Quote/s of the Day – 24 March – Tuesday of Passion Week – Daniel 14:27-42 – John 7:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The world … hates Me because I bear witness concerning it, that its works are evil.”
John 7:7
“… THE WORLD HATES Christians, so why give your love to it, instead of following Christ, Who Loves you and has Redeemed you? A man cannot love the Father and love the world at the same time. All that the world offers is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and earthly ambition. The world and its allurements will pass away but the man who has done the will of God shall live forever. Our part, my dear brothers, is to be single-minded, firm in faith and steadfast in courage, ready for God’s will, whatever it may be. Banish the fear of death and think of the eternal life which follows it. That will show people that we really live our faith.”
St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Martyr Father of the Church
(An excerpt from On Man’s Mortality).
“God takes special care to detach from the passing pleasures of this world, those whom He Loves with special predilection, by sending them desires after heavenly bliss and, by the sorrows and bitterness of the present life.”
St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)
“We must make our way towards eternity, never regarding what men think of us, or of our actions, studying only to please God.”
One Minute Reflection – 18 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ferial Day – Feast of Our Lady of Expectation – Ferial Day – Philippians 4:4-7 – John 1:19-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“[One is standing] in the midst of you, … Whom you do not know.” – John 1:26
REFLECTION – “The Lord is near.Have no anxiety [at all]” (Phil 4:5-6). This is what God the Father says in the Prophet Isaias: “I am bringing on My Justice,” – that is to say, His Son; “My Salvation shall not tarry. I shall put Salvation within Zion and give to Israel My Glory” (46:13). It is what today’s Gospel says: “One is standing in your midst, One Whom you do not know” Mediator between God and men, a Man (1 Tim 2:5), Christ Jesus, arises in the camp of this world, to fight the devil. As victor, He rescues man and reconciles him with God our Father. But you do not know Him!
“Sons have I raised and reared but they have disowned Me. An ox knows its owner and an ass, its master’s manger. But Israel does not know Me and My people have not understood” (Is 1:2-3). How close the Lord is to us! And we do not know Him! “I have fed My children with My blood,” He says to us, “as a mother feeds her children with her milk. I have raised the human nature I have taken, to which I am united, above the Choirs of Angels.” Could He show us greater honour? “And they have rejected Me. See whether there is any sorrow like Mine” (Lam 1:12) …
So, then, “have no anxiety at all,” for it is anxiety concerning material things which makes us forget the Lord!” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and Feast days, 3rd Sunday of Advent).
PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly, the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. 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).
One Minute Reflection – 28 November – “The Month of The Holy Souls in Purgatory” – St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) Virgin, Religious Sister of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Marian Visionary of the Miraculous Medal – Ferial Day – Colossians 1:9-14 – Matthew 24:15-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“So you also, when you shall see all these things, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.” – Matthew 24:33
REFLECTION – “Then, all the trees of the forest shall leap for joy before the Lord, for He Comes, He Comes to rule the earth” (Ps 95:12-13). Our Lord came the first time and will come again anew. He came into His Church to begin with “on the clouds” (Mt 26:64). What are those clouds which bore Him? Apostles, preachers… He came, borne by His preachers to begin with and He filled the whole earth. Let us not resist His First Coming if we would not fear the Second…
What, then, should Christians do? Take advantage of this world but do not serve this world. What does that mean? “Possess as if one did not possess.” This is what Saint Paul said … “Brothers, the time is growing short. From now on… let those who weep act like those who do not weep, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, those using the world as not using it fully, For the world in its present form is passing away. I should like you to be free of anxieties” (1 Cor 7:29-32). Someone who is free of anxiety awaits the Lord’s Coming with assurance, for can we be said to love our Lord if we dread His Coming?! My brethren, are we not ashamed? Do we love Him and yet dread His Coming? Is it He we truly love or do we not rather prefer our sins? Therefore, let us hate our sins and love Him Who is to Come …
“All the trees of the forest shall leap for joy before the Lord, for He has Come” for the first time… “All the trees of the forest shall leap for joy” when He Comes again to judge the earth. Then, “because He has Come” He will find rejoicing, all those who believed in His Coming on the first occasion.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church (Discourses on the Psalms Ps 95).
PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body, defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and of blessed Catherine Labouré and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors, being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. 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).
I Love Thee, God, I Love Thee O Deus Ego Amo Te By St Francis Xavier (1506-1552) Translated by Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ (1844-1889)
I love Thee, God, I love Thee— Not out of hope for Heaven for me Nor fearing not to love and be in the everlasting burning. Thou, my Jesus, after me Didst reach Thine arms out dying, For my sake suffered nails and lance, Mocked and marred countenance, Sorrows passing number, Sweat and care and cumber, Yea and death and this for me, And Thou could see me sinning. Then I, why should not I love Thee, Jesu so much in love with me? Not for Heaven’s sake, not to be Out of hell by loving Thee, Not for any gains I see, But just the way that Thou didst me I do love and will love Thee. What must I love Thee, Lord, for then? For being my King and God. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649) Priest, Martyr, and St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ”
Luke 12:4-5
“It is He Who is our peace.”
St Paul Ephesians 2:14
“The world … hates Me because I bear witness concerning it, that its works are evil.”
John 7:7
“… THE WORLD HATES Christians, so why give your love to it, instead of following Christ, Who loves you and has redeemed you? A man cannot love the Father and love the world at the same time. All that the world offers is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and earthly ambition. The world and its allurements will pass away but the man who has done the Will of God shall live forever. Our part, my dear brothers, is to be single-minded, firm in faith and steadfast in courage, ready for God’s will, whatever it may be. Banish the fear of death and think of the eternal life which follows it. That will show people that we really live our Faith.”
St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Martyr Father of the Church
(An excerpt from On Man’s Mortality).
“You do not, in your enemies, love what they are but what you would have them become, by your prayers!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Father, forgive them.” With this prayer, He wanted to make us understand the love He bore us, undiminished by any suffering and to teach us how our heart should be toward our neighbour.”
One Minute Reflection – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7
REFLECTION – “I appeal to you by the Mercy of God. This appeal is made by Paul, or rather, it is made by God through Paul because of God’s desire to be loved, rather than feared, to be a Father, rather than a Lord. God appeals to us in His Mercy to avoid having to punish us in His severity.
Listen to the Lord’s appeal: In Me, I want you to see your own body, your members, your heart, your bones, your blood. You may fear what is Divine but why not love what is human? You may run away from Me as the Lord but why not run to Me as your Father? Perhaps you are filled with shame for causing My bitter Passion. Do not be afraid. This Cross inflicts a mortal injury, not on Me but on death! These nails no longer pain Me but only deepen your love for Me. I do not cry out because of these Wounds but through them, I draw you into My Heart. My Body was stretched on the Cross as a symbol, not of how much I suffered but of My all-embracing Love. I count it no less, to shed My Blood, it is the price I have paid for your ransom. 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) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (An Excerpt from Sermon 108).
PRAYER – May the continual protection of the blessed Martyrs comfort us, O Lord, for Thou do not cease to behold with favour those whom You have granted the grace of such assistance. 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).
Quote/s of the Day – 11 September – St Protus and St Hyacinth (Died c257) Brother Martyrs – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:6-7”
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ”
Luke 12:4
“Take courage: It is I, do not be afraid. And He got into the boat with them and the wind fell”
Mark 6:50-51
“Fear is a greater evil than the evil itself.”
(Letters to Persons in the World, VI, 12)
“The good Angels are around you, like a company of Sentinels on guard!”
One Minute Reflection – 11 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Protus and St Hyacinth (Died c257) Brother Martyrs – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7
REFLECTION – “It seems to me you ought to resolve to carry out peacefully what you can. Do not worry about all the rest but entrust to Divine Providence that which you are unable to accomplish on your own. What is pleasing to God, is the reasonable care and attention we give, to accomplishing well, whatever business we must undertake through duty. What is not pleasing to God, is anxiety and disquiet of mind. The Lord wants our limitations and weaknesses, to find their support in His Strength; He wants us to hope that His Goodness will complete and perfect the imperfectness of our means.
