“The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Prayer in Honour of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Pope Pius XII (1876-1958)
O Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God and Mother of men, we believe with all the fervour of our faith, in thy triumphal Assumption, both body and soul, into Heaven, where thou art acclaimed as Queen by all the Choirs of Angels and all the legions of the Saints. And we unite with them, to praise and bless the Lord, who has exalted thee above all other pure creatures and to offer thee, the tribute of our devotion and our love. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Vigil of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31, Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28
REFLECTION – “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak” (Jas 1;19). Yes, brethren, I tell you frankly… I, who frequently address you at your own request, it is undiluted joy for me, when I take my place in the audience; my happiness is unalloyed, when I listen, rather than speak. Then, it is that I savour the Word in all confidence; my satisfaction is unthreatened by vainglory. When you sit on the solid rock of Truth, how can you fear the precipice of pride? “I will give ear,” says the psalmist, “and you will fill me with joy and gladness” (cf Ps 50:10). So, I am never more delighted, than when I am listening – our position as hearers, is that which keeps us in an attitude of humility.
To the contrary, if we speak … we need to have a certain restraint. Even if I do not give in to pride, I am always afraid I might still do so! If I listen, on the other hand, no-one can take my joy away from me, (Jn 16:22) since no-one witnesses it. This is truly the joy of the Bridegroom, of Whom Saint John says: “He stands and listens” (Jn 3:29). He stands because he listens. The first man, too, was standing because he was listening to God, as soon as he listened to the serpent, he fell. The friend of the bridegroom, then, is “overcome with joy at the Bridegroom’s Voice.” What makes him joyful is not his own voice, as preacher and prophet but the Voice of the Bridegroom Himself.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace [Attri] (Cf Discourse on Ps 139:15 – Treatises on St John’s Gospel No 57)
PRAYER – O God, Who chose for Thy dwelling the virginal womb of the blessed Mary, grant, we beseech Thee that, with the help of her protection, we may with joy, take part in her festival.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
One Minute Reflection – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Pentecost XI – 1 Corinthians 15:1-10, Mark 7:31-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears and, after spitting. touched his tongue.” – Mark 7:33
REFLECTION – “The Lord heals all your ills” (Ps 102:3). Never fear, all your ills will healed. You say they are big ones but the Doctor is even greater. For an all-powerful Doctor there is no such thing as an incurable sickness. Simply let yourself be cared for, do not push away His hand, He knows what to do. Do not be happy only when He acts with gentleness but bear with it, too, when He prunes. Accept the unpleasantness of the cure, by thinking of the healing it will bring you. Notice all those things, brethren, that people put up with in their physical ills, so as to prolong their lives a few days… You, at least, are not suffering for an uncertain result – He, who has promised you, your health, cannot be mistaken. Why is it that doctors are sometimes mistaken? Because they have not created the body they are treating. But God has made your body, God has made your soul. He knows how to re-create what He has created;, He knows how to re-fashion what He has formed. You have only to abandon yourself into His Doctor’s hands… Endure His hands, then, O soul that “blesses him and forgets not all his benefits – he heals all your ills” (P2 102[103]:2-3). He who had made you never to become sick, if you would keep His precepts, will He not heal you? He who made the Angels and, in re-creating you, will make you equal to the Angels – will He not heal you? He who made Heaven and earth, will He not heal you, after having made you, in His image? (Gn 1:26) He will heal you but you must consent to be healed. He heals every sickness, perfectly but He does not heal it, in spite of Himself… Your health is Christ!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church – Sermon on the Psalms, Ps 102[103]: 5-6; PL 37, 1319
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 14 August – The 11th Sunday after Pentecost
O Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament By The League of the Sacred Heart 1929 (Ireland)
O Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, overflowing with gentleness, tenderness and charity, I bury in the abyss of Thy Mercy, all my iniquities and all my negligence. I offer Thee my labours and my sufferings, my sorrows and my miseries, I recommend to Thee my life and my death. Solace my doubts, Sweet Jesus, calm my fears and grant, that day by day, I may become more united to Thy Sacred Heart, learning Thy love and Thy holiness. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 11 August – St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgin Martyr, St Philomena (Died 304) Virgin Martyr – Hebrews 11:33-39, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But you will be delivered up by your parents and brothers and relatives and friends and some of you, they will put to death. And you will be hated by all, for My Name’s sake …” – Luke 21:16-17
REFLECTION – “I must give thanks to my God continuously. He has helped me to keep my faith, through difficult times, so that I can fearlessly offer myself as a kind of living sacrifice to Christ. The Lord has rescued me from so many dangers that sometimes I just have to ask: “God, who am I?… “From where did I get such wisdom?” It certainly wasn’t from inside myself. “I didn not know my future” and I had no great knowledge of God. And later on, Who was it, Who gave me such a wonderful and life-giving gift, the gift to know and love God? But to receive such things, I had to leave behind my home and family… I came to Ireland to preach the good news and to suffer abuse from unbelievers and… to have my mission shamefully criticised. I have had many hard times, even to the point of being enslaved again but I traded in my free birth for the good of others.
