Quote/s of the Day – 6 September – Ferial Day – Galatians 5:16-24, 6:1-10; Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Young man, I say to thee, arise!” Luke 7:14
“Even for restoring the dead to life, the Saviour did not stop at acting by Word alone, although it was the bearer of Divine Commands. For such a surpassing work, He took His own Flesh as His assistant – if one might put it that way – that He might show, that it has the power to give life and, that He might cause it to be seen that it is entirely One with Him. … Thus, He not only conferred to His Word the power to raise the dead but He even touched the dead, to show that His Body is Life-giving and, through His Flesh, He caused life to pass into their corpses. If the touch alone of His Sacred Flesh restores life to a corrupting body, what profit shall we not discover in His Life-giving Eucharist when we make of it our food? It will wholly transform into its own property which is immortality, those who participate in it.”
St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father & Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 6 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Ferial Day – Galatians 5:16-24, 6:1-10; Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Young man, I say to thee, arise!” – Luke 7:14
REFLECTION – “In the Gospels, we find three dead people who are visibly restored to life but, thousands who are invisibly so … The Synagogue Official’s daughter (Mk 5:22f.), the widow of Naim’s son and Lazarus (Jn 11) … are symbols of three kinds of sinner whom Christ still raises today. The young girl was still in her father’s house … the widow of Naim’s son was no longer in his mother’s house but not, as yet, in the tomb … Lazarus had already been buried …
And so, there are some people whose sins remain in their hearts but who have not put them into practice … They have consented to sin and death is within their souls but, it has not yet been carried outside. Now, it often happens … that people experience this in themselves – after hearing the Word of God, our Lord seems to say to them: “Arise!” They accuse themselves of the consent they gave to evil and draw breath, to live in salvation and uprightness … Others, having given their consent, go as far as the deed. They carry out the dead thing, hidden in the concealment of their dwelling and expose it before everyone. Are we to despair of them?Did not our Saviour say to that young man: “I tell you, arise!?” Did not He give him back to his mother? This is how it is with someone who has behaved like that – if he is touched and moved by the Word of Truth, he rises again at Christ’s Word, he comes back to life. He was able to go a step further along the way of sin but he could not die forever.
As for those who are so bound fast in evil habits as to their removing even the sight of the evil things they do, they undertake to defend their evil deeds, they are angered if one rebukes them … Such as these, crushed under the weight of a habit of sinning, are, as though buried in the tomb … That stone placed over the sepulcher is the tyrannical force of the habit which crushes the soul and does not allow it, either to arise or to breathe…
Listen, then, dearest brethren and behave in such a way that those who live, live and those who are dead revive … Let all those dead people repent … Let those who live, preserve that life of theirs and let those who are dead, be quick to come back to life again!” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 98).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of thine eternal gladness.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 6 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and Friday devoted to the Passion
Faithful Cross! Above All Other By St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)
Faithful Cross! above all other, one and only noble tree! None in foliage, none in blossom, none in fruit thy peer may be; sweetest wood and sweetest iron, sweetest weight is hung on thee.
Bend thy boughs, O tree of glory! Thy relaxing sinews bend; for awhile the ancient rigour that thy birth bestowed, suspend and the King of heavenly beauty gently on thine arms extend.
Praise and honour to the Father, praise and honour to the Son, praise and honour to the Spirit, ever Three and ever One: One in might and One in glory while eternal ages run.
Thought for the Day – 5 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
“Preparation for Death” By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
CONSIDERATION III
“For what is your life? It is even a vapour which appeareth for a little time.” (St James iv: 14)
THIRD POINT: Therefore, is it not folly for the short and paltry pleasures of this brief life to incur the risk of dying a miserable death? and, with that death, to begin a wretched eternity? Oh, of how much importance is that last moment, that last gasp, that last closing of the view! It is an eternity, either of every joy, or of every pain which is at stake, a life forever happy, or forever miserable! Let us think – Jesus Christ was willing to die a bitter and cruel death, in order to obtain for us a peaceful and happy death. For this end, He calls us so many times; He gives us so many lights; He admonishes us with so many threats, in order that we may be induced to spend that last moment in the grace of God. Even the Pagan Antisthenes, when he was asked what was the greatest blessing in this world, answered: “A happy death!” And what ought a Christian to say, who knows by faith that, from the moment of death, eternity begins; so that in that moment, he lays hold of one of the two wheels which draws with it, either eternal happiness or eternal suffering? If there were two tickets in a lottery, upon which Hell might be written on one and Heaven on the other, with what care would you not try to draw out that one, upon which Paradise was written? O God, how must those unhappy wretches tremble who are condemned to throw the die upon which their life or death depends! What fear will be yours when you will find yourself near to that last moment; when you will say: “Upon this moment, which is drawing so near, depends my eternal life or death! Now, it is to be decided whether I shall be forever blessed, or forever miserable.”
Sr Bernardine of Sienna tells of a certain Prince who, when dying, in great terror, exclaimed: “I have many lands and palaces in this world but if I should die during this night, I know not what lodging will be mine!” My brother, if thou believest that thou hast to die and there is an eternity and, once only thou canst die, so if thou once makest a mistake, the mistake will be forever without any hope of remedy, why is it, thou dost not begin, from this moment, in which thou readest these words, to do all which liest in thy power, to secure for thyself, a happy death?
S Andrew Avellino said tremblingly: “Who knows what will be my lot in the life to come? Whether I shall be saved or condemned to eternal death?” St Louis Bertrand also trembled so much, he was unable to take rest because of this thought which would suggest itself to him: “Who knows whether thou wilt be lost?” And thou, who has committed so many sins, dost thou not tremble? Be quick and make amends in time; resolve to give thyself indeed to God and begin, at least from this time forward, a life, the remembrance of which, may not grieve but may fill thee with joy at the hour of death. Give thyself to prayer, frequent the Sacraments, quit dangerous occasions, and, if necessary, leave even the world, so that thou mayest secure to thyself an eternal salvation and understand, to secure this eternal life, no precaution can be too great!
Affections andPrayers
O my dear Saviour, how much am I not indebted to Thee! How couldst Thou bestow so many favours upon one so ungrateful; upon such a traitor as I have been to Thee? Thou hast created me and in creating me Thou didst foresee all the offences I should commit against Thee. Thou didst redeem me by dying for me and even then, Thou didst know of all the ingratitude I should show towards Thee. When I was placed in this world, I turned away from Thee and thus, was I dead indeed in sin, until Thou, with Thy grace didst restore me to life. I was blind and Thou didst enlighten me. I had lost Thee and Thou didst enable me to find Thee. I was Thy enemy and Thou didst make me Thy friend. O God of mercy, grant me to feel how deeply I am indebted to Thee and make me mourn over my offences against Thee. Avenge Thyself upon me by making me very sorry for my sins but do not punish me by depriving me of Thy grace and of Thy love. O Eternal Father, I detest and abhor more than any other evil, the offences I have committed against Thee. Have mercy upon me, for the love of Jesus Christ. Behold Thy Son upon the Cross. “His Blood be upon me.” May that Divine Blood flow down and wash my soul. O King of my heart, “Thy Kingdom come!”
