Category: MORNING Prayers

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 April – Easter Sunday – The first day of the new life

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One Minute Reflection – 12 April – Easter Sunday – The Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord, Readings: Acts 10:34, 37-43, Psalms 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23, Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, John 20:1-9 or Matthew 28:1-10

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. … John 20:1mary magdalene came to the tomb - john 20 1 -12 april 2020

REFLECTION – “Here is a wise saying: “The day of prosperity makes one forget adversity” (Sir 11:25).   Today the first sentence passed against us has been forgotten – more! not just forgotten but cancelled!   This day has wiped away completely all remembrance of our condemnation.   In former times childbearing took place in pain, now we are born without suffering.   Formerly we were no more than flesh, born of the flesh, today, what is born is spirit, born of the Spirit.   Yesterday we were born mere children of men, today we are born children of God.   Yesterday we were cast out of heaven to the earth, today, He who reigns in the heavens makes us citizens of heaven.   Yesterday, death reigned because of sin, today, thanks to Him who is the Life, righteousness regains its might.

In former times one man opened for us the gates of death, today, the one Man brings us back to life.   Yesterday, life was lost to us because of death but today, Life has destroyed death.   Yesterday, shame caused us to hide ourselves beneath the fig tree, today, glory draws us towards the tree of life.   Yesterday, disobedience expelled us from Paradise, today, our faith causes us to enter it.   Once again the fruit of life is held out to us to be enjoyed as much as we wish.   Once again the stream of Paradise, whose water irrigates us through the four rivers of the gospels (cf. Gn 2:10), comes to refresh the whole face of the Church. (…)

From now on what are we to do but imitate the mountains and hills of the prophecies in their leaping for joy:  “Mountains, skip like rams; hills, like lambs of the flock!” (Ps 114[113]:4). “Come, then, let us sing joyfully to the Lord!” (Ps 95[94]:1).   He has broken the power of the enemy and raised up the great trophy of the cross…   So let us say: “The Lord is a great God and a great king above all gods!” (Ps 95[94],3).   He blesses the year by crowning it with His bounty (cf. Ps 65[64]:12) and He gathers us together in spiritual chorus in Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory for endless ages. Amen.” … St Gregory of Nyssa (c 335-395) – Father of the Church – Homily for the holy and life-giving Paschjesus christ is risen - in former times - st gregory of nyssa easter sun 12 april 2020

PRAYER – Breviary Hymn
Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ our heav’nly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now He rules eternal King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Praise to God the Father sing, Alleluia!
Praise to God the Son, our King, Alleluia!
Praise to God the Spirit be, Alleluia!
Now and through eternity, Alleluia!jesus christ is risen today alleluia 12 april 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The RESURRECTION

Our Morning Offering – 12 April – St Pope Gregory the Great’s Easter Prayer

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Our Morning Offering – 12 April – Easter Sunday – The Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord

Easter Prayer
By St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
One of the original four Doctors of the Latin Church

It is only right,
with all the powers of our heart and mind,
to praise You Father and Your Only-Begotten Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear Father, by Your wondrous condescension
of Loving-Kindness toward us, Your servants,
You gave up Your Son.
Dear Jesus,
You paid the debt of Adam for us,
to the Eternal Father by Your Blood
poured forth in Loving-Kindness.
You cleared away the darkness of sin
by Your magnificent and radiant Resurrection.
You broke the bonds of death
and rose from the grave as a Conqueror.
You reconciled Heaven and earth.
Our life had no hope of Eternal Happiness
before You redeemed us.
Your Resurrection has washed away our sins,
restored our innocence and brought us joy.
How inestimable is the tenderness of Your Love!
We pray You, Lord, to preserve Your servants
in the peaceful enjoyment of this Easter happiness.
We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord,
Who lives and reigns with God The Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever.
Ameneaster-prayer-by-st-pope-gregory-the-great-monday-in-easter-week-22-april-2019 and 12 april 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, HOLY SATURDAY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 April – ‘And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.’

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One Minute Reflection – 11 April – Sabbatum Sanctum – Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, Readings: Romans 6:3-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 15-17, 22-23, Matthew 28:1-10

And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet and did him homage. … Matthew 28:9matthew 28 9 and behold jesus met them on their way and greeted them - holy sat 11 april 2020

REFLECTION – “When the third day dawned of the Lord’s sacred repose in the tomb (…) Christ, the “power and Wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24), with the author of death lying prostrate, conquered even death itself and opened to us access to eternity, when He raised Himself from the dead by His divine power in order to make known to us the paths of life.

Then there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, with raiment like snow and his countenance like lightening.   He appeared attractive to the devout and severe to the wicked – for he terrified the soldiers and comforted the timid women, to whom the Lord Himself first appeared after rising, because their intense devotion so merited.   Then He was seen by Peter, then by the disciples going to Emmaus, then by all the apostles except Thomas.   Later He presented Himself to be touched by Thomas, who proclaimed his faith:  “My Lord and my God.”   And thus, during forty days, He appeared in many ways to His disciples, both eating and drinking with them.

He enlightened our faith with proofs and lifted up our hope with promises, so as finally to enkindle our love with gifts from heaven.” … St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Doctor of the Churchhe enlightened our faith with proofs - st bonaventure holy sat 11 april 2020

PRAYER – Almighty, ever-living God, whose only-begotten Son, descended to the realm of the dead and rose from there in glory, grant that Your faithful people, who were buried with Him in Baptism, may, by His Resurrection, obtain eternal life.   With Mary His Mother, who in her sorrow remained with Him at the Cross and by whose prayers we receive succour, grant that we too will be with Him in glory.   Through Christ our Lord and Redeemer, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.mother of sorrows pray for us 20 april 2019 holy sat

Posted in HOLY SATURDAY, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 11 April – Beautiful and Glorious

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Our Morning Offering – 11 April – Sabbatum Sanctum – Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil in the Holy Night

Beautiful and Glorious
By St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

I look at You, my Lord Jesus
and think of Your most holy Body
and I keep it before me
as the pledge of my own resurrection.
Though I die, as die I certainly shall,
nevertheless, I shall not forever die,
for I shall rise again.
O You, who are the Truth,
I know and believe,
with my whole heart,
that this very flesh of mine will rise again.
I know, base and odious as it is at present,
that it will one day, if I be worthy,
be raised incorruptible
and altogether beautiful and glorious.
This I know, this by Your grace,
I will ever keep before me.
Amenbeautiful and glorious - bl john henry newman - holy sat 10 april 2020

Posted in GOOD FRIDAY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The PASSION, The SECOND COMING, The SIGN of the CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – Friday of the Passion of the Lord – 10 April – Jesu!

