Category: St PAUL!

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CONFESSION/PENANCE, CONFESSORS, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PATRONAGE, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 June –Whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth … Matthew 16:19

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One Minute Reflection – 29 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles – Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart – Pentecost III – Acts 12:1-11 – Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in Heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in Heaven.” – Matthew 16:19

REFLECTION – “Bridegroom and Bride, that is Christ and the Church, are as one, be it in receiving confession or in bestowing absolution. All this makes clear why Christ had to tell each of us: “Go, show yourself to the priest” (Mt 8,4)… It follows that apart from Christ, the Church cannot grant forgiveness and that Christ has no will to forgive, apart from the Church. The Church’s authority to forgive extends only to the repentant, to those, that is, whom Christ has already touched; Christ, on His part, has no intention of regarding as forgiven, one who despises the Church.

Doubtless, Christ need accept no restraints to His power of Baptising, Consecrating the Eucharist, Ordaining Priests, forgiving sins and the like but, the humble and faithful Bridegroom, prefers to confer such blessings, with the co-operation of His Bride. “What God,” then, “has joined, let no man put asunder” (Mt 19,6). “I say this is a great mystery and refers to Christ and the Church” (Eph 5,32)… To remove the Head from the Body (Col 1,18) were to ruin the whole Christ, irreparably. Christ, apart from the Church, is no more the whole Christ, than the Church is complete, if separated from Christ. Head and Body go to make the whole and entire Christ.” – Bl Isaac of Stella (c 1100 – c 1170) Cistercian Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Philosopher (Sermon 11, §11-814).

PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the Martyrdom of Thy Apostles Peter and Paul, grant Thy Church to follow in all things the teaching of those from whom she first received the faith. 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).

ALL PRAISE, honour and glory to the Divine Heart of JESUS. Indulgenced– 50 Days, once a day. 168 Pope Leo XIII, 14 June 1901.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 29 June – Apostolorum Passio By St Ambrose

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Our Morning Offering – 29 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus”

Apostolorum Passio
By St Ambrose (c340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

This happy day is sanctified
As Martyr’s glory we recall,
The cross bedewed with Peter’s blood,
The sword that won a crown for Paul.

The triumph of their Martyrdom
United these great souls in death,
Whose faith in Christ had crowned their lives
In service to their latest breath.

Saint Peter held the primacy,
Saint Paul would equal him in grace,
When once, as chosen instrument
The cause of Christ, he would embrace

Once, Simon, leaving Rome, turned back
To give, by death, full praise to God,
That by the cross he too should tread
The self-same path his Master trod.

Now Rome exults, as well she may
And strives to give devotion’s due
To one who sealed with his own blood
His work as Priest and Shepherd true.

And who can count the crowds that come
As loving children to her gate,
Where nations’ teacher, holy Paul
Once dwelt and gladly met his fate.

Grant us, O Lord, the final grace
Of sharing in their joy above,
That with such Princes we may praise
Your bounty and undying love.
Amen

Translation: The Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles, Notre-Dame de Buglose / Our Lady of Buglose, France (1634) and the Saints for 29 June

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Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles: The joint commemoration of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, is one of the most ancient customs of the Roman Church, attested already in the oldest surviving Roman Liturgical Calendar, the Depositio Martyrum, written in 336. A verse of the Hymn, Apostolorum Passio, an authentic work of St Ambrose († 397) and still used in the Ambrosian liturgy, says that “the thick crowds make their way through the circuit of so great a city; the feast of the sacred Martyrs is celebrated on three streets.” These “three streets” are the via Cornelia, the main street running up to and over the Vatican hill; the via Ostiensis, where the burial and Church of St Paul are and the via Appia, on which resides the Cemetery “in Catacumbas.”

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/29/solemnity-of-saints-peter-and-paul-apostles-and-martyrs-29-june/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/29/a-blessed-and-holy-solemnity-of-saints-peter-and-paul-the-pillars-of-the-church/
https://anastpaul.com/2019/06/29/solemnity-of-saints-peter-and-paul-29-june/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/29/the-solemnity-of-saints-peter-and-paul-29-june/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/29/blessed-and-holy-solemnity-of-sts-peter-and-paul-29-june/

Notre-Dame de Buglose / Our Lady of Buglose, France (1634) – 29 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/29/solemnity-of-sts-peter-and-paul-apostles-and-martyrs-notre-dame-de-buglose-our-lady-of-buglose-france-1634-and-memorials-of-the-saints-29-june/

St Anastasius of Bourges (Died c274) Soldier. Martyr. Scourged to death in c274, no other information has survived.

