Our Morning Offering – 31 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” on this the last day of August let us pray ab Act of Consecration and Repration to our Mother’s Immacylate Heart
An Act of Consecration and Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth and tender Mother of men, in accordance with thy ardent wish made known at Fatima, I consecrate to thee, myself, my brethren, my country and the whole human race. Reign over us and teach us how to make the Heart of Jesus reign and triumph in us and around us, as It has reigned and triumphed in thee. We wish to atone for the many crimes committed against Jesus and thee. We wish to call down upon our country and the whole world, the peace of God in justice and charity. We promise to imitate thy virtues, by the practice of a Christian life without regard to human respect. We resolve to receive Holy Communion on the first Saturday of every month and to offer thee five decades of the Rosary on this day, together with our sacrifices in the spirit of reparation and penance. Amen.
Thought for the Day – 30 August– Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Incarnation
“The Incarnation, which is the coming of God amongst men, in order that He might be loved more, requires that man, in return, love God and be obedient to His commandments.
Since the Infinite God could do no more for us than give us His entire Self, it is only right that we should be prepared to make any sacrifice, in order to prove our love for Him. The Mystery of the Incarnation not only demands our love, it also requires that this love should induce us to lead better lives. Jesus, God made Man, should be the model which will encourage us to obey His laws and to follow His example. There is no other way to eternal joy.”
One Minute Reflection – 30 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Rose of Lima OP (1586-1617) Virgin – 2 Cor inthians10:17-18; 11:1-2 – Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Many will come from the east and the west and will recline… at the banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven” – Matthew 8:11
REFLECTION – “I have seen our Lord in the Gospel accomplish many miracles and, reassured by them, have strengthened my fearful words. I have seen the centurion throw himself at the Lord’s feet, nations send their firstfruits to Christ. The Cross has not yet been erected and already, pagans hasten towards their Master. The words “Go, teach all nations” have not yet been heard (Mt 28,19) but the nations are already hastening. Their race precedes their call, they are burning with desire for the Lord. The sound of preaching has not yet been heard but they are hurrying towards the One Who preaches. Peter… has now been instructed and they gather around the One Who is teaching him; the light of Paul has not yet blazed beneath Christ’s standard and nations are coming with incense to adore the King (Mt 2:1).
And now, see how a centurion begs Him and says to him: “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralysed, suffering dreadfully.” Here is a new miracle indeed! The servant, whose limbs are paralysed leads his master to the Lord; the slaves’ sickness gives health to his owner. Seeking his servant’s healing, he finds our Lord and while he is seeking for his slave’s cure, he becomes Christ’s conquest!” – Basil of Seleucia (Died c 468) Archbishop (Homily 19 on the centurion, PG 85, 235f).
PRAYER – Almighty God, Giver of all good things, Who willed that blessed Rose, imbued in early life with the dew of heavenly grace, should bloom among the Indians with the beauty of virginity and patience, grant unto us, Thy servants that, following the fragrance of her sweetness, we may be found worthy to become a sweet savour of Christ. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Thought for the Day – 29 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Avarice and Ambition
“What is our attitude in regard to these matters? We are not forbidden, naturally, to look after our own affairs and our work. In fact, it is our duty to do so, to whatever degree is demanded by the circumstances in which we live. Similarly, it is not forbidden to try to better our social position. But, all this must be done, however, with a due sense of proportion and by the proper means.
The first concern in our life should be the service of God. This is what we were created for; this is what we must wholeheartedly aim at doing. Only in this way can we secure peace of mind and attain eternal salvation. Everything else must be secondary to our ultimate purpose in life. Otherwise, God would be in a position inferior to ourselves and this would be equivalent to robbing, for ourselves, the honour and glory due to our Creator and Redeemer! Think earnestly about this truth.”
Quote/s of the Day – 29 August – The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist – Jeremias 1:17-19, Mark 6:17-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Amen I say to you, there hath not risen among them that are born of women, a greater than John the Baptist.”