Those who take on numerous responsibilities, even with an upright and pure intention, must resolve to do simply what lies within their power … If it is necessary to set certain things aside, arm yourselves with patience and do not think that God expects of us what we are unable to do. He does not want a man to distress himself on account of his limitations … there is no need to tire ourselves out excessively. More, if we have laboured to do our best, we can abandon all the rest to Him ,Who has the power to accomplish whatever He will.
May the Divine Goodness always be pleased to communicate His Light of Wisdom to us, so that we may clearly see and firmly accomplish, His good pleasure, for ourselves and for others … so that we may accept from His Hand, whatever He sends us, taking due note of what is the most important – patience, humility, obedience and charity!” – St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Priest, Founder of the Society of Jesus (Letter of 17 November 1555)
PRAYER – May the precious witness of Thy blessed Martyrs, Protus and Hyacinth, comfort us, O Lord and may their kind intercession, continually protect us. 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).
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.’”
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
Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Feast of St Bernard (1090-1153) Confessor, Father and Mellifluous Doctor
“The more I contemplate God, the more God looks upon me. The more I pray to Him, the more He thinks of me too.”
“The reason for loving God, is God Himself! As to how He is to be loved, there is only one measure – It is immeasurable!”
“In Him should all our affections gather, so that in all things we should seek only to do His Will, not to please ourselves.”
“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favour, you shall reach the goal.”
Lux Alma, Jesu Light of the Anxious Heart By St Bernard (1091-1153). Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
Light of the anxious heart, Jesus, Thou dost appear, To bid the gloom of guilt depart, And shed Thy sweetness here.
Joyous is he, with whom, God’s Word, Thou dost abide; Sweet Light of our eternal home, To fleshly sense denied.
Brightness of God above! Unfathomable grace! Thy presence be a fount of love Within Thy chosen place.
To Thee, Whom children see, The Father ever blest, The Holy Spirit, One and Three, Be endless praise addrest.
Translation by Cardinal Newman (1800-1890). There are eight translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. This Hymn is a cento from St Bernard’s Jesu Dulcis Memoria.
Quote/s of the Day – 11 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgin Martyr, St Philomena (Died 304) Virgin Martyr – Hebrews 11:33-39– Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:6-7
“[He] hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous Light … ”
1 Peter 2:9
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have conquered the world.” John 16:33
“Who will be crowned without having fought? Who will go to rest if he is not tired (cf. 2 Tim 2:5-6)? Who will gather the fruits of life without having planted virtues in his soul? Cultivate them, prepare the earth with the greatest care, take trouble over it, sweat over it, children, God’s workers, imitators of the Angels, competitors with incorporeal beings, lights for those who are in the world. (cf. Phil 2:15)!”
St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
“Fear is a greater evil than the evil itself.”
(Letters to Persons in the World, VI, 12)
“Why do you put yourself in trouble? God is good; He sees very well what you are.”
(Letters to Persons in Religion, III, 16)
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
“We think not enough of this Truth – that God is present with us that He sees our thoughts, even long before we have them. That He knows what we think and shall think, better than we ourselves that He sees the folds and recesses, of our heart and of this other Truth – that NOTHING HAPPENS to us but by the order of Providence. We should all be Saints, if we well apprehended these Truths. And truly, it is a great consolation, to know that God sees the bottom of our heart.”
St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641) Disciple and Collaborator with St Francis de Sales in Founding the Sisters of the Visitation
One Minute Reflection – 11 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgin Martyr, St Philomena (Died 304) Virgin Martyr – Hebrews 11:33-39– Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7
REFLECTION – “Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear – rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He is your keeper. He has kept you hitherto. Do you but hold fast to His dear Hand and He will lead you safely through all things and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His Arms. Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or He will give you strength to bear it.” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church.
PRAYER – May the constant protection of Thy holy Martyrs, Tiburtius and Susanna and Philomena support us, O Lord, for Thou never fails to look mercifully upon those whom Thou, hast given the help, of such intercession. 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).
Quote/s of the Day – 23 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Apollinaris (1st Century) Bishop Martyr, Disciple of St Peter – 1 Peter 5:1-11 – Luke 22:24-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Let him who is greatest among you, become as the youngest and he who is the leader, as the servant.”
