Category: MORNING Prayers

Thought for the Day – 3 December – the Memorial of St Francis Xavier SJ

All of us are called to “go and preach to all nations” (see Matthew 28:19).

ur preaching is not necessarily on distant shores but to our families, our children, our husband or wife, our coworkers. And we are called to preach not with words but by our everyday lives.

Only by sacrifice, the giving up of all selfish gain, could Francis Xavier be free to bear the Good News to the world. Sacrifice is leaving yourself behind at times for a greater good, the good of prayer, the good of helping someone in need, the good of just listening to another.

The greatest gift we have is our time. Francis gave ALL of his to others.

St Francis Xavier Pray for us!

#stfrancisxavier

“It is not the actual physical exertion
that counts towards a one’s progress,
nor the nature of the task but by the
spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.”

“It is impossible to find a saint who did
not take the “two P’s” seriously:
prayer and penance.”

~~~ St Francis Xavier SJ (Saint of the Day)

#stfrancisxavier

Read more about St Francis Xavir here – http://catholicexchange.com/a-fiery-apostle

If we allow the desire for “we know not what” to draw us more and more into a relationship of mutual love with God, then we will, I believe, gradually take as our own that wonderful prayer so dear to St. Francis Xavier that begins O Deus, ego amo te, nec amo te ut salves me: “O God, I love you and not because I hope for heaven thereby.” Gerard Manley Hopkins translated the prayer:

I love thee, God, I love thee—
Not out of hope for heaven for me
Nor fearing not to love and be
In the everlasting burning.
Thou, my Jesus, after me
Didst reach thine arms out dying,
For my sake sufferedst nails and lance,
Mocked and marred countenance,
Sorrows passing number,
Sweat and care and cumber,
Yea and death and this for me,
And thou couldst see me sinning:
Then I, why should not I love thee,
Jesu so much in love with me?
Not for heaven’s sake, not to be
Out of hell by loving thee;
Not for any gains I see;
But just the way that thou didst me
I do love and will love thee.
What must I love thee, Lord, for then?
For being my king and God. Amen.

#stfrancisxavier

“Many spirits are abroad in the world

and the Church and the credentials they

display are splendid gifts of eloquence and ability.

Christian, look carefully, for the print of the NAILS.”

~~~ St Justin Martyr

 

I believe, O Lord
but strengthen my faith…
Heart of Jesus, I love Thee
but increase my love.
Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee
but give greater vigour to my confidence.
Heart of Jesus,
I give my heart to Thee
but so enclose it in Thee
that it may never be separated from Thee.
Heart of Jesus, I am all Thine
but take care of my promise
so that I may be able to put it in practice
even unto the complete sacrifice of my life.
Amen

#blmiguelpro,#prayer

Thought for the Day – August 25

St Louis was strong-willed, strong-minded. His word was trusted utterly and his courage in action was remarkable. What is most remarkable was his sense of respect for anyone with whom he dealt, especially the “humble folk of the Lord.” To care for his people he built cathedrals, churches, libraries, hospitals and orphanages. He dealt with princes honestly and equitably. He hoped to be treated the same way by the King of Kings, to whom he gave his life, his family and his country.
St Louis Pray for us!

August 25 – Quote of the Day

“Dear son, have a tender pitiful heart for the poor, and for all those whom you believe to be in misery of heart or body, and, according to your ability, comfort and aid them with some alms.”

~~~~~ St Louis IX King of France to his eldest Son, Philip ~~~~~

Our Morning Offering – August 25

Prayer inspired by St. Louis’ Last Instructions
to his Eldest Son, Philip.(Perhaps Philip prayed thus)

O God, we love You.
We want to do nothing to displease You.
If we have troubles, let us thank You.
If we don’t, we also humbly thank You.
Let us look for ways to grow closer to You,
whether in Confession, prayer, or at Mass.
Let us open our hearts to afflicted people
and do what we can to comfort them.
Let us look for ways to improve our society.
Thank You for friends who help us bear
our burdens and help us grow in holiness.
Let us turn away from gossip or swearing.
Let us always do what is right for those
we serve and promote peace among our neighbours.
Let us be quick to defend our Faith.
O Holy Trinity, all You holy saints,
please defend us from all evils.
Please give us grace to do Your will always,
so that You are honoured
and so we may be with You forever.
Amen.