ONE Minute REFLECTION – Page 56

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One Minute Reflection – 21 September – “Follow me”

Posted on September 21, 2019September 21, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist- Today’s Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

“Follow me”.. Matthew 9:9 matthew 9 9 the calling of matthew follow me 21 sept 2019

REFLECTIONS – “Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office and he said to him: “Follow me.” He looked at him not with the eyes of the body but rather with the eye of interior pity. He saw a tax collector, and since He looked at him in pity and choosing him as a disciple, He said: “Follow me.” ‘Follow’ meant ‘imitate’ – not by the movement of his feet but rather by a change of life. For whoever says he is following Christ “ought himself to walk as Christ walked” (cf 1Jn ).

“Matthew rose and followed him.” It is not to be wondered at that the tax collector should leave the earthly gains he was looking after at the first command of the Lord and that, abandoning riches, he should join the company of Him who, he saw, had no wealth. For the Lord, who outwardly called him with words, through a hidden instinct secretly taught him to follow Him. By the gift of divine grace the Lord enlightened his mind to understand that He who on earth called him away from temporal interests, could in heaven give incorruptible treasures (cf Mt 6,20).

“And as Jesus sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.” The conversion of one tax collector provided an example of penance and forgiveness to many tax collectors and sinners. In a wonderful and true sign of the future, he who was to become the apostle and teacher of the gentiles, brought with him to salvation, a multitude of sinners in the first moments of his conversion!” ... Saint Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father & Doctor of the Church – Homilies on the gospels I, 21 ; CCL 122, 149 st bede - in a wonderful and true sign of the future - the calling os st matthew 21 sept 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord, You showed Your great mercy to Matthew the tax-gatherer by calling him to become Your Apostle. Supported by his prayer and example, may we always answer Your call and live in close union with You. We make our prayer, in union with God our Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. St Matthew, Apostle of Christ, pray for us, amen. st matthew pray for us - 21 sept 2018.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 20 September – The feminine “genius”

Posted on September 20, 2019September 20, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 September – Friday of the Twenty Fourth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 8:1–3 and the Memorial of Saint Jose Maria de Yermo y Parres (1851–1904)

And the twelve were with him and also some women … Luke 8:1-2

REFLECTION – “If you knew the gift of God” (Jn 4:10), Jesus says to the Samaritan woman during one of those remarkable conversations which show His great esteem for the dignity of women and for the vocation which enables them to share in His messianic mission… The Church desires to give thanks to the Most Holy Trinity for the “mystery of woman” and for every woman – for that which constitutes the eternal measure of her feminine dignity, for the “great works of God”, which throughout human history have been accomplished in and through her. After all, was it not in and through her that the greatest event in human history – the incarnation of God Himself – was accomplished?

Therefore, the Church, gives thanks for each and every woman – for mothers, for sisters, for wives, for women consecrated to God in virginity, for women dedicated to the many human beings who await the gratuitous love of another person, for women who watch over the human persons in the family, which is the fundamental sign of the human community, for women who work professionally and who at times are burdened by a great social responsibility…

The Church gives thanks for all the manifestations of the feminine “genius” which have appeared in the course of history, in the midst of all peoples and nations, she gives thanks for all the charisms which the Holy Spirit distributes to women in the history of the People of God… The Church asks at the same time that these invaluable “manifestations of the Spirit” (cf. 1 Cor 12:4ff)… may be attentively recognised and appreciated so that they may return, for the common good of the Church and of humanity.” … St John Paul II (1920-2005) – Apostolic Letter « Mulieris dignitatem /The Dignity of women» # 31 luke 8 1-2 and the twelve were with him and also some women - the church gives thanks st john paul 20 sept 2019

PRAYER – Lord God, bestow a full measure of Your grace upon Your children, all Your men and women who gather together to thank you and bless you. As Your work within us to keep us in the path of Your commandments, may we receive consolation in this present life and eternal joy in the next. You gave us Saint Jose Maria Parres to protect and assist all in need of help, grant that by his prayer, all may be comforted in their need and may our precious Holy Mother, the icon of all womanhood, accompany us on our journey. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, amen st jose maria parres pray for us 20 sept 2019 MARY MOTHER OF GOD PRAY FOR US - 1 jan 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 19 September – ‘Salvation enters the heart, only when we open the heart’

Posted on September 19, 2019September 19, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 19 September – Thursday of the Twenty-fourth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 7:36–50 and The Feast of Our Lady of La Salette

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much”….Luke 7:47 luke 7 47 her sins which are many are forgiven - 19 sept 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “At this point, an even greater amazement falls on all those at table: “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” (v.49). Jesus does not give an explicit answer but the conversion of the sinful women stands before everyone’s eyes and shows that in Him shines forth the power of God’s mercy, capable of transforming hearts.

The sinful woman teaches us the link between faith, love and gratitude. Her “many sins” were forgive her and therefore she loves much, “but he who is forgiven little, loves little” (v. 47). Even Simon has to admit that the one who has been forgiven more, loves more. God has enclosed everyone in the mystery of mercy and from this love, which always goes before us, all of us learn to love. As St Paul reminds us: “In Christ, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he has lavished upon us” (Eph. 1:7-8). In this text, the word “grace” is practically synonymous with mercy and is called “lavish,” that is, beyond our expectations, for it carries out God’s saving plan for each of us. … Salvation enters the heart, only when we open the heart, in the truth of our sins.” … Pope Francis 18 September 2014 (“Pope Francis” painting by Natalia Tsarkova) salvation-enters-the-heart-only-when-we-pope-francis-20-sept-2018

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 faithfully in love and sorrow for our sins. May we, through the love You grant us, extend our love to all we meet and may the tears of the Holy Virgin of Reconciliation, not reject our prayers but intercede for us, obtain for us the grace to love our Lord Jesus above all else. May we console you by a holy life and so come to share the eternal life Christ gained by His Cross. Our Lady of La Salette, pray for us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, God forever,amen. our-lady-of-salette-pray-for-us19 sept 2017

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One Minute Reflection – 18 September – “How long are we going to put off obeying Christ..?” St Basil the Great

Posted on September 18, 2019September 18, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 September – Wednesday of the Twenty Fourth week in Ordinary Tim, Year C, Gospel: Luke 7:31–35 and the Memorial of St Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663)

“To what then shall I compare the men of this generation and what are they like? “…Luke 7:31

REFLECTION – “How long are we going to put off obeying Christ, who calls us into His heavenly Kingdom? Aren’t we going to purify ourselves? Won’t we resolve to forsake our customary way of life to follow the Gospel radically?… We claim to want the Kingdom of God yet without bothering to concern ourselves with the means of obtaining it.

