Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – ‘Everything is a sign!’

Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – Monday of the Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year A

And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said,
“Why does this generation seek a sign?

Mark 8:12

“But for what sign from heaven were they asking?
Maybe that He should hold back the sun,
or curb the moon,
or bring down thunderbolts,
or change the direction of the wind,
or something like that?
In Pharaoh’s time there was an enemy
from whom deliverance was needed.
But for one who comes among friends,
there should be no need of such signs.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor

mark 8 12- and he sighed deeply for one who comes among friends st john chrysostom 17 feb 2020

“You also are blessed,
because you have heard and believed.
A soul that believes, both conceives
and brings forth the Word of God
and acknowledges His works.
… Christ has only one mother, in the flesh
but we all bring forth Christ, in faith.”

St Ambrose of Milan (340-397)
Great Latin Father and Doctor of the Church

you-also-are-blessed-becauxe-you-have-believed-st-ambrose-21-dec-2019-the-vistation and 17 feb 2020

“For those who believe,
everything is a sign!”

Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro (1936-1964)

for-those-who-believe-everything-is-a-sign-bl-benedetta-porro-23-jan-2020 and 17 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 February – ‘…Don’t wait for Tabor to “see” God’

One Minute Reflection – 17 February – Monday of the Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: James 1:1-11, Psalm 119:67-68, 71-72,75-76, Mark 8:11-13 and the Memorial of St Alexis Falconieri (13th century –1310) Priest, One of Seven Founders of the Servites

“Why does this generation seek a sign?” … Mark 8:12

REFLECTION – “Believing even in darkness – The Holy Spirit tells us:  Do not let your mind succumb to temptation and sorrow, for joy of the heart is life for the soul.   Sorrow is no good for anything and causes our spiritual death.

It happens sometimes that the darkness of trial overwhelms your soul’s heaven but this darkness is light!
Thanks to it, you believe even in darkness, the mind feels lost, it fears no longer being able to see, no longer understanding anything.   But this is the moment when the Lord speaks and makes Himself present to the soul and the soul listens, understands and loves in the fear of God.   So don’t wait for Tabor to “see” God when you are already contemplating Him on Sinai.

Progress in the joy of a sincere heart, that is wide open.   And if it is impossible for you to keep that happiness, at least don’t lose courage and keep all your trust in God.” … Saint Pius of Pietralcina “Padre Pio” (1887-1968)mark 8 12 why does this generation seek a sign - dont wait for tabor - st padre pio 17 feb 2020

PRAYER – Almighty Lord and God, protect us by Your power throughout the course of this day, even as You have enabled us to begin it.   Your grace is all that we need to see the loving kindness of Your Son, our Lord Jesus in all we meet.   Do not let us turn aside from His path but by the faith You have granted us, let us find meaning in all, which is the sign of Your glory.   Do not let us turn aside to sin and may the intercession of St Alexis Falconieri and the Seven Holy Founders of the Servites, grant us courage and peace.   Through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, with the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen.st alexis falconieri 7 holy founders servites 17 feb 2020 pray for us 17 feb 2020

seven-holy-founders-pray-for-us-17-feb-2017 and 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, POETRY

Our Morning Offering – 17 February – Psalm 121 By Fr Daniel Berrigan

Our Morning Offering – 17 February – Monday of the Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year A

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Then he left them, got into the boat again and went off to the other shore. – Today’s Gospel: Mark 8:11-13

Psalm 121
By Fr Daniel Berrigan SJ (1921–2016)

I lift my eyes to You
my Help, my Hope

the heavens (who could imagine)
the earth (only our Lord)
the infinite starry spaces
the world’s teeming breath

All this. I lift my eyes
– upstart, delighted –
and I praise.

Fr Daniel Joseph Berrigan SJ was an American Jesuit priest, anti-war activist, Christian pacifist, playwright, poet and author.psalm 121 fr daniel berigan i lift up my eyes to you my help my hope 17 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Sunday Reflection – 16 February – If we only knew the treasure we hold in our hands!

