Category: MORNING Prayers

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 July – “Go and do likewise.”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 July – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel:  Luke 10:25–37 and the memorial of Saint Camillus de Lellis MI (1550-1614) “The Giant of Charity” and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680) “Lily of the Mohawks”

“Go and do likewise.”... Luke 10:37luke 10 37 go and do likewise - 14 july 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “In choosing these two Words addressed by God to His people and by putting them together, Jesus taught once and for all that love for God and love for neighbour are inseparable; moreover, they sustain one another.   Even if set in a sequence, they are two sides of a single coin – experienced together they are a believer’s strength!

To love God is to live of Him and for Him, for what He is and for what He does.   Our God is unmitigated giving, He is unlimited forgiveness, He is a relationship that promotes and fosters.

Therefore, to love God means to invest our energies each day to be His assistants in the unmitigated service of our neighbour, in trying to forgive without limitations and in cultivating relationships of communion and fraternity.   It is not a matter of pre-selecting my neighbour – this is not Christian but it is about having eyes to see and a heart to want what is good for him or her.   Today’s Gospel passage invites us all to be projected not only toward the needs of our poorest brothers and sisters but above all to be attentive to their need for fraternal closeness, for a meaning to life and for tenderness.”… Pope Francis (ANGELUS Sunday, 4 November 2018)therefore, to love god means - pope francis - good samaritan 14 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – God our Father, we are Your children and You have set us aside to come home to You by the light of the way of Your divine Son. Grant we pray, that we may grow in faith and love for You and our neighbour daily, by the intercession of  Saints Camillus and Kateri, may learn the gentleness and tenderness of love, to all around us.  We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st-camillus-de-lellis-pray-for-us-14-july-2017

st kateri tekakwitha pray for us 14 july 2019

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 14 July – Prayer before Holy Communion

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 14 July – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Prayer before Holy Communion
By Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

O my God, holiness becomes Your House,
and yet You make Your abode in my breast.
My Lord, my Saviour, to me You come,
hidden under the semblance of earthly things,
yet in that very flesh and blood
which You took from Mary,
You, who did first inhabit Mary’s breast,
come to me.
My God, You see me;
I cannot see myself…
You see how unworthy, so great a sinner is,
to receive the One Holy God,
whom the Seraphim adore with trembling…
My God, enable me to bear You,
for You alone can.
Cleanse my heart and mind from all that is past…
give me a true perception of things unseen,
and make me truly, practically,
and in the details of life,
prefer You to anything on earth,
and the future world,
to the present.
Amenprayer-before-holy-communion-by-john-henry-newman-8-july-2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 July – ‘I will acknowledge before my Father…’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 July – Saturday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 10:24–33 and the Memorial of Blessed Carlos Rodriguez Santiago

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father, who is in heaven…”… Matthew 10:32matthew 10 32 - so everyone who acknowledges me 13 july 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “You can be a witness to Christ every day.   You were tempted by the spirit of impurity but… you considered that chastity of spirit and body should not be soiled – you are a martyr or, in other words, a witness to Christ… You were tempted by the spirit of pride but, seeing the poor and needy, you were seized by tender compassion and preferred humility to arrogance –  you are a witness to Christ.   Better still – you have not given your witness in word alone but in deed as well.
What is the surest kind of witness?   “Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ came among us in the flesh” (cf. 1Jn 4,2) and who keeps the commands of the Gospel…   How many there are each day of these hidden martyrs of Christ who confess the Lord Jesus!    The apostle Paul knew that kind of martyrdom and witness of faith rendered to Christ, he who said:  “Our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience” (2Cor 1,12).   For how many people have made a confession of faith exteriorly but denied it interiorly!…  So be faithful and courageous in interior persecutions so that you may also win the victory in exterior persecutions.   There are “kings and rulers,” judges of formidable power, in the persecutions within, likewise.   You have an example of these in the temptations undergone by our Lord (Mt 4,1ff.)”… St Ambrose (340-397) Father & Doctor of the Church -Sermon 20 on Psalm 118what is the surest kind of witness - st ambrose - 13 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Come to help us in our weakness, God of mercy, forgive the sins of Your people and as nothing we can do is worthy in Your sight, save us through the intercession of the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ.   Listen too to the prayers of a fellow pilgrim Blessed Carlos, who has, by his love for You and passion to proclaim Christ Your Son, reached his eternal destination with You.   We make our prayer through Jesus with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.bl-mother-of-our-lord-pray-for-us-27-oct-2018

bl carlos santiago pray for us 13 july 2019

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, Our MORNING Offering, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 13 July – A Morning Salutation to Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 13 July – Saturday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C and a Marian Saturday

A Morning Salutation to Mary
A Coptic Catholic Prayer

We greet you,
glorious Mother of the Light
O Blessed Mary,
from the rising of the sun
to its setting
praise is due to you,
O Mother of God.
You are the second heaven,
the bright unfading flower,
the ever-virgin mother.
For the Father chose you
and the Holy Spirit overshadowed you
and the Son humbled Himself
and took flesh from you.
Therefore, ask Him to give peace
to the world He has created
and to deliver it from every tribulation.
And we shall sing to Him a new song
and bless Him,
now and forever,
Amena morning salutation to mary - coptic prayer - 27 ocat 2018 sat prayer to mary.jpg

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 July – Standing firm?

