ONE Minute REFLECTION – Page 51

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One Minute Reflection – 18 March – 70 x 7

Posted on March 17, 2020March 17, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 March – Tuesday of the Third week of Lent, Readings: Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Psalm 25:4-9, Matthew 18:21-35 and the Memorial of Saint Jan Sarkander (1576-1620) Priest and Martyr of the Seal of Confession

“I forgave you all that debt because you besought me and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?”… Matthew 18:32-33

REFLECTION – “We must wash one another’s feet in the mutual daily service of love. But we must also wash one another’s feet, in the sense, that we must forgive one another ever anew. The debt for which the Lord has pardoned us is always infinitely greater than all the debts that others can owe us….not to allow resentment toward others to become a poison in the depths of the soul. It urges us to purify our memory constantly, forgiving one another whole-heartedly, washing one another’s feet, to be able to go to God’s banquet together.”…Pope Benedict XVI (Holy Thursday homily 20 March 2008)

matthew-18-32-33-i-forgave-you-all-the-debt-the-debt-for-which-the-lord-has-pardoned-us-pope-benedict-26-march-2019 and 17 march 2020

PRAYER – Almighty God, we thank You for Your endless mercy. We are sinners but trust in Your merciful forgiveness when we turn to You in sorrow. Open our hearts, make them forgiving to our brother, teach us Your mercy. May Mary, Mother of Sorrow, pray for us. Grant that the prayers of St Jan Sarkander may continue to defend us, as he did in the world. We make our prayer through our forgiving Saviour, who even to those who killed Him, turned to them in love and mercy and asked You for their forgiveness. In union with the Holy Spirit, one God, for all eternity, amen. our-lady-mother-of-sorrows-pray-for-us-26-march-2019 and 17 March 2020

st jan sarkander pray for us 17 march 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 16 March – “No prophet is accepted in his own country”

Posted on March 16, 2020March 16, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 March – Monday of the Third week of Lent, Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15, Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4, Luke 4:24-30

“Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country.” … Luke 4:24 luke 4 24 i say to you no prophet is accepted in his own country 16 march 2020

REFLECTION – “A doctor came amongst us to restore us to health – our Lord Jesus Christ. He discovered blindness in our hearts and promised the light that “eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered the heart of man” (1Cor 2:9).
The humility of Jesus Christ is the cure for your pride. Don’t scorn what will bring you healing, be humble, you for whom God humbled Himself. Indeed, He knew that the medicine of humility would cure you, He who well understood your sickness and knew how to cure it. While you were unable to run to the doctor’s house, the doctor in person came to your house… He is coming, He wants to help you, He knows what you need.
God has come with humility precisely in order that man might imitate Him. If He had remained above you, how would you have been able to imitate Him? And, without imitating Him, how could you be healed? He came with humility because He knew the nature of the remedy He had to administer – a little bitter, it is true but healing. And do you continue to scorn Him? He who holds out the cup to you and you say: “But what sort of God is this God of mine? He was born, suffered, was covered with spittle, crowned with thorns, nailed on the cross!” O miserable soul! You see the doctor’s humility and not the cancer of your pride. That is why humility displeases you…
It often happens that mentally ill people end up by beating their doctor. When that happens, the unfortunate doctor is not only not distressed by the one who beat him but attempts to treat him… As for our doctor, He did not fear being killed by sick people afflicted with madness, He turned His own death into their remedy. Indeed, He died and rose again.”…St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church a doctor came amongst us - st augustine 16 march 2020

PRAYER – Lord our God, make us love You above all things and all our fellow-men, with a love that is worthy of You. May we look to Your Divine Son in love and imitation. Grant we pray, that by the prayers of the Mother of our Lord and our Mother, we too may be granted the grace to follow Your only Son, no matter our sufferings. We make our prayer, through Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever amen. ianua caeli heaven's gate pray for us mary - 25 aug 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 15 March – ‘The strength of Christ created you, the weakness of Christ created you anew.’

Posted on March 15, 2020March 14, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 March – The Third Sunday of Lent, Readings: Exodus 17:3-7, Psalm 95:1- 2, 6-9, Romans 5:1-2, 5-8, John 4:5-42 and the Memorial of Blessed Artemide Zatti SDB (1880-1951)

“Jesus, therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat thus on the well. It was about the sixth hour.” … John 4:6

REFLECTION – “Now begin the mysteries. For it is not without a purpose that Jesus is weary, not indeed without a purpose that the strength of God is weary, not without a purpose that He is weary, by whom the wearied are refreshed, not without a purpose is He weary, by whose absence we are wearied, by whose presence we are strengthened.
Nevertheless, Jesus is weary and weary with His journey and He sits down and that, too, near a well and it is at the sixth hour that, being wearied, He sits down.
All these things hint something, are intended to intimate something, they make us eager, and encourage us to knock. May Himself open to us and to you, He who has deigned to exhort us, so as to say, Knock and it shall be opened to you. It was for you that Jesus was wearied with His journey.
We find Jesus to be strength and we find Jesus to be weak – we find a strong and a weak Jesus – strong, because in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God, the same was in the beginning with God. Would you see how this Son of God is strong? All things were made by Him and without Him was nothing made and without labour, too, were they made. Then what can be stronger than He, by whom all things were made without labour? Would you know Him weak? The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
The strength of Christ created you, the weakness of Christ created you anew. The strength of Christ caused that to be which was not, the weakness of Christ caused that what was, should not perish. He fashioned us by His strength, He sought us by His weakness.
But why at the sixth hour? Because at the sixth age of the world. In the Gospel, count up as an hour each, the first age from Adam to Noah; the second, from Noah to Abraham; the third, from Abraham to David; the fourth, from David to the removing to Babylon; the fifth, from the removing to Babylon to the baptism of John – thence is the sixth being enacted. Why do you marvel? Jesus came and, by humbling Himself, came to a well. He came wearied, because He carried weak flesh. At the sixth hour, because in the sixth age of the world. To a well, because to the depth of this our habitation. For which reason it is said in the psalm – From the depth have I cried unto You, O Lord. He sat, as I said, because He was humbled.” … St Augustine (354-430) – Father & Doctor of the Church – Tractate 15 (John 4:1-42) john 4 6 jesus therefore being - the strength of christ - st augustine - 15 march 2020

PRAYER – Lord our God, Your Son so loved the world that He gave Himself up to death for our sake. Strengthen us by His weakness and Your grace and give us a heart willing to live by that same love. We know His excuses for us and His broken heart at our neglect and sin, make us like unto Him O Father, that we might be holy and come to see His Face. May the prayers of the angels, Blessed Artemide Zatti and the Blessed Virgin be of assistance to us. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, amen. ave-maria-pray-for-us-28-sept-2018-and-24-march-2019-no-2 AND 15 MARCH 2020

bl artemide zatti pray for us 15 march 2020 (2)

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One Minute Reflection – 14 March – “Father, I have sinned!”

Posted on March 14, 2020March 14, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 March – Saturday of the Second Week of Lent, Readings: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

“Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him” … Luke 15:22 luke 15 22 quickly bring the finest robe - prodigal son 14 march 2020

REFLECTION – “How many there are who, through repentance, have been worthy to receive the love You hold for humankind. You justified the anguished publican and the weeping woman who was a sinner (Lk 18:14; 7:50) for, through a predetermined design, You foresee and grant pardon. Convert me also together with them, You who desire that all should be saved.

My soul was soiled as it put on the garment of its sins (Gn 3:21). O let me make fountains flow from my eyes that I may purify it by repentance. Clothe me with the shining robe worthy of your wedding (Mt 22:12), You who desire that all should be saved (…).

O heavenly Father, have compassion for my cry as You did for the prodigal son for I, too, am throwing myself at Your feet and crying aloud as he cried: “Father, I have sinned!” Do not reject me, Your unworthy child, O my Saviour but cause Your angels to rejoice also on my behalf, O God of goodness who desire that all should be saved.

