirit. Finally, once guided to perfection, God speaks to his heart. Then the soul experiences the sweetness of divine inspiration and can surrender totally to joy of spirit.
What depth of devotion, of wonderment and happiness in his heart! By devotion he is raised above himself, through wonder he is led above himself, through happiness he is transported out of himself.” … St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church – Sermon for the feast of Saint John the Evangelist mark 6 31 come away by yourselves and rest - if you wish to find me seek me aside - st anthony of padua 8 feb 2020

PRAYER – All-powerful, eternal God, splendour of true light and never-ending day, let our striving for Your kingdom not fall short through selfishness or fear, may the universe be alive with the Spirit and our homes be the pledge of the world redeemed. May our eyes see and our hearts have compassion, to all those who need us. May the intercession of our Holy Mother, Bl Esperanza de Jesus and all the saints, be a strength and a comfort. Through Jesus, our compassionate and loving Redeemer, with the Holy Spirit, one God with You forever, amen. bl esperanza de jesus pray for us 8 feb 2020

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Thought for the Day – 7 February – Religion and Action

Posted on February 7, 2020February 7, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 7 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Religion and Action

“Jesus says in the Gospel: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6).
The world was lost in the darkness of error and in the entanglement of vice.
Jesus came to point out the only path which leads to truth and to virtue.
But He was not satisfied merely to show the way and to preach the truth.
There were philosophers who had spoken eloquently and taught wisely on the subject of truth and the virtues.
Nobody, however, was able to give men the strength to follow their precepts.
Many could have repeated the words of the poet: “Video meliora proboque deteriora sequor; “I see what it is better to do but I do what is worse” (Ovid, Metamorphoses, VII, 20-21).
Jesus, on the other hand, not only taught the way and the truth but by His grace, gave men a spark of the divine life which was in Him.
The Christian religion is more than a system of doctrines to be firmly held.
It is more than a system of private and public worship of God and veneration of His Saints, more than a mere collection of rites to be observed.
It should also be a way of life in full conformity with the moral precepts given by Jesus Christ.
He is declared to be not only the way and the truth but our very life, in the sense, that He transfuses into us, His own divine life, by means of His grace, with which we must co-operate generously, if we wish to be true Christians.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 7 February – Being a Missionary

Posted on February 7, 2020February 7, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 7 February – The Memorial of Bl Alfredo Cremonesi PIME (1902-1953) Priest and Martyr

“If I were born a thousand times,
I would go back on mission,
a thousand times.”

“[Being a Missionary is]
the most wonderful work
that a man is given.”

Bl Alfredo Cremonesi (1902-1953)

“The Crucified One made us missionaries
and it is the Crucified One again,
who must nourish in us, love for souls.”

“The well-being of souls is only in Christ.
Therefore, let the love of Jesus
be our perfection and our profession,
let us light our hearts
from the eternal flames of love
that radiate from the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

Blessed Paolo Manna PIME (1872-1952)
“A Burning Soul”

Priest, Missionary in Burma (Myanmar),
Superior General of PIME,
Founder of the Pontifical Missionary Union

Bl Paolo Manna’s life here: https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/15/saint-of-the-day-15-september-blessed-paolo-manna-pime-1872-1952-a-burning-soul/

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One Minute Reflection – 7 February – ‘Learn to think and live like a Christian.’

Posted on February 7, 2020February 7, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 February – Friday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Sirach 47:2-11 (2-13), Psalm 18:31, 47, 50-51, Mark 6:14-29 and the Memorial of Bl Alfredo Cremonesi PIME (1902-1953) Priest and Martyr

“He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother.” … Mark 6:28

REFLECTION – “In what way, then, was this just man harmed by this demise, this violent death, these chains, this imprisonment? Who are those he did not set back on their feet — provided they had a penitent disposition — because of what he spoke, because of what he suffered, because of what he still proclaims in our own day — the same message he preached while he was living. Therefore, do not say: “Why was John allowed to die?” For what occurred was not a death but a crown, not an end but the beginning of a greater life.

Learn to think and live like a Christian. You will not only remain unharmed by these events but will reap the greatest benefits.” … St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor – On the Providence of God, 22.

PRAYER – Father of mercy, You chose Blessed Alfredo Cremonesi to be a father to orphans in their need. Grant that through his prayer, we may keep faithfully the spirit of sonship, by which we are not only called but really are Your children. Help us to imitate his love and faith, manifesting by our commitment to Your commandments, our true faith. May we be filled with strength and grace as we face persecution and animosity in Your service. We make our prayer through Jesus, our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen bl alfredo cremonesi pray for us 7 feb 2020

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Thought for the Day – 6 February – Religion and Devotion

Posted on February 6, 2020February 5, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 6 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Religion and Devotion

“St Thomas Aquinas concisely expressed the nature of religion in these words: “The object of religion is to give honour to the One God because, He is the first principle of creation and order in the universe” (Summa Theologiae, II-II, q 81, a 3).

We know that everything is the work of God.
Everything depends on Him, both for it’s being and for it’s continued existence.
This is so from man, down to the minutest insect, from the stars in the sky, to the invisible atom.
It is true that man and the other creatures also work.
In fact, the universe is a gigantic workshop.
But God, is the one and only cause of man and of the whole of nature.
We are only instruments of the divine omnipotence.
Now, justice demands that we give everyone his due.
Everything belongs to God.
Therefore, man out to humble himself before God, in an act of adoration and loving obedience.
From the highest mountains to the depths of the valley, from the stars of the firmament to the tiny flowers of the fields, all creation unconsciously sings of the glory of God.
In the same way, man, a creature of intelligence and free will, should offer himself and all his faculties, in an act of complete homage to his Creator and Lord.
But, there is more to it than that.
God is not only our Creator and Lord, He is also our Redeemer.
The eternal Word of God became man out of love for us.
He gave us His teaching and commandments.
He redeemed us with His Precious Blood and left us the Church, as our Mother and our Infallible Teacher of Truth.
So, if religion is to be complete, it will oblige us to be obedient to whatever God has revealed and to whatever the Church, which He founded, commands and teaches us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 February – Speaking of: Discipleship

Posted on February 6, 2020February 6, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 6 February – Thursday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, Responsorial psalm 1 Chronicles 29:10-12, Mark 6:7-13

Speaking of: Discipleship

“He charged them
to take nothing for their journey,
except a staff…”

Mark 6:8

“Go your way,
behold, I send you out
as lambs
in the midst
of wolves.”

Luke 10:3

“Heretics are to be converted
by an example of humility
and other virtues
far more readily,
than by any external
display or verbal battles.
So let us arm ourselves with
devout prayers
and set off,
showing signs of genuine humility
and go barefooted
to combat
Goliath.”

St Dominic (1170-1221)

“He will be with you also, all the way, that faithful God.
Every morning when you awaken to the old and tolerable pain,
at every mile of the hot uphill dusty road of tiring duty,
on to the judgement seat, the same Christ there as ever,
still loving you, still sufficient for you, even then.
And then, on through all eternity.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

“Go forth and set the world on fire.”

St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

“Christ has no body on earth but yours,
no hands but yours,
no feet but yours.
Yours are the eyes, through which,
the compassion of Christ, looks out to the world.
Yours are the feet,
with which,
He is to go about doing good.
Yours are the hands,
with which,
He is to bless others now.

St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of the Church

“Let us remain unafraid in all dangers,
trusting calmly, in the Divine
Providence, that watches over us day and night.”

St Joseph Freinademetz (1852-1908)
“Fu Shenfu” – Lucky Priest

“We are apostles!
We are apostles
and we wander far and wide,
we work generously,
only for the sake of souls,
only for the Church,
only for heaven!”

Blessed Paolo Manna (1872-1952)

“If everyone does something,
then we can do a lot.”

“Each of us feels an inclination,
a charism within ourselves.
A project, which makes each of us
unique, irreplaceable.
This call, this vocation,
is the sign of the Holy Spirit in us.
Only by listening to this voice
can we make sense of our lives.”

Blessed Giuseppe “Pino” Puglisi (1937-1993) Priest, Martyr

“Leave your country, your people
and your father’s household
and go to the land I will show you.”

Genesis 12:1

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One Minute Reflection – 6 February – ‘Follow the humility and the poverty of our Lord Jesus’

Posted on February 6, 2020February 6, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 February – Thursday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, Responsorial psalm 1 Chronicles 29:10-12, Mark 6:7-13 and the Memorial of St Francesco Spinelli (1853-1913)

He charged them to take nothing for their journey...Mark 6:8

REFLECTION – The Lord commands us in the Gospel: “Watch, be on your guard against all malice and greed” (cf. Lk 12:15). “Guard yourselves against the preoccupations of this world and the cares of this life” (cf. Mt 6:25; Lk 21:34). Therefore, none of the brothers, wherever he may be, or wherever he goes, should in any way carry, receive, or have received either money or coins, whether for clothing or books or payment for any work-indeed, for no reason-unless it is for the evident need of the sick brothers, for we must not suppose that money or coins have any greater value than stones. And the devil would like to blind those who desire it or consider it better than stones. Therefore, let us who have left all things behind, take care, that we do not lose the kingdom of heaven for so little (cf. Mt 19:27; Mk 10:24.28). And if we were to find coins in any place, let us give them no more thought than the dust which we crush with our feet, for all this is “vanity of vanities and all is vanity” (Eccl 1:2).

All the brothers should strive to follow the humility and the poverty of our Lord Jesus Christ (…). And they must rejoice when they live among people who are considered to be of little worth and who are looked down upon, among the poor and the powerless, the sick and the lepers and the beggars by the wayside. And when it may be necessary, let them go for alms. And they should not be ashamed but rather, recall that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living and all-powerful God (…) was a poor man and a transient and lived on alms, He and the Blessed Virgin and His disciples.” … St Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) – Founder of the Friars Minor – Earlier Rule, §8-9 he charged them to take nothing for the journey - therefore none of the brothers - st francis of assisi 6 feb 2020

PRAYER – Grant us Lord, a true knowledge of salvation so that, freed from fear and from the power of our foes, we may serve You, unhampered by any worldly ties, trusting only in Your loving and guiding hand. Help us to give our hearts, minds, bodies, our all to You, serving faithfully all the days of our life. May the prayers of St Francesco Spinelli, Your faithful servant, give us strength. We make our prayer, through our Lord Jesus with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st francesco spinelli pray for us 6 feb 2020

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Thought for the Day – 5 February – Idleness

Posted on February 5, 2020February 4, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 5 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Idleness

“We are entitled to set aside time for lawful repose and for meditation and prayer.
But real idleness is always a sin.
It can easily be the cause of graver faults and of our spiritual ruin.
God gave us material and spiritual powers, as our talents, which we must employ for profit and not bury uselessly in the earth.
The servant who received five talents from God and increased the sum by another five, was rewarded by the praise of his Lord and admission into the kingdom of Heaven.
He dealt in a similar manner with the other servant, who had received two talents and doubled them by his industry.
But the lazy servant, who buried the talent he had received and met his master with empty hands, was condemned and flung into the darkness of Hell (Cf Mt 25:15-30).
This is a frightening lesson which the Gospel teaches us.
It should make us think about the fact that one day we shall have to render an account to God of all the gifts which He has bestowed on us.
Has He given us a great deal?
If so, we shall have to account for it all.
Has He given us only a small amount?
Even so, we shall have to account for every bit of it!
Consider the immense responsibility which becomes ours, along with the gifts of God.
Let us resolve to employ these to the best of our ability, so that when we appear before Him, our hands will not be empty but filled with gains.“

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 5 February – ‘…The Lord’s cup’

Posted on February 5, 2020February 5, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 5 February – The Memorial of St Philip of Jesus (1572-1597) Martyr, Patron of Mexico City

“But to bear with insult,
patiently undergo humiliation,
pray for those who persecute us (Mt 5,39.44) –
that is the Lord’s cup,
that is the Lord’s feast.“

Saint Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church

“O happy ship!
O happy galleon for Philip,
lost for my gain!
Loss—no loss for me
but the greatest of all gain!”

St Philip of Jesus (1572-1597) Martyr,

Patron of Mexico City

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men,
I also will acknowledge before my Father,
who is in heaven…”

Matthew 10:32

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Thought for the Day – 4 February – “Ora et labora” Work and Sanctity

Posted on February 4, 2020February 3, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 4 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Work and Sanctity

“A man who does not work, cannot be a saint.
But it is not enough to work alone, just as it is not enough to pray alone, in order to become holy.
Either, on it’s own, is too little.
Perfection consists in praying and working.
This is how Jesus spent His Life.
The Apostolic Constitution (Pius XII), Sponsa Christi, urges, even the contemplative Orders, to devote themselves to work.
It assures them, that work will prove no obstacle to their growth in perfection but, will be “a powerful and consistent exercising of all the virtues and the pledge of an effective combination of the contemplative and active life, after the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth” (AAS 1951, p 13).
We must sanctify our work with prayer.
The Benedictines have practiced throughout the centuries, their celebrated motto “Ora et labora,” “Pray and work.”
By means of it, they transformed the world during the darkest centuries of the Church.
They converted impenetrable forests into fertile plains.
They set up centres of work and study which later became flourishing cities.
They appeased the barbarians who were threatening to destroy civilisation.
They built Monasteries and Cathedrals.

Above all, they preached the Gospel to the people and bound them together, in the brotherhood of Christian charity.
This is an illustration of what can be accomplished by work united with prayer.
It produces holiness in the individual and, through him, in human society.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 February – ”I say to you, arise.”

Posted on February 4, 2020February 4, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 4 February – Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30–19:3, Psalm 86:1-6, Mark 5:21-43

”I say to you, arise.”

Mark 5:41

“May Jesus touch us, too
and at once we shall walk.
We may well be paralysed,
our deeds may be evil
and we may be unable to walk,
we may be lying on the bed of our sins…
but if Jesus touches us,
then we shall immediately be healed.
Peter’s mother-in-law was suffering with fever –
Jesus touched her hand
and she arose
and immediately served Him (Mk 1:31)…”

“Lord, I beseech you,
touch our hands as we, too, lie prostrate.
Make us rise from our bed of sins and enable us to walk.
And when we have walked, make them give us something to eat.
We cannot eat when we are lying down –
unless we are standing,
we shall not be able to receive the Body of Christ.”

St Jerome (347-420)
Father & Doctor of the Church

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One Minute Reflection – 4 February – “The child is not dead but asleep”

Posted on February 4, 2020February 4, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 February – Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30–19:3, Psalm 86:1-6, Mark 5:21-43 and the Memorial of St John de Britto SJ (1647-1693) Martyr

“The child is not dead but asleep” … Mark 5:39

REFLECTION -“My dear young people, the future depends on you, the completion of this millennium and beginning of another depend on you. So do not be passive, assume your responsibilities in every area that opens itself up to you in this world. (…) Take up your responsibilities! Inspired by faith in the Lord “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Pet 3:15) (…) What is the reason for your confidence? Your faith, recognition and acceptance of the tremendous love God is constantly showing towards humankind.(…) Jesus Christ, “the same today, yesterday and forever” (Heb 13:8), continues to show to all young people the same love the Gospel describes when he met up with a young man or woman.

So we can contemplate the raising of Jairus’ daughter who “was twelve years old” (…) Jairus frankly exposes his anguish to the Master, he earnestly beseeches his heart: “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay hands on her that she may get well and live”. “Jesus went off with him”. The heart of Christ, which is moved before this man and his daughter’s human suffering, cannot remain heedless before our suffering. Christ always hears us but He asks us to turn to Him with faith (…). The Lord’s every gesture and word express this love.

I would like especially to pause over the words drawn from Jesus’ own lips: “The child is not dead but asleep”. These words that are so deeply illuminating, prompt me to think of the mysterious presence, of the Lord of life, in a world that appears to have succumbed to the shameless promptings of hate, violence and injustice. Yet, no, this world of yours is not dead but sleeps. In your hearts, dear young people, we perceive the strong beat of life and the love of God. Youth is not dead when it is close to the Master. Yes, when it is close to Jesus, you are all close to Jesus. Listen to all His words, every word, each one. Young people, love Jesus, seek Jesus, meet Jesus.” … Saint John Paul II (1920-2005), Pope from 1978 to 2005 – Speech to the youth of Chile, 02/04/1987

PRAYER – Increase in us, O Lord, the gift of faith, so that we may arise and offer our praise to You and by Your grace, yield fruit from heaven, for the glory of Your Kingdom. Lord God, may St John de Britto, who became precious in Your sight through his pure life and valiant martyrdom, plead for our forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ, Your divine Son, in unity with the Spirit, one God forever. St John de Britto, pray for us, amen. st john de britto pray for us 4 feb 2019

CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES of the SAINTS

Quote/s of the Day – 2 February – The Presentation of the Lord

Posted on February 2, 2020February 1, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 2 February – The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

“Be a lamp then in heart, in hand, in lips.
The lamp in your heart will shine for you,
the lamp in your hand or on your lips
will shine out for your neighbours.
The lamp in the heart,
is loving faith,
the lamp in the hand,
is the example of good works,
the lamp on the lips, is edifying speech.”

Bl Guerric of Igny (c 1080-1157)

“The glorious St Simeon also was very happy…
to carry Him as did Our Lady…
we do this when we endure with love,
the labours and pains He sends us,
that is to say, when the love
which we bear to the Law of God,
makes us find His yoke easy and pleasing,
so that we love these pains and labours
and gather sweetness in the midst of bitterness.
This is nothing else but to carry Our Lord in our arms.
Now if we carry Him in this way,
He will, without doubt, Himself carry us.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

“Simeon gave back Jesus to His Mother,
he was only suffered to keep Him for one moment.
But we are far happier than Simenon.
We may keep Him always if we will.
In Communion He comes,
not only into our arms
but into our hearts.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

“Those who have met Jesus no longer fear anything.
We too can repeat the words of the elderly Simeon,
he too was blessed by the encounter with Christ,
after a lifetime spent in anticipation of this event:
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation” (Lk 2:29-30).
At that instant, at last, we will no longer need anything,
we will no longer see in a confused way.
We will no longer weep in vain,
because all has passed,
even the prophecies, even consciousness.
But not love – this endures.
Because “love never ends” (1 Cor 13:8).”…