I am resolved to drive away every affection that is not felt for Thee. I love Thee more than anything; come and reign alone in my soul. Let me love Thee and let me love Thee only! I would please Thee as much as it is possible and I would give Thee entire satisfaction during the life which remains to me. Bless, O my Father, this my desire and give me grace ever to be one with Thee. I consecrate all my affections to Thee and, from this day forward, I would be Thine alone, Who art my Treasure, my Peace, my Hope, my Love, my All and, all this I hope for through the merits of Thy Dearly Beloved Son.
Quote/s of the Day – 5 September – St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455) Bishop and Patriarch of Venice, Confessor
“The Holy Ghost descends on those who are of one mind because He loves unity, peace and concord.”
“The heart of Mary became, as it were, a mirror of the Passion of the Son, in which might be seen, faithfully reflected, the spitting, the blows and wounds and all which Jesus suffered.”
One Minute Reflection – 5 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – t Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455) Bishop of Venice, Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 44:16-27; 45:3-20, Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21
REFLECTION – “The Word of the Father, Only-begotten Son of God, Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20), is the great Merchant Who has brought us the price of our redemption. It is a truly precious exchange which we can never value sufficiently, when a King, Son of the King Most High, has become the Coin, the Gold has paid our dues, the Just Man is given for the sinner. Truly unmerited mercy, perfectly disinterested love, astonishing goodness…, it is a completely disproportionate purchase, in which the Son of God is delivered up for the servant, the Creator is put to death for the one He has created, the Lord is condemned for His slave.
O Christ, these are Thine Works, Thou Who descended from Heaven’s brightness into our hellish darkness, to bring light to our gloomy prison. Thou came down from the Right Hand of the Divine Majesty, into our human misery, to redeem the human race, Thou Who descended from the Father’s glory to death on the Cross, to triumph over death and its author. Thou art the only One and there is no other but Thee Who could have been drawn to redeem us through Thine Own Goodness…
Let all the merchants of Teman (Bar 3:23) withdraw from this place … it is not they but Israel [Thy] beloved whom [Thou hast] chosen, Thou Who hide these mysteries from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to those babes and humble servants of Thine (Lk 10:21) … O Lord, I willingly embrace this purchase since it concerns me!… I remember all the things Thou hast done, Thou Who desire that I should keep them alive … Therefore, I shall profit by this talent which Thou hast lent to me until Thy return and will stand before Thee with great joy. O God, grant that I may then hear these sweet words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Mt 25:21).” – St Bernard O.Cist. (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, known as the Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Selected sermons, no 42: The Five Purchases).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the venerable feast of Thy blessed Confessor and Bishop, may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. 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).
Saint of the Day – 5 September – Saint Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455) Bishop of Venice, Confessor, Patriarch of Venice, Reformer, Spiritual writer. Born on 1 September 1381 at Venice, Italy and died there on 8 January 1455 of natural causes. Also known as – Lorenzo Giustiniani, Laurence…Laurentius…Patriarch of Venice. Patronage – Venice, Italy.
St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455) Patriarch of Venice By Father Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)
St Lawrence was a descendant of the noble house of Giustiniani, greatly famed in Genoa, Venice and Naples. He was born in 1381, of very pious parents but early lost his father, Bernard. His mother, on whom now devolved the education of her children, redoubled her care but Lawrence gave her very little trouble, as he was naturally inclined to virtue. One day, she made him understand that she feared he harboured ambition or pride secretly in his heart but, he answered: “fear not, mother, I have only one ambition and that is to become a great servant of the Lord and to be more pious than my brothers.” His conduct in youth bore witness to his words, for although he lived at a period when the morals of the whole City were very corrupt, his edifying life was regarded by everyone, with surprise and admiration.
St Lawrence Justinian as a young man by Bellini
To escape the danger which threatened him, he prayed most fervently to God to give him the grace to know the vocation to which he was called. While, one day, kneeling before a Crucifix and an image of the Blessed Virgin, he said his prayers for this intention he experienced a heavenly vision of the Divine Majesty and felt, deep within him, an intense desire to leave the world and to serve God in the Religious state. He obeyed the heavenly Voice, renounced the world and all its allurements, went to the Regular Canons of St George, in Alga, an Island near Venice and requested to be received among their number. His request was granted and he began his Novitiate cheerfully but he soon manifested in his conduct indications that he was no beginner in the science of holiness but a proficient. His Superiors had much more difficulty in moderating his zeal than in animating it.
St Lawrence Justinian Statue at the Church of St John the Evangelist, Evora, Portugal.
Amongst other austerities which he practiced to mortify himself, it was specially noticed that, even on the coldest days, he never warmed himself by the fire and that, in summer, he took nothing to allay his thirst, except with his meals at noon and evening. He was never seen taking the air in the Convent garden, or enjoying the beauty and fragrance of the flowers. The only time when he visited his home, was when he was called to see his dying mother. Still more to be admired, is the fortitude with which he bore a very painful and dangerous operation on his throat for the removal of a great tumour. He, himself encouraged the Surgeon to begin fearlessly: “Cannot Christ,” said he, “give me as much fortitude as He gave to the three youths in the furnace?” Not even a sigh escaped him during the operation he repeated only the names of Jesus and Mary. When those present uttered their profound astonishment at his self-control, he said: “How little is my suffering compared with that of the holy Martyrs, who were tortured with burning torches and red hot irons, or roasted over a slow fire!”
After Lawrence had been Ordained Priest, he daily said Mass with great devotion and seldom without tears. During the Mass on Christmas-night, Heaven bestowed upon him the grace to behold his Saviour in the form of a lovely Child, to the inexpressible comfort of his heart.
St Lawrence Justinian Adoration of the Infant
Although he desired to remain free from all Offices of honour, he was chosen general of his Order and sometime later was nominated as the Bishop of Venice, by Pope Eugenius IV. The humble servant of the Almighty endeavoured, in every possible manner, to escape this dignity but, at last, obliged by obedience, he accepted it.
As the Bishop, he altered nothing of the austerities he had practiced in the Monastery; he visited his whole Diocese and, with Apostolic zeal, animated his flock to observe the Commandments of God and the Church. His income he used for the benefit of the Church and the relief of the poor.
St Lawrence, St John the Baptist, St Franics and ??
Besides several collegiate Churches, he founded fifteen Religious houses and daily fed a great number of poor. The answer he gave to one of his relatives, who requested a contribution out of the Episcopal revenues as a marriage-portion for his daughter, must not be omitted: “It will not satisfy you if I give you but little,” said he “and, if I give you much, you alone will receive it and many others will have nothing. No, the Episcopal revenues must not be used for worldly luxuries but to comfort the needy. Be not offended, therefore, that I cannot fulfil your desire.” Thus spoke the holy Bishop, whom Pope Nicholas V. soon after raised to a still higher dignity.
The Patriarch of Grado died and, as the Pope desired to nominate Lawrence as his own successor but being convinced, at the same time that the Venetians would not consent to part with their Bishop, he transferred the Patriarchal Chair to Venice and declared St Lawrence as the first Patriarch of Venice. This City had indeed great reason to use all possible means not to lose the Saint, as only on his account, God averted a terrible and well-deserved punishment from its walls!