St Benedicta of Sens

St Cassius (Died 558) Bishop of Narni, Italy from 537 to 558, the date of his deat, Miracle-worker. He was praised by St Gregory the Great and was noted for his charity. Died on 30 June 558 in Narni, Italy of natural causes. Relics enshrined in the Cathedral of Narni, Italy.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Narni, St Cassius, Bishop of that City of whom St Gregory the Great relates, in writing and in sermons, that Cassius permitted scarely any day of his life to pass without offering the Victim of propitiation to Almight God and he was well worthy to do so, for he distributed in alms, all he possessed and his devotion was such that abundant tears flowed from his eyes during the Holy Sacrifice. At Last, he came to Rome on the birthday of the Apostles, as was his yearly custom and after having solemnly celebrated Mass and given the Lord’s Body and the Kiss of Peace to all, he departed for Heaven, the next day at Narni”
This Holy man of God:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/29/saint-of-the-day-29-june-st-cassius-died-558-bishop-of-narni/


St Ciwg ap Arawn
St Cocha
St Ilud Ferch Brychan
St Judith (9th Century) Widow and Recluse AND St Salome (9th Century) Recluse of Niederaltaich

St Marcellus of Bourges (Died c274) Soldier. Martyr. Beheaded in c274, no other information has survived.

St Mary, the Mother of John Mark

St Syrus (Died c380) Bishop of Genoa, Miracle-worker. He is the chief Patron of Genoa.
Blessed St Syrus:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/06/29/saint-of-the-day-2-9-june-saint-syrus-of-genoa-died-c380-bishop/

Bl William of Sann

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MISSION, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 May – “What dost thou have that thou hast not received?”

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 May – Sirach 44:16-17.22-23:45,3.7.15 – Matthew 25,14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And he who had received the five talents
went and traded with them,
and gained five more.

Matthew 25:16

“ Well done, good and faithful servant
… Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Matthew 25:23

“The parable of the talents is about
all those who, instead of providing assistance
to their brethren with their goods,
their advice or, in some other way,
live only for themselves …
Jesus wants to show us, our Lord’s long patience
in this parable but, He also alludes, it seems to me,
to the final resurrection …
In the first place, the servants who give
an account of their dealings unequivocally acknowledge that which comes from their Master’s gift
and, that which is the fruit of their stewardship.
Someone who, for the sake of the other,
has received the grace of word and teaching
but does not put it to use, will have this grace taken away. But someone, who uses wisely and zealously,
the grace received, will receive
an even more abundant grace!”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“What dost thou have that thou hast not received?”

St Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:7

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, St PAUL!, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Quote/s of the Day – 11 May – Abide Lord, our Joy and our Peace

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 May – Easter III

“So also, you now indeed have sorrow
but I will see you again
and your heart shall rejoice.
And your joy,
no man shall take from you.”

John 16:22

“It is He Who is our peace.”

St Paul
Ephesians 2:14

“What is that joy which no-one
can take from you, other than
your Lord Himself,
Whom no man can take from you?
… So examine your conscience, brethren –
if righteousness reigns there,
if you want, desire and wish the same thing
for everyone as for yourself,
if there is peace in you, not only with your friends
but equally with your enemies,
then know that the Kingdom of Heaven,
which is to say Christ the Lord,
abides in you.”

St Caesarius of Arles (470-543)
Bishop, Father of the Church

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, HOLY WEEK, MAUNDY THURSDAY, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on ENEMIES, St Alphonsus de Liguori,, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 17 April – Maundy Thursday

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 April – Maundy Thursday

“Be imitators of God, as very dear children
and walk in love, as Christ also loved us
and delivered Himself up for us …”

St Paul … Ephesians 5:1-2

“But I say to you,
Love your enemies …”

Matthew 5:44

“But the wise took oil
in their vessels”

Matthew 25:4

“The wise ones’ lamps were burning,
from the oil inside them,
from the assurance of their consciences,
from their inner boast,
from their deepest charity.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of Grace

“Father, forgive them.”
With this prayer, He wanted to make us understand
the love He bore us, undiminished
by any suffering and to teach us how
our heart should be toward our neighbour.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

“He loves you as though He had
no-one else to love but you alone.
You, too, should love Him alone
and all others for His Sake.
Of Him you may say and, indeed, you should say:
My Beloved to me and I to Him (Cant, 2:16).
My God has given Himself all to me
and I give myself all to Him;
He has chosen me for His beloved
and I choose Him, above all others,
for my only Love.”

