Quote/s of the Day – 29 March –Wednesday in Passion Week – Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-19, 25, John 10:22-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“My sheep hear My Voice; I know them and they follow Me.”
John 10:27
“Peace in us is the result of two kinds of necessary obedience, the obedience to right reason of the lower faculties and the obedience of right reason to God, our Creator. “This is the peace which God gives on earth to men of goodwill; this is the most perfect wisdom,”
St Augustine (356-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“Do all through love, nothing through constraint. Love obedience more than you fear disobedience.” (Letter to Madame de Chantal)
“To find the Saviour outside obedience’ is to lose Him altogether!” (Letters to Persons in Religion, VI, 22)
One Minute Reflection – 29 March –Wednesday in Passion Week – Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-19, 25, John 10:22-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I and the Father are One.”- John 10:30
REFLECTION – “The Father is Who He Is and we must believe that. As for the Son, our mind gets discouraged in trying to reach Him and with every word we hesitate to make it heard. For He Is begotten of the One Who Is not begotten, the Only-Begotten of the One Who Is the One and Only, Truth come forth from Truth, the Living born of the Living, the perfect One Who comes from the perfect One, Power from Power, Wisdom from Wisdom, Glory from Glory, “the Image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15)…
How shall we understand the Only Son’s being begotten by the One Who Is not begotten?… This begetting is not a break or a division…“ The Father is in Me and I am in the Father.” (Jn 10:38) He is not adopted, for the Son is the true Son of God and says: “Whoever sees Me sees the Father.” (Jn 14:9) He did not come into existence like other beings, obeying a command, for… He has life in Himself as the One Who begot Him has life in Himself (Jn 5:26)… The One Who comes from the Perfect One, is Perfect, since the One Who possesses everything, gave everything to Him. The Father and Son each possess the secret of that birth.” – St Hilary (315-368) Bishop of Poitiers, Father and Doctor of the Church (De Trinitate II:8).
PRAYER – In Thy mercy, O Lord, may this hallowing fast enlighten the hearts of Thy faithful people and since Thou have given them the desire to serve Thee, lend a gracious ear to their prayers.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).
One Minute Reflection – 28 March – Tuesday in Passion Week and the Memorial of St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456) Confessor – Wisdom 10:10-14, Luke 9:1-6 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor sack, nor bread, nor money; neither have two tunics.” – Luke 9:3
REFLECTION – “This is a great vision. But if you wish to see it, remove the sandals from your feet. Remove every chain of sin. Remove the chains of the world. Leave behind earthly sandals. Jesus sent the Apostles without sandals, without money, gold and silver, so that they would not carry earthly things with them. The one who seeks to do good is praised, not for his sandals but for the swiftness and grace of his feet. The Scripture says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, of those who bring glad tidings of good things!” Therefore, remove the sandals from your feet, that they may be beautiful for preaching the Gospel!” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (Flight From the World 5).
PRAYER – O God, Who, through blessed John, made Thy faithful people conquer the enemies of the Cross by the power of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, grant, we beseech Thee, that by his intercession we may avoid the snares of our spiritual enemies and may be found worthy to receive from Thee, the crown of justice. Through esus 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 of the Day – 27 March – The Feast of St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
The Night Prayers before Retiring The Examination of Conscience, Act of Contrition and Resolutions By St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
“ (To be said pointing at the bed:) O Lord, Lover of men, is this bed to be my coffin, or wilt Thou enlighten my wretched soul with another day? Here the coffin lies before me and here death confronts me. I fear, O Lord, Thy Judgement and the endless torments, yet I cease not to do evil. My Lord God, I continually anger Thee and Thy immaculate Mother, and all the Heavenly Powers and my holy Guardian Angel. I know, O Lord, that I am unworthy of Thy love but deserve condemnation and every torment. But, whether I want it or not, save me, O Lord. For to save a good man is no great thing and to have mercy on the pure is nothing wonderful, for they are worthy of Thy mercy. But show the wonder of Thy mercy to me, a sinner. In this, reveal Thy love for men, lest my wickedness prevail over Thy unutterable goodness and mercy. And order my life as Thou wilt. (As sleep is the image of death, at night we pray for the departed) With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting.
Kiss your Crucifix and make the Sign of the Cross from the head to the foot of the bed and from two sides and then say the Prayer:
Hail, Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord!
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered and let those, who hate Him, flee from His Presence. As smoke vanishes, let them vanish and as wax melts by the presence of fire, so let the demons perish by the presence of those who love God and who sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross and say in gladness: Hail, Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, for Thou drives away the demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ Crucified on thee, Who went down to hell and trampled on the power of the devil and gave us thee, His venerable Cross, for driving away all enemies. O Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, help me with our holy Lady, the Virgin Mother of God and with all the Saints throughout the ages. Amen.
(When about to lie down in bed, say:) Lighten my eyes, O Christ God, lest I sleep in death and lest my enemy says: I have prevailed over him.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. Be my soul’s Defender, O God, for I step over many snares. Deliver me from them and save me, O Good One, in Thy love for men. Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Let us not silently hymn the most glorious Mother of God, holiest of holy Angels but confess her with heart and mouth to be the Mother of God, for she truly bore God Incarnate for us and prays without ceasing for our souls. Amen.