Luke 22:25
“No Christian should think of himself as his own master but each should rather so think and act, as though given by God, to be slave to his fellow brothers and sisters.”
“I tell you, this man went back to his home justified, rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled but he who humbles himself, will be exalted” Luke 18:14
“Be on your guard, therefore and bear in mind, this example of severe loss, sustained through arrogance. … Never place yourself above anyone, not even great sinners. Humility often saves a sinner, who has committed many terrible transgressions!”
St Basil the Great (329-379) Father and Doctor of the Church
“If thou wouldst see well, pluck out thine eyes and be blind; if thou wouldst hear well, be deaf and if thou wouldst speak well, become dumb; if thou wouldst advance, stand still and advance with thy mind; if thou wouldst work well, cut off thy hands and work with thy heart; if thou wouldst love much, hate thyself; if thou wouldst live well, mortify thyself; if thou wouldst gain much and be rich, first lose all and become poor and if thou wouldst enjoy peace, afflict thyself and be ever in fear and suspect thine own self; if thou wouldst be exalted and have great honour, humble and abase thyself; if thou wouldst be held in great reverence, despise thyself and do reverence to him who reviles thee; if thou wouldst that it should be well with thee, suffer all evil things and if thou wouldst be blessed, desire that all should speak ill of thee and if thou wouldst have true and eternal rest, then toil and suffer and desire to have every temporal affliction. O what great wisdom it is to know how to do and to work out these things.”
Thought for the Day – 6 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul
St Peter, Prince of the Apostles St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles
“It is good to admire the fidelity of St Peter and the designs of Divine Providence in making him the visible Head of the Church but, it is far better, to follow his example. His love for Jesus, led him to leave his family and his fisherman’s trade, in order to follow Our Lord. It led him to undertake long voyages, to endure imprisonment and to face Martyrdom. What can we do for the love of Jesus? Remember that, if love is to be sincere, it must be generous and effective.
Secondly, let us meditate on and imitate, the ardent and fearless faith of St Peter. He was not afraid to preach the teaching of Christ before the Sanhedrin. He was not afraid of Herod, who cast him into prison.
He was not afraid of the Roman Emperor, who caused him to be crucified. Our faith should be steadfast and lively, like his!
Finally, let us imitate Peter in his repentance. Although he loved Jesus very much and had such great faith in Him, in a moment of weakness and of imprudence, he denied Him three times. All his life, however, be wept bitterly for this sin. Whenever he heard a cock crowing, it was as if an arrow had pierced his heart. He was not satisfied, until he was hanging upon the cross like his Divine Master and could prove his love for Jesus by a Martyr’s death.”
St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles
We can learn many other virtues from St Paul, besides his zealous love for God and for his fellowmen. We can also learn from him, the virtues of humility and of apostolic fervour. The Apostle of the Gentiles reached such heights of sanctity, as to feel himself transformed into Christ Himself and to deserve to be taken up into the third Heaven, where he enjoyed a foretaste of eternal happiness. Nevertheless, he considered himself unworthy to be called an Apostle and he realised, that all his gifts came to him from God. “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything as from ourselves but our sufficiency, is from God” (2 Cor 3:5). Whenever we succeed in any project, we should think on the same lines because, it is only when we are humble and depend on the grace of God, that the success of our actions will redound to the glory of our Creator. If the cancer of ambition or of self-love, should corrupt our purity of intention, our work would not be blessed by God and would not make us worthy of everlasting life. Let us repeat often: “All for You, with You and in You, my God.”
