Category: LENT

Posted in LENT- 2025, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The STATIONS of the CROSS

Lenten Meditations – 10 April – Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 10 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Thursday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

Read St. Luke xxiii:32-34

[32] And there were also two other malefactors led with Him, to be put to death. [33] And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they Crucified Him there and the robbers, one on the right hand and the other on the left. [34] And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they, cast lots, to dividing His garments. [Luke 23:32-34]

+I. Arriving at the summit of Calvary, our Divine Saviour is roughly stripped of His garments and exposed to the rude gaze of the scoffing multitude.
This shame He endured to atone for our most shameful deeds, for our desire for human respect, for our glorying in our shame, for our boasting and love of display before the eyes of men!
Yet, when we see the King of Glory thus exposed to shame, will not shame be far dearer to us than the empty honours which men bestow.

+2. The executioners then seize Jesus and lay Him upon the Cross.
Holes have been bored in the wood at the extremities of the
Cross-piece and in the lower part of the stem and Our Lord’s Sacred Limbs are almost dislocated by being stretched until the Hands and Feet reach the prepared pierced holes. Then ,the long, sharp nails are held by one of the soldiers, while another, with a hammer, drives
them in through Jesus’ Hands and Feet. The blows are struck, the Blood gushes forth, while the Divine Victim moans piteously under the intense pain.
O Jesus , grant me a heartfelt compassion for Thee in Thy sufferings.

+3. When Our Lord is nailed to the Cross, the soldiers raise it on high and let the base of it fall into a hole dug in the ground.
The shock renews afresh, Jesus’ extrene agony. No word is heard from His Mouth save those which He repeats again and again: “Father, forgive them!” Even then He was thinking of others, never of Himself. Was ever love like His?
Why do I not love Him more in return?

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD is LOVE, HOLY WEEK, LENT- 2025, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Our Morning Offering – 10 April – O Holy Lord!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 10 April – Thursday in Passion Week

O Holy Lord!
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

O Holy Lord,
Father Almighty, Everlasting God,
for the sake of Thy bounty
and that of Thy Son,
Who for me,
endured suffering and death;
for the sake of the most excellent
holiness of His Mother
and the merits of all His Saints,
grant unto me, a sinner,
unworthy of Thy blessings,
that I may love Thee only,
may ever thirst for Thy love,
may have continually, in my heart,
the benefits of the Passion of Thy Beloved Son,
may acknowledge my own wretchedness
and, may desire to be trampled upon
and to be despised by all men.
Let nothing grieve me,
save my guilt!
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, LENT- 2025, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, STATIONS of the CROSS, The LAMB of GOD, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The STATIONS of the CROSS

Lenten Meditations – 8 April – Jesus Meets His Holy Mother

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 8 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Tuesday after the Fifth Sunday in Len
Jesus Meets His Holy Mother

Read St Matthew xvi:24-28

[24] Then Jesus said to His disciples: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. [25] For he who will save his life, shall lose it and he. who shall lose his life. for My Sake, shall find it.
[26] For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? [27] For the Son of man, shall come in the glory of His Father with His Angels and then, will He render to every man according to his works. [28] Amen I say to you, there are some of them who stand here, who shall not taste death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom. [Matthew 16:24-28]

+1. Our blessed Lady, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, goes forth to meet her Son as He drags Himself up the hill of Calvary.
With what horror and dismay must she have been stricken at the sight of her darling Son and her God, His Divine Beauty obliterated, mangled and torn, covered with blood and filth, unsightly and terrible to behold!
Heartbroken, anguish fills her soul and we may well believe, she would have died of sorrow had she not been miraculously supported by the power of God.
O Mother of God! obtain for me a share in Thy grief and Thy intercession!

+2. What a fresh stab of sorrow to the gentle Heart of Jesus to see His holy Mother, pale and haggard, come to share in His Sacred Passion by her compassion!
None so full of sympathy as He, none so full of acute feeling for the woes of other. If He sorrowfully sympathised with the women on the way, how much more His own Mother, whom He loved far better than all the world beside!
O Mary, obtain for me, a sinner, the Sacred Compassion of Jesus!

+3. Our Lady shared in the Passion of Christ in a way in which no-one else could, none even of the Saints, simply because she too was sinless. She did not need to suffer for herself. She had no sin to expiate. This it is which justifies us in giving her the title of co-Redemptrix. She too, who knew no sin, was made sin for us!
This earned for her ,the privilege of sharing in all the agony of the sinless Lamb of God.

Posted in LENT- 2025, STATIONS of the CROSS, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 7 April – Via Dolorosa

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 7 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Monday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Via Dolorosa

Read St Luke xxiii:27-31

[27] And there followed Him, a great multitude of people and of women, who bewailed and lamented for Him. [28] But Jesus, turning to them, said: Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over me but weep for yourselves,and for your children. [29] For behold, the days shall come, wherein they will say: Blessed are the barren and the wombs which have not borne and the breats which have not given suck. [30] Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: Fall upon us and to the hills: Cover us.
[31] For if, in the green wood, they do these things, what shall be done in the dry? [Luke 23:27-31]

+I. Torn and bleeding, scarcely able to sustain the heavy burden of the Cross, with His long garment entangling His feet, dragged on by the brutal soldiers, Jesus treads the Sacred Way of the Cross.
After going a few steps, He stumbles and falls; rising with difficulty, He staggers on a short distance farther and falls again.
O my Lord and my God, I beseech Thee by these Thy most painful falls, grant that I may never again fall into deliberate sin.

+2. On the way, some women express their grief and compassion for Jesus.
His appearance is so pitiable, they cannot restrain their tears. Jesus turns to them, tells them to weep, not for Him but for themselves and for their children.
If sin has wrought such a work of destruction in the Son of God, in Whom evil had nothing to lay hold of, in Whom the green wood could be blackened externally but_not consumed by the flame, what would be its effects on sinners, in whom the fire of sin rages, as in the dry tinder. How ought I to fear the least spark of sin which may kindle the fire of passion in me and destroy me utterly!

+3. One of those holy women, named Veronica, wipes from His face the Blood and sweat, with a handkerchief. On looking at the cloth she sees the impression of His Sacred Ccountenance stamped upon it.
So upon the hearts of all,who do acts of kindness for Christ’s Sake, there is imprinted His Likeness.
Each ,deed of charity tends to produce in our soul, that
Likeness to Him in Whom all holiness consists.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, LENT- 2025, MIRACLES, QUOTES on LUST, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 31 March – Jesus Before Herod

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 31 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Monday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent
Jesus Before Herod

Read St Luke xxiii:7-12

[7] And when he understood that He was of Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him away to Herod, who was also himself at Jerusalem, in those days. [8] And Herod, seeing Jesus, was very glad; for he was desirous to see Him, for a long time because, he had heard many things about Him and he hoped to see some sign wrought by Him. [9] And he questioned Him in many words. But He answered him nothing. [10] And the chief priests and the scribes stood by, earnestly accusing Him.
[11] And Herod with his army set Him at nought and mocked Him, putting on Him a white garment and sent Him back to Pilate. [12] And Herod and Pilate were made friends, that same day; for previously they had been enemies, one to another. [Luke 23:7-12]

+1. When Pilate found that the Jews were determined on the death of Jesus, he tried to eradicate the responsibility by sending Him to Herod. Herod rejoiced to see Him. In his vanity, he expected Our Lord would be glad to placate him by performing some miracle in his presence.
Vain expectation! It is only for the humble and pure of heart that Our Lord works miracles. Yet, I expect Him, proud and selfish as I am, to work, miracles of grace, to enable me to easily overcome long-rooted
faults, to attain a spirit of prayer and close union with Him?! How can I hope for this, while I am so full of the worldly spirit of Herod?

