Category: CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SILENCE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 July – “ … Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28

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One Minute Reflection – 27 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Saturday of the Blessed Virgin (Salve Sancta Parens) – St Pantaleon (Died c305) Martyr, Lay Physician, one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers – Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16; Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28

REFLECTION – “Truly it is “a trustworthy word and deserving of every welcome” (1 Tm 1:15) your Almighty Word, Lord, which, in such deep Silence, made His way down from the Father’s royal throne (Wis 18:14f) into the mangers of animals and meanwhile, speaks to us better by His Silence. “Let him who has ears to hear, hear” what this loving and mysterious Silence of the eternal Word speaks to us …

For what recommends the discipline of silence with such weight and such authority, what checks the evil of restless tongues and the storms of words, as the Word of God, silent in the midst of men. “There is no word on My tongue” (Ps 138:4), the Almighty Word seems to confess while He is subject to His Mother. What madness then will prompt us to say: “With our tongues we can do great things; our lips are good friends to us; we own no master” (Ps 11:5). If I were allowed, I would gladly be dumb and be brought low and be silent, even of good things that I might be able, the more attentively and diligently, to apply my ear to the secret utterances and sacred meaning of this Divine Silence, learning in silence, in the school of the Word, if only for as long as the Word Himself was Silent under the instruction of His Mother …

“The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us” (Jn 1:14). With complete devotion, then, let us think of Christ in the swaddling clothes with which His Mother wrapped Him, so that, with eternal happiness, we may see the glory and beauty with which His Father has clothed Him.” – Blessed Guerric of Igny O.Cist. (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (The 5th sermon for Christmas).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that through the intercession of Thy blessed Martyr Pantaleon, we may be delivered from all afflictions of the body and cleansed from all evil thoughts of the mind. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, franciscan OFM, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), QUOTES on WISDOM, The HEART, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 26 July – Let us Pray!

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 July – St Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Grandmother of Jesus.

St Anne, through her constant prayer,
received, the Mother of God
and then, became the Grandmother of God!

“Let my prayer come
like incense before Thee, O Lord.”

Psalm 140:2

“Exercise your soul!
Use keeps metal brighter
but disuse produces rust.
… So “No-one lights a candle
and puts it under a bushel
but upon a candlestick
that it may give light.”
For of what use is wisdom, if it fails
to make those who hear it wise?”

St Clement of Alexandria (c150-c215)
Father of the Church

“God accepts our desires as though
they were of great value.
He longs ardently for us
to desire to and love Him.
He accepts our petitions for benefits,
as though we were doing Him a favour.
His joy in giving,
is greater than ours in receiving.
So let us not be apathetic in our asking,
nor set too narrow bounds to our requests;
nor ask for frivolous things
unworthy of God’s greatness.”

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

“Arm yourself with prayer
instead of a sword;
be clothed with humility
instead of fine raiment.”

St Dominic OP (1170-1221)

“In prayer, the soul cleanses itself from sin,
charity is nourished,
faith is strengthened,
hope made secure;
the spirit rejoices,
the soul grows tender
and the heart is purified,
truth discovers itself,
temptation is overcome,
sadness takes to flight,
the senses are renewed,
failing virtue is made strong,
tepidity disappears,
the rust of sin is rubbed away.
In it are brought forth,
lively flashes of heavenly desires
and in these fires,
burns the flame of Divine love.
Great are the excellences of prayer,
great its privileges.
The heavens open before it
and unveil therein, their secrets
and to it, are the ears of God ever attentive.”

A Golden Treatise of Mental Prayer
Download the book, “A Golden Treatise of Mental Prayer”

St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)

“When you pray, let it be your intention
to will God’s Will alone and not your own,
as well in asking as in obtaining that is,
pray because God Wills you to pray
and desire to be heard, insofar and, no farther,
than He Wills. Your intention, in short,
should be to unite your will to the Will of God
and not to draw His Will to yours.
And this because, your will, being infected
and ruined by self-love, often errs
and knows not what to ask but the Divine Will,
being always united to ineffable goodness,
can never err.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

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One Minute Reflection – 26 July – The Treasure and The Pearl

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One Minute Reflection – 26 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Grandmother of Jesus.– Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus said in parables: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure, hidden in a field. … Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant seeking good pearls. ”- Matthew 13:44 and 45

REFLECTION – “The two parables of the treasure and the pearl, both teach us the same thing – we should prefer the Gospel before all earthly treasures. … However, there is something even more praiseworthy than this – we should delight to give it preference, joyfully, unhesitatingly. Let us never forget this, to abandon all else, so as to follow God, is to gain more, than one loses. The preaching of the Gospel is hidden in this world like a hidden treasure, a treasure without price.

To gain this treasure … two conditions are required – the forsaking of this world’s goods and a firm determination. For, it is a question “of a merchant searching for fine pearls, when he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” This one pearl is Truth and Truth is one, it is not divided. Do you possess a pearl? Then you know your wealth, it is clenched in the palm of your hand, no-one is aware of your fortune.

So it is with the Gospel, if you embrace it with faith, if it remains enclosed in your heart, what a treasure you have You alone know it is there. Unbelievers, who know neither what it is nor what value it has, have no idea of your incredible wealth!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel No 47:2).

PRAYER – O God, Who in Thy kindness gave blessed Anne the grace to be the mother of her, who Mothered Thy Only-begotten Son, graciously grant that we who keep her feast, maybe helped by her intercession with Thee. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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One Minute Reflection – 24 July – ‘ … Let us love the one who is near us, so that we may be able to attain, the love of the One, Who is above us! …’

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One Minute Reflection – 24 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Christina of Bolsena (3rd Century) Virgin Martyr – Ecclesiasticus Sir 44:25-27; 45:2-4; 45:6-9; John 15:12-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“This is My commandment that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man hath that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:12-13

REFLECTION – “We cannot truly love God without loving our neighbour, nor can we truly love our neighbour without loving God. This is why … the Holy Ghost was given a second time to the disciples. First He was given by the Lord while He was still dwelling on earth and later, while He was watching over us in Heaven (Jn 20:22; Acts 2). He was given to us on earth, that we may love our neighbours; from Heaven, that we may love God. Why first on earth and later from Heaven – except for the reason given us openly by John: “How can anyone, who does not love his brother, whom he sees love God Whom he does not see?”