One Minute Reflection – 28 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – St Irenaeus (c130–c202) Bishop, Martyr, Father of the Church – 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 4:1-5; Matthew 10:28-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And fear you not them who kill the body and are not able to kill the soul …” – Matthew 10:28
REFLECTION – “They did not nail Polycarp but only tied him up. And so, he was bound, putting his arms behind his back, like a noble ram taken from a large flock for sacrifice, a burnt offering acceptable to and made ready for God. Then he gazed up to Heaven and said: “O Lord God Almighty, Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through Whom we have received knowledge of You, God of the angels and the powers and of all creation, God of the whole race of the righteous who live in Your sight: I bless You, for You have thought me worthy of this day and hour, to share the cup of Your Christ, as one of Your Martyrs, to rise again to eternal life in body and soul in the immortality of the Holy Ghost. May I be taken up today into Your Presence among Your Martyrs, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, in the manner You have prepared and have revealed and have now brought to fulfillment, for You are the God of truth… And so also I praise You for all things; I bless and glorify you through our Eternal High Priest in Heaven (Heb 4,14), in Your beloved Child, Jesus Christ, through Whom be glory to You and to Him and to the Holy Ghost, now and for the ages to come. Amen.” – Letter of the Church of Smyrna concerning the Martyrdom of Saint Polycarp (69-155) [Especially appropriate today, as St Irenaeus was a Student and Disciple of St Polycarp.]
PRAYER – O God, Who enabled blessed Irenaeus, Thy Martyr and Bishop, to overcome heresy with true doctrine and to establish peace happily in the Church, grant, we beseech Thee that Thy people may be steadfast in holy religion and give us Thy peace in our times. 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).
MAY the HEART of JESUS be loved everywhere. INDULGENCE – 100 Days, Once a day – Pope Pius IX 23 September 1860.
Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endures, Come, Light of all Who live!
The Gift of Fear
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God and makes us dread nothing as much, as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear which arises, not from the thought of hell but, from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our Heavenly Father. It is the fear which is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures which could, in any way, separate us from God. “They who fear the Lord, will prepare their hearts and in His sight, will sanctify their souls.”
Prayer
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things which may offend Thee and make me worthy to appear before the pure Eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in Heaven, where Thou livest and reignest, in the unity of the ever-Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
Thought for the Day – 8 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Consolation of Prayer
“We can gain strength and comfort from prayer, especially when we are tempted and in danger of yielding to sin. God may not answer us immediately because He may wish to try our faith and love. But, if we persist and tell Jesus that we would die rather than offend Him, He will take pity on us. He will stretch out His Hand as He did in the storm tossed boat with the Apostles and over us too, will come “a great calm” (Mt 8:26, Mk 4:39, Lk 8:24). Any sacrifice on our part is amply repaid by the peace which follows victory over temptation.
Let us not be afraid! Let us pray and God will console us.”
Quote/s of the Day – 8 April – Tuesday in Passion Week – Ferial Day – Daniel 14:27-42 – John 7:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The world … hates Me because I bear witness concerning it, that its works are evil.”
John 7:7
“… THE WORLD HATES Christians, so why give your love to it, instead of following Christ, Who loves you and has redeemed you? A man cannot love the Father and love the world at the same time. All that the world offers is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and earthly ambition. The world and its allurements will pass away but the man who has done the will of God shall live forever. Our part, my dear brothers, is to be single-minded, firm in faith and steadfast in courage, ready for God’s will, whatever it may be. Banish the fear of death and think of the eternal life which follows it. That will show people that we really live our faith.”
St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Martyr Father of the Church
(An excerpt from On Man’s Mortality).
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in Heaven.” Matthew 5:12
“ Rejoice, ardent travellers, at undergoing exile and maltreatment in a foreign land in the name of the commandment of God! Rejoice, you who are last in this world but lords of blessings which exceed our understanding (cf Phil 4:7). Yet a little while and we shall have vanquished. And blessed shall we be; blessed also, it shall be said, are the places, family and countries which have borne you (cf Lk 11:27-28).”
Lenten Meditations – 30 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
The Fourth Sunday in Lent Jesus Before Pilate
Read St John xviii:28-40 (See below)
+I. Pilate was at first inclined to look with contempt on the charge brought against Christ of promoting Himself as the King of the Jews. But, he soon changed his mind. He was astonished at Our Lord’s silence and reserve. His calm dignity made a deep impression upon him. How few there are, who imitate Christ in this! Our babbling tongues pour forth so many foolish and ill-considered words. Learn the dignity of timely silence from our Lord Jesus.
+2. Yet Jesus spoke when occasion required. He said enough to Pilate to convince him, not only of His innocence but, of His claim to be King. Pilate was half-inclined to listen. He could not help recognising, to some degree, the Divine Beauty of the Son of God amid all His humiliations. So the Catholic Church manifests herself to the world in a way which is sufficient to attract men of goodwill. There are few who have not the chance of recognising her claims. Her beauty, even in her humiliations and amid the sins of men, shines forth, as did the beauty of her Divine Spouse.