+2. Our Lord was ready enough to speak to Pilate and even to Caiphas but, for Herod, He had not a word. There is something terrible in this silence in the presence of the sensual, hardened reprobate. There is something in a sensual life which shuts the ears of men, so that the
whispers of grace never seem to reach them.
If I wish Our Lord to speak to me, the first thing is to see that I do not indulge my body inordinately.

+3. Herod was also the incarnation of self-satisfied worldliness. He was munificent, popular, successful but, he was hateful in God’s sight and rejected by Him, so that Our Lord showed an aversion to him which He showed to none else.
What a lesson for us! The reprobate Herod, surrounded by flatterers and admirers; the Eternal Wisdom of God dressed in a fool’s dress and treated as an idiot!

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 30 March – Jesus Before Pilate

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 30 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Jesus Before Pilate

Read St John xviii:28-40
(See below)

+I. Pilate was at first inclined to look with contempt on the charge brought against Christ of promoting Himself as the King of the Jews. But, he soon changed his mind. He was astonished at Our Lord’s silence and reserve. His calm dignity made a deep impression upon him.
How few there are, who imitate Christ in this! Our babbling tongues pour forth so many foolish and ill-considered words. Learn the dignity of timely silence from our Lord Jesus.

+2. Yet Jesus spoke when occasion required.
He said enough to Pilate to convince him, not only of His innocence but, of His claim to be King. Pilate was half-inclined to listen. He could not help recognising, to some degree, the Divine Beauty of the Son of God amid all His humiliations.
So the Catholic Church manifests herself to the world in a way which is sufficient to attract men of goodwill.
There are few who have not the chance of recognising her claims. Her beauty, even in her humiliations and amid the sins of men, shines forth, as did the beauty of her Divine Spouse.

+3. Pilate’s long experience, tells him plainly enough that the Jews are all mistaken and Christ is correct.
His practiced eye, detects the malice of the Jews,
their hatred of their Victim, their selfishness and unscrupulous cruelty. He longs to release Christ; he knows he ought to do so but, he fears the Jews, lest he be reported as favouring revolt.
Human fear overcomes his convictions and he has not the courage to set Jesus free.
How fatal is cowardice in things Divine!

John 18:28-40:
[28] Then they led Jesus from Caiphas to the governor’s hall. And it was morning and they went not into the hall, that they might not be defiled but that they might eat the pasch. [29] Pilate, therefore, went out to them and said: What accusation bring you against this man? [30] They answered and said to him: If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him to thee.
[31] Pilate, therefore, said to them: Take Him you and judge Him according to your law. The Jews, therefore, said to him: It is not lawful for us to put any man to death; [32] That the Word of Jesus might be fulfilled which He said, signifying what death He should die. [33] Pilate, therefore, went into the hall again and called Jesus and said to Him: Art Thou the King of the Jews? [34] Jesus answered: Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of Me? [35] Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Thy own nation and the chief priests, have delivered Thee to me, what hast Thou done?
[36] Jesus answered: My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews but now, My Kingdom is not from hence. [37] Pilate, therefore, said to Him: Art Thou a King then? Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a King. For this was I born and for this came I into the world that I should give testimony to the truth. Everyone that is of the truth, heareth My Voice. [38] Pilate saith to Him: What is truth? And when he said this, he went out again to the Jews and saith to them: I find no cause in Him. [39] But you have a custom that I should release one unto you at the pasch, will you, therefore, that I release unto you the King of the Jews? [40] Then cried they all again, saying: Not this Man but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. [John 18:28-40]

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 29 March – Judas’ Repentance

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 29 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Saturday after the Third Sunday in Lent
Judas’ Repentance

Read St Matthew xxvii:3-16
(See below)

+1. When Judas heard the unanimous voice of the chief priests and ancients, declaring Jesus’ death sentence, his soul was filled with a black remorse which made his life intolerable. How he hated the miserable pieces of silver for which he had sold his Master! How he hated the chief priests who had bribed him! How he hated himself! The sweetness and gentleness of Christ came vividly before him and only added to his misery, as it will add to the misery of the lost at the day of judgrment. How bitterly he repented his folly! At least he would rid himself of the accursed money and declare his guilt. But he had gone too far. He had refused, so often, to listen to the Voice of
Jesus that now, his hardened heart refused to melt. What a warning to all who turn a deaf ear to the voice of conscience!

+2. Yet he might have been forgiven even now if he had thrown himself at Jesus’ Feet’ and begged for pardon. But this he would not do. His repentance was a hopeless, black remorse — no element of hope or love or humble sorrow. It was the repentance of the lost in hell, who cry, “Fools that we were!” but yet, will not, cannot, humble themselves to cry for mercy.

+3. How miserable Judas had been from the first! Had those pilfered gains in early days brought him solid satisfaction? Had he been happy when he sacrificed his Master’s interests to his own?
Are we happy when we knowingly prefer our own selfish interests to those of Christ? Sin and misery are twin sisters. My God, may I never wilfully betray Thy interests to my own pleasure or gain!

Matthew 27:3-16:
[3] Then Judas, who betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients, [4] Saying: I have sinned in betraying innocent blood. But they said: What is that to us? look thou to it. [5] And casting down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed and went and hanged himself with an halter.
[6] But the chief priests, having taken the pieces of silver, said: It is not lawful to put them into the corbona (“sacrifice, gift”), because it is the price of blood. [7] And after they had consulted together, they bought with them the potter’s field, to be a burying place for strangers. [8] For this cause the field was called Haceldama, that is, The field of blood, even to this day. [9] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him Who was prized, whom they prized of the children of Israel. [10] And they gave them unto the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed to me.
[11] And Jesus stood before the governor and the governor asked him, saying: Art Thou the king of the Jews? Jesus saith to him: Thou sayest it. [12] And when He was accused by the chief priests and ancients, He answered nothing. [13] Then Pilate saith to Him: Dost Thou not hear how great testimonies they allege against Thee? [14] And He answered him never a word; so that the governor wondered exceedingly. [15] Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed to release, one prisoner to the people, whom they would select.
[16] And he had then a notorious prisoner, who was called Barabbas. [Matthew 27:3-16]

Posted in LENT- 2025, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 28 March – Jesus is Dragged Before Pilate

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 28 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Friday After the Third Sunday in Lent
Jesus is Dragged Before Pilate