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One Minute Reflection – Friday of the Passion of the Lord – 10 April, Readings:  Isaiah 52:13–53:12, Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42

There they crucified him and with him two others, one on either side and Jesus between them … John 18:18

REFLECTION – “Truly, you are a hidden God!” (Is 45:15).   Why hidden?   Because He had neither form nor beauty, yet power was in His hands.   It was there His fortitude was hidden.

Was He not hidden when he submitted His hands to brutes and His palms received the nails?   The print of the nails gleamed on His hands and His innocent side received the wound.   They shackled His feet in fetters, the iron pierced His soles and His feet were fastened to the tree.   These wounds did God suffer on our behalf at the hands of His own people, in His own home.   O how marvellous are His wounds by which the wounds of the world were healed!   How victorious His wounds, by which He slew death and stung hell! (…) Therefore, O Church, O dove, you have coverts in the rock and a hollow in the wall in which to rest (cf. Sg 2:14). (…)

And what will you do (…) when He comes in the clouds with great power and majesty? (cf. Mt 24:30)   He will come down with heaven and earth ablaze and by the terror of His coming He will dissolve the elements.   When He has come, the Sign of the Cross will be seen in the sky and the beloved one will show the scars of His wounds and the prints of the nails by which He was transfixed in His own home.” … St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) – Cistercian Monk, Bishop

PRAYER – The Angel of the Agony
Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Jesu! by that shuddering dread which fell on Thee.
Jesu! by that cold dismay which sicken’d Thee.
Jesu! by that pang of heart which thrill’d in Thee.
Jesu! by that mount of sins which crippled Thee.
Jesu! by that sense of guilt which stifled Thee.
Jesu! by that innocence that girded Thee.
Jesu! by that sanctity that reign’d in Thee.
Jesu! by that Godhead which was one with Thee.
Jesu! spare those souls which are so dear to Thee.
Who in prison, calm and patient, wait for Thee.
Hasten, Lord, their hour and bid them come to Thee.
To that glorious Home, where they shall ever gaze on Thee.
Amen

jesu the angel of the agony st john henry newman good friday 10 april 2020
Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOOD FRIDAY, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 10 April – St Bernard’s Our Lord’s Passion

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Our Morning Offering – 10 April – Friday of the Passion of the Lord

Our Lord’s Passion
St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Doctor of the Church

In Your hour of holy sadness
could I share with You, what gladness
should Your Cross to me be showing.
Gladness past all thought of knowing,
bowed beneath Your Cross to die!

Blessed Jesus, thanks I render
that in bitter death, so tender,
You now hear Your supplicant calling,
Save me Lord and keep from falling
from You,
when my hour is night.

our-lords-passion-st-bernard-17-march-2018

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, MAUNDY THURSDAY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 April – ‘… Walk in Him …’

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One Minute Reflection – 9 April – Maundy Thursday, Evening Vigil Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, Psalms 116:12-13, 15-18, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15

Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not know now but afterward, you will understand.”   Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.”   Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part in me.” … John 12:7-8

john 13 8 if i do not wash you you have no part in me - maundy thursday holy 9 april 2020

REFLECTION – “Jesus, fully aware that the Father had put everything into His power and that He had come from God and was returning to God, rose from supper.”   That which had not been in Jesus’s hands before is put into His hands by the Father – not just some things and not others but everything.

David had said:  “The Lord says to my lord:  Sit at my right hand while I make your enemies your footstool” (Ps 109[110]:1).   The enemies of Jesus shared out, as it were, that ‘all’ which He knew His Father was giving Him. (…)   On account of those who were far away from God, He was separated from God who, by nature, did not wish to leave the Father.   He left God, so that all who have been separated from God, should return to God with Him, in His hands, according to His eternal design. (…)

So what was Jesus doing in washing the feet of His disciples?   By washing them and wiping them with the towel around His waist wasn’t Jesus making their feet beautiful at the moment when they were going to have to proclaim the good news?   It was then, in my opinion, that the prophetic word was fulfilled:  “How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim good news!” (Is 52:7; Rm 10:15).   But if, by washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus makes them beautiful, how can we express the genuine beauty in those whom He immerses fully “in the Holy Spirit and in fire” (Mt 3:11)?   The feet of the apostles were made beautiful so that (…) they might set out along the holy road and walk in Him who said:  “I am the Way” (Jn 14:6).   For whoever has had his feet washed by Jesus and he alone, follows that living way that leads to the Father.   That way has no room for dirty feet! (…)   In order to follow this living, spiritual way (Heb 10:20) (…) they had to have their feet washed by Jesus who set aside His garments (…) so as to take upon His own body, the dirtiness of their feet with the towel which was His only garment, for “he bears our infirmities” (Is 53:4). … Origen (c 185-253) Father of Church, Priest, Theologian – Commentary on St John’s Gospel

the feet of the apostles were made beautiful -origen 9 april 2020

PRAYER – Love of You, with our whole heart, Lord God, is holiness. Increase then Your gifts of divine grace in us, so that, as in Your Son’s Death, You made us hope for what we believe, You may likewise, in His Resurrection, make us come to You, our final end. Listen we beg, to the prayers of Your holy ones and may the Blessed Mother walk along with us and keep our hand, ever in hers.   Through Jesus Himself, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God with You, forever and ever, amen.