+3. Pilate’s long experience, tells him plainly enough that the Jews are all mistaken and Christ is correct. His practiced eye, detects the malice of the Jews, their hatred of their Victim, their selfishness and unscrupulous cruelty. He longs to release Christ; he knows he ought to do so but, he fears the Jews, lest he be reported as favouring revolt. Human fear overcomes his convictions and he has not the courage to set Jesus free. How fatal is cowardice in things Divine!
John 18:28-40: [28] Then they led Jesus from Caiphas to the governor’s hall. And it was morning and they went not into the hall, that they might not be defiled but that they might eat the pasch. [29] Pilate, therefore, went out to them and said: What accusation bring you against this man? [30] They answered and said to him: If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him to thee. [31] Pilate, therefore, said to them: Take Him you and judge Him according to your law. The Jews, therefore, said to him: It is not lawful for us to put any man to death; [32] That the Word of Jesus might be fulfilled which He said, signifying what death He should die. [33] Pilate, therefore, went into the hall again and called Jesus and said to Him: Art Thou the King of the Jews? [34] Jesus answered: Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of Me? [35] Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Thy own nation and the chief priests, have delivered Thee to me, what hast Thou done? [36] Jesus answered: My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews but now, My Kingdom is not from hence. [37] Pilate, therefore, said to Him: Art Thou a King then? Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a King. For this was I born and for this came I into the world that I should give testimony to the truth. Everyone that is of the truth, heareth My Voice. [38] Pilate saith to Him: What is truth? And when he said this, he went out again to the Jews and saith to them: I find no cause in Him. [39] But you have a custom that I should release one unto you at the pasch, will you, therefore, that I release unto you the King of the Jews? [40] Then cried they all again, saying: Not this Man but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. [John 18:28-40]
Quote/s of the Day – 6 March – Ash Thursday – Isaias 38:1-6 – Matthew 8:5-13
“And the centurion, making answer, said: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof but only say the word and my servant shall be healed.”
Matthew 8:8
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 23:12
“Those who refuse to be humble cannot be saved. They cannot say with the prophet: See, God comes to my aid; the Lord is the helper of my soul. But anyone who makes himself humble, like a little child, is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father and Doctor if the Church
“Humility is the mother of many virtues because, from it are born: obedience, fear, reverence, patience, modesty, meekness and peace. He who is humble easily obeys everyone, fears to offend anyone, is at peace with everyone, is kind to all!”
St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555)
“Humility is not just about self-mistrust but about the entrusting of ourselves to God. Distrusting ourselves and our own strength produces trust in God and from that trust, generosity of soul is born.”
One Minute Reflection – 22 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St Vincent of Saragossa (Died 304) Protomartyr of Spain and St Anastasius the Persian (Died 628) Martyr – Wisdom 3:1-8; Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
Jesus said to His disciples: When you shall hear of wars and seditions, be not terrified.” – Luke 21:9
REFLECTION – “The nearer the King approaches, the more we should pray. The nearer the moment arrives for bestowing the trophy on the combatant, the more fervently we should struggle. This is what they do at the races – as the end of the course nears and they are reaching the goal, they stir up the horses’ enthusiasm even more. In the same way, Saint Paul says: “Now is salvation nearer to us than when first we believed. The night is far gone, the day is at hand” (Rm 13:11-12).
Since night is disappearing and day is coming into view, let us carry out the works of day and leave behind the works of darkness. This is what we do in the course of life – when we see night giving way to dawn and hear the swallows singing, then we rouse one another even though it is still dark … We hurry to our daily tasks, we clothe ourselves after being snatched from sleep, so that the sun will find us ready. What we do then, let us do now. Let us shake off our dreams, rouse ourselves from thoughts of this present life, leave our heavy slumber and put on the garment of virtue. This is what the Apostle clearly says to us: “Cast off the works of darkness and put on the Armour of Light” (v.12). For day is calling us to the battle, to the fight!