(Just before closing your eyes, say:) Into Thy hands, O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I surrender my spirit and body; bless me, save me and grant me eternal life. Amen.
Before retiring, The Examination of Conscience: (or if one prefers, before beginning prayers) go through all the points suggested below in your mind and memory.
Give thanks to Almighty God for granting you during the past day, by His grace, His gifts of life and health.
Examine your conscience by going through each hour of the day, beginning from the time you rose from your bed and recall to memory – where you went, how you acted and reacted towards all persons and other creatures and what you talked about. Recall and consider with all care, your thoughts, words and deeds from morning until the evening.
If you have done any good, do not ascribe it to yourself but to God Who gives us all the good things and thank Him. Pray that He may confirm you in this good and enable you to do other good works.
But if you have done anything evil, admit that this comes from yourself and your own weakness, from bad habits or weak will. Repent and pray to the Lover of men that He may forgive you and promise Him firmly, never to do this evil again.
Implore your Creator with tears, to grant you a quiet, undisturbed, pure and sinless night and to enable you, in the coming day, to devote yourself wholly to the glory of His holy Name.
If you find a soft pillow, leave it and put a stone in its place, for Christ’s sake. If you sleep in winter, bear it, saying – Some did not sleep at all!”
St John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 27 March – Monday of Passion Week and the Feast of St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church, Confessor, Priest, Monk, Theologian, Writer, Defender of Iconography, Polymath. – Wisdom 10:10-17, Luke 6:6-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“On another sabbath, he went into the synagogue and taught and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.” … Luke 6:6
REFLECTION – “Are you angry at me because I have healed the whole man on the Sabbath day?” In this place He revivified,, with the salutary strength of good works, the hand which Adam stretched out to pluck the fruit of the forbidden tree. The hand which had withered through a crime, was healed by good deeds. Christ thereby rebuked the Jews who violated the precepts of the law with evil interpretations. They thought that they should rest even from good works on the Sabbath, since the law prefigured in the present, the form of the future, in which indeed, the days of rest from evils, not from blessings, would come.
Then you heard the words of the Lord, saying, “Stretch forth your hand.” That is the common and universal remedy. You, who think that you have a healthy hand, beware lest it is withered by greed or by sacrilege. Hold it out often. Hold it out to the poor person who begs you. Hold it out to help your neighbour, to give protection to a widow, to snatch from harm one whom you see subjected to unjust insult. Hold it out to God for your sins. The hand is stretched forth, then it is healed. Jeroboam’s hand withered when he sacrificed to idols, then it stretched out when he entreated God.” … St Ambrose(340-397)- One of the 4 original Doctors of the Latin Church – Exposition on the Gospel of Luke, 5
PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who to defend the honour paid to sacred images, filled blessed John with heavenly learning and wondrous strength of soul, grant that, by his intercession and example, we may imitate the virtues of those whose images we honour and may enjoy the help of their patronage. 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 – 27 March – The Feast of St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
This Prayer is part of a very long and most beautiful Night Prayer by St John which I will post shortly.
Hail, Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord! By St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered and let those, who hate Him, flee from His Presence. As smoke vanishes, let them vanish and as wax melts by the presence of fire, so let the demons perish by the presence of those who love God and who sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross and say in gladness: Hail, Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, for Thou drives away the demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ Crucified on thee, Who went down to hell and trampled on the power of the devil and gave us thee, His venerable Cross, for driving away all enemies. O Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, help me with our holy Lady, the Virgin Mother of God and with all the Saints throughout the ages. Amen.
St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church, Confessor, Priest, Monk, Theologian, Writer, Defender of Iconography, Poet, a Polymath whose fields of interest and contribution included law, theology, philosophy, music, Marian devotee. Also known as Doctor of Christian Art. Feast moved in 1969 to 4 December. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-st-john-damascene-675-749-father-doctor-of-the-church/
Bl Aimone of Halberstadt St Amphilochius of Illyria St Alexander of Drizipara St Alexander of Pannonia St Alkeld the Martyr St Amator the Hermit
Martyrs of Bardiaboch: A group of Christians who were arrested, tortured and executed together for their faith during the persecutions of Persian King Shapur II. Martyrs. – Abibus, Helias, Lazarus, Mares, Maruthas, Narses, Sabas, Sembeeth and Zanitas. 27 March 326 at Bardiaboch, Persia.
One Minute Reflection – 26 March – Passion Sunday – Hebrews 9:11-15, John 8:46-59 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, he saw it and was glad.” – John 8:56
REFLECTION – “Since Abraham was a Prophet he saw the day of the Lord’s coming in the Spirit, as also the designs of His Passion, through which, both he and all those like him, who believed in God, would be saved. And he was seized with great joy. Thus, the Lord was not unknown to Abraham, since he longed to see His day… He longed to see His day, so that he, too, might clasp Christ to himself and having seen Him prophetically in the Spirit, he rejoiced.
That is why Simeon, who was of his descendants, fulfilled the Patriarch’s joy and said: “Now, Master, Thou may let Thy servant go in peace, according to Thy Word, for my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou prepared in sight of all peoples”… And Elizabeth said : “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” Abraham’s rejoicing descended, as it were, on those who were watching and who saw Christ and believed in Him. And this rejoicing returned to Abraham through his children.