Sunday Reflection – 16 February – The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

If we only knew the treasure we hold in our hands!

St Claude de la Colombiere SJ (1641-1682)

“God is more honoured by a single Mass
than He could be by all the actions of angels
and men together, however fervent and heroic they might be.
Yet, how FEW hear Mass with the intention of giving God
this sublime honour!
How FEW think with joy on the glory a Mass gives to God.
How FEW rejoice to possess the means of honouring Him
as He deserves! . . .
If we only knew the treasure we hold in our hands!”

god-is-more-honoured-by-a-single-mass-st-claude-15-feb-2017 and sun reflection 16 feb 2020

 

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PAPAL DECREE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 February – “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, (…) the people of God”

One Minute Reflection – 16 February – The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Sirach 15:15-20 (16-21), Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Matthew 5:17-37 and the Memorial of Blessed Nicola Paglia OP (1197-1256) Priest

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.   I have come not to abolish but to fulfil” … Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – At all times and in every race God has given welcome to whosoever fears Him and does what is right (cf. Acts 10:35).   God, however, does not make men holy and save them merely as individuals, without bond or link between one another.   Rather has it pleased Him to bring men together as one people, a people which acknowledges Him in truth and serves Him in holiness.   He, therefore, chose the race of Israel as a people unto Himself.   With it He set up a covenant   Step by step, He taught and prepared this people, making known in its history both Himself and the decree of His will and making it holy unto Himself.

All these things, however, were done by way of preparation and as a figure of that new and perfect covenant, which was to be ratified in Christ and of that fuller revelation which was to be given, through the Word of God Himself, made flesh.   “Behold the days shall come saith the Lord and I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and with the house of Judah (. . ).   I will give my law in their bowels and I will write it in their heart and I will be their God and they shall be my people (. . .)   For all of them shall know Me, from the least of them even to the greatest, saith the Lord” (Jer 31:31f.)   Christ instituted this new covenant, the new testament, that is to say, in His Blood, (1 Cor 11:25) calling together a people made up of Jew and gentile, making them one, not according to the flesh but in the Spirit.   This was to be the new People of God (…) : “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, (…) the people of God” (1 Pt 2:9).

Israel according to the flesh, which wandered as an exile in the desert, was already called the Church of God.  (2 Esd 13:1; Nb 20:4; Dt 23:1f.)   So, likewise, the new Israel, which while living in this present age, goes in search of a future and abiding city (Heb 13:14) is called the Church of Christ. (Mt 16:18)   For He has bought it for Himself with His blood, (Acts 20:28) has filled it with His Spirit and provided it with those means which befit it as a visible and social union. … Vatican Council II – Constitution on the Church “Lumen gentium”, # 9matthew 5 17 do not think that i have come to abolish - christ instituted - lumen gentium 16 feb 2020

PRAYER – Loving and merciful Father!   In all our needs, even when we turn from You and cause You sorrow, You are there to help us!   You grace us with garments of love to protect us from the evils which surround us.   Bless us we pray, as we turn to You in pain and repentance and by the sufferings of Your divine Son Whom You sent to redeem us, grant us peace.   May the prayers of Blessed Nicola Paglia, intercede in our strife as we make our way home to You.   Through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.bl nicola paglia pray for us 16 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY

Quote of the Day – 14 February – Bl Vicente Vilar David … ‘My greatest calling’

Quote of the Day – 14 February – The Memorial of Blessed Vicente Vilar David (1889-1937) Martyr

“Being Catholic
is my greatest calling,
I will not give up,
even if it means death.”