Read St Luke xxii:66-70 xxiii:1

[66] And as soon as it was day, the ancients of the people and the chief priests and scribes, came together; and they brought Him into their council, saying: If
Thou be the Christ, tell us. [67] And He saith to them: If I shall tell you, you will not believe Me. [68] And if I shall also ask you, you will not answer Me, nor let Me go. [69] But, hereafter, the Son of man shall be sitting on the Right Hand of the power of God. [70] Then said they all: Art Thou then the Son of God? Who said: You say that I Am. [Luke 22:66-0]
[1] And the whole multitude of them rising up, led Him to Pilate. [Luke 23:1]

+1. At daybreak the council assembled and Jesus was again brought before them and questioned once more. The sentence of deathwhich they had passed the night before, was confirmed. The whole multitude then hastened to Pilate with their prisoner that they might obtain, from the Roman Governor, the ratification of the Death Sentence which they could not carry out themselves. They were resolved to have His life –anything to be rid of Him Whom they dreaded and hated.
How strange it seems that they should so hate Him without a cause! Yet it is ever so : men who are proud and covetous, selfish and self-absorbed, instinctively hate the truth. This is why there prevails, all over the world. such a deadly enmity to the Church of Christ.

+2. To wreak their vengeance, the Pharisees and ancients were ready to rise with the sun.
How active men are in promoting worldly interests and criminal designs! So much more active than in working for God and for Heaven. Might I not do something more, by rising a little earlier or more punctually, so as to do something to please Our Lord before I begin my ordinary work? At least I might think of Him and offer heart and my life to Him.

+3. The Jews actually delivered one of their own to their enemies and oppressors, the Romans! No means are too base to get rid of their enemy.
How much unreasoning malice I have shown against those whom I disliked or who interfered with my selfish interests, perhaps against those who are not only brethren of Christ but very dear to Him?

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 27 March – Jesus in the Guardroom

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 27 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Thursday after the Third Sunday in Lent
Jesus in the Guardroom

Read St Luke xxii:63-65

[63] And the men who held Him, mocked Him and struck Him. [64] And they blindfolded Him and smote His Face. And they asked Him, saying: Prophesy, who is it that struck Thee? [65] And blaspheming, many other things, they said against Him. [Luke 22:63-65]

+1. After Our Lord had been condemned to death, the Sanhedrim rose and He was handed over for custody during the night, to the soldiers and servants, who, taking the cue from their masters, treated their Prisoner with every kind of brutal ill-usage. They tied a dirty rag over His Eyes and struck Him in the Face, challenging Him, at the same time, to show His Divine Power by revealing the name of the striker.
When He was silent, they mocked and jeered at Him and at last, they spat their filthy spittle in His Sacred Face.
O my Lord, King of Heaven and earth, how couldst Thou suffer Thy Divine Majesty to be outraged by these wretches?

+2. Yet Our Lord was never more glorious than in the midst of His degradation and contempt.
If at His baptism, He was the Beloved Son of God, in Whom He was well pleased, much more now! Each blow, each gibe, each insult, added to the glory of His Sacred Humanity to all eternity.
Truly then does St Peter say:
“If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed.”
Wisely did the Apostles count it joy to suffer shame for His Sake.
My God, I know it is so but do I act on this principle and rejoice in the reproaches and contempt which fall to my lot?

+3. What did Christ specially atone for in the guardroom?
For all the filthy words men speak, for all the obscene jests, for all the mockery of holy things, for all the angry, cruel, uncharitable words.
Alas! my Jesus, have I not taken part in these insults poured upon Thee?

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, St PETER!, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 26 March – St Peter’s Repentance

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 26 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Wednesday after the Third Sunday in Lent
St Peter’s Repentance

Read St Luke xxii:55–62

[55] And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them. [56] Whom, when a certain servant maid had seen, sitting at the light and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man too, was with Him. [57] But he denied Him, saying: Woman, I know Him not. [58] And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not. [59] And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with Him; for he is also a Galilean. [60] And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew. [61] And the Lord turning, looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, as He had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. [62] And Peter going out, wept bitterly. [Luke 22:55-62]

+1. St Peter had thrice denied his Master and the third time with oaths and curses! He was ashamed of Christ, afraid to own himself a servant of Christ and all because of a woman’s jeering tongue.
As I look over my life, how many times there have been when I have been faithless as Peter was! I have not boldly spoken out as I ought. I have perhaps, taken part in talk hateful to my Lord and Master. I have been ashamed to run counter to uncharitable or evil conversation, although I knew well enough that it was sinful.

+2. After the third denial, the cock crew and at the same time Our Lord turned and looked upon Peter. It was at the moment when He was being dragged from the tribunal to the servants’ room amid the jeers and mockery of the soldiers. All this time St Peter had been present to His thoughts, amid all the outrages and insults and not St Peter alone but all, who, although, not at heart disloyal, nevertheless, fall into sin through weakness.
Remember me, O Lord, when I am in danger of falling and when Satan desires to have me that he may iift me as wheat.

+3. That look pierced St Pete’s heart with a keen pang of shame, sorrow and repentance. How could he have been faithless to the Lord Whom he loved and for Whom he had joyfully given up all! At once, he made his way out of the hall and, with tears of anguish, begged
for pardon. Those tears were not unmixed with the sweet consolation of knowing he was forgiven and with a firm resolution, not to let this fall discourage him.
Here is a model for me when I have sinned!

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PETER!, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 25 March – St Peter Denies Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 25 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Tuesday After the Third Sunday in Lent
St Peter Denies Jesus

Read St Luke xxii:55-62

[55] And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them. [56] Whom when, a certain servant maid had seen sitting at the light and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man also, was with Him. [57] But he denied Him, saying: Woman, I know Him not. [58] And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not. [59] And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with Him; for he is also a Galilean. [60] And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew.
[61] And the Lord turning, looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, as he had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. [62] And Peter going out, wept bitterly. [Luke 22:55-62]

+1. What was the secret of Peter’s miserable fall?
He was brave and generous and loved Our Lord dearly. Yet, through human fear, he denied all knowledge of Him. The reason why he fell, was that he trusted in himself and his natural qualities, instead of in God.
In the spiritual warfare, natural courage and generosity, avail not. He who does not rely upon God alone, is sure to fall. When dangers are imminent he loses heart and then all is lost.

+2. St Peter had not yet learned that natural impulse, as a motive of action, is sure to lead man astray. It never avails before God. Its excellence, whatever it may be, only avails in the things of this world and even here, it is a dangerous and untrustworthy motive. In things Divine, it is the road to ruin! We must exercise anti-impulsive effort, if we are to be safe. We must do more; we must turn our thoughts to God and seek a Divine impulse, an inspiration from Heaven, if we are to remain faithful and avoid frequent faults.

+3. St Peter had neglected prayer. Our Lord had expressly warned him to watch and pray and he had allowed himself to sleep, while Christ was suffering His Sacred Agony.
True , he was weary and his eyes were heavy but still, he should have made the attempt. It might have seemed an unsatisfactory prayer yet, it would have saved Peter from his fall. He might have used vocal prayers and repeated the same words as Our Lord did.
Learn from this – mere struggle against weariiness, is very pleasing to God.