What is more, in the conceitedness of our souls, without taking the least trouble to obey the Lord’s commandments, we think ourselves worthy to receive the same reward as those who have resisted sin to the death! But how could anyone sit and sleep at home during the time of sowing and then gather sheaves by the armful at harvest? Who has ever brought in the grapes without having planted and tended the vine? Fruit is for those who have toil, rewards and crowns for those who have conquered. Has anyone ever crowned an athlete who did not even strip to fight his opponent? And yet, not only must we win but we must also “fight according to the rules”, as the apostle Paul says, that is to say according to the commandments we have been given…

God is good but He is also just… “The Lord loves justice and right” (Ps 32:5), that is why, “of kindness and judgement I will sing” (Ps 100:1)… See how wisely the Lord exercises kindness. He is not gracious without consideration, nor does He judge without mercy for, “gracious is the Lord and just” (Ps 115:5). So don’t underestimate God – His love for men should not become a pretext for negligence on our part.” … St Basil the Great (329-379) Father & Doctor of the Church – Longer monastic Rules, prologue

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to be holy in the way that You have laid out for me. Let me carry out my duties of my state of life to the full and grant me the grace to carry my crosses in honour of You. Only in You may I attain holiness, learning to give myself, my will, my heart and my soul only to You. St Joseph of Cupertino, you who were so disadvantaged, achieved by the grace of God, sanctity in this life and now behold His Face through all eternity. We ask for your intercession, through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-joseph-of-cupertino-pray-for-us-18 sept 2017.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 18 September – “Arise! “

Posted on September 17, 2019September 17, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 September – Today’s Gospel: Luke 7:11–17, Tuesday of the Twenty Fourth week in Ordinary Time, Year C and the Memorial of Saint Zygmunt Szcesny Felinski (1822-1895)

And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”... Luke 7:14b and 17 sept 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “God wants us to stand upright. He created us to be on our fee,: for this reason, Jesus’ compassion leads to that gesture of healing, to heal us, of which the key phrase is: “Arise! Stand up, as God created you!”. Standing up. “But Father, we fall so often” — “Onward, arise!”. This is Jesus’ word, always. His word revives us, gives us hope, refreshes weary hearts, opens us to a vision of the world and of life which transcends suffering and death” .…Pope Francis – General audience, 10 August 2016 young-man-i-say-to-arise-luke-7-14b-pope-francis-god-wants-us-to-stand-upright-18-sept-2018 and 17 sept 2019

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help us to be holy in the way that You have laid out for us. Let us stand upright and carry out my duties of our state of life to the full. Only in You may we attain holiness, learning to give ourself, our will, our heart and to You. Keep us ever faithful to Your precepts and bring us to Your home, to look upon Your Face. May the prayers of Your saints assist us on our journey. In your untiring life of trust in God, St Zygmunt Felinksi, you sought to make Him the goal of all and the love of all, please pray that we may imitate your zeal and love. We ask all this through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st zygmunt felinski 17 sept 2019 pray for us.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 16 September – I am not worthy to have you come under my roof …

Posted on September 16, 2019September 16, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 September – Monday of the Twenty-fourth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 7:1-10 and the Memorial of St Pope Cornelius and St Cyprian of Carthage, Martyrs

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, therefore, I did not presume to come to you. But say the word and let my servant be healed.”…Luke7:6b-7

REFLECTION – “This man was a pagan, for the Jewish people were occupied by the Imperial Roman army at that time. So it was as a centurion in Judaea that he was commanding his soldiers…
But our Lord, although he was in the midst of the people of Judaea, was already talking about the Church being spread all over the earth wherever His apostles were to be sent (Mt 8:11). Indeed, the gentiles believed in Him without having see Him… Our Lord did not physically enter the centurion’s house and, even though absent in body, He was present in majesty and healed both that house and its faith. Similarly, our Lord stood physically only amongst the people of Judaea – other peoples did not see His being born of a virgin, or suffering, or walking, or subject to the condition of human nature, or carrying out divine miracles. None of these things were done amongst the gentiles and yet it was amongst them that what was said about Him was fulfilled: “A people I did not know have served me.” In what way did they serve Him? The Psalm continues: “As soon as they heard me, they obeyed me” (Ps 18[17]:44-45).”…St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Lord God and holy Father, guard our faith we pray and grace us with Your mercy. Keep us every faithful to Your precepts and bring us to Your home, to look upon Your Face. May the prayers of Your saints assist us on our journey. In your untiring life of trust in God, Sts Cornelius and Cyprian, you sought to make Him the goal of all and the love of all, please pray that we may imitate your zeal and love. We ask all this through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. sts-cornelius-and-cyprian-pray-for-us-16-sept-2017

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One Minute Reflection – 15 September – He was lost and has been found.

Posted on September 15, 2019September 14, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 September – Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 15:1–32 and the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.’ ... Luke 15:6

luke 15 6 rejoice with me for I have found my sheep - 28 june 2019 sacred heart.jpg

REFLECTION – “Since man’s weakness is incapable of maintaining a firm step in this changing world, the good doctor shows you a remedy against going astray and the merciful judge does not withhold hope of forgiveness. It is not without reason that Saint Luke put forward three parables in succession – the sheep who strayed and was found again; the coin that was lost and found; the son who died and came back to life. This is so that this threefold remedy will urge us to take care of our wounds… The weary sheep is brought back by the shepherd, the lost coin is found, the son turns back and returns to his father, repenting of his waywardness…

Let us rejoice, then, in that this sheep, which went astray in Adam, has been raised up again in Christ. Christ’s shoulders are the arms of the cross, there it is that I have laid down my sins, on that gallows I have found my rest. This “sheep” is one according to its nature but not in personality, since all form a single body composed of many in members. That is why it is written: “You are Christ’s body and individually parts of it,” (1Cor 12:27). “The Son of Man has come to save what was lost” (Lk 19:10), that is to say everyone, since “just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life” (1Cor 15:22)…