But do not be afraid when you hear these words about fighting and combat! For if it is uncomfortable to put on heavy material armour, it is pleasant, on the other hand, to put on spiritual armour, for this is an Armour of Light! In this way you will shine more brightly than the sun and, even as you sparkle brightly, you will be safe because these are weapons … weapons of Light. So then? Are we excused from fighting? Not at all! We are to fight but without being overcome by fatigue and without pain. For it is not so much a war to which we are being summoned as a feast and celebration!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Epistle to the Romans, 24).
PRAYER – Give heed to our humble prayers, O Lord, that we who know we are guilty of our own sin, may be saved by the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius.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 – 10 January – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Christmastide “The Holy Infancy” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“The Arrival in Bethlehem”
+1. When the Wise Men had obtained the information they needed, they wasted no further time in Jerusalem but turned their steps towards the Village of Bethlehem. Their faith was being very sorely tried. The Star had disappeared and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, instead of sharing their eagerness to find the Newborn King, seemed to be either indifferent or. positively hostile to the idea of His Presence in their midst. So Jesus, in the Blessed Sacrament, lies waiting in the Tabernacle for a visit from those whom He loves. They have no longing for Him, no desire for His Company. Only a few faithful souls go to pay their court to Him. Am I one of them?
+2. Scarcely had they left the City, when the Star reappeared to their joyful eyes. There it is; there is no mistaking it. God has not deserted us. He is still guiding us and we shall find Him Whom we seek. No wonder that they rejoiced with great joy! So to those who have persevered amid doubt and darkness, God soon restores the Light of His Presence. Courage, faintheart! the Star will soon reappear before you!
+3. At length, the Star, instead of moving above them in the heavens, came nearer to earth and settled on the humble dwelling-place where Jesus and His Mother abode. What! the King of the Jews in that poverty-stricken shed? Yes, so it is; Christ scorns the gilded palace and loves the humble hut. There He is at home; thither He invites His friends to come and see how He dwells with the poor and humble of heart.
Quote/s of the Day – 8 January – Within the Octave of the Epiphany
“Rather blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.’”
Luke 11:28
“I Am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life.”
John 8:12
“Our hearts were made for Thee, O God And restless must they be Until, O God, this grace accord, Until they rest in Thee!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church
“The obedience of the Star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace which invites all men to find Christ.”
St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Humility is the mother of many virtues because, from it are born: obedience, fear, reverence, patience, modesty, meekness and peace. He who is humble easily obeys everyone, fears to offend anyone, is at peace with everyone, is kind to all!”
St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555)
“When God puts inspirations into a heart, the first He gives, is obedience. ”
“To find the Saviour outside obedience, is to lose Him altogether.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
Thought for the Day – 29 D ecember – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
As Fr Clarke has left us in the lurch for the last 3 days of December, I am revisiting dear Cardinal Bacci to come to our aid. I pray you, like myself, never tire of his wisdom.
The Holy Family – Jesus
“We have in the Holy Family, the highest possible models of perfection – Jesus, Mary and Joseph. As God, Jesus is essentially holy. By means of the Hypostatic Union, this sanctity is transmitted also to His human nature. The holiness of Jesus was only gradually revealed as He grew older because He wished to be like us in everything, save in sin. As the Gospel says, He “advanced in wisdom and age and grace before God and men” (Lk 2:52). Jesus gave us an example of holiness which we should find easier to imitate because it was eternally increasing all the time. He offered us, as an example, the kind of sanctity which has its beginning and foundation in utter humility and detachment from worldly goods. “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29).
Socrates advised his followers to have few desires and to desire these as little as possible, in order to remain content, for the man who is full of desires is always uneasy and restless. This human counsel is very true but, it is incomplete. It recommends detachment from earthly things but fails to teach the ardent and practical desire for supernatural things. Jesus Christ teaches us both. After He has urged us to become gentle and humble like Himself, after He has told us not to worry about the future and not to fret about what to wear and what to eat, He points out the way in which Providence clothes the lilies of the filed and feeds the birds of the air. Then He adds: “Seek the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be given you besides” (Cf Lk.12:22-31).