mother of sorrows pray for us 16 nov 2019

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, HOLY WEEK, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 9 April – To Jesus Master, the Life

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Our Morning Offering – 9 April – Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

To Jesus, the Life
By Blessed James Alberione (1884-1971)

O Wellspring of eternal life,
all life is grafted in You, Lord,
You break the bonds of death
and give life to us anew.
Descending from Your splendid throne,
You have brought this gift to us below,
profusely from Your open side,
You bestow divine riches.
We have joined Your Mystical Body,
engrafted by baptismal grace,
life flowing from Your seven springs,
lifts up anew our fallen race.
Though wounded by our parents’ fault,
our nature is restored by grace,
virtue is practised for Your love
and reaps the heavenly reward.
Only You can give true peace,
lead nations to live in harmony,
cause innocence to bloom in homes,
grant prosperity to our works.
Jesus, our everlasting Life, Truth and Way,
by You, we are led,
by You we live,
to Father, You and the Spirit,
may all peoples praise and glory give.
Amen

Blessed Fr James Alberione (1884-1971)
the Founder of the Pauline Family,
composed various Prayers to Jesus Master,
The Way, the Truth and the Life,
specifically directed to honour Jesus, the Master –
to sanctify the whole person, mind, will and heart.
These prayers are prayed by his Orders everyday.

to jesus the life by bl james alberione 9 april 2020 maundy thursday holy thursday

Posted in LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, To JESUS through MARY

Our Morning Offering – 4 April – Loving Mother, have pity on me …

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Our Morning Offering – 4 April – Saturday of the Fifth week of Lent, Year C “Marian Saturdays”

Mother of Sorrows, of Love, of Mercy
By Fr Lawrence Lovasik SVD (1913-1986)

Mary, most holy Virgin and Queen of Martyrs,
accept the sincere homage of my childlike love.
Into your heart, pierced by so many sorrows,
welcome my poor soul.
Receive it as the companion of your sorrows
at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus
died for the redemption of the world.
Sorrowful Virgin, with you,
I will gladly suffer all the trials,
misunderstandings and pains
which it shall please our Lord to send me.
I offer them all to you in memory of your sorrows,
so that every thought of my mind
and every beat of my heart,
may be an act of compassion and of love for you.
Loving Mother, have pity on me,
reconcile me to your Divine Son Jesus,
keep me in His grace and assist me
in my last agony,
so that I may be able to meet you in heaven
and sing your glories.
Mary, most sorrowful Mother of Christians,
pray for us.
Mother of love, of sorrow
and of mercy, pray for us!
Amen. Amen!mother of sorrows of love of mercy fr lovasik-4 april 2020

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 3 April – Strengthen me, O God

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Our Morning Offering – 3 April – Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Strengthen me, O God
By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Strengthen me, O God,
by the grace of Your Holy Spirit.
Grant me the power to grow in holiness
and to empty my heart of all useless care and anxiety,
that I may not be led by the desire for earthly things,
whether of little or great value.
Help me to regard all things
in this world, as they are –
passing and short-lived –
realising, that I, too,
will pass away with them.
Nothing under the sun is lasting
but all is vanity and a chase after wind (Eccl 1:14).
Give me Your heavenly wisdom, O Lord,
that I may learn,
that the most important thing
is to seek You and to find You
and, above all things else,
to love You,
Amen

The Imitation – Book 3 Ch 27strengthen me o god by thomas a kempis 3 april 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LENT 2020, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 April – “Before Abraham was made, I am.” 

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One Minute Reflection – 2 April – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent, Readings: Genesis 17:3-9, Psalm 105:4-9, John 8:51-59

“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was made, I AM. ”   So they took up stones to throw at him but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. … John 8:58-59

REFLECTION – “Before Abraham was made, I am.”   Recognise the Creator-distinguish the creature.   He who spoke was made the seed of Abraham and that Abraham might be made, He Himself was before Abraham.
Hence, as if by the most open of all insults thrown at Abraham, they were now excited to greater bitterness.   Of a certainty it seemed to them, that Christ the Lord had uttered blasphemy in saying, “Before Abraham was made, I am.”   “Therefore took they up stones to cast at Him.”   To what could so great hardness have recourse, save to its like?   “But Jesus” [acts] as man, as one in the form of a servant, as lowly, as about to suffer, about to die, about to redeem us with His blood, not as He who is-not as the Word in the beginning and the Word with God.   For when they took up stones to cast at Him, what great thing were it had they been instantly swallowed up in the gaping earth and found the inhabitants of hell in place of stones?   It were not a great thing to God but better was it that patience should be commended than power exerted.   Therefore “He hid Himself” from them, that He might not be stoned.   As man, He fled from the stones but woe to those from whose stony hearts God has fled?”… St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctorjohn-8-58-59-and-they-picked-up-stones-as-a-man-jesus-fled-st-augustine-11-april-2019 and 2 april 2020

PRAYER – Lord God, break the bonds of our sin which our weakness have forged to enchain us and in Your loving mercy, forgive Your people’s guilt.   Never flee from us in our weakness O Lord and grant us Your salvation.   Help us Holy Mother to be the imitators of your Son.   Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God for all time and eternity, amen.blessed-virgin-mary-mother-of-god-pray-for-us-26-nov-2018 and 26 nov 2019

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, LENT 2020, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on FAITH, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 2 April – O Saviour of the World

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Our Morning Offering – 2 April – Thursday of the Fifth week of Lent

O Saviour of the World
By St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35-c 108)
Father of the Church