St Lawrence Justinian the First Patriarch of Venice
There lived, at that time, in the Island of Corfu, a Hermit, famous for his holiness, who, one day, said to a Venetian noble, who visited him: “The inhabitants of Venice have provoked God’s wrath, by despising His Words and had not the tears of your Patriarch cried to Him, you would all have long since gone to destruction, like the inhabitants of Sodom!”
While the holy Patriarch was assiduously occupied with the functions of his high station, his strength gradually gave way and he felt his end approaching. On the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, he felt, during Holy Mass, an intense desire to be admitted into the Presence of his God. A fever, which seized him soon after Mass, ended with his death in a very few days.
St Lawrence in Glory
He lay on the bare floor and not even in his last day, could he be persuaded to make use of a softer bed:
“Jesus Christ,” said he, “died upon the hard wood of the Cross and you desire that a sinner, like me, should lie, soft and comfortable!” After receiving the holy Sacraments, he gave his last instructions to those around him: “Keep the Commandments of the Lord,” said he, “nothing is more noble or excellent than to serve God.” After having finished his discourse, he raised his eyes to Heaven and said: “I am coming, O my Jesus!” and his soul went to God. Thus ended, in the seventy-third year of his age, the earthly career of this great and holy Patriarch. That his life in Heaven had begun, was known by the manner in which the Lord honoured his holy body, from which emanated a heavenly fragrance; as also, by the miracles which, at the intercession of the Saint, took place at his Tomb, in favour of the infirm and the possessed.
Thought for the Day – 4 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
“Preparation for Death” By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
CONSIDERATION III
“For what is your life? It is even a vapour which appeareth for a little time.” (St James iv: 14)
SECOND POINT. King Hezekiah wept and said: “I have cut my life off like a weaver; . . . from day even to night, wilt Thou make an end of me.” (Isa xxxviii: 12)
Oh! how many who are busy weaving, that is, planning and executing their worldly designs, which they have undertaken with such care, are overtaken by death which cuts off all. At the hour of death, all the glory of everything which is worldly, vanishes away, applause, amusements, pomps and grandeur.
Great secret of death! which makes us see that which the lovers of the world do not see. Fortunes which have been envied, the grandest dignities, the proudest triumphs, lose all their splendour, when they are reviewed from the bed of death!
The notions of certain false happiness which we have formed in our own minds, these are changed into exceeding great indignation against our own folly. The black and gloomy shadow of death covers and obscures all dignities even though they be Royal. Our passions now, make the things of this earth appear different from what they really are – death unveils them and makes us see, what in truth they are, nothing but smoke, dust, vanity and misery. O my God! of what avail are riches, possessions and kingdoms, in death, when nothing is needed but a coffin and a simple robe to cover the body? Of what avail are honours, when nothing remains of them but a funeral train and a pompous burial which will assist the soul in no way if it be lost? Of what avail is beauty, if nothing remains of it but worms, corruption and horror, even before death and afterwards, nothing but a little foul dust? “He hath made me also a byword of the people.” (Job xvii: 6). That rich man dies, that minister, that captain and then, he will be spoken of everywhere ; if he has led a wicked life, he will become a byword of the people and he will serve as a warning to others, being an example of the vanity of the world and also, an example of Divine justice. In the grave, his ashes will be mingled with the ashes of the poor. “The small and great are there.” (Job iii: 19). Of what use has the beautiful form of his body been to him, if now he is only a mass of corruption? What has the authority he possessed availed him, if his body is now thrown into a grave to corrupt and his soul has been cast into hell to burn? Oli ! what misery to be the object of these sad reflections to others, instead of making them for his own profit.
Let us, therefore, be persuaded that the proper time for satisfying the stings of a remorseful conscience, is during the time of life and not at the hour of death. Let us hasten now to do that which, at that time we shall not be able to do. “The time is short.” All things quickly pass away and end, therefore, let us so act, that all we do, may serve towards obtaining our eternal salvation.
Affections andPrayers:
O God of my soul, O Infinite Goodness, have mercy upon me, who have so often offended Thee. I did indeed know that by sinning I should lose Thy grace and, I did not mind losing it but teach me what I can do to regain it. If Thou desirest that I should repent of my sins, I do repent with my whole heart; I would even like to die of grief at having once sinned. If it is Thy wish that I should hope for pardon from Thee, I do truly hope for it, through the merits of Thy Blood. If Thou desirest that I should love Thee above all things, I will leave all; I will renounce all the joys and the riches which the world can give me and I will love Thee above all other things, O my most adorable Saviour. If Thou wiliest that I should demand graces of Thee, I ask for these too that Thou wilt never let me offend Thee anymore and that, Thou wilt make me to love Thee and then do with me whatsoever Thou wilt!
Quote/s of the Day – 4 September – Ferial Day – Galatians 5:16-24, Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Young man, I say to thee, arise!”
Luke 7:14
“I shall arise and shall go to my Father”
Luke 15:18
“Awake, O Sleeper and Rise from the Dead”
Ephesians 5:14
“Listen to the Lord’s appeal: ‘Come, then, return to Me and learn to know Me as your Father, Who repays good for evil, love for injury and boundless charity for piercing wounds!”
St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450) “Golden Words” Father & Doctor of the Church
“As the prodigal son, I will return to my Father’s house and I will be welcomed back home. I shall do the same, as he did – will the Father not grant my prayer too? O forgiving Father, here I am at Thy door and I knock, open to me, let me enter, so that I may not ruin myself, go away and die! Thou made me Thy heir and I neglected my inheritance and squandered my goods – from now on, may I be as a mercenary and as a servant to Thee.”
St Jacob of Sarug (c451-521) Bishop, Theologian, Poet, Writer, Father
One Minute Reflection – 4 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”– St Rose of Viterbo (c1233 – 1251) Virgin – Ferial Day – Galatians 5:16-24, Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… When the Lord … being moved with mercy towards her, He said to her: Weep not.” – Luke 7:13
REFLECTION – “God’s mercy quickly allows itself to be moved by this mother’s tears. She is a widow; the suffering or death of her only son have crushed her… It seems to me that this widow, surrounded by a crowd of people, is more than just a simple woman, deserving of her young and only son’s resurrection through her tears. She is the image itself of Holy Church, who, by her tears, in the midst of the funeral procession and on the brink of the grave, gains a restoration to life of the youthful people of the world … For, at God’s Word, the dead are raised (Jn 5:28), they regain their speech and the mother recovers her son. He is called back from the tomb, snatched from the sepulchre.
What is this tomb of yours, if not your evil behaviour? Your tomb is your lack of faith … Christ sets you free from this sepulchre. If you listen to God’s Word, you will come out of the tomb. And if your sin is too serious for the tears of your repentance to cleanse it, may the tears of your mother, the Church, intercede on your behalf. She is, indeed, full of compassion and feels a wholly maternal, spiritual sorrow when she sees her children dragged off to death by sin!” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel V, 89).