Nor, is it irrelevant, that the woman rejoices to have found her coin – it is no small thing, this coin on which is portrayed the image of a prince. In the same way, the good of the Church is the image of the King. We are sheep, let us then pray the Lord to lead us to restful waters (Ps 22[23]:2). We are sheep, let us ask for pasture. We are the coin, let us keep our value. We are sons, let us run to the Father.” … St Ambrose (340-397) – Bishop of Milan, Father & Doctor of the Church – On St Luke’s Gospel, 7, 207 (SC 52)

PRAYER – Look upon us Lord, creator and ruler of the whole world, grant us the grace to serve You with all our heart, that we may come to know, the power of Your forgiveness and love. Our Father, when Jesus Your Son, was raised up on the Cross, it was Your will that Mary, His Mother, should stand there and suffer with Him in her heart. Grant that in union with her, the Church may share in the passion of Christ and so be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Be our intercessor and our consolation, Our Lady of Sorrows! We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen. you-holy-mother-of-sorrows-smile-upon-us-and-pray-for-us-15-sept-2018.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 14 September – O cross, You are the Glorious Sign of Victory.

Posted on September 14, 2019September 13, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Gospel: John 3:13–17

“…And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”…John 3:14-15 and-as-moses-lifted-up-john-3-14-15-14-sept-2018

REFLECTION – “We are celebrating the feast of the cross which drove away darkness and brought in the light… Had there been no cross, Christ could not have been crucified. Had there been no cross, Life Itself could not have been nailed to the tree. And if Life had not been nailed to it, they would be no streams of immortality pouring from Christ’s side, blood and water for the world’s cleansing. The legal bond of our sin would not be cancelled, we should not have obtained our freedom, we should not have enjoyed the fruit of the tree of life and the gates of paradise would not stand open. Had there been no cross, death would not have been trodden underfoot, nor hell despoiled… The cross is called Christ’s glory, it is saluted as His triumph.”….St Andrew of Crete (650-740)

PRAYER – O God, who willed that Your Only Begotten Son should undergo the Cross to save the human race, grant, we pray, that we, who have known His mystery on earth, may merit the grace of His redemption in heaven. For You placed the salvation of the human race on the wood of the Cross, so that, where death arose, life might again spring forth and the evil one, who conquered on a tree, might likewise on a tree be conquered through Christ. O cross, You are the glorious sign of victory. Through your power may we share in the triumph of Christ Jesus. We adore you Christ and we praise you, for by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world. Amen

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One Minute Reflection – 13 September – “Then you will see clearly”

Posted on September 13, 2019September 13, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 September – Friday of the Twenty third week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 6:39–42 and the Memorial of St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Church

“Then you will see clearly” … Luke 6:42

REFLECTION –
“O Lord, drive away the darkness from our minds
with the light of Your wisdom,
so that enlightened in this way
we may serve You with renewed purity.
The beginning of the sun’s passage through the sky
marks the beginning of the working-day for us mortals,
we ask You, Lord, to prepare in our minds
a place where the day that knows no end may give its light.

Grant that we may have within us, this light,
the life of the resurrection,
and that nothing may take away our delight in You.
Mark us with the sign of that day that does not begin
with the movement and the course of the sun,
by keeping our minds fixed on You.

In your sacraments we welcome You every day
and receive You in our bodies.
Make us worthy to experience within us
the resurrection for which we hope.
Be the wings for our thoughts, O Lord,
Drawing us lightly to the heights
And bearing us up to our true home.

By the grace of baptism we conceal within our bodies
the treasure of Your divine life…
Let us appreciate the great beauty that is ours
through the spiritual beauty that Your immortal will
arouses in our mortal nature…
May Your Resurrection, Jesus,
cause the spiritual man to grow in us (cf Eph 3:16)
and may the contemplation of Your mysteries
become the mirror in which we come to recognise you (1Cor 13:12).

Grant, Lord, that we may hasten to our true home,
and, like Moses on the mountain-top
seeing the promised Land, (Dt 34:1)
let us possess it even now through contemplation.”
Saint Ephrem (306-373)
Father & Doctor of the Church luke 6 42 then you wil see clearly - o lord drive away the darkness - st ephrem 13 sept 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, strength of those who hope in You, by Your will, St John Chrysostom became renowned in the Church, for his astounding eloquence and his forbearance in persecution. Grant that we may be enriched by his teaching and thus grow in sanctity, to follow the commandments You set forth in Your Word, Your Son who is our Saviour and Redeemer. By the prayers of St John Chrysostom, may we attain the place You have prepared for us. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever amen.

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One Minute Reflection – 12 February – “Love your enemies”

Posted on September 12, 2019September 12, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 February – Thursday of the Twenty third week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 6:27–38 and the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary

“Love your enemies” … Luke 6: 27

REFLECTION – “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.
Love of one’s enemy constitutes the nucleus of the “Christian revolution”, a revolution not based on strategies of economic, political or media power – the revolution of love, a love that does not rely ultimately on human resources but is a gift of God which is obtained by trusting solely and unreservedly in His merciful goodness. 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.” … Pope Benedict XVI 18 February 2007 luke 6 27 love your enemies - here is the nucleus of the christian revolution - pope benedict 12 sept 2019.jpg

PRAYER – God of love and might, teach us Your ways! You sent us Your only-begotten Son out of love for sinful man. May we follow Him in all that we think, do and say. May His humble heart be our hearts, may His gentle way be our way. And may the sweet love of Mary His Mother and ours, aid us on our pilgrimage. With great affection and confidence, we honour the Holy Hearts and invoke the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, to be our constant source of pure assistance and succour. Blessed Virgin, Most Holy Mother, pray for us. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen. blessed be the name of mary 12 sept 2019.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 11 September – “Blessed are you that weep now…”

Posted on September 11, 2019September 10, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 September – Wednesday of the Twenty-third week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 6:20–26

“Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.” … Luke 6:21

REFLECTION – “Let us hope, let all those of us who weep and shed innocent tears keep on hoping, let us hope whether we are weeping for the pains of body or of soul, these will serve as our purgatory. God will make use of them to… make us raise our eyes to Him, purify us and sanctify us.
Let us hope even more if we are weeping for the pains of others, for this act of charity is inspired by God and pleasing to Him. Let us hope even more, if we are weeping, for our own sins, since this compunction has been placed into our souls by God Himself. Let us hope even more if, with a pure heart, we are weeping for the sins of others, for this love for the glory of God and sanctification of souls has been inspired by God and is a great grace.
Let us hope if we are weeping with desire to see God and pain at being separated from Him, for this loving desire is God’s work in us. Let us hope even more if we are weeping simply because we love, without either desire or fear, desiring completely what God wishes and nothing more, happy in His glory, suffering from His former sufferings, weeping sometimes for compassion at the remembrance of His Passion, sometimes for joy at the thought of His Ascension and glory, sometimes simply from emotion because we are dying for love of Him!
O sweetest Jesus, make me weep for all these reasons make me weep all those tears that cause love in You, through You and for You to spread abroad. Amen.” … Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) – Hermit and Missionary in the Sahara (Meditations on the passages of the holy Gospels referring to the fifteen virtues, Nazareth 1897-98 no15) blessed are you that wep now luke 6 21 - let us hope if we are weeping now 11 sept 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, in Your wisdom, You created us, in love. By Your providence, You rule us, in love. Penetrate our inmost being with the holy light of Your Son. Penetrate our hearts with the overwhelming love for Your love, so that we may weep in consolation. May the prayers of Your holy saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, be our guiding inspiration. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever amen. blessed virgin mary immaculate mother - pray for us - 2 sept 2018.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 10 September – In Silence

Posted on September 10, 2019September 10, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 September – Tuesday of the Twenty third week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 6:12-19 and the Memorial of St Ambrose Barlow (1585-1641) Martyr

“Jesus departed to the mountain to pray and he spent the night in prayer to God” … Luke 6:12 luke 6 12 jesus departed to the mountain to pray and he spent the night in prayer to god 10 sept 2019

REFLECTION – “Contemplatives and ascetics of every age and every religion have always sought God in the silence and solitude of deserts, forests and mountains. Jesus Himself lived for forty days in complete solitude, spending long hours in intimate converse with the Father in the silence of the night.
We, too, are called to withdraw into a deeper silence from time to time, alone with God. Being alone with Him – not with our books, our thoughts, our memories but in complete nakedness, remaining in His presence – silent, empty, motionless, waiting.
We cannot find God in noise and restlessness. Look at nature, the trees, flowers, grasses all grow in silence; the stars, the moon, the sun all move in silence. The important thing is, not what we are able say but what God says to us and what He speaks to others through us. In silence, He listens to us, in silence He speaks to our souls, in silence we are granted the privilege of hearing His voice –

Silence of the eyes,
Silence of the ears,
Silence of our mouths,
Silence of our minds.
In the silence of the heart
God will speak.
… Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) – No Greater Love

PRAYER – Our Father who art in heaven, almighty and eternal God, teach us to pause often during our active lives and recollect ourselves. Let us put away the problems of life and commune with You in prayer and meditation. St Ambrose Barlow, amidst your life of constant threat and charity to all, you renewed your courage and strength in silence. Pray for us that we may be inspired to turn to our God for strength, in this vale of tears. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit,God forever, amen. st ambrose barlow pray for us 10 sept 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 9 September – “Stretch forth your hand” – St Ambrose

Posted on September 9, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 September – Monday of the Twenty-third week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 6:6-11 and the Memorial of St Peter Claver SJ (1581-1654) “slave of the slaves” and Blessed Frédéric Ozanam (1813–1853) “Servant to the Poor”

“On another sabbath, he went into the synagogue and taught and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.” … Luke 6:6 luke 6 6 there was a man thre whose right hand was withred - 9 sept 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “Are you angry at me because I have healed the whole man on the sabbath day?” In this place he revivified, with the salutary strength of good works, the hand which Adam stretched out to pluck the fruit of the forbidden tree. The hand which had withered through a crime, was healed by good deeds. Christ thereby rebuked the Jews who violated the precepts of the law with evil interpretations. They thought that they should rest even from good works on the sabbath, since the law prefigured in the present, the form of the future, in which indeed the days of rest from evils, not from blessings, would come.

Then you heard the words of the Lord, saying, “Stretch forth your hand.” That is the common and universal remedy. You, who think that you have a healthy hand, beware lest it is withered by greed or by sacrilege. Hold it out often. Hold it out to the poor person who begs you. Hold it out to help your neighbour, to give protection to a widow, to snatch from harm one whom you see subjected to unjust insult. Hold it out to God for your sins. The hand is stretched forth, then it is healed. Jeroboam’s hand withered when he sacrificed to idols, then it stretched out when he entreated God” … St Ambrose (340-397)- One of the 4 original Doctors of the Latin Church – Exposition on the Gospel of Luke, 5

PRAYER – God of mercy and love, You offer all peoples the dignity of sharing in your life. Rule over our hearts and bodies this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed, my our hands be held out to our neighbour in imitation of Your love and mercy. By the example and prayers of St Peter Claver and Bl Frederic Ozanam, strengthen us to overcome all racial hatreds and to love each other as brothers and sisters. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever amen.

st-peter-claver-pray-for-us 9 sept 2017

bl frederic ozanam pray for us 9 sept 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 8 September – Falling into the hands of Love eternal….

Posted on September 8, 2019September 7, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 September – Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 14:25–33 and the Feast of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre

“So, therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” … Luke 14:33

REFLECTION – “…We realise that the Lord is not speaking merely of a few individuals and their specific task, the essence of what He says applies to everyone. The heart of the matter He expresses elsewhere in these words: “For whoever would save his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Lk 9:24f.). Whoever wants to keep his life just for himself will lose it. Only by giving ourselves do we receive our life. In other words, only the one who love, discovers life. And love always demands going out of oneself, it always demands leaving oneself. Anyone who looks just to himself, who wants the other, only for himself, will lose both himself and the other. Without this profound losing of oneself, there is no life.
The restless craving for life, so widespread among people today, leads to the barrenness of a lost life. “Whoever loses his life for my sake … “ says the Lord, a radical letting-go of our self is only possible, if in the process, we end up, not by falling into the void but into the hands of Love eternal.
Only the love of God, who loses Himself for us and gives Himself to us, makes it possible for us also to become free, to let go and so truly to find life. This is the heart of what the Lord wants to say to us in the seemingly hard words of this Sunday’s Gospel. With his teaching He gives u, the certainty, that we can build on His love, the love of the incarnate God. Recognition of this is the wisdom of which today’s reading speaks to us. Once again, we find that all the world’s learning profits us nothing unless we learn to live, unless we discover what truly matters in life.” … Pope Benedict XVI – Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Sunday, 9 September 2007 – on the occasion of the 850th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariazell (Feast day today!) luke 14 33 so therefore whoever does not lose his life for my sake - the restless craving for life - pope benedict 8 sept 2019

