CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE – Page 43

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

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

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

Religion and Action

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted on February 7, 2020February 6, 2020 by AnaStpaul

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)

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

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

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

Speaking of: Discipleship

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

Mark 6:8

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

Luke 10:3

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

St Dominic (1170-1221)

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

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

“Go forth and set the world on fire.”

St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

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

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

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

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

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

Blessed Paolo Manna (1872-1952)

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

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

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

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

Genesis 12:1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
Amen jesus fill us with your light and love st ignatius loyola 6 feb 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bl Guerric of Igny (c 1080-1157)

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

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

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

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

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

Pope Francis

General Audience, 25 October 2017

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

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

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 2:27-28 luke 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 abbot we 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 Francis world-day-consecrated-life-2018-2-feb-2018 AND 2 FEB 2020

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

Posted on February 2, 2020February 2, 2021 by AnaStpaul

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.

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

Posted on January 31, 2020 by AnaStpaul

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, 35 mark 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 2020 st john bosco pray for us 31 jan 2019

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

Posted on January 29, 2020January 29, 2020 by AnaStpaul

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 2011 mark 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

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

Posted on January 26, 2020January 26, 2020 by AnaStpaul

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 Church

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

Posted on January 25, 2020January 25, 2020 by AnaStpaul

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

“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

“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, Wales

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

Galasians 2:20

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Thought for the Day – 24 January – Following Jesus

Posted on January 24, 2020 by AnaStpaul

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

“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.

Posted on January 24, 2020January 24, 2020 by AnaStpaul

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 Priest mark 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.

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Thought for the Day – 22 January – Self-Denial

Posted on January 22, 2020January 20, 2022 by AnaStpaul

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

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One Minute Reflection – 22 January – ‘Become a marvel to those who see.’

Posted on January 22, 2020January 22, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 January – Wednesday of the Second week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51, Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10, Mark 3:1-6 and the Memorial of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade SM (1761-1850), Founder of the Marianists

“Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored.” … Mark 3:5

REFLECTION – “But Jesus, deeply grieved in heart at the hardness of their hearts, said in effect: “Let the ones who see continue to see. Let the ones who refuse to hear, do what they want to do. Let the ones who are hard in heart become stone. But let your right hand become full and tender. Rise, beg no longer.”
In effect Jesus was saying: “Do not continue to beg because of having a withered hand but after you finally have received it healthy and whole and have begun to work, stretch out your hand to the poor. Rise up and stand in their midst. Become a marvel to those who see. In you the struggle concerning the sabbath is finally being contested. Stand in their midst, so that the ones who are lame in their legs might stand . Stretch out your hand. I am not touching you so that they may not bring a charge against me. I am speaking with a speech so that they may not think that touching is an act of work. God did not say, ‘Do not speak on the sabbath.’ But if speech becomes an act of work, let the one who has spoken be an object of amazement. Stretch out your hand.”
While the withered hand was restored, the withered minds of the onlookers were not. For they went out and immediately, according to the reading, were debating what they would do to Jesus.
Are you debating what you will do? Worship Him as God. Worship the Wonder-worker. Worship One who worked good things on behalf of another. He did not add plasters, He was not tenderising with lotions. He did not apply medical ointments. He did this work openly, standing in their midst and not in a hidden way, so that some might retort: “He applied a plant, He added a plaster.”… St Athansius Bishop of Alexandria (297-373) Father and Doctor of the Church – Homilies, 28 mark 3 5 and looking around at them - while the withered hand - st athanasius 22 jan 2020

PRAYER – Shed Your clear light on our hearts, Lord, keep us in Your Way, that we too may stretch out our hands and love to those who come our way. May Your law be our light and Your love our only way. Hear the prayers of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade and lead us to eternal life. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen. bl-william-pray-for-us-22-jan-2018 and 2020

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Thought for the Day – 19 January – The Church – Jesus’ Masterpiece

Posted on January 19, 2020January 18, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 19 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

The Church

“Jesus Christ did not found the Church only as the Mystical Body, of which He is the Head and we are the members.
He also made it a visible and hierarchical society, the supreme authority in doctrine and morals, the distributor of His grace and of the means of Redemption.
If He had not done this, it would be impossible to understand how men could have carried on the saving work of the Redeemer, throughout the centuries.

The Church is Jesus’ Masterpiece.
It is empowered by His grace and authority, to enlighten men and guide them safely along the path of sanctity.
Jesus said to His Apostles and through them to their successors: “He who hears you, hears me and he who rejects you, rejects me” (Lk 10:16).
He also said: “I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world” (Mt 28:20).