We must limit and moderate our desire for earthly goods, therefore but, should ardently yearn to love God, to serve and obey Him in this life and to enjoy Him forever in Heaven. This is what the Infant Jesus wishes to teach us.”
One Minute Reflection – 15 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception – The Third Sunday of Advent “Gaudete” Sunday –Philippians 4:4-7; John 1:19-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“[One is standing] in the midst of you, … Whom you do not know.” – John 1:26
REFLECTION – “The Lord is near.Have no anxiety [at all]” (Phil 4:5-6). This is what God the Father says in the Prophet Isaiah: “I am bringing on My Justice,” – that is to say, His Son; “My Salvation shall not tarry. I shall put Salvation within Zion and give to Israel My glory” (46:13). It is what today’s Gospel says: “One is standing in your midst, One Whom you do not know” Mediator between God and men, a Man (1Tim 2:5), Christ Jesus, arises in the camp of this world, to fight the devil. As victor, He rescues man and reconciles him with God our Father. But you do not know Him!
“Sons have I raised and reared but they have disowned Me. An ox knows its owner and an ass, its master’s manger. But Israel does not know Me and My people have not understood” (Is 1:2-3). How close the Lord is to us! And we do not know Him! “I have fed My children with My Blood,” He says to us, “as a mother feeds her children with her milk. I have raised the human nature I have taken, to which I am united, above the Choirs of Angels.” Could He show us greater honour? “And they have rejected Me. See whether there is any sorrow like Mine” (Lam 1:12) …
So, then, “have no anxiety at all,” for it is anxiety concerning material things which makes us forget the Lord!” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and Feast days, 3rd Sunday of Advent).
PRAYER – Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee and delay not and with Thy great might, come to our aid, so that what is hindered by our sins, maybe hastened by Thy merciful goodness. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
One Minute Reflection – 27 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – Feria of the Last Sunday after Pentecost – Colossians 1:9-14; Matthew 24:15-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“So you also, when you shall see all these things, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.” – Matthew 24:33
REFLECTION – “Then, all the trees of the forest shall leap for joy before the Lord, for He Comes, He Comes to rule the earth” (Ps 95:12-13). Our Lord came the first time and will come again anew. He came into His Church to begin with “on the clouds” (Mt 26:64). What are those clouds which bore Him? Apostles, preachers… He came, borne by His preachers to begin with and He filled the whole earth. Let us not resist His First Coming if we would not fear the Second…
What, then, should Christians do? Take advantage of this world but do not serve this world. What does that mean? “Possess as if one did not possess.” This is what Saint Paul said … “Brothers, the time is growing short. From now on… let those who weep act like those who do not weep, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, those using the world as not using it fully, For the world in its present form is passing away. I should like you to be free of anxieties” (1 Cor 7:29-32). Someone who is free of anxiety awaits the Lord’s Coming with assurance, for can we be said to love our Lord if we dread His Coming?! My brethren, are we not ashamed? Do we love Him and yet dread His Coming? Is it He we truly love or do we not rather prefer our sins? Therefore, let us hate our sins and love Him Who is to Come …
“All the trees of the forest shall leap for joy before the Lord, for He has Come” for the first time… “All the trees of the forest shall leap for joy” when He Comes again to judge the earth. Then, “because He has Come” He will find rejoicing, all those who believed in His Coming on the first occasion.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church (Discourses on the Psalms Ps 95).
PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with You. 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).
Quote/s of the Day – 10 November – St Andrew Avellino CR (1521–1608) Confessor, Patron against sudden death/of a Holy Death, against Apoplexy or Strokes.
“If they, must regard themselves as useless servants, who have done all their duty, what must I do, who have done so small a part of what I ought to have done?”
“Will that magnificent mansion of the blessed spirits, allow the entrance of one so miserable, despicable and sinful as I am?”
[From this fear, however, he was afterwards freed by a comforting vision. St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas, both of whom he honoured as Patrons, appeared to him, consoled him and promised him their aid, especially in that hour on which eternity depends.]
“Although, at the age of 83 years, I am excused from the law of fasting, I find, when thinking of my sins and my indolence in the service of the Most High, that I am obliged to fast and to observe other austerities, in order to appease the wrath of God.”
AnaStpaul 
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