Category: DOCTORS of the Church

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CHRIST the HIGH PRIEST, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 June – ‘… He who is the end of the law …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Readings: First: Second Corinthians 3: 4-11, Psalm: Psalms 99: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9m Gospel: Matthew 5: 17-19

“I have come, not to abolish but to fulfil.” … Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – “Do you want to know how Jesus, far from abolishing the law and the prophets, comes rather to confirm and to complete them? Where the prophets are concerned, this happens first of all ,when He confirms, through His works, what they had announced. This is where the expression comes from, constantly repeated in St Matthew: “That the word of the prophets might be fulfilled” …

Where the law is concerned, Jesus fulfilled it in three ways. First of all, by not omitting any of its legal requirements. He told John the Baptist: “We must do this if we would fulfil all of God’s demands,” (Mt 3:15). To the Jews He said: “Can any of you convict me of sin?” (Jn 8:46) … In the second place, He fulfils it because He wanted to submit Himself to it for our salvation. Oh marvel! By submitting to it, He communicated to us, too, the grace of fulfilling it! St Paul teaches us this when he says: “Christ is the end of the law. Through him, justice comes to everyone who believes,” (Rom 10:4). He also says that the Saviour condemned sin in the flesh “so that the just demands of the law might be fulfilled in us who live not according to the flesh,” (Rom 8:4.) He also says: “Are we then abolishing the law by means of faith? Not at all! On the contrary, we are confirming the law,” (Rom 3:31).

For the law aimed at making a person righteous but it didn’t have the strength do so so; then Christ came, He who is the end of the law and He showed us the way which leads to righteousness, that is to say – faith. Thus He fulfilled the law’s intention. The letter of the law could not justify the sinner; faith in Jesus Christ will justify him. That is why He can say: “I have not come to abolish the law.”

Now, if we look more closely, we can perceive a third way of fulfilling the law. What is this? It consists in the very precepts, which Christ had to give; far from overturning those of Moses, they are their just consequence and their natural complement.” – St John Chrysostom (345-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church – Homilies on St. Matthew 16

PRAYER – Shed your clear light on our hearts, Lord, so that walking continually in the way of Your commandments, we may never be deceived or misled. May the Mother of Our God and our Mother, be at our side and guide our way. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen. All praise, honour and glory to the divine Heart of JESUS. 50 Days Indulgence, Once a day, Raccolta, 168 Pope Leo XIII, 13 June 1901.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna della Fontenuova / Our Lady of the Plain , Monsummano Terme, Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy, 1573 and Memorials of the Saints – 9 June

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Madonna della Fontenuova / Our Lady of the Plain , Monsummano Terme, Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy, 1573 – 9 June

In the year 500, in the area where now stands the Church, there were only swamps, forests and meadows, an area used only by shepherds on the slopes of Monsummano Alto, with streets that wind their way through marshes and grassy fields., a place unlikely for a town to develop.

But what nature seems to deny was achieved, by a sudden and unexpected intervention of Our Lady. On 9 June 1573, in fact, Jacopina Mariotti, a shepherdess sweet and mild, as well as pious, simple and modest, prayed in front of one of the many pictures painted in fresco on the wall,s that dot the streets of the plan. After the prayer, she realised that she had lost her flock. Her crying moved the Virgin Mary who, according to a documented records, appearing to Jacopinam and showed her where her flock had wandered.

In addition, the Blessed Mother asked Jacopina to go to the Priest of the Church of the Castle, to sask him to build a Church in her honour on the spot where she had appeared. Devotion to Our Lady of the Plain grew with great fervour and faith. Just two months after the first event, local authorities, agreeing with the will of the people to build a Chapel to Our Lady of the Plain and allocated for this purpose, the many offerings of pilgrims from all over the Valdinievole area.

Another appearance, this time more crucial and decisive for the erection of the Shrine and the Marian movement resulting therefrom, occurred on10 June 1602 and was witnessed by the Priest of Monsummano, Alto Simone Casciani. On 7 July of the same year, during the celebration of the Mass, aftera long drought, the rain began to pour with abundance. The people attributed this long needed rain to their novena to Our Lady of the Plain. .

From that day, the Madonna del Piano was called: Our Lady of Fontenova. The explosion of devotion to Mary, already significant after the events of 9 June 1573, became even greater, requiring the intervention of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinando I de ‘Medici. He ordered that the building work of the Marian Shrine proceed with speed, the first stone was laid 30 December 1602. On 13 February 1607 the Grand Duke of Tuscany approved the project for the construction of the Hostel for pilgrims to be administered by the Sanctuary.

On 8 June 1608 Cosimo de ‘Medici in fulfillment of a vow made by his father Ferdinand, crowned the Blessed Mother in a precious and costly diadem, finely crafted and carved. Experts consider it the best and most intricate example of the art of the period. This Crown was placed on the head of the Virgin Mary by the Vatican Chapter in 1782. (Apologies for this Italia translation).

St Ephrem of Syria – (Optional Memorial) “The Harp of the Holy Spirit!” Father & Doctor of the Church, Deacon and Confessor, Exegesist, Writer, Poet, Hymnographer, Theologian, Teacher, Orator, Defender of the Faith – declared Doctor of the Church in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.
About St Ephrem!
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/09/saint-of-the-day-9-june-st-ephrem-of-syria-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/

Bl Alexander of Kouchta
St Alexander of Prusa
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi O.SS.T. (1769-1837) Religious of the Secular Trinitarians, Married laywoma, Mystic
St Arnulf of Velseca
St Baithen of Iona

St Columba of Iona (521-597) Apostle of the Picts, Apostle to Scotland, Abbot, Missionary, Evangelist, Poet, Scholar and Writer .
He should not be confused with St Columban/us (543-615) – see here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/23/saint-of-the-day-23-november-st-columban-543-615/
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/09/saint-of-the-day-9-june-saint-columba-of-iona-521-597-apostle-of-the-picts-apostle-to-scotland/

St Comus of Scotland
St Cumian of Bobbio
St Cyrus
Bl Diana d’Andalo
St Diomedes of Tarsus
St Felicianus
Bl Henry the Shoemaker
St Jose de Anchieta
Bl Joseph Imbert
St Julian of Mesopotamia
St Luciano Verdejo Acuña
Bl Luigi Boccardo
St Maximian of Syracuse
St Pelagia of Antioch
St Primus
St Richard of Andria
Bl Robert Salt
Bl Sylvester Ventura
St Valerius of Milan
St Vincent of Agen
—
Martyrs of Arbil – 5 saints: Five nuns who were martyred together in the persecutions of Tamsabur for refusing to renounce Christianity for sun-worship – Amai, Mariamne, Martha, Mary and Tecla. They were beheaded on 31 May 347 at Arbil, Assyria (in modern Kurdistan, Iraq).