If I am worthy, I am even ready to lay down my life willingly and without hesitation for His Name. Here, in Ireland, is where I wish to live out my final days, if God will permit me. I owe so much to God, Who allowed so many people to find a new life in Him through me. I confirmed them in our Faith and Ordained Clergy for them everywhere, for a people just coming to a belief in God. The Master chose them from the ends of the earth, just as He said He would through the prophets: “The gentiles will come to you from the ends of the earth” and… “I will place you like a lamp among the nations so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” – St Patrick (c 380-461) Bishop. Missionary Monk (Confession, 34-38).
PRAYER – May the constant protection of Thy holy Martyrs, Tiburtius and Susanna and Philomena support us, O Lord, for Thou never fails to look mercifully upon those whom Thou, hast given the help, of such intercession. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 11August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”
Blessed are You, O Mary! By St Jacob of Sarug (c 451-521) Syrian Bishop and Monk
Blessed are you, O Mary and blessed is your holy soul, for your beatitude surpasses that of all the Blessed. Blessed are you who have borne, embraced and caressed as a Baby, the One Who upholds the ages with His secret word. Blessed are you, from whom the Saviour appeared on this exile earth, subjugating the seducer and bringing peace to the world. Blessed are you, whose pure mouth touched the lips of the One, Whom the Seraphim look upon in His splendour. Blessed are you, who have nourished, with your pure milk the source, from whom the living obtain life and light. Blessed are you, because the whole universe resounds with your memory and the Angels and human beings, celebrate your feast. Daughter of the poor, you became the Mother of the King of kings. You gave to the poor world the riches that can make it live. You are the bark, laden with the goodness and the treasures of the Father, Who sent His riches once again, into our empty home. Blessed are you, O Mary! Amen
One Minute Reflection – 10 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Lawrence (Died 258) Martyr, “Keeper of the Treasures of he Church” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“If it dies, it produces much fruit” – John 12:24
REFLECTION – “When Saint Lawrence saw Bishop Sixtus being led to Martyrdom, he started to weep. It was not his Bishop’s suffering which drew tears from his eyes but the fact that he was going to Martyrdom without him. That was why he began shouting after him in these words: “Father, where are you going without your son? O holy Priest, where are you going in such a hurry, without your Deacon? Yet you have never been accustomed to offer the Sacrifice without a minister!… Test it out that you have chosen a good Deacon – would you refuse to share the Sacrifice of your blood with him, to whom you have entrusted the administration of the Lord’s Blood, with whom you share the Sacraments?”…
Then Pope Sixtus replied to Lawrence: “I have not forgotten you, my son, nor am I forsaking you. But to you I am leaving even greater combats to undergo. I am old and can only bear a light struggle. But you are young and there remains an even more glorious triumph against the tyrant to be won by you. You will be coming shortly – dry your tears; you will follow me in three days …”
Three days later, Lawrence was arrested. He was asked to bring out the Church’s wealth and treasures. He promised to do so. The following day he returned with some poor people. He was asked where the treasures were which he had to bring. He showed the poor people, saying: “These are the Church’s treasures. What greater treasures could Christ have than those of whom He said: ‘Whatever you have done to one of these little ones, you have done to Me/’ (Mt 25,40)” Lawrence showed forth those treasures and so he was the victor, for the persecutor had no desire to take them from him. But, in his fury, he caused him to be burned alive.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the duties of the clergy I, 84; II, 28; PL 16,84).
PRAYER – Grant us, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, to extinguish the flames of our sins, as Thou granted St Lawrence to overcome the fires of his tortures. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 10 August – St Lawrence (Died 258) “Keeper of the Treasures of he Church,” Martyr, Archdeacon.