Posted in HOLY WEEK, LENT- 2025, MAUNDY THURSDAY, QUOTES on JEALOUSY, QUOTES on PRIDE, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 24 March – The Condemnation of Christ

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Lenten Meditations – 24 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Monday After the Third Sunday in Lent
The Condemnation of Christ

Read St Mark xiv:60-64 .

[60] And the high priest rising up in the midst, asked Jesus, saying: Answerest Thou nothing to the things that are laid to Thy charge by these men? [61] But He held His peace and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him and said to Him: Art Thou the Christ the Son of the blessed God? [62] And Jesus said to him: I Am. And you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power of God and coming with the clouds of heaven. [63] Then the high priest rending his garments, saith: What need we any further witnesses? [64] You have heard the blasphemy. What think you? Who all condemned Him to be guilty and to be condemned to death. [Mark 14:60-64]

+I. In the midst of the false witnesses and their lying testimony, Jesus remains silent. The high priest, angry and impatient, urges Him to reply: “Answerest Thou nothing to the things which these witness against Thee?” Still Jesus answers not a word.
How different from our eager anxiety to answer every accusation and every word of blame! How much better if we could hold our peace after the example of Jesus!

+2. At length, the high priest rises and asks a direct question; nay, he summons Christ in the Name of God to declare the truth: “I adjure Thee by the living God that Thou tell us if Thou be the Christ, the Son of God?” Ordered by authority, Jesus at once says: “I Am and one day I shall come in all the power of God which is now entrusted to you, as the high priest of God.”
Another lesson for us We must obey authority even where he who carries it shamefully abuses it (but never when sin is ordered!); for those in authority, like Caiphas, speak in their official capacity as in the place of God.

+3. When Christ declares Himself to be the Son of God, the high priest and the council rise indignantly to protest against such blasphemy. In this, they are the type of modern heretics who accuse the Church of God and the Vicar of Christ, of blasphemously usurping Divine prerogatives.
Pride and jealousy and self -love so blinded the eyes of the Sanhedrim that they called good~ evil and evil~good; thus condemned the Son of God to death because He told them the truth.
My God , preserve me from ever being thus blinded by sin!

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, LENT, LENT- 2025, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LUST, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, SELF-DISTRUST, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 22 March – Make two wings

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 March – Saturday of the Second Week in Lent, A Day of Fasting

“Fasting is the death of sin,
the destruction of our crimes
and the remedy of our salvation.”

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

“Do you wish your prayer
to fly toward God?
Make for it two wings –
fasting and almsgiving!”

“Fasting cleanses the soul,
raises the mind,
subjects one’s flesh to the spirit,
renders the heart contrite and humble,
scatters the clouds of concupiscence,
quenches the fire of lust
and kindles the true light of chastity.
Enter again into yourself!”

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

“Be generous to the poor orphans
and those in need.
The man to whom our Lord
has been liberal
ought not to be stingy.
We shall one day find in Heaven,
as much rest and joy
as we ourselves have dispensed in this life.”

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

“It is a matter of real sorrow
when God has given us strength
to break stronger fetters,
those of vanity and sin
that we neglect our own progress
and the attainment of such great blessings
because we will not detach ourselves from trifles.
Not only do we not advance, we fall back.
For it is well known, that on the spiritual road,
not to go on overcoming self, is to go backwards
and not to increase our gain, is to lose!”

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

Posted in GOD ALONE!, LENT- 2025, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 22 March – In the House of Annas

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Lenten Meditations – 22 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Saturday after the Second Sunday in Lent
In the House of Annas

Read St John xviii:19-24

[19] The high priest, therefore, asked Jesus of His disciples and of His doctrine. [20] Jesus answered him: I have spoken openly to the world: I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, whither all the Jews resort and, in secret I have spoken nothing.
[21] Why asketh thou Me? ask them who have heard what I have spoken unto them, behold they know what things I have said. [22] And when He had said these things, one of the servants standing by, gave Jesus a blow, saying: Answerest thou the high priest so? [23] Jesus answered him: If I have spoken evil, give testimony of the evil but if well, why strikest thou me? [24] And Annas sent Him bound to Caiphas the high priest. [John 18:19-24]

+1. Try to picture the scene – watch the persons, listen to their words, observe their actions.
Annas, a cunning, bitter, cynical old man, delighted to find his enemy within his power; the Pharisees crowding around in eager excitement; the false witnesses trying to concoct a plausible story and, in their midst, Jesus, sorrowful, bleeding, exhausted; yet calm and full of dignity.
Hear the insulting questions of Annas, the derisive jeers of the Pharisees, the shouts of the mob the firm, quiet, gentle words of Jesus.
See the angry, eager gestures of the enemies of Christ, the assumed indignation of the judge, the cruel blow struck by the mailed hand of the soldier on the face of Jesus, causing the Blood to flow from His Sacred Mouth.

+2. Christ received this blow upon His Face, to atone for our sins of the tongue for the wicked words, the censorious words, the uncharitable words, the impure words which, too often, proceed from our mouth.
Grant, O Lord that I may remember Thee suffering this cruel blow and thus, may learn to hate my sins of the tongue, which inflicted suffering upon Thee.

+3. Our Lord desired to teach us another lesson – to bear with patience and gentleness, all outrage and unkindness all reproaches and ill-usage and especially, such as we endure for His Sake.
“Blessed are you” He says, “when men shall revile you
and persecute you and speak all which is evil against you,
untruly, for My Sake.”
But we must take care to bear it for Christ’s Sake and for love of Him, if we would earn the blessing.

Posted in CARMELITES, GOD ALONE!, LENT, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, Our MORNING Offering, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 22 March – A Lenten Offering

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Our Morning Offering – 22 March – Saturday of the Second Week in Lent

 Lenten Offering
By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus
and the Holy Face of Lisieux (1873-1897)

O my God!
I offer Thee all my actions of this Lent
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 Its Infinite Merits
and I wish to make reparation for my sins,
by casting them into the furnace
of Its Merciful Love.
O my God!
I ask of Thee for myself
and for those whom I hold dear,
the grace to fulfil perfectly Thy Holy Will,
to accept for love of Thee,
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 ABOUT - Meditations with Fr RICHARD F CLARKE SJ, LENT- 2025, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 21 March – Jesus Led Away Captive

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Lenten Meditations – 21 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Friday after the Second Sunday in Lent
Jesus Led Away Captive

Read St John xviii:12-13

[12] Then the band and the tribune and the servants of the Jews, took Jesus and bound Him[13] and they led him away to Annas firstly, for he was father in law to Caiphas, who was the high priest of that year. [John 18:12-13]

+1. The chief priests and Pharisees had brought with them. a coil of rope with which they tightly bound Jesus’ Sacred Hands and He was led away like a lamb going to the slaughter. This is the beginning of His apparent powerlessness. He, Who before bid defiance to His enemies, put them to the rout by Word and Work, now seems unable to resist them, feeble and helpless in their hands. Yet, under this apparent weakness, was hidden a Divine force; nay , it was this very weakness which was the means of conquering the whole world!