PRAYER – Protect Thy Church by Thine abiding mercy, we beseech Thee, O Lord and since all mortals fall without Thee, may Thy help keep them from danger and guide them to salvation. May the prayers of Thy virgin the blessed Rose, assist us on our journey to Thee. 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 – 4 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”
I Will Love Thee, Lord By St Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)
I will love Thee, Lord, in every way and without setting limits to my love. Thou set no limits to what Thou hast done for me; Thou hast not measured Thy gifts. I will not measure my love. I will love Thee, Lord, with all my strength, with all my powers, as much as I am able. Amen
Thought for the Day – 3 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
“Preparation for Death” By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
CONSIDERATION III
“For what is your life? It is even a vapour which appeareth for a little time.” (St James iv: 14)
FIRST POINT: WHAT is your life? It is like unto a vapour which is dispersed by a breath of wind and is no more. All know they must die but, the mistake so many make, is, they imagine that death is so far off, it will never overtake them. But no! for Job warns us that the life of man is short: “ Man is of few days. …. He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down.” (Job xiv: i, 2.) The Lord commanded Isaiah to preach this same truth: “Cry,” He said to him, “All flesh is grass. …. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth.” (Isa xl: 6, 7) The life of man is like the life of a blade of grass; death comes, the blade is dried up and behold, life is finished and the flower of all grandeur and of all earthly possessions, is cut down. “My days are swifter than a post.” (Job ix: 25). Death comes to meet us more quickly than a messenger and we, at every moment, run towards death. At every step we take, at every breath we draw, we approach death.
“During the time I write,” observes St Jerome, “I am approaching death.” “For we must needs die and are as water spilt on the ground which cannot be gathered up again.” (2 Sam xiv: 14). Thou’seest how that stream flows to the sea and these running waters, they will never return again, thus, my brother, do thy days pass and thou drawest near to death, so do thy pleasures pass thy amusements, pomps, praises, acclamations and what remains? “The graves are ready for me.” (Job xvii: I). We shall be cast into a grave and there we shall have to lie deprived of everything. At the moment of death the remembrance of all the delights enjoyed in life, of all the honours we have acquired, will only serve to increase the grief and the mistrust which we shall feel as to obtaining eternal salvation. The miserable wordly one will then exclaim, ‘Alas! my house, my gardens, that furniture, those paintings, those garments, within a short time will no longer be mine!’ “The graves are ready for me.”
Alas! for at that time no earthly possession will be regarded, except with sorrow, by him who has loved it with such devotedness. And this grief will only serve to place the salvation of the soul in greater danger; for we know that those who are so fond of the world, at the time of death, will only permit their infirmities, the physicians who are to be called in and the remedies which may relieve them, to be discussed and when the condition of their souls is spoken of, they immediately grow weary and desire that they maybe left to repose because they have a headache and they cannot bear the noise of conversation and when, sometimes they answer, they become confused, neither do they know what to say. Even so, do those die who think but little upon death.
Affections andPrayers
Ah, my God and Lord of Infinite greatness, I blush to appear before Thee. How often have I esteemed Thy friendship of less moment than a base pleasure, a passion of anger, a vain whim, a vapour?
I adore and kiss Thy holy Wounds which I, nevertheless, have inflicted on Thee by my sins but, through which, however, I hope for pardon and salvation. Make me to feel, O my Jesus, the grievous wrong I have done Thee in leaving Thee, Thou Who art the Fountain of all good, to drink of waters which are putrid and poisonous. What do I now feel because of all my many offences against Thee, except remorse of conscience and fruits for hell?
“Father, …. lam unworthy to be called Thy son.” (St Luke xv: 21). My Father, do not cast me from Thee. It is true I do not deserve Thy Love, that I may become Thy son but Thou hast died to give me pardon. Thou hast said, “Turn ye unto Me, . . . and I will turn unto you.” (Zach i: 3) . I leave every gratification, I renounce all the pleasures the world can give me and I turn to Thee. Pardon me through that Blood which Thou hast shed for me, for I repent with all my heart, for all the offences which I have committed against Thee. I repent, for I love Thee beyond all other things. I am not worthy to love Thee but Thou art indeed worthy to be loved, let me love Thee, do not turn from me, let this heart which once neglected Thee, now love Thee. Thou didst not leave me to die, when I was living in sin, in order that I might come to love Thee yes, I do indeed desire to love Thee during the remainder of my life and, I would love none but Thee. Help me, give me holy perseverance and Thy most holy Love.
One Minute Reflection – 3 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Pius X (1835-1914) Pope, Confessor – Thessalonians 2:2-8; John 21:15-17 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… Thou knowest that I love Thee. He said to him: Feed My sheep.” – John 21:17
REFLECTION – “Let us follow the manner of life of the Apostles and we will be their inferiors in nothing. For it was not their miracles which made them Apostles, it was the holiness of their lives. It is by this means, a disciple of Christ is recognised. The Lord Himself clearly gave us this sign. When He wanted to draw a portrait of His disciples and make known the sign that marked out His Apostles, He said: “This is how all will know thou art My disciples,” How? By working miracles? Raising the dead? Not at all! How, then? “This is how all will know thou art My disciples, if thou hast love for one another” (Jn 13:35).
Love is not a miracle but a work! “Love is the fulfillment of the Law” (Rm 13:10) … Therefore, have love among thyselves and thou wilt be counted among the Apostles, even amongst the first of them. Do thou want another proof of this teaching? See how Christ addressed Peter: “Peter, dost thou love me more than these?” There is nothing which enables us to win the Kingdom of Heaven more, than loving Christ as He deserves … What are we to do to love more than the Apostles did? … Listen to Christ, the very One we are to love: “If thou loves Me more than these, be the shepherd of My sheep”… Zeal, compassion, attentiveness are deeds, not miracles!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (2nd Sermon on the inscription to the Book of the Acts of the Apostles).
PRAYER – O God Who, for the defence of the Catholic faith and the restoration of all things in Christ, filled St Pius, the Supreme Pontiff, with heavenly wisdom and apostolic fearlessness, mercifully grant that, by following his teachings and examples, we may receive Thy eternal rewards. 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 – 3 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Pius X (1835-1914) Pope, Confessor and today, Wednesday, being St Joseph’s day. St Joseph continues his fatherly guardianship of Christ’s Body, the Holy Catholic Church. He is a very powerful intercessor for all of us. [Sorry friends, I got the days confused, thinking today was Wednesday – but no time to change this prayer and anyway we should pray it every day 😬😉]
O Glorious St Joseph, Model of Labour A Prayer to St Joseph, Daily Before Work By St Pius X (1835-1914) Pope, Confessor
O glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labour, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations; to work with gratitude and joy, in a spirit of penance for the remission of my sins, considering it an honour to employ and develop, by means of labour, the gifts received from God, to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties, to work above all, with purity of intention and detachment from self, having always, death before my eyes and the account which I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thine example, O Patriarch, St Joseph. Such shall be my watchword in life and in death. Amen
Thought for the Day – 2 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
“Preparation for Death” By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
CONSIDERATION II
“An end, the end is come.” (Ezek vii: 2)
THIRD POINT: David likened the happiness of this present life to a dream, -when one awakens: “Yea, even like as a dream, when one awaketh.” (Ps Ixxiii: 19) . A certain author observes: “In a dream, the senses being at rest, great things appear and are not and quickly vanish away. ” The goods of this world appear great but in truth, they are nothing, like sleep, they last but a short time and then they all vanish away.