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on JOY, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 June – Being Salt and Light

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 June – Readings: First: Second Corinthians 1: 18-22,
Psalm: Psalms 119: 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16

“You are the salt of the earth …
You are the light of the world.”

Matthew 5:13,14

“Let us contend with all earnestness,
knowing that we are now called to the combat.
Let us run in the straight road,
the race that is incorruptible.”

St Clement of Alexandria (150-215)
Father of the Church

“Be joyful and keep your faith and your creed.”

St David of Wales (c 542-c 601)
Bishop

“All the darkness in the world
cannot extinguish the light
of a single candle.”

St Francis of Assisi (c 1181-1226)

“If you are what you should be,
you will set the whole world on fire!”

St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Doctor of the Church

“Think well.
Speak well.
Do well.
These three things,
through the mercy of God,
will make a man go to Heaven.”

St Camillus de Lellis M.I. (1550-1614)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 08 June – St Therese’s Daily Offering to the Sacred Heart

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Our Morning Offering – 08 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart”

Daily Offering to the Sacred Heart
By St Therese of the Child Jesus of Lisieux (1873-1897)
Doctor of the Church

O my God!
I offer You all my actions of this day
for the intentions and for the glory
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I desire to sanctify
every beat of my heart,
my every thought,
my simplest works,
by uniting them
to His infinite merits
and I wish to make reparation for my sins
by casting them into the furnace
of His Merciful Love.
O my God! I ask of You for myself
and for those whom I hold dear,
the grace to fulfil perfectly
Your Holy Will,
to accept for love of You
the joys and sorrows of this passing life,
so that we may one day be united together
in heaven for all Eternity.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The BEATITUDES, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 7 June – Heaven

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Quote/s of the Day – 7 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Readings: First: Second Corinthians 1: 1-7, Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, Gospel: Matthew 5: 1-12

“Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.”

Matthew 5:12

“Why do we on earth not strive
to find rest with Him in heaven even now,
through the faith, hope and love that unites us to Him?
While in heaven. He is also with us
and we, while on earth, are with Him.
He is here with us by His divinity,
His power and His love.
We cannot be in heaven,
as He is on earth, by divinity
but in Him, we can be there by love.”

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

“Keep a clear eye toward life’s end.
Do not forget your purpose
and destiny as God’s creature.
What you are in His sight,
is what you are and nothing more.
Remember that when you leave this earth,
you can take nothing that you have received…
but only what you have given – a full heart
enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.”

St Francis of Assisi (c 1181-1226)

“In truth, the loss or gain of God’s kingdom, is up to you.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

“We should work and pray with our feet on the earth
and our minds in heaven.
We should seek God, not ourselves,
in everything which we do.
Let us remember,
that one moment in Heaven,
is worth infinitely more
than all the pleasure, love and vanity of this world!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD is LOVE, HYMNS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 6 June – Corpus Christi

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Corpus Christi, The Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

“O how unspeakable is this Sacrament
which sets our affections ablaze with charity.
… It is the fulfillment of Christ’s Mystical Body.”

“Source of all we have or know,
feed and lead us here below.
Grant that with Your saints above,
Sitting at the feast of love,
We may see You face to face.”

Amen Alleluia!

(Last verse of the Lauda Sion)

“The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Love.
It signifies Love,
It produces love.
The Eucharist is the consummation
of the whole spiritual life.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor angelicus/Doctor communis

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 June – “ This is my body … this is my blood ” – Mark 14: 22,24

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One Minute Reflection – 6 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Corpus Christi, The Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Readings: First: Exodus 24: 3-8, Psalm: Psalms 116: 12-13, 15-16, 17-18 (13), Second: Hebrews 9: 11-15, Gospel: Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26

“ This is my body … this is my blood ” – Mark14: 22,24

REFLECTION – “The lovers of this world display their generosity by giving money, clothes and various gifts but not one of them gives his own blood. Christ gives His. In this way He demonstrates the tenderness He feels for us and His ardent love. Under the Old Law … God consented to receive the blood of sacrifices but this was just to prevent His people from offering it to false gods and, already, this was proof of a very great love. But Christ transformed this rite… there is no longer the same sacrificial victim – it is Himself He offers in sacrifice.

“The bread that we break, is it not a communion in the body of Christ?” (1 Cor 10:16) What is this bread? The Body of Christ. What becomes of those who communicate in it? The Body of Christ – not a large number of bodies but just one Body.
Just as this bread, made up of so many wheat grains, makes only one loaf into which the grains disappear – for even though the grains remain in it, yet it is impossible to distinguish them in such a closely compacted mass – so all of us, together with Christ, make up a single whole … Now, if we all share in the same bread and are united to the same Christ, why don’t we show the same love to each other? Why don’t we become one in this case too?

This is what was seen at the beginning: “The community of believers was of one heart and mind” (Acts 4:32) … Christ came in search of you who were far away from Him to unite Himself to you but you do not wish to become one with your brother? … You violently separate yourself from him, after winning from the Lord so great a proof of His love – and life! For He did not only give His Body but, just as our flesh, drawn from the earth, had lost its life and died through sin, so He has introduced, so to speak, another substance like a leaven, this is His Body, the Body sharing the same nature as ours but free from sin and abounding in life. And He has given it to all of us, so that, fed with the banquet of this new food … we might enter immortal life.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father ad Doctor of the Church – 24th homily on the 1st letter to the Corinthians 2

PRAYER – Lord Jesus Christ, You gave Your Church, an admirable Sacrament as the abiding memorial of Your Passion. Teach us to worship the sacred mystery of Your Body and Blood, that it’s redeeming power may sanctify us always. Who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever, amen.