For You have made me Your child and Your own heir through grace (Rm 8,17). Yet as for me, because I have offended You, am here a prisoner, an unhappy slave sold over to sin! Take pity on Your own image (Gn 1,26) and call it back from exile, O Saviour, You who desire that all should be saved…

Now is the time for repentance… The words of Paul urge me to persevere in prayer (Col 4,2) and await You. Therefore, with trust I pray, for I well know Your mercy, I know You come the first towards me and I am calling out for help. Should You delay, it is to give me the reward for perseverance, You who desire that all should be saved.

Grant me always to extol You and give You glory by leading a life that is pure. Grant that my deeds may be in accord with my words that I may sing to You, Almighty… with pure prayer, Christ alone who desires that all should be saved.” … St Romanos Melodios (c 490-c 556) 1 October Monk, Composer of Hymns, Poet – Hymn 55 o have compassion for my cry as you did for the prodigal son - st romanos melodios 14 march 2020

PRAYER – Almighty God, whose healing grace even here on earth, brings us the gifts of heaven, guide us in this present life to constantly seek You and to know You and to love You. Lead us to that Light in which You have Your dwelling. By following Your Son, faithfully bearing our crosses, may we be His light here on earth . And may Mary, the Blessed Mother of Sorrows, constantly be our succour and lead us to You. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God for all ages, amen. mater dolorosa blessed virgin holy mother pray for us 23 feb 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 13 March – ‘We ourselves are this house …’

Posted on March 13, 2020March 12, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 March – Friday of the Second Week of Lent, Readings: Genesis 37:3-4, 12 -13, 17-28, Psalm 105:16-21, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

“Therefore, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.”...Matthew 21:43 matthew 21 43 therefore i tell you the kingdom of god will be taken away from you 13 march 2020

REFLECTION – “The vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the house of Israel” says the prophet (Is 5:7). We ourselves are this house… and, since we are His Israel, we are the vineyard. So let us take good care that grapes of wrath (Rv 14:19) rather than sweetness do not grow from our branches, so that no-one may say to us: “I expected grapes but it yielded wild grapes” (Is 5:4). What fruitless soil! The soil that should have presented its master with fruits of sweetness, pierced Him with its sharp thorns.
In the same way His enemies, who ought to have welcomed our Saviour with all the devotion of their faith, crowned Him with the thorns of His Passion. In their eyes this crown expressed insult and abuse but in the Lord’s eyes it was the crown of virtue…

My brethren, take good care that no one says with regard to you: “He expected it to yield grapes but it yielded wild grapes” (Is 5:2)… Let us be careful that our evil deeds do not rub against our Lord’s head like thorns. ” … Saint Maximus of Turin (c 380-c 420) – Sermon for the feast of Saint Cyprian – CC Sermon 11

PRAYER – Almighty God, help us dear Father to produce fruits acceptable to You. Help us to reach out of our enclosed spaces in love to all. Even when the road is rocky, grant that we may not falter but always turn back to Your merciful gaze.ay the prayers of our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, who fearlessly withstood the fury of evil, be a help in our times of need and fear. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen. blessed virgin mary pray for us 17 jan 2019

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One Minute Reflection –12 March – “God resists the proud”

Posted on March 12, 2020March 3, 2021 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection –12 March – Thursday of the Second week of Lent, Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1:1-4, 6, Luke 16:19-31

The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. … Luke 16:22-23 luke 16 22-23 the poor man died - 29 sept 2019

REFLECTION – “Was that poor man welcomed by the angels solely on account of his poverty? And the rich man, was he delivered up to torment by fault of his wealth alone? No. Let us clearly understand that it was humility that was honoured in the poor man and pride condemned in the rich.

This is the proof, briefly, that it was not his wealth but his pride for which the rich man deserved his punishment. So then, the poor man was carried into the bosom of Abraham, yet Scripture says of Abraham that he had much gold and silver and was rich on earth (Gn 13:2). If every rich man is sent into torment, how is it that Abraham could precede the poor man so as to welcome him into his bosom? It was because, in the midst of his wealth, Abraham was poor, humble, respectful and obedient to all God’s commands. He held his riches in so little esteem that, when God asked it of him, he consented to offer in sacrifice the son for whom these riches were destined (Gn 22:4).

Learn to be poor and needy, then, whether you possess something in this world or whether you don’t possess anything. Because we find beggars full of pride and rich people who confess their sins. “God resists the proud” whether they are covered with silk or with rags but “he gives grace to the humble” (Jas 4:6) whether or not, they have possessions in this world. God looks at what is within, it is there He assesses, there He examines.” … Saint Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church – Discourses on the psalms, Ps 85 [86]; CCL 39, 1178 god-resists-the-proud-god-looks-at-what-is-within-st-augustine-29-sept-2019 and 12 March 2020

PRAYER – Dear and Holy God, let us offer You all our daily struggles against sin and evil. Grant us the strength to resist all forms of idolatry, to seek only You and never to allow the material goods of this world to seduce us. Sustain us ever more with Your word and help us to find in it, the source of life. Grant that by the intercession of our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, may defend us during our life on earth and protect us from evil. Grant this, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen mother-mary-trusted-guide-pray-for-us-1-nov-2018and 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 11 March – Imitation of the Lord.

Posted on March 11, 2020March 11, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 March – Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent, Readings: Jeremiah 18:18-20, Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16, Matthew 20:17-28

“You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” … the Son of Man came not to be served
but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ... Matthew 20:22,28 matthew 20 22, 28 the sone of man came not to serve 11 march 2020

REFLECTION – “It is our task and, in our case, an obligation, to make of you the object of all our care, our zeal, our ministrations, by word and deed, by warnings, encouragement, admonitions and incitement, (…) so that, in this way, we might insert you into the rhythm of the divine will and face you towards the goal set before us – to give pleasure to God. …

He who is immortal, voluntarily shed His blood. He who created the host of angels, was
bound at the hands of soldiers and He who is to judge the living and the dead, was dragged to justice (cf. Acts 10:42; 2 Tm 4:1). Truth was exposed to false witnesses, was slandered, struck, covered with spittle, hung on the wood of the cross – the Lord of glory (cf. 1 Cor 2:8) endured every outrage and suffering without Himself needing these trials. How could this have happened to Him who, even as man, was without sin and who, to the contrary, snatched us away from the tyranny of the sin through which death came into the world and falsely took possession of our first father?

So there is nothing surprising about it, if we submit to even one of these trials since such is our condition (…). Therefore, we too have to be offended and tempted, afflicted by the cutting off of our wills. According to the interpretation of our Fathers, there is in this, a shedding of blood for this is what it means to be a monk. And we must gain the Kingdom of heaven in that way, by spending our lives in imitation of the Lord. (…) Apply yourselves zealously to your duties in the thought that by means of them, far from being slaves of men, you are serving God.” … St Theodore the Studite (759- 826) Monk at Constantinople – Catecheses 1 (load shedding about to happen – image to follow and rest of posts).