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 July – Friday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C – Gospel: Matthew 10:16–23 and the Memorial of St John Gualbert (c 985-1073)

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves,
so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”...Matthew 10:16

REFLECTION – “As Jesus gave His disciples authority to offer valuable services of health, freedom and life, who should they have to face opposition?   The point is, that these good services are not ends in themselves but manifestations of what Jesus came to establish, namely, the Kingdom of heaven.   These services are also the doorway for stirring in people an interest in Jesus, eventually leading them to faith in Him.
So what’s so jarring about the Kingdom of heaven that it provokes persecution?    Since the Kingdom of heaven, ushered in by Jesus, challenges the values of those opposed to it’s values, Jesus anticipates His own rejection and forewarns His disciples to expect persecution, hatred and rejection in His name, even though they will be offering valuable services.
As His disciple, am I willing to continue my services in His name, by standing firm for His cause of establishing God’s reign?”…Fr Isaac SDBmatthew 10 16 behold i send you out as sheep - since the kingdom of heaven - god's word 12 july 2019

PRAYER – Lord God, grant us restless hearts, hearts which seek Your Face.   Keep us from the blindness of heart which sees only the surface of things.   Give us the simplicity and purity which allow us to recognise Your presence in the world.   When we are not able to accomplish great things, grant us the courage which is born of humility and goodness. Impress Your Face on our hearts.   May we encounter You along the way and show Your image to the world.   Grant, we pray that the prayers of St John Gualbert may assist in being courageous and merciful to all.   Through Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st john gualbert pray for us 12 july 2019

Posted in CARMELITES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 12 July – by St Thérèse

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 12 July – The Memorial of Sts Louis & Zelie Martin – Parents of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus

Morning Offering
By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897)

O my God!
I offer You all my actions of this day
for the intentions and for the glory
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I desire to sanctify
every beat of my heart,
my every thought,
my simplest works,
by uniting them to Its infinite merits
and I wish to make reparation for my sins,
by casting them into the furnace
of Its Merciful Love.
O my God!
I ask You for myself and for those
whom I hold dear,
the grace to fulfil perfectly
Your Holy Will,
to accept for love of You
the joys and sorrows of this passing life,
so that we may one day be united together,
in Heaven for all Eternity.
Amenmorning-offering-o-my-god-i-offer-you-all-my-actions-of-this-day-st-therese-lisieux-12-july-2019-mem-of-louis-and-zelie

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 July – “Without cost you have received…”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 July – Thursday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 10:7–15 and the Memorial of St Benedict and Bl Valeriu Traian Frentiu (1875-1952)

“Without cost you have received,
without cost you are to give.”…Matthew 10:8

REFLECTION – “To undertake the discipleship of Jesus means to take up your cross — we all have one — to accompany Him on His path, an uncomfortable path that is not of success or of fleeting glory but one which takes us to true freedom, to that which frees us from selfishness and sin.   It is necessary to clearly reject that worldly mentality which places one’s “I” and one’s own interests at the centre of existence.   That is not what Jesus wants from us!   Instead Jesus invites us to lose our life for Him and for the Gospel, to receive it renewed, fulfilled and authentic.   We are certain, thanks to Jesus, that this path leads us to the resurrection, to the full and definitive life with God.   Choosing to follow Him, our Master and Lord who made Himself the Servant of all, one to walk behind and to listen attentively to His Word — remember to read a passage from the Gospel every day — and in the Sacraments.”… Pope Francis (Angelus, 13 September 2015)matthew 10 8 without cost you have received - it is necessary to clearly reject - pope francis 11 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, You appointed St Benedict to be a wise master in the school of Your service, give us the grace to put Your love before all else and so to run with joy in the way of Your commandments.   Listen we pray to the intercession of St Benedict as we ask him for his prayers.   Through Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st benedict pray for us 11 july 2019.jpg

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

Our Morning Offering – 11 July – With All My Heart I Seek You

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 11 July – Thursday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

With All My Heart
I Seek You
By St Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