Holy Deacon Martyr, St Lawrence! Unknown Author
Holy Deacon! by thy yearning For the Martyr’s glorious crown; By thy tortures, by thy burning, By thy death of bright renown; When the world and flesh and devil Tempt our souls to sin and evil, Dear Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
By the love that thou didst ever To thy Pontiff-Father bear, Pray that no base act may sever Us from Peter’s loving care! But when men would once more lead us Into bonds from which Christ freed us, Dear Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
By the Pontiff’s words of warning, Bidding all thy sorrows cease, Words foretelling bitter mourning Leading unto lasting peace! That to Jesus in our sadness We may look for help and gladness, Dear Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
By thy love, which knew no measure, For the needy and the old, Giving them the Church’s treasure Dearer they than gems and gold! Teaching us that alms well given Are but treasures stored in Heaven, Dear Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
By thy fervent love for Jesus, By thy strong and constant faith, Of our sinful burdens ease us! Help us at the hour of death! When the fears of death confound us When the cleansing fires surround us! Dear Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
One Minute Reflection – 9 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St John Marie Vianney (1786-1859) Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed are those servants whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:37
REFLECTION – “We must sleep in such a way as to be easily awakened. For Scripture says, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when He comes and knocks.” (Lk 12:35-36). For a sleeping man is of no more use than a dead man. Therefore, we ought often to get up at night and bless God!
Blessed are those who watch for Him and so, make themselves like the Angels, whom we call “Watchers.” A man asleep is worth nothing, no more than if he were dead. But whoever has the light keeps watch and “darkness does not overcome him” (Jn 1:5) neither does sleep. Whoever has been illumined is, therefore, wakened to God and such a person is alive, “for what came to be in him was life.” (Jn 1:4) “Happy the man,” says Wisdom,“who obeys me and happy those who keep my ways, happy the man watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts” (Pr 8:34).
Therefore, “let us not sleep as the rest do but let us stay alert and sober” as Scripture says. “For those who sleep, go to sleep at night and those who are drunk, get drunk at night,” that is, in the darkness of ignorance. “But since we are of the day, let us be sober.” (1Th 5:6-8) “For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.” (1Th 5:5).” – St Clement of Alexandria (c150- c215) Father of the Church, Theologian and Philosopher, Professor who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria (The Instructor II:9).
PRAYER – Almighty and merciful God, Who made St John-Marie glorious by priestly zeal and untiring fervoru in prayer and penance, grantP we beseech Thee that by his example and intercession, we may have strength to win for Christ, the souls of our brethren and, with them, attain everlasting glory.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
One Minute Reflection – 8 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Fourteen Holy Helpers – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16, Mark 16:15-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15
REFLECTION – “You have heard what the Lord said to His disciples after the Resurrection. He sent them out to preach the Gospel and they did so. Listen: “Through all the earth their voice resounds and to the ends of the world, their message” (Ps 18[19],5). Step by step, the Gospel has reached even to us and the ends of the earth. In a few words the Lord, addressing Himself to His disciples, set out what we are to do and what we have to hope for. Just as you have heard, He said: “Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved.” He asks for our faith and offers us salvation. What He offers us, is so precious that what He asks of us, is as nothing.
“The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings, O my God… from Thy delightful stream, Thou gives them to drink, for with Thee, is the Fountain of Life” (Ps 35[36],8f.). Jesus Christ is the Fountain of Life. Before the Fountain of Life came to us, we had only a human salvation like that of the beasts, of which the psalm speaks: “Man and beast you save, O Lord” (Ps 35[36],7). But now the Fountain of Life has come even to us, the Fountain of Life died for our sakes. Will He refuse us His Life,Who, for our sakes, gave His Death? He is salvation and this salvation is not worthless, like the other one. Why? Because it does not pass away. The Lord has come. He died but He killed death. In Himself, He brought an end to death. He assumed it and He killed it. Where is death now, then? Look for it in Christ and it is no longer there. It used to be there but there it died. O Life, Death of death! Take heart: it will also die in us. What was fulfilled in the Head will also be fulfilled in the members and death will die in us, too!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 233).