PRAYER – Since it is from You, God our Father, that redemption comes to us, Your adopted children, look with favour on the family You love, give true freedom to us and to all who believe in Christ, Your Son and our Saviour and bring us all alike, to our eternal heritage. May we, in turn, give ourselves in true love to You and may the prayers of our glorious and merciful Mother, Our Lady of Charity, lead us to our heavenly home. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. our lady of charity of el cobre pray for us 8 sept 2019.jpg

ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 September – The day of Christ the Lord.

Posted on September 7, 2019September 7, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 September – Saturday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time Year C, Gospel: Luke 6:1–5

And he said to them, “The Son of man is lord of the sabbath.” … Luke 6:5

REFLECTION – “The Eucharist is an essential part of Sunday… On Easter morning, first the women and then the disciples had the grace of seeing the Lord. From that moment on, they knew that the first day of the week, Sunday, would be His day, the day of Christ the Lord. The day when creation began, became, the day when creation was renewed. Creation and redemption belong together.

That is why Sunday is so important. It is good that today, in many cultures, Sunday is a free day and is often combined with Saturday so as to constitute a “week-end” of free time. Yet this free time is empty if God is not present.

Dear friends! Sometimes, our initial impression is that having to include time for Mass on a Sunday is rather inconvenient. But if you make the effort, you will realise that this is what gives a proper focus to your free time. Do not be deterred from taking part in Sunday Mass and help others to discover it too. This is because the Eucharist releases the joy that we need so much and we must learn to grasp it ever more deeply, we must learn to love it. Let us pledge ourselves to do this – it is worth the effort! Let us discover the intimate riches of the Church’s liturgy and its true greatness. It is not we who are celebrating for ourselves but it is the living God Himself, who is preparing a banquet for us.” …Pope Benedict XVI – 21 August 2005 luke 6 5 the sone of man is lord of the sabbath - the eucharist is an essential part of sunday pope benedict 7 sept 2019

PRAYER – Holy God, almighty Father, You taught us to honour Your holy day and the day of rest. In Your divine Son, Whom You gave to us as our brother and glorified by His Resurrection, You showed us the way to our eternal life. As His glorified body shines anew on Easter Sunday, we rejoice in our future life with Him and embrace His day as our own, each Sunday renewing His Resurrection. We run forward to sing Your glory together with our Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, to eternity, through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. bl virgin mother of god pray for us 7 sept 2019.jpg

ONE Minute REFLECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 September – The Christian style

Posted on September 6, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 September – Friday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time Year C, Gospel: Luke 5:33–39

“And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same but yours eat and drink.” … Luke 5:33

REFLECTION – “The accusatory style is the style of those believers who always try to accuse others, who live by accusing and always disqualify others. A style, I would say, of failed promoters of justice, they are always trying to accuse others. But they don’t realise that it is the style of the devil – in the Bible the devil is called the “great accuser”, who is always accusing others.
The Lord has offered you the new wine but you have not changed the bottles, you have not changed. Worldliness is what ruins so many people, so many people! Good people, but this spirit of vanity, pride, of being seen, enters in… The Christian style is that of the Beatitudes – meekness, humility, patience in suffering, love for justice, ability to endure persecution, not judging others… If you want to know what the Christian style is like, so as not to fall into this accusatory style, the worldly style and the selfish style, read the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are the new wineskins, they are the way to get there.” … Pope Francis -Santa Marta, 21 January 2019 luke 5 33 the disciples of john - new wineskins - the accussatiry style - pope francis 6 sept 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, You hold out the light of Your Word as our guide and map. Open our hearts to learn and to become new in holiness. Strengthen in our hearts the faith You have given us, so that we may glow anew in the fire Your Spirit has kindled within us. May the prayers of Your holy saints and the love of our blessed Mother, be a help as we seek to live in holiness. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever amen. virin mary queen of all saints no 2 pray for us 6 april 2019.jpg

CATHOLIC Quotes, CONFESSION/PENANCE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, SAINT of the DAY, The WILL of GOD

One Minute Reflection – 5 September – “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”

Posted on September 5, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 September – Thursday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 5:1–11 and the Memorial of St Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” ... Luke 5:8

REFLECTION – “This is the first decisive step of Peter along the path of discipleship, of the disciple of Jesus, accusing himself: ‘I am a sinner.’ This is Peter’s first step and also the first step for each one of us, if you want to go forward in the spiritual life, in the life of Jesus, serving Jesus, following Jesus, must be this, accusing oneself, without accusing oneself you cannot walk in the Christian life.
There are people who go through life talking about others, accusing others and never thinking of their own sins. And when I go to make my confession, how do I confess? Like a parrot? ‘I did this, this…’ But are you touched at heart by what you have done? Many times, no. You go there to put on make-up, to make-yourself up a little bit in order to look beautiful. But it hasn’t entered completely into your heart, because you haven’t left room, because you are not capable of accusing yourself. Do I do this? It’s a good question to get to the heart.
Today, let us ask the Lord for the grace, the grace to find ourselves face-to-face with Him, with this wonder that His presence gives and the grace, to feel that we are sinners but concretely and to say with Peter – ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinner.” … Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 6 September 2018 depart from me for i am a sinful man luke 5 8 - this is the first step of peter - pope francis - 5 sept 2019

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help us to be holy in the way that You have laid out for all of us. Grant us good Lord, the courage, faith and understanding, to see our own failings and to present ourselves to You for forgiveness, knowing always, that a repentant heart You do not spurn. May the prayers of St Mother Teresa assist us in using the gifts You have given us, for the Glory of God. We make our prayer through our Lord, Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen.

ONE Minute REFLECTION, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 September – “What is this word?”

Posted on September 3, 2019September 2, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 3 September – Tuesday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 4:31–37 and the Memorial of St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) – Father & Doctor of the Church

And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits and they come out.”…Luke 4:36 luke 4 36 what is this word for with authority he commands the unclean spirits - 3 sept 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “The power of Jesus confirms the authority of His teaching. He does not just speak with words but He takes action. In the Gospel in fact, we see that in His earthly mission, Jesus reveals the love of God both through preaching and through countless gestures of attention and aid to the sick, the needy, children and sinners.
Jesus is our Teacher, powerful in word and deed. Jesus imparts to us all the light that illuminates the sometimes dark paths of our lives. He also transmits to us the necessary strength to overcome difficulties, trials and temptations. Let us consider what a great grace it is for us to have known this God who is so powerful and so good! A teacher and a friend who shows us the path and takes care of us especially when we are in need.
May the Virgin Mary, the woman of listening, help us to create silence around us and within us, in order to hear, through the din of the messages of the world, the most authoritative word that there is – that of her Son Jesus, who proclaims the meaning of our existence and delivers us from all slavery, even that of the Evil one.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 28 January 2018 jesus-is-our-teacher-pope-francis-4-sept-2018

PRAYER – God our Father, Your rule is a rule of love, Your providence is full of mercy for Your people. Through the intercession of St Gregory, grant the spirit of wisdom and understanding in Your Word through Your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that by the light of His Resurrection we may know our eternal home and strive to attain eternal joy there with You. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-pope-gregory-the-great-pray-for-us-3-sept-2017

ONE Minute REFLECTION, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION

One Minute Reflection – 2 September – Today this scripture has been fulfilled

Posted on September 2, 2019November 10, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 2 September – Monday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Luke 4:16–30

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free… Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”... Luke 4:18,21

REFLECTION – “The ‘today’, proclaimed by Christ that day, applies to every age, it echoes for us too in this Square, reminding us of the relevance and necessity of the salvation Jesus brought to humanity. God comes to meet the men and women of all times and places, in their real life situations. He also comes to meet us. It is always He who takes the first step, He comes to visit us with His mercy, to lift us up from the dust of our sin. He comes to extend a hand to us in order to enable us to return from the abyss into which our pride made us fall and He invites us, to receive the comforting truth of the Gospel and to walk on the paths of good. He always comes to find us, to look for us.

Let us return to the synagogue. Surely that day, in the synagogue of Nazareth, Mary, His Mother, was also there. We can imagine her heart beating, a small foreboding of what she will suffer under the Cross, seeing Jesus, there in the synagogue, first admired, then challenged, then insulted, threatened with death. In her heart, filled with faith, she kept everything. May she help us to convert from a god of miracles to the miracle of God, who is Jesus Christ.” … Pope Francis, 31 January 2016 Angelus, St Peter’s Square luke 4 18 21 today the spirit of the lord is upon me - the today proclaimed by christ - pope francis 2 sept 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, open our eyes to see the coming of Your Son, to recognise Him in His Word, to hear His voice as He calls each one of us. Christ be near at either hand! Grant that by the prayers of His Mother, we may hear and follow Your Son and never be among those who wish to throw Him out. Through Christ our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. hail mary pray for us - 28 sept 2018.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 1 September -Always descend

Posted on September 1, 2019September 1, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 1 September – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C,Gospel: Luke 14:7–14 and the Memorial of St Fiacre (Died 670)

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” … Luke 14:11

REFLECTION – “[Christ:] See [My] devotion to men and consider what your own should be. See that humility for man’s good and learn to humble yourself to do good… to make yourself small to win others, not to fear to go lower or lose your rights when it is a matter of doing good, not to believe that in descending you make yourself powerless to do good. To the contrary, by descending you imitate Me, by descending you make use of the same means, for the love of humankind, that I Myself employed, by descending you walk in My way and, therefore, in the truth and you are in the best place to lay hold of life and give it to others… By my incarnation I place Myself on a level with creatures, by My baptism …on that of sinners, descent, humility… Always descend, always humble yourself.

Let those who are first always stand in the last place, through humility and in disposition of spirit, with an attitude of descent and service. Love of men, humility, the last place, in the last place, so long as the divine will does not call you to another, since then you must obey. Obedience before all else, conformity to God’s will. In the first place, be spiritually in the last, through humility, occupy it in the spirit of service, telling yourself, that you are only there, to serve others and lead them to salvation.” … Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) – Hermit and Missionary in the Sahara – Retreat, Holy Land, Lent 1898

PRAYER – Lord God, teach us by Your Grace, lead us by Your Hand and turn our hearts to love. Your Son took the last place and became the servant of all. By our obedience, may we grow in humility and follow in His way. May the prayers of St Fiacre help us on our way. We make our prayer through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st fiacre pray for us 1 sept 2019.jpg

ONE Minute REFLECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 August – ‘..A steward of Providence’

Posted on August 31, 2019August 31, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 31 August – Saturday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 25:14–30

“For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property….”…Matthew 25:14

REFLECTION – “The universal destination and the private ownership of goods – In the beginning God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common stewardship of mankind to take care of them, master them by labour and enjoy their fruits (Gn 1:26-29). The goods of creation are destined for the whole human race. However, the earth is divided up among men to assure the security of their lives, endangered by poverty and threatened by violence. the appropriation of property is legitimate for guaranteeing the freedom and dignity of persons and for helping each of them to meet his basic needs and the needs of those in his charge. It should allow for a natural solidarity to develop between men. The right to private property… does not do away with the original gift of the earth to the whole of mankind, the universal destination of goods remains primordial, even if the promotion of the common good requires respect for the right to private property and its exercise.
“In his use of things man should regard the external goods he legitimately owns not merely as exclusive to himself but common to others also, in the sense that they can benefit others as well as himself” (Vatican II, GS 69). The ownership of any property makes its holder a steward of Providence, with the task of making it fruitful and communicating its benefits to others, first of all his family. Goods of production… oblige their possessors to employ them in ways that will benefit the greatest number. Those who hold goods for use and consumption should use them with moderation, reserving the better part for guests, for the sick and the poor.”…Catechism of the Catholic Church # 2402-2405

PRAYER – Holy God and Father, help us by Your grace, to remain “good and faithful servants” so that we may use all You have bestowed upon us and left to our care, in the loving care of our neighbour and of Your gifts. May Mary, the Mother of Your divine Son and our Mother, walk at our side and teach us to be true children and users of our talents and Your creation. May we guard Your world with great wisdom. Holy Mother pray for us, that we may one day enter “into the joy of our Lord”. We make our prayer, through Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. holy mary mother of god - pray for us - 13 may 2018

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One Minute Reflection – 30 August – “That way above the rest”

Posted on August 30, 2019August 30, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 August – Friday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 25:1–13 and the Memorial of Blessed Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster OSB (1880-1954)

“The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.” … Matthew 25:3-4

REFLECTION – “It is some great thing, some exceedingly great thing, that this oil signifies. Do you think it might be charity? If we try out this hypothesis, we hazard no precipitate judgement. I will tell you why charity seems to be signified by the oil. The apostle says, “I will show you a still more excellent way.” “If I speak with the tongue of mortals and of angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” This is charity. It is “that way above the rest,” which is with good reason signified by the oil. For oil swims above all liquids. Pour in water and pour in oil upon it, the oil will swim above. If you keep the usual order, it will be uppermost, if you change the order, it will be uppermost. “Charity never fails.” … St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor – Sermon 93 matthew 25 3-4 the foolish ones took no oil - it is some great thing that this oil signifies - st augustine - 30 aug 2019.jpg

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, love and charity, as Your witnesses before men. Dispel from our hearts the darkness of sin and keep us ever watchful for the true light, Christ Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever. Blessed Alfredo Schuster, you lived a life of total charity ever watchful to the needs of your neighbour, please pray for us, amen. bl alfredo schuster pray for us 30 aug 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 29 August – Pleasing other people is of little value …

Posted on August 29, 2019August 29, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 August – The Beheading of St John the Baptist, Gospel: Mark 6:17–29

She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”…Mark 6:24 mark-6-24-she-went-out-and-asked-her-mother-29-aug-2017

REFLECTION – “John did not live for himself alone, nor did he die for himself alone. How many there were, burdened with sin, who were led to conversion by his hard and austere life. How many who were strengthened to bear their own trials by his undeserved death. And what about us? From where does the opportunity come to offer faithful thanks to God today, if not from the the remembrance of Saint John, put to death for righteousness’ sake, that is to say, for Christ?…

Yes indeed, John the Baptist sacrificed his life with all his heart here below for love of Christ. He chose to despise the commands of a tyrant, rather than those of God. His example teaches us, that nothing should be dearer to us, than the will of God. Pleasing other people is of little value, indeed, it often causes great harm… Therefore, let us die to our sins and anxieties with all God’s friends, tread underfoot our misguided self-will and be careful to allow fervent love for Christ, to grow within us.” … Lanspergius the Carthusian (1489-1539) – Monk, Theologian – Sermon for the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Opera omnia, t. 2

PRAYER – God our Father, You appointed St John the Baptist to be the herald of the birth and death of Christ Your Son. Grant that as he died a martyr for justice and truth, so we may also courageously bear witness to Your Word. We make our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God forever. St John the Baptist, pray for us, amen. st-john-the-baptist-pray-for-us1-29-aug-2017

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One Minute Reflection – 28 August – Flee to Him by Confessing

Posted on August 28, 2019August 27, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 August – Wednesday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 23:27–32 and The Memorial of St Augustine of Hippo (354-430) – Doctor of Grace

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful but within they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” … Matthew 23:27 woe to you scribes and pharisees - whitewashed tombs - matthew 23 27 - 28 aug 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “You are before God. Question your heart, see what you have done and what you have been yearning for there—your salvation or the windy praise of men. Look within, for a person cannot judge one whom he cannot see. If we are assuring our heart, let us assure it in His presence.
“Because if our heart thinks badly”—that is, if it accuses us within, because we aren’t acting with the spirit with which we should be acting —“God is greater than our heart, and he knows all things” (v.20).
You hide your heart from man – hide it from God if you can. How will you hide it from Him to whom it was said by a certain sinner in fear and confession: “Where shall 1 go from your spirit, and where shed! I flee from your face?”… For where does God not exist? “If,” he said, “I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to hell, you are present” (Ps 139[138]:7-8). Where will you go? Where will you flee? Do you want to hear some advice? If you want to flee from Him, flee to Him. Flee to Him by Confessing, not from Him by hiding, for you cannot hide but you can Confess. Tell Him. “You are my refuge” (Ps 32[31]:7) and let there be nursed in you the love that alone leads to life.”…St Augustine (354-430) – Doctor of Grace

PRAYER – Renew in Your Church, we pray , O Lord, the spirit with which You endowed Your Bishop Saint Augustine, that, filled with the same spirit, we may thirst for You, the sole fount of true wisdom and seek You, the author of heavenly love. 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. St Augustine, pray for us! Amen st augustine pray for us 28 aug 2019.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 27 August – “..Let us each examine our conscience..”

Posted on August 27, 2019August 27, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 August – Tuesday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 23:23–26 and The Memorial of St Caesarius of Arles (470-542) Father of the Church

“You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean.”…Matthew 23:26 matthew 23 26 you blind pharisee first cleanse the inside of the cup - 27 aug 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “And so, dearly beloved brethren, let us each examine his conscience and when he sees that he has been wounded by some sin, let him first strive to cleanse his conscience by prayer, fasting, almsgiving and so dare to approach the Eucharist. If he recognises his guilt and is reluctant to approach the holy altar, he will be quickly pardoned by the Divine Mercy, “for whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23:12). If then, as I have said, a man conscious of his sins, humbly decides to stay away from the altar until he reforms his life, he will not be afraid of being completely excluded from the eternal banquet of heaven.
I ask you then, brethren, to pay careful attention. If no-one dares approach an influential man’s table in tattered, soiled garments, how much more should one refrain in reverence and humility from the banquet of the Eternal King, that is, from the altar of the Lord, if one is smitten with poisonous envy, or anger, or is full of rage and fury? For it is written, “Go first and be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift” (Mt 5:24). And again, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” And when he kept silent, that man said to the attendants, ‘bind his hands and feet and cast him forth into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth,” (Mt 22:12,13). The same sentence awaits the man who dares present himself at the wedding feast, that is at the Lord’s table, if he is guilty of drunkenness, or adultery, or retains hatred in his heart.” … St Caesarius of Arles (470-542) Bishop of Arles, Father of the Church i ask you then brethren to pay careful attention - st caesarius bishop and father 20 jan 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, renew Your Church with the Spirit of wisdom and love which You gave to St Caesarius. Lead us by that same Spirit, to seek You, the only fountain of true wisdom and the source of everlasting love. May we turn to You in sorrow and true repentance when we fail and strive always and everywhere to live in Your truth and Your love for all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, in union with the Spirit, one God, forever and ever. St Caesarius, pray for the Church and for us all, amen. st caesarius of arles pray for us 27 aug 2019.jpg

FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 August – ‘It is from the heart…..’