So it was altogether fitting that our Lord bore witness to him when He said: “Your father, Abraham rejoiced to see My day,. he saw it and was glad.” Nor was it only with regard to Abraham that He said this but of all those who, from the beginning, had come to know God and prophesied of Christ’s coming. For they had received this revelation from the Son Himself that Son, Who, in these the last days, became visible and palpable and talked with men, so that He might raise up sons from Abraham out of stones and make his posterity to be like the stars of the heaven.” – St Irenaeus (c130-c202) Martyr, Father of the Church, Bishop of Lyons, Theologian (Against the heresies IV, 5-7).
PRAYER – Look graciously upon Thy household, Almighty God, we beseech Thee that by Thy grace, we may be governed in body and by Thy protection, safeguarded in mind. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.Amen (Collect).
Quote/s of the Day – 25 March – The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Isaias 7:10-15, Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“ By a woman, came the flood of our ills and by a woman too, our blessings, have their spring.”
St Gregory Thaumaturgus (c213-c270) “the Wonder-Worker,” Bishop, Confessor
Blessed Virgin Mary, Receive Our Gratitude! By St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of Grace
Blessed Virgin Mary, who can worthily repay you with praise and thanks for having rescued a fallen world by your generous consent! Receive our gratitude and by your prayers, obtain the pardon of our sins. Take our prayers into the Sanctuary of Heaven and enable them to make our peace with God. Holy Mary, help the miserable, strengthen the discouraged, comfort the sorrowful, pray for your people, plead for the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God. May all who venerate you feel now your help and protection. Be ready to help us when we pray and bring back to us, the answers to our prayers. Make it your continual concern to pray for the people of God, for you were blessed by God and were made worthy to bear the Redeemer of the world, Who lives and reigns forever. Amen
“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be to me according to your word.’”
Luke 1:38
“The price of our salvation is offered to you. We shall be set free at once, if you consent. In the eternal Word of God, we all came to be and behold, we die. In your brief response, we are to be remade. in order to be recalled to life.
… Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the Angel, or rather, through the Angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the Divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the Eternal Word!”
St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) The Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor
One Minute Reflection – 25 March – Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Isaias 7:10-15, Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David, His father and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of His Kingdom there shall be no end.” – Luke 1:32-33
REFLECTION – “The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph of the house of David and the virgin’s name was Mary.” What is said of the house of David applies, not only to Joseph but also to Mary. It was a precept of the law that each man should marry a wife from his own tribe and kindred. Saint Paul also bears testimony to this, when he writes to Timothy: “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my Gospel” (2 Tm 2:8) …
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.” The Angel refers to ,the kingdom of the Israelite nation, as the throne of David because in his time, by the Lord’s command and assistance, David governed it with a spirit of faithful service … As David had once ruled the people with temporal authority, so Christ would now lead them to the eternal Kingdom by His spiritual grace …
“He will reign over the house of Jacob forever”. The house of Jacob here refers to the Universal Church which, through its faith in and witness to Christ, shares the heritage of the Patriarchs. This may apply either to those who are physical descendants of the patriarchal families, or to those, who come from gentile nations and are reborn in Christ, by the waters of Baptism. In this house, Christ shall reign forever, and “of his Kingdom there will be no end.” During this present life, Christ rules in the Church. By faith and love, He dwells in the hearts of His elect and guides them, by His unceasing care, toward their heavenly reward. In the life to come, when their period of exile on earth is ended, He will exercise His Kingship, by leading the faithful to their heavenly country. There, forever inspired by the vision of His Presence, their one delight will be to praise and glorify Him.” – The Venerable St Bede (673-735) Monk, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Advent No 3).
PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed Thy Word to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be assisted by her intercession with Thee. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
One Minute Reflection – 24 March – “The Month of the St Joseph” – Friday of the Fourth Week in Lent and the Feast of St Gabriel the Archangel – Daniel 9:21-26, Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Hail, full of grace!” – Luke 1:28
REFLECTION – “So the Lord now manifestly came to His own. Born by His own created order that He Himself bears, He by His obedience on the tree, renewed and reversed what was done by disobedience, in connection with a tree.
The power of that seduction, by which the virgin Eve, already betrothed to a man, had been wickedly seduced, was broken when the Angel in truth brought good tidings to the Virgin Mary, who already, by her betrothal belonged to a man. For as Eve was seduced by the word of an Angel to flee from God, having rebelled against His Word, so Mary by the word of an Angel, received the glad tidings that she would bear God, by obeying His Word.
The former was seduced to disobey God and so fell but the latter, was persuaded to obey God, so that the Virgin Mary might become the advocate of Eve.
As the human race was subjected to death through the act of a Virgin, so was it saved by a Virgin, was precisely balanced by the obedience of Another. Then indeed, the sin of the first formed man was amended by the chastisement of the First Begotten, the wisdom of the serpent was conquered by the simplicity of the Dove and the chains were broken, by which we were in bondage to death.” – St Irenaeus (130-202) Bishop of Lyons, Martyr, Father of the Church (Against Heresies, 5)
PRAYER – O God, Who, out of all the Angels, chose the Archangel Gabriel to announce the Mystery of Thy Incarnation, mercifully grant that we who keep his feast on earth, may have him as our patron in Heaven.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Quote/s of the Day – 23 March – Thursday of the Fourth Week in Lent – 4 Kings 4:25-38, Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.or
“Young man, I say to thee, arise!”