This is why obedience is our first duty to the successors of the Apostles, in other words, to the hierarchical Church.
We must obey the Church, as we would obey Christ.
Anybody who makes exceptions or compromises in this matter, is not a true Christian!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 19 January – ‘He has come down to earth to take you to heaven…’

Posted on January 19, 2020January 19, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 19 January – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, – Readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6, Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, John 1:29-34

“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him.”

John 1:32

“He has come down to earth to take you to heaven, He became mortal that you might become God and put on your original beauty.”

St Romanos Melodios (c 490-c 556)

Monk, Composer of Hymns, Poet

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 January – I love Him

Posted on January 18, 2020January 18, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quot/s of the Day – 18 January – Saturday of the First week in Ordinary Time, Year A and The Memorial of Blessed Maria Teresa Fasce OSA (1881-1947)

I love Him, even if it costs much,
I love Him, because, it is worth much,
I love Him, at all cost.

Blessed Maria Teresa Fasce (1881-1947)

“To surrender all that we are,
as we are,
to the spirit of love,
in order that our lives
may bear Christ into the world –
that is what we shall be asked.”

Caryll Houselander (1901-1954)

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Thought for the Day – 17 January – “The Vicissitudes of Life”

Posted on January 17, 2020January 17, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 17 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Friday of the First week in Ordinary Time, Year A

“The Vicissitudes of Life”

“There are times, when life is like a stream which flows peacefully between two flower-strewn grassbanks.
The sun shines brightly overhead and the whole world seems to smile.
The days pass pleasantly and the future is full of fair promise.
Virtue itself, seems to flower effortlessly, in our hearts.
But God grants these intervals of rest during our earthly voyage, so that we may renew our energy.

Life is a battle.
Therefore, we have to be armed and ready and always on the alert (Job 7:1)
“Wait here and watch” (Mt 26:38).
We must resolve to be prepared, from the earliest hour of the morning, to face the difficulties and temptations which can arise at any moment.
We must be armed with the weapons of the spirit, which we can easily obtain, if we live all the time, in the presence of God.
If we fail to acquire this habit of spiritual watchfulness, the trials and temptations of the day, will catch us off our guard and there is a danger that we may yield.’

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote of the Day – 17 January – The Rebel’s Prayer By Blessed Teresio Olivelli, Martyr

Posted on January 17, 2020January 17, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 17 January – Friday of the First week in Ordinary Time, Year A – The Memorial of Blessed Teresio Olivelli (1916–1945) Martyr “Rebel for Love”

the more the opponent grows stronger and darkens make us bright with your light bl teresio olivelli 17 jan 2020

The Rebel’s Prayer
By Blessed Teresio Olivelli

Lord, who among men
raised Your Cross
as a sign of contradiction,
You, who preached and suffered
the revolt of the spirit
from the treachery
and attacks of the powerful,
the inert deafness of the mass,
oppressed by numerous and cruel abuses
we, who have trampled on You,
source of free life,
grant us the strength of rebellion.

O God, You who are Truth and Freedom,
make us free, strong and zealous,
breathe in us new purpose,
inspire our goals,
tend to our wills,
multiply our strengths,
help clothe us in Your armour.
We pray You, Lord.

You who were rejected,
reproached,
betrayed,
persecuted,
crucified,
in the hour of darkness
support us by Your victory,
be the Viaticum
of consolation, in dangers,
of support,
of comfort,
in our bitterness.

The more the opponent
grows stronger and darkens,
make us bright with Your Light.

In torture, clamp our lips.
Strengthen us, don’t let us bend.

If we fall, let our blood join Your innocent blood,
may our death help to grow justice
and charity in the world.

You who said
“I am the Resurrection and the Life”
make Italy, in it’s pain
be reborn in a new life in You.

Free us from the temptation of affections,
for You watch over our families.

On the windy mountains
and in the catacombs of the cities,
from the pits of the prisons,
we pray to You,
grant us the peace
that You alone know how to give.

God of peace and armies,
Lord who carries the sword of joy,
hear the prayer of us
the “Rebels for Love.”
Amen.

Blessed Teresio Olivelli (1916–1945) Martyr

“Rebel for Love”

(Note: I cannot find a very good translation of this beautiful Prayer, so this is an adaptation of the best of them, by myself).

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 January – Caryll Houselander

Posted on January 16, 2020March 11, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 16 January – Thursday of the First week in Ordinary Time, Year A

“Christ is among us,
His heart like a rose,
expanding within us.”

“God’s will for you is to serve Him,
in His way, as He chooses, now.
It is only a want of humility.
to think of extreme vocations,
like being a nun or a nurse,
while you try to by-pass
your present obvious vocation . . .
Today, you have to use
what you have today
and do not look beyond it.”