Lord Jesus Christ,
on the human side
You are sprung from David’s line,
Son of God according to God’s will and power,
born of the Virgin Mary,
baptised by John
and actually Crucified for us in the flesh,
under Pontius Pilate and Herod the Tetrarch.
On the third day, You raised a standard
to rally Your saints and faithful forever
in the one body of Your Church.
By the grace and power of these mysteries,
fit us out with unshakeable faith,
nail us body and soul to Your Cross
and root us in love by Your Blood, shed for us,
O Saviour of the world,
living and reigning, now and forever,
amen.o saviour of the world - st ignatius of antioch prayer 2 april 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUTH, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 April – ‘By faith we adhere to Christ …’

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One Minute Reflection – 1 April – Wednesday of the Fifth week of Lent, Readings:  Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95, Responsorial psalm Daniel 3:52-56, John 8:31-42 and the Memorial of St Lodovico Pavoni FMI (1784-1849)

“If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”...John 8:31-32

REFLECTION – “By faith we adhere to Christ and the edifice of our spiritual life becomes thereby firm and stable.   Christ makes us share in the stability of the divine rock against which even hell’s fury cannot prevail (Mt 16:18).

Thus divinely sustained, we are conquerors over the assaults and temptations of the world and of the devil, the prince of this world (1 Jn 5:4).   The devil and the world, which the devil uses as an accomplice, offer violence to us or solicit us;  by faith in the word of Jesus we come out victorious from these attacks.   …Now, the devil is “the father of lies and the prince of darkness” (cf. Eph 6:12) while God is ” the Truth” and “in Him is no darkness” (cf. Jn 14:6; 1 Jn 1:5).   If we always listen to God, we shall always be victorious. When our Lord, who is our model in all things, was tempted, He repulsed temptation by placing the authority of God’s Word in opposition to each solicitation of the Evil One.   We ought to do the same and repulse hell’s attacks by faith in Jesus’ word. (…)

What is true of the devil is true of the world – it is by faith that we overcome it.   When people have a living faith in Christ, they fear neither difficulties nor opposition, nor the world’s judgement,s because they know that Christ abides in us, by faith and because they rely on Him.” … Blessed Columba Marmion (1858-1923) Abbot – Our faith, the victory over the world (Christ, the Ideal of the Monk, rev.)

john 8 31-32 if you continue in my word - if we always listen to god - bl columba marmion 1 april 2020

PRAYER – God of mercy, shed Your light on our hearts that are being purified by penance and in Your goodness, give us a favourable hearing. Teach us to work with You and for You and thus fill the world with Your Spirit.   In Christ our Saviour, we become a new creation and Your adopted children, therefore, all things are renewed.   May the prayers of St Lodovico Pavoni, who gave himself completely to You and Your little ones, assist us to do the same.   Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

st lodovico pavoni pray for us 1 april 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Our Morning Offering – 1 April – The One Thing Necessary

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Our Morning Offering – 1 April – Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The One Thing Necessary
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

O my God,
help me to remember,
that time is short, eternity long.
What good is all the greatness of this world
at the hour of death?
To love You, my God
and save my soul is the one thing necessary.
Without You, there is no peace of mind or soul.
My God, I need fear only sin
and nothing else in this life,
for to lose You, my God, is to lose all.
O my God, help me to remember,
that I came into this world with nothing,
and shall take nothing from it when I die.
To gain You, I must leave all.
But in loving You,
I already have all good things,
the infinite riches of Christ and His Church in life,
Mary’s motherly protection and perpetual help
and the eternal dwelling place Jesus has prepared for me.
Eternal Father, Jesus has promised
that whatever we ask
in His Name will be granted us.
In His Name, I pray,
give me a burning faith,
a joyful hope,
a holy love for You.
Grant me perseverance in doing Your will
and never let me be separated from You.
My God and my All,
make me a Saint.
Amenthe one thing necessary st alphonsus liguori 1 april 2020

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, Our MORNING Offering, POETRY, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 31 March – It is, O Christ, Your love which moves me so …

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Our Morning Offering – 31 March – Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Sonnet to our Lord Crucified
Anonymous, of Spanish origen

I am not moved to love You, O my God,
That I might hope in promised heaven to dwell,
Nor am I moved by fear of pain in hell,
To turn from sin and follow where You trod.
You move me, Lord, broken beneath the rod,
Or stretched out on the cross, as nails compel
Your hand to twitch. It moves me that we sell,
To mockery and death, Your precious blood.
It is, O Christ, Your love which moves me so,
That my love rests not on a promised prize,
Nor holy fear on threat of endless woe,
It is not milk and honey but the flow
Of blood from blessed wounds before my eyes,
That waters my buried soul and makes it grow.
Amen

Spanish:
No me mueve, mi Dios, para quererte,
Elcielo que me tienes prometido,
Mi me mueve el infierno tan temido,
para dejar por eso de ofenderte.
Tu me mueves, Senor, mueveme el verte
Clavado en una cruz y escarnecido,
Mueveme el ver tu cuerpo tan herido,
Muevenme tus afrentas y tu muerte.
Mueveme, en fin, tu amor de tal manera,
que aunque no hubiera cielo, yo te amara,
Y aunque no hubiera infierno, te temiera.
No me tienes que dar porque Te quiera,
Porque, aunque lo que espero no esperara,
Lo mismo que te quiero Te quisiera.

Who wrote it? Who knows?
The names fell from the pages,
Lost and never
To return to where
The eyes of the reader
Might ever see them.
‘I am no-one,
Constructing eternity so,
I can live forever’

sonnet to our lord crucified anonymous of spanish origen 31 march 2020

Posted in LENT 2020, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HYPOCRISY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on SIN, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 March – “Go and do not sin again.”