Luke 7:14
“Thy sins are forgiven thee … Arise and walk.”
Luke 5:23
“My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:7
“O my brethren, if only we wanted to, if only we all wanted to perceive our soul’s paralysis in all its depth! Then we would see that it is lying on a stretcher of sins, deprived of strength. Christ’s action within us, would be a source of light and we would understand that each day He sees our lack of faith, harmful as it is, that He draws us towards healing remedies and sharply presses our rebellious wills. “My son” He says, “your sins are forgiven you.”
St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) “Golden Words” Father & Doctor of the Church
“If thou art bound down by sickness, if sorrows weary thee, if thou art trembling with fear, invoke the name of Jesus!”
St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1456)
“The medicine of God, is Jesus Christ, Crucified and Risen, the measure of all things.”
St John Leonardi (1541-1609) Confessor, Priest, Founder
One Minute Reflection – 23 March – “The Month of the St Joseph” – Thursday of the Fourth Week in Lent – 4 Kings 4:25-38, Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Young man, I say to thee, arise!” – Luke 7:14
REFLECTION – “Let no-one who is Christian doubt that even now, dead people rise. Certainly, every human being has eyes, by which he can see dead people rising, in the way this widow’s son, whom we just heard about in the Gospel, arose. But not everyone can see people who are spiritually dead rise. For that, it is necessary to have already risen interiorly. It is greater to raise someone, who is to live forever than to raise someone, who will have to die again.
The young man’s mother, this widow, was transported with joy at seeing her son rise. Our Mother, the Church, also rejoices when she sees her children’s spiritual resurrection everyday. The widow’s son was dead with the death of the body but these latter, are dead with the death of the soul. People wept tears over the visible death of the former but people were not concerned by the invisible death of the latter – they did not even see it. The only One Who did not remain indifferent, is the One Who knew these deaths – only the One, Who could give life back to them, knew these deaths. For if the Lord had not come to raise the dead, the Apostle Paul would not have said: “Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead and Christ will give you Light.” (Eph 5:14).” –St Augstine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 98).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who are chastising the flesh by fasting, may rejoice in this holy practice and thus, with earthly passions subdued, we may the more readily direct our thoughts to Heavenly things. 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 – 22 March – Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Lent and the Memorial of St Isidore the Farmer (c 1070 -1130) Confessor – Isaias 1:16-19, John 9:1-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I am the light of the world. When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and spread the clay upon his eyes,” – John 9:5-6
REFLECTION – “To the man who had been blind from birth He gave sight, not by means of a word but by an outward action, doing this, not without a purpose or because it so happened but that He might show forth, the Hand of God which, at the beginning had moulded man. And, therefore, when His disciples asked Him, for what cause the man had been born blind, whether for his own or his parents’ faults, He replied: “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents,but that the Works of God, should be made manifest in him.” Now the Work of God is the fashioning of man. For, as Scripture says, He made [man] by a kind of process: “And the Lord took clay from the earth and formed man.” (Gn 2:7). Wherefore also, the Lord spat on the ground and made clay and smeared it upon the eyes, pointing to the original fashioning, how it was effected and manifesting the Hand of God to those who can understand, by what [Hand] man was formed out of the dust…
And, inasmuch, as man, with respect to that formation which, after Adam, had fallen into transgression, needed the layer of regeneration, [the Lord] said to him [upon whom He had conferred sight], after He had smeared his eyes with the clay: “Go to Siloam and wash,” thus restoring to him, both [his perfect] confirmation and that regeneration which took place, by means of the smearing. And so, when he had washed, he emerged seeing that he might both know Him Who had fashioned him and might learn [to know] Him, Who has conferred life upon him …
But He, the very same Who formed Adam at the beginning, with Whom also the Father spoke, [saying], “Let Us make man after Our Image and Likeness,” revealing Himself in these last times to men, formed visual organs for him, who had been blind, [in that body which he had derived] from Adam.” – St Irenaeus (130-202) Bishop, Martyr, Theologian, Father of the Church (Against Heresies, V, 15, 2-4).
PRAYER – Grant us, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, through the intercession of the blessed Confessor Isidore, so to acknowledge Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ Whom Thou have sent, that we may be found worthy to be forever numbered among the sheep who hear His Voice.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)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 – 22 March – Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Lent
Grant us Thy Light, O Lord By The Venerable St Bede (673-735) Father and Doctor of the Church
Grant us Thy Light, O Lord, so that the darkness of our hearts, may wholly pass away and we may come at last, to the Light of Christ. For Christ is that Morning Star, Who, when the night of this world has passed, brings to His Saints, the promised Light of Life and opens to them, everlasting day. Amen.