With all my heart
I seek You,
let me not stray
from Your commands…
Open my eyes,
that I may consider
the wonders of Your law.
I am a wayfarer of earth,
hide not Your commands from me…
Make me understand
the way of Your precepts,
and I will meditate
on Your wondrous deeds…
Your compassion is great, O Lord…
Amenwith all my heart i seek you st john paul 11 july 2019

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – The Twelve

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – Wednesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 10:1–7

The names of the twelve apostles are these:   first, Simon, who is called Peter and Andrew his brother;  James the son of Zebedee and John his brother; …Matthew 10:2

REFLECTION – “The order in which the apostles were divided and the distinction of each one were given by him who plumbs the depths of the heart.   The first to be recorded is Simon called Peter (to distinguish him from the other Simon, who is called the Cananaean from the village of Cana in Galilee, where the Lord turned the water into wine).   He also calls James the son of Zebedee because he is followed by another James, the son of Alphaeus.   And he associates the apostles by pairs.  He joins Peter and Andrew as brothers not so much in the flesh as in the spirit;  James and John, who left behind their natural father and followed the true Father;  Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican.   The other Evangelists, in listing the names, put Matthew first and then Thomas, nor do they mention the name publican, lest in recalling his former way of life they seem to insult the Evangelist.   But Matthew, as we said before, places himself after Thomas and calls himself a publican so that “where sin abounded, grace has abounded even more.”

Simon the Cananaean is the one whom another Evangelist calls the Zealot.   In fact, Cana interpreted means “zeal.”   Church history relates that the apostle Thaddaeus was sent to Edessa, Abgarum in the region of Osroene.   The person whom Luke the Evangelist calls Jude the brother of James, elsewhere called Lebbaeus, which interpreted means “little heart,” is believed to have been referred to by three names.   Simon Peter and the sons of Zebedee (called sons of thunder) were named for their strength of mind and great faith.   Judas Iscariot took his name either from his hometown or from the tribe of Issachar.   By a certain prophecy he was born in condemnation of himself, for Issachar interpreted means “reward,” as to signify the price of the traitor.” … St Jerome (343-420)  – Father & Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Matthew, 1.)matthew 10 2 - the names of the 12 apostles are these - st jerome - 10 july 2019

PRAYER – Holy God and Almighty Father, we are the disciples of Your Son as we follow Him home to You, grant us we pray, the strength and love to imitate Him in all things and to daily, pick up our cross with joy and commitment.   May the Blessed Virgin, be a constant protection and assistance in our times of struggle and may all your angels and saints and martyrs, pray for us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, God for always and forever, amen.blessed virgin mary pray for us 17 jan 2019

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Our Morning Offering – 10 July – I Bind Unto Myself Today

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 10 July – Wednesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

I Bind Unto Myself Today
Lauds Prayer/Hymn

I bind unto myself today
the strong name of the Trinity
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One and One in Three.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.

The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

I bind unto myself the name,
The strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.

Of whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

(derived from St Patrick’s breastplate
also known as The Deer Cry)i bind unto myself today - lauds psalter week 2 sunday hymn 10 july 2019.jpg

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – I will not deny you

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – The Memorial of Saints St Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Martyrs of China

“Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.”

Matthew 26:35matthew 9 35 even though i should suffer with you i will not deny you 9 july 2019

“The road is narrow.
He who wishes to travel it more easily,
must cast off all things
and use the cross as his cane.
In other words,
he must be truly resolved,
to suffer willingly,
for the love of God in all things.”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Doctor of the Churchthe road is narrow - st john of the cross 9 july 2019 chinese martyrs

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL DECREE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PEACE, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 July – ‘Look for neither gain nor gratitude…’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 July – Tuesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 9:32–38 and the Memorial of Saints St Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom…Matthew 9:35