PRAYER – Protect Your family, Lord, trained as it is by the constant exercise of good works. Renew our spirit with the grace that teaches us how to imitate You, strengthen us with Your consoling presence and lead us, to the joys of heaven. May the intercession of our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary keep us on the path of Your kingdom’s glory. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. mary most holy pray for us - 9 nov 2018

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One Minute Reflection – 10 March – ‘The greatest humiliation …’

Posted on March 10, 2020March 9, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 March – Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent, Readings: Isaiah 1:10, 16- 20, Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23, Matthew 23:1-12

“Whoever exalts himself will be humble
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” … Matthew 23:12

REFLECTION – “I don’t think there is anyone who needs God’s help and grace as much as I do. Sometimes I feel so helpless and weak. I think that is why God uses me. Because I cannot depend on my own strength, I rely on Him twenty-four hours a day. If the day had even more hours, then I would need His help and grace during those hours as well. All of us must cling to God through prayer. My secret is very simple – I pray. Through prayer I become one in love with Christ. I realise that praying to Him is loving Him. (…)

People are hungry for the Word of God that will give peace, that will give unity, that will give joy. But you cannot give what you don’t have. That’s why it is necessary to deepen your life of prayer. Be sincere in your prayers. Sincerity is humility and you acquire humility only by accepting humiliations.
All that has been said about humility, is not enough to teach you humility. All that you have read about humility, is not enough to teach you humility. You learn humility only by accepting humiliations. And you will meet humiliation all through your life. The greatest humiliation is to know that you are nothing. This you come to know, when you face God in prayer.

Often a deep and fervent look at Christ is the best prayer. I look at Him and He looks at me. When you come face to face with God, you cannot but know that you are nothing, that you have nothing.” … St Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) – No Greater Love

PRAYER – God our Father, help us to teach others about You by our example as well as our words. Teach us Lord to accept the humiliations we suffer, to take the lowest place, to offer our nothingness to You, that we may become like Your divine Son. May His Mother and ours, the Blessed Virgin Mary clothe us in her gentleness and humility. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity, amen. blessed virgin holy mother mary pray for us 14 oct 2018

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One Minute Reflection – 9 March – ‘O envious one, you injure yourself…’

Posted on March 9, 2020March 9, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 March – Monday of the Second Week of Lent, Year A, Readings: Daniel 9:4- 10, Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13, Luke 6:36-38 and the Memorial of St Pacian of Barcelona (c 310–391) Father of the Church.

“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 luke 6 37-38 judge not and you will not be judged 9 march 2020

REFLECTION – “O envious one, you injure yourself more than he whom you would injure and the sword with which you wound will recoil and wound yourself. What harm did Cain do to Abel? Contrary to his intention he did him the greatest good, for he caused him to pass to a better and a blessed life and he himself was plunged into an abyss of woe. In what did Esau injure Jacob? Did not his envy prevent him from being enriched in the place in which he lived and, losing the inheritance and the blessing of his
father, did he not die a miserable death? What harm did the brothers of Joseph do to Joseph, whose envy went so far as to wish to shed his blood? Were they not driven to the last extremity and well-nigh perishing with hunger, whilst their brother reigned all through Egypt? It is ever thus, the more you envy your brother, the greater good you confer upon him. God, who sees all, takes the cause of the innocent in hand and, irritated by the injury you inflict, deigns to raise up him whom you wish to lower and will punish you to the full extent of your crime. If God usually punishes those who rejoice at the
misfortunes of their enemies, how much more will He punish those who, excited by envy, seek to do an injury to those who have never injured them?”… Saint John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Church it is ever thus the more you envy your brother the greater good - st john chrysostom luke 6 36-38 9 march 2020

PRAYER – We beseech Your mercy Lord, let Your Spirit come upon us in power and fill us with His gifts, to render our minds and hearts pleasing to You and make us docile and merciful as Your Son has taught us. May our Lord Jesus, Your Son, guide us and may the prayers of St Pacian of Barcelona teach us Your precepts. Through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen. st pacian of barcelona pray for us 9 march 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 24 February – “I do believe, help my unbelief!”

Posted on February 24, 2020February 24, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 24 February – Monday of the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: : James 3:13-18, Psalm 19:8-10, 15, Mark 9:14-29 and the Memorial of Blessed Ascensión of the Heart of Jesus OP (1868-1940)

“I do believe, help my unbelief!” … Mark 9:25

REFLECTION – “Cast off doubt from yourself and do not hesitate at all to ask God for anything, or say in yourself, “How can I ask anything from the Lord and receive it, when I have sinned so much against Him?” Do not reason thus but turn to the Lord with your whole heart and ask of Him undoubtingly and you will come to know His great mercy, that He will not desert you but will fulfil the request of your soul. For God is not like us, who hold grudges but He is forgiving and feels pity for what He has made. So cleanse your heart of all the vanities of this world, of evil and sin and ask the Lord and you will receive everything, (…) if you ask the Lord without doubting.

But if you doubt in your heart, you will receive none of your requests. For those who doubt in their relation to God are the waverers and do not get any of their requests at all. (…) For anyone who wavers, if they do not repent, can be saved only with difficulty. So cleanse your heart of wavering and clothe yourself in faith, for it is strong and trust God that you will receive all that you ask for and if ever, when you have asked the Lord for something, you are somewhat slow in receiving it, do not doubt, because you did not receive your soul’s request quickly, for surely, it is on account of some temptation or some transgression of which you are unaware, that you are slow in getting what you asked for. So do not stop making your soul’s request (…) Beware of such wavering, for it is wicked and foolish and uproots many from the faith, even those who are very faithful and strong (…) Clothe yourself in strong and powerful faith, for faith promises all things and accomplishes all things but doubt distrusts itself and fails in everything it undertakes.” … St Hermas (2nd century) The Shepherd (*SEE NOTE ON ST HERMAS BELOW).

PRAYER – King of heaven and earth, Lord God, rule over our hearts and bodies this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed, according to the commandments of Your law. Grant us the grace of true faith and a steadfast trust, so that now and forever, Your grace may free and save us. May the prayers of all your saints and Blessed Ascension of the Heart of Jesus for her intercession, be a help to keep us ever strong in faith, hope and love. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God now and for all eternity, amen. bl ascensionof the heart of jesus pray for us 24 feb 2020

It has been written that St Hermas was one of the 72 followers mentioned in Luke 10 that Jesus sent out to preach. He was a well-to-do freedman and earnest Christian, who lived in Ancient Rome. He was the brother of Pope Pius I, Bishop of Rome about the middle of the 2nd century. Some later writers confuse him with Hermas of Dalmatia, mentioned in Romans 16:14. Hermas, the freedman, was the character and the author of the work titled The Shepherd of Hermas (or just The Shepherd), which, by some of the early Church fathers such as St Irenaeus, was sometimes classed among the canonical “Scriptures.”

Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers who are with them. ―Romans 16:14

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One Minute Reflection – 23 February – ‘The magna carta of Christian non-violence.’

Posted on February 23, 2020February 22, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 23 February – Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18, Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13, 1 Corinthians 3:16-23, Matthew 5:38-48

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” … Matthew 5:44 matthew-5-44-but-i-say-to-you-love-your-enemies-4-aug-2018

REFLECTION – “But what do his words mean? Why does Jesus ask us to love precisely our enemies, that is, a love which exceeds human capacities?
Actually, Christ’s proposal is realistic, because it takes into account that in the world there is too much violence, too much injustice and, therefore, that this situation cannot be overcome except by countering it with more love, with more goodness. This “more” comes from God, it is His mercy which was made flesh in Jesus and which alone can “tip the balance” of the world from evil to good, starting with that small and decisive “world” which is the human heart.
This Gospel passage is rightly considered the magna carta of Christian non-violence. It does not consist in succumbing to evil, as a false interpretation of “turning the other cheek” (cf. Lk 6: 29) claims but in responding to evil with good (cf. Rom 12: 17-21) and thereby breaking the chain of injustice.
One then understands that for Christians, non-violence is not merely tactical behaviour but a person’s way of being, the attitude of one who is so convinced of God’s love and power that, he is not afraid to tackle evil with the weapons of love and truth alone.
… Here is the newness of the Gospel which silently changes the world! Here is the heroism of the “lowly” who believe in God’s love and spread it, even at the cost of their lives.
Dear brothers and sisters, Lent, which will begin this Wednesday with the Rite of Ashes, is the favourable season in which all Christians are asked to convert ever more deeply to Christ’s love.
Let us ask the Virgin Mary, docile disciple of the Redeemer, who helps us to allow ourselves to be won over without reserve by that love, to learn to love as He loved us, to be merciful as Our Father in Heaven is merciful (cf. Lk 6: 36).” … Pope Benedict XVI – Angelus, St Peter’s Square, Sunday, 18 February 2007 matthew 5 44 but i say to you love your enemies this gospel passage magna carta - pope benedict 23 feb 2020