So let us love our neighbours, my friends, let us love the one who is near us, so that we may be able to attain, the love of the One, Who is above us! Let our hearts reflect on what our neighbours hold up to God, so that we may be found completely worthy, to rejoice in God with them. Then shall we reach the happiness of the heavenly multitude, the happiness of which, we have received an assurance from the Holy Spirit. Let us move forward toward that goal, where we shall be happy without end, with all our love. There is the holy community of heavenly citizens, there is the sure and solemn observance, there untroubled rest, there the true peace which is no longer dependent on us but given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ (Jn 14:27).” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Excerpt Sermons on the Gospel No 30).

PRAYER – O God, Who among the other miracles of Thy power have bestowed the victory of martyrdom even upon the weaker sex, graciously grant that we, who commemorate the anniversary of the death of blessed Christina, Your Virgin and Martyr, may come to Thee by the path of her example.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, The HEART, The REDEMPTION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 July – ‘Let us welcome our God and Lord …’

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One Minute Reflection – 22 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – – St Mary Magdalene (1st Century) Penitent – Song 3:2-5; 8:6-7; Luke 7:36-50 – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And turning to the woman, He said unto Simon: Dost thou see this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet. But she, with tears, hath washed My Feet and with her hair, hath wiped them.” – Luke 7:43

REFLECTION – “Let us welcome our God and Lord, the true Doctor Who, by coming to us, is alone able to heal our souls, He Who strove so mightily on our behalf. He is constantly knocking on the door of our hearts for us to open to Him and let Him in, so that He may recline in our souls, making His home with us and we can wash His Feet and pour perfume over them. Indeed, Jesus rebukes the one who failed to wash His Feet and elsewhere, He says: “Behold I stand at the door … if anyone opens the door, I will enter his house” (Apoc 3:20). In fact, this is the reason why He bore such great suffering, delivering up His Body to death and redeeming us from slavery – it was so that He might enter our souls and make His home there.

This was why our Lord says to those who are to stand on His left side at the judgement and be cast into the eternal fire: “I was a stranger and you gave me no welcome; I was hungry and you gave me no food; thirsty and you gave me no drink” (Mt 25:42) – because, His food and drink, His clothing, shelter and rest are all within our heart. This is why He is always knocking, trying to come into our house. So let us welcome Him and bring Him inside, within us, since He is our food, drink and eternal life, too.

And those souls who do not now receive Him within, for Him to find His rest in them, or rather that they might find rest in Him, will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven with the Saints or be able to enter the heavenly City. But you, O Lord Jesus Christ, grant us to enter there, we who glorify Thy Name, with the Father and the Holy Ghost for ages unending. Amen.” – St Macarius of Egypt (c300-390) Monk, Father of the Church (Sermon attributed to St Macarius).

PRAYER – May the prayers of blessed Mary Magdalen help us, O Lord, Who was moved by her prayers, her love and peniteance, that we too may learn true repentance and sorrow for our sins..Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, INDULGENCES, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, St Francis de Sales, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 21 July – ‘Scripture is perfect wisdom,starting point and point of arrival … ‘

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

“And He entered the temple
and began to cast out those
who were selling and buying in it,
saying to them, it is written,
‘My house is a house of prayer’
but you have made it a den of thieves.”

Luke 19:45-46

“Sacred Scripture is the Lord’s money!”

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

“Ignorance of the Scriptures
is ignorance of Christ!”

“The faithful, who spend
at least a quarter of an hour,
in reading Sacred Scripture
with great reverence,
due to the Word of God,
after the manner of spiritual reading,
may gain, an Indulgence of 300 days.”

St Jerome (347-419)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Scripture is perfect wisdom,
starting point and point of arrival,
to which our whole existence
should be adapted.”

St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450)
Priest, Exegete, Father

“Always (read and) listen to it (the Scriptures)
with attention and reverence;
make good use of it;
do not let it fall to earth
but take it into your heart
like a precious balm.
Do all this after the example
of the most holy Virgin,
for she carefully kept in her heart
all the words spoken in praise of her Child.
Remember that our Lord gathers up
the words we speak to Him in prayer,
in measure with the way
we gather up those He speaks to us
by His preaching.”

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

(Introduction to the Devout Life
Part 2 Chapter 17)

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One Minute Reflection – 21 July – ‘ … Sacred Scripture is the Lord’s money!’

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One Minute Reflection – July– “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Praxedes, Virgin (Died 164) – 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; Luke 19:41-47 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And He entered the temple and began to cast out those who were selling and buying in it, saying to them, it is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer’ but you have made it a den of thieves.” – Luke 19:45-46

REFLECTION – “God does not want His temple to be a trader’s lodge but the home of sanctity. He does not preserve the practice of the Priestly service by the dishonest duty of religion but by voluntary obedience. Consider what the Lord’s actions impose on you, as an example of living. He taught in general that worldly transactions must be absent from the temple but He drove out the moneychangers in particular. Who are the moneychangers, if not those, who seek profit from the Lord’s money and cannot distinguish between good and evil? Sacred Scripture is the Lord’s money!” – St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church (Exposition on the Gospel of Luke, 9).

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, O God our Saviour, that, as we rejoice in the festival of blessed Praxedes, thy Virgin, so may we be nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching, as to be enlightened by the fervour of her dedicated holiness. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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One Minute Reflection – 20 July – “Suffer the little children and forbid them not to come to Me, for the Kingdom of Heaven is for such. ” – Matthew 19:14

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One Minute Reflection – 20 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537) Confessor – Isaias 58:7-11, Matthew 19:13-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Suffer the little children and forbid them not to come to Me, for the Kingdom of Heaven is for such. ” – Matthew 19:14

REFLECTION – “What a great and wonderful gift God has given us, my brethren! On this, the day of Easter, day of Salvation, the Lord rises again and gives resurrection to the world. … We are His Body (1 Cor 12:27) … and His Members rise with Him; He makes us rise from death to life. In Hebrew the word “passover” means a passing over … and what a passing! From sin to righteousness, from vice to virtue, from age to infancy. Yesterday, sins’ decay set us on a decline but Christ’s Resurrection gives us rebirth in newborn innocence!