“How to Pray at All Times”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

Posted in "Follow Me", CARMELITES, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on MERCY, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 23 March – ‘ Become servants in love …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 23 March – The Third Sunday in Lent – Ephesians 5:1-9; Luke 11:14-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ –

“Be imitators of God, as very dear children
and walk in love, as Christ also loved us
and delivered Himself up for us …”

St Paul … Ephesians 5:1-2

“If we kept before ourselves,
the Mercy of God,
we would never be deficient in doing good,
while strength was in us.
For, when we give to the poor,
out of the love of God,
that which what He Himself has given us,
His Promise is that, we shall receive
a hundredfold in eternal happiness.
That indeed, is a fortunate
and happy way of gaining a profit!
Who will not give, whatever he has,
to this best of Merchants!
He administers our business Himself
and begs us, with outstretched arms,
to turn to Him and weep for our sins
and become servants in love,
first for ourselves and then for our neighbour.”

St John of God (1495-1550)

“Where there is no love,
it is for you to bring love.”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

“ I shall spend every moment loving.
One who loves, does not notice her trials;
or perhaps, more accurately,
she is able to love them.
I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home.
There, I shall find my Mother,
in all the splendour of her glory.
I shall delight with her
in the joy of Jesus Himself,
in perfect safety.”

St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PAUL!, The HOLY FACE, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 March – Blessed are those servants, whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.

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One Minute Reflection – 4 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus – St Casimir (1458-1484) Confessor, Prince – Ecclesiasticus
Sir 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 – “Our Lord spoke these words, recorded by the Gospel, to clarify the function of the servants, He had set at the head of His people: “Who is the faithful and prudent Steward Whom the Master will put in charge of His servants, to distribute the food allowance, at the proper time? Blessed is that servant, whom his Master, on arrival, finds doing so”  Who is that Steward, my friends? Undoubtedly, it is Christ, Who said to His disciples: “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master’ and rightly so, for indeed I Am” (Jn 13:13). And what is that Master’s Household? Surely the one which our Lord Himself Redeemed from the hands of the enemy and took to Himself. This Household is the Holy and Universal Church, spreading with remarkable fecundity throughout the world and priding itself on having been redeemed at the price of His Blood…

But who is the faithful and wise steward? The Apostle Paul shows us when he says – speaking of himself and his companions – “One should regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the Mysteries of God. Now, it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy” (1 Cor 4:1-2). And lest any of you should think that only the Apostles became stewards or, lest some lazy and unfaithful servant should abandon the spiritual combat and fall asleep, the holy Apostle demonstrates that Bishops are just as much stewards, too: “As God’s steward” he says, “a Bishop must be irreproachable” (Tim 1:7).  Therefore, we are servants of the Householder, stewards of our Lord and, it is we, who have received the measure of wheat, to be distributed among you.” – St Fulgentius of Ruspe (c462-533) Bishop and Father of the Church (Sermon 1)

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, mercifully hear our prayers; loose us from the chains of our sins and keep us from all adversity. 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).

An Aspiration to the Eternal Father
to be Frequently Recited During the Day …

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Holy Face of Jesus,
covered with blood, sweat, dust and spittle,
in reparation for our sins
and the sins of the whole world.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 3 March – ‘ … From darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 March – Ferial Day – Quinquagesima Sunday –1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – Luke 18:31-43.– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And immediately he saw
and followed Him,
glorifying God.”

Luke 18:43

“I have appeared to you for this purpose,
to appoint you as a servant and witness,
of what you have seen
and what you will be shown.
I shall deliver you from this people
and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you,
to open their eyes, that they may turn
from darkness to light
and from the power of Satan to God,
so that they may obtain forgiveness of sins
and an inheritance among those,
who have been consecrated by faith in me.”

Acts 26:16-18

“So that our minds might be free of these illusions,
the Word invites us to shake this deep sleep
from the eyes of our soul, so that we might not slip away
from the true realities, by becoming attached
to that which has no consistency.
That is why He suggests that we
be watchful when He says:
“Let your loins be girt about
and your lamps burning …” (Lk 12:35)
For when the light shines before our eyes,
it chases sleep away and, when
our loins are held tight by a belt,
they prevent the body from succumbing to it…
The person who has fastened on
the belt of temperance
lives in the light of a pure conscience;
the trust of a child illuminates his life like a lamp…
If we live in this way, we will enter
a life like that of the Angels!”