REFLECTION – “The presence of the Christian faithful in human groups, should be inspired by that charity, with which God has loved us and with which, He wills, that we should love one another (cf. 1 Jn 4:11).   Christian charity truly extends to all, without distinction of race, creed, or social condition – it looks for neither gain nor gratitude.   For as God loved us with an unselfish love, so also the faithful should in their charity care for the human person himself, loving him with the same affection with which God sought out man.   Just as Christ, then, went about all the towns and villages, curing every kind of disease and infirmity as a sign that the kingdom of God had come (cf. Matt. 9:35ff; Acts 10:38), so also the Church, through her children, is one with men of every condition but especially with the poor and the afflicted…   She shares in their joys and sorrows, knows of their longings and problems, suffers with them in death’s anxieties.   To those in quest of peace, she wishes to answer in fraternal dialogue, bearing them the peace and the light of the Gospel.
Let Christians labour and collaborate with others in rightly regulating the affairs of social and economic life.   With special care, let them devote themselves to the education of children and young people…   Furthermore, let them take part in the strivings of those peoples who, waging war on famine, ignorance and disease, are struggling to better their way of life and to secure peace in the world…
However, the Church has no desire at all to intrude itself into the government of the earthly city.   It claims no other authority, than that of ministering to men, with the help of God.”…Vatican Council II – Decree on the missionary activity of the Church, “Ad Gentes” # 12matthew 9 35 and jesus went about - christian charity ad gentes no 2 vat II 9 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – True Light of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, as You enlighten all men for their salvation, give us grace, we pray, to herald Your coming, by preparing Your ways of justice and of peace.   Let us invoke Mary Most Holy, who welcomes under her mantle all the tired and worn-out people, so that through an enlightened faith, witnessed in life, we can offer relief, for so many, in need of help, of tenderness, of hope.   And may the prayers of Your Martyrs St Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, strengthen us on our journey.   Who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.mary most holy pray for us - 9 nov 2018.jpg

st augustine zhao rong martyrs of china pray for us 9 july 2019.jpg

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

Our Morning Offering – 9 July – Lord God, You have Considered me Worthy

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 9 July – Tuesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C and the Memorial of Saints St Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions

Lord God, You have Considered me Worthy
St Polycarp (69-155)
Before Martyrdom

Lord God almighty,
Father of Jesus Christ,
Your dear Son through
whom we have come to know You,
God of the angels and powers,
God of all creation,
God of those who live in Your presence,
the race of the just – I bless You.
You have considered me
worthy of this day and hour,
worthy to be numbered with the martyrs
and to drink the cup of Your Anointed One,
and thus to rise and live forever,
body and soul,
in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit.
Amenlord god you have considered me worth - st polycarp - prayer before martyrdom 9 july 2019.jpg

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 July – “Faith is …”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 July – Monday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 9:18–26 and the Memorial of Blessed Peter Vigne (1670-1740)

“Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well.”...Matthew 9:22

REFLECTION – “Faith is that which makes us believe from the depths of our souls… all the truths that our religion teaches us, all that the Gospel holds and all that the Church sets before us.   The just man lives truly by this faith (Rom 1:17), for it replaces for him, the greater part of his natural senses.   It so transforms all things, that the senses are of little use to the soul, which through them is only deceived, whilst faith shews it realities.
Where the eye sees but a poor man, faith sees Jesus (Mt 25:40).   Where the ear hears curses and persecution, faith sings:  “Rejoice and be glad” (cf Mt 5:12).   The touch feels only blows and stonings but faith says:  “Be glad you are deemed worthy to suffer for the name of Christ” (cf. Acts 5:41)…  The smell perceives only incense, faith tells us that the true incense is “the prayers of the saints” (Rv 8,4).
The senses lead us astray to created beauty, faith thinks of the eternal beauty and despises all created things, for they are as nothing and as dust beside that beauty.   The senses hold pain in horror, faith blesses it as a marriage crown that unites it to its Beloved, like a walk with her Bridegroom hand in divine hand.   The senses rebel against injuries but faith blesses them:  “Bless those that curse you” (Lk 6:28)… she finds them sweet, for in them she shares the lot of Jesus.   The senses are full of curiosity, faith is content to know nothing, she thirsts to bury herself and longs to pass her life motionless before the Tabernacle.”… Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) Hermit and Missionary in the Sahara (Retreat at Nazareth 1897)matthew 9 22 take heart daughter your faith has - faith is - bl charles de foucauld 8 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Almighty Lord and God, protect and strengthen us by Your power throughout this day, even as You have enabled us to begin it.   By Your grace, may the our faith be our guide and let our every thought, word and deed aim at doing Your will and what is pleasing in Your sight.   Grant that by the prayers of Blessed Peter Vigne, we may ever turn our eyes and hearts to the summit of our faith in the Holy Eucharist.   Through Your divine Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen.bl peter vigne pray for us 8 july 2019.jpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The SIGN of the CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 8 July – In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 8 July – Monday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
By St Hilary of Poitiers (315-368)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Father, keep us from vain strife of words.
Grant to us constant profession of the Truth!
Preserve us in a true and undefiled faith
so that we may hold fast to that
which we professed
when we were baptised
in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
that we may have You for our Father,
that we may abide in Your Son
and in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amenin the name of the father son and holy spirit - st hilary - 8 july 2019.jpg

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MISSION, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 7 July – Christ IS near at either hand!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 7 July – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Life of Saint Francis of Assisi
known as the “Anonymous of Perugia”
(13th century)

“The Lord sent them ahead of him to every town and place he intended to visit”

Filled with the Holy Spirit’s graces as he already was, blessed Francis foretold to his brothers what was going to happen to them.   In the wood beside the chapel of Saint Mary of the Portioncula, where they were accustomed to meet for prayer, he called together those six brothers he already had and said:  “Dearest brothers, let us have a good understanding of our vocation – in His mercy, God has not called us just for our own benefit but for the service and even for the salvation, of many others.   So let us go out through the world, let us encourage and show men and women, by word and example, how to do penance for their sins and recall those commandments of God they have forgotten for so long.”