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 6 June – Pange Lingua

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Our Morning Offering – 6 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – The Solemnity of Corpus Christi – The Most Holy Body ad Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Pange Lingua
Sing, My Tongue
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Eng trans – Fr Edward Caswell CO (1814-1878)
(Excerpt on the image – the 4 last stanzas)

Sing, my tongue, the Saviour’s glory,
Of His Flesh, the mystery sing;
Of the Blood, all price exceeding,
Shed by our Immortal King,
Destined, for the world’s redemption,
From a noble Womb to spring.

Of a pure and spotless Virgin
Born for us on earth below,
He, as Man, with man conversing,
Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
Then He closed in solemn order
Wondrously His Life of woe.

On the night of that Last Supper,
Seated with His chosen band,
He, the Paschal Victim eating,
First fulfils the Law’s command;
Then as Food to all His brethren
Gives Himself with His own Hand.

Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature
By His Word to Flesh He turns;
Wine into His Blood He changes,
What though sense no change discerns.
Only be the heart in earnest,
Faith her lesson quickly learns.

Down in adoration falling,
Lo, the sacred Host we hail,
Lo, o’er ancient forms departing
Newer rites of grace prevail,
Faith for all defects supplying,
When the feeble senses fail.

To the Everlasting Father
And the Son who comes on high
With the Holy Ghost proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honour, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen. Alleluia.

Written by St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, this Hymn is considered the most beautiful of Aquinas’ Hymns and one of the great seven Hymns of the Church.
The Hymn is also used on Holy Thursday. The last two stanzas make up the Tantum Ergo (Down in Adoration Falling) that is used at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

PANGE, lingua, gloriosi
Corporis mysterium,
Sanguinisque pretiosi,
quem in mundi pretium
fructus ventris generosi
Rex effudit Gentium.

Nobis datus, nobis natus
ex intacta Virgine,
et in mundo conversatus,
sparso verbi semine,
sui moras incolatus
miro clausit ordine.

In supremae nocte cenae
recumbens cum fratribus
observata lege plene
cibis in legalibus,
cibum turbae duodenae
se dat suis manibus.

Verbum caro, panem verum
verbo carnem efficit:
fitque sanguis Christi merum,
et si sensus deficit,
ad firmandum cor sincerum
sola fides sufficit.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum
veneremur cernui:
et antiquum documentum
novo cedat ritui:
praestet fides supplementum
sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque
laus et iubilatio,
salus, honor, virtus quoque
sit et benedictio:
procedenti ab utroque
compar sit laudatio.
Amen. Alleluia.

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, DOCTORS of the Church, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 June – ‘ … All He requires is love’

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One Minute Reflection – 5 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Readings: First: Tobit 12: 1, 5-15, 20, Psalm: Tobit 13: 2, 6efgh, 7, 8, Gospel: Mark 12: 38-44 and the Memorial of St Bopniface (672-754) “The Apostle of Germany,” Martyr and Bl Ferdinand of Portugal (1402-1443) “The Holy Prince”

“For they all contributed out of their abundance but she, out of her poverty, has put in everything she had, her whole living.”… Mark 12:44

REFLECTION – “Now, if someone is wondering what the cost is, here is their answer – He who offers a Kingdom in heaven has no need of earthly coin. No-one can offer God anything, except what already belongs to Him, since all that exists is His. And yet, God does not give away so great a thing, without a price being placed on it, He does not give it to someone who doesn’t value it. For indeed, nobody gives away something they hold dear without placing some kind of value on it.
From now on, then, if God has no need of your goods, neither does He have to give you this great thing, if you refuse to love Him, all He requires is love, without which nothing constrains His giving. Love, then and you will receive the Kingdom, love and you will possess it… Love God more than yourself and already, you begin to have what it is your desire to possess fully, in heaven.”… St Anselm (1033-1109) Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Lord God, Your Son has shown us the way. As we follow in His steps, may we never wander from the path that leads to life. Renew the wonders of Your grace in our hearts so that neither death nor life may separate us from Your love. Holy Father, as You were glorified by the life and death of St Boniface and Blessed Ferdinand of Portugal, grant that by their prayers, we may receive strength to always give You our hearts, minds and complete selves. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, with You in union with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen. Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love. 300 days ONCE A DAY – Unless otherwise stated, e.g., “once a day,” a partial Indulgence may be gained any number of times in succession.) Pope Leo XIII 21 May 1892.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the HIGH PRIEST, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 4 June – Jesus, Name Full of Glory

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” –Readings: First: Tobit 11: 5-17, Psalm: Psalms 146: 1b-2, 6c-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10, Gospel: Mark 12: 35-37

“David himself calls him ‘Lord.’”

Mark 12:37

“Therefore, ,just as He was both
the Son and the Lord of David,
the Son of David, according to the flesh,
the Lord of David, according to [His] divinity,
so He was the Son of Mary,
according to the flesh
and the Lord of Mary,
according to [His] majesty.”

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

“Christ has dominion
over all creatures,
a dominion not seized
by violence
nor usurped but His,
by essence and by nature.”

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Who is like You, Who founded heaven and earth …,
You, Who will Your delight to be
with the children of humankind?
How great You are, King of kings
and Lord of Lords,
Who rule the stars
and set Your Heart on humankind!”

St Gertrude the Great of Helfta (1256-1301)

“The Name of Jesus
is the purest and holiest,
the noblest and most indulgent of names,
the Name of all blessings
and of all virtues,
it is the Name of the God-Man,
of sanctity itself.”