This thought, namely, that all things end with death, made St Francis Borgia give himself up entirely to God. This Saint was obliged to accompany the body of the Empress Isabella to Granada. When the coffin was opened, all those present fled because of the dreadful sight and smell but St Francis, led by Divine Light, remained to contemplate, in that body, the vanity of the world and looking upon it, he said: “Art thou then my empress? Art thou that great one to whom so many great ones bowed the knee? O my mistress, Isabella, where is now thy majesty and thy beauty? Even thus,” he concluded within himself, “do the grandeurs and the crowns of this world end. From this day forward, I will, therefore, serve a Master Who can never die!” Therefore, from that time, he gave himself entirely to the love of Jesus Crucified and then, he formed this resolution, that if his wife should die, he would become a religious which resolution he afterwards fulfilled by entering the Society of Jesus. Truly, then, did one disabused of the world write these words on a skull: “It is impossible for him who thinks upon death, to love the world and. therefore. are there so many unhappy lovers of this world because they do not think upon death.”
“O ye sons of men, how long will ye blaspheme mine honour and have such pleasure in vanity and seek after pleasing?” (Ps iv: 2) O miserable children of Adam, the Holy Ghost warns us. why, therefore, do you not drive away from your hearts, that affection for the world which causes you to love vanity and deceit? That which happened to your forefathers will one day happen to you, they, at one time were living in the same houses and many slept upon the same beds which you do now but now they are no more – the same will happen to you.
Therefore, my brother, give thyself now to God, before death shall come to Thee. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might”(Eccles ix: 10) . Whatsoever thou canst do to-day, do it and wait not until to-morrow because this day will pass away and will never return and to-morrow death might overtake you, so that you would then be able to do nothing at all. Quickly remove yourself from all that separates, or that may separate you from God. Let us now give up all our love for this world’s goods, before death takes them away from us by force! “Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord.” (Rev xiv:13). Blessed are those, who, when dying, are found dead to the affection o fthis world. By such as these, death is not feared, it is desired, it is joyfully embraced, for instead of separating them from all that they love, it then unites them to their Sovereign Good, Who is alone loved by them and Who, will make them blessed for evermore.
Affections andPrayers
My dear Redeemer, I indeed thank Thee for having waited for me. What would have become of me if I had died when I was far from Thee? Forever blessed be Thy mercy and Thy patience which Thou hast exercised towards me, during the many years past. I thank Thee for the light and grace with which Thou dost now assist me. At one time I did not love Thee and then, I cared little for being loved by Thee.
Now, I love Thee, with all my heart and now, I have no greater grief, than what I feel, for having once displeased a God so gracious. This grief torments me but the torment is sweet because, this grief gives me confidence that Thou hast indeed pardoned me. My sweet Saviour, would that I had died over and over again, rather than once even, to have given Thee offence. I tremble and fear, lest at any time, I should ever again displease Thee. Ah, rather let me die a most painful death, than that I should ever again lose Thy grace. Once I was the slave of hell but now, I am Thy servant, O God of my soul.
Thou hast said that Thou wilt love those who love Thee. I love them who love me. I do love Thee, therefore, Thou art mine and I am Thine. I might lose Thee at some time but this is the grace which I seek, namely, it would be better for me to die, than to lose Thee again. Thou hast given me so many graces that I have not asked Thee. for, therefore, I cannot fear that Thou wilt fail to grant me this grace, for which I am now asking Thee.
Never again let me lose Thee; give me Thy holy Love and nothing more can I desire!
Quote/s of the Day – 2 September – St Stephen, King of Hungary (c975- 1038) Confessor
“Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life, rather, look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, Whose very Own you are, will lead you safely through all things and, when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His Arms.”
“Be merciful to all who are suffering violence, keeping always in your heart the example of the Lord who said: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’”
One Minute Reflection – 2 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Stephen King of Hungary (c975- 1038) Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11, Luke 19:12-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I say to you that to everyone who has, shall be given but from him, who does not have, even that which he has, shall be taken away.” – Luke 19;26
REFLECTION – “The Lord was looking to our days when He said, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Lk 18:8) We see that what He foretold has come to pass. There is no faith in the fear of God, in the law of righteousness, in love, in good works …. That which our conscience would fear if it believed, it does not fear because it does not believe at all. If it believed, it would also take heed and if it took heed, it would be saved.
Therefore, beloved brothers, let us arouse ourselves as much as we can and break the slumber of our listlessness. Let us be watchful to observe and to do the Lord’s precepts. Let us be like He Himself, has bidden us to be, saying, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately, when He comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants, whom the Master finds vigilant on His arrival“.
We ought to be dressed for work, lest, when the day of setting forth comes, it should find us burdened and entangled. Let our light shine, in good works and glow, in such a way, as to lead us from the night of this world, to the daylight of eternal brightness. Let us always wait with solicitude and caution for the sudden coming of the Lord, so that when he knocks, our faith may be on the watch and receive from the Lord, the reward of our vigilance. If these commands be observed, if these warnings and precepts be kept, we will not be overtaken in slumber, by the deceit of the devil. But we shall reign with Christ in His Kingdom, as servants on the watch.” – St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200-258) Bishop of Carthage and Martyr, Father of the Church (Treatise on the unity of the Church, 26-27).
PRAYER – We beseech Thee, Almighty God, that Thy Church be worthy to have as her glorious defender in Heaven, the blessed Stephen, Thy Confessor, whom she had as her champion while he reigned on earth. 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).
Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross
The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1, The prophecy of Simeon 2. The Flight to Egypt 3. Loss of Child Jesus for 3 days 4. Meeting Jesus carrying His Cross 5. The Crucifixion of Jesus 6. The Pieta – receiving Jesus’ Body The Burial of Jesus
Bid me bear, O Mother Blest, On my heart, the wounds imprest, Suffered by the Crucified!
An Indulgence of 50 days each time. Plenary Indulgence once a month under the usual conditions.
“Yet, after all, it is reasonable that the charitable should suffer when we remember that the Lord and model of all charity, suffered all things simply because of His charity. What else caused His Agony in the Garden, His cruel Scourging at the Pillar, and His dereliction on the Cross? It was all the result of His Divine Charity. We, therefore,, if we are to follow in His steps, must expect to encounter the same results as a reward for any charity if it resembles His, however remotely. If we are wise, we shall rejoice in any sign that we are to be honoured by sharing our Master’s lot!” Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Thought for the Day – 1 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
“Preparation for Death” By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
CONSIDERATION II
“An end, the end is come.” (Ezek vii: 2)
SECOND POINT: Philip II, King of Spain, being near death, called his son to him and casting aside his royal robe and showing him his breast which was all gnawed by worms, said to him: “Prince, see how we die and see how all the grandeur of this world is finished.” Theodoret spoke truly when he said, that “death fears neither riches nor guards, nor the purple; rottenness follows and health fails.” So that everyone who dies, although he may be a Prince, takes nothing with him to the grave; all the glory remains upon the bed where he died. “For he shall carry nothing away with him when he dieth, neither shall his pomp follow him.” (Ps xlix: 17).
