Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FREEDOM, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 November – ‘For there is God’s gift but also our contribution. ‘

One Minute Reflection – 20 November – Wednesday of the Thirty Third week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 19:11–28 and the Memorial of Blessed Maria Fortunata Viti OSB (1827-1922)

“He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.'” … Luke 19:13

REFLECTION – “What have we to offer God?   Faith and love.   That is where we find what God asks of us, as it is written:  “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God and follow his ways exactly, to love and serve the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul” (Dt 10:12).   These are the offerings and these the gifts we should make to the Lord.   And if we are to offer Him these gifts with all our heart, then first of all, we must get to know Him.   We must have drunk of the knowledge of His goodness from the deep waters of His well…

People who deny that salvation lay within the power of the our freedom, should be ashamed on hearing these words!   Would God ask something from us if we weren’t capable of responding to God’s demand and giving Him what he owed?   For there is God’s gift but also our contribution.   For example, it was well within that man’s power that one gold coin should make ten or five more but, that the man should possess that gold coin, with which to produce ten more, in the first place, belonged to God.   Once he had given God the ten gold coins he had made, the man received a new sort of gift – not money this time but the power and sovereignty over ten cities.

In the same way, God asked Abraham to make an offering of his son, Isaac, on the mountain He would show him.   And Abraham, without hesitation, offered his only son – he laid him on the altar and drew out his knife to slay him.   But at once a voice restrained him and a ram was given him to be sacrificed in his son’s place (Gn 22).   So you see – what we offer God depends on us but, this offering is asked of us, so that, in making our gift, we might witness to our love for God and faith in Him.” … Origen (c185-253) Priest and Theologian – Homilies on the Book of Numbers, no. 12, #3luke 19 13 - he called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins - would god ask of us something which we were not able to give - origen 20 nov 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, true Light and Creator of light, grant that faithfully pondering on all that is holy, we may ever live in the splendour of Your presence.   Protect us by Your power throughout our days, that even as You enable us to begin, do not let us turn aside to any sin but let our every thought, word and deed, aim at doing what is pleasing in Your sight.   Listen, we pray, to the intercession of Blessed Maria Fortunata Viti on our behalf.   Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity, amen.bl maria fortunata viti pray for us 20 nov 2019.jpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 November – ‘Let us try to merit this hour of eternal delights.’

One Minute Reflection – 15 November – Friday of the Thirty Second week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 17:26–37 and the Memorial of St Albert the Great OP (1200-1280) Doctor of the Church and of Bl Bl Mary of the Passion FMM (1839-1904)

“Whoever seeks to gain his life, will lose it but whoever loses his life, will preserve it.   I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed, one will be taken and the other left.”…Luke 17:33-34

REFLECTION – “Today the Church, the Lord, with His goodness, tells each one of us, ‘Stop, stop, not every day will be so.   Do not get used to this as if it were eternity.   There will be one day that you will be taken, while the other one will remain, you will be taken, you will be removed.’   It means going with the Lord, thinking that our life will end.”…Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 17 November 2017whoever-seeks-to-gain-his-life-today-the-church-the-lord-pope-francis-16-nov-2018 and 15 nov 2019.jpg

“It is by the path of love, which is charity, that God draws near to man and man to God. But where charity is not found, God cannot dwell. If, then, we possess charity, we possess God, for “God is Charity” (1 John 4:8) … it is by the path of love - st albert the great 15 nov 2019

“We will not be proclaimed blessed on the altars in all probability but if we are faithful, in Heaven we will be proclaimed ‘blessed’ and that is enough for us.   Let us try to merit this hour of eternal delights.” … Bl Mary of the Passion (1839-1904)we will not be proclaimed blessed - bl mary of the passion 15 nov 2019 pray for us .jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, You made St Albert great by his gift for reconciling human wisdom with divine faith.   Help us so to follow his teaching that every advance in science may lead us to a deeper knowledge and love of You.   May his prayers on our behalf be a succour to us all.   We ask too for the intercession of the blessed Mary of the Passion that her zeal and perseverance may be the driving force of our lives.   Through our Lord Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.st-albert-the-great-pray-for-usno 2 - 15 nov 2017

Posted in PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 14 November – My Lord and my God! – St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Thought for the Day – 14 November – Thursday of the Thirty Second week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 17:20–25

” … For behold,
the kingdom of God,
is in the midst of you.”

Luke 17:21

My Lord and my God!

St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

“I am slow to master the great Truth, that Christ is, as it were, walking among us and, by His Hand, or eye, or voice bidding me to follow Him.
I do not understand, that His call, is a thing which takes place now.
I think it took place in the Apostles’ days but I do not believe in it, I do not look out for it in my own case.
I have not eyes to see the Lord – far different from the beloved Apostle, who knew Christ, even when the rest of the disciples knew Him not!   When He stood on the shore after His Resurrection and bade them cast the net into the sea, “that disciple whom Jesus loved, said unto Peter, ‘It is the Lord!'” …

O my God, Thou does over-abound in mercy!
To live by faith is my necessity, from my present state of being and from my sin but Thou has pronounced a blessing on it.
Thou has said, that I am more blessed if I believe in Thee, than if I saw Thee –
My Lord and my God!”

o my god thou does overabound in mercy - st john henry newman 14 nov 2019 the king is among you luke 17 21.jpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SILENCE, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 14 November – ‘There is One very near you …’

Quote/s of the Day – 14 November – Thursday of the Thirty Second week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 17:20–25

” … For behold,
the kingdom of God,
is in the midst of you.”

Luke 17:21luke 17 21 for behold the kingdom of god is in the midst of you 14 nov 2019

” …[The Kingdom of God] … is within you.
That is, it depends on your own wills
and is in your own power,
whether or not you receive it.
Everyone, that has attained
to justification, by means of faith in Christ
and decorated by every virtue,
is counted worthy,
of the kingdom of heaven.”

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)

(Commentary on Luke, 117)
Known as “The Pillar of Faith”
Archbishop of Alexandria, Father & Doctor of the Churchthe kingdom of god is within you - st cyril of alex 14 nov 2019.jpg

“Pray to God:

‘You are the Spirit
and I am only the trumpet
and without Your breath
I can give no sound.’”