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Jesus, Name Full of Glory
By St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)

Jesus,
Name full of glory,
grace, love and strength!
You are the refuge of those who repent,
our banner of warfare in this life,
the medicine of souls,
the comfort of those who morn,
the delight of those who believe,
the light of those
who preach the true faith,
the wages of those who toil,
the healing of the sick.
To You our devotion aspires,
by You our prayers are received;
we delight in contemplating You.
O Name of Jesus,
You are the glory of all the saints for eternity.
Amen

St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PAPAL PRAYERS, PARTIAL Indulgence, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 June – David himself calls him ‘lord.’ … Mark 12:37

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” –Readings: First: Tobit 11: 5-17, Psalm: Psalms 146: 1b-2, 6c-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10, Gospel: Mark 12: 35-37

David himself calls him ‘lord.’ … Mark 12:37

REFLECTION – “Be mindful of the mystery of Christ!   Born from the Virgin’s womb, both Servant and Lord – Servant to set to work, Lord to command so that He might plant a Kingdom for God in people’s hearts. Twofold in origin but one in nature, He is not one thing when He comes from the Father, another when He comes from the Virgin.   He is the very same, the one born of the Father before all ages and who has taken flesh of the Virgin in the course of time.   And that is why He is named both Servant and Lord – Servant with respect to us but, due to the unity of the divine substance, God from God, Principle from Principle, Son equal in all things to the Father who is His equal.   For the Father has not begotten a Son different to Himself – the Son of whom He asserted:  “In him I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17) (…)

In every respect the Servant preserves His titles of dignity.   God is great and the Servant is also great – when He came in the flesh He did not lose this “greatness that has no limit” (Ps 145[144]:3) …   “Though he was in the form of God he did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.   Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave” (Phil 2:6-7) … Therefore, as Son of God He is equal to God, He took the form of a slave by becoming incarnate, He whose greatness has no limit “tasted death” (Heb 2:9) (…)

How good is the condition of the Servant who has set us all free!   Yes, how good it is!   It won for Him “the name which is above all other names!”   How good that humility is!   It was through it that, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:10-11).” … St Ambrose (c 340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church – Sermon on Psalm 36[35]:4-5

PRAYER – Almighty God, Whose grace, even here on earth brings us the gifts of heaven, turn our hearts to Yourself Lord, so that in seeking the ways of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, we too may walk in humility and love, always seeking the one thing necessary for the glory of Your kingdom. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Sprit, God now and for ll eternity, amen. “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.” – 300 Days, EVERYTIME. (Unless otherwise stated, e.g., “once a day,” a partial Indulgence may be gained any number of times in succession.) St Pope Pius X, 15 September 1905.

Posted in Act of SPIRITUAL COMMUNION, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 3 June – Corpus Christi, The Bread of Life

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 June – Solemnity of Corpus Christi, The Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ

“I am the bread of life;
he who comes to me,
shall not hunger
and he who believes in me,
shall never thirst.”

John 6:35

“This bread you see on the Altar,
consecrated by the word of God,
is the Body of Christ.
This cup consecrated by the word of God,
or rather its contents, is the Blood of Christ.
In these two elements our Lord desired to hand over,
for our veneration and love,
His Body and Blood, shed for the remission of our sins.
If you have received them with a good disposition,
then you are what you have received.
As the apostle Paul declares:
“We are, all of us, one bread, one body” (1 Cor 10,17)…”

St Augustine (354-430)
Bishop, Father, Doctor of Grace

“O you sons of men,
how long will you be dull of heart?
… Behold – daily He humbles Himself
as when from heaven’s royal throne
He came down into the womb of the Virgin.
Daily, He Himself,
comes to us with like humility;
daily He descends
from the bosom of the Father,
upon the Altar,
in the hands of the Priest.”

St Francis of Assisi (c 1181–1226)

“God is as really present
in the consecrated Host,
as He is, in the glory of Heaven.”

St Paschal Baylon (1540-1592)

Prayer of Adoration
Act of Spiritual Communion
By St Conrad of Parzham (1818-1894)

I have come to spend
a few moments with You, O Jesus
and in spirit I prostrate myself in the dust
before Your Holy Tabernacle to adore You,
my Lord and God, in deepest humility.
Once more, a day has come to its close, dear Jesus,
another day which brings me nearer to the grave
and my beloved heavenly home.
Once more, O Jesus, my heart longs for You,
the true Bread of Life,
which contains all sweetness and relish.
O my Jesus, mercifully grant me pardon for the faults
and ingratitude of this day and come to me,
to refresh my poor heart which longs for You.
As the heart pants for the waters,
as the parched earth longs for the dew of heaven,
even so, does my poor heart long for You,
You Fount of Life.
I love You, O Jesus,
I hope in You,
I love You
and out of love for You,
I regret sincerely all my sins.
May Your peace and Your benediction be mine,
now and always and for all eternity.
Amen

St Conrad of Parzham (1818-1894)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 3 June – Lauda Sion Salvatorem

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Our Morning Offering – 3 June – Solemnty of Corpus Christ, The Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ

St Thomas Aquinas wrote the Liturgy for Corpus Christi when Pope Urban IV added the Solemnity to the universal Church’s Liturgical calendar in 1264. He provided a great sequence, one of the great poems chanted or recited before the proclamation of the Gospel.
Lauda Sion is one of only four medieval sequences which were preserved in the Roman Missal published in 1570 following the Council of Trent (1545–1563)—the others being Victimae Paschali Laudes (Easter), Veni Sancte Spiritus (Pentecost) and Dies irae (requiem masses).
(A fifth, Stabat Mater, would later be added in 1727.)
Before Trent, many feasts had their own sequences. The existing versions were unified in the Roman Missal promulgated in 1570.
The Lauda Sion is still sung today as solemn Eucharistic hymn, though its use is optional in the post-Vatican II Ordinary form.
As with St Thomas’s other three Eucharistic Hymns, the last few stanzas of the Lauda Sion are often used alone, in this case, to form the “Ecce Panis Angelorum”.