+2. The officers tied Jesus’ Hands, thus, He could no longer lay them upon the sick and the afflicted, to heal their diseases and their miseries.
So we too tie the Jesus’ Hands by bands far more fatal, in hindering His power to heal the sickness of our soul. When we reject His graces and turn a deaf ear to His counsel, we render Him powerless to assist us. He cannot bestow the blessings He delights to impart upon us – our obstinacy has tied His Hands so that He cannot help us as He wishes.

+3. Often in our desire to work for others, we find our hands tied. Something hinders our charitable designs; some hostile influence renders us apparently powerless. Our prayers seem to avail nothing; our kind acts are rejected; we seem to do the incorrect thing when trying our best to do what is correct. Yet, we must not repine; we are only treading in our Master’s Steps.
The very suffering entailed in this, is a sure means of earning the graces we desire.

Posted in LENT- 2025, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 19 March – The Betrayal

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Lenten Meditations – 19 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Wednesday after the Second Sunday in Lent
The Betrayal

Read St Matthew xxvi:47-50

[47] As He yet spoke, behold Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him, a great multitude with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the ancients of the people. [48] And he, whobetrayed Him, gave them a sign, saying: ‘Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is He, hold Him fast.’ [49] And forthwith coming to Jesus, he said: ‘Hail, Rabbi.’ And he kissed Him. [50] And Jesus said to him: ‘Friend, whereto art thou come?’ Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and held Him. [Matthew 26:47-50]

+1. As soon as Jesus had, for the third time, roused the Apostles from their slumber, the tramp of approaching soldiery is heard and presently, a band is seen escorted by the Pharisees and ancients and headed by one, who acts as their guide. Who is it who has pointed out Christ to His foes. Alas! it is none other than the traitor Judas, one of the chosen twelve, who had lived for three years in familiar intercourse with Jesus, listened to His Words of grace, seen His acts of love and mercy.
If Judas fell so low, I too am in continual danger. How
awful a thing it would be if I too were to turn traitor to Jesus!

+2. Our Lord does not shrink away from Judas as we do from those who we think have treated us ill. On the contrary, He advances to meet him with words of friendship, in spite of the deadly wrong He received.
How is it we are so unforgiving, so slow to make friendly advances, so ready to wrap ourselves in our offended dignity? It is because we are so unkind and selfish, so petty, so mean and stingy, so unlike Jesus!

+3. Jesus still loved Judas, sought to win Judas, strove by words of gentle remonstrance to bring him to a sense of his wickedness before it was too late.
“Friend , whereto art thou come?”
He calls this miserable wretch His friend. Jesus meant what He said; for He is the friend of sinners, even the greatest . He then is my Friend, so why should I ever fear!?

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 17 March – The Consolations of the Sacred Agony

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Lenten Meditations – 17 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Monday after the Second Sunday in Lent
The Consolations of the Sacred Agony

Read St Luke xxii:40-46

[40] And when He was come to the place, He said to them: Pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
[41] And He was withdrawn away from them, a stone’s cast and kneeling down, He prayed, [42] Saying – Father, if Thou wilt, remove this chalice from Me but yet, not My Will but Thine be done. [43] And there appeared to Him an Angel from Heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony, He prayed the longer. [44] And His sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. [45] And when He rose up from prayer and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow.
[46] And he said to them: Why sleep you? arise, pray, lest you enter into temptation. [Luke 22:40-46]

+I. No words can tell, no human heart can conceive, the intensity of the Sacred Agony of Jesus.
It would have crushed His very Life, had He not, by means of His Divinity, supported His Sacred Humanity and so enabled it, to suffer more. See Him pale, haggard, scarcely to be recognised in His abasement and His terror! See the sweat of Blood pouring from His Sacred Limbs!
Can this be the well-beloved Son of God?
My God, make me more contrite at the thought that I have taken part in bringing Thee to this great horror!

+2. But He was not without consolation in His Agony. An Angel was sent to comfort Him, to present before His vision, the innumerable company of the Saints won by His Precious Blood.
He saw their joy and happiness to be won by His Sacred Passion, by the labour of His Soul and seeing it, He was satisfied to bear it all.
O pure unselfish joy! O joy surpassing all other joys!
The joy of seeing others happy was the promised reward which supported Jesus in His Agony.

+3. But He had a still greater and stronger support than this.
He beheld the honour and glory which would accrue to His Eternal Father.
He saw that all the glory God would reap from His Works, would be as nothing in comparison to this greatest Work, to be wrought by His Eternal Son and seeing this, He was satisfied and more than satisfied.
In the beginning of the Book, it is written of Him:
“Behold, I come to do Thy Will, O my God. I am content to do it.“”
Have I the glory of God at heart as the first and foremost motive of my actions?

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, LENT- 2025, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on SUFFERING, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 16 March – The Assitance Given the Saints, in the Sacred Agony

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Lenten Meditations – 16 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Second Sunday in Lent
The Assitance Given the Saints, in the Sacred Agony

Read St.Matthew xxvi:40–44

40] And He cometh to His disciples and findeth them asleep and He saith to Peter: What? Could you not watch one hour with Me?
[41] Watch ye and pray that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh weak. [42] Again the second time, He went and prayed, saying: My Father, if this chalice may not pass away but I must drink it, Thy Will be done. [43] And he cometh again and findeth them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. [44] And leaving them, He went again and He prayed the third time, saying the selfsame word. [Matthew 26:40-44]

+1. Our Blessed Lord was not satisfied with taking upon Himself the sins of the world; in His Divine Mercy and compassion, He added to this, a further Sacrifice of Himself. He took upon Himself too, all the sufferings of the just and especially, all His Saints and Martyrs would have to suffer for His Sake. He endured beforehand, the thousand forms of agony to which they would be subjected for His Sake. Not only would He, in His Love and Mercy, redeem them but He bore their infirmities and carried their sorrows.
What sufficient thanksgiving can we give Him for His unbounded Goodness?

+2. This it is which enabled the Martyrs to despise their torments and made the Apostles rejoice to suffer shame for His Sake. This it is which makes tolerable, anguish which otherwise would be intolerable; for, if it be borne patiently for love of Christ, He has already, in Himself, if not exhausted its bitterness, at least taken the bulk of it, onto Himself. Every pang, every struggle, every throb of agony which should fall to the lot of His servants until the end of the world, He made His Own, for their relief.

+3. For this reason, we are taught to unite our sufferings with those of Our Lord; for, what else does this mean, except that He desires to share them with us? In point of fact, the more we do this, the more we bear our troubles with a supernatural motive, the lighter they will become, or rather, the greater will be our power and willingness, to bear them.
I will be more resigned, more patient, for Christ’s sake. To Him, I will offer all my sufferings and unite them to His.

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, LENT, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The TRANSFIGURATION

Our Morning Offering – 16 March – Lux Alma, Jesu – Light of the Anxious Heart by St Bernard

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Our Morning Offering – 16 March – The Second Sunday of Lent

Lux Alma, Jesu
Light of the Anxious Heart
By St Bernard (1091-1153).
Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Light of the anxious heart,
Jesus, Thou dost appear,
To bid the gloom of guilt depart,
And shed Thy sweetness here.