Caryll Houselander (1901-1954)

Caryll Houselander (29 September 1901 – 12 October 1954) was an English lay Roman Catholic ecclesiastical artist, mystic, popular religious writer and poet.

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One Minute Reflection – 15 January – Come on! To your feet!

Posted on January 15, 2020January 15, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 January – Wednesday of the First week in Ordinary Time, Year A – Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20, Psalm 40:2, 5, 7-10, Mark 1:29-39 and the Memorial of St Arnold Janssen SVD (1837-1909)

And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up and the fever left her and she served them...Mark 1:31

REFLECTION – “And he helped her up.” As she couldn’t stand up by herself, it was the Lord who helped her. “He grasped her hand and helped her up.” When Peter was in danger on the sea, just as he was going to drown, he too was grasped by the hand and raised up… What a beautiful sign of friendship and love towards this sick woman! He helped her up by taking her hand, His hand healed the sick woman’s hand. He grasped that hand as a doctor would have done, He, who is both doctor and remedy, took her pulse and assessed the gravity of the fever. Jesus touched it and the fever vanished.
Let us want Him to touch our hand so that in this way what we do may be made pure. Should He enter our house, let us get off our bed at last and not remain lying down. Jesus stands at our bedside and will we remain lying down? Come on! To your feet!… “There is one among you whom you do not recognise” (Jn 1:26), “the kingdom of God is among you” (Lk 17:21). Let us have faith and we shall see Jesus among us.”…St Jerome (347-420) Father & Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – God our Saviour, through the grace of Baptism, You made us children of light. You lead us by the hand and guide and protect us by Your commandments. Fill us with joy at Your nearness and the light of Your Son, by whose beam we see You and follow. St Arnold Janssen was a shining example to us all, grant, we pray, that his prayers may aid us. Through Jesus our Lord and Christ, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. ST ARNOLD JANSSEN PRAY FOR US 15 JAN 2020.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 13 January – You too, run after Him.

Posted on January 13, 2020January 13, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 January – Monday of the First week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Samuel 1:1-8, Psalm 116:12-14, 17-19, Mark 1:14-20

And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him…Mark 1:17-18

REFLECTION – “Follow me!” Jesus says these words (…) to every Christian. Follow me, naked as I am naked, free from every hindrance as I myself am. Jeremiah said: “You will call me ‘My Father’ and never turn away from me” (Jer 3:19). So follow Me and put down the burdens you are bearing. For, laden as you are, you cannot follow Me who am running ahead. “I ran in thirst” says the psalmist about me (Ps 61:5 LXX), the thirst to save humanity. And where is He running? To the Cross. You too, run after Him. As He bore His cross for you, take up your own for your good. From whence these words of Saint Luke’s gospel: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself” by renouncing his own will, “take up his cross” by mortifying his passions, “daily”, that is all the time, “and follow me.” (Lk 9:23) (…)

Jesus speaks to us like a mother who, wanting to teach her child to walk, shows him apiece of bread or an apple and says to him: “Come with me and I’ll give it to you.” And when the child is so close that he can almost catch hold of it, she draws away a little, showing the thing to him and repeating: “Follow me if you want it.” Some kinds of birds lead their little ones out of their nest and, by flying, teach them to fly and to follow them. Jesus does the same. He shows Himself as an example and promises us His reward in the kingdom so that we might follow Him.

So “follow me” for I know the right way and will guide you. We read in the book of Proverbs: “I will show you the way of wisdom; I will lead you by the ways of equity. When you have entered, your steps will not be constrained and when you run you shall not meet a stumbling block” (cf. Prv 4:11-12 LXX). (…) Therefore, “follow me”.” … St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church – Sermon for the feast of Saint John the Evangelist mark-1-17-18-and-jesus-says these words to every christian st anthony of padua 13 jan 2020.jpg

PRAYER – Holy Lord God, grant that we may live constantly in Your presence. Grant that we may possess a spirit of joy and gladness because of the firm knowledge that You are always with us and in You and through You and with You, the extraordinary is commonplace! And turn around Lord and call us, for we are behind You. Be with us Lord, always, we pray! Hear the prayers on our behalf, of St Mungo of Glasgow, whom we ask for intercession. Through the Lord Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, God forever for all eternity, amen st kentigern mungo pray for us 13 jan 2020.jpg

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 January – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Posted on January 12, 2020January 11, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 12 January – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

“He wants you to become
a living force for all mankind,
lights shining in the world.

You are to be radiant lights
as you stand beside Christ,
the great light,
bathed in the glory of Him
who is the light of heaven.”

St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390)
Father & Doctor of the Church

(An excerpt from Oration 39 – On Holy Light)

“O Lord, wishing to fulfil all things
that You ordained before the ages,
You received the servants of Your mystery,
from among the Angels, Gabriel,
from among Men, the Virgin,
from among the Heavens, the Star
and from among the Waters, the Jordan,
in which You washed away the sin of the world,
O our Saviour, glory to You.”

St John Damascene (675-749)
Father & Doctor of the Church

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – ‘Then Jesus is born within us…’

Posted on January 11, 2020January 11, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – Saturday after Epiphany, Readings: 1 John 5:14-21, Psalm 149:1-6, 9, John 3:22-30

“He must increase
but I must decrease.”

John 3:30

“Christ is born, God from His Father,
man through His mother.
He was born from His Father’s immortality
and His mother’s virginity.
From the Father, without the aid of a mother,
from the mother, without that of a father.
From His Father, without time,
from His mother, without seed.
According to His Father,
He is the principle of life,
according to His mother,
the ending of death.
According to His Father,
He was born to determine the order of days,
according to His mother,
to consecrate the day that is here.”

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

“When His place becomes our place,
when His time becomes our time,
when His person becomes our life,
then the prophecies come to fulfilment in us.
Then Jesus is born within us.
He becomes the living God for me.
Today we are asked to imitate the Magi.
They do not debate – they set out.
They do not stop to look but enter the house of Jesus.
They do not put themselves at the centre
but bow down before the One who is the centre.
They do not remain glued to their plans
but are prepared to take other routes.
Their actions reveal a close contact with the Lord,
a radical openness to Him,
a total engagement with Him.
With Him, they use the language of love,
the same language that Jesus, though an infant, already speaks.
Indeed, the Magi go to the Lord not to receive but to give.

Let us ask ourselves this question –
at Christmas, did we bring gifts to Jesus for His party,
or did we only exchange gifts among ourselves?

In this Christmas season, now drawing to its close,
let us not miss the opportunity
to offer a precious gift to our King,
who came to us,
not in worldly pomp
but in the luminous poverty of Bethlehem.
If we can do this,
His light will shine upon us.”

Pope Francis

6 January 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 10 January – ‘Can it be true ….?’

Posted on January 10, 2020January 10, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 January – Fifth Day after Epiphany and the Memorial of Bl Dolores Rodríguez Sopeña (1848-1918), Readings: 1 John 5:5-13, Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20, Luke 5:12-16

“Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him” … Luke 5:13 luke 5 13 jesus stretched out his hand and touched him - can it be true - st alphonsus liguori 10 jan 2020.jpg

REFLECTION – “Christ said when He came into the world: ‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire but a body you prepared for me (…) Then I said: Behold I come to do your will’ ” (Heb 10:5.7; Ps 40:7-9 LXX). Can it be true that God wanted to become man to save us from our wretchedness (…) and conquer our love? Yes, it is so true that it is an article of faith: “Who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven… and was made man” (Creed) (…) Yes, this is what God has done, so to be loved by us! (… ) This is how He wanted to make known the immensity of His love for us: “the grace of God our saviour has appeared to all” (Ti 2:11). It is, as though, our Lord said: “Man does not love Me because he cannot see me, I am going to make Myself visible and talk to him, in that way I shall surely make Myself loved”: “He has appeared on earth and spoken with us” (cf. Bar 3:38).

God’s love for humankind is vast, vast from all eternity: “with age-old love I have loved you; so in mercy I have drawn you to myself” (cf. Jer 31:3). But we have not yet seen how great and incomprehensible He is. When the Son of God was seen in the form of a child lying on the straw in a stable then He was made known indeed: “the kindness and generous love of God our saviour appeared” (Ti 3:4). As Saint Bernard observed: “The creation of the world made God’s power shine out, the ordering of the world, His wisdom but the incarnation of the Word, caused His mercy to break forth in the sight of all.” (…)

“By showing disdain towards God,” Saint Fulgentius said, “man was separated from Him forever and, since man could no longer return to God, God deigned to come to find him on earth.” And as Saint Augustine had already said: “We were unable to go to the doctor, therefore the doctor had the graciousness to come to us.” … St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) – Bishop and Doctor of the Church – 1st address for the Octave of Christmas

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, by the guidance of a star, You revealed the Birth of the Saviour of the world. Open our minds and hearts to that revelation and may it bear fruit in our lives. May Your nearness, be understood in our hearts and minds, ‘may the Lord Jesus touch our eyes, as He did those of the blind’ and may the prayers of Bl Dolores Rodríguez Sopeña, grant us strength on our journey. We make our prayer, through Christ, our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, amen. bl dolores sopena pray for us 10 jan 2020.jpg