Posted on August 26, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 August – Monday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 23:13–22 and The Feast of Our Lady of Czestochowa

“And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.” … Matthew 23:18

REFLECTION – “Consider this analogy. Think of the altar as the heart and the temple as the whole of Scripture. The temple of God’s glory, spiritually understood, is the divinely inspired Scripture. The gold refers to the meanings it conveys. To swear is to witness to the Scriptures, as a validation and confirmation of the word we speak. Therefore, we ought to profess the whole sense of Scripture, as a confirmation of the sense which we invoke, in all of our words.
…The temple, that is, the reading of the Scriptures, makes a great and venerable sense, just as consecrated gold is valuable. So we ought not to swear by our own intellects to confirm our beliefs, as if we were creating witnesses that could judge according to the truth. But let us explore further the analogy of the temple, the gold and the altar. The altar is the place where a vow is sanctified. The altar in this passage is the heart of a man. What happens in the heart happens deeply within a person. Vows and gifts placed on the altar are clearly those placed upon the human heart. When you begin to pray, you place the vow of your prayer upon your heart, as if you had placed something upon the altar, so that you might offer your prayer to God.
Suppose you are ready to place an offering of psalms upon your heart, so as to offer to God an offering of psalms, accompanying yourself with a harp. Or suppose you are ready to give alms. You make an offering of alms upon your heart, just as if you had placed something on the altar, as you would offer your alms to God . Suppose you have proposed to fast, in order to make an offering of your fasting upon your heart, as if you had placed something upon the altar.
In this way the heart of a man makes vows in a holy and venerable way. It is from the heart, that is, the altar, that the vow is offered to God. Therefore, it is not possible for the offering of a man to be more honourable than his heart, from which the offering is sent up.” … Origen (c 185-253) (Commentary on Matthew, 2) matthew 23 18 if one swears by the altar - it is from the altar that is from the heart - origen 26 aug 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord, be the beginning and the end of all that we do and say. Prompt our actions with Your grace and complete them with Your all-powerful help. Fill us with the grace of Your true love, that our hearts may be made of flesh and not of stone. May our hearts, minds and souls belong to You alone. May the guiding hand of the Mother of Your Son lead us, with unfailing tenderness, to You. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, ‘totus tuus’ Maria – please pray for us, amen.

ONE Minute REFLECTION, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 August – ‘Why is this door narrow…?

Posted on August 25, 2019August 24, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 25 August – 21st Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 13:22–30

“Strive to enter by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” … Luke 13:24

REFLECTION – “But why is this door narrow, one might ask? Why does He say it is narrow? It is a narrow door not because it is oppressive but because it demands that we restrain and limit our pride and our fear, in order to open ourselves to Him with humble and trusting hearts, acknowledging that we are sinners and in need of His forgiveness. This is why it is narrow, to limit our pride, which swells us.” … Pope Francis – Angelus, 21 August 2016 luke 13 24 the narow door - but why is this door narrow - pope francis 25 aug 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord, by Your grace, we are made one in mind and heart. Give us a love for what You command and a longing for what You promise, so that, amid this world’s changes, our hearts may be set on the world of lasting joy. May the intercession of Your faithful servant, St Maria Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament, bring us strength and courage to persevere in our battles against pride. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st maria micaela of the bl sacrament pray for us 25 aug 2019.jpg

DOCTORS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 August – Gospel Mathew 24:42-51

Posted on August 31, 2017August 31, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 31 August – Gospel Mathew 24:42-51

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming.’...Matthew 24:42

REFLECTION – “You have been created for the glory of God and your own eternal salvation…..This is your goal! This is the centre of your life; this is the treasure of your heart. If you reach your goal you will find happiness. If you fail to reach it, you will find misery.”……St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) Doctor of the Church you have been created for the glory of god - st robert bellarmine

PRAYER – My Lord and my God, help me eternal Father, to stay awake! Teach me to be constantly on guard against my own weakness, to constantly keep watch for temptation and to live constantly in prayer, that Your Son will lead me to safety. St Raymond Nonnatus, you suffered torture but always remain prayerful and awake, waiting for the Lord, please pray for me, amen. st raymond nnonnatus pray for us

LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 March – “But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection…” – Col 3:14

Posted on March 4, 2017March 3, 2023 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 March – The Memorial of St Casimir (1458-1484) Confessor, Prince

“But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection…” – Col 3:14

REFLECTION – “By the power of the Holy Ghost, Casimir burned with a sincere and unpretentious love for Almighty God that was almost unbelievable in its strength. So rich was his love and so abundantly did it fill his heart, that it flowed out from his inner spirit toward his fellow men. As a result nothing was more pleasant, nothing more desirable for him, than to share his belongings and even to dedicate and give his entire self to Christ’s poor, to strangers, to the sick, to those in captivity and all who suffer. To widows, orphans and the afflicted, he was not only a guardian and patron but a father, son and brother.” (From the Biography of Saint Casimir, written by a contemporary).

PRAYER – Loving Father, pour out Thy divine love into my heart and soul. Let me co-operate with that love and in this way strive for perfection in all virtues. St Casimir, you are a shining example to us all of how love should look, of how love should behave, please pray that we may too become beacons and hearts burning with love for all! Amen.

	Santo Paschasius Rad… on Saint of the Day – 26 Ap…
	Santo Richarius… on Saint of the Day – 26 Ap…
	Santo Markus Penulis… on Saint of the Day – 25 Ap…
	Santa Maria Euphrasi… on Saint of the Day – 24 Ap…
	Santo Adelbertus dar… on Saint of the Day – 23 Ap…

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