Joyous is he, with whom,
God’s Word, Thou dost abide;
Sweet Light of our eternal home,
To fleshly sense denied.

Brightness of God above!
Unfathomable grace!
Thy presence be a fount of love
Within Thy chosen place.

To Thee, Whom children see,
The Father ever blest,
The Holy Spirit, One and Three,
Be endless praise addrest.

Translation by Cardinal Newman (1800-1890).
There are eight translations.
Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord.
This Hymn is a cento from St Bernard’s Jesu Dulcis Memoria.

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on SIN, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 15 March – The Aggravations of the Sacred Agony

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Lenten Meditations – 15 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Saturday of the First Week in Lent
The Aggravations of the Sacred Agony

Read St Mark xiv:32-42
(Posted at the end)

+1. If it is difficult to suffer, it is far more difficult to suffer willingly for those who show no gratitude in return for what we endure for them!.
But most difficult, nay, impossible, save to One Who is Himself Divine, or else shares the Divine Charity of the Son of God, to suffer for those who requite our love, with hatred, our sufferings with bitter mockery the favours we win for them by outrages and insults! It was this which crushed to the earth, the Son of God.
Alas! how ungrateful I am to Him!

+2. During His Sacred Agony, He took upon Himself, the sins of the whole world. Not in a general way but individually, so that each and every sin, from the first sin of Adam to the last that shall be committed on the eve of the Judgement, was present before Him and, not only present but each added its own pain. The great black cloud which passed before His soul contained each sin of each individual man, woman and child and Christ suffered for each!
What a frightful thing it must be to deliberately commit even the least sin, if thereby, we add fresh pain to the agony of Jesus!

+3. It was in this way that “He was made sin for us,” i.e. He identified Himself with sin as far as it was possible for the Immaculate Lamb of God. He took upon Himself, all the effects of sin except those which necessarily belong to him who is guilty of the act of sin. All the darkness, all the gloom , the despondency, the loss of God, the feeling of hopelessness, the terrors which arise from sin, inundated His Sacred Soul.

32] And they came to a farm called Gethsemani. And He saith to His disciples: Sit you here, while I pray. [33] And He taketh Peter and James and John with Him and He began to fear and to be heavy. [34] And He saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death; stay you here and watch. [35] And when He was gone forward a little, He fell flat on the ground and He prayed, that if it might be, the hour might pass from Him.

[36] And He saith: Abba, Father, all things are possible to Thee, remove this chalice from Me but not what I will but what Thou wilt. [37] And He cometh and findeth them sleeping. And He saith to Peter: Simon, sleepest thou? couldst thou not watch one hour? [38] Watch ye and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak. [39] And going away again, He prayed, saying the same words. [40] And when He returned, He found them again asleep, (for their eyes were heavy) and they knew not what to answer Him.

[41] And He cometh the third time and saith to them: Sleep ye now and take your rest. It is enough, the hour is come – behold the Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners. [42] Rise up, let us go. Behold, he that will betray Me is at hand. [Mark 14:32-42]

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, HYMNS, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, LENT, LENT- 2025, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 14 March – Hail, Holy Wounds of Jesus, Hail!

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Our Morning Offering – 14 March – The Feast of the Sacred Lance and Nails

Salvete Christi Vulnera
Hail, Holy Wounds of Jesus, Hail!
Anonymous Latin Hymn, 17th Century

Hail, holy Wounds of Jesus, hail,
Sweet pledges of the saving Rood,
Whence flow the streams that never fail,
The purple streams of His dear Blood.

Brighter than brightest stars ye show,
Than sweetest rose Thy scent more rare,
No Indian gem may match Thy glow,
No honeys’ taste with Thine compare.

Portals ye are to that dear home
Wherein our wearied souls may hide,
Whereto no angry foe can come,
The Heart of Jesus Crucified.

What countless stripes our Jesus bore,
All naked left in Pilate’s hall!
From His torn flesh flow red a shower
Did round His sacred person fall!

His beauteous brow, oh, shame and grief,
By the sharp Thorny Crown is riven;
Through Hands and Feet, without relief,
The cruel nails are rudely driven.

But when for our poor sakes He Died,
A willing Priest by love subdued,
The soldier’s Lance transfixed His side,
Forth flowed the Water and the Blood.

In full atonement of our guilt,
Careless of self, the Saviour trod
Even till His Heart’s best Blood was spilled
The wine-press of the wrath of God.

Come, bathe you in the healing flood,
All ye who mourn, by sin opprest;
Your only hope is Jesus’ Blood,
His Sacred Heart your only rest.

All praise to Him, the Eternal Son,
At God’s right hand enthroned above,
Whose Blood our full redemption won,
Whose Spirit seals the gift of love.

Office Hymn at Lauds on the Feast of the Most Precious Blood and for the Fridays of Lent.
Translated by – Henry Nutcombe Oxenham (1829-1888) for whom I find little information.

Posted in LENT- 2025, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 13 March – On the Road to Gethsemane

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Lenten Meditations – 13 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Thursday of the First Week in Lent
On the Road to Gethsemane

Read St Mark xiv:26-34

[26] And when they had said a hymn, they went forth to the Mount of Olives. [27] And Jesus saith to them: You will all be scandalised in my regard this night; for it is written, I will strike the shepherd and the sheep shall be dispersed. [28] But after, I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. [29] But Peter saith to him: Although all shall be scandalised in Thee, yet not I. [30] And Jesus saith to him: Amen I say to thee, today, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shall deny Me thrice.

[31] But he spoke the more vehemently: Although I should die together with Thee, I will not deny Thee. And in like manner too, said they all. [32] And they came to a farm called Gethsemani. And He saith to his disciples: Sit you here, while I pray. [33] And He taketh Peter and James and John with Him and He began to fear and to be heavy. [34] And He saith to them: My Soul is sorrowful even unto death; stay you here and watch. [Mark 14:26-34]

+1. After singing one of the paschal hymns, Our Lord and His Apostles went forth to the Garden of Gethsemane. On the way a strange sorrow spread over the countenance of Jesus. His unfailing cheerfulness forsook Him. His disciples wondered at the sudden change. It was the shadow of His Sacred Passion which fell upon Him, the beginning of the black darkness which was to envelop His Sacred Heart.
When the shadow of desolation falls on me, may I remember Thee, O Lord, thus downcast on the road to Gethsemane!

+2. In mournful words Our Lord addresses the Apostles : “You will all be scandalised in My regard this night. You will all fly like cowards when the danger comes. One of you will betray Me, another will deny Me thrice, all will forsake Me.”
How this thought pierced the sensitive Heart of Jesus, with anguish! of all who, for three years, had been His chosen friends and companions, who had seen His miracles and listened to His Divine Words not one would be found faithful.
My God, how often have I been found unfaithful to Thee!

+3. At length, Our Lord’s bitter sorrow breaks out in words still more mournful:
“My soul is sorrowful even unto death.”
The darkness which was gathering around Him, was even then like the darkness of death. He began to fear and to be very heavy. He could hardly endure the misery which began to fall on Him.
Pray for sympathy with Jesus and the power of appreciating the Divine Love, even just a little, which undertook all this for your sake!