St Antoninus relates that when Alexander the Great was dead, a certain philosopher, exclaiming, said: “Behold he who was treading upon the earth yesterday, now, by that same earth is possessed. Yesterday, the whole earth was not enough for him, now, he lies in about seven spans thereof. Yesterday, he conducted his armies over the earth and now, he is taken by a few men to be put under the earth.”
But ratherlet us listen to God, when He says: “Why are earth and ashes proud?” (Ecclus x: 9). Man, dost thou not see, that thou art nothing but dust and ashes and of what, therefore, art thou proud ? Why, therefore, dost thou spend thy years and thy thoughts in seeking to make thyself great in this world? Death will soon come and then, all thy grandeur will come to an end and also all thy designs. “And then, all his thoughts perish.” (Ps cxlvi: 3).
Oh how much happier was the death of St Paul the Hermit, who lived for sixty years shut up in a cave, than the death of Nero, who was the Emperor of Rome? How much happier was the death of Felix, a Capuchin Lay Brother, than the death of Henry VIII, who lived in Royal splendour but who was the enemy of God? But we must consider, that these holy men, in order to die such a happy death, gave up everything – their country, the hopes and pleasures which the world offered them and they embraced a life which was poor and despised. They buried their lives in this world, so that they might not be buried when dead, in hell!
But how can the worldly, who are living in sin in worldly pleasure, in dangerous occasions, how can they, I repeat, hope to die a happy death? God now threatens those who are living in sin that when they are on the bed of death, they will seek Him but they will not find Him. “Ye shall seek me and shall not find me.” (St John vii: 34) God says, that that will be the time for vengeance but not for mercy. “To Me belongetl vengeance and recompence.” (Deut xxxii: 35). Reason tells us the same, for at the hour of death, a worldly man will find his mind fails him, his heart dark and hardened because of his evil habits, his temptations will be very strong; how can he, who in life has been wont to yield to sin and to let sin conquer him, how can such an one, I say, ever expect to be able to resist temptation at the hour of death? An all-powerful Divine grace is then needed to change his heart but will God give him this Divine grace? Has he deserved it, during the unholy life he has led And does he deserve it now that he is dying? And yet, this is a question concerning his eternal happiness or his eternal misery! How is it then that he, who thinks upon this and believes in the Truths of Faith, does not give up everything, so as to give himself entirely to God, Who, according to our works, so will He judge us?
Affections andPrayers
Ah, Lord, how many nights have I, wretched one who I am, laid me down to sleep at enmity with Thee!? O God, what a wretched state was my soul then in! It was hated by Thee and it did not ‘mind Thy hatred. Once I was condemned to hell, the sentence only remained to be executed. But Thou, my God, hast never ceased to seek me, and to invite me to pardon. But who is it who can assure me that I am pardoned now? Must I live, my Jesus, in this fear until the time shall come for me to be judged? But the grief that I feel at having offended Thee; the desire which I have, to love Thee and much more, Thy great compassion, my Beloved Redeemer; make me hope to remain in Thy blessed favour. I am very sorry for having offended Thee, O Thou Sovereign Good and I love Thee beyond all things. I have resolved to lose all, rather than lose Thy grace and Thy holy Love. Thou desirest that heart which seeks Thee to rejoice. “Let the heart of them rejoice who seek the Lord.” (i Chron xvi: 10). O Lord, I detest my offences against Thee; give me courage and confidence do not reproach me with my ingratitude, for I am very conscious of it, I detest it. Thou hast said: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” (Ezek xxxiii: 11). Yes, my God, I will leave all and be converted to Thee. I seek Thee, I desire Thee and I love Thee more than all things. Give me Thy holy Love and I ask for nothing more.
Quote/s of the Day – 1 September – Pentecost XV – Galatians 5:25-26; 6:1-10; Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Young man, I say to thee, arise!”
Luke 7:14
“Rather blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.’”
Luke 11:28
“She began to bathe His feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed His feet and anointed them with ointment.”
Luke 7:38
“Make ready then the vessel of your soul that you may become a son of God and an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17); if, indeed, you are preparing yourself that you may receive; if you are drawing near in faith that you may be made faithful; if of set purpose, you are putting off the old man!”
St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Do not content yourself with confessing your venial sins merely as to the fact but accuse yourself too, of the motive which induced you to commit them.”
(Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 19).
“Christ was more concerned with St. Peter’s repentance and remorse, than with his sin.”
One Minute Reflection – 1 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Giles (c650 – c710) Abbot – Pentecost XV – Galatians 5:25-26; 6:1-10; Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
Young man, I say to thee, arise!” – Luke 7:14
REFLECTION – “Let no-one who is Christian doubt that even now, dead people rise. Certainly, every human being has eyes, by which he can see dead people rising, in the way this widow’s son, whom we just heard about in the Gospel, arose. But not everyone can see people who are spiritually dead rise. For that, it is necessary to have already risen interiorly. It is greater to raise someone, who is to live forever than to raise someone, who will have to die again.
The young man’s mother, this widow, was transported with joy at seeing her son rise. Our Mother, the Church, also rejoices when she sees her children’s spiritual resurrection everyday. The widow’s son was dead with the death of the body but these latter, are dead with the death of the soul. People wept tears over the visible death of the former but people were not concerned by the invisible death of the latter – they did not even see it. The only One Who did not remain indifferent, is the One Who knew these deaths – only the One, Who could give life back to them, knew these deaths. For if the Lord had not come to raise the dead, the Apostle Paul would not have said: “Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead and Christ will give you Light.” (Eph 5:14).” –St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 98).
PRAYER – May the pleading of blessed Giles Abbo,t make us acceptable unto Thee O Lord, we pray that what we may not have through any merits of our own, we may gain by means of his patronage. 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).
Thought for the Day – 31 August – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
“Preparation for Death” By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
CONSIDERATION II
“An end, the end is come.” (Ezek vii: 2)
FIRST POINT: BY the worldly, those only are considered happy, who enjoy the things of this world, its pleasures, its riches, its pomps but death puts an end to all these joys of earth, “For what is your life? it is even a vapour which appeareth for a little time.” (St James iv:14). The vapours which arise from the earth, sometimes when raised in the air and clothed with the light of the sun, cause a beautiful appearance but how long does it last? It vanishes with a little wind. Behold that great man, who to-day is courted, feared and almost adored, to-morrow, when he is dead, he will be despised, reviled and scorned.
When death comes, all must be left. The brother of that great servant of God, Thomas à Kempis, boasted of having built a beautiful house but a friend told him one day that there was one great defect. What is it? he demanded. “The defect,” replied the other, “is, that you have had a door made in it.” “ Indeed!” exclaimed he “is the door a defect?” “Yes,” replied the friend, “because one day you will have to be carried out of that door dead and thus will you have to leave your house and all which is in it.”