Blessed Vicente Vilar David (1889-1937) Martyr

being catholic is my greatest calling - bl vicente vilar david martyr 14 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Thought for the Day – 13 February – The Causes of Discontent

Thought for the Day – 13 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Causes of Discontent

“It is hard to find anyone, in this world, who is really content.
Some grumble about poor health, others about not having enough to live on, others about an unsuccessful career.
Some complain about the lack of sympathy and the ingratitude of men, others, about constant temptation, spiritual dryness and the discouragement of frequently falling into sin.
Still others, are confined to a bed of pain for weeks, months or even years at a time.
There are some, too, who must endure mental suffering, which is greater than any physical pain.
Perhaps, they have lost a loved one, who was the centre of their own life upon earth, or perhaps they are suffering from a loss of reputation, the result of some calumny or of some moment of weakness, on their own part.
In short, this world can be compared to quote St Therese of the Child Jesus – to an unsatisfactory hotel, in which we must spend the night, while we are waiting for the breaking of an eternal day in which we shall be able to see God.
He is fortunate, who knows how to live contentedly, or, at least resignedly, in this poor boarding-house, until the dawn of that better life, which is the only object of our earthly journey!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 13 February – ‘No-one listens to his own heart …’

Quote/s of the Day – 13 February – the Memorial of Blessed Jordan of Saxony OP (1190-1237)

“Happiness is secured through virtue,
it is a good attained by man’s own will.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor

happiness is secured through virtue - st thomas aquinas 13 feb 2020

Meeting a vagabond upon the road who feigned sickness and poverty, Blessed Jordan gave him one of his tunics, which the fellow at once carried straight to a tavern for drink. The brethren, seeing this done, taunted him with his simplicity:

‘There now, Master, see how wisely you have bestowed your tunic.’

‘I did so,’ said he,
‘because I believed him to be in want,
through sickness and poverty
and it seemed, at the moment,
to be a charity to help him.
Still, I reckon it better, to have parted
with my tunic than with charity.’

Blessed Jordan of Saxony (1190-1237)

it is better to have parted with my tunic than with charity - bl jordan of saxony 13 feb 2020

The Heart of Christ

This Heart lives on service.
It does not seek to glorify itself but the Father alone.
It does not speak of its love.
It performs it’s service so unobtrusively,
that it is almost forgotten, as we forget our heart under the stress of our affairs.
We think that life lives of itself.
No-one listens to his own heart, not even for a second —
his heart, that bestows life, hour after hour on him.
We have grown used to the slight tremor in our being,
to the eternal beating of the waves that from within us,
dash on the shore of consciousness.
We accept it as we do our destiny, or nature, or the course of things.
We have grown used to love.
And we no longer hear the tapping finger, that knocks day and night at the gate of our soul, we no longer hear this question, this request to enter.

Hans Cardinal Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988)

~From Heart of the World

we no longer hear this tapping finger - hans urs von balthasar 13 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 13 February – Let Your will be mine

Our Morning Offering – 13 February – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A

Let Your will be mine
By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Most kind Jesus, grant me Your grace, I pray,
let it dwell in me, work in me
and abide in me to the end.
Grant me always to will
and desire, whatever is most pleasing
and acceptable to You.
Let Your will be mine
and let my will ever follow
and be conformed wholly to Your own.
Let me ever will
and not will in union with Yourself
and be unable to will otherwise
than You will or do not will.
Grant that I may die to all things in this world
and for Your sake, love to be despised and unknown.
Grant me, above all else, to rest in You,
that my heart may find its peace in You alone,
for You are the heart’s true peace,
it’s sole abiding place
and outside Yourself, all is hard and restless.
In this true peace that is in You,
the sole, supreme and eternal Good,
I will dwell and take my rest.
Amen

The Imitation of Christ, Book 3, Chapter 15let your will be mine by thomas a kempis 13 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE

Thought for the Day – 12 February – Self-Love

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

Self-Love

“By self-love we mean here, an inordinate love of self.
We are not forbidden to love ourselves.
In fact, this is something natural to us and, therefore, intended by God.
We should love ourselves, however, in a properly ordered manner.
In the first place, we must love God above everything and, therefore, more than ourselves.
God is our creator and our Redeemer and our final end.
Everything comes to us from Him and for this reason, everything must return to Him.
We should not be self-centred but, God-centred.
In other words, we must direct all our actions towards God, not towards ourselves.
We cannot set our own ego in the place which belongs to God, still less above Him.
To do so, would be equivalent of robbing God, because everything is His and we ourselves belong to Him.