PRAYER – PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us with the annual festival of Thy 14 holy Saints, mercifully grant, that we, who celebrate the anniversary of their death, may also strive to equal the courage of their Martyrdom. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 7 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”
Mary, Mother of Grace By St Athanasius (297-373) Father & Doctor of the Church
It becomes you to be mindful of us, as you stand near Him who granted you all graces, for you are the Mother of God and our Queen. Help us for the sake of the King, the Lord God and Master, Who was born of you. For this reason, you are called full of grace. Remember us, most holy Virgin, and bestow on us gifts from the riches of your graces, Virgin full of graces. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 6 August – The Transfiguration of Our Lord – 2 Peter 1:16-19, Matthew 17:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying: ‘Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen from the dead.‘” – Matthew 17:9
REFLECTION – “Jesus Christ spoke, a great deal, to His disciples about His Sufferings, Passion and Death and, He foretold the afflictions, they themselves would have to endure and the violent deaths they would one day have to undergo (Mt 16:21-26). That is why, after telling them such hard and difficult things, He tries to comfort them by drawing attention to the reward He will give them when He comes in His Father’s glory (Mt 16:27)… He wants to show them, beforehand, as far as they are capable of it in this life, the great majesty in which He was to come and thus, forestall the trouble and sadness His Apostles, particularly Saint Peter, might feel before His death…
“Jesus took with Him, Peter, James and John.” Why only take these three Apostles? No doubt because they outstripped the others. Saint Peter because of his ardour, his love; Saint John because he was the disciple Jesus loved (Jn 13:23) and Saint James because he had said along with his brother: “We can drink your cup” (Mt 20:22) and subsequently kept his word (Acts 12:2)…
Why did Jesus cause Moses and Elijah to appear?… He was constantly accused of breaking the Law and blaspheming, appropriating for Himself, a glory that did not belong to Him, the glory of the Father… Therefore, wanting, a glory that did not belong to Him, Jesus calls on the authority of two of the most unimpeachable witnesses – Moses, who had given the Law … and Elijah, who had burned with zeal for the glory and service of God (1 Kgs 19:10) … He also wanted to teach them that He was lord over life and death, by causing one man who was dead and another who had been carried off alive in a fiery chariot, (2 Kgs 2,11) to appear. He wanted, too, to reveal the glory of His Cross to His disciples and comfort Peter and his companions, who were frightened by his Passion, reviving their courage. For Moses and Elijah spoke with Him about the glory He was to receive in Jerusalem (Lk 9:31). That is to say, they spoke of His Passion, His Cross which the prophets had always called His glory.” – St John Chrysostom (345-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermons on Saint Matthew’s Gospel no 56).
PRAYER – O God, Who in the glorious Transfiguration of Thy Only-begotten Son strengthened the Mysteries of faith, by the testimony of the fathers and, by the Voice coming down in a shining cloud, miraculously betokened the complete adoption of Thy children, mercifully grant that we, be made co-heirs with that King of glory and sharers in that same glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 6 August – The Feast of the Transgiuration of the Lord
An Image of that Heavenly Light Sarum Breviary 15th Century Office Hymn for the Feast of the Transfiguration
An image of that heavenly light, The goal the Church keeps ay in sight, Christ on the holy mount displays Where He outshines the sun’s bright rays.
Let every age proclaimer be How, on this day, the chosen three With Moses and Elias heard The Lord speak many a gracious word.
As witnesses to grace are nigh Those twain, the Law and Prophecy And to the Son, from out the cloud, The Father’s record thunders loud.
With garments whiter than the snows, And shining face, Lord Jesus shows What glory for those saints shall be Who joy in God with piety.
The vision and the mystery Make faithful hearts beat quick and high, So on this solemn day of days The cry goes up of prayer and praise.
O God the Father, God the Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One, Vouchsafe to bring us, by thy grace, To see thy glory face to face. Amen.
Words: Sarum Breviary, 15th Century Trans Richard E Roberts (1874-1945), 1906 This Hymn is used for Vespers I on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord in the Sarum Breviary. This is the original text as it appears in The English Hymnal (1906).
One Minute Reflection – 5 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Dedication of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows – Sirach 24:14-16, Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28
REFLECTION – “Mary was very discreet – we have proof of this in the Gospel. Where do you see her having been talkative, or full of presumption? Once she stood at the door wishing to speak to her Son but, she did not use her maternal authority either, to interrupt His preaching or to enter the house where He preached (Mk 3:31).
If I remember correctly, the Evangelists only allow Mary’s words to be heard four times. First, when she addressed the Angel – and this was only in answer to him. Secondly, during her visit to Elizabeth when, having been praised by her cousin, Mary wanted to praise the Lord even more. Thirdly, when she complained to her Son, then aged twelve that His father and she herself, had searched for Him anxiously. Fourthly, at the wedding of Cana when she intervened with her Son and the servants.