PRAYER – O Lord my God, give me the strength to endure with patience the sufferings I encounter in my life. Teach me to do my daily work for You alone and to do more than that in every way I can, for your greater glory. Teach me, Holy Father, to obey the words of Your Son, to pray for those who persecute me and to suffer for the glory of the Kingdom. May our Blessed and loving Mother, who had to bear the pain and forgive those who killed her Son, be at our side to help us to forgive, to pray for our enemies and offer our pain in reparation for our sins and those of the world. Amen mater dolorosa blessed virgin holy mother pray for us 23 feb 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 22 February – ‘Peter alone was chosen to stand at the head’

Posted on February 22, 2020February 22, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 February – The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Readings: 1 Peter 5:1-4, Psalm 23, Matthew 16:13-19

“Upon this rock I will build my church” … Matthew 16:18 matthew 16 18 upon this rock i will build my church 22 feb 2020 chair of st peter

REFLECTION – “Nothing escaped the wisdom and power of Christ, the elements of nature lay at His service, spirits obeyed Him, angels served Him. (…) And yet, out of all the world, Peter alone was chosen to stand at the head, for the calling of all the peoples and the oversight of all the apostles and Fathers of the Church. Thus, even though there are many priests and shepherds among the People of God, Peter governed them all in person, while Christ also governs them in the capacity of Head. (…)

The Lord asks all the apostles what people think of Him and they all say the same thing, so long as they are making known the doubts deriving from human ignorance. But when the Lord demands to know what the disciples themselves think, the first to confess the Lord is he who is the first in dignity of the apostles. As he had said: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus answers him: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” That is to say, blessed are you because my Father taught this to you. Earthly opinion has not led you astray but it is heavenly inspiration that has instructed you. It is not flesh and blood that enabled you to discover me but He, whose only Son I am.

“And so I say to you,” that is to say- just as my Father has manifested my divinity to you so I am making known your superiority to you. “You are Peter” namely, I am the unshakeable Rock, the Cornerstone who makes two peoples one (Eph 2:14), the foundation other than which, no-one can lay any other (1 Cor 3:11). But you also, you are rock, since you are impregnable by My strength and, what I have by virtue of My power, you have in common with Me, by the fact, that you participate in it. “On this rock I will build my Church” (…) On the firmness of this foundation, He says, will I build an everlasting temple and my Church, whose summit is to reach to heaven, will be raised on the strength of that faith.” … Saint Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church – 4th sermon for the Anniversary of his Consecration nothing escaped the wisdom and power of christ - 22 feb 2020 chari of st peter st pope leo the great

PRAYER – Holy Father, send Your Divine Enlightener into the hearts of all Your faithful, filling us with the strength to fulfil our mission as the followers of the Chair of St Peter. And most of all, we pray Lord Holy God, to inspire and light the way of our Holy Father, Francis. Sustain and guide him, keep him in health and strength, to lead Your people by the Light of the Way and the Truth. Holy Father, have mercy on us, Holy Spirit guide and lead us, Lord Jesus Christ be our intercessor and teacher, amen. st peter pope apostle martyr pray for us 22 feb 2020 chair of st peter

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One Minute Reflection – 21 February – ‘carrying His cross’

Posted on February 21, 2020February 21, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 February – Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: James 2:14-24, 26, Psalm 112:1-6, Mark 8:34–9:1 and the Memorial of Blessed Noel Pinot (1747-1794) Priest and Martyr

“He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” … Mark 8:34 mark 8 34 - whoever wishes to follow me must take up his cross - 21 feb 2020

REFLECTION – “What does this mean, “take up a cross”? It means he will bear with whatever is troublesome and in this very act he will be following me.
When he has begun to follow me, according to My teaching and precepts, he will find many people contradicting him and standing in his way, many who not only deride but even persecute him.
Moreover, this is true, not only of pagans who are outside the church but also of those, who seem to be in it visibly but are outside of it because of the perversity of their deeds.
Although these glory, in merely the title of Christian, they continually persecute faithful Christians.
Such belong to the members of the church in the same way, that bad blood is in the body.
Therefore, if you wish to follow Christ, do not delay in carrying His cross, tolerate sinners but do not yield to them.
Do not let the false happiness of the wicked corrupt you.
You do well to despise all things for the sake of Christ, in order that you may be fit for his companionship.” … St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) – (Sermons, 159) when he has begun to follow me - st caesarius of arles - 21 feb 2020

PRAYER – Holy Father, send Your Divine Enlightener into the hearts of all Your faithful, filling us with the strength to fulfil our mission as the followers of Your only Son, our Saviour and to take up our cross in His footsteps. Teach us and guide us, to deny ourselves for His sake. As the zealous, faithful and courageous shepherd Blessed Noel Pinot, died for love of Christ and His Church, may we and all our Priests, profit by his intercession and be strengthened in the face of all persecution. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen BL NOEL PINOT PRAY FOR US 21 FEB 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 20 February – ‘Do not be a friend to Jesus in times of peace alone…’

Posted on February 20, 2020February 20, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 February – Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: James 2:1-9, Psalm 34:2-7,Mark 8:27-33 and the Memorial of Saint Eucherius of Orléans (c 687-743)

“Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him” … Mark 8:32

REFLECTION – “We should not be ashamed of the cross of the Saviour but rather make it our glory.
“The message of the cross is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” but for us it is salvation. For those who are perishing it is foolishness but for us who are being saved it is the power of God” (cf. 1 Cor 1:18-24).
For it is no mere man who died but the Son of God, God made man.
In Moses’ days the lamb caused the destroying angel to pass over (cf. Ex 12:23) and has not “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29) set us even more free from our sins?

Not by force did He lose His life, not by might was He sacrificed but by His own will.
Hear what he said: “I have power to lay down my life and I have power to take it up again” (Jn 10:18). (…)
He came to His Passion of set will, happy in His exploit, laughing at His victory, satisfied to be saving us.
He was not ashamed of the cross because He was saving the whole earth. It was not some poor man who was suffering but God made man who entered the combat to win the prize of patience. (…)

Do not rejoice in the cross only in times of peace, preserve the same faith in times of persecution.
Do not be a friend to Jesus in times of peace alone, only to become His enemy in times of war.
You are now receiving forgiveness for your sins and the spiritual gifts lavishly bestowed by your king so, when war breaks out, fight valiantly for your king.
Jesus has been crucified for you, He who was without sin. (…)
It is not you who bestowed this grace on Him, for you first of all received it.
But you offer thanks to Him who paid the price by being crucified for you on Golgotha.” … St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)) – Father and Doctor of the Church – Baptismal catecheses nos. 13, 3.6.23 mark 8 32 then peter took him aside - do not rejoice in the cross only in times of peace - st cyril jerusalem 20 feb 2020

PRAYER – Lord of heaven and earth, by Your grace You have brought our hearts and mind to seek and hope in Your saving love, in Your only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. May we, who like Peter, our father in faith, declare, ‘You are the Christ!’, remain ever in His steps, carrying the cross behind Him. We thank You for the blessing of St Eucherius of Orléans, grant that, through his intercession, we may, like him, constantly follow the Light of Christ and so rise to eternal life. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen st eucherius of orleans pray for us 20 feb 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 18 February – ‘Spiritual schizophrenia’