St Gregory of Nyssa (c335–c395)
Father of the Church
(Brother of St Basil the Great)

“I was in the world like someone blind
and as though without God,
since I did not know my God.
Then Thou, in person, pitied me
and looked upon me,
when Thou shone Thine Light into my darkness,
Thou converted me
and drew me to Thyself, O my Creator.
And when Thou had snatched me
out of the depths of the pit …
of this life’s pleasures and desires,
then Thou showed me the way
and gave me a guide
who would lead me
to Thy commandments.”

St Simeon the New Theologian (949-1022)

Posted in QUOTES on HEAVEN, St PAUL!, The GREAT TRUTHS

Thought for the Day – 25 February – Heaven

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Thought for the Day – 25 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

25th Day – Heaven .

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither hath it entered into the heart of man,
what things God hath prepared
for those who love Him.
(1 Cor ii:9)

+1. These words convey the best idea which the Apostle who had been carried up into the Third Heaven could give, of the happiness of the redeemed.
All the loveliest things we have ever seen, are as nothing in comparison to the sight of Heaven; all the sweetest sounds are discord compared with the music of Heaven; all the joys which have made the longest hours only too short, do not deserve the name of joy, compared with the joys of Heaven. One moment of Heaven, is worth them all!

+2. Whatever God does, He does on a scale worthy of Himself.
The happiness of Heaven will be immeasurable, from the fact of its being, in union with the God of Infinite Love and Beauty. It will be a joy like the joy of Our Lord Himself, since He will say to each of the redeemed – “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Am I doing what I can to insure those words, being addressed to me?

+3. In Heaven, all will be perfectly happy.
Even those who have the lowest places, will have all that their hearts desire. There will be no unsatisfied wish in Heaven, no craving after what we do not possess.
Everyone will have an overflowing cup of pleasure.
Oh, what fools we are not to do more to insure the joy of Heaven!
Pray that you may often think of Heaven and its eternal joys.

Posted in CATECHESIS, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St PAUL!, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 19 February – Running the Race

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Quote/s of the Day – 19 February – – Ferial Day – Septuagesima – 1 Corinthians 9,24-27.10; 1-5 – Matthew 20,1-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Know you not that they,
who run in the race,
all run indeed but one receiveth the prize?
So run that you may obtain.”

St Paul – 1 Corinthians 9:24

“What determines that the gifts of God dwells in us,
is the measure of each one’s faith.
Because, it is to the extent that we believe
that the enthusiasm to act is given us.
And so, those who act,
reveal the measure of their faith
proportionate to their action,
they receive their measure of grace
according to what they have believed. …”

St Maximus the Confessor (c580-662)
Father of the Church

“Since happiness is nothing else
than the enjoyment of the Supreme Good
and the Supreme Good is above us,
no-one can enjoy happiness,
unless he rises above himself.”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Franciscan Seraphic Doctor of the Church

“Be brave and try to detach your heart
from worldly things.
Do your utmost to banish darkness
from your mind and come to understand
what true, selfless piety is.
Through confession, endeavour
to purify your heart of anything
which may still taint it.
Enliven your faith which is essential
to understand and achieve piety.”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, In the PRESENCE of GOD, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, OUR Cross, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, SAINT of the DAY, St PAUL!

Quote of the Day – 14 February – True Love

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Quote of the Day – 14 February – St Valentine (176-273) Bishop and Martyr

“Love one another
as I have loved you.”

John 15:12

“But I say to you,
Love your enemies …”

Matthew 5:44

“He gives according to the love He bears us …,
according to the courage He sees in each
and the love each has for His Majesty.
He will see, that whoever loves Him much,
will be able to suffer much for Him;
whoever loves Him little,
will be capable of little.
I myself hold,
that the measure for being able to bear,
a large or small cross, is love …”

St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)

“Take God for your Spouse and Friend
and walk with Him continually
and you will not sin and will learn to love
and the things you must do
will work out prosperously for you.”

“The one who walks in the love of God
seeks neither gain nor reward
but seeks only, with the will,
to lose self and all things, for God
and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain!
Thus it is, as St Paul asserts:
“For me death is gain” [Phil 1:21],
that is, my death to all things and to myself,
for Christ, is my spiritual gain.
Consequently, the soul declares:
“I was found.”
The soul who does not know how to lose himself,
does not find himself but rather, loses himself,
as Our Lord teaches in the Gospel:
“For he who will save his life, shall lose it
and he who will lose his life for My Sake, will find it.”
(Mt 16:25).”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

“LOVE
is the only way
to HEAVEN.”