Lauda Sion Salvatorem
Sion, Lift Up thy Voice and Sing
(Excerpt)
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus / Doctor Communis

Sion, lift thy voice and sing,
Praise thy Saviour and thy King,
Praise with hymns thy Shepherd true,
Dare thy most to praise Him well,
For He doth all praise excel,
None can ever reach His due.

Special theme of praise is Thine,
That true living Bread divine,
That life-giving flesh adored,
Which the brethren twelve received,
As most faithfully believed,
At the Supper of the Lord.

Let the chant be loud and high,
Sweet and tranquil be the joy
Felt to-day in every breast;
On this festival divine
Which recounts the origin
Of the glorious Eucharist.

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 2 June – ‘He vanquished death …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 2 June – “Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Readings: First: Tobit 3: 1-11a, 16-17a, Psalm: Psalms 25: 2-3, 4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9, Gospel: Mark 12: 18-27

“He is not God of the dead but of the living. ”

Mark 12:27

“If anyone serves me,
he must follow me
and where I am,
there will my servant be also.”

John 12:26

“O Death, where is your sting?
O Hell, where is your victory?
Christ is risen and you are overthrown.
Christ is risen and the demons are fallen.
Christ is risen and the angels rejoice.
Christ is risen and life reigns.
Christ is risen and not one dead remains in the grave.
For Christ, being risen from the dead,
is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.”

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

“He died, but He vanquished death.
In Himself, He put an end to what we feared;
He took it upon Himself and He vanquished it,
as a mighty hunter,
He captured and slew the lion.”

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

“How precious the gift of the Cross,
how splendid to contemplate!
In the Cross there is no mingling of good and evil,
as in the tree of paradise;
it is wholly beautiful to behold
and good to taste.
The fruit of this tree is not death but life,
not darkness but light.
This tree does not cast us out of paradise
but opens the way for our return.”

St Theodore the Studite (750–826)
Father, Abbot, Theologian, Writer

Posted in "Follow Me", ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, POETRY, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 June – “Whose is this image?” – Mark 12:16

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One Minute Reflection – 1 June – “Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Readings: First: Tobit 2: 9-14, Psalm: Psalms 112: 1-2, 7-8, 9, Gospel: Mark 12: 13-17

“Whose is this image?” – Mark 12:16

REFLECTION – “Soul, you must seek yourself in Me
And in yourself, must seek for Me.

Such is the power of love’s impress,
O soul, to engrave you on My Heart,
That any craftsman must confess
He never could have the same success,
However superlative his art.

It was by love that you were made
Lovely and beautiful to be;
So, if by chance, you should have strayed,
Upon My Heart you are portrayed.
Soul, you must seek yourself in Me.

For well I know that you will see
Yourself engraved upon My Breast—
An image vividly impressed—
And then you will rejoice to be
So safely lodged, so highly blest.

And if by chance you do not know
Where to go in quest of Me,
Do not go far My Face to see,
Searching everywhere high and low,
But in yourself must seek for Me.

For, soul, in you I am confined,
You are My dwelling and My home;
And if one day I chance to find
Fast-closed the portals of your mind
I ask for entrance when I come.

Oh, do not seek me far away,
For, if you would attain to Me,
You only need My Name to say
And I’ll be there, without delay.
Look in yourself to seek for Me!” – St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Carmelite, Doctor of the Church – Poems, no 8 “Alma, buscarte has en mí”

PRAYER – Lord God, true light and creator of light, grant us the grace to see clearly by the light who is Light, Your only Son. Lead us in His path and send us Your Spirit. Grant us the strength to grow in holiness so that our struggle against the powers of darkness may we a victory over temptation. May the prayers of the Mother of Your Son, the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother too, be a balm of enduring succour, as we fulfil Your commandments in this world and strive to reach our eternal home. We make our prayer through Christ Your divine Son, Whom You sent to make us like unto Himself, in the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen. All praise, honour and glory to the Divine Heart of JESUS. (This Ejaculation is Indulgenced – 50 Days, once a day. (See Instructions: – Unless otherwise stated, e.g., “once a day,” a partial Indulgence may be gained any number of times in succession.) 168 Pope Leo XIII, 14 June 1901).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, POETRY, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 22 May – “I am Thine and born for Thee, What wilt Thou do with me?”

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 May – “Mary’s Month” – Readings: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31, Psalm 11:4-5, 7, John 21:20-25

“Lord, what about him?”
Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours? You follow me.”

John 21:21-22

“I am Thine and born for Thee,
What wilt Thou do with me?

Sovereign Lord, upon Thy throne,
Endless Wisdom, One and whole,
Goodness that dost feed my soul,
Good and great, One God alone,
As I sing my love for Thee.
What wilt Thou do with me?

Thine I am, for Thou didst make me;
Thine, for Thou alone didst save me;
Thine – Thou couldst endure to have me;
For Thine own, didst deign to take me.
Never once, didst Thou forsake me.
Ruined were I, if not for Thee:
What wilt Thou do with me?

What, O good and loving Lord,
What wilt Thou have this creature do?
This Thy slave, a sinner too,
Waiting till she hears Thy word?
With Thy will in close accord,
Sweetest Love, I come to Thee:
What wilt Thou do with me?

Take, O Lord, my loving heart:
See, I yield it to Thee whole,
With my body, life and soul
And my nature’s every part.
Sweetest Spouse, my life Thou art;
I have given myself to Thee:
What wilt Thou do with me?

Let me live or let me die;
Give me sickness, give me health;
Give me poverty or wealth;
Let me strive or peaceful lie.
Weakness give or strength supply –
I accept it all of Thee:
What wilt Thou do with me?…

I am Thine and born for Thee,
What wilt Thou do with me?”