One Minute Reflection – 21 March – Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent and the Memorial of St Benedict OSB (c 480-547) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29
REFLECTION – “No-one should say to himself, even when he regards others who have left a great deal behind: “I want to imitate those who despise this world but I have nothing to leave behind.” You leave a great deal behind, my friends, if you renounce your desires. Our external possessions, no matter how small, are enough for the Lord, He weighs the heart and not the substance and does not measure the amount we sacrifice for Him but the effort with which we bring it…. The Kingdom of God has no assessment value put on it but it is worth everything you have… To Peter and Andrew it was worth the nets and boat they gave up; to the widow it was worth two small coins (Lk 21:2); to another person it was worth a cup of cold water (Mt 10:42). The Kingdom of God, as I said, is worth everything you have. Think about it, my friends, what has less value when you purchase it, what is more precious when you possess it?
But perhaps a cup of cold water offered to someone who needs it, is not enough, even then the Word of God gives us assurance…: “Peace on earth to men of goodwill!” (Lk 2:4). In the sight of God, no hand is ever empty of a gift, if the deep places of the heart are filled with goodwill… Although I have no gifts to offer outwardly, yet I find within myself something to place on the Altar of Thou praise…: Thou art better pleased with an offering of our heart! (cf. Ps 55:13).” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermons on the Gospel no 5).
PRAYER – May the intercession of the blessed Abbot Benedict, commend us to Thee, O Lord, so that through his merits we may obtain that which we cannot accomplish by our own. T hrough 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).
Saint of the Day – 21 March – St Benedict OSB (c480-547) Abbot, Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism. Born in c480, at Nursia, Umbria, Italy – as the twin brother of a sister, St Scholastica and died on 21 March 547 of a fever while in prayer at Monte Cassino, Italy. Patronages – of Europe, against Poison, against Witchcraft, agriculture, Cavers, Civil Engineers, Coppersmiths, Dying People, Farmers, Fevers, Inflammatory Diseases, Kidney Disease, Monks, Religious Orders, Schoolchildren, Temptations.
The Medal or Cross of St Benedict It’s Origin, Meaning, Benefits and Privileges By Abbot Dom Prosper Guéranger OSB (1805-1875)
“Of the Letters which are Inscribed on the Medal
Besides the two figures of the Cross and of St Benedict, there are also inscribed on the Medal, a certain number of letters, each of which is the initial of a Latin word. These words compose one or two sentences, which explain the Medal and its object. They express the relationship existing between the holy Patriarch of the Monks of the West and the Sacred Sign of the salvation of mankind, at the same time that they offer the faithful a formula, which they may make use of, for employing the virtue of the Holy Cross against the evil spirits.
These mysterious letters are arranged on that side of the Medal on which the Cross is shown. Let us begin by noticing the four which are placed in the angles formed by the arms of the Cross.
C. S.P. B: They signify: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti – in English: The Cross of Holy Father Benedict. These words explain the nature of the Medal.
On the perpendicular line of the Cross itself are these letters:– C.S.S.M.L: They stand for these words: Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux – in English: May the Holy Cross be my Light.
On the horizontal line of the Cross are these letters:– N. D. S. M. D: The words which they imply are: Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux – in English: Let not the Dragon be my Guide. These two lines put together form a pentameter verse, containing the Christian’s protestation that he confides in the Holy Cross and refuses to bear the yoke which the devil would put upon him.
On the rim of the Medal there are inscribed several other letters and first the well-known monogram of the Holy Name of Jesus, I. H. S. Faith and our own experience convince us of the all-powerfulness of this Divine Name. Then follow, beginning at the right hand, the following letters: —
V. R. S. N. S. M. V.S. M. Q. L. I. V. B: These initials stand for the two following verses:– VADE RETRO, SATANA; NUNQUAM SUADE MIHI VANA. SUNT MALA QUAE LIBAS; IPSE VENENA BIBAS – in English: Begone, Satan! and suggest not to me thy vain things: the cup thou profferest me is evil; drink thou thyself poison.
The poisoned Cup of wine
These words are believed to be uttered by St Benedict; those of the first verse when he was suffering the temptation in his cave and which he overcame by the Sign of the Cross and those of the second verse, at the moment of his enemies offering him the draught of death, which he discovered by his making over the poisoned cup, the Sign of Life.
The Christian may make use of these same words as often as he finds himself tormented by the temptations and insults of the invisible enemy of our salvation. Our Saviour sanctified the first of these words by Himself making use of them: “Begone, Satan!“ Vade retro, Satana. Their efficacy has thus been tested and the very Gospel is the guarantee of their power. The vain things to which the devil incites us are disobedience to the law of God. They are also the pomps and false maxims of the world. The cup proffered us by this angel of darkness is evil, that is, sin, which brings death to the soul.
And now, applying these considerations to the Medal which is the subject of these pages, we come to this conclusion, that it must be profitable to us, to use with faith the Medal of St Benedict on occasions when we have reason to fear the snares of the enemy. Its protection will infallibly prove efficacious in every kind of temptation. Numerous and undeniable facts attest its powerful efficacy on a thousand different occasions, in which the faithful had reason to apprehend a danger, either from the direct agency of Satan, or from the effects of certain evil practices.
We may also employ it in favour of others as a means of preserving or delivering them from dangers, which we foresee are threatening them.