Then he added – “Do not be afraid, little flock (Lk 12,32) but put your trust in the Lord. Don’t ask each other – ‘And how are we going to preach, we who are ignorant and without learning?’   Remember, rather, our Lord’s words to His disciples:  ‘It is not you who will be speaking but the Spirit of your Father who will be speaking in you’ (Mt 10,20). Therefore, it is the Lord Himself, who will transmit His Spirit and wisdom to you, to teach men and women the ways and practices of His commandments”.

Christ be near, at either hand,
Christ behind, before me stand;
Christ with me, where’er I go,
Christ around, above, below.

Christ be in my heart and mind,
Christ within my soul enshrined;
Christ control, my wayward heart;
Christ abide and ne’er depart.

Christ my life and only way,
Christ my lantern, night and day;
Christ be my unchanging friend,
guide and shepherd to the end.

christ be near at either hand - 4 june 2018.jpg

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 July – Our Missionary Strategy

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 July – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

After this the Lord appointed seventy* others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come...Luke 10:1

REFLECTION – “Jesus gives His disciples a missionary strategy.
Pray for more labourers to carry out God’s work.
Blend with people in their food habits and lifestyle without imposing your standards upon them.
No purse, could mean don’t make them feel you are self-sufficient to manage on rainy days and could buy comforts unaffordable to them on other days;
no haversack, meaning don’t load yourself with unnecessary baggage, or even give the impression that you are going to rob them of what they have;
no sandals, meaning, let your feet kiss the soil you tread so as to allow it to stick to you, telling them that you have come to belong.
Give them the gift of Peace. If not accepted, don’t force yourself on them but leave even the soil behind.
And, finally, let not your joy revolve around your success of working miracles but let it stem from the fact, that you have eternity with God as your inheritance, since your names are written in heaven.
Are you ready to be a labourer for God?”…Fr Isaac Arackaparambil SDPluke 10 1 - he sent them on two by two - 14 sun in ord time year c - from gods word.jpg

PRAYER – Be gracious Lord, to us who serve You and in Your kindness increase Your gifts of grace within us, so that fervent in faith, hope and love, we may go forth to share our gifts.   Grant, we pray, that with the motherly hand of Mary ever in ours, we may fulfil our mission and arrive safely home with You.   We make our prayer through Jesus our Christ and Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.sancta mater maria ora pro nobis pray for us 10 may 2019.jpg

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 7 July – May I be Worthy to Approach

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 7 July – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

O Lord, my God,
May I be Worthy to Approach
Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

O Lord, my God,
grant Your servant the blessing of Your kindness,
that I may be worthy to approach
Your sublime Sacrament with true devotion.
Rouse me from the sloth
and idleness, which have gripped me,
that my heart may more readily be lifted up to You.
Come to me with Your saving Presence
and let me, in spirit, taste Your sweetness,
which lies hidden,
in the most Blessed Sacrament
as in a plentiful fountain.
Give light to my eyes too,
that I may gaze upon this great mystery
and strengthen me to believe it
with persevering faith.
It is You Who effect this work,
no human being has such power.
It is Your holy institution and not human invention.
No human beings are able to grasp and understand
these things of themselves,
for they are far above
even the keen intelligence of the Angels.
And shall I, a wretched sinner,
mere dust and ashes,
be able to probe and grasp
so sacred and incomprehensible a mystery?
Amen

Book 4, Chapter 4o lord my god may i be worthy to approach thomas a kempis 7 july 2019.jpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN Saturdays, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 July – ‘then they will fast …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 July – Saturday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 9:14–17 – Marian Saturdays

And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?   The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast” ...Matthew 9:15