If we have any intelligence at all, let us remember that God gave it to us.
If we have sound health, strength, or good looks, let us remember, that these are His gifts.
If we have amassed a great store of cultural or artistic learning as a result of our ability and study, let us not become too attached to it, nor look for praise and admiration.
It is God who gave us this ability and the energy and enthusiasm to cultivate it.
Honour and glory are due to God alone!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 12 February – Only for You, in You, by You

Our Morning Offering – 12 February – Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Only for You, in You, by You
By St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Lord Jesus,
let me know myself and know You
and desire nothing save only You.
Let me hate myself and love You.
Let me do everything, for the sake of You.
Let me humble myself and exalt You.
Let me think of nothing, except You.
Let me die to myself and live in You.
Let me accept whatever happens, as from You.
Let me banish self and follow You
and ever desire to follow You.
Let me fly from myself and take refuge in You,
That I may deserve, to be defended by You.
Let me fear for myself.
Let me fear You
and let me be among those, who are chosen by You.
Let me distrust myself and put my trust in You.
Let me be willing to obey, for the sake of You.
Let me cling to nothing, save only to You,
And let me be poor, because of You.
Look upon me, that I may love You.
Call me, that I may see You
and forever enjoy You.
Amenonly for you in you by you st augustine - 12 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD is LOVE, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The HOLY GHOST

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

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

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

St John XXIII (1881-1963)

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

i am of the same family as christ what more could i want st john XXIII 9 feb 2020

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

Leo Jozef Cardinal Suenens of Belgium (1904–1996)

i believe in the suprises of the holy spirit leo jozef cardinal suenens - 9 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The WORD

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MORALS, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 7 February – Religion and Action

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

Religion and Action

John 14 6 i am the way -the Christian religion is moe than - bacci 7 feb2020

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS

Our Morning Offering – 7 February – Let Me Breathe through You

Our Morning Offering – 7 February – Friday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A

Let Me Breathe through You
by Fr Jean Galot SJ (1919-2008)

Lord, be the goal of my pilgrimage
here upon the earth.
Let me cling to You
with all the force of my longing.
Let me penetrate
the very depth of Your heart.
Let me breathe through You
and let me live by the breath of Your love.
Let me work for You,
not shunning hardship and fatigue.
Let me rest in You,
peacefully,
in unending confidence and friendship.
Let me radiate, through You,
Your divine, loving kindness and apostolic zeal.
Let me remain in You forever,
firmly rooted in Your love.

Amen.

~from Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Fr Jean Galot, SJ (1919-2008)let me breathe through you fr jean galot sj 7 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on VOCATIONS, SPEAKING of ....., The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

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

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

Speaking of:  Discipleship

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

Mark 6:8

mark 6 8 he charged them to take nothing for the journey 6 feb 2020

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

Luke 10:3

luke-10-3-go-your-way-bhold-i-send-you-out-as-lambs-in-the-midst-of-wolves-3-oct-2019 and 6 feb 2020

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

St Dominic (1170-1221)

heretics-are-to-be-converted-st-dominic-8-aug-2019 and 6 feb 2020

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

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

he-will-be-with-you-also-that-same-christ-thomas-a-kempis-14-june-2018-and-3-oct-2019 and 6 feb 2020

“Go forth and set the world on fire.”