Death, in short, despoils man of all the things in this world. What a sad sight it is to see a Prince carried forth from his palace, never more to enter it and to see others take possession of his furniture, his money and of all his other goods! He is left in the grave with a garment on which will scarcely cover his body. There is no-one now to prize and to flatter him, neither are there any who take account of his last commands. Saladin, who acquired many Kingdoms in Asia, when dying, said, that when his body was taken to be buried, a man should go before it, with his shirt suspended to a pole, crying: “This is all which Saladin carries to the grave!” When the body of that Prince is shut up in the grave, the flesh will soon fall off and his skeleton will no longer be distinguished from other skeletons. St Basil crys: “Contemplate the sepulchre and see whether you can distinguish who was the servant and who was the lord!?”
Diogenes was one day observed by Alexander the Great to be anxiously seeking for something amidst certain skulls. “What dost thou seek?” inquired Alexander, with curiosity. “ I am seeking,” he replied, “the skull of thy father, King Philip and I cannot distinguish it, if thou canst find it, show it to me.” In this world, men are born of unequal rank but after death all will be equal, observes Seneca. And Horace said, that death makes the spade equal to the sceptre.
Finally, when death comes: “the end comes” everything is ended and everything must be left and nothing is taken to the grave, of all the things of this world.
Affections and Prayers
Since, my dear Lord, Thou dost grant me understanding to know that all that the world esteems, is but vanity and foolishness, give me strength to leave all its allurements before death may come to snatch me from them. Alas ! wretched me, how often because of the miserable pleasures and possessions of this world, have I not offended and lost Thee.
O Thou Infinite Good, O my Jesus, O my Heavenly Physician, look upon my poor miserable soul and upon the heavy wounds I have made with my sins and do Thou have mercy upon me. “If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.” I know Thou wilt make me clean but, in order to cleanse me, Thou desirest that I should repent of all the injuries I have done Thee. I do indeed repent!
Quote/s of the Day – 31 August – Ecclesiasticus Sir 31:8-1, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Jesus said to His disciples: gird your loins and light your lamps”
Luke 12:35
“ The fire of the Lord is Light Eternal; the lamps of believers are lit at this fire: “Gird your loins and light your lamps,” (Lk 12:35). It is because the days of our life are still night that a lamp is necessary. This is the fire which, according to the testimony of the disciples at Emmaus, the Lord Himself set within them: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32). He gives us evident proof of this fire’s action, enlightening man’s inmost heart. That is why the Lord will come in fire (Is 66,15) so as to devour our faults at the resurrection, fulfil each one’s desires with His Presence and cast His Light over their merits and mysteries.”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Hope, O my soul, hope! You know neither the day, nor the hour. Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly, even though your impatience, makes doubtful, what is certain and turns a very short time, into a long one.”
St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 31 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Raymond Nonnatus 1204-1240) Priest, Confessor, Cardinal, Friar of the Mercedarian Order. – Ecclesiasticus Sir 31:8-1, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“You also must be ready, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” – Luke 12:40
REFLECTION – “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel, for He is coming!” (cf Am 4:12) And you too, my brothers, “be on guard. The Son of Man will come when you least expect Him.” Nothing is more certain than His coming but, nothing is more uncertain, than when He will come. For we know so little of the times and moments which the Father has determined in His Power, in such a way that even the Angels, who surround Him, do not know the day or the hour (Acts 1:7; Mt 24:36).
Our last day will also come, that is certain but when and how is very uncertain for us. As someone said before, all we know is that “face-to-face with the elderly, He stands on the threshold, whereas face-to-face with young people, He keeps Himself concealed.” (St Bernard) … That day must not seize us unexpectedly, unprepared, like a thief in the night. … May fear, remaining awake, make us ever ready until security follows upon the fear and not fear upon security. The person who is wise says, “I will be on my guard against guilt,” (Ps 18:24), since I cannot preserve myself from death. For he knows that “the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest.” (Wis 4:7) Even more, those who were not enslaved to sin during their lifetime, triumph over death. How beautiful this is, my brothers, what happiness to be not only in security when faced with death but even more, to triumph over it with glory, strong through the testimony of one’s conscience!” – Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (Liturgical Sermons Vol 1 the 3rd. Sermon for Advent, 1).
PRAYER – O God, Who made blessed Raymund, Thy Confessor, famous for delivering Thy faithful from the captivity of the infidels, grant us, by his intercession that, having been released from the bonds of our sins, we may with free minds, do what is pleasing to Thee. 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).
Thought for the Day – 28 August – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
“Preparation for Death” By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
CONSIDERATION I
“Dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Gen iii:19)
THIRD POINT: My brother, in this description of death, thou seest thyself and that which one day thou wilt be, “Dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return.” Reflect, for in a few years, nay, perhaps in a few months and even days, thou wilt become a mass of corruption and worms. By thinking upon this, Job became a Saint: “I have said to corruption, Thou art my father, to the orm, Thou art my brother and sister.” (Job xvii: 14).
Everything must have an end and if, when the hour of death arrives, thy soul is lost, everything will be lost for thee. St Lawrence Justinian says: “Consider thyself as dead already, since thou knowest thou must die. If now the hour of thy death were approaching, what is there of good which thou wouldst not like to have done? Now, that thou art living, reflect that one day thou must die.” Bonaventure observes, that in order to guide the vessel aright, the pilot must place himself at the helm, even so must a man, if he wishes to lead a holy life, reflect that death is ever nigh. Therefore, St Bernard observes: “Look upon the sins of youth and blush; look on the sins of manhoodj and weep; look upon the present evil habits of thy life and tremble and hasten to make amends!”
When Camillus de Lellis beheld the graves of the dead, he said within himself: “If all these dead bodies could come back again to life, what would they not do to gain eternal life? and I, who have now the opportunity, what am I doing for my soul!?” Yet, it was humility on the part of this Saint which caused him to say this.
But perhaps, my brother, thou might with reason, fear, lest thou shouldst be like that barren fig-tree, concerning which our blessed Lord said: “Behold these three years I come, seeking fruit on this fig-tree and find none.” (St Luke xiii:7). Thou, who for many more years than three hast been living in this world, what fruit hast thou yielded? “Take care,” remarks St Bernard, “for the Lord does not require flowers only but seeks for fruit too, that is to say, not only good desires and resolutions but also good works.”
Therefore, take care to make good use of the time which God, in His mercy, grants to you; do not wait until “time shall be no longer,” to desire to do good when it shall be said unto you “Time shah be no longer – depart!” Make haste, it is now almost time to leave the world; make haste, what is done, is done.
Affections and Prayers
Look upon me, O my God, for I am that tree which, for so many years deserved to hear these words: “Cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground?” (St Luke xiii; 7) yes because, during the many years I have been in the world, I have yielded no ether fruit than the briars and thorns of sin. But Thou, O Lord, dost not wish me to despair. Thou hast said to all those who seek Thee that they shall find Thee. “Seek and ye shall find.” I do seek Thee, my God and I do desire Thy grace. I am indeed sorry for all the sins I have committed against Thee. I would grieve even to death because of them. During the past years, I have often fled from Thee but now, I value Thy friendship more than all the kingdoms of the world. I will no longer resist Thy calls.