Poem – I am Yours, for You I was born – “Vuestra Soy, para Vos nací ”
(trans. E.Allison Peers)

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

Posted in CONSECRATION Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PARTIAL Indulgence

Our Morning Offering –22 May – Indulgenced Act of Consecration, Most Holy Mary, By St Francis de Sales

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Our Morning Offering –22 May – “Mary’s Month” – Vigil of Pentecost

Most Holy Mary,
Virgin Mother of God
Act of Consecration
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Indulgence of 300 days, for each recitation
St Pius X, 17 November 1906

Most Holy Mary,
Virgin Mother of God,
I ………., most unworthy though I am to be thy servant,
yet touched by thy motherly care for me
and longng to serve thee,
do, in the presence of my Guardian Angel
and all the court of heaven,
choose thee this day to be my Queen,
my Advocate and my Mother
and I firmly purpose to serve thee evermore myself
and, to do what I can, that all may
render faithful service to thee.
Therefore, most devoted Mother,
through the Precious Blood thy Son poured out for me,
I beg thee and beseech thee,
deign to take me among thy clients
and receive me as thy servant forever.
Aid me in my every action
and beg for me the grace never,
by word or deed or thought,
to be displeasing in thy sight
and that of thy most holy Son.
Think of me, my dearest Mother
and desert me not at the hour of death.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 21 May – Just One

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 May – “Mary’s Month” – Readings: Acts 25:13-21, Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20, John 21:15-19

“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

John 21:15

“And the multitude of believers
had but one heart and one soul”

Acts 4:32

“No-one can have God as his father,
if he does not have the Church as his mother…
The Lord warned us of this when He said:
“Whoever is not with me, is against me
and whoever does not gather together with me, scatters.”
The person who breaks the peace and concord of Christ,
acts against Christ;
the person who gathers together,
outside of the Church,
scatters the Church of Christ.”

St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200- c 258)
Bishop and Martyr, Father of the Church
On the unity of the Church

“There were many apostles
but to one is said:
“Feed my sheep”

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

“And so we pray,
that, by the same grace,
which made the Church Christ’s Body,
all its members may remain firm
in the unity of that Body,
through the enduring bond of love.”

St Fulgentius of Ruspe (c 462 – 533)
Bishop, Father of the Church

“For nothing more glorious,
nothing nobler,
nothing surely, more honourable
can be imagined, than to belong
to the One, Holy Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Church,
in which we become members of one Body
as venerable as it is unique;
are guided by one supreme Head;
are filled with one divine Spirit;
are nourished during our earthly exile
by one doctrine and one heavenly Bread,
until at last, we enter into
the one, unending blessedness of heaven.
But lest we be deceived,
by the angel of darkness,
who transforms himself into an angel of light,
let this be the supreme law of our love –
to love the Spouse of Christ,
as Christ willed her to be
and as He purchased her with His blood.”

Pope Pius XII (1876-1958)
“Mystici Corporis Christi” 1943

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 May – “Then feed my sheep.” John 21:15-19

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One Minute Reflection – 21 May – “Mary’s Month” – Readings: Acts 25:13-21, Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20, John 21:15-19

“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” – John 21:17

REFLECTION – “The Lord appeared once again to His disciples after His resurrection and questioning Peter, who from fear had thrice denied Him, extracted from Him, a threefold declaration of love. Christ had been raised to life in the flesh and Peter to life in the spirit; for when Christ died, as a result of the torments He endured, Peter was also dead, as a result of denying his Master. Christ the Lord was raised from the dead; Christ the Lord raised up Peter through Peter’s love for Him. And having obtained from him the assurance of that love, He entrusted His sheep to Peter’s care.

We may wonder what advantage there could be for Christ, in Peter’s love for Him. If Christ loves you, you profit, not Christ; and if you love Him, again the advantage is yours, not His. But wishing to show us how we should demonstrate our love for Him, Christ the Lord made it plain, that it is by our concern for His sheep.

“Simon, son of John, Do you love me?” He asked. “I do love you.” “Then feed my sheep.” Once, twice, and a third time the same dialogue was repeated. To the Lord’s one and only question, Peter had no other answer than “I do love you.” And each time the Lord gave Peter the same command! Let us love one another then and by so doing, we shall be loving Christ.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace – Guelferbytanus Sermon 16,1

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help us to accept the tasks you have given us in life. Let us be faithful all our days and be able to attain Your eternal reward in heaven. May our Blessed Mother, alll the Angels, the Holuy Apostles and all Your Saints, pray for us that we may always praise Your glory and be faithful at all times and in all circumstances, amen.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The HEART, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 20 May – ‘You in me and I in you’

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 May – “Mary’s Month” – Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11, Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11, John 17:20-26

“ I am in my Father and you in me and I in you.”

John 14:20

“Your Beloved is such,
that He will not accept
what belongs to another —
He wants your heart for Himself alone,
to be enthroned therein,
as King in His own right.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

“By giving yourself to God,
you not only receive Himself in exchange
but, eternal life as well!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

God, my God,
May I Always Abide in You
By St John Damascene (675-749)

God, my God,
unextinguishable and invisible fire,
You make Your angels flaming fire.
Out of Your inexpressible love,
You have given me Your divine Flesh as food
and through this communion
of Your immaculate Body and precious Blood,
You receive me as a partaker of Your divinity.
Permeate all my body and soul,
all my bones and sinews.
Consume my sins in fire.
Enlighten my soul and illumine my mind.
Sanctify my body and make Your abode in me
together with Your blessed Father and all-holy Spirit,
that I may always abide in You,
through the intercession
of Your immaculate Mother
and all Your saints.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VOCATIONS, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 19 May – “I also have sent them into the world.” John 17:18

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Quote/s of the Day – 19 May – “Mary’s Month” – Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 20:28-38, Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36, John17:11-1

“As thou hast sent me into the world,
I also have sent them into the world.”

John 17:18

“This is the work of God,
that you believe in him
whom he hath sent.”

John 6:29

“… It was their vocation to call sinners to repentance,
to heal those who were sick,
whether in body or spirit,
to seek in all their dealing,
never to do their own will
but the will of Him who sent them and,
as far as possible, to save the world
by their teaching.”