St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

go-forth-and-set-the-world-on-fire-st-ignatius-loyola-14-jan-2019 and 6 feb 2020

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

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

christ has no body but yours - st teresa of avila -6 feb 2020

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

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

let-us-remain-unafraid-st-joseph-freinademetz-28-jan-2020 and 6 feb 2020

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

Blessed Paolo Manna (1872-1952)

we-are-apostles-bl-paolo-manna-15-sept-2019 and 6 feb 2020

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

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

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

if-everyone-does-something-each-of-us-feels-a-charism-bl-pino-puglisi-21-oct-2019 and 6 feb 2020

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

Genesis 12:1

genesis-12-1-leave-your-country-your-people-st-francis-xavier-3-dec-2019.and 6 feb 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 6 February – Jesus, Fill Us, with Your Light and Life

Our Morning Offering – 6 February – Thursday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A

Jesus, Fill Us, with Your Light and Life
By St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Jesus, fill us, we pray,
with Your light and life
that we may show forth
Your wonderful glory.
Grant that Your love
may so fill our lives
that we may count nothing
too small to do for You,
nothing too much to give
and nothing too hard to bear.
Amenjesus fill us with your light and love st ignatius loyola 6 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on IGNORANCE, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

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

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

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

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

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

I would like especially to pause over the words drawn from Jesus’ own lips:   “The child is not dead but asleep”.   These words that are so deeply illuminating, prompt me to think of the mysterious presence, of the Lord of life, in a world that appears to have succumbed to the shameless promptings of hate, violence and injustice.   Yet, no, this world of yours is not dead but sleeps.   In your hearts, dear young people, we perceive the strong beat of life and the love of God.   Youth is not dead when it is close to the Master.   Yes, when it is close to Jesus, you are all close to Jesus.   Listen to all His words, every word, each one. Young people, love Jesus, seek Jesus, meet Jesus.” … Saint John Paul II (1920-2005), Pope from 1978 to 2005 – Speech to the youth of Chile, 02/04/1987mark 5 39 the child is not dead but sleeps - listen to his words every one - st pope john paul 4 feb 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Bl Guerric of Igny (c 1080-1157)be-a-lamp-then-bl-guerric-of-igny-2-feb-2019 and 2020

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

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Churchthe glorious st simeon no doubt - st francis de sales 2 feb 2020

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

St John Vianney (1786-1859)simeon gave back jesus to his mother - st john vianney - 2 feb 2020

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

Pope Francis

General Audience, 25 October 2017we-too-can-repeat-the-words-of-the-elderly-simeon-2-feb-2019 AND 2 FEB 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 2 February – ‘We must be burning with love…’

One Minute Reflection – 2 February – The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Readings: Malachi 3:1-4, Psalm 24:7-10, Hebrew 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40 and the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God ..… Luke 2:27-28luke 2 27 28 and inspired by the spirit he came into the temple - presentatio of the lord2 feb 2020

REFLECTION – “Your lamps must be burning in your hands” (Lk 12:35).   By this outward sign let us remind ourselves of the joy of Simeon carrying the Light in his hands (…)   We must be burning with love and radiant with good deeds and so take up Christ in our hands with Simeon (…)   Let us discuss this charming custom of the Church of bearing lights aloft on this feast day (…)   Could anyone hold up a lighted candle in his hands on this day, without at once remembering that old man, who on this same day, took up in his arms Jesus, God’s Word, clothed in flesh like a candle-flame clothed in wax and affirmed Him to be “the Light which would be a beacon for the Gentiles.”   Surely he was that “burning and radiant lamp” (Jn 5:35; 1,7) which bore witness to the light.   For this purpose he came in the Spirit, who had filled him, into the temple that he might “receive, O God, your loving-kindness in the midst of your temple” (Ps 48[47]:10) and declare him to be loving-kindness indeed and the light of your own people.

Truly, O holy Simeon, in the quiet contentment of old age you carried this light not simply in your hands but in the very dispositions of your heart.   You were like a lamp-standard, seeing so clearly how much the Gentiles would one day be lit up, while reflecting (…) the bright rays of our faith.   Old, yet still sincere, you can now be happy, in that, you really see what once you but foresaw.   Gone is the world’s gloom, “the Gentiles bask in this light of yours,” “the whole earth is full of his glory” (Is 60:3; 6:3).” … Blessed Guerric of Igny O.Cist. (c 1080-1157) Cistercian abbotwe must be burning with love ...and so take up christ in our hands like simeon bl guerric 2 feb 2020

PRAYER – May the Lord renew in you and in all consecrated people each day the joyful response to His freely given and faithful love. Dear brothers and sisters, like lighted candles, always and everywhere shine with the love of Christ, Light of the world.   May Mary Most Holy, the consecrated Woman, help you to live to the full, your special vocation and mission in the Church for the world’s salvation.   And may we all follow our Lord in obedience. Amen! … Pope Francisworld-day-consecrated-life-2018-2-feb-2018 AND 2 FEB 2020

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

Our Morning Offering – 2 February – O Light of All the Earth!