Posted on February 18, 2020February 18, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 February – Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: James 1:12-18, Psalm 94:12-15, 18-19, Mark 8:14-21 and the Memorial of Saint Francis Regis Clet CM (1748-1820) Priest and Martyr

And he cautioned them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”…Mark 8:15

REFLECTION – “Jesus tells us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. That leaven is hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy is an internal division, you say one thing and do another. It is a sort of spiritual schizophrenia. Furthermore a hypocrite is a phoney – he seems good, courteous but he has a dagger behind him. A hypocrite is two-faced. He is a phoney. Jesus, speaking of these doctors of the law, affirms that they say one thing but do not do. This is another form of hypocrisy, it is existential nominalism – those who believe that, by saying things, everything is in order. No, things must be done, not just said. On the contrary, a hypocrite is a nominalist, he believes that everything is done with words. Moreover, a hypocrite is incapable of blaming himself, he never finds a smudge on himself, he blames others. Just think of the speck and the log, this is precisely how we can describe this leaven which is hypocrisy.
May the Lord give to us, to all of us, the Holy Spirit and the grace of the clarity to tell ourselves what is the leaven I grow with, which is the leaven I act with. Am I a just and transparent person or am I a hypocrite?”…Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 14 October 2016 mark-8-15-take-heed-beware-of-the-leaven-jesus-tells-us-pope-francis-19-feb-2019-no-2 and 18 feb 2020

PRAYER – God of mercy, teach us to live as You have ordained. Help us to follow Your commandments with courage and steadfast devotion. Let our Saviour be our master, help us to learn from Him, the ways of prayer in silence. Fill us with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that we may learn. Grant blessed Trinity, that by the prayers of St Francis Regis Clet, we may grow in holiness. Through Jesus our Lord, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen st francis regis clet pray for us 18 feb 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 17 February – ‘…Don’t wait for Tabor to “see” God’

Posted on February 17, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 February – Monday of the Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: James 1:1-11, Psalm 119:67-68, 71-72,75-76, Mark 8:11-13 and the Memorial of St Alexis Falconieri (13th century –1310) Priest, One of Seven Founders of the Servites

“Why does this generation seek a sign?” … Mark 8:12

REFLECTION – “Believing even in darkness – The Holy Spirit tells us: Do not let your mind succumb to temptation and sorrow, for joy of the heart is life for the soul. Sorrow is no good for anything and causes our spiritual death.

It happens sometimes that the darkness of trial overwhelms your soul’s heaven but this darkness is light!
Thanks to it, you believe even in darkness, the mind feels lost, it fears no longer being able to see, no longer understanding anything. But this is the moment when the Lord speaks and makes Himself present to the soul and the soul listens, understands and loves in the fear of God. So don’t wait for Tabor to “see” God when you are already contemplating Him on Sinai.

Progress in the joy of a sincere heart, that is wide open. And if it is impossible for you to keep that happiness, at least don’t lose courage and keep all your trust in God.” … Saint Pius of Pietralcina “Padre Pio” (1887-1968) mark 8 12 why does this generation seek a sign - dont wait for tabor - st padre pio 17 feb 2020

PRAYER – Almighty Lord and God, protect us by Your power throughout the course of this day, even as You have enabled us to begin it. Your grace is all that we need to see the loving kindness of Your Son, our Lord Jesus in all we meet. Do not let us turn aside from His path but by the faith You have granted us, let us find meaning in all, which is the sign of Your glory. Do not let us turn aside to sin and may the intercession of St Alexis Falconieri and the Seven Holy Founders of the Servites, grant us courage and peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, with the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen. st alexis falconieri 7 holy founders servites 17 feb 2020 pray for us 17 feb 2020

seven-holy-founders-pray-for-us-17-feb-2017 and 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 16 February – “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, (…) the people of God”

Posted on February 16, 2020February 15, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 February – The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Sirach 15:15-20 (16-21), Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Matthew 5:17-37 and the Memorial of Blessed Nicola Paglia OP (1197-1256) Priest

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfil” … Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – At all times and in every race God has given welcome to whosoever fears Him and does what is right (cf. Acts 10:35). God, however, does not make men holy and save them merely as individuals, without bond or link between one another. Rather has it pleased Him to bring men together as one people, a people which acknowledges Him in truth and serves Him in holiness. He, therefore, chose the race of Israel as a people unto Himself. With it He set up a covenant Step by step, He taught and prepared this people, making known in its history both Himself and the decree of His will and making it holy unto Himself.

All these things, however, were done by way of preparation and as a figure of that new and perfect covenant, which was to be ratified in Christ and of that fuller revelation which was to be given, through the Word of God Himself, made flesh. “Behold the days shall come saith the Lord and I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and with the house of Judah (. . ). I will give my law in their bowels and I will write it in their heart and I will be their God and they shall be my people (. . .) For all of them shall know Me, from the least of them even to the greatest, saith the Lord” (Jer 31:31f.) Christ instituted this new covenant, the new testament, that is to say, in His Blood, (1 Cor 11:25) calling together a people made up of Jew and gentile, making them one, not according to the flesh but in the Spirit. This was to be the new People of God (…) : “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, (…) the people of God” (1 Pt 2:9).

Israel according to the flesh, which wandered as an exile in the desert, was already called the Church of God. (2 Esd 13:1; Nb 20:4; Dt 23:1f.) So, likewise, the new Israel, which while living in this present age, goes in search of a future and abiding city (Heb 13:14) is called the Church of Christ. (Mt 16:18) For He has bought it for Himself with His blood, (Acts 20:28) has filled it with His Spirit and provided it with those means which befit it as a visible and social union. … Vatican Council II – Constitution on the Church “Lumen gentium”, # 9

PRAYER – Loving and merciful Father! In all our needs, even when we turn from You and cause You sorrow, You are there to help us! You grace us with garments of love to protect us from the evils which surround us. Bless us we pray, as we turn to You in pain and repentance and by the sufferings of Your divine Son Whom You sent to redeem us, grant us peace. May the prayers of Blessed Nicola Paglia, intercede in our strife as we make our way home to You. Through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen. bl nicola paglia pray for us 16 feb 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 14 February – “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”

Posted on February 14, 2020February 14, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 February – Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinay Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19, Psalm 81:10-15, Mark 7:31-37 and the Memorial of Blessed Vicente Vilar David (1889-1937) Martyr

“Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” … Mark 7:34

REFLECTION – “The Gospel relates the healing of a deaf-mute by Jesus. For Him, this clearly has to do with more than a physical disability. It is a parable for the people of Israel, who, in turn, represent all mankind.
As the prophets have said so often, Israel is hard of hearing when it comes to the Word of God, which, in turn, renders it incapable of giving a valid response.
Jesus does not make a spectacle out of His miracles.
Hence, He takes the sick man aside, seeking the middle line between entirely avoiding publicity and helping the people.
Physically touching both ears and tongue precedes His upward look toward the Father (in this miracle, the Father acts through Him) and His sign, which probably points to His having been filled with the Holy Spirit.
This trinitarian fullness, indicates that the prayer “Be opened!” speaks not only of physical healing but, of effective grace for Israel and for all mankind.” … Hans Cardinal Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988)

PRAYER – Almighty and merciful God, open the ears and eyes of our hearts and fill us with Your grace. May we follow You in holiness all the days of our lives. Grant we pray, that as You brought Your Martyr Blessed Vicente to overcome fearlessly, the persecutions of Your people, that we too may remain invincible under Your protection and by his prayers be strengthened against the snares of the enemy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. BL VICENTE VILAR DAVID PRAY FOR US 14 FEB 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 13 February – ‘…This hidden treasure.’