REFLECTION – “However, our mourning is right if we burn with desire to see Him.  How happy they were who were able to enjoy His presence before His Passion, to question Him as they wished and listen to Him as necessary… As for us, we see the fulfilment of what He said:  “The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it” (Lk 17:22)…A little while and you will no longer see me and again a little while and you will see me” (Jn 16:19).   But now this is the hour of which He said:  “You will weep and mourn but the world will rejoice… But, He added, I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy away from you” (v.22).  The hope thus given us by Him, who is faithful in His promises, never now leaves us, without a certain joy — until that overwhelming joy comes on the day when we will be like Him because we will see Him as he is (1Jn 3:2)… “When a woman is in labour, she has pain because her hour has come,” says the Lord, “but when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world”(Jn 16:21).   This is the joy no-one can take away from us and with which we will be satisfied when we pass to eternal light from our present conception in faith.   So let us fast and pray since we are still on the threshold of birth.“…St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctormatthew 9 15 - the days will come - so let us fast and pray - sta augustine - 7 july 2018

PRAYER – Let our worship give You glory Lord, we ask You, in Your mercy, for the grace always to ponder in our hearts what we proclaim with our lips.   For our salvation, You looked upon the lowliness of Mary, Your handmaid, raise us up to share with her, the fullness of redemption.   We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, in the unity of te Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.mary our hope handmaid of the lord - pray for us - 26 june 2018

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 5 July – Our Lady

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 5 July – Saturday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C – Saturdays with Mary

Our Lady
St Germanus (378-448)
Bishop of Auxerre

Our Lady
Your name is Our Lady.
You alone are Mother of God
and raised high over all the earth.
O Spouse of God,
we celebrate you with faith,
we honour you with longing,
we venerate you with awe,
at every moment
we exalt you
and reverently proclaim
you Blessed.
Amenour lady - st germanus 6 july 2019.jpg

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 July – Jesus feasts on the return of sinners

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 July – Friday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13 and the Memorial of St Anthony Mary Zaccaria CRSP (1502-1539)

“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”…Matthew 9:11

REFLECTION – “Jesus’ sitting at table has more significance for Matthew than just dining. Jesus will be feasting not on food but on the return of sinners.   He will call them back through feasting, collegiality and human affection, enjoying Himself with their pleasant conversation while reclining at table.   He knew that if they recognised Him as a powerful judge they would be shattered by the terror of His majesty and overwhelmed by the sheer presence of God unveiled (nuda).   Thus, veiled in a human body, He was able to communicate with humans.   He who wanted to assist the guilty and hides the fact that He was a judge.   He who did not deny dignity to faithful servants and conceals His lordship.   He who desired the weak to be embraced by a parent’s love, covers His majesty.” … St Peter Chrysologus (c 406 – c 450) – Father of the Church (Sermons, 29)matthew 9 11 why does your teacher eat - jesus sitting at table - st peter chrysologus 5 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, You hold out the light of Your Word to those who do not know You. Strengthen in our hearts the faith You have given us, so that no trials may quench the fire Your Spirit has kindled within us.   Teach us to show Your love and mercy by our lives and grant that we may extend that love and mercy to all.   Freely we have received, may we freely give.   Grant us the grace of the wisdom which inspired Saint Anthony Zaccaria to preach the message of salvation in Your church.   Grant this, we pray, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. St Anthony Mary Zaccaria, pray for us amen.st anthony mary zaccaria pray for us 5 july 2019.jpg

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

Our Morning Offering – 5 July – May I Love You More Dearly

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 5 July – Friday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

May I Love You More Dearly
St Richard of Chichester (1197-1253)

Thanks be to You,
my Lord Jesus Christ
For all the benefits
You have given me,
For all the pains and insults
You have borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer,
friend and brother,
May I know You more clearly,
Love You more dearly,
Follow You more nearly.
Amenmay i love you more dearly by st richard of chichester 7 feb 2019 no 4.jpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 July – “Rise and walk”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 July – Thursday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 9:1–8

“Rise and walk”…Matthew 9:5

REFLECTION – “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will bring your mortal bodies to life also.” (Rom 8:11) Now it is a natural human body, then it will be a spiritual body. “Adam the first man, became a living soul, the last Adam has become a life-giving spirit.” (1 Cor 15:45) That is why He “will bring your mortal bodies to life… through His Spirit dwelling in you.”

Oh, what a happy Hallelujah we will sing then!   What security!   No more adversary, no more enemy, we won’t lose a single friend.   Here below, we sing God’s praises in the midst of our worries, in heaven, we will sing them in perfect tranquillity.   Here below, we sing them as people who have to die, in heaven, it will be in a life that never ends. Here below, in hope, in heaven, in the reality.   Here below, we are travellers, then we shall be in our homeland.   So let us begin singing already now, brothers, not in order to savour the rest but in order to alleviate our work.   Let us sing like travellers.   Sing but without ceasing to walk, sing to console yourself in the midst of fatigue… Sing and walk!