Posted in LENT, LENT- 2025

Quote/s of the Day – 11 March – Planting a Lenten Garden (Last minute Ideas)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 11 March – Tuesday of the 1st Week in Lent

Planting a Lenten Garden

Five Rows of Squash:

  1. Squash gossip
  2. Squash indifference
  3. Squash unkindness
  4. Squash temper
  5. Squash the idols of greed and lust

Six Rows of Peas:

  1. Prayer
  2. Penance
  3. Perseverance
  4. Purity
  5. Patience
  6. Politeness

Seven Heads of Lettuce:

  1. Let us be unselfish
  2. Let us be charitable
  3. Let us be obedient
  4. Let us be truthful
  5. Let us be gentle and kind
  6. Let us be repentant
  7. Let us be renewed

No garden is complete without Turnips:

  1. Turn up for Daily Mass
  2. Turn up for Special Devotions and The Rosary
  3. Turn up for Daily Morning and Night Prayer

Conclude with Thyme:

Thyme with God, thyme for fasting, thyme for generosity and care of the poor, the sick, the suffering.

Water daily with patience
Feed with love
The Beloved Saviour will provide the growth.

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on SUFFERING, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 9 March – Jesus’ Desire for His Sufferings

Posted on by AnaStpaul

With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The First Sunday in Lent
Jesus’ Desire for His Sufferings

Read St Luke xii:49-50

[49] I am come to cast fire on the earth; and what will I but that, it be kindled? [50] And I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized and how am I straitened, until it be accomplished? [Luke 12:49-50]

+1. How are we to account for Christ’s desire to suffer? Human nature shrinks from suffering and dreads it and none of the sons of men, was ever as sensitive as He, or had sufferings to look forward to, in any way comparable to His. Yet, in spite of this, Christ longed for His sufferings.
O wondrous Love which not only suffered for us but longed for the time when His Passion should come!

+2. Was it the suffering in itself for which Christ longed? Impossible! It was for the result of that suffering, for the joy which was set before Him that He endured the Cross and despised the shame. Even Christ could not work without the prospect of some reward.
So we should encourage ourselves with the thought of the glorious recompence God will give to all who suffer for Him and, who unite their sufferings to the Sacred Sufferings of the Son of God.

+3. But what sort of reward was that, to which the Son of God looked forward?
It was no selfish reward. It was the pure, unselfish joy of seeing others happy, of knowing that, by all He was to endure, millions of mankind would be freed from the eternal misery of hell and raised to the eternal and unspeakable joy of the Beatific Vision. He knew it was by sufferings, graces would be won for others. This lesson too, the Saints learned from their Master.
How have I learned it? Do I recognise the necessity, the dignity, the happiness, of suffering

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LENT, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 March – The temptation of the Lord

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – St Frances of Rome Obl.S.B. (1384-1440) Widow – The First Sunday in Lent – 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 – Matthew 4:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil.” – Matthew 4:1

REFLECTION – “If we look at the progress of our Lord’s temptation, we see how great the struggle which set us free. from temptation, was. Our ancient enemy rose up against the first human being, our ancestor, in three temptations. He tempted him by gluttony, by vainglory and by avarice… He tempted him by gluttony, when he showed him the forbidden food of the tree and told him: “Taste it.” He tempted him by vainglory, when he said, “You will be like gods” (Gn 3:5). He tempted him by adding avarice, when he said: “knowing good and evil.” Avarice is concerned, not only with money but too, with high position…

But the means by which the devil overcame the first Adam (1 Cor 15:47) were the same ones which caused him to yield, when he tempted the Second. He tempted Him by gluttony, when he said, “Tell these stones to become bread.” He tempted Him by vainglory, when he said, “If Thou are the Son of God, cast Thyself down.” He tempted him by an avaricious desire for high position, when he showed him all the kingdoms of the world, saying: “I will give Thee all these, if Thou will fall down and worship me”… As a captive, the devil would depart from our hearts by the same avenue which had given him entrance, when he possessed us.

But there is something else we have to consider too in this temptation of the Lord’s … He could have plunged His tempter into the depths. He did not reveal the power of His might but He only brought forth the precepts of Scripture. This was to give us an example of His patience, so that as often as we suffer something from vicious persons, we should be aroused to teach, rather than to exact revenge. Consider how great God’s patience is, how great our impatience! If we are provoked by injuries, or by some attack, we are influenced by rage … the Lord endured the devil’s opposition and He answered him with nothing except words of meekness!” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospel no 14).

PRAYER – O God, Who along with other gifts of Thy grace honoured blessed Frances, Thy handmaid, with the close companionship of an angel, grant, we beseech Thee, that by the help of her intercession we may be made worthy to attain the companionship of Angels in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, LENT, LENT- 2025, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE

Our Morning Offering – 9 March – Ex More Docti Mystico, The Fast, As Taught by Holy Lore

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Our Morning Offering – 9 March – The First Sunday of Lent

Ex More Docti Mystico
The Fast, As Taught by Holy Lore
By St Gregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Father, Doctor of the Church
Trans. John Mason Neale

The fast, as taught by holy lore,
We keep in solemn course once more.
The fast to all men known and bound
In forty days of yearly round.

The law and seers that were of old
In divers ways this Lent foretold,
Which Christ, all seasons’ King and Guide,
In after ages sanctified.

More sparing, therefore, let us make
The words we speak, the good we take,
Our sleep and mirth – and closer barred
Be every sense in holy guard.

Avoid the evil thoughts that roll
Like water o’er the heedless soul;
Nor let the foe occasion find
Our souls in slavery to bind.

In prayer together let us fall,
And cry for mercy, one and all,
And weep before the Judge’s Feet,
And His avenging wrath entreat.

The grace have we offended sore,
By sins, O God, which we deplore;
But pour upon us, from on high,
O pardoning One, Thy clemency.

Remember Thou, though frail we be,
That yet Thine handiwork are we;
Nor let the honour of Thy Name
Be by another put to shame.

Forgive the sin that we have wrought;
Increase the good that we have sought
That we at length, our wanderings o’er,
May please Thee here and evermore.

Grant, O Thou Blessed Trinity,
Grant, O Essential Unity,
That this our fast of forty days
May work our profit and Thy praise.

There are twelve translations of this lovely Lenten Hymn.
This one by L M Neale
Liturgical Use: Matins Hymn on Sundays
and week-days during Lent.