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One Minute Reflection – 30 March – Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent, Readings: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62, Psalm 23, John 8:1-11 and the Memorial of St Antoine Daveluy MEP (1818-1866) Martyr

“Neither do I condemn you;   go and do not sin again.” … John 8:11

REFLECTION – “The scene is full with drama – the life of that person and also His own life depend on Jesus.   Indeed, the hypocritical accusers pretend to entrust the judgement to Him whereas it is actually He, Himself, whom they wish to accuse and judge.   Jesus, on the other hand, is “full of grace and truth” (Jn 1: 14) – He can read every human heart, He wants to condemn the sin but save the sinner and unmask hypocrisy.   St John the Evangelist highlights one detail – while His accusers are insistently interrogating Him, Jesus bends down and starts writing with His finger on the ground.   St Augustine notes that this gesture portrays Christ as the divine legislator, in fact, God wrote the law with His finger on tablets of stone (cf. Commentary on John’s Gospel, 33,5).   Thus Jesus is the Legislator, He is Justice in person.   And what is His sentence? “Let him who is without sin among you, be the first to throw a stone at her.”   These words are full of the disarming power of truth that pulls down the wall of hypocrisy and opens consciences to a greater justice, that of love, in which consists the fulfilment of every precept (cf. Rom 13: 8-10). This is the justice that also saved Saul of Tarsus, transforming him into St Paul (cf. Phil 3: 8-14).
When His accusers “went away, one by one, beginning with the eldest,” Jesus, absolving the woman of her sin, ushers her into a new life oriented to good.   “Neither do I condemn you; go and do not sin again.” … Pope Benedict XVI – 21 March 2010john 8 11 neither do i condemn you - jesus bends down and start writing pope benedict 30 march 2020

PRAYER – Lord God, Your abounding grace has enriched us with every blessing. Transform us from our sinful condition to newness of life and prepare us for the glory of Your kingdom.   Open our eyes to see by the light of Your Son, who always walks with us. Let us lift our eyes to Him, for even now He is preparing for us a place, in His Father’s house.   Listen, we pray, to the prayers of all the angels and saints, St Antoine Daveluy a Martyr for Christ, who petition on our behalf and may our Mother Mary, keep ever close to our path.   Through Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for always and forever, amen. st antoine daveluy martyr for christ pray for us 30 march 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 30 March – Lord, Kindle our Lamps

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Our Morning Offering – 30 March – Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Lord, Kindle our Lamps
By St Columban (543-615)

Lord, kindle our lamps,
Saviour most dear to us,
that we may always shine
in Your presence
and always receive light
from You, the Light Perpetual,
so that our own personal darkness
may be overcome
and the world’s darkness
driven from us.
Amen

(This is an excerpt from a much longer prayer and is taken from the wonderful Sermon XII by St Columban)

lord kindle our lamps by st columban short version 30 march 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 March – ‘So let the Lord’s call resound in your ears!’

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One Minute Reflection – 29 March – The Fifth Sunday of Lent, Readings: Ezekiel 37:12-14, Psalm 130:1-8, Romans 8:8-11, John 11:1-45

“Lazarus, come out!” … John 11:43

REFLECTION – “Lazarus, come out!”   Laid to rest in the tomb, you heard the resounding call.   Is there any voice greater than that of the Word?   Then you came out, you who were dead not merely for four days but for a very long time indeed.   You were raised with Christ …, your burial bands fell to the ground.   Do not fall back again now into death, do not rejoin those who dwell in the tombs, do not allow yourself to be stifled by the burial bands of your sins.   For would you be able to come back to life once again? Would you be able to bring out from the death of here below, the resurrection of all men at the end of time? …
So let the Lord’s call resound in your ears!   Do not close them today to the teaching and admonitions of the Lord.   If you used to be blind, without light in your tomb, open your eyes lest you sink into the sleep of death.   In the light of the Lord, behold light, in the Spirit of God, fix your eyes on the Son.   If you take to yourself the Word, in it’s entirety, then you focus onto your soul all the power of Christ, who heals and restores to life …. Don’t be afraid to put some work into preserving your baptismal purity and set the ways that lead to the Lord within your heart.   Take care to preserve the act of acquittal, which you received through pure grace ….
Let us be light, as the disciples learned from He who is the great Light – “You are the light of the world” (Mt 5,14).   Let us be lamps in this world by holding up on high the Word of life, by being a life force for others.   Let us set out in search of God, in search of the One who is the first and purest of lights.” … Saint Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church – Sermon on Holy Baptism.john 11 43 -so let the lords call resound in your ears! st gregory of nazianzen 29 march 2020

PRAYER – Give us good God, a heart of flesh, that we might resemble the heart of Your love.   For truly following the steps of Your divine Son, we would make peace in the world and give glory to Your kingdom.   Help us Lord, to see with Your eyes and hear with Your ears, that the Word may dwell in us all and bring us to rise with You.   May the immaculate heart of Mary, our Mother dwell in us and help us to reach our eternal home.   We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord, with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.mary-mother-of-god-pray-for-us-27-july-2018 and 29 march 2020

Posted in HYMNS, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 29 March – “Here I Am, Lord”

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Our Morning Offering – 29 March – The Fifth Sunday of Lent

“Here I Am, Lord”
By Daniel Schutte

I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard My people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My Hand will save.

I, who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord.  Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne My people’s pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone
Give them hearts for love alone
Who will speak My word to them
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord.  Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide
‘Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give My life to them
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord.  Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart.

here i am lord by daniel schutte 29 march 2020

Daniel Schutte is an American composer of Catholic liturgical music and a contemporary Christian songwriter best known for composing the hymn “Here I Am, Lord” (1981, also incorrectly known as “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky”) and over 150 popular hymns and Mass settings.

Mr Schutte said the positive reception of “Here I Am, Lord” has continued consistently since the song’s premiere in 1979 and its publication in 1981.   He even has a file of letters he has received praising the song.   One of his favorites came from an army captain serving in Afghanistan.

The captain wrote that the troops would gather in a field for Mass, near where they were fighting and their chaplain would lead them in singing “Here I Am, Lord.”   The servicemen and women who had grown up with the song could all sing it by heart.

“We stand here in this awful place, where we are asked to serve our country but fear for our own lives and we sing ‘Here I Am, Lord,’” 

I asked Mr Schutte how he reacts when he receives personal, emotional letters like these.

“There’s a whole constellation of feelings that surround it for me,” he said.   “I feel so grateful that God seems to have chosen that song to accompany people through so many moments of their life….  I didn’t plan that.   I didn’t know that the song was going to be special.   I’m very aware that God is doing something beyond me when I get those letters from people…. It’s also very humbling because it’s something way, way far beyond what I can do.”

A great story of the circumstances surrounding the writing of this most wonderful and emotive Hymn.

https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2017/10/12/here-i-am-lord-little-known-story-behind-catholic-hit

Posted in LENT 2020, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 March – One Name that Lives

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One Minute Reflection – 28 March – Saturday of the Fourth week of Lent, Readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20, Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12, John 7:40-53

Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee?… John 7:41john 7 41 - others said this is the christ but some said, is the christ to come from galilee 28 march 2020

REFLECTION – “There is just one Name in the whole world that lives – it is the Name of One who passed His years in obscurity and who died a malefactor’s death. (Two thousand years) have gone by since that time but still It has It’s hold upon the human mind. It has possessed the world and It maintains possession.   Amid the most various nations, under the most diversified circumstances, in the most cultivated, in the rudest races and intellects, in all classes of society, the Owner of that great Name reigns.   High and low, rich and poor, acknowledge Him.   Millions of souls are conversing with Him, are venturing at His word, are looking for His presence.
Palaces, sumptuous, innumerable, are raised to His honour.   His image, in it’s deepest humiliations, is triumphantly displayed in the proud city, in the open country, at the corners of streets, on the tops of mountains.   It sanctifies the ancestral hall, the closet and the bedchamber, it is the subject for the exercise of the highest genius in the imitative arts.   It is worn next to the heart in life, it is held before the failing eyes in death.
Here, then, is One who is not mere name, He is no empty fiction, He is substance, He is dead and gone but still He lives – as the living, energetic, thought of successive generations and as the awful motive power of a thousand great events ….
O my own Saviour, now in the tomb but soon to arise, You have paid the price – it is done – consummatum est – it is secured.
O fulfil Your Resurrection in us and as You have purchased us, claim us, take possession of us, make us Thine.”  Amen   Holy God, we praise Thy Name! – Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890) – One Name That Livesone name that lives st john henry newman 28 march 2020

PRAYER – In Your gentle mercy Lord, guide our wayward hearts, for we know that left to ourselves, we cannot do Your will. Almighty God, turn our hearts to Yourself, so that we, seeking the one thing necessary, may worship You in spirit and in truth. We give You thanks for our faith, increase our faith O our God! May the prayers of all your saints and the Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, obtain the gift of humility and fidelity for us and for every believer, so that our prayer may always be genuine and pleasing to the Lord. Through Christ our Lord and Redeemer, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.virgin mother pray for us 28 march 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 28 March – My Sorrowful Mother

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Our Morning Offering – 28 March – Saturday of the Fourth week of Lent
Let us think of and call on our Blessed and Most Sorrowful Mother

My Sorrowful Mother
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Doctor of the Church

My sorrowful Mother,
by the merit of that grief
which you felt at seeing your beloved Jesus
led to death,
obtain for me the grace to bear with patience,
those crosses which God sends me.
I will be fortunate if I also shall know
hot to accompany you with my cross until death.
You and Jesus,
both innocent,
have borne a heavy cross
and shall I,
a sinner who has merited hell,
refuse mine?
Immaculate Virgin,
I hope you will help me
to bear my crosses with patience.
Amenmy sorrowful mother - st alphonsus liguori 28 march 2020

Posted in HYMNS, I BELIEVE!, LENT 2020, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, POETRY, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on FAITH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 March – The Two Worlds by St John Henry Newman

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One Minute Reflection – 27 March – Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent, Readings: Wisdom 2:1, 12-22, Psalm 34:17-21, 23, John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

“You know me and you know where I come from?
But I have not come of my own accord, he who sent me is true and him you do not know.
I know him, for I come from him and he sent me.” … John 7:28-29

REFLECTION – The Two Worlds by St John Henry Newman (1801-1890) – The Oratory, 1862.
“UNVEIL, O Lord and on us shine
In glory and in grace.
This gaudy world grows pale before
The beauty of Thy face.

Till Thou art seen, it seems to be
A sort of fairy ground,
Where suns unsetting light the sky,
And flowers and fruits abound.

But when Thy keener, purer beam
Is pour’d upon our sight,
It loses all its power to charm,
And what was day is night.

Its noblest toils are then the scourge
Which made Thy blood to flow.
Its joys are but the treacherous thorns
Which circled round Thy brow.

And thus, when we renounce for Thee
Its restless aims and fears,
The tender memories of the past,
The hopes of coming years,

Poor is our sacrifice, whose eyes
Are lighted from above.
We offer what we cannot keep,
What we have ceased to love.”the two worlds - unveil o lord and shine on us - st john henry newman 27 march 2020

PRAYER – Loving God and Father, open our eyes and ears and our hearts. Help us to recognise the Light of Christ in the world around us. Too often we are hard of heart and closed up in our ‘rites’ – He is there but He is not only there and we are blind. May the prayers of the saints and angels help us to be open to Him. Mary, the Mother He gave us, pray for us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity, amen.mother-mary-pray-for-us-5-oct-2018 and 27 march 2020

Posted in ACT of CONTRITION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LENT 2020, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 27 March – O Lord the House of My Soul is Narrow

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Our Morning Offering – 27 March – Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

O Lord, the House of My Soul is Narrow
By St Augustine ((354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church

O God, the Light of the heart that sees You,
The Life of the soul that loves You,
The Strength of the mind that seeks You,
May I ever continue to be steadfast in Your love.
Be the joy of my heart;
Take all of me to Yourself and abide therein.
The house of my soul is, I confess, too narrow for You.
Enlarge it that You may enter.
It is ruinous but do repair it.
It has within it what must offend Your eyes,
I confess and know it,
But whose help shall I seek in cleansing it but Yours alone?
To You, O God, I cry urgently.
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep me from false pride and sensuality
That they not get dominion over me.
Amen

o-lord-the-house-of-my-soul-is-narrow-full-prayer-new-25-oct-2018-st-augustine and 27 march 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD the FATHER, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 March – ‘Let us receive the Word of God with thankful and humble hearts.’

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One Minute Reflection – 26 March – Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent, Readings: Exodus 32:7-14, Psalms 106:19-23, John 5:31-47 and the Blessed Maddalena Caterina Morano (1847-1908)

“If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me.   But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”… John 5:46-47

REFLECTION – “In the beginning, the Lord, who had created humankind, used to talk to man Himself, in such a way, that man could hear Him.   That is how He used to talk to Adam (…) and, later, with Noah and Abraham.   So too, even when humankind had thrown itself into the abyss of sin, God did not break His relationship with them, even though it was, necessarily, less familiar since they had made themselves unworthy of it. He consented to renew His kindly feelings towards them, although, as by letters, as with an absent friend.   Thus, in His goodness, He could bind all humankind to Himself again. Moses was he, who was the bearer of the letters God sent us.
Let us open these letters – what are their first words?   “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”   Isn’t that wonderful? …   Moses, who came into the world many centuries afterwards, was truly inspired from above, to give us an account of the wonders God made at the world’s creation….   Doesn’t he appear to tell us clearly:  “Did men teach me what I’m about to make known?   Not at all.   The Creator alone, who wrought all these marvels, is the One who guides my tongue, to teach you them.   From now on, I beg you, put to silence every argument of human reasoning.   Don’t just listen to this account as though it were only Moses’ word.   It is God Himself who speaks to you, Moses is only His interpreter.” …
So, brethren, let us receive the Word of God with thankful and humble hearts. …   For God is He, who created all things, He it is, who prepares everything and sets it wisely in order. …   He it is, who leads man by what can be seen, to a knowledge of the Creator of the universe.   He it is, who teaches man to contemplate the supreme Worker in His works, in such a way, that He might be able to worship His Creator.” … Saint John Chrysostom (347-407) – Priest at Antioch then Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church – 2nd Homily on Genesisjohn 5 46-47 if you believe moses - moses was he who was the bearer of the letters of god - 26 march 2020

PRAYER – Father almighty, grant us Your good grace to trust completely in the Word made Flesh whom You sent to lead us to our heavenly home and save us from our evil ways.   As we proceed by penance and prayer, grant us now, perseverance in listening to Him and learning from Him.   May the prayers of Bl Maddalena, assist us on our journey. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God with You, now and forever, amen.bl maddalena morano pray for us 26 march 2020

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 26 March – Thy Grace

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Our Morning Offering – 26 March – Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Thy Grace
St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

O my God,
suffer me still!
Bear with me
in spite of my waywardness,
perverseness and ingratitude!
I improve very slowly
but really, I am moving onto heaven,
or at least, I wish to move.
Only give me, Thy grace,
meet me with Thy grace,
I will, through Thy grace,
do what I can
and Thou shall perfect it for me.
Then I shall have happy days
in Thy presence
and in the sight and adoration of
Thy Five Sacred Wounds.
Amen

THY GRACE BL JOHN HENRY NEWMAN 24 MARCH 2020

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The ANNUNCIATION, The INCARNATION

One Minute Reflection – 25 March – ‘And Mary’s body enfolds Him, whom the heaven of heavens does not contain.’

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One Minute Reflection – 25 March – The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord –- Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10, Psalm 40:7-11, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38

“The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you.”   And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.”...Luke 1:35, 38

luke 1 35 the holy spirit shall come upon you - 25 march 2020 annunciation

REFLECTION – “The Word came from Himself and came down beneath Himself and dwelt among us (cf. Jn 1:14), when He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (Phil 2:7).   That emptying was a decent.   Yet He descended in such a way that He did not lose Himself.   He was made flesh in such a way that He did not cease to be the Word, nor did the taking of humanity lessen the glory of His majesty. (…)
Indeed, just as the sun’s brightness penetrates glass without breaking it and as a glance of the eyes plunges into calm clear water without parting or dividing it, while it opens up all things to their very depth, so the Word of God drew near the Virgin’s dwelling and went forth from it, her virgin womb still closed. (…)  Therefore, the invisible God was made visible man, the impassible and immortal showed Himself passible and mortal.  He who was not confined within the garments of our substance, willed to be so confined. There is enclosed within the womb of a mother one whose immensity encloses the whole range of heaven and earth.   And Mary’s body enfolds Him, whom the heaven of heavens does not contain.
If you ask how it was done, hear the Archangel setting forth the plan to Mary and saying to her:  “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you.” (cf. Lk 1:35) (…)   For He chose you before and above all others, that you may surpass all those who have been before or after you or shall be in the fullness of grace.” … Saint Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) Cistercian Monk, then Bishop – In praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Homily IIIthere is enclosed within the womb of a mother - 25 march 2020 annunciation

PRAYER – Shape us in the likeness of the Divine nature of our Redeemer, whom we believe to be true God and true man, since it was Your will, Lord God, that He, Your Word, should take to Himself, our human nature in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for always and forever, amen.

the nicest word - servant of god guy pierre de fontgalland - 24 feb 2018-no 2

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The ANNUNCIATION

Our Morning Offering – 25 March – The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

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Our Morning Offering – 25 March – The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Prayer to Our Lady of the Annunciation
By Blessed James Alberione (1884-1971)
(The founder of the Daughters of St Paul)

Queen of heaven and earth,
daughter of the Father,
Mother of the divine Son,
spouse of the Holy Spirit,
I praise God
for the unique grace given to you.