St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648)

“The measure of love,
is to love without measure.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 February – ‘ … Do you think it might be charity? …’

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One Minute Reflection – 10 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Scholastica (c482-547) Virgin Nun, St Benedict’s twin – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, 11:1-2; Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But the wise took oil in their vessels” – Matthew 25:4

REFLECTION – “It is some great thing, some exceedingly great thing, that this oil signifies. Do you think it might be charity? If we try out this hypothesis, we hazard no precipitate judgement. I will tell you why charity seems to be signified by the oil. The Apostle says, “I will show you a still more excellent way.” “If I speak with the tongue of mortals and of angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” This is charity. It is “that way above the rest,” which is, with good reason, signified by the oil. For oil swims above all liquids. Pour in water and pour in oil upon it, the oil will swim above. If you keep the usual order, it will be uppermost, if you change the order, it will be uppermost. “Charity never fails!” … St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor (Sermon 93).

PRAYER – O God, Who, to show us the way of innocence, caused the soul of Thy Virgin, blessed Scholastica, to fly up to heaven in the likeness of a dove, grant us, through her merits and prayers, to live innocently, so that we may be found worthy to reach everlasting joys. 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).

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 February – Blessed are those servants, whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” –St John of Matha (1160-1213) Confessor, Priest, Founder – 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 – “Our Lord spoke these words, recorded by the Gospel, to clarify the function of the servants, He had set at the head of His people: “Who is the faithful and prudent Steward Whom the Master will put in charge of His servants, to distribute the food allowance, at the proper time? Blessed is that servant, whom his Master, on arrival, finds doing so” Who is that Steward, my friends? Undoubtedly, it is Christ, Who said to His disciples: “You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master’ and rightly so, for indeed I Am” (Jn 13:13). And what is that Master’s Household? Surely the one which our Lord Himself Redeemed from the hands of the enemy and took to Himself. This Household is the Holy and Universal Church, spreading with remarkable fecundity throughout the world and priding itself on having been redeemed at the price of His Blood…

But who is the faithful and wise steward? The Apostle Paul shows us when he says – speaking of himself and his companions – “One should regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the Mysteries of God. Now, it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy” (1 Cor 4:1-2). And lest any of you should think that only the Apostles became stewards or, lest some lazy and unfaithful servant should abandon the spiritual combat and fall asleep, the holy Apostle demonstrates that Bishops are just as much stewards, too: “As God’s steward” he says, “a Bishop must be irreproachable” (Tim 1:7). Therefore, we are servants of the Householder, stewards of our Lord and, it is we, who have received the measure of wheat, to be distributed among you.” – St Fulgentius of Ruspe (c462-533) Bishop and Father of the Church (Sermon 1)

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously and by Divine means founded, through blessed John, the Order of the Most Holy Trinity to ransom captives from the hands of the Saracens, grant, we beseech Thee that through Thy help and the merits of his prayers, we may be freed body and soul from captivity. 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).

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the FAMILY, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 5 February – Love above all …

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 February – 1 Corinthians 1 Cor. 1:26-31; Matthew 19:3-12– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… A man shall leave father and mother
and shall cleave to his wife
and they two shall be in one flesh.”
Matthew 19:5

“Say your prayers together.
Let each of you go to Church and, returning home,
let the husband ask an account from his wife
and the wife from her husband,
concerning whatever was said or read …
Learn the fear of God and all the rest will flow,
as from a spring and your house
will be filled with countless blessings.
Let us aspire to those good things
that are incorruptible and
the rest will not pass us by.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God
and all the rest will be added to you”
(Mt 6:33).”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“If any of you should wish
to act out of love, brothers,
do not imagine it to be a self-abasing,
passive and timid thing.
And do not think that love can be preserved
by gentleness – or rather, docile listlessness.
This is not how it is preserved.
Do not imagine that you love your servant,
when you refrain from beating him,
or that you love your son,
when you do not discipline him,
or that you love your neighbour,
when you do not rebuke him.
This is not love, it is feebleness!
Love should be fervent, to correct.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“If I speak with the tongues
of men and of angels
and have not charity,
I am become as sounding brass,
or a tinkling cymbal.
And if I should have prophecy
and should know all mysteries
and all knowledge
and if I should have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains
but have not charity,
I am nothing!”