Unforeseen accidents may happen to us on land or on sea; let us carry about us this holy Medal with faith and we shall be protected. Even in the most trivial circumstances and in those interests which regard solely man’s temporal wellbeing, the efficacy of the Holy Cross and the power of St Benedict, have been felt.
For example, the wicked spirits, in their hatred of man, sometimes molest the animals which God has created for our service, or infest the various articles of nourishment which the same Providence has given to us. Or again, it is not unfrequently the case that our bodily sufferings are caused or protracted by the influence of these our cruel enemies. Experience has proved that the Medal of St Benedict, made use of with a proper intention and with prayer, has frequently broken the snares of the devil, procured a visible improvement in cases of sickness and sometimes, even effected a complete cure.”
St John of Valence (Died 1146) Bishop, Founder of the Abbey of Bonnevaux, Monk, Abbot, Apostle of the poor, Social Reformer. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Valence in the territory of Vienne in France, St John, Bishop, who, at first Abbot of Bonnevaux, suffered many adversities for the defence of justice and with charity took care of the peasants, the poor and the merchants ruined by debts.” His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-john-of-valence-died-1146/
Bl Lucia of Verona (1514-1574) Laywoman, Apostle of the Sick St Lupicinus of Condat
St Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487) Swiss Hermit and Ascetic who is the Patron Saint of Switzerland. He is sometimes invoked as Brother Klaus. A husband and father, a Mystic, a Writer, farmer, military leader, Member of the assembly, Councillor, Judge, he was respected as a man of complete moral integrity. He was Canonised on 15 May 1947 by Pope Pius XII. About St Nicholas: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-st-nicholas-of-flue-1417-1487/St Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487)
St Serapion the Scolastic (Died c 354-370) Bishop of Thmuis, near Diospolis in the Nile delta of Egypt, Monk and Hermit, Confessor, brilliant Scholar of great learning, Theologian, Writer, a companion to St Anthony, the Desert and a close friend of St Athanasius and gave support to him against the heretic Arians in Egypt, for which action he was exiled. St Serapion’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-serapion-the-scolastic-died-c-354-370-bishop/
St Philemon of Rome Bl Santuccia Terrebotti
Martyrs of Alexandria: A large but unknown number of Catholics massacred in several Churches during Good Friday services in Alexandria, Egypt by Arian heretics during the persecutions of Constantius and Philagrio. They were Martyred on Good Friday in 342 in Alexandria, Egypt.
One Minute Reflection – 20 March – “The Month of the St Joseph” and his Feast transferred from Sunday 19 March – Monday of the Fourth Week in Lent – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 1:18-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Joseph, son of David ” – Matthew 1:20
REFLECTION – “There is no doubt that Joseph was a very holy and trustworthy man, since the Mother of the Saviour was to be his wife. He was the “faithful and prudent servant” (Mt 24:45), for God established him to be His Mother’s support, the foster father of His flesh and the assistant for His plan of salvation.
We must recall, that he was of the House of David. He was son of David, not only by bonds of the flesh but even more, because of his faith, holiness and piety. God found in him, a second David, to whom He could confidently entrust His plans, even the most hidden. He revealed to him, as to another David, the mysteries of His Wisdom and disclosed to him, what no teacher in the world, could know. He allowed him to see and listen, to things that so many kings and prophets had wished to see and hear but which,, in spite of their desire, they had not been able to see or to hear (Mt 13:7), even more,, He made him carry and guide, embrace, nurture and protect Him. Both Mary and Joseph belonged to David’s race; in Mary was fulfilled the promise once made by the Lord to David, while Joseph was the witness of this fulfilment.” – St Bernard (1090-1153) (Surname de Fontaine) Priest, Cistercian Monk, The Last Father and Doctor Mellifluus (Mellifluous Doctor) (Homily on the “Missus est”, 2, 16).
PRAYER – May the merits of Thy most holy Mother’s Spouse help us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that through his intercession we may receive what we cannot obtain by our own efforts. 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 – 19 March – Laetare Sunday / The Fourth Sunday in Lent – Galatians 4:22-31, John 6:1-15 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“When the people, therefore, had seen the sign which Jesus had worked, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet Who is to come into the world..” – John 6:14
REFLECTION – “Governing the entire universe, is a greater miracle, than feeding five thousand people with five loaves of bread, yet no-one marvels at it. People marvel at the feeding of the five thousand, not because this miracle is greater but because, it is out of the ordinary. Who is even now providing nourishment for the whole world if not the God Who creates a field of wheat from a few seeds? Christ did what God does. Just as God multiplies a few seeds into a whole field of wheat, so Christ multiplied the five loaves in His Hands. For there was power in the Hands of Christ. Those five loaves were like seeds, not because they were cast on the earth but because, they were multiplied by the One Who made the earth.
This miracle was presented to our senses, in order to stimulate our minds… and so make us marvel at “the God we do not see because of his works, which we do see” (Rom 1,20). For then, when we have been raised to the level of faith and purified by faith, we shall long to behold, although not with our eyes, the invisible God Whom we recognise, through what is visible. This miracle was performed for the multitude to see; it was recorded for us to hear. Faith does for us, what sight did for them. We behold with the mind, what our eyes cannot see and we are preferred to them because of us it was said: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (Jn 20,29).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Saint John’s gospel, 24).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who justly suffer for our sins may find relief in the help of Thy grace.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 – 19 March – Laetare Sunday / The Fourth Sunday in Lent
God of Mercy and Compassion By Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736) Composer
God of mercy and compassion, Look with pity upon me, Father, let me call Thee Father, ‘Tis Thy child returns to Thee.