What does that mean, walk?   Go forward, make progress in doing good… Go forward by walking towards the good, advance in faith and in the purity of your habits.   Sing and walk!   Don’t lose your way; don’t turn back, don’t stand still.   Let us turn towards the Lord.”... St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor – Sermon 256rise and walk matthew 9 5 - what does that mean walk - st augustine - 4 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Loving God and Father, we turn to You in praise and thanksgiving in good times, in trials and moments of sadness and happiness.   May the prayers of Your angels and saints support our weak efforts, today especially we ask St Elizabeth of Portugal and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, to hear our pleas.   By the great gift of Your love and mercy You dispel the darkness of sin and bring us to the true Light, Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 4 July – St Pio’s Prayer of Today for Tomorrow

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 4 July – Thursday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

St Pio’s Prayer of Today for Tomorrow

Eternal Father,
today, while I am fully conscious,
totally lucid and completely free,
I offer You my life
with all its mystery and suffering.
Indeed, Eternal Father,
I offer You my life
as an ultimate act of love,
as an act of infinite gratitude,
as an act of faith in Your mercy.
My God and Father,
accept this prayer I am making to You now
for the day when You will call me back to You.
If I am unconscious at the final moment of my life,
if anguish and doubt assail me,
if medication prevents me from thinking of You,
I want my last heartbeat
to be an act of perfect love,
telling You with Jesus,
“Into Your hands, I commend my spirit.”
Ameneternal-father-st-pios-prayer-of-today-for-tomorrow-24-sept-2017- no 2. 3 oct 2018.jpg

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 July – “Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe!”.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 3 July – Feast of St Thomas Apostle, Gospel John 20:24–29

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”…John 20:28john 20 28 my lord and my god feat of st thomas 3 july 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “Put your finger into the marks of the nails”.   You looked for Me when I wasn’t there, now take advantage of it.   I understand your desire despite your silence. Before you tell Me them I already know your thoughts.   I heard you speak and, even though unseen, I was beside you, beside your doubts.   Without revealing Myself I made you wait, so as better to consider your eagerness.   “Put your finger into the marks of the nails.   Put your hand into my side, do not be unbelieving any longer, but believe.”
Then Thomas touched Him and all his mistrust fell away.   Full of genuine faith and all the love owing to God, he cried out:  “My Lord and my God!”   And the Lord said to him – “You believe because you have seen me;  happy are those who have not seen and yet believe!”   Thomas took the news of the Resurrection to those who had not seen.   Draw the whole earth to believe, not by its own sight but at your word.   Go through peoples and cities far away.   Teach them to carry the cross rather than weapons on their shoulders.   Only proclaim me – they will believe and worship.   They will demand no other proof.   Tell them they are called by grace and, with your own eyes, behold their faith.   Truly, blessed are those who did not see and yet believed!
This is the army the Lord raises, these are the children of the baptismal font, the works of grace, the fruit of the Spirit.   They have followed Christ without having seen Him, they sought Him and believed.   They recognised Him with the eyes of faith not those of the body.   They have not put their finger into the mark of the nails but they have bound themselves to His cross and embraced His sufferings.   They have not seen the Lord’s side but, by grace, they have become members of His body and have made His words their own:  “Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe!”… Basil of Seleucia (Died c 468) Bishop – Sermon for the Resurrection, 1-4this is the army the lord raises - basil of seleucia feast of st thomas 3 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Almighty Father,as we honour Thomas the Apostle, let us always experience the help of his prayers. May we have eternal life by believing in Jesus,
whom Thomas acknowledged as Lord, for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amenst thomas pray for us 2.jpg

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 3 July – O Fathers of Our Ancient Faith

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 3 July – Feast of St Thomas Apostle

O Fathers of Our Ancient Faith

O Fathers of our ancient faith,
With all the heav’n, we sing your fame
Whose sound went forth in all the earth
To tell of Christ and bless His name.

You took the gospel to the poor,
The Word of God alight in you,
Which in our day is told again,
That timeless Word, forever new.

You told of God, who died for us
And out of death triumphant rose,
Who gave the truth that made us free
and changeless through the ages goes.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Whos gift is faith that never dies,
A light in darkness now, until
The day-star in our hearts arise.