Matthew 11:11
“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 of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 29 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist – Jeremias 1:17-19 – Mark 6:17-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Be not afraid at their presence; for I will make thee not to fear their countenance. ” – Jeremias 1:17
REFLECTION – “The Death of Christ stands at the head of an innumerable crowd of believers. Through this same Lord Jesus’ Power and, thanks to His Goodness, the precious deaths of His Martyrs and Saints have given birth to a great multitude of Christians. Indeed, never has the Christian religion been wiped out by the persecution of tyrants or the indefensible murder of the innocent! Rather, it has drawn greater increase from them each time.
We have an example of this in Saint John, who Baptised Christ and whose holy Martyrdom we celebrate today. That faithless King, Herod, true to his oath, wanted to completely exterminate the memory of John from the minds of men. Yet not only was John not destroyed but, men in their thousands, inflamed by his example, have welcomed death with joy for the sake of justice and truth … What Christian is there, worthy of the name, who does not venerate John today, he who Baptised the Lord? All over the world Christians honour his memory, all generations proclaim him blessed and his virtues suffuse the Church with their perfume. John did not live for himself alone and he has not died for himself alone either.” – Lanspergius (John Justus of Landsberg O,Cart,) the Carthusian (1489-1539) Monk, Theologian (Sermon for the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist).
PRAYER – May the great festival of St John the Baptist, Thy Precursor and Martyr, we beseech Thee, O Lord, assure for us the results of Thy saving help. Who lives and reign with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 29 August – The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
O Blessed Saint of Snow-White Purity! By Paul the Deacon (c720-796) Transl. Fr Edward Caswall C.Orat. (1814-1878) Breviary Hymn for Lauds
O blessed Saint, of snow-white purity! Dweller in wastes forlorn! O mightiest of the Martyr host on high! Greatest of Prophets born!
Of all the diadems which on the brows Of Saints in glory shine, Not one with brighter, purer halo glows, In Heav’n’s high Court, than thine!
Oh! upon us thy tender, pitying gaze Cast down from thy dread throne; Straighten our crooked, smooth our rugged ways, And break our hearts of stone.
So may the world’s Redeemer find us meet To offer Him a place, Where He may set His ever-blessed feet, Coming with gifts of grace.
Praise in the Heav’ns to Thee, O First and Last, The Trine eternal God! Spare, Jesu, spare Thy people,whom Thou hast Redeem ‘d with Thine Own Precious Blood.
Thought for the Day – 28 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Creation
“Dante describes the Creation beautifully as “Eternal Love expanded into new loves.” Heaven and earth, Angels and men and all created beings, are nothing more than an expansion of this Eternal Love, into new loves. Love unites and fills everything. Everywhere in Heaven and on earth, there is love, there is need of love. But whom shall we love? The creatures who surround us? Yes. We may and should love them. They are rays of the Light and Beauty of God. We should love them because they reflect the Power and Glory of God. But, we must not become attached to them. We must not try to find, happiness and peace of mind in them. They cannot give us contentment, for our hearts are made for something greater. God made creatures for Himself, as St Augustine says and, therefore, our hearts will not rest until they rest in Him.”
Quote/s of the Day – 28 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Feast of St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor of Grace
“Behold, thy mother” John 19:27
“His Mother is the entire Church because by God’s grace, she brings forth the members of Jesus Christ, that is to say, those who are faithful to Him. His Mother is also every holy soul who does the Will of His Father and whose fruitful charity is made manifest in those whom it brings forth for Him until He Himself is formed in them (Gal 4:19)…”
“Be you then also ready, for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come.” Luke 12:40
“The more unsure the day of our death is, the more painful are the trials of life and the more too, we should fast and pray since, to all intents and purposes, tomorrow we die. Even now, the hope we thus put in the One Who is faithful to His promise, will not leave us without some joy, until we are filled with overwhelming joy on the day when “we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is” (1Jn 3:2), when “no-one shall take our joy away from us”
“Give of your earthly goods and receive eternal ones; give earth and receive Heaven!”
“Judge your own conscience. Demand an account from it. Dig deep and rend it apart. Discover all the evil thoughts and intentions of the day … and punish yourself for them!” (Expos in Ps 4 n 8).