On all other occasions, Mary showed herself slow to speak, quick to listen, for she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart,” (Lk 2:19,51). No, nowhere will you find that she spoke out, not even about the Mystery of the Incarnation. Woe to those of us who are full of air! Woe to those of us who pour out our souls like leaky containers!
How many times Mary heard her Son, not only speaking in parables to the crowd but, in private, revealing to the disciples the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven. She saw Him working miracles, then hanging on the Cross, Dying, Risen and Ascending to Heaven. How many times could we say that on any of those occasions, the Virgin’s voice was heard?… The greater Mary is, the more she humbles herself, not just in all things but, more than all!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Known as the Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church.
PRAYER – Grant us, Thy servants, O Lord God, we beseech Thee, to enjoy lasting health of mind and body and by the intercession of glorious and Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow and partake of the fullness of eternal happiness. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 5 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major / Our Lady of the Snows and the First Saturday of August
Deign, O Immaculate Virgin By St Paschasius Radbertus (785–865)
Deign, O Immaculate Virgin, Mother most pure, to accept the loving cry of praise which we send up to you from the depths of our hearts. Though they can but add little to your glory, O Queen of Angels, you do not despise, in your love, the praises of the humble and the poor. Cast down upon us a glance of mercy, O most glorious Queen, graciously receive our petitions. Through your immaculate purity of body and mind, which rendered you so pleasing to God, inspire us with a love of innocence and purity. Teach us to guard carefully the gifts of grace, striving ever after sanctity, so that, being made like the image of your beauty, we may be worthy to become, the sharers of your eternal happiness. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 4 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Dominic de Guzman OP (1170-1221) – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“You also must be ready because at an hour which you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” – Luke 12:40
REFLECTION – “We must always be on the lookout for Christ’s twofold coming, the one, when we shall have to give an account of everything we have done and the other, when He comes day after day to stir our consciences. He comes to us now, in order that His future coming may find us prepared. If my conscience is burdened with sin, what good will it do me to know when the Day of Judgement will be? Unless the Lord comes to my soul beforehand and makes His home with me, unless Christ lives in me and speaks His word in my heart, it is useless for me to know if and when His coming will take place. Only if Christ is already living in me and I in Him will it go well with me when He comes in judgement. If I have already died to the world and am able to say, “The world is crucified to me and I to the world,” (Gal 6:14) then, in a sense, His final coming is already present to me.
Consider also our Lord’s warning: “Many will come in My Name” (Mt 24:5). It is only the Antichrist and his members who, albeit falsely, claim the Name of Christ. .. You will never find the Lord in Scripture, actually declaring, “I am the Christ.” His teaching and miracles revealed it clearly enough, for the Father was at work in Him. Louder than a thousand acclamations His teaching and mighty works proclaimed: “I am the Christ.” And so, whether or not you find Him describing Himself in so many words, the “works of the Father” (Jn 5:6) and His own message of love, declared what He was, whereas the false Christs, who possessed neither godly deeds nor holy doctrine, loudly claimed to be what they were not.” – St Paschasius Radbertus OSB (785–865) Abbot, Theologian (Commentary on St Matthew’s Gospel 11, 24).
PRAYER – O God, Who graciously enlightened Thy Church by the good works and teaching of St Dominic, Thy Confessor, grant by his intercession, that she may never be deprived of temporal helps and may ever advance in spiritual growth. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 4 August – On the Feast of St Dominic, we pray a prayer by one of his most illustrious children, St Albert the Great
Guide Me Lord By St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Doctor of the Church
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who seeks those who stray and receives them when returning, make me approach Thee through the frequent hearing of Thy Word, lest I sin against my neighbour, by the blindness of human judgement, through the austerity of false justice, through comparing his inferior status, through too much trust in my merits or through ignorance of the Divine Judgement. Guide me to search diligently, each corner of my conscience, lest the flesh dominate the spirit! Amen
One Minute Reflection – 3 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Finding of the Relics of St Stephen, Protomartyr: – Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Matthew 23:34-39 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” – Acts 7:59
REFLECTION – “Yesterday we celebrated the birth in time, of our eternal King; today we celebrate the triumphant death of a soldier… Our King, although He is most high, came for our sake, in great humility but He could not come empty-handed. He brought with Him, as it were, a great bonus for His soldiers which not only made them abundantly rich but also gave them, strength to fight and conquer. The gift He brought was love, which brings men into fellowship with the Godhead…
The love, then, that brought Christ down from Heaven to earth, lifted Stephen from earth to Heaven… And Stephen, so as to deserve to win the crown— which is what his name means—had love as his weapon and by it was everywhere victorious. Through love of God, he did not yield to the raging of his enemies and through love of his neighbour, he prayed for those who were stoning him. Through love, he accused those, who were in the wrong that they might be corrected. Through love, he prayed for those stoning him, to save them from punishment. Trusting in the strength of love, he overcame the cruel raging of Saul and so, won for himself, as a companion in men, the man who had been his persecutor on earth, This holy and untiring love, ardently desired to acquire as converts by his prayers, those whom he had been unable to convert by argument.