Our Morning Offering – 2 February – The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

O Light of All the Earth!
Prayer, Morning Hymn
for the Feast of the Presentation
Liturgy of the Hours

Hail to the Lord who comes,
comes to His temple gate,
not with His angel host,
not in His kingly state.

But borne upon the throne
of Mary’s gentle breast,
thus to His Father’s house
He comes, the heavenly guest.

There Joseph at her side,
in reverent wonder stands
and, filled with holy joy,
old Simeon in his hands
takes up the promised Child,
the glory of all lands.

The world’s true light draws near,
All darkness to dispel,
the flame of faith is lit
and dies the power of hell.

Our bodies and our souls,
are temples now for Him,
for we are are born of grace –
God lights our souls within.

O Light of all the earth!
We light our lives with Thee,
the chains of darkness gone,
all sons of God are free.

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 January – ‘The grain of mustard seed is the Lord’

One Minute Reflection – 31 January – Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17, Psalm 51:3-7, 10-11, Mark 4:26-34 and the Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier Bianchi CRSP (1743-1815) “Apostle of Naples” and St John Bosco (1815-1888)

“To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed…” … Mark 4:30-31

REFLECTION – “The Word of God is like a grain of mustard seed, before cultivation it looks extremely small.  But when it is cultivated in the right way, it grows so large, that the highest principles of both sensible and intelligible creation, come like birds to revive themselves in it.   For the principles – or inner essences of all things, are embraced by the Word but the Word is not embraced by anything.   Hence, the Lord has said, that whoever has faith like a grain of mustard seed, can move a mountain by a word of command (cf. Mt 17:20), that is, he can destroy the devil’s dominion over us and remove it from its foundation.

The grain of mustard seed is the Lord, who by faith is sown spiritually in the hearts of those who accept Him.   Whoever diligently cultivates the seed by practising the virtues, moves the mountain of earthbound pride and, through the power thus gained, expels the obdurate habit of sin.   In this way, the activity of the principles and qualities, or divine powers, present in the commandments, is revived as though they were birds. (…)   Those who seek the Lord should not look for him outside themselves.   On the contrary, they must seek Him, within themselves, through faith made manifest in action.

For it is written, “The word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart” (Rm 10:8), that is, the word of faith, Christ, being Himself, the word that is sought.” … Saint Maximus the Confessor (c 580-662) Monk and Theologian – Second Century on Theology, nos. 10-11, 35mark 4 30-31 the grain of mustard seed is the lord - st maximus 31 jan 2020 to what shall I compare

PRAYER – Almighty Father, we bless You Lord of life, through whom all living things tend.   You are the source of all, our first beginning and our end!  Grant holy Father, that we may allow the Word to enter our hearts and grow by Your grace, so that we may always live for Your glory.   May the intercession of St Francis Xavier Bianchi and St John Bosco, who consistently tended Your seed, grant us strength and zeal.   Through Jesus Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.Saint_Francis_Xavier_Bianchi PRAY FOR US 31 JAN 2020st john bosco pray for us 31 jan 2019

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 January – ‘God’s true “Parable” is Jesus Himself … ‘

One Minute Reflection – 29 January – Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time, Year A – Readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-17, Psalm 89:4-5, 27-30, Mark 4:1-20

And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God but for those outside, everything is in parables…” … Mark 4:11