Christian simplicity makes childhood its own. Children are without rancour, ignorant of deceit, not daring to strike. So, this child whom the Christian has become, does not fall into a rage if someone insults him, does not resist, if something is taken from him, does not return blows, if someone strikes him. Our Lord even demands us to pray for our enemies, give up our tunic and cloak to anyone who would steal it, turn the other cheek to those who would slap it (Mt 5:39). The childhood of Christ surpasses human childhood. …

To the Apostles, who were already mature, adult men, the Lord said: “Unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18:3). He returns them to the origin of their lives, encourages them to rediscover their childhood, so that these men, whose vigour is declining, may be born again to innocence of heart.” – St Maximus of Turin (Died c420) Bishop, Father of the Church (Homily 58 for Easter).

PRAYER – O God, the Father of mercies, by the merits and intercession of St Jerome, whom Thou willed to be the helper and father of orphans, grant that we may faithfully guard the spirit of adoption which makes us Thy sons both in name and reality.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on MISSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 July – ‘ … Christ says, lend Me your tongue and you shall see the ripe grain going into the King’s granaries. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 19 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Vincent de Paul CM (1581-1660) Confessor, “Holy Hero of Divine Charity” – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14; Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The harvest indeed is great but the labourers are few.” – Luke 10:2

REFLECTION – “All the farmer’s work ,naturally leads towards the harvest. So how could Christ call a ‘harvest’ a work which was still in its initial stages? Idolatry reigned over all the earth .… Everywhere there was fornication, adultery, debauchery, greed, theft, wars . … The earth was filled with so many evils! No seed had yet been sown there. The thorns, thistles and weeds which covered the ground, had not yet been pulled up. The ground had not yet been ploughed, no furrow had yet been drawn.

So how could Jesus say, that the harvest was abundant? … The Apostles were probably distressed and frustrated: “How are we going to be able to say anything, to stand upright before so many people? How can we, the Eleven, correct all the inhabitants of the earth? Shall we, who are so ignorant, be able to approach scholars; shall we, who are so stripped of everything, be able to meet armed men; shall we, who are subordinates, be able to approach people in authority? We know only one language – shall we be able to argue with the barbarians, who speak foreign languages? Who will bear with us, if they do not even understand our language?”

Jesus did not want such reasoning to discourage them. So He called the Gospel a ‘harvest.‘ It is as if, He told them: “Everything is prepared, all the preparations have been made. I am sending you out to harvest the ripe grain. You shall be able to sow and reap, on the same day!” When the farmer leaves his home to go out and gather the harvest, he is brimming over with joy and shining with happiness. He thinks neither of the suffering, nor the difficulties he might encounter . … Christ says, lend Me your tongue and you shall see the ripe grain going into the King’s granaries. And so, He then sends them out, telling them: “I am with you always, until the end of the world.” (Mt 28:20).” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homily on the abundant harvest, 10, 2-3)

PRAYER – O God, Who endowed St Vincent with apostolic strength, to preach the Gospel to the poor and to enhance the dignity of clerical life; grant, we beseech Thee, that we. who honour his holy merits, may also conform to the example of his virtues. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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Our Morning Offering – 18 July – Prayer in Praise of God By St Francis of Assisi

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Our Morning Offering – 18 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

Prayer in Praise of God
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)

Thou art Holy, Lord, the only God
and Thine Deeds art wonderful.
Thou art Strong.
Thou art Great.
Thou art the Most High.
Thou art Almighty.
Thou, Holy Father art King of Heaven and earth.
Thou art Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
Thou art Good, all Good, Supreme Good,
Lord God, Living and True.
Thou art Love. Thou art Wisdom.
Thou art Humility. Thou art Endurance.
Thou art Rest. Thou art Peace.
Thou art Joy and Gladness.
Thou art Justice and Moderation.
Thou art all our Riches and Thou art Suffice for us.
Thou art Beauty. Thou art Gentleness.
Thou art our Protector.
Thou art our Guardian and Defender.
Thou art our Courage.
Thou art our Haven and our Hope.
Thou art our Faith, our great Consolation.
Thou art our Eternal Life,
Great and Wonderful Lord, God Almighty,
Merciful Saviour.
Amen

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One Minute Reflection – 17 July – ‘ … When we do abandon all, Our Lord takes care of all …’

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One Minute Reflection – 17 July– “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Feast of The Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary – St Alexius –1 Timothy 6:6-12, Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands,
for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29

REFLECTION – “WE MUST POSSESS a continual and imperturbable equanimity, amid the great variety of human occurrences and although, all things change around us, remain immovable, with our eyes fixed on God alone.
And, although, all things, I will not merely say around us but even within us, should turn topsy-turvy; whether our souls be joyful or sorrowful, in peace or in trouble, in light or in darkness, in temptation or in repose, in happiness or in disgust, although the sun scorch, or the dew refresh – we should always keep our will fixed on the good pleasure of God, as its sole and supreme object.

It is true that we require great confidence to abandon ourselves, without any reserve, to Divine Providence but, when we do abandon all, Our Lord takes care of all and disposes of all.
But, if we reserve anything which we are unwilling to confide to Him, He leaves us, as if He would say: “You think yourselves sufficiently wise to manage that affair without Me – you can do so and see what will come of it!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis( Consoling Thoughts on God and Providence).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness both of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, maybe delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness.ThroughJesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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One Minute Reflection – 16 July – ‘ … She kept God’s Truth in her mind, … carrying His Body in her womb. … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 16 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 24:23; Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed is the womb which bore Thee … But He said, rather, blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it. ” – Luke 11:27-28

REFLECTION – “Stretching out His Hand over His disciples, the Lord Christ declared: ‘Here are My mother and My brothers; anyone who does the Will of My Father Who sent Me, is My brother and sister and My mother.’ I would urge you to ponder these words. Did the Virgin Mary, who believed by faith and conceived by faith, who was the chosen one from whom our Saviour was born among men, who was created by Christ before Christ was created in her — did she not do the Will of the Father? Indeed the blessed Mary certainly did the Father’s Will and so, it was for her, a greater thing to have been Christ’s disciple than to have been His Mother and, she was more blessed, in her discipleship, than in her motherhood. Hers was the happiness, of first bearing in her womb, Him Whom she would obey as her Master.

Now listen and see if the words of Scripture do not agree with what I have said. The Lord was passing by and crowds were following Him. His miracles gave proof of Divine Power and a woman cried out: ‘Blessed is the womb which bore Thee,’ blessed is that womb! But the Lord, not wishing people to seek happiness in a purely physical relationship, replied: ,’More blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.‘ Mary heard God’s Word and kept it and so, she is blessed. She kept God’s Truth in her mind, a nobler thing than carrying His Body in her womb. The Truth and the Body were both Christ — He was kept in Mary’s mind, insofar as He is Truth, He was carried in her womb, insofar as He is Man but what is kept in the mind, is of a higher order, than what is carried in the womb.

The Virgin Mary is both holy and blessed and yet, the Church is greater than she. Mary is a part of the Church, a member of the Church, a holy, an eminent — the most eminent — member but still, only a member of the entire Body. The Body, undoubtedly is greater than she, one of its members. This Body has the Lord for its Head and Head and Body together, make up the whole Christ. In other words, our Head is Divine — our Head is God.

Now, beloved, give me your whole attention, for you also are members of Christ; you too are the Body of Christ. Consider how you, yourselves, can be among those of whom the Lord said: ‘Here are My mother and My brothers.’ Do you wonder how you can be the mother of Christ? He himself said: ‘Whoever hears and fulfils the Will of My Father in Heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.’ As for our being the brothers and sisters of Christ, we can understand this because, although there is only one inheritance and Christ is the Only Son, His mercy would not allow Him to remain alone. It was His wish that we too should be heirs of the Father and co-heirs with Himself.

Now having said that all of you are brothers of Christ, shall I not dare to call you His mother? Much less would I dare to deny His own words. Tell me how Mary became the mother of Christ, if it was not by giving birth to the members of Christ? You, to whom I am speaking, are the members of Christ. Of whom were you born? “Of Mother Church,” I hear the reply of your hearts. You became sons of this mother at your Baptism, you came to birth then, as members of Christ. Now you, in your turn, must draw to the Font of Baptism, as many as you possibly can. You became sons when you were born there yourselves and now, by bringing others to birth in the same way, you have it in your power to become the mothers of Christ!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (An excerpt from Sermon 25).

PRAYER – O God, Who honoured the Order of Carmel with the special title of the most blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Thy Mother, graciously grant, that we, who this day honour her commemoration with solemn rites, defended by her care, may be found worthy to attain everlasting happiness.Through the same Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on CREATION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – St Bonaventure

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church

“As “pride is the beginning of all sin,”
(Eccl. 10:15)
so humility is the foundation of all virtue.
Learn to be really humble and not,
as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.”

“When we pray,
the voice of the heart
must be heard ,
more than that proceeding
from the mouth.”

“The best perfection of a religious man,
is to do common things,
in a perfect manner.
A constant fidelity, in small things,
is a great and heroic virtue.”

“Every creature is a Divine Word
because it proclaims God.”

“Chastity without charity
is a lamp without oil.”

“In beautiful things
St Francis saw Beauty itself
and through His vestiges
imprinted on creation,
he followed his Beloved everywhere,
making, from all things,
a ladder, by which he could climb up
and embrace Him, Who is utterly desirable.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-july-st-bonaventure-2/

St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 July – ‘ … Riches are alien to us … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church – Pentecost VIII – – Romans 8:12-17; Luke 16:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And I say to you, make friends for yourselves with deceitful wealth, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwellings.” – Lukr 16:9

REFLECTION – “A servant cannot serve two masters.” Not that there are two; there is only one Master. For, even if there are some, who serve money, it has no inherent right to be a master; they themselves, are the ones who assume the yoke of this slavery. In fact, money has no rightful authority but constitutes an unjust bondage. That is why Jesus says: “Make friends for yourselves with deceitful money,” so that, by generosity to the poor, we will win the favour of Angels and Saints.

The steward is not blamed. By this we learn that we are not masters but rather stewards of other’s wealth. He was praised, even though he was in the wrong because, in paying out to others in his master’s name ,he won support for himself. And how rightly Jesus spoke of “deceitful wealth” because love of money so tempts our desires with its various seductions that we consent to become its slaves. That is why He said: “If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours?” Riches are alien to us because they exist outside of our nature; they are not born with us, they do not follow us in death. But Christ, to the contrary, belongs to us because He is Life! … So do not let us become slaves of exterior goods because Christ is the only One we should acknowledge as our Lord.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel No 7).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Thy people, blessed Bonaventure, as a minister of salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who cherished him on earth as a teacher of life, may be found worthy to have him as an intercessor in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 July – “But I say to you, Love your enemies …” Matthew 5:44

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One Minute Reflection – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But I say to you, Love your enemies …” Matthew 5:44

REFLECTION – “Let us pay attention, all my brothers, to what the Lord says: “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you,” for our Lord Jesus Christ, Whose footprints we must follow (cf 1 Pt 2:21), called His betrayer “friend” (Mt 26:50) and gave Himself willingly to those who Crucified Him. Our friends, then, are all those who, unjustly afflict upon us, trials and ordeals, shame and inju­ries, sorrows and torments, martyrdom and death! We must love them greatly, for we will possess eternal life because of what they bring upon us.” – St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226) Founder of the Friars Minor (Earlier Rule, #22).

PRAYER – May the intercession of the blessed Abbot John commend us to Thee, O Lord, so that through his merits we may obtain that which we cannot accomplish by our own. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 July – ‘ … Christ signifies King, Jesus signifies Saviour. …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 July – St Pius I, Pope (Died c 154) Martyr – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

“But the God of all grace,
Who hath called us into His eternal glory
in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little,
will Himself perfect you and confirm you
and establish you.
To Him be glory and empire
forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 5:10-11

“Wake up then, believer
and note what is stated here:
“In My Name.”
That [Name] is Christ Jesus.
Christ signifies King, Jesus signifies Saviour.
Therefore, whatever we ask for
that would hinder our salvation,
we do not ask in our Saviour’s Name
and yet, He is our Saviour,
not only when He does what we ask
but also, when He does not.
When He sees us ask anything
to the disadvantage of our salvation,
He shows Himself our Saviour by not doing it.
The physician knows
whether what the sick person asks for,
is to the advantage or disadvantage of his health.
And [the physician] does not allow
what would be harmful to him,
although the sick person himself, desires it.
But the physician looks to his final cure.”

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

“The Kingdom of Heaven, says the Gospel,
is like a mustard seed …
Christ is the Kingdom of Heaven!
Sown like a mustard seed
in the garden of the Virgin’s womb,
He grew up into the Tree of the Cross,
whose branches,
stretch across the world …
Christ is the Kingdom
because all the glory of His Kingdom,
is within Him.
Christ is a Man
because all humanity is restored in Him.
Christ is a Mustard Seed
because the infinitude of Divine greatness,
is accommodated to
the littleness of flesh and blood!”

St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450)
“Golden Words”
Father & Doctor of the Church

“May Christ be heard in our language,
may Christ be seen in our life,
may He be perceived in our hearts”

St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Doctor of the Church

“He is the origin of all wisdom.
The Word of God in the heights,
is the source of wisdom.
Christ is the source of all true knowledge,
for He is “the way, the truth and the life.” (Jn 14:6). …
As way, Christ is the teacher
and origin of knowledge …
Without this Light,
which is Christ,
no-one can penetrate
the secrets of faith.”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

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One Minute Reflection – 11 July– ‘ … He did not abandon watching over His beloved sheep. … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 11 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Pius I, Pope (Died c 154) Martyr – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11; Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Upon this rock I will build My Church” – Matthew 16:18

REFLECTION – “Brothers, when it comes to fulfilling my duties as Bishop, I discover that I am weak and slack, weighed down by the weakness of my own condition, while at the same time, I want to act generously and courageously. However, I draw my strength from the untiring intercession of the almighty and eternal Priest, Who, like us but equal to the Father, lowered His Divinity to the level of man and raised humankind to the level of God. The decisions He made, give me a just and holy joy. For, when He delegated many shepherds to care for His flock, He did not abandon watching over His beloved sheep. Thanks to that fundamental and eternal assistance, I in turn, have received the protection and support of the Apostle Peter, who also does not abandon his function. This solid foundation, on which the whole of the Church is built, never grows tired of carrying the whole weight, of the building which rests upon it.

The firmness of faith, for which the first of the Apostles was praised, never fails. Just as everything which Peter professed in Christ remains, so that which Christ established in Peter, remains … The order willed by God’s Truth remains. Saint Peter perseveres in the solidity which he received; he has not abandoned the governance of the Church which was placed in his hands. That, my brothers, is what that profession of faith, inspired by God the Father, obtained in the heart of the Apostle. He received the solidity of a rock which no assault can shake. In the entire Church, Peter says everyday: “Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on the anniversary of his Consecration as Bishop).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Pius thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church.. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS TO St Joseph, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, St JOSEPH, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day –10 July – ‘ … Let God steer us where He will.’

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Quote/s of the Day –10 July – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 12:46-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For whoever does
the Will of My Father in Heaven,
is My brother and My sister
and My mother.”

Matthew 12:50

“Unfurl the sails
and let God steer us
where He will.”

St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

“No-one will have any other desire in Heaven
than what God wills and the desire of one,
will be the desire of all and the desire of all
and of each one, will also be the desire of God.”

St Anselm (1033-1109)
Archbishop of Canterbury

“Strive to be faithful
to that which God has called you.”

St Angelica de Merici (1474-1540) Virgin

“It is impossible, that he could be denied
the favours for which he asks
and which we should request him
to obtain for us.
Let us go to him trustingly
but, let us remember,
that the surest way of being heard by him,
is to imitate his wonderful virtues,
especially his humility,
his spirit of prayer,
his purity and his calm desire always,
to do God’s will.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

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One Minute Reflection – 10 July – For whoever does the Will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother. – Matthew 12:50

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One Minute Reflection – 10 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Rufina and St Secunda of Rome (3rd Century) Virgin Martyrs – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 12:46-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” – Matthew 12:50

REFLECTION – “I beg you to listen to what the Lord had to say when He stretched out His hand towards His disciples: “Here are My mother and My brethren” and, “whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” Are we to take it from this that the Virgin Mary did not do the will of the Father, she who by faith believed, by faith conceived; she who was chosen to bring forth salvation on our behalf and who, was by Christ created that Christ in her, might be created? Indeed and indeed, she did the Father’s will and it is a greater thing for Mary that she was Christ’s disciple, than that she was His Mother. It is a happier thing to be His disciple, than to be His Mother. Blessed then is Mary, who bore her Lord in her body, before she gave Him birth…

Mary is holy. Mary is blessed. Yet the Church is greater than she is. What reason do I bring? Mary is part of the Church. She is a holy member of the Church; she is THE holy member; she is the member above all member hut, she is still one member of the whole body… Brothers, listen very closely – you are members of Christ’s body and you are the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27). And this is how you are what He said: “Here are My mother and My brothers.” But how does this prove you are Christ’s mother? He goes on: “Whoever hears and whoever does the will of my heavenly Father, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 25 on Saint Matthew).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who know how courageously Thy holy Martyrs have confessed the faith, may experience their goodness as they intercede for us with Thee.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 July – ‘ … If you say you abide in Christ, you ought to walk as He walked. … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 7 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Saint Cyril (827-869) and Saint Methodius (826-885) “Apostles to the Slavs,” Sibling Brother Bishops, Confessors – Romans 6:19-23; Matthew 7:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“By their fruits you shall know them.”- Matthew 7:16

REFLECTION – “Do you believe in Christ? Do the works of Christ, so that your faith may live; love will animate your faith, deed will reveal it … If you say you abide in Christ, you ought to walk as He walked. But if you seek your own glory, envy the successful, slander the absent, take revenge on those who injure you, this Christ did not do. You profess to know God, yet reject Him by your deeds! … “Such a one honours Me with his lips but his heart is far from Me” (Is 29:13; Mt 15:8)…

You see then that right faith, will not make a man righteous, unless it is enlivened by love. Someone, who has no love, has no means of loving the Bride, Christ’s Church. But, on the other hand, deeds, however righteous, cannot make the heart righteous, without faith. Who would call a person righteous, who does not please God? But “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6). And God, cannot please the one, who is not pleasing to Him; for if God is pleasing to someone that person cannot displease God. Furthermore, if God is not pleasing to that person, neither is His Bride, the Church. How then can he be righteous, who loves neither God nor God’s Church, to whom is said: “The righteous love you”? (Sg 1,3 Vg.).

If, therefore, neither faith without good works, nor good works without faith, suffice for a man’s righteousness, we, my brothers, who believe in Christ, should strive to ensure that our behaviour and desires are righteous. Let us raise up both our hearts and hands, to God that our whole being maybe righteous, our righteous faith being revealed in our righteous actions. So, we shall be lovers of the Bride, the Church and loved by the Bridegroom Jesus Christ our Lord, who is God, blessed forever!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian, Father and Ddoctor of the Church (24th sermon on the Song of Songs).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of the blessed brothers, Cyril and Methodius, who, by the power of the Holy Ghost were moved to bring the light of the Gospel to a hostile and divided people. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 July – “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31

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One Minute Reflection – 6 July– “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul – Sirach 44:10-15, Matthew 14:22-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” … Matthew 14:31

REFLECTION – “Once again the disciples are a plaything of the waves and a storm, similar to the first one (Mt 8:4), hurls itself against them. The first time, however, they had Jesus with them, whereas this time, they are alone and left to themselves. …  I think this was because our Saviour wanted to stir their sleeping hearts and, by throwing them into a panic, He inspired in them, a strong desire for His presence and kept the remembrance of Him constantly in their minds.   Hence, He did not come to their help at once but “during the fourth watch of the night He came towards them, walking on the sea”. …

Peter, ever volatile, always getting in before the other disciples, said: “Lord, if it is Thee, command me to come to Thee on the water” …   He did not say, “Command me to walk on the water” but “come to Thee”  for there was none who loved Jesus as much as he.   He did the same thing after the Resurrection – unable to bear moving as slowly as the others in the boat, he jumped into the water to get there before them and satisfy his love for Christ. …  Getting out of the boat, then, Peter went towards Jesus, more delighted to be going towards Him than to be walking on the water.   But after confronting the greatest danger, that of the sea, he was to give in to a lesser, that of the wind.   Such is human nature!   Often, having overcome serious dangers we are conquered by lesser ones …  Peter had not yet been set free from all his fear … in spite of Christ’s presence beside him.   For it is of no use to be beside Christ if one is not close to Him by faith.   This is what emphasises the distance separating Master from the disciple …

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?”   So, if Peter’s faith had not faltered, he would have resisted the wind without difficulty.   And the proof of this, is that Jesus grasped Peter while leaving the wind to continue blowing …   Just as the mother bird supports with her wings, as it is about to fall, the fledgling that has prematurely left the nest and draws it back into the nest, so does Christ with regard to Peter.” … St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, 50, 1-2).

PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the Martyrdom of Your Apostles Peter and Paul, grant Thy Church to follow in all things, the teaching of those, from whom she first received the faith. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, SELF-DISTRUST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 July– “Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?” – Mark 10:17

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One Minute Reflection – 5 July– “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder – 1 Timothy 4:8-16, Mark 10:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?” – Mark 10:17

REFLECTION – “It was no small forwardness which the young man had shown; he was a man with great desires. While others were coming to Jesus to put Him to trial or to ask Him to cure their diseases, or those of other people, this young man comes to Him to talk about eternal life. He was like fertile, rich land but there were thorns there too, ready to choke the seeds (Mt 13:7). Look how he is ready to obey the commandments: “What must I do,” he says, “to inherit eternal life?”… This was not the feeling of any of the Pharisees, they grew furious when their mouths were stopped. But not so this man, he goes away downcast which is no little sign that he had come, not with an evil will but, with one too feeble. He did indeed desire life but was held in subjection by another, most grievous desire …

“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in Heaven; then come, follow Me … At this statement, he went away sorrowful.” After this, the evangelist shows why he felt this way, by saying, “He had many possessions.” For those who have little, are not equally held in subjection by their possessions, as those who overflow with affluence, for then the love of it becomes more tyrannical. The increase of acquisitions kindles the flame more and renders those, who possess them, poorer, it puts them in greater desire and makes them feel more their “want”. See what strength this passion exhibited here … “How difficulkt it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” Not that Christ blames wealth but those who are held in subjection by it.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homily 63 on Matthew).

PRAYER – Grant, O Lord God that in the spirit of Paul the Apostle,
we may learn the knowledge of Jesus Christ which surpasses all understanding, wherein the blessed Anthony Mary was marvelously learned, who gathered together in Thy Church new households of Clerics and of Virgins. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 3 July– My Lord and my God

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 July– “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Leo II (611–683) Pope, Confessor – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

“Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona
because flesh and blood
hath not revealed it to thee
but My Father Who is in Heaven.”

Matthew 16:17

“Thomas answered and said to Him:
My Lord and my God.”

John 20:28

“Blessed are they who have not seen
and have believed.”

John 20:29

“Our hearts were made for Thee, O God
And restless must they be
Until, O God, this grace accord,
Until they rest in Thee!”

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

“Each one of us has a thirst
for all that is infinite, eternal and perfect.
God alone can satisfy this thirst.
Just as we are created by God,
so we are created for Him.
Just as we came from God,
so we are gradually travelling back towards Him,
for He is the final goal of our earthly journey.
We should meditate on this great truth
which we were first taught in the Catechism,
namely, that we were created
to know, love and serve God
on this earth and to be happy with Him
forever in Heaven.
God alone is the eternal beauty
which will satisfy our hearts.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 July– “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16

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One Minute Reflection – 3 July– “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Leo II (611–683) Pope, Confessor – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16

REFLECTION – “Peter did not say “Thou are a Christ” or “a son of God” but “the Christ, the Son of God.” For there are many christs by grace, who have attained the rank of adoption [as sons] but [there is] only One Who is by nature the Son of God. Thus, using the definite article, he said, THE Christ, THE Son of God. And in calling Him, Son of the LIVING God, Peter indicates that Christ Himself is Life and that death has no authority over Him. And even if the flesh, for a short while, was weak and died, nevertheless, it rose again, since the Word, Who dwelled in it, could not be held under the bonds of death.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Known as “The Pillar of Faith” Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor Incarnationis (Doctor of the Incarnation) (Fragment 190).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Leo Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOOD FRIDAY, INGRATITUDE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 July – ‘ … While He is judged, Wisdom remains silent and the Word says nothing. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 1 July – “The Feast and Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Hebrews 9:11-15,; John 19:30-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But one of the soldiers opened His side with a lance and immediately there came forth, Blood and water.” – John 19:34

REFLECTION – “Today the Cross is advancing, creation exults. The Cross, path for those who have gone astray, hope of Christians, the Apostles’ preaching, security of the universe, foundation of the Church, fountain for those who are thirsty… In great gentleness, Jesus is led to the Passion – He is brought to Pilate’s judgement seat; at the sixth hour, people mock Him; until the ninth hour, He bears the pain of the nails, then His Death ends His Passion. At the twelfth hour, He is taken down from the Cross. You could say, He is a sleeping lion …

While He is judged, Wisdom remains silent and the Word says nothing. His enemies despise and Crucify Him … Those, to whom yesterday, He gave His Body as food, watch from a distance as He dies. Peter, the first of the Apostles, is the first to flee. Andrew also took flight and John, who rested at His side, did not prevent the soldier from piercing that side with a lance. The Twelve fled – they did not say one word in His favour, they, for whom He is giving His Life. Lazarus is not there, he, whom He called back to life. The blind man did not weep for Him Who opened his eyes to the light and the crippled man, who could walk thanks to Him, did not run to Him.

Only a bandit who was crucified next to Him confessed Him and called Him his King! O thief, precocious blossom from the tree of the Cross, first fruit of the wood from Golgotha! … The Lord reigns, creation rejoices. The Cross triumphs and all nations, tribes, languages and peoples (Apoc 7:9) come to adore Him … The Cross gives Light to the whole universe, it chases away the darkness and gathers the nations … into one single Church, one single Faith, one single Baptism in charity. It stands at the centre of the world and is made firm on Calvary.” – St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homily attributed to St Ephrem from the Lectionary).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who made Thine Only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world and, willed to be reconciled by His Blood, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to worship in this Sacred rite the price of our salvation and to be so protected, by its power against the evils of the present life on earth, that we may enjoy its everlasting fruit in Heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Aspiration:  Precious Blood, ocean of Divine Mercy, Flow upon us.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, HOLY COMMUNION, MIRACLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Gne Minute Reflection – 30 June – ‘ … The gift of His Body and Blood …’

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One Minute Reflection – 30 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles – Pentecpst VI – Romans 6:3-11; Mark 8:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Giving thanks, He broke and gave to His disciples to set before them …” – Marl 8:6

REFLECTION – “Our Lord multiplied bread in the wilderness and changed water into wine at Cana. Thus, He accustomed His disciples’ mouths to His Bread and Wine, until the time when He would give them His Own Body and Blood. He gave them a taste of transitory bread and wine, to stir up in them, a desire for His Own life-giving Body and Blood. He gave them generously of those insignificant things that they might know that His more important gift would be free. He gave these things freely, even though, they might have bought them that they might know they would not be asked to pay for something beyond price – …. for, if they were able to pay the price of some bread and wine, yet they would not be able to pay for His Body and Blood.

Not only did He freely fill us with His gifts but He treated us yet more lovingly. For He gave us those little things freely, to draw us, so that we would come to Him and freely receive that great good of the Eucharist. Those fragments of bread and wine which He gave, were sweet to the mouth but the gift of His Body and Blood, is of value to the spirit. He attracted us by these tasty foods ,to draw us to that which gives life to our souls …

The Lord’s Work achieves all things – in the blink of an eye, He multiplied a morsel of bread! What people effect and transform after ten months of labour, His Ten Fingers carried out in an instant … From a handful of bread, a quantity of loaves comes to be – it was for them, as it was at the time of the first blessing – “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Gn 1:28).” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church added by Pope Benedict XV in 1920. (Commentary on the Diatessaron 12:1-4).

PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the Martyrdom of Thy Apostles Peter and Paul, grant Thy Church to follow in all things the teaching of those from whom she first received the faith.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

EUCHARISTIC Heart of JESUS, model of the Priestly heart, have mercy on us.
COR JESU Eucharisticum, cordis sacerdotalis exemplar, miserere nobis. – Indulgence 300 Days, Everytime – Raccolta 177St Pius X, 11 September 1907.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 28 June – St Irenaeus

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Quote/s of the Day – 28 June – St Irenaeus (c130–c202) Bishop, Martyr, Father of the Church

“The business of a Christian
is nothing else,
than to be ever
preparing
for death.”

“And, should anyone press you into service
for one mile, go with him for two miles.”
Matthew 5:41

“So, in everything, Christ invites you
to be of service to your neighbour,
taking no thought for his wickedness
but filling your own goodness to the brim.
Thus He invites us to become like our Father
“who makes his sun rise
on the bad and the good,” (Mt 5:45).”

“He is the Word of God
who dwelt with man
and became the Son of Man,
to open the way for man, to receive God,
for God to dwell with man,
according to the will of the Father.”

“It was, too, to lead the Ninevites
to firm repentance and to convert them
to Him, Who would deliver them from death,
amazed as they were by the sign accomplished in Jonah …
In the same way, God permitted man
to be swallowed by that great monster,
the author of disobedience,
not so that he should altogether vanish away
and die but because God, had prepared beforehand,
the salvation fulfilled by His Word
by means of the “sign of Jonah.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/28/quote-s-of-the-day-28-june-st-irenaeus-2/

St Irenaeus (c130 – c202)
Bishop, Martyr, Father

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, St Francis de Sales, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 26 June – ‘Why do you put yourself in trouble? …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 June – Ecclesiasticus 44:10-15, Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings?
And yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value t
han many sparrows.”

Luke 12:6-7

“[He] hath called you out of darkness
into His marvellous Light … ”

1 Peter 2:9

“In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart, I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33

“Who will be crowned without having fought?
Who will go to rest if he is not tired
(cf. 2 Tim 2:5-6)?
Who will gather the fruits of life
without having planted virtues in his soul?
Cultivate them, prepare the earth
with the greatest care,
take trouble over it, sweat over it,
children, God’s workers,
imitators of the Angels,
competitors with incorporeal beings,
lights for those who are in the world.
(cf. Phil 2:15)!”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

“Fear is a greater evil
than the evil itself.”

(Letters to Persons in the World, VI, 12)

“Why do you put yourself in trouble?
God is good; He sees very well what you are.”

(Letters to Persons in Religion, III, 16)

“The good Angels are around you,
like a company of Sentinels on guard!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“We think not enough of this Truth –
that God is present with us
that He sees our thoughts,
even long before we have them.
That He knows what we think
and shall think, better than we ourselves
that He sees the folds and recesses,
of our heart
and of this other Truth –
that NOTHING HAPPENS to us
but by the order of Providence.
We should all be Saints,
if we well apprehended these Truths.
And truly, it is a great consolation,
to know that God sees
the bottom of our heart.”

St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)
Disciple and Collaborator with
St Francis de Sales in Founding
the Sisters of the Visitation

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SELF-DISTRUST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 June – ‘ … Do not worry … but entrust to Divine Providence … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 26 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Saint John and Saint Paul of Rome (Died c362) Martyrs – Ecclesiasticus 44:10-15, Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7

REFLECTION – “It seems to me you ought to resolve to carry out peacefully what you can. Do not worry about all the rest but entrust to Divine Providence that which you are unable to accomplish on your own. What is pleasing to God ,is the reasonable care and attention we give, to accomplishing well, whatever business we must undertake through duty. What is not pleasing to God, is anxiety and disquiet of mind. The Lord wants our limitations and weaknesses, to find their support in His Strength; He wants us to hope that His Goodness will complete and perfect the imperfectness of our means.

Those who take on numerous responsibilities, even with an upright an d pure intention, must resolve to do simply what lies within their power … If it is necessary to set certain things aside, arm yourselves with patience and do not think that God expects of us what we are unable to do. He does not want a man to distress himself on account of his limitations … there is no need to tire ourselves out excessively. More, if we have laboured to do our best, we can abandon all the rest to Him ,Who has the power to accomplish whatever He will.

May the Divine Goodness always be pleased to communicate His Light of Wisdom to us, so that we may clearly see and firmly accomplish, His good pleasure, for ourselves and for others … so that we may accept from His Hand, whatever He sends us, taking due note of what is the most important – patience, humility, obedience and charity!” – St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Priest, Founder of the Society of Jesus (Letter of 17 November 1555)

PRAYER – We beseech Thee, Almighty God that on this feast-day, we may have the double joy of celebrating blessed John and Paul, true brothers ,who obtained eternal glory through one Faith and one Martyrdom. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

All praise, honour and glory to the divine HEART of JESUS. – Indulgence 50 Days, Once a day. Raccolta 168 Pope Leo XIII, 14 June 1901.

Posted in BAPTISM, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 June – “And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed and he spoke, blessing God.”- Luke 1:64

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One Minute Reflection – 24 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Nativity of St John the Baptist – Isaias 49:1-3, 5-7, Luke 1:57-68 – – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed and he spoke, blessing God.”- Luke 1:64

REFLECTION – “Speaking of John, we read in Luke: “He shall be great in the sight of the Lord and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Lk 1:15-17). For Whom, then, did he prepare a people and in the sight of what Lord was he made great? Truly of Him, Who said that John was something “even more than a prophet” and that “among those born of women, none is greater than John the Baptist” (Mt 11:9.11). For he made ready a people for the Lord’s advent, warning his fellow-servants and preaching repentance to them, so that they might receive forgiveness from the Lord when He should arrive, after being converted to Him from Whom they had been alienated because of their sins and transgressions …

Yes, “in his mercy” God, “the Day-spring from on high, has looked upon us and appeared to those who sat in darkness and the shadow of death and has guided our feet into the way of peace” (Lk 1:78-79) just as Zacharias, recovering from the state of dumbness he had suffered because of his unbelief, blessed God in a new way, when he had been filled with a new spirit. For all things have entered upon a new phase by the fact that the Word, after a new manner, has accomplished the purpose of His coming in the flesh, that He might return to friendship with God, the human flesh which had departed from God. And this is why men were taught to worship God after a new fashion.” – St Irenaeus (130-202) Bishop, Martyr, Theologian, Father of the Church (Against the Heresies III).

PRAYER – O God, Who made this a day most worthy of our celebration because of blessed John; grant Thy people the grace of spiritual joys and direct the minds of all the faithful into the path of eternal salvation. T hrough Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Sweet Heart of my JESUS, Make me love Thee ever more and more!
INDULGENCE – 300 Days. i. Partial, Every time ii. Plenary, once a month. Pope Pius IX, 26 November 1876 Raccolta 162