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Bishop, Father & Doctor of the Church

“My children, eternal life is being offered to us,
the kingdom of heaven is made ready
and Christ’s inheritance awaits us …
So let us run from now on with increased energy
and above all you, lazy, recalcitrant,
dull of heart, friends of murmuring who,
unless you improve, are like the cursed fig tree.
… Let us seek out the fight,
bravely pour with our sweat,
adorn ourselves with crowns,
gain praises and gather up,
like a treasure,
“what eye has not seen
and ear has not heard
and what has not entered the human heart”
(1 Cor 2:9).

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

“There are two ways of keeping God’s word,
namely, one, whereby we store in our memory
what we hear and the other,
whereby we put into practice,
what we have heard
(and none will deny that the latter
is more commendable, inasmuch,
as it is better to sow grain,
than to store it in the barn).”

Blessed Jordan of Saxony OP (1190-1237)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 May – And what is His kingdom?

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One Minute Reflection – 19 May – “Mary’s Month” – Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 20:28-38, Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36, John17:11-19

“ They are not of the world, as I also, am not of the world.” – John 17:16

REFLECTION – “Listen everybody, Jews and Gentiles … Listen, all the kingdoms of the earth! I am not preventing you from ruling over this world, “my kingdom is not of this world.” (Jn 18:36) So don’t be afraid with that senseless fear which seized Herod when My birth was announced to him … “No,” the Saviour says, “my kingdom is not of this world.” All of you, come to a kingdom, which is not of this world, come by faith. May you not be made cruel by fear. It is true, that the Son of God, speaking of the Father, says in a prophecy: “Through him, I was established as king on Zion, his holy mountain.” (Ps 2:6) But that Zion and that mountain, are not of this world.

And what is His kingdom? It is they who believe in Him, those to whom He says: “You are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” But He, nevertheless, wants them to be in the world – He prays to His Father: “I am not asking you to take them out of the world but, to protect them from the evil one.” For He did not say: “My kingdom is not in this world,” but rather: “It is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over.” (Jn 18:36) – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church – Homilies on St John, no 115

PRAYER – Give us the grace Holy God to ever serve You and be faithful to You alone. Nothing of this world is worthy of our love and alone in You do we have life and light. May Your divine Son be our Guide and our Hope and may He always be with us as we make our way to our home country, together with His Mother and ours, the Blessed Virgin. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, amen.

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 May – “You shall love the Lord your God”

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 May – “Mary’s Month” Readings: Acts 20:17-27, Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21, John 17:1-11

“I pray for them … because they are thine
and everything of mine is thine
and everything of thine is mine.”

John 17:9-10

“You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart
and with all your soul
and with all your mind.
And the second is like it:
You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

Matthew 22:36,39

“On the journey of this life to eternity,
let me carry You in my heart,
following Mary’s example,
who bore You in her arms,
during the flight to Egypt.”

St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

“When you love,
you feel like speaking the whole time
with the one you love,
or at least, you want to look at Him without ceasing.
Prayer is nothing else.
It is the familiar meeting with our Beloved.
We look at Him,
we tell Him we love Him,
we rejoice to be at His feet.”

Bl Charles of Jesus de Foucauld (1858-1916)

The Christopher Prayer

Father, grant that we may be, bearers of Christ Jesus, Your Son.
Allow us to fill with Your light, the world around us.
Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit to carry out our mission
of living and following the path of Jesus, our Lord.
Help us to understand, that by Your grace
our gifts are Your blessings, to be shared with others.
Fill us with Your Spirit of love to give glory to You
in loving all and preaching by our love.
Nourish in us the desire to go forth as the bearers of Your Son
fearless and gentle,
loving and merciful.
Make us true Christ bearers,
that in seeing us only He is visible.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 May – “I am glorified in them.” – John 17:10

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One Minute Reflection – 16 May – “Mary’s Month” Readings: Acts 20:17-27, Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21, John 17:1-11

“I am glorified in them.” – John 17:10

REFLECTION – “My Father and I will come to him” – that is to say, to the holy of heart – says the Son of God “and we will make our home with him” (Jn 14:23). It seems to me, that when the psalmist said to God: “You make your dwelling in the holy place, you who art Israel’s praise,” (Ps 22[21]:4) he had no other heaven in mind, than the hearts of the saints. The Apostle expresses it quite clearly: “Christ lives in our hearts through faith,” he tells us (Eph 3:17). Surely it is no wonder that the Lord Jesus gladly makes His home in such a heaven because, unlike the other heavens, He did not bring it into existence by a mere word of command. He descended into the arena to win it; He laid down His life to redeem it. And so, after the battle was won, He solemnly declared: “This is my resting place forever and ever; here I have chosen to dwell” (Ps 132[131]:14). Blessed indeed is the soul to whom the Lord says: “Come, my chosen one, I will set up my throne in you” (Sg 2:10).

“Why, then, are you sorrowful, my soul and why are you troubled within me?” (Ps 42[41]:6). Are you trying to find a place for the Lord within yourself? Who among us can provide a fitting place for the Lord of glory, a place worthy of His majesty! O that I might be counted worthy to worship at His footstool, that I might at least cling to the feet of some saintly soul whom the Lord has chosen to be His dwelling place! However, the Lord has only to anoint my soul with the oil of His mercy, for me in my turn, to be able to say: “I have run the way of your commandments because you have enlarged my heart” (Ps 119[118]:32). Then perhaps, even if I cannot usher Him into a “large and richly furnished room” in my heart where He may refresh Himself with His disciples (cf. Mk 14:15), I shall at least, be able to offer Him, “a place to lay his head” (cf. Mt 8:20).