Posted on February 13, 2020February 12, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 February – Thursday of the Fifth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings11:4-13, Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37, 40, Mark 7:24-30 and the Memorial of Blessed Archangela Girlani (1460-1494)

“Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” … Mark 7:28

REFLECTION – “When she came up to Jesus the Canaanite woman just said these words: “Have pity on me” (Mt 15:22) and her repeated cries drew a large crowd of people. It was a touching sight to see this woman crying out with such great feeling, a mother pleading on behalf of her daughter, a child who was so severely possessed. (…) She didn’t say: “Have pity on my daughter” but “Have pity on me.” “My daughter is not aware of her plight but I, I experience sufferings in profusion, it makes me ill to see her in such a state, I am almost out of my mind at seeing her like this.” (…)

Jesus answered her: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ” (Mt 15:24) Now what did the Canaanite woman do when she heard these words? Did she lose heart? Not in the least! She urged him even more. This is not what we do when our prayers are not answered – we turn away in discouragement, whereas, we ought to be pleading even more insistently. Who, it is true, would not be discouraged by Jesus’ response? His silence would have been enough to take away all hope. (…) This woman, however, does not lose heart, on the contrary, she comes nearer to Him and bows to the ground, saying: “Lord, help me” (v.25) (…) If I am a little dog in this house then I am no longer a foreigner. I well know that food is necessary for children (…) but it cannot be forbidden to give away crumbs. They should not be refused me (…) because I am a little dog who cannot be pushed aside.”

It was because he foresaw her answer that Christ delayed to grant her prayer (…) His replies were not intended to cause this woman pain but, to reveal this hidden treasure.” … St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Church – Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, no.52, § 2 mark 7 28 yes lord but even the dogs - this woman does not lose heart - st john chrysostom 13 feb 2020

PRAYER – Lord support us as we pray, protect us day and night. Grant us the grace of total trust and teach us to hear Your Voice and do Your Will. May the prayers of Blessed Archangela Girlani (1460-1494), help us and strengthen us that we may grow in worthiness to receive Your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. BL ARCHANGELA GIRLANI PRAY FOR US 13 FEB 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 13 February – What is my treasure?

Posted on February 12, 2020February 12, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 February – Wednesday of the Fifth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings10:1-10, Psalm 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40, Mark7:14-23 and the Memorial of St Eulalia of Barcelona (c 290-c 303) Virgin and Martyr

And he said, “What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and they defile a man.” Mark 7:20-23

REFLECTION – “The boundary between good and evil does not pass outside of us but rather within us. We could ask ourselves: where is my heart? Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” What is my treasure? Is it Jesus, is it His teaching? If so, then the heart is good. Or is my treasure something else? Thus it is a heart which needs purification and conversion. Without a purified heart, one cannot have truly clean hands and lips which speak sincere words of love — it is all duplicitous, a double life — lips which speak words of mercy, of forgiveness but only a sincere and purified heart can do this.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 30 August 2015 mark-7-20-what-comes-out-of-a-man-the-boundary-between-good-and-evil-pope-francis-13feb2019 and 12 Feb 2020

PRAYER – God our Saviour, through the grace of Baptism, You made us children of light. Hear our prayer, that we may always walk in that light and work for truth, as Your witnesses before men. May our hearts be purified by You grace and may our hands and lips speak with sincere words of love. St Eulalia of Barcelona, child as you were, you bravely withstood all the assaults against Christ your Lord, with zeal and passion, please pray for us. We make our prayer, through Christ our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st eulalia pray for us 12 feb 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 11 February – …’He is seated upon an extremely valuable throne…’

Posted on February 11, 2020February 11, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 February – Tuesday of the Fifth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, Psalm 84:3-5, 10-11, Mark 7:1-13 and the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes

“This people honours me with their lips but their hearts are far from me” … Mark 7:6 mark 7 6 this people honours me with their lips but their hearts are far from me 11 feb 2020

REFLECTION – “Well, let us imagine that within us is an extremely rich palace, built entirely of gold and precious stones, in sum, built for a lord such as this. Imagine, too, as is indeed so, that you have a part to play, in order for the palace to be so beautiful, for there is no edifice as beautiful as is a soul pure and full of virtues. The greater the virtues the more resplendent the jewels.
Imagine, also, that in this palace dwells this mighty King who has been gracious enough to become your Father and, that He is seated upon an extremely valuable throne, which is your heart. (…)

You will laugh at me, perhaps and say that what I’m explaining is very clear and you’ll be right, for me, though, it was obscure for some time. I understood well that I had a soul. But what this soul deserved and who dwelt within it I did not understand because I had covered my eyes with the vanities of the world. For, in my opinion, if I had understood as I do now, that, in this little palace of my soul dwelt so great a King, I would not have left Him alone so often. I would have remained with Him at times and striven more so as not to be so unclean.
But what a marvellous thing, that He who would fill a thousand worlds and many more with His grandeur, would enclose Himself in something so small!” … St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church – The Way of Perfection, ch. 28, 9-11

PRAYER – Grant us, O merciful God, protection in our weakness, that we, who keep the Memorial of the Immaculate Mother of God, may, with the help of her intercession, rise up from our iniquities. Grant, we pray that our lives may be gifts to all those who cry out in pain. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever, amen. ou-lady-of-lourdes-pray-for-us-11-feb-2019 and 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 10 February – The more we believe, the more shall we receive!

Posted on February 10, 2020February 10, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 February – Monday of the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13, Psalm 132:6-10, Mark 6:53-56 and the Memorial of St Scholastica (c 482-547) Twin sister of St Benedict

“That they might touch only, the tassel on his cloak and as many as touched it were healed” … Mark 6:56

REFLECTION – “Jesus had planned a picnic for the tired apostles. What a picnic it turned out to be, for no sooner did they land at Gennesaret, than crowds recognised Him and ran to tell others about Him, so that wherever He went – to villages, towns or farms – they brought to Him the sick, lying on their mats and helped them to just touch the fringe of His cloak. This was profound personal faith, because all those who touched Him were cured. Such faith had to be fully and suitably blessed and rewarded.
Faith is not merely a series of formulae which we profess, nor is faith a bundle of pious practices.
Faith is touching and being touched by Jesus.
The more we believe, the more shall we receive!” … Msgr Alex Rebello – Wrexham, Wales – Daily Reflections 2020 mark 6 56 that they might touch onl;y the tassle on his cloak-faith is not - bible diary 10 feb 2020

PRAYER – O God, that You created the universe so wondrously but more wondrously you created redemption. To Your divine Son, who came to repair us and lead us to You, to take on our pain and heal us of our sin, we turn in trust and wonder and touch Him. May the prayers of St Scholastica help us to grow in faith. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st-scholastica-pray-for-us 10 feb 2017

CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 February – ‘For the heart is then illumined by Jesus.’

Posted on February 9, 2020February 8, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 February – Fifth Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Isaiah 58:7-10, Psalm 112:4-9, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth …you are the light of the world…” …Matthew 5:13,16

REFLECTION – “Just as salt seasons our bread and other food and keeps certain meats from spoiling for quite a time, so the spiritual sweetness and marvellous working which result from the guarding of the intellect effect something similar. For in a divine manner they season and sweeten both the inner and the outer self, driving away the stench of evil thoughts and keeping us continually in communion with good thoughts. Many of our thoughts come from demonic provocation and from these derive our evil outward actions. If, with the help of Jesus, we instantly quell the thought, we will avoid its corresponding outward action. We will enrich ourselves with the sweetness of divine knowledge and so will find God, who is everywhere.