REFLECTION – “… This Gospel also puts the accent on Jesus’ preaching “method”, that is, on His use of parables.   “Why do you speak to them in parables?”, his disciples ask (Mt 13:10).   And Jesus answers distinguishing between them and the crowd – to His disciples, namely to those who have already decided for Him, He can speak openly about the Kingdom of God, to others, instead, He must proclaim it in parables, precisely to encourage their decision, conversion of the heart, indeed, by their very nature parables demand the effort of interpretation, they not only challenge the mind but also freedom. St John Chrysostom explained: “And this He [Jesus] says to draw them unto Him and to provoke them and to signify that if they would convert, He would heal them” (cf. Homily on the Gospel of Matthew, 45, 1-2).

Basically, God’s true “Parable” is Jesus Himself, His Person who, in the sign of humanity, hides and at the same time, reveals, His divinity.   In this manner, God does not force us to believe in Him but attracts us to Him with the truth and goodness of His incarnate Son – love, in fact, always respects freedom.” … Pope Benedict XVI – Angelus, Sunday, 10 July 2011mark 4 11 - to you has been given - basically god's true parable is jesus himself - pope benedict 29 jan 2020

PRAYER – Lord God, in Your wisdom You created us, by Your providence You rule us, You have planted us, penetrate our inmost being Your holy Light, so that our way of life may always be one of faithful service to You.   May we never hesitate to run to Your all-forgiving arms of mercy, when we allow the rocks and thorns of this life to prevent our growth and our steps as we return home to You.   May the prayers of the Blessed Virgin, our Mother, all the angels and saints be unfailing assistance to us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.blessed virgin mary holy mother pray for us 23 may 2019

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The INCARNATION, The LAMB of GOD, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 26 January – Sunday of the Word of God – ‘His only Word’

Quote of the Day – 26 January – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A “Sunday of the Word of God”

“In giving us His Son, His only Word,
He spoke everything to us at once
in this sole Word –
and He has no more to say…
because what He spoke
before to the prophets in parts,
He has now spoken, 
all at once, by giving us
the ALL, Who is His Son.”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Churchin giving us his son - sun of the word of god - his only word - snip 26 jan 2020

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 January – ‘When Paul is blinded, he gets his vision.’

Quote/s of the Day – 25 January – Feast of the Conversion of St Paul

“I have appeared to you for this purpose,
to appoint you as a servant and witness, 
of what you have seen and what you will be shown.
I shall deliver you from this people
and from the Gentile,s to whom I send you,
to open their eyes, that they may turn
from darkness to light
and from the power of Satan to God,
so that they may obtain forgiveness of sins
and an inheritance among those, who have been consecrated by faith in me.”

Acts 26:16-18

acts-26-16 I have appeared to you for this purpose - conversion of st paul - 25 jan 2020

“Paul, more than anyone else, has shown us,
what man really is and in what our nobility consists
and of what virtue this particular animal is capable.
Each day he aimed ever higher,
each day he rose up with greater ardour
and faced with new eagerness,
the dangers that threatened him.
He summed up his attitude in the words:
“I forget what is behind me and push on to what lies ahead”…
The most important thing of all to him, however,
was that he knew himself to be loved by Christ.
Enjoying this love, he considered himself happier than anyone else.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor of the Church

chrysostum-on-paul-2018 25 jan 2020

“When Paul is blinded,
he gets his vision.
God has mysterious ways
of entering our life.
With Paul,
God seemingly gate-crashed.
With us, God might need
a little more time!”