It is necessary for a soul to grow and be enlarged until it is capable of con­taining God within itself. But the dimensions of a soul are in proportion to its love, as the Apostle confirms when he urges the Corinthians to “widen their hearts in love” (2 Cor 6 13). Although the soul, being spiritual, cannot be measured physically, grace confers on it what nature does not bestow… Love, then, is the measure of the soul. Souls are large that love much, small that love little; while as for the soul that has no love at all, such a soul is itself nothing. “Without love,” says Saint Paul, “I am nothing” (1 Cor 13:3). – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk and Doctor of the Church – Sermons on the Song of Songs, no. 27, 8-10

PRAYER – Lord God, You opened for us, the way to eternal life, when Christ Your Son was take up to glory and Your Holy Spirit, came to enlighten Your Church. Grant that, as we share in so great a gift, our longing and hope, for our eternal home may grow every stronger and so our service ever more loyal to Your commandments. Listen to the prayers of Holy Mother Mary, the Blessed Virgin Mother of Your Son, whom we beg to pray for Your grace in all things. Through Christ, Our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God for all time and for all eternity, amen.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 17 May – Hail, O Mary, Mother of God By St Cyril of Alexandria

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Our Morning Offering – 17 May – “Mary’s Month”

Hail, O Mary, Mother of God
By St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Virgin and Mother!
Morning Star, perfect vessel.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Holy Temple in which God Himself was conceived.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Chaste and pure dove.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
who enclosed the One Who cannot be encompassed
in your sacred womb.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
From you flowed the true light, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Through you the Conqueror
and triumphant Vanquisher of hell, came to us.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Through you, the glory of the Resurrection blossoms.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
You have saved every faithful Christian.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 May – ‘All mine are yours and all yours are mine’ John 17:1-11

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 May – “Mary’s Month” – Sunday within the Octave of the Ascension or The Seventh Sunday of Easter, Readings: Acts 1:11, Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9 (6), Second Ephesians 4: 1-1, John 17:1-11

“I pray for them.
I do not pray for the world
but for the ones you have given me,
because they are yours.
All mine are yours and all yours are mine
and I am glorified in them.
… Holy Father, keep them in your name,
which you have given me,
that they may be one,
even as we are one.”

John 17:9-11

“Our lives are all controlled by the Spirit now
and are not confined to this physical world
that is subject to corruption.
The light of the Only-begotten has shone on us
and we have been transformed into the Word,
the source of all life.”

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father and Doctor of the Incarnation

“If, as God, Jesus is the term of our seeking,
as Man, He is the unique Exemplar,
wherefrom we ought never
to turn our gaze.”

Bl Columba Marmion (1858-1923)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 15 May – Mother of Mercy By St Bonaventure

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Our Morning Offering – 15 May – “Mary’s Month” – Wednesday of the Fourth week of Easter, C

Mother of Mercy
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Serpahic Doctor

Virgin full of goodness,
Mother of Mercy,
I entrust to you my body and soul,
my thoughts, my actions,
my life and my death.
O my Queen, help me,
and deliver me from all
the snares of the devil.
Obtain for me the grace
of loving my Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son,
with a true and perfect love,
and after him, O Mary,
to love you with all my heart
and above all things.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day -15 May – ‘Ask the Father anything in my name …’ Let us pray

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Quote/s of the Day – 15 May – “Mary’s Month” – Readings: Acts 18: 23-28, Psalms 47: 2-3, 8-9, 10, John 16: 23-28

“Amen, amen I say to you,
if you ask the Father anything in my name,
he will give it you.”

John 16:27

“Prayer is the wing,
wherewith the soul flies to heaven
and meditation,
the eye,
wherewith we see God.”

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

“ Lift up and stretch out your hands,
not to heaven but to the poor…
if you lift up your hands in prayer
without sharing with the poor,
it is worth nothing.”

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

“A servant of the Lord
stands bodily before men
but mentally,
he is knocking at the gates of heaven.
with prayer.”

“Ask with tears,
seek with obedience,
knock with patience.”

St John Climacus (c 525-606)
Father of the Church

Prayer for the Gift of Prayer
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

O Incarnate Word,
You have given Your Blood and Your Life
to confer on our prayers that power by which,
according to Your promise,
they obtain for us all that we ask.
And we, O God,
are so careless of our salvation,
that we will not even ask You for the graces
that we must have, if we should be saved!
In prayer You have given us the key
of all Your Divine treasures;
and we, rather than pray,
choose to remain in our misery.
Alas! O Lord, enlighten us,
and make us know the value of prayers,
offered in Your name and by Your merits,
in the eyes of Your Eternal Father.
Amen

“My children, your heart is small
but prayer expands it
and makes it able to love God.
Prayer is a foretaste of heaven,
an outflowing of paradise.
It never leaves us without sweetness.
It is honey, which descends into the soul
and sweetens everything.
Sorrows melt in a prayer,
that is well prayed,
like snow in the sun.”

St John-Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 15 May – Run, Hasten O Lady By St Bernard

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Our Morning Offering – 15 May – ‘Mary’ Month’ – Saturday within the Octave of th Ascension

Run, Hasten O Lady
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Doctor of the Church

Run, hasten, O Lady,
and in your mercy help your sinful servant,
who calls upon you,
and deliver him from the hands of the enemy.
Who will not sigh to you?
We sigh with love and grief,
for we are oppressed on every side.
How can we do otherwise than sigh to you,
O solace of the miserable,
refuge of outcasts,
ransom of captives?
We are certain that when you see our miseries,
your compassion will hasten to relieve us.
O our sovereign Lady and our Advocate,
commend us to your Son.
Grant, O blessed one,
by the grace which you have merited,
that He, Who through you,
was graciously pleased to become a partaker
of our infirmity and misery,
may also, through your intercession,
make us partakers, of His happiness and glory.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 14 May – “I have chosen you” – John 15:16

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 May – “Mary’s Month” – Feast of St Matthias Apostle, Readings: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, Psalm 113:1-8, John 15:9-17

“The lot fell upon Matthias,
and he was numbered
with the eleven apostles.”

Acts 1:26

“He needed to be a witness
not of the times before or after that event
and not of the signs and wonders
but only of the Resurrection itself.
For the rest happened by general admission,
openly but the Resurrection took place secretly
and was known to these men only.”

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

“You are my friends,
if you do the things
that I command you.”

John 15:14

“I have chosen you
and have appointed you,
that you should go
and should bring forth fruit
and your fruit should remain,
says the Lord.”

John 15:16