Holding the mirror of the intellect firmly towards God, we will be illumined constantly as pure glass is by the sun. Then the intellect, having reached the term of its desires, will, in Him, cease from all other contemplation. (…) Just as he who looks at the sun cannot but fill his eyes with light, so he who always gazes intently into his heart, cannot fail to be illumined. (…) When clouds are scattered, the air is clear and when the fantasies of passion are scattered by Jesus Christ, the Sun of righteousness, bright and star-like thoughts are born in the heart. For the heart is then illumined by Jesus.” … St Hesychios the Sinaite (c 5th century), Monk of the monastery at Vatos on Mount Sinai -sometimes identified with Hesychios of Jerusalem, Priest – Chapters “On watchfulness and holiness”, nos. 87, 88, 108 – St Hesychios the Sinaite’s Liturgical Memorial is on 3 October). matthew5 13 16 you are salt ofthe earth you are the light of the world st hesychios 9 feb 2020

PRAYER – All-powerful, eternal God, splendour of true light and never-ending day, let our striving for Your kingdom not fall short through selfishness or fear, may the universe be alive with the Spirit and our homes be the pledge of the world redeemed. May our eyes see and our hearts have compassion, to all those who need us. May the intercession of our Holy Mother and all the saints, be a strength and a comfort. Through Jesus, our compassionate and loving Redeemer, with the Holy Spirit, one God with You forever, amen. mother mary pray for us - 5 oct 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SILENCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 February – If you wish to come and find Me, seek me aside.

Posted on February 8, 2020February 8, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 February – Saturday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Tme, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 3:4-13, Psalm 119:9-14, Mark 6:30-34 and the Memorial of Blessed Maria Esperanza de Jesus (1893-1983)

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile” … Mark 6:31

REFLECTION – “If you wish to come and find Me, seek me aside. As Mark says: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile. People were coming and going in great numbers and they had no opportunity even to eat.” (Mk 6:31).
Alas, such are the passions of the flesh and the turmoil of thoughts coming and going in our hearts that we have no time to eat the food of everlasting sweetness nor perceive the taste of interior contemplation. That is why our Lord says: “Come away” from the noisy crowd “to a deserted place,” to solitude of mind and heart, “and rest awhile.” For truly, as the book of Revelation says: “There will be silence in heaven for about half an hour” (Rv 8:1); and in the Psalm: “Who will give me wings like a dove that I might fly away and find rest” (Ps 54[55]:7 LXX).
But let us listen to what the prophet Hosea says: “I will seduce her and lead her into the wilderness and I will speak to her heart” (cf. Hos 2:16 Vg). These three expressions: seduce, lead into the wilderness, speak to her heart, represent the three stages of the spiritual life – the beginning, development and perfection. The Lord seduces the beginner when He enlightens him with His grace so that he may grow and progress from virtue to virtue. Then he leads him aside from the din of the vices and disordered thoughts into peace of spirit. Finally, once guided to perfection, God speaks to his heart. Then the soul experiences the sweetness of divine inspiration and can surrender totally to joy of spirit.
What depth of devotion, of wonderment and happiness in his heart! By devotion he is raised above himself, through wonder he is led above himself, through happiness he is transported out of himself.” … St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church – Sermon for the feast of Saint John the Evangelist mark 6 31 come away by yourselves and rest - if you wish to find me seek me aside - st anthony of padua 8 feb 2020

PRAYER – All-powerful, eternal God, splendour of true light and never-ending day, let our striving for Your kingdom not fall short through selfishness or fear, may the universe be alive with the Spirit and our homes be the pledge of the world redeemed. May our eyes see and our hearts have compassion, to all those who need us. May the intercession of our Holy Mother, Bl Esperanza de Jesus and all the saints, be a strength and a comfort. Through Jesus, our compassionate and loving Redeemer, with the Holy Spirit, one God with You forever, amen. bl esperanza de jesus pray for us 8 feb 2020

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY, St JOHN the BAPTIST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 February – ‘Learn to think and live like a Christian.’

Posted on February 7, 2020February 7, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 February – Friday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Sirach 47:2-11 (2-13), Psalm 18:31, 47, 50-51, Mark 6:14-29 and the Memorial of Bl Alfredo Cremonesi PIME (1902-1953) Priest and Martyr

“He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother.” … Mark 6:28

REFLECTION – “In what way, then, was this just man harmed by this demise, this violent death, these chains, this imprisonment? Who are those he did not set back on their feet — provided they had a penitent disposition — because of what he spoke, because of what he suffered, because of what he still proclaims in our own day — the same message he preached while he was living. Therefore, do not say: “Why was John allowed to die?” For what occurred was not a death but a crown, not an end but the beginning of a greater life.

Learn to think and live like a Christian. You will not only remain unharmed by these events but will reap the greatest benefits.” … St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor – On the Providence of God, 22.

PRAYER – Father of mercy, You chose Blessed Alfredo Cremonesi to be a father to orphans in their need. Grant that through his prayer, we may keep faithfully the spirit of sonship, by which we are not only called but really are Your children. Help us to imitate his love and faith, manifesting by our commitment to Your commandments, our true faith. May we be filled with strength and grace as we face persecution and animosity in Your service. We make our prayer through Jesus, our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen bl alfredo cremonesi pray for us 7 feb 2020

CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, Lady POVERTY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 February – ‘Follow the humility and the poverty of our Lord Jesus’

Posted on February 6, 2020February 6, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 February – Thursday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, Responsorial psalm 1 Chronicles 29:10-12, Mark 6:7-13 and the Memorial of St Francesco Spinelli (1853-1913)

He charged them to take nothing for their journey...Mark 6:8

REFLECTION – The Lord commands us in the Gospel: “Watch, be on your guard against all malice and greed” (cf. Lk 12:15). “Guard yourselves against the preoccupations of this world and the cares of this life” (cf. Mt 6:25; Lk 21:34). Therefore, none of the brothers, wherever he may be, or wherever he goes, should in any way carry, receive, or have received either money or coins, whether for clothing or books or payment for any work-indeed, for no reason-unless it is for the evident need of the sick brothers, for we must not suppose that money or coins have any greater value than stones. And the devil would like to blind those who desire it or consider it better than stones. Therefore, let us who have left all things behind, take care, that we do not lose the kingdom of heaven for so little (cf. Mt 19:27; Mk 10:24.28). And if we were to find coins in any place, let us give them no more thought than the dust which we crush with our feet, for all this is “vanity of vanities and all is vanity” (Eccl 1:2).

All the brothers should strive to follow the humility and the poverty of our Lord Jesus Christ (…). And they must rejoice when they live among people who are considered to be of little worth and who are looked down upon, among the poor and the powerless, the sick and the lepers and the beggars by the wayside. And when it may be necessary, let them go for alms. And they should not be ashamed but rather, recall that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living and all-powerful God (…) was a poor man and a transient and lived on alms, He and the Blessed Virgin and His disciples.” … St Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) – Founder of the Friars Minor – Earlier Rule, §8-9 he charged them to take nothing for the journey - therefore none of the brothers - st francis of assisi 6 feb 2020

PRAYER – Grant us Lord, a true knowledge of salvation so that, freed from fear and from the power of our foes, we may serve You, unhampered by any worldly ties, trusting only in Your loving and guiding hand. Help us to give our hearts, minds, bodies, our all to You, serving faithfully all the days of our life. May the prayers of St Francesco Spinelli, Your faithful servant, give us strength. We make our prayer, through our Lord Jesus with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st francesco spinelli pray for us 6 feb 2020

ONE Minute REFLECTION, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 February – ‘…The scandal of the Incarnation’

Posted on February 5, 2020February 5, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 February – Wednesday of the Fourth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17, Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7, Mark 6:1-6 and the Memorial of St Philip of Jesus (1572-1597) Martyr

“Is not this the carpenter?”…Mark 6:3

REFLECTION – “According to the people of Nazareth, God is too great to humble Himself to speak through such a simple man! It is the scandal of the Incarnation – the unsettling event of a God made flesh, who thinks with the mind of a man, works and acts with the hands of a man, loves with a human heart, a God who struggles, eats and sleeps like one of us.
The Son of God overturns every human framework – it is not the disciples who washed the feet of the Lord but, it is the Lord who washed the feet of the disciples (cf. Jn 13:1-20). This is a reason for scandal and incredulity, not only in that period but in all ages, even today.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 8 July 2018 mark-6-3-is-not-this-the-carpenter-the-son-of-god-overturns-pope-francis-6feb2019 and 5 feb 2020