Thou dost wish me to be Thine alone. I yield myself wholly to Thee, without any reserve. Thou didst give Thyself entirely for me, upon the Cross, now I give myself entirely to Thee.
Thou hast said: “If ye shall ask anything in My Name, I will do it.” (St John xiv: 14). My Jesus, I trust in this Thy great Promise and in Thy Name and through Thy Merits, I seek of Thee Thy grace and Thy Holy Love. Let Thy grace and Thy most Holy Love abound in my soul, where sin did once abound. I thank Thee greatly, for having given me the Spirit to make this prayer to Thee. Whilst Thou dost inspire me to pray, it is a sign that Thou wilt graciously hear me. Hear me, O my Jesus and give me a great love towards Thee and give me a great desire to please Thee and then, the strength to follow that desire!
Quote/s of the Day – 28 August – The Feast of St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Confessor, Great Western Father and Doctor of the Church
“Let Us Hate Our Sins and Love Him Who Will Exact Punishment for Them. What then should the Christian do? He ought to use the world, not become its slave. And what does this mean? It means having, as though not having. … Are we really certain that we love Him? Or do we love our sins more? Therefore, let us hate our sins and love Him Who, will exact punishment for them. He will come whether we wish it or not. Do not think that because He is not coming just now, He will not come at all. He will come, you know, not when and provided He finds you prepared, your ignorance of the time of His coming, will not be held against you.”
“… Every man is both debtor and creditor… A beggar asks you for alms but you, too, are God’s beggar, for when we pray we are all beggars of God. We stand – or rather, prostrate ourselves – at our Father’s door (cf Lk 11:5); we beseech Him with groans, anxious to receive a grace from Him and this grace is God Himself! What does the beggar ask of you? Bread. And what is it that you are asking of God but Christ, Who said: “I am the Living Bread come down from Heaven” (Jn 6:51).”
“Martha’s life is our own world; Mary’s life, the world we are waiting for. Let us live this one in uprightness, so that we may gain the other, in its fullness. What do we already possess of that life here below? … At this moment precisely, we are leading the life to come to a certain extent – you have gathered together, away from matters of business, apart from family cares and are present here to listen. When you act like this, then you resemble Mary.”
“The great wealth of Christians is found in the needs of the poor, provided we grasp how to put our possessions to good use. The poor are always before us; if we entrust our wealth to them, we shall not lose it.”
Watch, O Lord! With Those Who Wake, or Watch, or Weep Tonight By St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight and give Thy Angels and Saints, charge over those who sleep. Tend Thy sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Thy weary ones. Bless Thy dying ones. Soothe Thy suffering ones. Pity Thy afflicted ones. Shield Thy joyous ones. And all, for Thine Love’s sake. Amen
Almighty Father, Come Into Our Hearts By St Augustine (354-430)
Almighty Father, come into our hearts and so fill us with Thy Love that forsaking all evil desires, we may embrace Thee, our only good. Show us, O Lord our God, what Thou art to us. Say to our souls, I Am your salvation, speak so, that we may hear. Our hearts are before Thee, open our ears, let us hasten after Thy Voice. Hide not Thy Face from us, we beseech Thee, O Lord. Open our hearts, so that Thou may enter in. Repair the ruined mansions, that Thou may dwell therein. Hear us, O Heavenly Father, for the sake of Thy Only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and forever. Amen
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).
Thought for the Day – 27 August – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
“Preparation for Death” By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
CONSIDERATION I
“Dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Gen iii:19)
SECOND POINT: In order more clearly to see what indeed thou art, my Christian soul, St John Chrysostom observes: “Go to a sepulchre, contemplate dust, ashes, worms and sigh.” See how that corpse becomes, at first yellow and then black. Afterwards, there is seen upon the body, a white and unpleasant mould. Then there issues forth a foul and corrupt matter which sinks into the ground. In that corruption many worms are generated which feed upon the flesh. The rats then come to feast upon the body, some on the outside, others entering into the mouth and bowels.
The cheeks, the lips and the hair fall in pieces; the ribs are the first to become bare of flesh, then the arms and the legs. The worms after, having consumed the flesh eat each other, and, in the end, nothing remains of that body but a fetid skeleton which, in course of time, is divided, the bones being separated and the head falling from the body, they “become like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors and the wind carried them away“ ” (Dan ii:35.)
Behold, then, what man is – a little dust upon a threshing-floor which is carried away by the wind! Behold that nobleman, who was considered to be the life and soul of society, where is he? Go into his room, he is not there; if you look into his bed, it belongs to another; his clothes, his arms, others have already taken and divided them. If you wish to see him, you must seek for him in that grave where he is changed into all that is unpleasant and into fleshless bones.
O my God, that that body fed with so many delicacies, clothed with so much pomp, attended by so many servants, should be reduced to this ! O ye Saints, ye, who for the love of that God, Whom ye loved alone, upon this earth, knew how to mortify your bodies and now, your bones are kept and prized as sacred relics in golden shrines and your souls which are beatified, rejoice in the presence of God, waiting for the final Day, when your bodies even, will again become the companions of your souls in glory, as they were once the companions of your souls, in bearing the cross of this world. This is the true love of the body, so to burden it with mortifications here, that it may be happy in eternity and to deny it those pleasures here which would render it unhappy in eternity.
Affections andPrayers
Behold, therefore, O my God, to what my body will become reduced, through which I have so often offended Thee, it will be reduced even to worms and corruption. But this does not grieve me, O my God, nay, it rather cheers me, for this my flesh to become putrid and consumed which made me lose Thee, O my Sovereign Good. But it does grieve me very much, to think that I should have taken so much delight in those wretched pleasures which have so often displeased Thee. But I will not distrust Thy Mercy. Thou hast waited for me to give me pardon. “Therefore will the Lord wait that He may be gracious unto thee.” (Isa xxx: 18) And Thou wilt pardon me if I repent. Yes, Thou wilt, for I do repent with all my heart for having despised Thee, O God of Infinite Goodness. I will repeat to Thee as did St Catherine of Genoa, “No more sins, my Jesus, no more sins.” No, I will no longer abuse Thy patience, neither will I wait to embrace Thee until the hour of death. O my Crucified Love, now will I embrace Thee, now will I commend my soul into Thy keeping. “Into Thy Hands, I commend my spirit.”
My soul has been many years in this world without loving Thee, give me light and strength to love Thee during the life which remains to me. I will not wait until the hour of death to love Thee, from this moment, 1 will love Thee and embrace Thee and unite myself to Thee and, I promise, never more to leave Thee.
Quote/s of the Day – 27 August – St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648) Confessor, Priest
“If, from the very earliest years, a child is instructed in both religion and letters, it can be reasonably hoped that his life will be happy.”
“Like the saplings of plants, the young are easily influenced, as long as someone works to teach their souls. But if they are allowed to grow hard, we know well that the possibility of one day bending them, diminishes a great deal and is sometimes utterly lost.”
“LOVE is the only way to HEAVEN.”
“Keep, O Lord, my heart at peace, always close to Thee. Thou Who calms the wild waves of the sea.”
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