Msgr Alex Rebello

Diocese of Wrexham, Waleswjen paul is blinded he gets his vision - gatecrashed msgr alex rebello bible diary 25 jan 2020

“I live, no longer I
but Christ lives in me,”

Galasians 2:20

galasians 2 20 i live no longer i but christ lives in me 25 jan 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on TRUTH, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 24 January – Following Jesus

Thought for the Day – 24 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Friday of the Second week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Following Jesus

John 14 6 i am the way - there is only one reform necessary - bacci 24 jan 2020

“When we have renounced ourselves and have embraced our cross with resignation and love, we must follow Jesus.
We must follow Him in a special way as the infallible Teacher of truth.
The teachings of men cannot satisfy our intellects.
Still less, can they satisfy our hearts.
What they teach is either incomplete or false.
This is proved by the fact that the doctrines of mean have succeeded and replaced one another, down through the centuries while “the word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

The teaching of Christ produces an extraordinary renovation in the individual, in the family and in society.
It is this renewal which we call Christianity and Christian civilisation.
There is a wide chasm between paganism and Christianity.
This gulf would be even wider, only for the fact that Christianity has not yet been fully put into practice throughout the universe.
There is only one reform necessary.
This is to realise the Christian ideal everywhere.
We must begin by carrying it out ourselves.
Let us follow Jesus, Who is saying to us:  “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). “He who follows Me does not walk in darkness” (Jn 8:12).

Let us follow our divine Master and we shall be sure that we are travelling towards Heaven!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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One Minute Reflection – 24 January – May I know You and make You known.

One Minute Reflection – 24 January – Friday of the Second week in Ordinary Time, Year A and the Memorial of St Francis De Sales OFM Cap (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church ” – Readings: 1 Samuel 24:2-20 (3-21), Psalm 57:2-4, 6, 11, Mark 3:13-19

He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him … Mark 3:14

REFLECTION – “Jesus calls those he wanted.    Jesus chooses.   They come to him.   He calls the Twelve to be with Him.   While they are with Him, listening to Him teach, witnessing the miracles He works, living with Him, the Twelve get to know Him, first hand.
They KNOW Jesus, not just about Jesus.
Jesus consecrates them as He takes them apart – forming them to carry on and continue His work.
Having consecrated them – he commissions them, as He sends them forth to preach the good news.
Jesus chooses.
Jesus consecrates.
Jesus commissions.
This explains the dynamics of genuine discipleship.
The disciple must learn TO BE WITH Jesus, before he attempts TO DO ANYTHING FOR Jesus.
We can be Apostles – only – if we have first been disciples WITH Him.” … Msgr Alex Rebello CMF (Diocese Wrexham, Wales) Claretian Priestmark 3 14 he appointed twelve - jesus chooses msgr rebello bible diary 24 jan 2020

PRAYER – “O my God and my Father, may I know You and make You know, love You and make You loved, serve You and make Your served, praise You and make all creatures, praise You.” [St Anthony Mary Claret CMF (1807-1870)] Lord God, true light and creator of light, grant us the grace to see clearly by the light who is Light, Your only Son. Lead us in His path and send us Your Spirit. Grant us the strength to grow in holiness so that our struggle against the powers of darkness may we a victory over temptation. May the intercession of the master of spirituality, St Francis de Sales, help us and protect us. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity, amen.may I know you and make you known - st anthony mary claret 24 oct 2019

st-francis-de-sales-pray-for-us-1-2017.

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Thought for the Day – 22 January – Self-Denial

Thought for the Day – 22 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Wednesday of the Second week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Self-Denial  

“Even though it may not have been put into practice very much, contempt for riches had been taught by some of the ancient pagan philosophers.
Nobody, before Christ, however, even thought of demanding self-renunciation, as well.
Self-denial might seem to be a degradation and almost an annihilation of human nature.
It might appear quite impossible.
Nevertheless, Jesus has said:  “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16:24)

Would God have commanded us to do something impossible?   Certainly not!
As St Augustine says, our divine Redeemer did not order us to do anything impossible but, to do whatever is perfect.
Perfection is, admittedly, difficult but it is not impossible.
Should we answer Jesus Christ’s command in the same way as the the disciples did on one occasion:  “This is a hard saying. Who can listen to it?” (Jn 6:61)
No, our reply must be that which St Peter gave when Our Lord asked reproachfully, “Do you also wish to go away?” (Jn6:68)
We must repeat with Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go?   Thou has the words of everlasting life and we have come to believe and to know, that Thou are the Christ, the Son of God” (Jn 6:69).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci