Our Morning Offering – 19 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” –
Act of Reparation By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church Indulgence of 3 Years – Once a Day
O Jesus, my Saviour and Redeemer, Son of the living God, behold we kneel before Thee and offer Thee our reparation; we would make amends, for all the blasphemies uttered against Thy Holy Name, for all the injuries done to Thee in the Blessed Sacrament, for all the irreverence shown toward Thine Immaculate Virgin Mother, for all the calumnies and slanders, spoken against Thy Spouse, the Holy Catholic and Roman Church. O Jesus, Who hast said: “If you ask the Father anything in My Name, He will give it you,” we pray and beseech Thee, for all our brethren who are in danger of sin; sheld them from every temptation to fall away from the true faith; save those who are even now standing on the brink of the abyss; to all of them, give light and knowledge of the truth, courage and strength, for the conflict with evil, perseverance in faith and active charity! For this do we pray, most merciful Jesus, in Thy Name, unto God the Father, with Whom Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 18 January – Feast of the Chair of the Apostle, St Peter at Rome – 1 Peter 1:1-7, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:16
“Upon this rock I will build My Church”
Matthew 16:18
“I decided to consult the Chair of Peter, where that faith is found exalted by the lips of an Apostle; I now come to ask for nourishment for my soul there, where once I received the garment of Christ. I follow no leader save Christ, so I enter into communion with Your beatitude, that is, with the Chair of Peter, for this, I know, is the rock upon which the Church is built.” (cf Le lettere I, 15, 1-2)
St Jerome (343-420) Father & Doctor od rhw Church
“He gave way to sin so that, remembering his own failure and the kindness of the Lord, he might testify to others, a grace of philanthropy in accord with the divine design conceived by God. The fall had been permitted to the one who was going to see himself entrusted with the Church, the Pillar of the Church, the Harbour of the Faith; the fall had been permitted to Peter, the Doctor of the Universe, in order that, the forgiveness received, might remain the foundation of love for others.”
St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Nothing escaped the Wisdom and Power of Christ, the elements of nature lay at His service, spirits obeyed Him, Angels served Him. … And yet, out of all the world, Peter alone was chosen to stand at the head, for the calling of all the peoples and the oversight of all the Apostles and Fathers of the Church.”
St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 18 January – Feast of the Chair of the Apostle, St Peter at Rome – 1 Peter 1:1-7, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And I say to thee: That thou art Peter and upon this rock, I will build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18
REFLECTION – “When the twelve holy Apostles had received from the Holy Ghost the power to speak all languages, they divided the regions of the earth amongst themselves, as fields for their Gospel labours. Then was Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, sent to the Capital City of the Roman Empire that he might make the Light to shine, from the head, to the whole body of the civilised nations. At that time, what nation was there which had no representative in Rome? What nations would be ignorant of what Rome had learned?
Here were to be refuted the theories of philosophers, here dissolved the vanities of earthly wisdom, here overthrown the worship of devils, here destroyed the impiety of every sacrilege; here, where superstitious zeal had collected all the error and vanity of the world. Therefore, to this City, O most blessed Peter, thou dost not fear to come and, while thy companion in glory, the Apostle Paul, is still occupied with the government of other Churches, thou dost enter this forest of savage beasts, this deep and turbulent ocean, with more boldness than when thou didst walk upon the water!
Thou hadst already taught those, of the circumcision who had been converted, thou hadst founded the Church of Antioch, the first that bore the noble name of Christian; thou hadst published the law of the Gospel throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia and, thou didst not fear for the difficulty of thy work, nor turn back because of thine old age but didst boldly set up the trophy of the Cross of Christ, upon those Roman walls, where the Providence of God had appointed the throne of thine honour and the glorious scene of thy passion.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on the Feast of St Peter’s Chair at Rome).
PRAYER – O God, Who together with the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven didst bestow on thy blessed Apostle Peter the pontifical power of binding and loosing, grant that by the aid of his intercession, we may be released from the bonds of our sins. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 18 January – Feast of the Chair of St Peter at Rome
O Prince of the Apostolic Senate! Hymn to the Prince of the Apostles By St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Cardinal Bishop of Ostia Doctor of the Church
O Prince of the Apostolic Senate! Herald of our Lord! First Shepherd of the Faithful! watch over the Flock intrusted to thee.
Lead us through verdant pastures, feeding us with the nourishment of the Word and lead us, thus fed, into the heavenly fold, whither thou hast already gone.
To thee, Peter, have been delivered the Keys of heaven’s gate and all things, both in Heaven and on earth, acknowledge thy authority.
Tis thou that choosest the City where is to be established the Rock of the True Faith, the foundation of the building, on which the Catholic Church stands immoveable.
Thy shadow, as thou passest by, heals the sick and Tabitha, who made garments for the poor, was raised to life at thy bidding.
Bound with two chains, thou wast set free by an Angel’s power; he bids thee put on thy garments and thy sandals and lo! the prison door is opened.
To the Father unbegotten and to the Only-Begotten Son and to the co-equal Spirit of them both, be praise and kingly highest power. Amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 16 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – 1 Peter 5:1-4, 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 are they who have not seen and have believed.”
John 20:29
“See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!” Luke 21:8
“[Christ speaks:] I became useless to those who knew Me not, because I shall hide Myself, from those who possessed Me not. And I will be with those who love Me. … I arose and am with them and will speak by their mouths. For they have rejected those who persecute them and I threw over them, the yoke of My love. … Then I heard their voice and placed their faith in My Heart. And I placed My Name upon their forehead (Rv 14,1) because they are free and they are Mine!”
Odes of Solomon (Hebrew Christian text from the beginning of the 2nd century) N° 42)
“Grace is given, not to those who speak [their faith] but to those, who live their faith!”
St Gregory of Nazianzen (330-390) Father and Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 16 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Saint Pope Marcellus I (Died 309) – 1 Peter 5:1-4, 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 on 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 – O Lord, we beseech Thee, graciously hear the prayers of Thy people, that we may be helped by the merits of blessed Marcellus, Thy Pope and Martyr, whose sufferings we celebrate. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 16 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”
My Most Sweet Lord Morning Offering Of St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
My most sweet Lord, I offer and consecrate to Thee. this morning all that I am and have – my senses, my thoughts, my affections, my desires, my pleasures, my inclinations, my liberty. In a word, I place my whole body and soul in Thy Hands. Amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 14 January – St Hilary (315-368) Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church
“The Son of God, is nailed to the Cross but on the Cross, God conquers human death. Christ, the Son of God, dies but all flesh is made alive in Christ. The Son of God is in hell but man is carried back to Heaven!”
(On the Trinity Book II)I
“When I look at Thine heavens, according to my own lights, with these weak eyes of mine, I am certain, with reservation, that they are Thine heavens. The stars circle in the heavens, reappear year after year, each with a function and service to fulfil. And, although I do not understand them, I know that Thou, O God, are in them.”
“Little children follow and obey their father. They love their mother. They know nothing of covetousness, ill-will, bad temper, arrogance and lying. This state of mind opens the road to Heaven. To imitate our Lord’s own humility, we must return to the simplicity of God’s little ones.”
One Minute Reflection – 14 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Second Sunday after the Epiphany and the Feast day of St Hilary (315-368) Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church – Romans 12:6-16; John 2:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“This, the first of His Signs, Jesus worked at Cana in Galilee and manifested His Glory and His disciples believed in Him…” – John 2:11
REFLECTION – “Why did our Lord change water into wine as His first Sign? It was to show how God, Who transforms nature into something else, also works His transformation in the womb of the Virgin. In the same way, as the crown of His miraculous deeds, Jesus opened a tomb to make known His freedom, with regard to the death, which is hungry to swallow up everything.
To both authenticate and confirm, the twofold reversal of nature, brought by His Birth and His Resurrection, Jesus changed water into wine, without in any way altering the stone water-jars. This was the symbol of His own Body, miraculously conceived and wonderfully created in a virgin, without the working of a man… Contrary to their normal use, the jars… brought new wine into the world, without ever repeating the same miracle again. In the same way the Virgin conceived and brought Emmanuel into the world, (Is 7,14) without afterwards conceiving again. The miracle of the stone water-jars was that what was small, became great, sparseness was changed into superabundance, plain water into sweet wine… In Mary, on the other hand, the greatness and glory of the Godhead changed its appearance to take on the aspect of weakness and humiliation.
Those jars were used for the Jewish purifications; into them our Lord poured His teaching: He demonstrated that He came according to the Law and the prophets but with the purpose of changing them all, through His teaching, as the water became wine… «The Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ» (Jn 1,17). The bridegroom who lived in Cana, invited the Bridegroom from Heaven and the Lord, Who was ready for that wedding, answered His invitation. Those seated at table invited Him, Who sets worlds in His Kingdom and He sent them a wedding gift, able to delight them… They had no wine, even of an ordinary sort, He poured a little from His own abundance for them. In return for their invitation, He Himself, invited them to His own wedding!” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on the Diatessaron, 5, 6f).
PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Thy people blessed Hilary, 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 Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 14 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Second Sunday after the Epiphany and the Feast day of St Hilary (315-368) Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church
In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost By St Hilary (315-368) Father & Doctor of the Church
Father, keep us from vain strife of words. Grant to us constant profession of the Truth! Preserve us in a true and undefiled faith so that we may hold fast to that which we professed when we were Baptised in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, that we may have Thou for our Father, that we may abide in Thy Son and in the fellowship of the Holy Ghost. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Saint of the Day – 14 January – St Hilary (315-368) Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church, Writer, Philosopher, Theologian, Preacher, Defender of the Faith, Doctor of the Divinity of Christ, Miracle-worker. The “Hammer of the Arians” and “Athanasius of the West.” Patronages – against rheumatism, against snakes and snakebites, children with learning impediments, children learning to walk, lawyers, mothers, of the sick, of La Rochelle and Poitiers in France,4 Cities in Italy. Also known as – Ilario di Poitiers, Malleus Arianorum.
The Roman Martyrology reads yesterday, 13 January the day of his death: “At Poitiers, in France, the birthday of St Hilary, Bishop and Confessor of the Catholic Faith which he courageously defended and for which he was banished for four years to Phrygia, where, among other miracles, he raised a man from the dead. Pope Pius IX declared him a Doctor of the Church. His festival is celebrated on the 14th day of this Month.”
This staunch defender of the Divinity of Christ was a gentle and courteous man, devoted to writing some of the greatest theology and was like his Master in being labeled a “disturber of the peace.” In a very troubled period in the Church, his holiness was lived in both scholarship and controversy.
Raised a pagan, he was converted to Christianity when he met his God of nature in the study of Sacred Scriptures. His wife was still living when he was chosen, against his will, to be the Bishop of Poitiers in France. He was soon involved in the immense fight against what became the scourge of the 4th Century, -Arianism which denied the Divinity of Christ.
The heresy spread rapidly. St Jerome said “The world groaned and marvelled to find that it was Arian.” When Emperor Constantius ordered all the Bishops of the West to sign a condemnation of Athanasius, the great Defender of the Faith in the East, Hilary refused and was banished from France to far off Phrygia. Eventually he was called the “Athanasius of the West.”
While in Phrygia, however, he continued to govern his Diocese, as well as writing two of the most important of his contributions to theology. While there, he was invited by some semi-Arians (hoping for reconciliation) to a Council the Emperor called to counteract the Council of Nicea. But Hilary predictably defended theTruth of the Church and when he sought public debate with the heretical bishop who had exiled him, the Arians, dreading the meeting and its outcome, pleaded with the Emperor to send this troublemaker back home to the small Town of Poitiers, where his enemies hoped he would fade into obscurity. Hilary was welcomed by his people but he continued the fight against the heretics without ceasing.
While Hilary closely followed the great St Athanasius, in exegesis and Christology respectively, his work shows many traces of vigorous independent thought. St Jerome and others consider our St Hilary as the first Catholic Hymnist. Hilary is the pre-eminent Latin writer of the 4th Century (before Sts Ambrose and Augustine) and his works continue to be highly influential. Remember this Hymn we prayed yesterday for the Octave of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord:
Jesus Refulsit Omnium Jesus, Light of All the Nations By St Hilary (315-368) Father & Doctor of the Church Doctor of the Divinity of Christ
Jesus, the merciful Redeemer of all nations, shone forth on this day; let the faithful of every race celebrate Him in their songs of praise.
A Star, shining in the heavens, announces His Birth; it leads the way and guides them to His Crib.
Prostrating, they adore the Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes; they confess Him to be the true God, offering Him their mystic gifts.
Thirty years of His life had passed and He, the infinitely pure God, seeks the laver of baptism.
John, the favoured Baptist trembles as he bends the head of Jesus beneath the waters–that Jesus whose Blood was to purify the whole earth from its sins.
The Divine Voice of the Father is heard from Heaven, bearing testimony to His Son and the Holy Ghost, too, is present, the Giver of holy grace.
We beseech Thee in humble supplication, O Jesus! protect Thy people; we ask it of Thee by the power Thou didst show when Thou didst command the water to be changed into wine.
May praise, honour and all power be to the Trinity forever and forever. Amen
(Verses 4-6 omitted on the image). I could not find the name of the Translator of this version of this Hymn, often referred to as “the oldest” Christmas Hymn.
Quote/s of the Day – 13 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Octave Day of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, John 1:29-34 –
“I saw the Spirit coming down as a dove from the Heaven and He remained upon Him.”
John 1:32
“Jesus rises from the waters – the world rises with Him. The heavens, like Paradise with its flaming sword, closed by Adam for himself and his descendants, are rent open. The Spirit comes to Him as to an equal, bearing witness to His Godhead. A Voice bears witness to Him from Heaven, His place of origin. The Spirit descends in bodily form like the Dove which, so long ago, announced the ending of the flood and so, gives honour to the Body, Who is One with God.”
St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Christ was born of the Holy Spirit and, since it was fitting, that He should fulfill all justice, He entered into the waters of baptism to sanctify them. When He left the Jordan, He was filled with the Holy Spirit, Who had descended upon Him, in the form of a dove. As the Evangelist tells us: Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan.”
One Minute Reflection – 13 January – Octave Day of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, John 1:29-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And I knew Him not but He who sent me to Baptise with water said to me: He upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, He it IS, Who Baptises with the Holy Spirit. And I saw and I gave testimony that this is the Son of God.” – John 1:33-34
REFLECTION – “Jesus Christ was the Son of God, yet He preached not the Gospel before His Baptism. If the Master Himself followed the right time in due order, ought we, His servants, to venture out of order? From that time Jesus began to preach (Matthew 4:17) , when the Holy Ghost had descended upon Him in a bodily shape, like a Dove, (Luke 3:22) not that Jesus might see Him first, for He knew Him even before He came in a bodily shape but, that John, who was Baptising Him, might behold Him. For I, says he, knew Him not but He that sent me to Baptise with water, He said to me, upon Whomsoever you shall see the Spirit descending and abiding on Him, that is He (John 1:33).
If you too have unfeigned piety, the Holy Ghost comes down on you also and a Father’s Voice sounds over you from on high — not, ‘This is My Son’ alone because ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.’ To Him belongs the ‘IS’ since He is always the Son of God – but to you, has now been made, since you have not the sonship by nature but receive it by adoption. He eternally ‘IS’ but you receive the grace progressively.
Make ready then the vessel of your soul that you may become a son of God and an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17); if, indeed, you are preparing yourself that you may receive; if you are drawing near in faith that you may be made faithful; if of set purpose, you are putting off the old man!” – St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Bishop of Jerusalem, Father and Doctor of the Church (Catechetical Lecture 3: 14-15).
PRAYER – O God, Whose Only-begotten Son appeared in the substance of our flesh, grant, we pray Thee that we, who acknowledge His outward likeness to us, may deserve to be inwardly refashioned in His Image. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 13 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – The Eighth Day, The Octave of the Epiphany
Jesus Refulsit Omnium Jesus, Light of All the Nations By St Hilary (315-368) Father & Doctor of the Church Doctor of the Divinity of Christ
Jesus, the merciful Redeemer of all nations, shone forth on this day; let the faithful of every race celebrate Him in their songs of praise.
A Star, shining in the heavens, announces His Birth; it leads the way and guides them to His Crib.
Prostrating, they adore the Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes; they confess Him to be the true God, offering Him their mystic gifts.
Thirty years of His life had passed and He, the infinitely pure God, seeks the laver of baptism.
John, the favoured Baptist trembles as he bends the head of Jesus beneath the waters–that Jesus whose Blood was to purify the whole earth from its sins.
The Divine Voice of the Father is heard from Heaven, bearing testimony to His Son and the Holy Ghost, too, is present, the Giver of holy grace.
We beseech Thee in humble supplication, O Jesus! protect Thy people; we ask it of Thee by the power Thou didst show when Thou didst command the water to be changed into wine.
May praise, honour and all power be to the Trinity forever and forever. Amen
(Verses 4-6 omitted on the image). I could not find the name of the Translator of this version of this Hymn, often referred to as “the oldest” Christmas Hymn.
Quote/s of the Day – 12 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Seventh Day Within the Octave of The Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12
“We have seen His Star in the east and are come to adore Him.”
Matthew 2:2
“Thus we offer the Lord, Gold, when we shine in His Sight with the Light of heavenly wisdom …. We offer Him Frankincense, when we send up pure prayer before Him and Myrrh, when, “mortifying our flesh with its vices and passions” (Gal 5:24) by self-control, we carry the cross behind Jesus.”
St Bruno of Segni O.Cart. (c 1030 -1101)
Bishop (1st Sermon on the Epiphany PL 165, 863).
Grant me, O my God By St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419)
Good Jesus, let me be penetrated with love to the very marrow of my bones, with fear and respect toward Thee. Let me burn with zeal for Thy honour, so that I may deeply resent, all the outrages committed against Thee, especially those of which, I myself have been guilty. Grant further, O my God, that I may humbly adore and acknowledge Thee, as my Creator and penetrated with gratitude for all Thy benefits, I may never cease to render Thee thanksgiving. Grant that I may bless Thee in all things, praise and glorify Thee, with a heart full of joy and gladness and obeying Thee with docility in every respect, I may one day, despite my ingratitude and unworthiness, be seated at Thine table together with Thine Holy Angels and Apostles, to enjoy ineffable delights for all eternity! Amen
“He who most loves will be most loved.”
(Letters to Persons in Religion III, 43)
“Do much for God and do nothing without love: refer everything to this love; eat and drink with it in mind!”
(Letter to Madame de Chantal)
“The love of God, is the end, the perfection and the excellence of the universe.”
One Minute Reflection – 12 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Seventh Day Within the Octave of The Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Where is He Who is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His Star in the east and are come to adore Him.” – Matthew 2:2
REFLECTION – “All these things we know to have taken place ever since the Three Wise Men, aroused in their far-off land, were led by a Star to recognise and worship the King of Heaven and earth. The responsiveness of that Star exhorts us to imitate it’s obedience and, as much as we can, to make ourselves servants of that grace which invites us all to Christ. For, whoever lives religiously and chastely in the Church and “sets his mind on the things which are above, not on the things that are upon the earth” (Col 3:2) resembles that heavenly light in a certain sense. So long as he maintains in himself the brightness of a holy life, he points out to many, like a Star, the way that leads to God. All having this concern, dearly-beloved… you will shine in the Kingdom like children of Light.”… St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father & Doctor of the Church.
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).
One Minute Reflection – 11 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And seeing the Star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” – Matthew 2:10
REFLECTION – “Jesus is born poor in a stable; the Angels of Heaven indeed acknowledge Him but men abandon and forsake Him on earth. Only a few shepherds come and pay Him homage. But our Redeemer was desirous of communicating to us the grace of His redemption and begins, therefore, to manifest Himself to the Gentiles, who knew Him least. Therefore, He sends a Star to enlighten the holy Magi, in order that they may come and acknowledge and adore their Saviour. This was the first and sovereign grace bestowed upon us–our vocation to the Faith which was succeeded by our vocation to grace, of which men were deprived.
Behold the Wise Men, who immediately, without delay, set off upon their journey. The Star accompanies them as far as the cavern where the Holy Infant lies. On their arrival, they enter and what do they find? They found the Child with Mary. They find a poor maiden and a poor Infant wrapped in poor swaddling-clothes, without anyone to attend on Him or assist Him. But, lo! on entering into the little shed, these holy pilgrims feel a joy which they had never felt before; they feel their hearts chained to the dear little Infant Whom they behold. The straw, the poverty, the cries of their little Saviour–oh, what darts of love! Oh, what blessed flames are they to their enlightened hearts! The Infant looks upon them with a joyful countenance and this is the mark of affection, with which He accepts them amongst the first-fruits of His Redemption.
The holy Kings then look at Mary, who does not speak –she remains silent but with her blessed countenance which breathes the sweetness of paradise, she welcomes them and thanks them for having been the first to come and acknowledge Her Son (as indeed He is) for their Sovereign Lord. See also how, out of reverence, they adore Him in silence and acknowledge Him for their God, kissing His Feet and offering Him their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Let us too, with the holy Magi, adore our little King Jesus and let us offer Him all our hearts.” – St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Founder of the Redemptorists, Most Zealous Doctor (The Adoration of the Magi),
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 11 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Sixth Day within the Octave of Epiphany
Sweet Jesus, Thy Name is Joy By St Anthony of Padua OFM (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church
Sweet Jesus, is there anything sweeter than Thee? To remember Thee is more delightful than everything else. Thy Name is joy – it is the true Gate of our Salvation. What else are Thou, Jesus, if not our Saviour? Be our Redeemer. Give us the virtues of hope and love, just as Thou hast given us faith, our primary joy. Give us the words which we need to praise Thee always. With the help and through the prayers of Thy Mother. Thou who art blessed throughout the ages. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – Within the Octave of The Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“We have seen His Star in the East and have come, with gifts, to worship the Lord. Alleluia!”
Matthew 2:2
“Behold, the star which they had seen in the east, went before them until it came and stood over where the Child was…”
Matthew 2:9
“I implore you to live with me and, by believing, to run with me; let us long for our Heavenly Country, let us sigh for our Heavenly Home, let us truly feel that here, we are strangers. What shall we then see? Let the gospel tell us: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. You will come to the fountain, with whose dew you have already been sprinkled. Instead of the ray of Light which was sent through slanting and winding ways, into the heart of your darkness, you will see the Light Itself, in all its purity and brightness. It is to see and experience this Light that you are now being cleansed. … It has been good for us to share the common Light, good to have enjoyed ourselves, good to have been glad together. When we part from one another, let us not depart from Him!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“The obedience of the Star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace which invites all men to find Christ.”
St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church
“… For this day, I must abide in thy house.” Luke 19:5
“But He says to all: “Come down quickly, for the exalted freedom of the spirit cannot be maintained, except through lowly obedience of mind. You must know and love Me, as both God and a human being, higher than all and lower than all! You will savour Me when I raise you up above all things and above yourself to Myself and, when you lower yourself beneath all things and beneath yourself, to Me and for My sake. Then, I will have to come to your house and remain living with you and in you and you with Me and in Me!”
One Minute Reflection – 10 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of The Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1
REFLECTION – “This is the day which Abraham saw and rejoiced to see, when he knew that the sons born of his faith would be blessed in his seed, that is, in Christ. Believing that he would be the father of the nations, he looked into the future, giving glory to God, in full awareness that God is able to do what He has promised.
This is the day which David prophesied in the Psalms, when he said: All the nations which you have brought into being, will come and fall down in adoration in Thy presence, Lord and glorify Thy Name. Again, the Lord has made known His salvation; in the sight of the nations, He has revealed His Justice.
This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the Star beckoned the Three Wise Men out of their distant country and led them, to recognise and adore, the King of Heaven and earth. The obedience of the Star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace which invites all men to find Christ.
Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another, then, in the Kingdom of God, to which faith and good works are the way, you will shine as children of the Light: through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Ghost, forever and ever. Amen.” – St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his On the Lord’s Epiphany, Sermon 3).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 10 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of The Epiphany
O Child, So Worthy of Our Love, I Offer Thee My Heart (O Grant Me that Gold, Incense and Myrrh Which I Lack) By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
O Child so worthy of our love, I see You lying on the straw in this cave, so poor and despised. Yet faith teaches me, that You are my God come down from heaven for my salvation. I acknowledge You as my Sovereign Lord and Saviour, as such I proclaim You, yet, I have nothing at all to offer You. I am without Love’s Gold, since I have given my love to the things of this world – I have only loved my own whim, rather than loving You, so infinitely worthy of love. I am without Prayer’s Incense, since I have lived wretchedly without thinking of You. I have no Myrrh of Mortification since, so as not to forsake some paltry pleasures, I have so often saddened Your infinite goodness. So what am I to offer You? O my Jesus, I offer You my heart, soiled and naked as it is. Take it and change it, for You have come down to us to wash our guilty hearts with Your Blood and so transform us from sinners into saints. O grant me that Gold, Incense and Myrrh which I lack. Grant me the Gold of Your Holy Love; grant me the Incense which is the spirit of prayer; grant me Myrrh, the willingness and strength to deny myself in all that displeases You… O holy Virgin, you welcomed those devout Magi Kings with keen affection and satisfied them. Deign to welcome and comfort me also, I, who come, following their example, to visit and offer myself to your Son Amen.
One Minute Reflection – 9 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1
REFLECTION – “The loving Providence of God determined that in the last days He would aid the world, set on its course to destruction. He decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ.
A promise had been made to the holy Patriarch Abraham, in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. His descendants are, therefore, compared with the array of the stars. The father of all nations, was to hope, not in an earthly progeny but, in a progeny from above.
Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the Patriarchs. Let the children of the promise, now receive the blessing in the seed of Abraham, the blessing renounced by the children of his flesh. In the persons of the Magi, let all people adore the Creator of the universe – let God be known, not in Judea only but in the whole world, so that His Name may be great in all Israel.
Dear friends, now that we have received instruction in this revelation of God’s grace, let us celebrate, with spiritual joy, the day of our first harvesting, of the first calling of the Gentiles. Let us give thanks to the merciful God, Who has made us worthy, in the words of the Apostle, to share the position of the Saints in Light, who has rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son. As Isaias prophesied – the people of the Gentiles, who sat in darkness, have seen a great light and for those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death a Light has dawned. He spoke of them to the Lord – The Gentiles, who do not know Thee, will invoke Thee and the peoples, who knew Thee not, will take refuge in Thee.” – St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his On the Lord’s Epiphany, Sermon 3)
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).
Quote/s of the Day – 8 January – Advice for 2024 from St John of the Cross
“What we need most, in order to make progress, is to be silent before this great God with our appetite and with our tongue, for the language He best hears is silent love.”
“Contemplation is nothing else but a secret, peaceful and loving infusion of God which, if admitted, will set the soul on fire with the Spirit of love.”
“Take God for your spouse and friend and walk with Him continually and you will not sin and will learn to love and, the things you must do, will work out prosperously for you.”
“The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light!”
“Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world, disturb it.”
Lord God, Lift Me Up By St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Lord God, my Beloved, if Thou art still mindful of my sins and wilt not grant my petitions, let Thy will be done, for this is my main desire. Show Thy goodness and mercy and Thou shalt be known for them. If Thou art waiting for me to do good works and upon their performance, Thou wilt grant my petitions, cause them to be accomplished in me, O Lord! Send also, the punishment for my sins, which is acceptable to Thee. For how will I raise myself up to Thee, born and bred as I am, in misery, unless Thou, O Lord, wilt lift me up with the Hand which made me?! Amen
St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Mystical Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 8 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Within the Octave of The Epiphany –Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Falling down they adored Him” – Matthew 2:11
REFLECTION – “God’s intention was not only to come down to earth but to become known there; not only to be born but to be recognised. In fact, it is with this recognition in mind that we hold this celebration of the Epiphany, the great day of His manifestation. For it was today that the Magi came from the East in search of the Sun of Justice at its rising (Mal 3:20), He of Whom we read: “Behold a Man Whose name is the Orient,” (Zec 6:12 Vul.). Today they have adored the Virgin’s newborn Child, following the guidance of a New Star. What great cause for joy do we not find here, my brethren, as also in those words of the Apostle Paul: “The kindness and generous love of God our Saviour have appeared,” (Tit 3:4)…
What is this you are doing, you Magi? What is this you are doing? Are you adoring an Infant at the breast in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can a Child such as this really be God? Yet, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in Heaven.” (Ps 11:4) while you are looking for Him in a common stable, held in His Mother’s arms! Whatever are you doing? Why are you offering Him gold? Could such a One as this be King? Where, then, is His Royal Court, His Throne, His crowd of courtiers? Can a stable be a palace, a crib a throne, Mary and Joseph members of His Court? How on earth could wise men be so foolish as to adore a Baby, as contemptible by reason of His age, as for the poverty of His Family?
Mad? Yes, they have become so in order to be wise. The Holy Spirit has taught them already what the Apostle Paul would later proclaim: “Whoever would be wise, let him become a fool. For since the world, in all its wisdom, did not come to know God in His Wisdom, it has pleased God to save those who believe, through the foolishness of the Gospel we proclaim, (Cf 1 Cor 1:21)… And so, they prostrate themselves before this poor Child; they do Him homage as to a King; they adore Him as a God. He Who outwardly guided them by a Star, has cast His Light into the interior of their hearts!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, Father and Doctor of the Church (1st Sermon for the Epiphany).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 8 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – With the Octave of The Epiphany
O Dearest Infant By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
O dearest Infant, tell me what You came on earth to do. Tell me whom You are seeking. Ah, yes, I now understand… You have come to die for me, a lost sheep, in order that I may no more hide from You but love You. O Jesus, my treasure, my life, my love, my all, if I do not love You, then whom shall I love? Where can I find a mother or father, a friend, or a spouse more loving than You? And who has ever loved me more than You have? I am sorry that I have lived so many years in this world and yet still love You so little, even having offended You and sometimes forgotten You. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 7 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” and tbe Feast of the Holy Family
“He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them”
Luke 2:51
“So, taking Christ’s genealogy from Joseph – a husband in chastity, he was father in the same way. … Are you saying that he did not conceive Jesus through the operation of nature? Well then, what the Holy Spirit operated, He did for them both. For Joseph was “a just man,” Matthew tells us (1:19). Both husband and wife were just. The Holy Spirit dwelt within their mutual justice and gave each of them, a Son!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“God, to Whom Angels submit themselves and Who Principalities and Powers obey, was subject to Mary; and not only to Mary but Joseph too, for Mary’s sake [….]. God obeyed a human creature; this is humility without precedent. A human creature commands God! it is sublime beyond measure.”
St Bernard (1090-1153) Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
A pious practice among Catholics, is to write “✝ J M J ✝” often flanked by two Crosses at the top of letters, cards, documents and personal notes as a reference to Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the Holy Family. Where it is written, “✝ J M J ✝” the writer appeals for the blessing and protection of the Holy Family.
One Minute Reflection – 7 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Sunday Within the Octave of the Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… And falling down they worshipped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, Gold and Frankincense and Myrrh.” … Matthew 2:11
REFLECTION – “But if, with careful thought, we wish to see how their threefold kind of gift, is also offered by all who come to Christ, with the foot of faith — is not the same offering repeated in the hearts of true believers? For he who acknowledges ,Christ the King of the universe brings Gold from the treasure of his heart, he who believes the Only-begotten of God to have united man’s true nature to Himself, offers Myrrh and he who confesses Him, in no wise, inferior to the Father’s Majesty, worships Him in a manner, with Incense.” - St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).
Quote/s of the Day – 6 January – The Epiphany of the Lord
Chalk the Door – Epiphany House Blessing 20 C+M+B 24
“Christus mansionem benedicat” Peace be to this house and to all who dwell herein. From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord – “and opening their treasures they offered precious gifts – Gold for the Great King, Incense for the True God and Myrrh to symbolise His Burial.”
The equation is written to be the first two digits of the year, followed by the initials C, M and B, followed by the last two digits of the year. Each portion is split by plus signs (being the Sign of the Cross). For this year, the equation would be written as “20 + C + M + B + 24” The chalking holds two meanings. The C, M and B, refer to the traditional names of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. The letters also stand for the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” which means “May Christ Bless this House” The plus signs represents the Cross and the 20 and 24 simply refer to the year.
“Three gifts they bring, three gifts they bear away, For Incense, Myrrh and Gold, Faith, Hope and Love And with their gifts, the givers’ hearts do stay, Their mind from Christ, no parting can remove, His humble state, His stall, His poor retinue They fancy more than all their rich revenue.”
St Robert Southwell SJ (1561-1595) Priest and Martyr
(Excerpt from the Poem “The Epiphany”)
Oh Jesus, My Love By St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)
Oh Jesus, my Love, may my heart be consumed in loving Thee. Make me humble and holy, giving me childlike simplicity, transform me into Thy holy Love. O Jesus, Life of my life, Joy of my soul, God of my heart, accept my heart as an altar, on which I will sacrifice to Thee, the gold of ardent charity, the incense of continual, humble and fervent prayer and the myrrh of constant sacrifices! Amen
Epiphany Prayer
“Give me, therefore, I pray Thee, this gold, this incense and this myrrh. Give me the gold of Thy holy love, give me the spirit of holy prayer, give me the desire and strength to mortify myself in everything that displeases Thee. I am resolved to obey Thee and to love Thee but Thou knowest my weakness, oh, give me the grace to be faithful to Thee!”
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 5 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Vigil of the Epiphany – Galatians 4:1-7, Matthew 2:19-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Arise and take the Child and His Mother and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead who sought the life of the Child.” – Matthew 2:20
REFLECTION – “My dear Jesus, Thou art the King of Heaven but now I behold Thee as an Infant wandering over the earth – tell me, whom dost Thou seek? I pity Thee when I see Thee, so poor and humbled but I pity Thee more when I see Thee treated with such ingratitude by the same men whom Thou came to save. Thou dost weep but I also weep because I have been one of those, who in times past, have despised and persecuted Thee. But now I value Thy grace more than all the kingdoms of the world; forgive me, O my Jesus, all the evil I have committed against Thee and permit me to carry Thee always in my heart during the journey of my life to eternity, even as Mary carried Thee in her arms during the flight into [and return from] Egypt.” – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church”
PRAYER – O Almighty and everlasting God, do Thou order all our actions in conformity with Thy good pleasure that through the name of Thy well-beloved Son, we may worthily abound in all good works. 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).
AnaStpaul 
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