Refrain: Jesus, Lord, I ask for mercy. Let me not implore in vain, All my sins, I now detest them, Never will I sin again.
By my sins I have deserved Death and endless misery, Hell with all its pains and torments, And for all eternity. (Refrain)
By my sins I have abandoned Right and claim to heav’n above. Where the saints rejoice forever In a boundless sea of love. (Refrain)
See our Saviour, bleeding, dying, On the cross of Calvary; To that cross my sins have nail’d Him, Yet He bleeds and dies for me. (Refrain)
Giovanni Battista Pergolesi 4 January 1710 – 16 or 17 March 1736 was an Italian Baroque composer, violinist and organist. His best-known works include his Stabat Mater and the opera La serva padrona (The Maid Turned Mistress). His compositions include operas and sacred Masses and music. He died of tuberculosis at the age of 26.
Quote/s of the Day – 18 March – The Memorial of St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Bishop of Jerusalem, Confessor Father & Doctor of the Church
“ Your accumulated offences do not surpass the multitude of God’s mercies; your wounds do not surpass the great Physician’s skill!”
“The Spirit comes gently and makes Himself known by His Fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for God is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before Him as the Spirit approaches. The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend – to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen and to console.”
One Minute Reflection – 18 March – “The Month of the St Joseph” – Saturday of the Third Week in Lent and the Memorial of St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Bishop of Jerusalem, Confessor Father & Doctor of the Church– Ecclesiasticus Ecclus 39:6-14, Matthew 10:23-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“What you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” … Matthew 10:27
REFLECTION – “He had said previously, “What I tell you in the dark, declare in the light and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops.” He now explains what follows after this proclamation. The whole world is divided against itself for the sake of faith in Christ. Every house contains both unbelievers and believers. And a necessary conflict has been sent to break an evil peace. It is written in Genesis that God did a similar thing to the rebellious people who streamed out of the east and rushed to build a tower, by which they meant to reach the heights of Heaven. God divided their languages. For this same reason David prays in the Psalm, “O God, scatter the peoples who delight in war.” – St Jerome (343-420) Priest, Monk, Translator of the Sacred Scriptures into Latin, Father and one of the original 4 Doctors of the Latin Church (Commentary on Matthew 1)
PRAYER – Grant us, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, through the intercession of the blessed Bishop Cyril, so to acknowledge Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ Whom Thou have sent, that we may be found worthy to be forever numbered among the sheep who hear His Voice.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).
St Egbert of Ripon St Eucarpius of Nicomedia St Felix of Gerona St Finan of Aberdeen St Leobard of Tours St Narcissus of Gerona St Salvator of Horta OFM (1520-1567) Lay Brother of Friars Minor. His body is incorrupt.
St Trophimus of Nicomedia
Martyrs of Nicomedia – Commemorates the Christians who were Martyred anonymously, either singly and in small groups, by local pagans in the area of Nicomedia prior to the year 300 and who may have been over-looked in the waves of Diocletian persecutions that resulted in the deaths of thousands.
One Minute Reflection – 17 March – Friday of the Third Week in Lent and the Memorial of St Patrick (c385-461) Bishop, Confessor, “The Apostle of Ireland” – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 44:16-27; 45:3-20, Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“A man going abroad, called his servants and handed over his goods to them.” – Matthew 25:14
REFLECTION – “There is no question but that this Householder is Christ. After His Resurrection, when He was about to return triumphantly to the Father, He called His Apostles and entrusted them with the Gospel teaching, giving more to one, less to the other, never too much or too little but according to the abilities of those who received it. In the same way, the Apostle Paul said that he had fed with milk those unable to take solid food (1Co 3,2)…
Five, two, one talent: let us take these to be the different graces granted to each, whether the five senses for the first; understanding of faith and works for the second; the reasons for distinguishing us from other creatures, for the third. “The one who received five talents went away and traded with them and made another five.” That is to say, besides the physical and material senses he had received, he added knowledge of heavenly things. His knowledge was raised from the creatures to the Creator, from the corporal to the incorporeal, from the visible to the invisible, from the transient to the eternal. “The one who received two made another two.” This one likewise, according to his ability, doubled in the school of the Gospel what he had learned in the school of the Law. Or perhaps we could say, that he understood that knowledge of faith and the works of this present life, lead to future happiness. “But the man who received one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” In the grip of works here below and of worldly pleasures, the wicked servant neglected God’s commands. However, let us note that, according to another evangelist, he wrapped it in a linen cloth – by this we could understand that he took away the force of his Master’s teaching, by a life of softness and pleasure…
The Master welcomed the first two servants… with the same words of praise. “Come,” He said, “share in your master’s joy and receive what eye has not seen and ear has not heard and what has not entered the human heart” (1Cor 2,9). What greater reward could be bestowed on a faithful servant?” – St Jerome (343-420) Translator of Sacred Scripture (the Vulgate), Father and One of the Original Four Doctors of the Latin Church .