St Joseph of Cupurtino (1603-1663)pray to god - you are the spirit - st joseph of cupertino 14 nov 2019

“There is One very near you
Who knocks at your door every hour of the day,
Who begs you to listen to Him
and to keep silence in order to hear Him.”

St Simon-Marie-Just Ranfer de Bretenières (1838-1866) Martyrthere is one very near you - st simon ranfer de bretenieres 14 nov 2019

Posted in MIRACLES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 11 November – “If you had faith …”

Thought for the Day – 11 November – Monday of the Thirty Second week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 17:1-6 and The Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours (c 316-397)

St Martin, the Miracle-Worker

By St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Two Essays on Biblical and Ecclesiastical Miracles

And the Lord said,
“If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed,
you could say to this sycamine tree,
‘Be rooted up and be planted in the sea,’
and it would obey you.”

Luke 17:6luke 17 5 if you had faith as a mustard seed and you said to this tree - 11 nov 2019

“Before Martin was a Bishop, while he was near St Hilary at Poitiers, a certain Catechumen, who lived in his monastery, died of a fever, in Martin’s absence, without baptism.
On his return, the Saint went by himself, into the cell where the body lay, threw himself upon it, prayed and then raising himself with his eyes fixed on it, patiently waited his restoration, which took place before the end of two hours ….
At another time, on his giving orders for cutting down a pine to which idolatrous honour was paid, a heathen said, “If thou has confidence in thy God, let us hew the tree and do thou receive it as it falls.   If thy Lord is with thee, thou wilt escape harm.”
Martin accepted the condition and when the tree was falling upon him, made the Sign of the Cross.   The tree reeled round and fell on the other side!   This miracle converted the vast multitude who were spectators of it.”

St Martin of Tours, Pray for Us!st martin of tours, pray for us 11 nov 2019

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUTH, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 7 November – From our Dominican Friends in Heaven

Quote/s of the Day – 7 November – The Memorial of All Dominican Saints

Just a few quotes from Dominican Saints

“Heretics are to be converted
by an example of humility
and other virtues
far more readily,
than by any external
display or verbal battles.
So let us arm ourselves with
devout prayers
and set off,
showing signs of genuine humility
and go barefooted
to combat
Goliath.”

St Dominic (1170-1221)heretics-are-to-be-converted-st-dominic-8-aug-201 and 5 nov 2019 all dom saints.jpg

“Anyone who receives this Sacrament,
with the devotion of sincere faith,
will never taste death.”

St Albert the Great (1200-1280) OP Doctor of the Churchanyone-who-receives-this-sacrament-st-albert-the-great-15-nov-2018 and 7 nov 2019 all dom saints.jpg

“Do not be attached, therefore,
to clothing and riches
because they divided My garments among themselves.
Nor to honours, for I experienced harsh words and scourgings.
Nor to greatness of rank,
for weaving a crown of thorns,
they placed it on My head.
Nor to anything delightful,
for in My thirst, they gave Me vinegar to drink.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor of the Churchdo-not-be-attached-therefore-st-thomas-aquinas-24-feb-humility and 5 nov 2019 all dom saints.jpg

“Remember that you will derive strength
by reflecting that the saints,
yearn for you
to join their ranks,
desire to see you fight bravely,
and behave like a true knight
in your encounters
with the same adversities
which they had to conquer
and that breathtaking joy
is the eternal reward,
for having endured a few years,
of temporal pain.
Every drop of earthly bitterness,
will be changed into
an ocean of heavenly sweetness.”

Blessed Henry Suso OP (1290-1365)remember-that-you-will-derive-strength-lenten-thought-23-march-2019-bl-henry-suso and 5 nov 2019 all dom saints.jpg

“He will provide the way and the means,
such as you could never have imagined.
Leave it all to Him,
let go of yourself,
lose yourself on the Cross
and you will find yourself entirely.”he will provide the way and the means - st catherine of siena - 7 nov 2019 all dom saints.jpg

“Speak the truth in a million voices.
It is silence that kills!”speak the truth in a million voices - st catherine of siena - 29 april 2019.jpg

“What is it you want to change?
Your hair, your face, your body?
Why? For God is in love with all those things
and He might weep when they are gone!”

St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Churchwhat-is-it-you-want-to-change-st-catherine-of-siena-29-april-2018 and 7 nov 2019 all dominican saints.jpg

“Once humility is acquired,
charity will come to life,
like a burning flame,
devouring the corruption of vice
and filling the heart so full,
that there is no place for vanity.”…

St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)once-humility-is-acquired-st-vincent-ferrer-5-april-2019 and 7 nov 2019 all dom saints.jpg

“Apart from the Cross
there is no other ‘ladder’
by which we might get to heaven.”

St Rose of Lima (1586-1617)apart-from-the-cross-st-rose-of-lima-23-aug-2017 and 5 nov 2019 all dom saints.jpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH

Thought for the Day – 6 November – The Power of Faith Transcends Man’s Strength – St Cyril of Jersualem

Thought for the Day – 6 November –  Wednesday of the Thirty First week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

The Power of Faith Transcends Man’s Strength

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)
Bishop, Father & Doctor of the Church

An excerpt from the Catecheses, 5

The one word faith can have two meanings.   One kind of faith concerns doctrines  . It involves the soul’s ascent to and acceptance of, some particular matter.   It also concerns the soul’s good, according to the words of the Lord – Whoever hears my voice and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and will not come to be judged.   And again – He who believes in the Son is not condemned but has passed from death to life.

How great is God’s love for men!   Some good men have been found pleasing to God because of years of work.   What they achieved by working for many hours at a task pleasing to God, is freely given to you by Jesus in one short hour.   For, if you believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved and taken up to paradise by Him, just as He brought the thief there.   Do not doubt that this is possible.   After all, He saved the thief on the holy hill of Golgotha because of one hour’s faith, will He not save you too, since you have believed?after he saved the good thief - ast cyril of jerusalem 6 nov 2019.jpg

The other kind of faith is given by Christ by means of a special grace.   To one wise sayings are given through the Spirit, to another perceptive comments by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing.   Now this kind of faith, given by the Spirit as a special favour, is not confined to doctrinal matters, for it produces effects beyond any human capability.   If a man who has this faith says to this mountain move from here to there, it will move.   For when anybody says this in faith, believing it will happen and having no doubt in his heart, he then receives that grace.

It is of this kind of faith, moreover, that it is said – If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed.   The mustard seed is small in size but it holds an explosive force, although it is sown in a small hole, it produces great branches and when it is grown, birds can nest there.   In the same way faith produces great effects in the soul instantaneously. Enlightened by faith, the soul pictures God and sees Him as clearly as any soul can.   It circles the earth, even before the end of this world, it sees the judgement and the conferring of promised rewards.   So, may you have the faith which depends on you and is directed to God, that you may receive from Him that faith too, which transcends man’s capacity.

“[Lord God] I believe in You, increase my faith.   All my hopes are in You, secure my trust.   I love You, teach me to love You more each day… I adore You as my first beginning, I long for You as my final end.   I praise You as my constant helper and call on You as my loving protector.   Guide me by Your Wisdom, correct me with Your Justice, comfort me with Your Mercy, protect me by Your Power… Lord, enlighten my understanding, enflame my will, purify my heart, sanctify my soul.   Help me to repent of my past sins and to rise above my human weaknesses and to grow stronger as a Christian…”

(from the Universal Prayer by Pope Clement XI (1649-1721))

lord-god-i-believe-from-the-universal-prayer-pope-clement-xi-27-april-2018.jpg

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MYSTICS, PAPAL DECREE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY

Quote of the Day – 6 November – Bl Christina of Stommeln

Quote of the Day – 6 November – The Memorial of Blessed Christina of Stommeln (1242–1312)

“I am a person who believes in Christ.
I want to live so that all things in
me are strengthened by Christ.”

Blessed Christina of Stommeln (1242–1312)i am a person who believes in christ - bl christina of stommeln 6 nov 2019.jpg

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 October – ‘Jesus is the door.’

One Minute Reflection – 30 October – Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time, Year , Gospel: Luke 13:22–30

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

REFLECTION – “Jesus is the door.   It is a narrow door but always wide open to everyone. It is narrow not because it is oppressive but so as to prohibit the entry of pride which bloats us.   To go along this path, one must pass through a door.   But where is the door? What is it like?   Who is the door?   Jesus himself is the door (cf. Jn 10,9).   He himself says it, ‘I am the door’ in John’s Gospel.   He leads us in communion with the Father, where we find love, understanding and protection. …the-whole-of-our-life-must-pass-through-the-narrow-door-pope-francis-25-june-2019-and 30 oct 2019.1.jpg

… The door of God’s mercy is narrow but always wide open, wide open for everyone!   God has no favourites but always welcomes everyone, without distinction.   A door, that is narrow to restrict our pride and our fear.   Open because God welcomes us without distinction.   And the salvation that He gives us is an unceasing flow of mercy…which breaks down every barrier and opens up surprising perspectives of light and peace.   The narrow but always open door…” … Pope Francis 21 August 2016luke 13 24 strive to enter through the narrow door - jesusd is the door - pope francis 30 oct 2019

PRAYER – Shed Your clear light on our hearts, Lord, so that walking continually in the way of Your commandments, we may never be deceived or misled.   Grant that the prayers of the Virgin Mary, merciful Mother, we ask help so that we seize the opportunities that the Lord gives us to cross the threshold of faith.   Through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.blessed virgin merciful mother pray for us 30 oct 2019

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ON the SAINTS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – “The weakness of God is stronger than all men”

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles and Martyrs, Gospel: Luke 6:12-19

And when it was day, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostle … Luke 6:13luke 6 13 he called his disciples and chose twleve - 28 oct 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “Saint Paul said:  “The weakness of God is stronger than all men” (1Cor 1:25).   It is clear from this too that the gospel is divine.   For whence did it strike twelve unlettered men to attempt such great enterprises, men who were living in marshes, or rivers, in desert places, who had never perhaps gone into a city or the public square? Whence did it strike them to array themselves against the whole world?   That they were cowardly and unmanly, he who has written about them shows, inasmuch as he does not even deprecate nor try to gloss over their failings.   This, in itself, is a powerful proof of the truth.   What then does this man say about them?   That after the innumerable miracles they had seen Christ work, when He was taken prisoner some fled, while the one who remained, although he was head over the rest, denied Him.

Here were men who failed to stand up to the Jews when Christ was alive.   Yet when He died and was buried, they arrayed themselves against the whole world…  Would they not have said to themselves:  “What is this?   He had not strength to save Himself, will He protect us?   He did not defend Himself when He was alive, will He reach out His hand to us, now He is dead?   When He was alive He did not conquer a single nation—shall we convince the whole world by speaking His name?”…   Hence it is clear that, if they had not seen Him risen and received this mighty proof of His power, they would never have risked such a gamble.” … St John Chrysostom (c.345-407) Priest at Antioch then Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church – Homily on the 1st letter to the Corinthians 4, 3here were men who failed to stand up to the jews - st john chrysostom feast of simon and jude 28 oct 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, You taught us to call upon Your name, through the preaching of the Apostles.   Open our eyes each day, grant that we may see Jesus Your Son at our side, open our ears that we may hear His voice, open our mouths, that we may beg forgiveness and proclaim the good news, as we follow the way Your Son carved out for us.   At the intercession of Sts Simon and Jude, may Your Church continue to grow and to hope in Your love.   We make our prayer through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.sts simon and jude pray for us 28 oct 2019

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN Saturdays, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYER WARRIORS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the FAMILY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, To JESUS through MARY

Quote of the Day – 26 October – A Saint’s Prayer Corner – St John Henry Newman

Quote of the Day – 26 October – Saturday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Marian Saturdays

As we draw to the end of the Month of the Holy Rosary, let us listen to our newest Saint on the Rosary.and the special virtue of the rosary lies - st john henry newman 26 october 2019.jpg

A Saint’s Prayer Corner

“Now the great power of the Rosary lies in this, that it makes the Creed into a prayer – of course, the Creed is, in some sense, a prayer and a great act of homage to God but the Rosary gives us, the great truths of His life and death, to meditate upon and brings them nearer to our hearts.

And so we contemplate all the great mysteries of His life and His birth in the manger and so too the mysteries of His suffering and His glorified life.   But even Christians, with all their knowledge of God, have usually more awe than love of Him and the special virtue of the Rosary lies in the special way in which it looks at these mysteries, for with all our thoughts of Him are mingled thoughts of His Mother and in the relations between Mother and Son, we have set before us the Holy Family, the home in which God lived.

Now the family is, even humanly considered, a sacred thing, how much more the family bound together by supernatural ties and, above all, that in which God dwelt with His Blessed Mother.”

Below is part of Newman’s cell in the Birmingham Oratory.   One sees clearly the Rosary beads hanging on the wall, in a prayer corner with devotional images and items.

May he pray for us!st john henry's rosary and prayer corner - office deovotional images.JPG

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 25 October – ‘What gain is it to please the world?’

Thought for the Day – 25 October – Friday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 12:54-59

“Why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” … Luke 12:56

“Oh that we could take that simple view of things, as to feel that the one thing which lies before us is to please God!   What gain is it to please the world, to please the great, even to please those whom we love, compared with this?   What gain is it to be applauded, admired, courted, followed, compared with this one aim, of not being disobedient to a heavenly vision?   What can this world offer comparable with that insight into spiritual things, that keen faith, that heavenly peace, that high sanctity, that everlasting righteousness, that hope of glory, which they have who in sincerity love and follow our Lord Jesus Christ?

Let us beg and pray Him day by day, to reveal Himself to our souls more fully,
to quicken our senses,
to give us sight and hearing, taste and touch of the world to come,
so to work within us, that we may sincerely say,
“Thou shall guide me with Thy counsel” and after that receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but Thee?   And there is none upon earth that I desire in comparison of Thee – my flesh and my heart fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890)what can this world offer - st john henry newman 25 oct 2019.jpg

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FREEDOM, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on TRUTH, SPEAKING of .....

Quote/s of the Day – 25 October – Speaking of: “In the world but not of the world”

Quote/s of the Day – 25 October – Friday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 12:54-59

Speaking of: “In the world but not of the world”

“The Christian should be
an alleluia from head to foot.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Churchthe christian should be an alleluia from head to foot - st augustine - 23 may 2018 - no 2.jpg

“Go forth and set the world on fire.”

St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)go forth and set the world on fire - st ignatius loyola 14 jan 2019.jpg

“Tell others about the Truth that sets you free.”

Pope Benedict XVItell others about the truth that sets you free 25 oct 2019.jpg

“If you follow Jesus,
you’re going to get into some trouble.”if you follow jesus - fr mike - 23 may 2018.jpg

“You are a billboard for Christ.”

Father Mike Schmitzyou are a billboard for christ - 25 oct 2019.jpg

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD is LOVE, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

Thought for the Day – 24 October – Pardon us, O Lord, Pardon us

Thought for the Day – 24 October – The Feast of the Holy Redeemer

St John Paul II from ‘Redemptor Hominis’ his first Enycyclical, ‘The Redeemer of Humankind.’   In it he dealt with the core of our faith, the Person of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the World.

10 . The human dimension of the mystery of the Redemption

We cannot live without love.   We remain beings that are incomprehensible for ourselves, our lives are senseless, if love is not revealed to us, if we do not encounter love, if we do not experience it and make it our own, if we do not participate intimately in it.   This, as has already been said, is why Christ the Redeemer “fully reveals man to himself”, ‘fully reveals us to ourselves’.
If we may use the expression, this is the human dimension of the mystery of the Redemption.   In this dimension we find again the greatness, dignity and value that belong to our humanity.
In the mystery of the Redemption we become newly “expressed” and, in a way, are newly created.   We are newly created!   “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”64.
If we wish to understand ourselves thoroughly-and not just in accordance with immediate, partial, often superficial and even illusory standards and measures of his being-we must with our unrest, uncertainty and even our weakness and sinfulness, with our life and death, draw near to Christ.   We must, so to speak, enter into Him with all His own self, we must “appropriate” and assimilate the whole of the reality of the Incarnation and Redemption in order to find ourselves.   If this profound process takes place within us, we then bear fruit not only of adoration of God but also of deep wonder at ourselves.
How precious must we be in the eyes of the Creator, if we “gained so great a Redeemer” and if God “gave his only Son “in order that we “should not perish but have eternal life”.

God does not leave us groping in the dark.   He has shown Himself to us as a man.   In His greatness, He has let Himself become small. ... Pope Benedict XVIjohn-14-9-he-who-seen-me-god-does-not-leave-us-groping-in-the-dark-pope-benedict-18-may-2019 and 23 oct 2019.jpg

Pardon us, O Lord, Pardon us
By William of Saint-Thierry OSB, O.Cist. (c 1075-1148)
Abbot, Monk, Theologian, Mystic, Writer
Friend of St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

Pardon us, O Lord, pardon us.
We beg to shift the blame for our sins,
we make excuses.
But no-one can hide
from the Light of Your Truth,
which both enlightens those,
who turn to it and exposes those,
who turn away.
Even our blood and our bones
are visible to You,
who created us out of dust.
How foolish we are,
to think that we can rule our own lives,
satisfying our own desires,
without thought of You.
How stupid we are,
to imagine that we can keep our sins hidden.
But although we may deceive other people,
we cannot deceive You.
And since You see into our hearts,
we cannot deceive ourselves,
for Your Light reveals to us,
our own spiritual corruption.
Let us, therefore, fall down before You,
weeping with tears of shame.
May Your judgement,
give new shape to our souls.
May Your power, mould our hearts
to reflect Your love.
May Your grace, infuse our minds,
so that our thoughts reflect Your Will.
Amenpardon-us-o-lord-pardon-us-by-william-saint-thierry-20-april-2019-holy-sat adn 23 oct 2019.jpg

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The HOLY GHOST, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Quote/s of the Day – 22 October – St John Paul the Great

Quote/s of the Day – 22 October – The Memorial of St Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

“Never,
as in the Rosary,
do the life of Jesus
and that of Mary,
appear so deeply joined.
Mary lives
only in Christ
and
for Christ!”never-as-in-the-rosary-st-john-paul-no-15-rosarium-virginis-mariae-7-oct-2019.jpg

“Not only the devil is involved in spiritual warfare
but the Holy Spirit is equally involved, or more involved in it,
bringing men and women of goodwill,
the ability to overcome evil in their lives,
so that they too can say:
“Where evil abounded, grace super-abounded!” (Rom 5:20).”

St John Paul II (The Holy Spirit (Dominum Et Vivificantem – 1986)not-only-the-devil-st-jp-22-oct-2017 and 2019.jpg

“Let the eyes of our faith

never wander
from the Cross of Calvary.”let-the-eyes-of-our-faith-st-pope-john-paul-29-may-2018-and 22 oct 2019.no-2

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair.
We are the Easter people
and
hallelujah
is our song.”

St Pope John Paul the Great (1920-2005)

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/22/quote-s-of-the-day-22-october-the-memorial-of-st-pope-john-paul-ii-1920-2005/
and here:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/10/22/quotes-of-the-day-22-october-the-memorial-of-st-pope-john-paul-ii-1920-2005/do not abandon yourselves to despair we are the easter people - 22 oct 2019 st john paul the great.jpg

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 October – ‘There are two means – prayer and detachment from self.’

One Minute Reflection – 22 October – Tuesday of the Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel Luke 12:35–38 and the Memorial of St Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes ... Luke 12:37

REFLECTION – “What are we to do if we are to overcome our weakness of soul?   There are two means – prayer and detachment from self.   Our Lord Jesus counsels us to watch. We must be on the watch if we want our heart to be pure but our watching must be peaceful if our heart is to be touched.   Because it can be moved by good things or bad, within or without.   Thus we need to watch carefully.
As a general rule God’s inspiration is an unobtrusive grace, we mustn’t turn it away… if our heart’s aren’t awake, grace turns back.   Divine inspiration is very exact, just as a writer guides his pen, so the grace of God, guides the soul.   So let us try hard to attain greater interior recollection.
Our Lord wants us to desire to love Him.   The watchful soul notices when it falls and realises that, of itself, it cannot reach it’s destination.   That is why it experiences the need for prayer.   Our petition is founded on the conviction that we can do nothing of ourselves but God can do all.   Prayer is needed to obtain light and strength.” … Saint Maximilian Kolbe OFM (1894-1941) Martyr – Conference of 13/2/1941luke-12-37-blessed-are-those-servants-st max kolbe - what are we to do to overcome - 22 oct 2019

PRAYER – Lord God, strengthen in our hearts the faith You have given us, so that no trials may quench the fire Your Spirit has kindled within us.   May Your Light shine through our lives and be constantly lit to lead us ready for the day the Lord Jesus calls.   St John Paul, by your prayers, may our way be made holy.   Through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st john paul II pray for us 18 may 2019 his birthday 99 years old

Posted in QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FREEDOM, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 21 October – ‘Each of us …’

Quote/s of the Day – 21 October – Monday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year C and the Memorial of Blessed Giuseppe “Pino” Puglisi (1937-1993) Priest, Martyr

“Let us consider that mosaic
of Jesus in Monreale Cathedral.
Each of us is like a little glass tile in that great mosaic.
Therefore, each of us must understand our role
and help others understand theirs,
so that together,
we can make up the unique face of Christ.”let us consider that mosaic of jesus - bl pino puglisi 21 oct 2019.jpg

“If everyone does something,
then we can do a lot.”

“Each of us feels an inclination,
a charism within ourselves.
A project, which makes each of us
unique, irreplaceable.
This call, this vocation,
is the sign of the Holy Spirit in us.
Only by listening to this voice
can we make sense of our lives.”if everyone does something - each of us feels a charism - bl pino puglisi 21 oct 2019.jpg

“No man is far from the Lord.
The Lord loves freedom,
does not impose His love.
He does not force the heart of any of us.
Every heart has its own time,
which, even we, cannot understand.
He knocks and stands at the door.
When the heart is ready it will open.”

Blessed Giuseppe “Pino” Puglisino man is far from the Lord - bl pino puglisi 21 oct 2019.jpg

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FREEDOM, QUOTES on PRAYER, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 October – ‘Will the Lord “find faith upon the earth” when He returns?

One Minute Reflection – 20 October – Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 18:1–8 and World Mission Sunday

And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.” … Luke 18:6

REFLECTION – “As He often does, in today’s Gospel, Jesus takes the immoral realities of our world as His point of departure.   Here, it is the corrupt judge, elsewhere, it was the servant who defrauds his master, the prodigal son, the foolish rich man, the glutton, the wicked vineyard owner.
Beginning with what is familiar, Jesus wants to move up to the laws of the Kingdom of God.   Here, as in the parable of the friend knocking at the door at midnight, the point of comparison is the persistence of an importunate but not unjust request.
If even the wicked … then all the more God, who is good. Jesus wants to make utterly clear to us – God wants men to ask Him, even to pester Him.   If God gives man freedom and goes so far as to enter into covenant with him, then He is not merely concerned about human freedom but has bound Himself in a covenant with His partner without giving up His divine freedom – God will always give the petitioner what is best for him, “the good” (Mt 7:11), “the Holy Spirit” (Lk 11:12).   Whoever prays, in the Spirit of Christ, will be listened to without exception (Jn 14:12-14)   And the Gospel adds, “without delay.” God does not hear our prayers at some later date.   He hears and immediately responds with whatever best corresponds to the request.   A request, however, presupposes faith, which is why the Gospel ends with something for us to mull over – will the Lord “find faith upon the earth” when He returns?   It is we, who are listening here and not just anyone, who are being asked this!” … Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988)luke 18 6 and the lord said listen to what the unrighteous judge says - whoever prays in the spirit of christ - hans ur von balthasar 20 oct 2019.jpg

PRAYER – All-powerful, eternal God and Father, grant us the grace of Your Spirit and fill us with the light of understanding and love.   May we learn to truly pray and by our prayers to entreat You to bless us in Your goodness and lead us to true faith in Your unfailing love and mercy.   Grant that by the prayers of your Saints we may be strengthened and depend only on You.   Holy Mother, be our protection and our guide  . We make our prayer through Jesus, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.blessed virgin mary mother of god - pray for us - 5 aug 2018.jpg

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SIN, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 17 October – Have Faith in Christ and Love

Thought for the Day – 17 October – The Memorial of St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35 – 107) Father of the Church, Martyr

Tradition holds that St Ignatius was one of the many small children whom Jesus personally took in His arms and blessed.   He was a student and follower of St John the Apostle.   Simon Peter appointed St Ignatius to serve as Bishop of Antioch.   His service and successes were great but perhaps inevitably, St Ignatius was arrested by Roman soldiers and taken to Rome, where he was sentenced to death at the Coliseum, for his Christian teachings, practices and faith.

Some of St Ignatius Letters to the Ephesians, Romans and others have survived.   Many were modelled on the New Testament writings of St Paul, St Peter and St John.

From a letter to the Ephesians by Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr
(Nn. 13-18,1: Funk 1, 183-187)

Have Faith in Christ and Love

Try to gather together more frequently to give thanks to God and to praise Him.   For when you come together frequently, Satan’s powers are undermined and the destruction that he threatens, is done away with, in the unanimity of your faith.   Nothing is better than peace, in which all warfare between heaven and earth is brought to an end.

None of this will escape you if you have perfect faith and love toward Jesus Christ.  These are the beginning and the en – of life: faith the beginning, love the end.   When these two are found together, there is God and everything else concerning right living follows from them.   No-one professing faith sins, no-one possessing love hates.   A tree is known by its fruit.   So those who profess to belong to Christ will be known by what they do.   For the work we are about, is not a matter of words here and now but depends on the power of faith and on being found faithful to the end.no one oprofessing faith sins - st ignatius of antioch 17 oct 2019

It is better to remain silent and to be, than talk and not be.   Teaching is good if the speaker also acts.   Now there was one teacher who spoke and it was made and even what He did in silence is worthy of the Father.   He who has the word of Jesus can truly listen also to His silence, in order to be perfect, that he may act through his speech and be known by his silence.   Nothing is hidden from the Lord but even our secrets are close to Him.   Let us then do everything in the knowledge that He is dwelling within us, that we may be His temples and He, God within us.   He is and will reveal Himself, in our sight, according to the love we bear Him in holiness.nothing is hidden from the lord - st ignatius of antioch 17 oct 2019.jpg

Make no mistake, my brothers, those who corrupt families will not inherit the kingdom of God.   If those who do these things in accordance with the flesh have died, how much worse will it be if one corrupts, through evil doctrine, the faith of God for which Jesus Christ was crucified?   Such a person, because he is defiled, will depart into the unquenchable fire, as will anyone who listens to him.

For the Lord received anointing on His head, in order that He might breathe incorruptibility on the Church.   Do not be anointed with the evil odour of the teachings of the prince of this world, that he may not lead you captive away from the life that is set before you.   But why is it that we are not all wise when we have received the knowledge of God, which is Jesus Christ?   Why do we perish in our stupidity, not knowing the gift the Lord has truly sent us?

My spirit is given over to the humble service of the Cross which is a stumbling block to unbelievers but to us salvation and eternal life.

St Ignatius of Antioch, Pray for Us!st-ignatius-of-antioch-pray-for-us-17-oct-2017-no-2

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 17 October – ‘Eucharist’ – St Ignatius of Antioch

Quote/s of the Day – 17 October – The Memorial of St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35 – 107) Father of the Church, Martyr

“They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer
because they do not confess that the Eucharist
is the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
flesh which suffered for our sins
and which that Father,
in His goodness, raised up again.
They who deny the gift of God
are perishing in their disputes.”they abstain from the eucharist - st ignatius of antioch - 17 oct 2019.jpg

“Pray that we will remain faithful
to the teachings of the Risen Jesus.”

St Ignatius of Antioch

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/17/quote-s-of-the-day-17-october-the-memorial-of-st-ignatius-of-antioch-c-35-107-father-of-the-church-martyr/pray that we will re4main faithful - st ignatius of antioch 17 oct 2019.jpg

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on TRADITION, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 October – Tradition stands, the Faith dies.

One Minute Reflection – 17 October – Thursday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 11:47–54 and the Memorial of St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35 – 107) Father of the Church, Martyr

“Woe to you! for you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.” … Luke 11:47

REFLECTION – ” The biggest sin of the Pharisees is that they persecute and even kill the messengers God has sent to purify and reform their religion.  They are so caught up in the rut of their traditions, that they cannot heed or tolerate the voice of the prophets. They stone the present prophets and build monuments to the ancient ones.
Often we too make the same mistakes.
We are keen in preserving the names of great people who lived among us.   We may even build monuments to their memory.   But we fail to imbibe and live by their spirit.   It is surprising how the creative spirit of a religious tradition can die in the hands of those who are faithfully seeking to preserve the tradition itself – the tradition stands, the faith dies.
That is what happened to the Pharisees of Jesus’ time and it is happening to us as well.” … Fr Joseph Thena SSPwoe to you scribes luke 11 47 - gods word fr joseph thena - tradition stands faith dies - 17 oct 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, grant that I may believe what I have learned, never presuming to know better than the teachings of Holy Mother Church and that I may put into practice what I believe.   Let my commitment be like unto the Martyr, St Ignatius of Antioch, who went with joy to his horrific death, for the faith in Christ, Your Son, God with You and the Holy Spirit.   St Ignatius, pray for us, amen.st ignatius of antioch pray for us - 17 oct 2017.jpg

Posted in PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 16 October – Lean on His Goodness

Quote/s of the Day – 16 October – The Memorial of St Margaret Mary Alacoque VHM (1647-1690), St Gerard Majella CSsR (1726-1755)

“O Heart of love,
I put all my trust in Thee,
for I fear all things,
from my own weakness,
but I hope for all things,
from Thy Goodness.”

St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)o heart of love i put all my trust in thee 16 oct 2019

“Consider the shortness of time,
the length of eternity
and reflect how everything here below
comes to an end and passes by.
Of what use is it, to lean upon,
that which cannot give support?”

St Gerard Majella (1726-1755)consider the shortness of time - st gerard majella 16 oct 2019.jpg

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PEACE, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 15 October – ‘He is a true friend.’

Thought for the Day – 15 October – The Memorial of St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church “Doctor of Prayer”

Let us Always be Mindful of Christ’s Love

Saint Teresa of Jesus of Avila
Doctor of the Church

An excerpt from her On the Book of Life

If Christ Jesus dwells in a man as his friend and noble leader, that man can endure all things, for Christ helps and strengthens us and never abandons us.   He is a true friend. And I clearly see, that if we expect to please Him and receive an abundance of His graces, God desires, that these graces, must come to us from the hands of Christ, through His most sacred humanity, in which God takes delight.

Many, many times I have perceived this through experience.   The Lord has told it to me. I have definitely seen, that we must enter by this gate if we wish His Sovereign Majesty to reveal to us, great and hidden mysteries.   A person should desire no other path, even if he is at the summit of contemplation, on this road he walks safely.   All blessings come to us through our Lord.  He will teach us, for in beholding His life we find that He is the best example.

What more do we desire from such a good friend at our side?   Unlike our friends in the world, He will never abandon us when we are troubled or distressed.   Blessed is the one who truly loves Him and always keep Him near.   Let us consider the glorious Saint Paul – it seems that no other name fell from his lips than that of Jesus, because the name of Jesus was fixed and embedded in his heart.   Once I had come to understand this truth, I carefully considered the lives of some of the saints, the great contemplatives and found that they took no other path – Francis, Anthony of Padua, Bernard, Catherine of Siena.   A person must walk along this path in freedom, placing himself in God’s hands.   If God should desire, to raise us, to the position of one who is an intimate and shares His secrets, we ought to accept this gladly.

Whenever we think of Christ, we should recall the love that led Him to bestow on us so many graces and favours and, also, the great love God showed, in giving us in Christ, a pledge of His love, for love calls for love in return.   Let us strive to keep this always before our eyes and to rouse ourselves to love Him.   For, if at some time, the Lord should grant us the grace, of impressing His love on our hearts, all will become easy for us and we shall accomplish great things quickly and without effort.

Jesus, What a True Friend You are
By St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)

Jesus, what a true friend You are
and how powerful.
May You be blessed forever, Lord,
for offering Your hand of love
in my darkest,
most lonely moments,
for loving me
more than I love myself
and for putting up with
such a stubborn soul as mine.
Amenjesus-what-a-true-friend-you-are-3-oct-2019-by-st-teresa-of-avila.jpg

St Teresa, Pray for Us!st teresa of jesus of avila pray for us 15 oct 2019.jpg

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – Only God fills the soul and fills it wholly.

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 11:37–41 and the Memorial of St Teresa of Jesus/Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church “Doctor of Prayer”

And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness.”…Luke 11:39

REFLECTION – “If the world that seeks my God were to know, if those learned men who seek for God in science and endless discussion were to know, if people did but know where to find God, how many wars would be prevented, what peace there would be in the world, how many souls would be saved!   Unreasoning and stupid that you look for God where He is not!   Listen and be filled with awe – God is in our hearts, I know it.   God lives in the human heart when this heart lives withdrawn from all that is not Him, when this heart heeds God’s knock at its door (Rv 3,20) and, sweeping and cleaning all its rooms, makes itself ready to welcome Him who alone truly satisfies.

How sweet it is to live like this, with God in the heart.   What sublime peace to find oneself filled with God!…   What little trouble it is, rather it should be said, there is no trouble in doing what He wishes, since we love His will and even pain and suffering are His peace, since we suffer for love.   Only God fills the soul and fills it wholly.   Let scientists go on asking – Where is God?   He is where those clever ones, arrogant in their knowledge, cannot reach.” … Saint Raphael Arnaiz Baron (1911-1938) – Spanish Trappist monk (Spiritual writings)luke 11 39 cleanse the outside of the cup - only god fills the soul st rafael arnaiz baron 15 oct 2019

PRAYER – Almighty God, our Father, You sent St Teresa of Jesus to be a witness in the Church to the way of perfection.   Sustain us by her spiritual doctrine and kindle in us, the longing for true holiness.   Through Christ, our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, God forever.   May the intercession of St Teresa be a source of strength, amenst-teresa-of-jesus-pray-for-us-215-oct-2017.jpg

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The INCARNATION, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Sunday Reflection – 13 October – He is born every day in the Sacrament of the Altar – St John Henry Newman

Sunday Reflection – 13 October – Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C and today, John Henry Newman will be Canonised

The Birth of Jesus
Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

“Consider that the birth of Jesus Christ, caused universal joy in the whole world.   Jesus was the Redeemer who had been desired and awaited for so many years.   He was called ‘the desire of the nations’ and ‘the desire of the eternal hills.’   Today, we behold Him, born in a little   cave! Let us consider, that this day, the angel also announces to us the same great joy announced to the shepherds.   “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, for a saviour has been born.”

What great rejoicing there is in a country when the firstborn son of a king is born.   But surely, there should be even greater rejoicing when we see the Son of God born!   We were lost and He came to save us.   He is the shepherd who has come to save His sheep from death.   He is the lamb of God, who has come to sacrifice Himself, to become our deliverer, our life, or light and even our food in the Most Holy Sacrament.

Saint Maximus says that for this reason, among many others, Jesus chose to be laid in the manger, where the animals are fed, to make us understand that He has become human and also our food.   “In the manger, where the food of animals is placed,   He allowed Himself to be laid, demonstrating that His own body would be the eternal food of humankind.

Besides this, He is born every day in the Sacrament of the Altar, the Altar is the crib and we go to the Altar to be fed and nourished.   Some might desire to hold the Infant Jesus in their arms as the prophet Simeon did but faith teaches us, that when we receive Holy Communion, we too, hold the same Jesus, who was in the manger in Bethlehem, not in our arms alone but in our hearts.

My beloved Jesus, if I do not love You, who are my Lord and God, whom shall I love?”he is born every day - sun reflec - 13 oct 2019 st john henry newman

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 October – ‘What have You ever done to me but good?’

One Minute Reflection – 11 October – Friday of the Twenty Seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel Luke 11:15–26 and the Memorial of St Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you…Luke 11:20

REFLECTION – ” “The finger:   “It is by the finger of God that [Jesus] casts out demons.” If God’s law was written on tablets of stone “by the finger of God” (Ex 31,18), then the “letter from Christ” entrusted to the care of the apostles, is written “with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2Cor 3,3).   The hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” invokes the Holy Spirit as the “finger of the Father’s right hand.”…CCC 700but-if-it-is-by-the-finger-luke-11-20-the-finger-ccc700-12-oct-2018 and 11 oct 2019

“What things ought I render to Almighty God that He has made me what I am?   It is a matter of grace … I am what I am, not from any excellence or merit of my own but by the grace of God who has chosen me to believe.   Has He not visited me with over-abundant grace?   And was it not necessary for my hardened heart to receive more than other people? …
Lord You have poured on me Your grace.   You have been with me in my perplexities.  You have forgiven me my sins.   You have satisfied my reason.   You have made faith easy. You have given me Your saints, You show before me, day after day, Your own Passion – why should I leave You?   What have You ever done to me but good?” … Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)wht things ought I render to almighty god - john henry newman 11 oct 2019

PRAYER – Almighty Father, let Your light so penetrate our minds, that we may walk always in that light and follow Your Son, the Way, the Truth and the Life.   Fill us with understanding and may the Holy Spirit guide us in love.   Allow the intercession of St Pope John XXIII who followed Your light so faithfully be of help to us all.   We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st-john-23-pray-for-us-11-oct-2017

Posted in NOVENAS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on the CHURCH

Journeying with Newman – The Thanksgiving Novena – Day Seven

Journeying with Newman
The Thanksgiving Novena for, with and to
the beloved and blessed John Henry Newman

Day Seven – 10 October

Educator of the Laity

Intention:
That we may be inspired to strive for a deeper understanding of the teachings of our Faith.

“I want a laity, not arrogant,
not rash in speech,
not disputatious
but who know their religion,
who enter into it,
who know just where they stand,
who know what they hold
and what they do not,
who know their creed so well,
that they can give an account of it.”

From his writings
Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)i want a laity - john henry newman 10 oct 2019 newman novena.jpg

Prayer:
Please pray one decade of the Rosary (any you choose) for this Intention and add the following Prayer:

O God our heavenly Father,
we offer You heartfelt thanks
for the life and holiness of John Henry Newman.
In him You give us,
an inspiring example of priest and teacher,
heroic and humble, in his labour
for the salvation of souls
and the pursuit of holiness.
Through his intercession,
we ask You to lead us,
by the kindly light of the Holy Spirit
and so grant us peace and joy,
in the one fold of the Redeemer.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AmenDAY SEVEN NEWMAN NOVENA - 10 OCT 2019.jpg

Posted in NOVENAS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, The LAST THINGS

Journeying with Newman – The Thanksgiving Novena – Day Five – 8 October

Journeying with Newman
The Thanksgiving Novena for, with and to
the beloved and blessed John Henry Newman

Day Five – 8 October

Guardian of Conscience

“We can believe what we choose.
We are answerable
for what we choose
to believe.”

From his writings
Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)we can believe what we choose - bl j h newman - 14 march 2018.jpg

Prayer
Please pray one decade of the Rosary (any you choose) for this Intention and add the following Prayer:

O God our heavenly Father,
we offer You heartfelt thanks
for the life and holiness of John Henry Newman.
In him You give us,
an inspiring example of priest and teacher,
heroic and humble, in his labour
for the salvation of souls
and the pursuit of holiness.
Through his intercession,
we ask You to lead us,
by the kindly light of the Holy Spirit
and so grant us peace and joy,
in the one fold of the Redeemer.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Ora pro nobis!day five the newman novena 8 oct 2019.jpg

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD

Thought for the Day – 8 October – Reaching out towards God – St Gertrude

Thought for the Day – 8 October – Tuesday of the Twenty Seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 10:38–42

Reaching out towards God

Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta (1256-1301)
The Herald of Divine Love, Book III, SC 143

On a certain occasion, while she was interiorly worrying that she was unable to feel as much desire as was fitting to the glory of God, Gertrude received this divine explanation: that God is fully satisfied when a person, without being able to do more, is in a state of wanting, if possible, to have great desires.   Just as great as they would like to have, so they are before God.   In a heart filled with the desire, of wanting to desire, God finds greater delights to dwell, than we do in the flowering of early spring.

On another occasion, due to illness, she had been less attentive to God for several days when, regaining consciousness of this fault, she started to confess this negligence to the Lord with a pious humility.   And as she was fearing she would have to bear a long delay before recovering the former sweetness of the divine presence, all at once, in a flash, she was aware that God was bending towards her with a truly loving embrace with these words:  “Daughter, you are always with me and all that is mine, is yours” (cf. Lk 15:31). She understood by this reply that, even though, through the weakness of nature, a person might sometimes omit to direct their attention to God, nevertheless, in His merciful kindness, He Himself does not neglect to hold all our works, as worthy of an eternal reward, provided only, that we do not deliberately turn away from Him and that we always repent of everything, for which our consciences reproach us.

“You are always with me and all that is mine, is yours”

The Elder Brother’s Prayer

Teach me, my Lord,
to be sweet and gentle in all the events of life,
in disappointments,
in the thoughtlessness of those I trusted,
in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied.
Let me put myself aside,
to think of the happiness of others,
to hide my little pains and heartaches,
so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.
Teach me to profit by the suffering
that comes across my path.
Let me so use it that it may make me
patient, not irritable.
That it may make me broad in my forgiveness,
not narrow, haughty and overbearing.
May no one be less good
for having come within my influence.
No one less pure, less true, less kind,
less noble for having been a fellow traveller
in our journey toward Eternal Life.
As I go my rounds from one distraction to another,
let me whisper from time to time,
a word of love to Thee.
May my life be lived in the supernatural,
full of power for good,
and strong in its purpose of sanctity.
Amenprodigal the elder brother's prayer - beautiful fantastic 8 october 2019 - martha amry luke 10 42.jpg

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!the jesus prayer - 3 jan 2018.jpg

Posted in CONTEMPLATIVE Prayer, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 October – ‘But let us continue on our way …’

Quote/s of the Day – 8 October – Tuesday of the Twenty Seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Goaspel: Luke 10:38–42

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious
and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her.”

Luke 10:42

“Our Lord’s words teach us that though we labour
among the many distractions of this world,
we should have but one goal.
For we are but travellers
on a journey without as yet a fixed abode,
we are on our way, not yet in our native land,
we are in a state of longing, not yet of enjoyment.
But let us continue on our way
and continue without sloth or respite,
so that we may ultimately arrive at our destination.”

St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor
(Sermo 103, 1-2, 6: PL 38, 613, 615)our-lords-words-teach-us-st-augustine-martha martha luke 10 42 8 oct 2019.jpg

“Action and contemplation
are very close companions;
they live together in one house on equal terms.
Martha and Mary are sisters.”

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

Doctor of the Churchaction-and-contemplation-st-bernard-20-aug-2017-and-2019 and 8 oct 2019.jpg

“In bustling about and busying herself,
Martha risks forgetting —
and this is the problem —
the most important thing,
which is the presence of the Guest…
Most importantly He ought to be listened to. “

Pope Francisin busdtling about - forgets the guest - pop francis martha and mary - 8 oct 2019.jpg