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The WORD

Lenten Meditations – 7 March – The Supper in Simon’s House

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 7 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The First Friday in Lent
The Supper in Simon’s House

Read St Mark xiv:3-11

[3] And when He was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper and was at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of precious spikenard and breaking the alabaster box, she poured it out upon His Head. [4] Now, there were some that had indignation within themselves and said: Why was this waste of the ointment made? [5] For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred pence and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
[6] But Jesus said: Let her alone, why do you molest her? She hath wrought a good work upon Me. [7] For the poor you have always with you and whensoever you will, you may do them good but Me, you have not always. [8] She hath done what she could, she is come beforehand to anoint My Body for burial. [9] Amen, I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached, in the whole world that also, which she hath done, shall be told for a memorial of her. [10] And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests, to betray him to them.
[11] Who hearing it were glad and they promised him, they would give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray Him. [Mark 14:3-11]

+1. The supper in Simon’s house was remarkable for St Mary Magdalene’s act of devotion to our Divine Lord.
She brought an alabaster box of ointment of precious spikenard and poured it on His head as He sat at table.
Her gift was very pleasing to Our Lord for three reasons:
(a ) she gave of her bes ;
(b) she gave out of pure love;
(c) she gave in the presence of the assembled guests, fearlessly and knowing men would ridicule and blame her. Are the gifts I give to God marked by generosity, supernatural love, with an absence of seeking all human respect?

+2. Some of those present, instigated by Judas, began to criticise what they regarded as wasteful. They had indignation within themselves and showed it in words. They veiled their grumbling under show of charity to the poor. This was very displeasing to Jesus. He hates the spirit which finds fault and criticises and condemns and, all the more, when it hides itself under the cloak of virtue.
Yet is not this spirit strong in me?

+3. Notice the gratitude of Jesus. A little box of ointment poured on His head earns for the donor a commemoration of her gift wherever the Gospel shall be preached in the whole world .
And not only this – it obtains for her too, many graces on earth and great glory in Heaven.
There is no-one who is as grateful as Jesus Christ! no-one who will reward with such Divine generosity, everything done for love of Him! Nothing will be forgotten nothing is too small to be noticed and richly recompensed by Him!

Posted in LENT, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The PASSION

Feast of The Sacred Crown of Thorns,  FIRST FRIDAY, Nossa Senhora da Estrela / Our Lady of the Star, Villa Vicosa, Portugal (1050), St Thomas Aquinas and the Saints for 7 March

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ASH FRIDAY
A Day of Fasting and Abstinence,

FIRST FRIDAY

Feast of The Sacred Crown of Thorns
of Our Lord Jesus Christ
One of the “Seven Passion Feasts” – celebrated on the the Fridays after Ash Wednesday.
The first Feast in honour of the Sacred Crown of Thorns (Festum susceptionis coronae Domini) was instituted at Paris in 1239, when Saint Louis IX of France brought there the Relic of the Crown of Thorns which was deposited later in the Royal Chapel, erected in 1241–1248 to guard this and other Relics of the Passion.
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/16/feast-of-the-sacred-crown-of-thorns-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-friday-after-ash-wednesday/

Nossa Senhora da Estrela / Our Lady of the Star, Villa Vicosa, Portugal (1050) – 7 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/07/the-third-sunday-of-lent-2021-our-lady-of-the-star-villa-vicosa-portugal-1050-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-march/

St Thomas Aquinas OP (1225-1274) aged 49 Doctor Angelicus (Angelic Doctor) and Doctor Communis (Common Doctor). Priest of the Order of Preachers, Religious, Master Theologian, Philosopher, Writer, Teacher, Jurist. Also known as – “The Great Synthesiser,” “The Dumb Ox,” “The Universal Teacher.”
St Thomas died today in 1274 but his Feast Day was moved in 1969 to 28 January.
Wonderful, Wise St Thomas!:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/01/28/saint-of-the-day-28-january-st-thomas-aquinas-1225-1274-doctor-angelicus-angelic-doctor-and-doctor-communis-common-doctor/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/28/saint-of-the-day-28-january-st-thomas-aquinas-op-1225-1274/

St Ardo of Aniane
Bl Daniel of Wichterich
St Deifer of Bodfari
St Drausinus of Soissons Bishop
St Enodoch
St Esterwine of Wearmouth Abbot
St Eubulus of Caesarea
St Gaudiosus (Died c445) Bishop and Confessor of Brescia


Bl German Gardiner
Bl Henry of Austria
Bl Jermyn Gardiner
Blessed John Ireland (Died 1544) Priest Martyr

BlessedJohn Larke (Died 1544) Priest Martyr. He was a notable personal friend of St Thomas More (1478-1535) , Martyr the Lord High Chancellor of England. He was Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/07/saint-of-the-day-7-march-blessed-john-larke-died-1544-priest-martyr/

St Paul of Prusa

St Paul the Simple (Died c339) Hermit, Disciple of St Anthony Abbot, gifted with prophecy and miracles.
About “The Pride of the Desert”
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/07/saint-of-the-day-7-march-st-paul-the-simple-died-c339-the-pride-of-the-desert/

St Reinhard of Reinhausen Abbot

St Teresa Margaret Redi of the Sacred Heart OCD (1747– 1770) Virgin, Nun of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites, Mystic.
After her death all the swelling and discoloration in her body disappeared, her body was incorrupt several weeks later, had a healthy glow and exuded an odour of perfume. Pope Pius XI Canonised her on 13 March 1934.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/07/saint-of-the-day-7-march-saintt-teresa-margaret-redi-of-the-sacred-heart-ocd-1747-1770/

Bl Volker of Segeberg OSA (Died c1135) Priest Martyr
Bl William of Assisi

Martyrs of Carthage – 4 Saints: A catechist and three students Martyred together for teaching and learning the faith. We know little more than their names – Revocatus, Saturninus, Saturus and Secundulus. Mauled by wild beasts and beheaded 7 March 203 at Carthage, North Africa

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on PRIDE, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 6 March – The Preliminaries of the Passion

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 6 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)”

Ash Thursday
The Preliminaries of the Passion

Read St. Luke xxii:1-6

[1] Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the pasch, was at hand. [2] And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put Jesus to death but they feared the people. [3] And Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, one of the twelve. [4] And he went, and discoursed with the chief priests and the magistrates, how he might betray Him to them. [5] And they were glad and covenanted to give him money. [6] And he promised. And he sought opportunity to betray Him in the absence of the multitude. [Luke 22:1-6]

+1. During the first days of the week in which He suffered, our Blessed Lord had been teaching all day in the Temple. The assembled crowd had cried ,“ Hosanna to the Son of David, Blessed is He Who cometh in the name of the Lord.”
It seemed as if He were going to be acknowledged by the voice of the people as the King of Israel. How deceptive are appearances! How often, when all seems to be going well and the cause of Christ about to triumph, some grievous disappointment is at hand!

+2. Side by side with the enthusiasm of the people grew the rage and fury of the chief priests and scribes.
Why did they thus hate Him, Who went about doing good? In their selfishness and cupidity, they feared, lest He should interfere with their influence and they thus lose their position, their reputation, their gains. Pride and self -love blinded their eyes and made them hate, the Son of God, with a bitter hatred.
Am I not sometimes blinded by like feelings? filled with unjust dislike of others because they seem to interfere with my influence or my personal interests?

+3. The chief priests had a great advantage in the fact that, in the little company, which surrounded Jesus, there was a traitor. Judas impelled by avarice, had been first a thief and then, had made overtures to betray his Master. O fatal love of money, to harden the heart of man!
How careful must I be not to set my heart on any earthly possessions, since nothing has a more deadly power than this, to separate me from the love of Jesus!