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Quote of the Day – 9 January – The Spirit of the Lord

Posted on January 9, 2020January 9, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 9 January – The Memorial of Blessed Alix le Clerc/Teresa of Jesus CND (1576-1622) known as Mother Alix and the Fourth Day after Epiphany

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed…”

Luke 4:18

“My God and Lord,
send me the light
of Your Holy and Blessed Spirit,
that I may find the path of peace
which You declared to us
on the day of Your holy Nativity…
I implore You,
my God and Saviour,
to grant us all such grace,
that we may walk
by the road
it has pleased You
to tread for us…”

Blessed Alix le Clerc/Teresa of Jesus (1576-1622)

“He is the Gospel of God,
He is the Mercy of God,
He is the liberation of God,
He is the One who became poor
so as to enrich us
with His poverty.”

Pope Francis

Angelus, 24 January 2016

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One Minute Reflection – 6 January – In Your Light, God, we see light

Posted on January 6, 2020January 6, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 January – First Day after Epiphany, Readings:
1 John 3:22–4:6, Psalm 2:7-8, 10-11, Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

” .. The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen.” … Matthew 4:16

REFLECTION – “In speaking of vision, or rather of a great light, Matthew undoubtedly intends us to understand our Saviour’s luminous preaching, the radiance of the Good News of the Kingdom of God. The land of Zebulon and of Naphtali heard it from our Lord’s own mouth before anyone else…

For in fact it was in this particular land that our Lord began to preach, it was there His preaching was inaugurated… And the apostles, who were the first to see this true light over these regions of Zabulon and Naphtali, themselves became “lights of the world”... As Isaiah’s text continues: “They rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing the spoils.” This joy will indeed become the apostles’s joy, it will be a twofold joy when “they come back like reapers carrying their sheaves” and “as conquerors sharing the spoil”, that is to say of the conquered devil…

For it was You, our Lord and Saviour, who removed from their shoulders “the yoke that burdened them”, that yoke of the devil’s who in former times lorded it over the world when he reigned over all the nations and caused their necks to bow beneath the yoke of a grievous slavery… You it was who, without troops, without bloodshed, in the secret of Your power, freed us to place us at Your service… Yes, the devil will be “burned as fuel for the flames” because “a child is born to us”, the lowly Son of God “upon whose shoulders dominion rests” because, being God, He is able to possess the pre-eminence by His own strength… And His “dominion extends” since He will not only reign over the Jews, as David did but He will have the sovereignty over all nations “both now and forever”.” … Rupert of Deutz OSB (c 1075-1130) Benedictine Monk, Theologian, Exegete, Writer. matthew 4 16 the people who sit in darkness - you it was who without troops - rupert of deutz 6 jan 2020.jpg

PRAYER – Lord, may the radiance of Your glory, light up our hearts and bring us through the shadows of this world, until we reach our homeland of everlasting light. May the prayers of St Andre Bessette and all Your saints who stand beside You, be an assistance in our moments of trial. Through Christ, the Light which shows us light and the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen. in your light god we see light - 6 jan 2020.jpg st andre bessette pray for us -6 jan 2018-no. 2.jpg

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Religion and Action

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Speaking of: Discipleship

Mark 6:8

Luke 10:3

St Dominic (1170-1221)

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

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

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

Blessed Paolo Manna (1872-1952)

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

Genesis 12:1

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Bl Guerric of Igny (c 1080-1157)

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

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

Pope Francis

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St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Doctor of the Church

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Acts 26:16-18

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

Msgr Alex Rebello

Galasians 2:20

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Following Jesus

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Self-Denial

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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The Church

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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John 1:32

St Romanos Melodios (c 490-c 556)

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Blessed Maria Teresa Fasce (1881-1947)

Caryll Houselander (1901-1954)

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“The Vicissitudes of Life”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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The Rebel’s Prayer By Blessed Teresio Olivelli

Blessed Teresio Olivelli (1916–1945) Martyr

“Rebel for Love”

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Caryll Houselander (1901-1954)

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St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Father & Doctor of the Church

St John Damascene (675-749) Father & Doctor of the Church

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John 3:30

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

Pope Francis

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Luke 4:18

Blessed Alix le Clerc/Teresa of Jesus (1576-1622)

Pope Francis

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

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

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

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

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

The Rebel’s Prayer
By Blessed Teresio Olivelli

St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390)
Father & Doctor of the Church

St John Damascene (675-749)
Father & Doctor of the Church

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