“To arrive at the knowledge of the Truth, there are many paths – the first is humility, the second is humility and the third is humility!”
“Humility is a very strange entity. The moment we think we have it, we have already lost it!”
Late Have I Loved Thee! By St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
Late have I loved Thee, Beauty ever ancient and ever new, late have I loved Thee! Lo, Thou were within but I outside, seeking there for Thee and upon the shapely things Thou hast made I rushed headlong – I, misshapen. Thou wast with me but I was tnot with Thee. They held me back far from Thee, those things which would have no being, were they not in Thee. Thou called, shouted, broke through my deafness. Thou flared, blazed, banished my blindness. Thou lavished Thy fragrance, I gasped and now I pant for Thee. I tasted Thee and now I hunger and thirst. Thou touched me and I burned for Thy peace. Amen
“May we listen too, to the Voice of the Lord which, from on high, exhorts and consoles us. … For He has heard our groaning, He has seen our sighs, He has sounded the desires of our hearts for “the one thing we ask” (v.4). Thanks to Christ’s intercession, He has favourably received our one prayer, our one request. And while we are completing our pilgrimage in this world, even as the road is a long one, He will not refuse what He has promised. He says to us: “Hope in the Lord.” He Who has promised is all powerful, He is trustworthy, He is faithful. … Therefore, do not let yourself be troubled.”
One Minute Reflection – 28 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Confessor, Great Western Father and Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but upon a candlestick …” – Matthew 5:15
REFLECTION – “What sort of candlestick is this which bears such a light? I will teach you. Be lamps yourselves and you will have a place on this lampstand. Christ’s Cross is one great lampstand. Whoever wants to shine out should not be ashamed of this wooden candlestick. Listen to me and you will get the point – the candlestick is the Cross of Christ …
“So will your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify” Glorify Whom? Not yourself, since to seek your own glory is to want to be extinguished! “Glorify your heavenly Father.” Yes, that they may glorify Him, your heavenly Father, when they see your good works…
Listen to the Apostle Paul: “May I never glory except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world” (Gal 6:14).” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
PRAYER – Give heed to our humble prayers, Almighty God and through the intercession of blessed Augustine, Thy Confessor and Bishop, kindly grant Thy oft-given mercy to those upon whom Thou bestows great hope in Thy forgiveness. Through 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 – 28 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Feast of St Augustine (354-430) – Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor of Grace
Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Mary! By St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church
Blessed Virgin Mary, who can worthily repay thee with praise and thanksgiving for having rescued a fallen world by thy generous consent! Receive our gratitude and by thy prayers, obtain the pardon of our sins. Take our prayers into the sanctuary of Heaven and enable them to make our peace with God. Holy Mary, help the miserable, strengthen the discouraged, comfort the sorrowful, pray for thy people, plead for the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God. May all who venerate thee, feel now, thy help and protection. Be ready to help us when we pray and bring back to us, the answers to our prayers. Make it thy continual concern, to pray for the people of God, for thou were blessed by God and were made worthy to bear the Redeemer of the world, Who lives and reigns forever. Amen
Thought for the Day – 27 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Intimacy with Jesus
“The union of love which should exist between Jesus and ourselves, is modelled on the mysterious union between Jesus and His Heavenly Father.
(1) This intimacy between ourselves and Jesus should be, first of all, in the mind. Our thoughts will be good when we think like God and with the mind of Jesus, “Who is the true Light Who enlightens every man who comes into the world” (Jn 1:9). If we stray away from that Light, darkness overwhelms us, even as it pervaded the earth during the Agony of Jesus Christ. Our intelligence is a ray of light which comes from God, we should take care not to allow this ray to be separated from its Divine source. This heavenly ray always shone on the faces of the Saints because they were clean of heart and close to God. That is how we should all be.
(2) In the second place, we should be united intimately with Jesus in our sentiments. “Have this mind in you which was also in Jesus Christ” (Phil 2:5) says St Paul. Our love must not be abstract or partial but must be all-absorbing. Jesus calls us friends and friendship unites two hearts as one. We must give ourselves completely to Jesus without reserving anything for ourselves. True holiness is found when God and man are united like two faithful constant friends.
(3) In the third place, there must be intimacy in action. It is not possible for a man who truly loves God to do anything which would offend Him. Jesus compares the love which we should have for Him with the love which He has for His Heavenly Father, so we should model our lives continuously on the life of Jesus. Jesus must work in us, as He did in St Paul and all the Saints.
St Francis de Sales writes, that Jesus should always be in our minds, in our hearts, in our eyes and on our tongue. We should be living images of Jesus and we must, therefore, live and act for Him, with Him and in Him.”
Quote/s of the Day – 27 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop, Father of the Church and St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648) Confessor, Priest– –
“The worst kind of sin, is not to acknowledge that you are sinful.”
“God never deserts a man, unless He is first deserted by that man. For even if a man shall have committed grievous sins once, twice and a third time, God still looks for him, ‘so that he may be converted and live!‘”
“Whatever He receives on earth, He returns in Heaven.”
“A person may say, I am not much concerned how long I stay in purgatory, provided I may come to eternal life. Let no-one reason thus! Purgatory fire will be more dreadful than whatever torments can be seen, imagined or endured in this world. He who is now afraid to put his finger into the fire, does he not fear, lest he be then all buried in torments, for a very long time?”
St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop, Father of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 27 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648) Confessor, Priest –Wisdom 10:10-14; Matthew 18:1-5 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And whoever receives one such little child for My sake, receives Me.” – Matthew 18:5
REFLECTION – “Could God not have made the human person perfect right from the beginning? For God, Who has always been identical with Himself and Who is not created, everything is possible. But because the existence of the created beings began after God’s, they are necessarily inferior to God, Who made them … Thus, since they are created, they are not perfect. When they have just been born, they are small children and as small children, they are neither accustomed to, nor have they had practice in, perfect conduct … Thus, God could give perfection to the human person right from the beginning but, the human person was incapable of receiving this perfection, for he was only a small child.
And that is why, in the last times, when our Lord gathered up all things in Himself (Eph 1:10), He came to us, not in His power but, in such a way, we were able to see Him. For He could have come to us in His inexpressible glory but, we were not yet able to bear the greatness of His glory. … Although the Word of God was perfect, with humankind He became a small Child, not for Himself but because of the state of childhood, in which was humankind.” – St Irenaeus (c130-202) Bishop of Lyons, Martyr, Father of the Church (Against the Heresies IV 38, 1-2).
PRAYER – O God, Who through St Joseph, Thy Confessor, did graciously will to provide Thy Church with a new method for the training of youth, in the spirit of understanding and holiness grant, we beseech Thee, that, following his example and through his intercession, we may live and teach so as to acquire an everlasting reward. Through esus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Thought for the Day – 26 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Search for God
“All men are looking for God, whether they are aware of it or not. They are discontented and cannot understand why. They do not realise, that the real source of their discontent, is that they have not found God and God alone can make men happy. The Blessed Virgin had to put up with many sorrows but, she never had to bear the pain which afflicts the rest of us, to a greater or a lesser degree, the pain of separation from God. Even when she lost the Child Jesus, she still possessed God in her soul, for she had surrendered herself completely to Him. Throughout her life, she remained united to God in joy and in sorrow. God’s will was her will, His desires were her desires.
If we wish to be worthy sons of Mary, we must imitate her in this. Let us consider the nature of our most intimate thoughts and desires. How often we forget God! How little we really think of Him. We are absorbed in so many other affairs that we forget Him, Who should be the centre of our plans. We are too fond of ourselves and of our own comfort and interests. As a result, we forget Him, to Whom we owe everything and Who should be the final goal of our lives. Our hearts are very small. If we fill them with worldly desires, there is no room for God. But God should be the absolute master of our souls.
Let us empty ourselves of useless worldly preoccupations and make room for spiritual aims. Let us make room for God. Like Mary, let God be our only preoccupation, If we look for Him in everything, we shall find Him.”
One Minute Reflection – 26 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Resumed Mass of Sunday – St Pope Zephyrinus (Died 217) Martyr and Our Lady of Czestochowa, Queen of Poland – 1 Corinthians 15:1-10 – Mark 7:31-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And taking him from the multitude apart, He put His fingers into his ears and spitting, he touched his tongue.” – Mark 7:33
REFLECTION – “The Lord heals all your ills” (Ps 102:3). Never fear, all your ills will healed. You say they are big ones but the Doctor is even greater. For an all-powerful Doctor there is no such thing as an incurable sickness. Simply let yourself be cared for, do not push away His hand, He knows what to do. Do not be happy only when He acts with gentleness but bear with it, too, when He prunes. Accept the unpleasantness of the cure, by thinking of the healing it will bring you. Notice all those things, brethren, that people put up with in their physical ills, so as to prolong their lives a few days… You, at least, are not suffering for an uncertain result – He, who has promised you, your health, cannot be mistaken. Why is it that doctors are sometimes mistaken? Because they have not created the body they are treating. But God has made your body, God has made your soul. He knows how to re-create what He has created;, He knows how to re-fashion what He has formed. You have only to abandon yourself into His Doctor’s hands… Endure His hands, then, O soul that “blesses him and forgets not all his benefits – he heals all your ills” (P2 102[103]:2-3). He Who had made you never to become sick, if you would keep His precepts, will He not heal you? He Who made the Angels and, in re-creating you, will make you equal to the Angels – will He not heal you? He Who made Heaven and earth, will He not heal you, after having made you, in His image? (Gn 1:26) He will heal you but you must consent to be healed. He heals every sickness perfectly but He does not heal it, in spite of Himself … Your health is Christ!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church – Sermon on the Psalms, Ps 102[103]: 5-6; PL 37, 1319
PRAYER – Grant us, Thy servants, O Lord God, we beseech Thee, to enjoy lasting health of mind and body and, by the intercession of the glorious and blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be delivered from present sorrow and partake to the full of eternal happiness.ThroughJesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Thought for the Day – 25 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Parable of the Talents
“As a general rule, God gives us three kinds of talents. There are – (1) material, like health or riches; (2) intellectual and moral, such as intelligence, personality and ability and (3) supernatural, like Divine grace, a vocation, or extraordinary powers. God lavishly distributes all these talens to whomsoever He pleases and in accordance with His own hidden dessigns.
We have no right, therefore, to envy the talents of others, nor, to be discontented with our own. Rather, we should be grateful to God for whatever He has given us and remember that sufferings and deprivations may also be used as a means of self-sanctification.
If we cheerfully accept and offer to God, our lack of certain talents, we can gain great merit in His eyes.”
Quote/s of the Day – 25 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Louis IX (1214-1270) King and Confessor – Wisdom 10:10-14 – Luke 19:12-26 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more.
Matthew 25:16
“And he said to him: Well done, thou good servant …”
Luke 19:17
“God is Good but He is also Just… So do not underestimate God – His love for men should not become a pretext, for negligence on our part.”
St Basil the Great (329-379) Father and Doctor of the Church
“For the man who is kindly, modest, merciful and just, will not keep his good works to himself but will see to it that these admirable fountains, send out their streams, for the good of others. Again, the man who is clean of heart, a peacemaker and ardent for truth, will order his life, so as to contribute to the common good.”
St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Whatever He receives on earth, He returns in Heaven.”
One Minute Reflection – 25 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Louis IX (1214-1270) King and Confessor – Wisdom 10:10-14 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I say to you that to everyone who has, more shall be given but from him, who does not have, even that which he has, shall be taken away.” – Luke 19;26
REFLECTION – “There is no question but that this Householder is Christ. After His Resurrection, when He was about to return triumphantly to the Father, He called His Apostles and entrusted them with the Gospel teaching, giving more to one, less to the other, never too much or too little but according to the abilities of those who received it. In the same way, the Apostle Paul said that he had fed with milk those unable to take solid food (1 Cor 3:2)…
Five, two, one talent: let us take these to be the different graces granted to each, whether the five senses for the first; understanding of faith and works for the second; the reasons for distinguishing us from other creatures, for the third. “The one who received five talents went away and traded with them and made another five.” That is to say, besides the physical and material senses he had received, he added knowledge of heavenly things. His knowledge was raised from the creatures to the Creator, from the corporal to the incorporeal, from the visible to the invisible, from the transient to the eternal. “The one who received two made another two.” This one likewise, according to his ability, doubled in the school of the Gospel what he had learned in the school of the Law. Or perhaps we could say, that he understood that knowledge of faith and the works of this present life, lead to future happiness. “But the man who received one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” In the grip of works here below and of worldly pleasures, the wicked servant neglected God’s commands. However, let us note that, according to another evangelist, he wrapped it in a linen cloth – by this we could understand that he took away the force of his Master’s teaching, by a life of softness and pleasure…
The Master welcomed the first two servants… with the same words of praise. “Come,” He said, “share in your Master’s joy and receive what eye has not seen and ear has not heard and what has not entered the human heart” (1 Cor 2:9). What greater reward could be bestowed upon a faithful servant!?” – St Jerome (343-420) Translator of Sacred Scripture (the Vulgate), Father and One of the Original Four Doctors of the Latin Church .
PRAYER – O God, Who transported Thy blessed Confessor Louis from an earthly throne to the glory of the heavenly Kingdom, by his merits and intercession we beseech Thee, to make us of the company of the King of kings, Jesus Christ Thy Son. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 25 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”
To Thee, O Master Morning Offering By St Macarius the Wonder-Worker (Died 850)
To Thee, O Master, who loves all mankind I hasten on rising from sleep. By Thy mercy, I go out to do Thy work and I make my prayer to Thee. Help me at all times and in all things. Deliver me from every evil thing of this world and from pursuit by the devil. Save me and bring me to Thy eternal Kingdom, For Thou art my Creator, Thou inspire all good thoughts in me. In Thee is all my hope and to Thee I give glory, now and forever. Amen
Thought for the Day – 24 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Mary’s Patience
“We too, have our share of suffering and humiliation. It is useless to try to escape from it, useless to rebel against it. If we embrace the cross patiently and lovingly, a Jesus and Mary did, it will seem lighter, even welcome. If we attempt to cast it from us, it will weigh more heavily on our shoulders.
There are two kinds of men, those who bear their cross, patiently and embrace it because they wish to be like Jesus and, those who do not want to suffer and rebel. The former may stagger beneath their daily burden but, they have peace of soul because they are putting into practice, the great Gospel precept: “By your patience, you will win your souls” (Lk 21:19). They know that they are on the path to Heaven and this thought is consolation, which cannot be taken from them. The second group of men, rebel against the cross and, therefore, suffer doubly, in body and in soul. “The senseless man,” the Holy Spirit says, “loves not to be reproved” (Prov 15:12).
To which of these two categories do we belong? Do we love our cross, or do we carry it patiently, at least? Anyone who does not want the cross, does not want Jesus. Let the example of Mary and of the Saints inspire us. They always bore their burden patiently, they even looked for suffering and humiliation. If we cannot reach such heroic heights, let us at last, accept, from the hands of Our Lord, the cross which He offers us. Let us accept the sufferings which we meet on the way of life. If we are not heroic enough to seek to be unknown and mortified, let us resolve to accept, patiently, the inevitable sorrows of life.”
One Minute Reflection – 24 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Pentecost XI – St Bartholomew the Apostle and Martyr – 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 – Luke 6:12-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“At that time, Jesus departed to the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God.” -Luke 6:12
REFLECTION – “At that time, Jesus departed to the mountain to pray and He spent the night in prayer to God.” Not all those who pray, climb the mountain … but, those who pray well, who rise up above the goods of earth to higher goods, climb onto the summit of watchfulness and love, from on high. Those who worry about worldly riches or honours, do not climb the mountain; no-one who covets another’s lands, climbs the mountain. Those who seek God, go up it and those who go up, beg the Lord’s aid for their journey. All great and noble souls climb the mountain, for it is not to the first comer alone that the Prophet says: “Go up onto a high mountain, thou who announce glad tidings to Sion. Cry out at the top of thy voice, thou who bring good news to Jerusalem,” (Is 40:9). Not by physical exploits but by high-minded actions, will you scale this mountain. Follow Christ … search the Gospel – you will find that only His disciples climbed up the mountain with the Lord.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Archbishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Gospel of Saint Luke 5,41).
PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who bestowed on us the devout and holy joy of this day to celebrate the Feast of Thy blessed Apostle Bartholomew, grant unto Thy Church, we beseech Thee, both to love what he believed and to preach what he taught. 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).
Thought for the Day – 23 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Evening Prayer
“A page in the story of our lives is closed. For all we know, it may be our last. Sleep is a symbol of death. How can we be certain that this night will not be our last?
A large number of people die during their sleep. For this reason, our night prayers should include an Act of sincere and perfect Contrition for our sins, an Act of Love for God, our supreme benefactor and an Act of complete resignation to His Will.
When we are in bed, we should repeat the words of Jesus on the Cross, “Father, into Thy Hands, I commit my spirit” (Lk 23:46). If this prayer is on our lips and in our heart, we can sleep in peace.”
Quote/s of the Day – 23 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – – St Philip Benizi OSM (1233-1285) Confessor – 1 Corinthians. 4:9-14 – Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“We are made a spectacle to the world and to Angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake but you are wise in Christ; we are weak but you are strong; you are honourable but we without honour. Even unto this hour, we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffeted and have no fixed abode. And we labour, working with our own hands. We are reviled and we bless. We are persecuted and we suffer it. We are blasphemed and we entreat. We are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all, even until now.”
St Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14
“It is He Who is our peace.”
St Paul Ephesians 2:14
“Be imitators of God, as very dear children and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and delivered Himself up for us …”
St Paul … Ephesians 5:1-2
“So also, you now indeed have sorrow but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice. And your joy, no man shall take from you.”
John 16:22
“What is that joy which no-one can take from you, other than your Lord Himself, Whom no man can take from you? … So examine your conscience, brethren – if righteousness reigns there, if you want, desire and wish the same thing for everyone as for yourself, if there is peace in you, not only with your friends but equally with your enemies, then know that the Kingdom of Heaven, which is to say Christ the Lord, abides in you.”
St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop, Father of the Church
“Never forget that the way which leads to Heaven is narrow that the gate leading to Life, is narrow and low that there are but few who find it and enter by it and if, there be some, who go in and tread the narrow path, for some time, there are but very few, who persevere therein.”
One Minute Reflection – 23 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Philip Benizi OSM (1233-1285) Confessor – 1 Corinthians. 4:9-14 – Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Sell what you possess and give alms.” – Luke 12:33
REFLECTION – “O blessed Lady poverty, who bestows eternal riches on those who love and embrace her! O holy poverty, to those who possess and desire you, God promises the Kingdom of Heaven and offers, indeed, eternal glory and blessed life! O God-embracing poverty, whom the Lord Jesus Christ, Who ruled and now rules Heaven and earth, “Who spoke and things were made,” (Ps 32:9) condescended to embrace before all else! “The foxes have dens,” He says “and the birds of the air have nests but the Son of Man,” Christ, “has nowhere to lay His Head” (Mt 8:20) “but bowing His Head, gave up His Spirit” (Jn 19:30).
If so great and good a Lord then, on coming into the Virgin’s womb, chose to appear despised, needy and poor in this world, so that those who were in utter poverty and want and in absolute need of heavenly nourishment, might become rich in Him by possessing the Kingdom of Heaven, then rejoice and be glad! Be filled with a remarkable happiness and a spiritual joy! Contempt of the world has pleased you more than [its] honours, poverty more than earthly riches and you have sought to store greater treasure in Heaven rather than on earth, “where rust does not consume nor moth destroy nor thieves break in and steal” (Mt 6:20). “Your reward,” then, “is very great in heaven” (Mt 5:12)!” – St Clare (1193-1252) Virgin, Founder (1st letter to St Agnes of Prague).
PRAYER – O God, Who through St. Philip, Thy Confessor, gave us an outstanding example of humility, grant that Thy household may follow his example by scorning worldly prosperity and, ever seek the things of Heaven. Through 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 – 23 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Our Lady’s Day
Hail Mary! Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary By St John Eudes (1601-1680) “The Apostle of Two Hearts”
Hail Mary! Mother of God the Son. Hail Mary! Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary! Temple of the Most Blessed Trinity. Hail Mary! Pure Lily of the Effulgent Trinity. Hail Mary! Celestial Rose of the Ineffable Love of God. Hail Mary! Virgin pure and humble, of whom the King of Heaven willed to be born and, with thy milk to be nourished. Hail Mary! Virgin of Virgins, Hail Mary! Queen of Martyrs, whose soul a sword transfixed. Hail Mary! Lady most blessed! unto whom all power in Heaven and earth is given. Hail Mary! My Queen and my Mother! my Life, my Sweetness and my Hope, Hail Mary! Mother Most Amiable, Hail Mary! Mother of Divine Love, Hail Mary! Immaculate! Conceived Without Sin! Hail Mary! Full of Grace! The Lord is with Thee! Blessed art thou among women! And blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus! Blessed be thy spouse, Saint Joseph, Blessed be thy father, Saint Joachim, Blessed be thy mother, Saint Anne, Blessed be thy guardian, Saint John, Blessed be thy holy Angel, Saint Gabriel, Glory be to God the Father, Who chose thee, Glory be to God the Son, Who loved thee, Glory be to God the Holy Spirit, Who espoused thee. AMEN,
Thought for the Day – 22 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Patience
“An outward show of patience, will hardly avail us much in God’s eyes, unless it is accompanied by interior patience which, consists in the possession of complete mastery over all our faculties. We should be able to control our feelings, as well as our actions. This is a difficult virtue but, it is the duty of every sincere Catholic, to try and acquire it. Only the grace of God and constant effort, will enable us to succeed but when we have, at last, mastered our unruly and selfish impulses, we shall have arrived at a state of peace and perfection.
“By your patience, you will win your souls” (Lk 21:19).”
One Minute Reflection – 22 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Octave Day of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31 – John 19:25-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Behold, thy mother” – John 19:27
REFLECTION – “He Who is the Fruit of one holy Virgin is the glory and honour of all the other holy virgins; for like Mary, they are themselves the mothers of Christ, if they do the Will of His Father, the glory and happiness of Mary in being the Mother of Jesus Christ shines forth above all, in the Lord’s words: “Whoever does the Will of my heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to me.” (Mt 12:50)
Thus He shows the spiritual relationships which attaches Him to those whom He redeemed. His brothers and sisters are the holy men and women who partake with Him in the heavenly inheritance. His Mother is the entire Church because by God’s grace, she brings forth the members of Jesus Christ, that is to say, those who are faithful to Him. His Mother is also every holy soul who does the Will of His Father and whose fruitful charity is made manifest in those whom it brings forth for Him until He Himself is formed in them (Gal 4:19)…” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church (On holy virginity 5).
PRAYER – Almighty, everlasting God, Who in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, prepared a dwelling place worthy of the Holy Ghost, graciously grant, that we, who are devoutly keeping the Feast of her Immaculate Heart, may be able to live according to Thy Heart. Through 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 – 22 August – “The Feast and the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”
O Immaculate Heart of Mary By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, I have nothing in myself to offer thee which is worthy of thee but what thankgiving I ought I to pay thee, for all the favours which thou hast obtained for me from the Heart of Jesus! What reparation ought I to make thee for all my tepidity in thy service! I desire to return thee love for love, the only good which I possess, is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which thou, thyself hast given me. I offer thee this Treasure of Infinite Price, I cannot do more and thou dost not deserve less, at my hand but, receiving from me, this Gift most Precious in thy sight, be pleased, I beseech thee, to accept too, my poor heart which I here offer to thee and I shall be forever blessed! Amen.
AnaStpaul 
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