Now Paul rejoices with Stephen, with Stephen he enjoys the brightness of Christ; he exults with Stephen, he reigns with Stephen. There, where Stephen arose, the first, stoned under Paul’s very eyes, there too, Paul has risen with the help of Stephen’s prayers.” – St Fulgentius of Ruspe (c 462 – 533) Bishop in North Africa (Sermon 3, 1-3, 5-6).
PRAYER – Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to imitate what we celebrate, so that we may learn to love, even our enemies; because we keep the anniversary of the invention of Him, Who knew how to plead even for His persecutors with our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with |Thee. lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 3 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”
O Immaculate Heart of Mary By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, I have nothing in myself to offer thee which is worthy of thee but what thanksgiving I ought I to pay thee, for all the favours which thou hast obtained for me from the Heart of Jesus! What reparation ought I to make thee for all my tepidity, in thy service! I desire to return thee love for love, the only good which I possess, is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which thou, thyself hast given me. I offer thee this Treasure of Infinite Price, I cannot do more and thou dost not deserve less, at my hand but, receiving from me, this Gift most Precious in thy sight, be pleased, I beseech thee, to accept too, my poor heart, which I here offer to thee and I shall be forever blessed. Amen.
Thought for the Day – 2 August – Meditations with our Saint of the Day, St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
Acts which Catholics Should Perform Everyday (Part One) from The Mysteries of the Faith: – The Incarnation Vol. IV By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
“Upon Rising, after having made the Sign of the Cross:
My God! I adore Thee, I love Thee with my whole heart. I thank Thee for all Thy benefits, especially for having preserved me during the past night. I offer Thee all my actions and sufferings of this day, in union with the actions of Jesus and Mary and I make the intention of gaining all the Indulgences which I can gain. I purpose, O Lord! especially to avoid offending Thee this day! Amen.
It is good to make a Resolution, particularly in regard to the fault into which we fall the most often.
I beg Thee, for the love of Jesus, to grant me the grace of perseverance. I resolve to conform myself to Thy holy will and particularly, in those things which are contrary to my inclination, saying always, O Lord! Thy will be done. My Jesus, keep Thy hand over me this day! Most Holy Virgin Mary, take me beneath thy mantle. And do Thou, O Eternal Father, help me, for the love of Jesus and Mary! O my Angel Guardian and my holy Patron Saints, assist me. Amen.”
Say the Our Father, the Creed, three Hail Marys: in honour of the purity of Mary.
When the Clock Strikes the Hour:
My Jesus, I love Thee; never permit me to offend Thee again and let me never be separated from Thee.
St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 2 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Feast of St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“At that time, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them forth …” – Luke 10:1
REFLECTION – “Our Lord Jesus Christ Ordained the disciples to be guides and teachers of the world and to be “stewards of God’s mysteries” (1Cor 4:1). He also bade them… like lights, to illuminate and give light, not merely to the Jewish people… but everywhere under the sun and to peoples scattered over all the earth (cf Mt 5:14)…
For, if He desired to send His disciples out, even as the Father had sent Him, (Jn 20:21) was it not necessary for those who were destined to imitate His mission, to ascertain what it was that the Father sent the Son to do? In various ways, then, He expounded the character of His mission. And, on one occasion, He said: “I have come to call, not the righteous but sinners, to repentance” (Lk 5:32) and again: “For I have come down from Heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him Who sent Me” (Jn 6:38) and yet, once more: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Him” (Jn 3:17).
By saying that He is sending them as the Father has sent Him, therefore, He summarised, in a few words, the character of the Apostles’ mission. In this way, they would know that they were bound to call sinners to repentance, to heal the sick, whether of body or soul and in all their dealings as stewards, not by any means to follow their own will but the will of Him Who sent them and, finally, to save the world, insofar as it received the teachings of the Lord.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (380-444) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on the Gospel of John 12:1).