PRAYER – Lord God, source of strength and grace, grant us eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to love the Word of Your Son. Make us recognise Your Son in our daily lives and be generous in sharing our faith to all we meet. Grant, we pray, that the prayers of St Philip of Jesus, may help us to manifest zeal and courage. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in unity with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st philip of jesus pray for us 5 feb 2020

CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on IGNORANCE, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 February – “The child is not dead but asleep”

Posted on February 4, 2020February 4, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 February – Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30–19:3, Psalm 86:1-6, Mark 5:21-43 and the Memorial of St John de Britto SJ (1647-1693) Martyr

“The child is not dead but asleep” … Mark 5:39

REFLECTION -“My dear young people, the future depends on you, the completion of this millennium and beginning of another depend on you. So do not be passive, assume your responsibilities in every area that opens itself up to you in this world. (…) Take up your responsibilities! Inspired by faith in the Lord “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Pet 3:15) (…) What is the reason for your confidence? Your faith, recognition and acceptance of the tremendous love God is constantly showing towards humankind.(…) Jesus Christ, “the same today, yesterday and forever” (Heb 13:8), continues to show to all young people the same love the Gospel describes when he met up with a young man or woman.

So we can contemplate the raising of Jairus’ daughter who “was twelve years old” (…) Jairus frankly exposes his anguish to the Master, he earnestly beseeches his heart: “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay hands on her that she may get well and live”. “Jesus went off with him”. The heart of Christ, which is moved before this man and his daughter’s human suffering, cannot remain heedless before our suffering. Christ always hears us but He asks us to turn to Him with faith (…). The Lord’s every gesture and word express this love.

I would like especially to pause over the words drawn from Jesus’ own lips: “The child is not dead but asleep”. These words that are so deeply illuminating, prompt me to think of the mysterious presence, of the Lord of life, in a world that appears to have succumbed to the shameless promptings of hate, violence and injustice. Yet, no, this world of yours is not dead but sleeps. In your hearts, dear young people, we perceive the strong beat of life and the love of God. Youth is not dead when it is close to the Master. Yes, when it is close to Jesus, you are all close to Jesus. Listen to all His words, every word, each one. Young people, love Jesus, seek Jesus, meet Jesus.” … Saint John Paul II (1920-2005), Pope from 1978 to 2005 – Speech to the youth of Chile, 02/04/1987

PRAYER – Increase in us, O Lord, the gift of faith, so that we may arise and offer our praise to You and by Your grace, yield fruit from heaven, for the glory of Your Kingdom. Lord God, may St John de Britto, who became precious in Your sight through his pure life and valiant martyrdom, plead for our forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ, Your divine Son, in unity with the Spirit, one God forever. St John de Britto, pray for us, amen. st john de britto pray for us 4 feb 2019

CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 February – ‘We must be burning with love…’

Posted on February 2, 2020February 1, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 2 February – The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Readings: Malachi 3:1-4, Psalm 24:7-10, Hebrew 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40 and the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God ..… Luke 2:27-28 luke 2 27 28 and inspired by the spirit he came into the temple - presentatio of the lord2 feb 2020

REFLECTION – “Your lamps must be burning in your hands” (Lk 12:35). By this outward sign let us remind ourselves of the joy of Simeon carrying the Light in his hands (…) We must be burning with love and radiant with good deeds and so take up Christ in our hands with Simeon (…) Let us discuss this charming custom of the Church of bearing lights aloft on this feast day (…) Could anyone hold up a lighted candle in his hands on this day, without at once remembering that old man, who on this same day, took up in his arms Jesus, God’s Word, clothed in flesh like a candle-flame clothed in wax and affirmed Him to be “the Light which would be a beacon for the Gentiles.” Surely he was that “burning and radiant lamp” (Jn 5:35; 1,7) which bore witness to the light. For this purpose he came in the Spirit, who had filled him, into the temple that he might “receive, O God, your loving-kindness in the midst of your temple” (Ps 48[47]:10) and declare him to be loving-kindness indeed and the light of your own people.

Truly, O holy Simeon, in the quiet contentment of old age you carried this light not simply in your hands but in the very dispositions of your heart. You were like a lamp-standard, seeing so clearly how much the Gentiles would one day be lit up, while reflecting (…) the bright rays of our faith. Old, yet still sincere, you can now be happy, in that, you really see what once you but foresaw. Gone is the world’s gloom, “the Gentiles bask in this light of yours,” “the whole earth is full of his glory” (Is 60:3; 6:3).” … Blessed Guerric of Igny O.Cist. (c 1080-1157) Cistercian abbot we must be burning with love ...and so take up christ in our hands like simeon bl guerric 2 feb 2020

PRAYER – May the Lord renew in you and in all consecrated people each day the joyful response to His freely given and faithful love. Dear brothers and sisters, like lighted candles, always and everywhere shine with the love of Christ, Light of the world. May Mary Most Holy, the consecrated Woman, help you to live to the full, your special vocation and mission in the Church for the world’s salvation. And may we all follow our Lord in obedience. Amen! … Pope Francis world-day-consecrated-life-2018-2-feb-2018 AND 2 FEB 2020

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on VIOLENCE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 February – So awaken Christ, remember Christ, may Christ awaken in you. Think of Him.

Posted on February 1, 2020February 1, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 1 February – Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time, Year A , Readings: 2 Sm 12:1-7A, 10-17, Psalm 51(50),12-13.14-15.16-17, Mk 4:35-41 and the Memorial of Blessed Luigi Variara SDB (1875-1923)

And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion … Mark 4:37-38

REFLECTION – “With the Lord’s grace, I am going to talk to you about today’s gospel. With God’s help, I also want to encourage you not to let faith sleep in your hearts in the midst of the storms and swells of this world. Without any doubt, the Lord Jesus Christ exercised His power over sleep, no less than over death and, when He was sailing on the lake, the Almighty could not succumb to sleep, if He did not want to do so. If you think He did not have this power, it is because Christ is asleep in you. If on the contrary, Christ is awake in you, your faith is also awake. The apostle Paul said: “May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Eph 3:17)

So Christ’s sleep is the sign of a mystery. The people in the boat represent the souls that go through the life of this world on the wood of the cross. Furthermore, the boat is a figure of the Church. Yes, truly, all the faithful are temples where God dwells and the heart of each one of them, is a boat sailing on the sea. It cannot go down if the mind maintains good thoughts. You have been insulted, it is the wind that is whipping you. You became angry, it is the rising tide. Thus, when the wind is whistling and the tide is rising, the boat is in danger. Your heart is in danger, it is shaken by the waves. The insult aroused in you, the desire for vengeance. And you took vengeance, thus giving way to the fault of another and you were shipwrecked. Why? Because Christ went to sleep in you, that is to say, you forgot Christ. So awaken Christ, remember Christ, may Christ awaken in you. Think of Him.” … St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo and Father & Doctor of the Church – Sermon 63, 1-3 mark 37-38 and a great storm of wind arose - so christ's sleep is a mystery - st augustine 1 feb 2020 -

PRAYER – Waken us holy Lord, to Your presence in us, with us, now and forever. Open our eyes to see Your presence and our ears to hear Your voice. Teach us that You are always with us and Your presence is all we need to survive the storms and the winds of this world. For You, just You, are our rock and our foundation, our ship and our harbour. Grant that the prayers of Blessed Luigi Variara and all Your saints may serve to remind us of Your love and power. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. bl luigi variara 1 feb2020 pray for us

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