Mary, you became the great Mother
of our divine Saviour,
our Master, true Light of the world,
uncreated Wisdom,
source of all Truth and first Apostle of Truth.
You gave the world
the book to read, the eternal Word.

For this I bless the holy Trinity
and I ask you to obtain for me
the grace of heavenly wisdom,
to be a fervent disciple of Jesus
and to be lovingly devoted to the Church,
the pillar of truth.

Make the light of the Gospel
shine to the farthest bounds of the earth.
Queen of the Apostles, pray for us!
Amenprayer to our lady of the annunciation by bl james alberione 25 march 2019

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

One Minute Reflection – 23 March – “He reveals hidden meanings to little ones”

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One Minute Reflection – 23 March – Monday of the Fourth week of Lent, Readings: Isaiah 65:17-21, Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13, John 4:43-54 and the Memorial of St Rafqa (1832 – 1914)

“Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” … John 4:48

REFLECTION – “Whoever examines the majesty of God will be crushed by his glory” (Prv 25:27 Vg).   God can do works that pass man’s understanding. (…)   Faith is required of you and sincerity of life, not high intelligence, nor penetrating knowledge of the mysteries of God.   If you do not understand nor grasp what is below you, how will you comprehend what is above you?   Be subject to God, submit your feeling to the faith and the light of knowledge will be given to you as much as you need and can use.

Some have grave temptations concerning faith and sacrament, which are not to be imputed to them but rather, to the enemy.   Take no notice, do not argue with your thoughts, nor answer the doubts with which the devil attacks you, believe God’s word, believe His saints and prophets and the wicked enemy will be routed.   It is often most profitable to God’s servant to endure such things.   For the devil does not tempt the infidel or sinner, of whom he has already secure possession but he uses various means to tempt and harass the devout faithful.

Go on then, with simple unquestioning faith and approach the Sacrament with reverent beseeching.   Anything you cannot understand, commit it surely to God who is omnipotent.   God does not deceive you. the over-confident person deceives himself.  God walks in step with the simple ones, He shows Himself to the humble ones, He grants understanding to the little ones, “He reveals hidden meanings to little ones” and hides away His grace from the inquisitive and the proud.   Human reason is feeble and fallible but true faith cannot be deceived.   All use of reason, all human inquiry should walk in the footsteps of faith, it should not go on in front of it nor call it in question.” … Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)- The Imitation of Christ Bk IV #18john 4 48 unless you see signs - human reason is feeble - thomas a kempis 23 march 2020

PRAYER – Teach us Holy Father to do Your will! Grant us Your guiding hand and Your grace, that we may trust You in all things.   Strengthen us by Your grace and give us a heart willing to live by the love of Your Son, who so loved the world that He gave Himself up to death for our sake.   For if we love as He loved, nothing will lead us from You.  Grant that the prayers of our most loving and merciful Mother and the blessed loving faith of St Rafqa, may intercede in our necessities.   We make our prayer through the Christ, our Lord, one God with You and the Holy Spirit, now and for all eternity, amen.MARY HOLY MOTHER OF FAITH PRAY FOR US 23 MARCH 2020

ST RAFQA PRAY FOR US 23 MARCH 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Our Morning Offering – 23 March – Grant That I May Love You

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 23 March – Monday of the Fourth week of Lent

Grant That I May Love You
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Doctor of the Church

O God of love,
You are
and shall be forever,
the only delight of my heart
and the sole object of my affections.
Since Jesus said,
‘Ask and you shall receive,’
I do not hesitate to say,
‘Give me Your love
and Your grace.’
Grant that I may love You
and be loved by You.
I want nothing else.
Amen

grant that I may love you - st alphonsus liguori 23 march 2020

Posted in I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 March – Jesus worked a new creation.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 March – The Fourth “Laetare” Sunday of Lent, Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13, Psalm 23:1-6, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41

“He spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man’s eyes with the clay” … John 9:6

john 9 6 he spat on the ground and made clay - 22 march 2020

REFLECTION – “Let us reflect briefly on the account of the man born blind (Jn 9: 1-41). According to the common mentality of the time, the disciples take it for granted that his blindness was the result of a sin committed by him or his parents.   Jesus, however, rejects this prejudice and says – “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents but that the works of God might be made manifest in him” (Jn 9: 3).
… And He immediately takes action – mixing a little earth with saliva he made mud and spread it on the eyes of the blind man.   This act alludes to the creation of man, which the Bible recounts using the symbol of dust from the ground, fashioned and enlivened by God’s breath (Gn 2: 7).   In fact, “Adam” means “ground” and the human body was in effect formed of particles of soil.   By healing the blind man, Jesus worked a new creation.
But this healing sparked heated debate because Jesus did it on the Sabbath, thereby, in the Pharisees’ opinion, violating the feast-day precept.   Thus, at the end of the account, Jesus and the blind man are both cast out, the former because he broke the law and the latter because, despite being healed, he remained marked as a sinner from birth.
Jesus reveals to the blind man whom He had healed that He had come into the world for judgement, to separate the blind who can be healed, from those who do not allow themselves to be healed because they consider themselves healthy.   Indeed, the temptation to build himself an ideological security system is strong in man – even religion can become an element of this system, as can atheism or secularism but in letting this happen, one is blinded by one’s own selfishness.” … Pope Benedict XVI – 2 March 2008

and he immediately takes action - pope benedict man born blind - 22 march 2020

PRAYER – Holy Father, we are sinners who stand in Your presence and serve You.   Grant us Your mercy and forgiveness, for we are all Your prodigal children.   Your Word, our Christ, came to redeem us, to relieve our blindness and open our eyes, to open our ears, that we might hear.   May Mary Most Holy, who, by conceiving Christ in the flesh, gave the world the true light, help us to conquer the ‘great transgression’ of our pride.   May we honour, love and serve You through His example and by following in His steps. Through Jesus our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever, amen.

MARY immaculate pray for us 22 march 2020