PRAYER – O God, Who through blessed Alphonsus Maria, Thy Confessor and Bishop, fired with love for souls, enriched Thy Church with a new family; we beseech Thee that, taught by his saving counsels and strengthened by his example, we may be enabled, happily to come to Thee. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 2 August – The Feast of St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
Act of Reparation By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church Indulgence of 3 Years Once a Day
O Jesus, my Saviour and Redeemer, Son of the living God, behold we kneel before Thee and offer Thee our reparation; we would make amends, for all the blasphemies uttered against Thy Holy Name, for all the injuries done to Thee in the Blessed Sacrament, for all the irreverence shown toward Thine Immaculate Virgin Mother, for all the calumnies and slanders, spoken against Thy Spouse, the Holy Catholic and Roman Church. O Jesus, Who hast said: “If you ask the Father anything in My Name, He will give it you,” we pray and beseech Thee, for all our brethren who are in danger of sin; sheld them from every temptation to fall away from the true faith; save those who are even now standing on the brink of the abyss; to all of them, give light and knowledge of the truth, courage and strength, for the conflict with evil, perseverance in faith and active charity! For this do we pray, most merciful Jesus, in Thy Name, unto God the Father, with Whom Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
One Minute Reflection – 21 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Praxedes, Virgin (Died 164) – 1 Corinthians 7:25-34, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“So shall it be at the end of the world. The Angels shall go out and shall separate the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire – there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:49-50
REFLECTION – “Our Lord was an example of incomparable patience. He bore with a “devil” among His disciples even to His Passion (Jn 6,70). He said: “Let them grow together until the harvest lest you uproot the wheat when you pull out the weeds” (cf. Mt 13,29f.). As a symbol of the Church, He preached that the net would bring back to shore, namely the end of the world, every kind of fish, both good and bad. And He made it known, in various other ways, whether openly or in parables, that there would always be a mixture of good and bad. But, nevertheless, He stresses, that we have to protect the Church’s discipline when He says: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother” (Mt 18,15)…
Yet today, we see people who think of nothing but stern commandments, who order that troublemakers be reproved, ‘not giving what is holy to the dogs,’ treating, like the publicans, ‘anyone who despises the Church, cutting off the scandalous member from the body‘ (Mt 7,6 ; 18,17 ; 5,30). Their stormy zeal so troubles the Church, that they pull out the weeds before their time and their blindness makes of them enemies, of the unity of Jesus Christ…
Take care not to let these presumptuous thoughts enter our hearts, trying to separate ourselves from sinners, so as not to be soiled by contact with them, wanting to form a band of pure and holy disciples. We will achieve nothing but breaking up our unity, under the pretext of not associating with the wicked. To the contrary, let us remember the parables of Scripture, their inspired words, their striking examples, where we are shown that, until the end of the world and the day of judgement, the bad will always be mingled amongst the good in the Church, without their participation in the Sacraments being harmful to the good, so long as these latter, have not played a part in their sins.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (On Faith and Works – Excerpt ch 3-5)
PRAYER – Graciously hear us, O God our Saviour, that, as we rejoice in the festival of blessed Praxedes, thy Virgin, so may we be nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching, as to be enlightened by the fervour of her dedicated holiness. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 21 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” and the Day of the Passion
A Prayer of the Passion By St Melito of Sardis (Died 180) Bishop of Sardis, Apologist, Father
Lord Jesus Christ, You were bound as a ram, You were shorn like a lamb, You were led to the slaughter like a sheep, You bore the wood of the Cross on Your shoulders, You were led up the hill of Calvary, You were displayed naked on the Cross, You were nailed to the bitter Cross by three spikes, You delivered Your last Seven Words from the Cross You died on the Cross, with a shout of victory, You were buried in noble Joseph’s rock-hewn tomb, By Your boundless suffering on our behalf, fix our eyes unceasingly on Your broken Body and the Blood that poured from Your Hands, Feet and Side. By the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that renews each day Your Sacrifice of the Cross on our Altars, apply the merits of the Cross to all humanity and, especially to those who worship it daily and who offer themselves back to You, our great High Priest and perpetually Intercessor, before the Eternal Throne of God. You live and reign, through all the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Morning Offering – 20 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”
Lord Jesus, Bind Me to Yourself By St Anthony of Padua OFM (1195-1231) Evangelical Doctor of the Church
Lord Jesus, bind me to Yourself and to my neighbour, with love. May my heart not be turned away from You. May my soul not be deceived, nor my talent or mind, enticed by allurements of error, so that I may never distance myself from Your love. Thus may I love my neighbour as myself, with strength, wisdom and gentleness, with Your help, You who are blessed throughout all ages. Amen.