PRAYER – O, God, Who graciously sent blessed Patrick, Thy Confessor and Bishop, to preach Thy glory to the nations, grant through his merits and intercession that by Thy mercy, we may be able to accomplish what Thou command. 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).
One Minute Reflection – 16 March – “The Month of the St Joseph” – Thursday of the Third Week in Lent – Jeremias 7:1-7, Luke 4:38-44 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And standing over her, He commanded the fever and it left her. And immediately rising, she ministered to them.” – Luke 4:39
REFLECTION – “The Apostle Paul writes: “I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all His patience, as an example for those who would come to believe in Him for everlasting life” »(1Tim 1:16). Desiring to show pardon to all, He chose one of His most vicious enemies so that, when they saw him healed, no-one would be tempted to despair.
Is not this just what doctors do? When they have settled somewhere where they are not yet known, they first of all single out people who are suffering from incurable illnesses, so as to give proof of their kindness and make their skill known. Then each will say to the other: “Go and seek out this particular doctor; I assure you that he made me well again!… I had the same illness as you do, I went through the same suffering.” This is what Paul said to each sick person in danger of despairing: “The One Who healed me sends me to you, saying: Go and look for that hopeless sick person, tell him of your illness, make known to him the pain from which I cured you… Shout aloud to the despairing: ‘This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance – Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1Tim 1:15). What have you to fear? Why tremble? I myself am ‘the foremost of sinners’. I am telling this to you, who are sick, I, who have been cured. I, who now stand upright, to you who are cast down. I, who today ,am full of confidence, to you who despair.
So do not let yourself fall into despair. Are you sick? Come to Him and you will be healed. Are you blind? Come to Him and you will be enlightened… Let everyone say: “Come, let us bow and bend low before Him; let us weep before the Lord Who made us” (Ps 94:6).” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 176, 4).
PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 16 March – Thursday of the Third Week in Lent
My God, Do Not Abandon Me By St Arsenius the Great (c 354-c 449)
My God, do not abandon me,, although I have done nothing good in Your sight but because You are compassionate, grant me the power to make a start. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 15 March – “The Month of the St Joseph” – Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent – Exodus 20:12-24, Matthew 15:1-20 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“This people honours Me with their lips but their heart is far from Me.” – Matthew 15:8
REFLECTION – “We have the Ten Commandments which Moses gave… and everything recommended to us, by the reading of the holy books, of which this has been communicated by Isaiah : “Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes, cease to do evil, learn to do good. Make justice your aim, redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow. Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord.” (Is 1:16) … But we have, too, the law of God’s Word, the words of encouragement, not written on tablets of stone by the Finger of the Lord (Ex 24:12) but, on the human heart (2 Cor 3:3) … These two laws were used by the Word for the instruction of humanity, first by the mouth of Moses and then, by that of the Apostles…
However, we need a teacher to explain these holy words … He is the One who will teach us about the words of God. The school is our Church – our only Teacher is the Bridegroom, the goodwill of a good Father, original wisdom, holiness and knowledge. He is the expiation for our sins, Saint John says (1Jn 2:2) it is He Who heals our bodies and souls, our whole person; He, Jesus, is “the expiation for our sins and, not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. The way that we may be sure we know Him, is to keep His Commandments” (vv 2-3) … “Whoever claims to abide in Him ought to live just as He lived” (v.6).
We, who are pupils of this blessed instruction, are bringing the Church’s beautiful appearance to completion and running towards this kindly mother, like little children. Let us listen to the Word of God and give glory to the happy disposition which guides us by means of this Teacher and sanctifies us as God’s children. We will be citizens of Heaven, if we are pupils of this Teacher on earth. There above, we shall understand everything He has taught us concerning the Father.” – St Clement of Alexandria (c150-c215) Father of the Church, Theologian and Philosopher, Professor who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria. Among his pupils were Origen and Alexander of Jerusalem. (The Instructor ]Paedagogus] III 89, 94, 98-99).
PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. 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).
Quote/s of the Day – 14 March – Tuesday of the Third Week in Lent – 4 Kings 4:1-7, Mattew 18:15-22 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ – – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” “Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times but seventy times seven.”
Matthew 18:21-22
“Judge not and you will not be judged; condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give, will be the measure you get back.”
Luke 6:37-38
“If your brother sins, rebuke him and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.”
Luke 17:3-4
“To the extent that you pray, with all your soul, for the person who slanders you, God will make the truth known to those who have been scandalised by the slander.”
St Maximus the Confessor (c 580–662)
“See to it that you refrain from harsh words. But if you do speak them, do not be ashamed to apply the remedy from the same lips, that inflicted the wounds.”
“The recollection of an injury, is . . . a rusty arrow and poison for the soul.”
St Francis of Paola OM (1416-1507)
“If a man finds it very difficult to forgive injuries, let him look at a Crucifix and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him and not only forgave His enemies but, even prayed His Heavenly Father, to forgive them too. Let him remember, that when he says the Pater Noster, everyday, instead of asking pardon for his sins, he is calling down VENGEANCE UPON HIMSELF!”
St Philip Neri (1515-1595)
The Lord’s Prayer Jesus Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen
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