Pope Francis

General Audience, 25 October 2017

QUOTES of the SAINTS, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Sunday Reflection – 27 January – Live a Eucharistic Day

Posted on February 2, 2020February 1, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Sunday Reflection – 27 January – The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C – First Reading: Nehemiah 8:8–10

“Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine…” Nehemiah 8:10

“For it is a holy day of the Lord for us when we take pains to hear and carry out His words. On this day it is proper that, however much outwardly we have endured the obstacles of tribulations, we should be “rejoicing in hope,” in keeping with the apostle’s saying: “As if sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” On this day we are also commanded to eat fat food and drink sweet drink, that is, to rejoice over the abundance of good action bestowed on us by God and over the very sweetness of hearing God’s Word” … St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father & Doctor (On Ezra and Nehemiah, 3.)

By Blessed James Alberione (1884-1971)

(Founder of the Pauline Family)

Honour Jesus Truth, Way and Life at Mass

The Eucharistic Celebration is the centre and principal act of worship….
There are many methods for participating in the Mass.
A suggestion:

a) From the beginning to the Gospel,
honour Jesus Truth
by meditating and applying the sacred doctrine, especially the Epistle and the Gospel.

b) From the Gospel to the “Our Father,”
honour Jesus, Way to the Father, especially in the Passion and prayer.

c) From the “Our Father” to the end,
honour Jesus, Life of the soul,
by receiving Communion and its sanctifying and healing grace.

Then Live a Eucharistic Day

It is a good practice to make the Host the day’s foundation.
This means making the day Eucharistic.
Spend the morning [after Mass] in thanksgiving,
displaying the fruits of a holy joy,
working “through Him, with Him and in Him,”
to the glory of the most Blessed Trinity.
From midday to the following morning
start your preparation by offering, sanctifying and carrying out your various duties
with your heart in tune with the Dweller in the tabernacle.

live-a-eucharistic-day-27-jan-2019-bl-james-alberione and 2 feb 2020

	Santas e Santos do d… on Nuestra Señora de la Palabra /…
	Santa Rosa Venerini… on Saint of the Day – 7 May…
	Beata Anna Rosa Gatt… on Saint of the Day – 6 May…
	AnaStpaul on Saint of the Day – 5 May – Sai…
	hughie1 on Saint of the Day – 5 May – Sai…

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Self-Love

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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The Love of Our Neighbour

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Our Lady of Lourdes to St Bernadette 25 March 1858

St Pope Gregory II

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The Love of God

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Matthew 9:28-30

St Scholastica

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The Use of Creatures

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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St John XXIII (1881-1963)

Leo Jozef Cardinal Suenens of Belgium (1904–1996)

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Prayer of St. John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church

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Extract from Blessed Esperanza’s Spiritual Testament

Blessed Esperanza de Jesus, Pray for Us!

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Doing Everythingfor the Love of God

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Speaking of: Prayer

Blessed Maria Esperanza de Jesus (1893-1983)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade (1761-1850)

Blessed Giovanni Maria Boccardo (1848-1913)

St Joseph Freinademetz (1852-1908) “Fu Shenfu” – Lucky Priest

St Raphael Arnaiz Baron (1911-1938)

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Religion and Action

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Bl Alfredo Cremonesi (1902-1953)

Blessed Paolo Manna PIME (1872-1952) “A Burning Soul”

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Religion and Devotion

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Speaking of: Discipleship

Mark 6:8

Luke 10:3

St Dominic (1170-1221)

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church

St Joseph Freinademetz (1852-1908) “Fu Shenfu” – Lucky Priest

Blessed Paolo Manna (1872-1952)

Blessed Giuseppe “Pino” Puglisi (1937-1993) Priest, Martyr

Genesis 12:1

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Idleness

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Saint Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church

St Philip of Jesus (1572-1597) Martyr,

Patron of Mexico City

Matthew 10:32

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Work and Sanctity

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Mark 5:41

St Jerome (347-420) Father & Doctor of the Church

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Our Lady of Lourdes to St Bernadette
25 March 1858

Prayer of St. John Damascene (675-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Doing Everything
for the Love of God

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

St Joseph Freinademetz (1852-1908)
“Fu Shenfu” – Lucky Priest

Blessed Paolo Manna PIME (1872-1952)
“A Burning Soul”

St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of the Church

St Joseph Freinademetz (1852-1908)
“Fu Shenfu” – Lucky Priest

St Jerome (347-420)
Father & Doctor of the Church

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church