O Fathers of Our Ancient Faith is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey.   In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung at Morning Prayer in the Common of Apostles.   It is set to the anonymous tune associated with the 7th century Latin hymn, Creator Alme Siderum.o fathers of our ancient faith - feast of st thomas 3 july 2019 breviary hymn.jpg

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 2 July – The Anguish of an Absence

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 2 July – Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week, Year C – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 8:23-37

The Anguish of an Absence

by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)

And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord, we are perishing.”
Matthew 8:25

There is a Gospel scene which in an extraordinary way anticipates the silence of Holy Saturday and which again, therefore, seems to be a profile of the moment in history we are living now.   Christ is asleep on a boat which, buffeted by a storm, is about to sink.
The prophet Elijah had once made fun of the priests of Baal who were futilely invoking their god to send down fire on their sacrifice.   He urged them to cry out louder in case their god was asleep.
But is it true that God does not sleep?   Does not the prophet’s scorn also fall upon the heads of the faithful of the God of Israel who are sailing with Him in a boat about to sink?   God sleeps while His very own are about to drown – is not this the experience of our lives?   Don’t the Church, the faith, resemble a small boat about to sink, struggling futilely against the waves and the wind and all the time God is absent?   The disciples cry out in dire desperation and they shake the Lord to wake Him but He is surprised at this and rebukes them, for their small faith.   But are things any different for us?   When the storm passes we will realise just how much this small faith of ours was charged with stupidity.
And yet, O Lord, we cannot help shaking You, God,   You who persist in keeping Your silence, in sleeping and we cannot help crying to You – Wake up, can’t You see we are sinking?   Stir Yourself, don’t let the darkness of Holy Saturday last forever, let a ray of Easter fall, even on these times of ours, accompany us when we set out in our desperation towards Emmaus so that our hearts may be enflamed by the warmth of Your nearness.
You who, hidden, charted the paths of Israel only to become a man in the end with men – don’t leave us in the dark, don’t let Your word be lost in these days of great squandering of words.

Lord, grant us Your help, because without You we will sink. Amen

matthew 8 25 save us lord we are perishing - joseph ratzinger - the anguish of absence - wake up lord 2 july 2019.jpg

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FEAR, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 2 July – “Why are you afraid…?”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 2 July – Tuesday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 8:23-37

“Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?”

Matthew 8:26matthew 8 26 - why are you afraid o men of little faith 2 july 2019.jpg

“Whoever has become a servant of the Lord, fears only his Master.
But whoever is without the fear of God,
is often afraid of his own shadow.
Fearfulness is the daughter of unbelief.
A proud soul is the slave of fear,
hoping in itself,
it comes to such a state,
that it is startled by a small noise
and is afraid of the dark.”

St John Climacus (579-649)whoever has become a servant of the lord - st john climacus 2 july 2019

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 July – ‘It is not a calm sky, beloved but the storm which tests a pilot’s skill.’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 2 July – Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week, Year C – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 8:23-37 and the Memorial of Blessed Eugénie Joubert (1876–1904)

“Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves but he was asleep.”… Matthew 8:24

REFLECTION – “The sea offered its heaving back for Christ to walk upon.   Now it levelled its crests to a plain, checked its swelling and bound up its billows.   It provided rocklike firmness, so He could walk across the waterway.   Why did the seas heave so, and toss and pitch, even as if threatening its Creator?   And why did Christ Himself, who knows all the future, seem so unaware of the present thatHhe gave no thought to the onrushing storm, the moment of its height and the time of its peril?   While all the rest were awake, He alone was fast asleep even with utter doom threatening both Himself and His dear ones.   Why?   It is not a calm sky, beloved but the storm which tests a pilot’s skill.   When the breeze is mild, even the poorest sailor, can manage the ship. But in the crosswinds of a tempest, we want the best pilot with all His skill.”… Saint Peter Chrysologus (c 406 – c 450) (Sermons, 20)matthew 8 24 suddenly a violent sorm..but he was asleep-it is not a calm sky but the storm which tests st peter chryologus 2 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, grant me an operative faith – a faith that will move mountains and is strong enough to know that absolutely nothing and no-one here on earth can compare to You. Let me show that faith by lively love and by loving deeds and by conforming myself to Your will in all things – teach me that only YOU are first in line. This is how you lived your life Bl Eugénie Joubert putting only the God who created us first and now you are a Saint. Please pray for us. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and for always, amen.bl eugenie joubert pray for us 2 july 2019.jpg

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 2 July – Prayer for the Gift of Prayer

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 2 July – Tuesday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

Prayer for the Gift of Prayer
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Doctor of the Church

O Incarnate Word,
You have given Your Blood and Your Life
to confer on our prayers that power by which,
according to Your promise,
they obtain for us all that we ask.
And we, O God,
are so careless of our salvation,
that we will not even ask You for the graces
that we must have, if we should be saved!
In prayer You have given us the key
of all Your Divine treasures;
and we, rather than pray,
choose to remain in our misery.
Alas! O Lord, enlighten us,
and make us know the value of prayers,
offered in Your name and by Your merits,
in the eyes of Your Eternal Father.
Amenprayer for the gift of prayer by st alphonsus liguori - 24 feb 2018