Our Morning Offering – 19 July – St Vincent de Paul CM (1581-1660) Confessor, “Holy Hero of Divine Charity.” Founder of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) and Co-Founder of the Sisters of Charity, is an outstanding example of great love for the poor and unfortunate and the Celestial Patron of all Catholic Charitable Societies. (added by Pope Leo XIII).
Let Thou Thyself O Lord, Be Thine Eternal Thanksgiving! By St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)
O Saviour, Who gave us the law to love our neighbour as ourselves, Who practised it, in such a perfect fashion, towards men. Let Thou Thyself O Lord, Be Thine eternal thanksgiving! O Saviour, how happy I am to be in the state of loving my neighbour! Grant me the grace to acknowledge my good fortune, to love this blessed state and to ensure that this virtue, may be revealed now, tomorrow and always. Amen.
One Minute Reflection – 18 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Camillus de Lellis MI (1550-1614) Confessor, Priest and Founder, “The Giant of Charity.” – 1 John 3:13-18, John 15:12-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“This is My commandment that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man hath that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:12-13
REFLECTION – “We cannot truly love God without loving our neighbour, nor can we truly love our neighbour without loving God. This is why… the Holy Spirit was given a second time to the disciples. First it was given by the Lord while He was still dwelling on earth and later while he was watching over us in Heaven (Jn 20:22; Acts 2). He was given to us on earth that we may love our neighbours, from Heaven that we may love God. Why first on earth and later from Heaven – except for the reason given us openly by John: “How can anyone, who does not love his brother, whom he sees love God Whom he does not see?”
So let us love our neighbours, my friends, let us love the one who is near us, so that we may be able to attain the love of the One, Who is above us! Let our hearts reflect on what our neighbours hold up to God, so that they may be found completely worthy to rejoice in God with them. Then shall we reach the happiness of the heavenly multitude, the happiness of which we have received an assurance from the Holy Spirit. Let us move forward toward that goal where we shall be happy without end, with all our love. There is the holy community of heavenly citizens, there is the sure and solemn observance, there untroubled rest, there the true peace which is no longer dependent on us but given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ (Jn 14:27).” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Excerpt Sermons on the Gospel No 30).
PRAYER – O God, Who endowed St Camillus with a special gift of charity for the help of souls struggling in their final agony, pour upon us, we beseech Thee, by his merits, the spirit of Thy love, so that at the hour of our death, we may be found worthy to overcome the enemy and attain the heavenly crown. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 18 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”
Hail, Sweet Jesus! Prayer to Christ in His Passion and Death By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, honour and glory be to Thee, O Christ, Who, of Thou own accord, embraced death, and recommending Thyself to Thy heavenly Father, bowing down Thy venerable Head, did yield up Thy Spirit. Truly thus giving up Thy life for Thy sheep, Thou hast shown Thyself, to be the Good Shepherd. Thou died, O Only-begotten Son of God. Thou died, O my beloved Saviour, that I might live forever. O how great hope, how great confidence have I reposed in Thy Death and Thy Blood! I glorify and praise Thy Holy Name, acknowledging my infinite obligations to Thee. O good Jesus, by Thy bitter Death and Passion, give me grace and pardon. Give unto the faithful departed, rest and life everlasting. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 17 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Feast of The Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 1 Timothy 6:6-12, Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29
REFLECTION – “Seek for nothing, desiring to enter for love of Jesus, with detachment, emptiness and poverty in everything in this world. You will never have to do with necessities greater than those to which you made your heart yield itself – for the poor in spirit are most happy and joyful in a state of privation and he who has set his heart on nothing, finds satisfaction everywhere.
The poor in spirit (Mt 5:3) give generously all they have and their pleasure consists in being thus deprived of everything for God’s sake and out of love for their neighbour … Not only do temporal goods – the delights and tastes of the senses – hinder and thwart the way of God but spiritual delights and consolations also, if sought for or clung to eagerly, disturb the way of virtue.” – St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Carmelite, Doctor of the Church (Spiritual maxims Nos 352, 355, 356, 364).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness both of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, maybe delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness.ThroughJesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
AnaStpaul 
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