St Paul
1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FRUITS of the SPIRIT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 4 February – Bearing fruit with those talents

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 February – The Parable of the Talents

“And he who had received the five talents
went and traded with them,
and gained five more.

Matthew 25:16

“I have chosen you
and have appointed you,
that you should go
and should bring forth fruit
and your fruit should remain,
says the Lord.”

John 15:16

“What dost thou have that thou hast not received?”

St Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:7

“Watch me, O Lord, this day –
for, abandoned to myself,
I shall surely betray Thee!”

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

“As a general rule, God gives us
three kinds of talents.
There are – (1) material, like health or riches;
(2) intellectual and moral, such
as intelligence, personality and ability;
and (3) supernatural, like Divine grace,
a vocation, or extraordinary powers.
God lavishly distributes all these talens
to whomsoever He pleases
and in accordance with His own hidden dessigns.
We have no right,, therefore, to envy
the talents of others, nor,
to be discontented with our own.
… If we cheerfully accept and offer to God,
our lack of certain talents,
we can gain great merit in His eyes.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in QUOTES on CHARITY, St PAUL!

Quote/s of the Day – 26 January – St Polycarp

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 January – St Polycarp (69-155) Martyr, Bishop of Smyrna, Apostolic Father

The Epistle of St Polycarp

“St Paul, when absent from you,
wrote letters to you which,
if you study them closely,
will enable you to be built up in that faith
which has been given to you
‘which is the mother of us all’ (Gal. iv: 29),
in hope which follows and, in that love of God,
of Christ and of our neighbour
which leads the way.
If anyone is in these things, then,
he has fulfilled the law of justice;
for he who has charity
is far removed from all sin.”

St Polycarp (69-155)
Martyr, Bishop, Apostolic Father

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/26/quote-s-of-the-day-26-january-st-polycarp/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St PAUL!, The LAMB of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 January – ‘… At the very moment he no longer saw anything of this world, he saw Jesus! … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 25 January – The Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, Apostle – Acts 9:1-22, Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He fell to the ground and heard a Voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” – Acts 9:4.

REFLECTION – “From Heaven’s height Christ’s Voice overturned Saul. He received a command to carry out his persecutions no more and fell face downwards to the ground. He had first to be knocked down and afterwards raised up – first struck, then healed. For Christ would never have come to live in him, if Saul had not died to his former life of sin. Cast down to the earth in this way, what was it he heard? “Saul, Saul, why are thou persecuting Me? It is hard for thou to kick against the goad” (Acts 9:4-5). And he replied: “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Voice from on high continued: “I am Jesus of Nazareth, Whom thou art persecuting.” The members are still on the ground, while the Head cries out, from the heights of Heaven. He is not saying: “Why art thou persecuting My servants?” but “Why art thou persecuting Me!?”

And Paul, who had put all his energy into his persecutions, is already preparing to obey: “What do Thou want me to do?” The persecutor is already transformed into the preacher, the wolf has become a sheep, the enemy, a defender. Paul learns what he is to do – if he has become blind, if this world’s light is held back from him for a while, it is so as to make the light within shine in his heart. Light is taken away from the persecutor, so that it may be given to the preacher; at the very moment he no longer saw anything of this world, he saw Jesus! This symbolises the believer – those who believe in Christ, must fix the eyes of their soul on Him, without paying attention to outward things…

So Saul was led to Ananias – the ravaging wolf is led to the sheep. But the Shepherd, Who guides everything from Heaven above, reassures him… “Do not fear, I will show him what he will have to suffer, for My Name’s sake” (Acts 9:16). What wonder is this! The wolf is led, a captive, to the sheep… The Lamb who died for the sheep, teaches it not to be afraid any more!” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church (Sermon 279).

PRAYER – O God, Who taught the whole world by the preaching of Thy blessed Apostle Paul, grant, we beseech Thee that we, who today celebrate his conversion, may draw closer to Thee, by way of hia example.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).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, St PAUL!

Our Morning Offering – 25 January – Paule Doctor Egregie, Let Gentiles Raise the Thankful Lay By St Peter Damian

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Our Morning Offering – 25 January – Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, Apostle

Paule Doctor Egregie
Let Gentiles Raise the Thankful Lay
By St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Father and Doctor of the Church
Trans. John Mason Neale, 1854

Let Gentiles raise the thankful lay
Upon their great Apostle’s Day,
Whose doctrine, like the thunder, sounds
To the wide world’s remotest bounds.

O bliss of Paul beyond all thought!
To Paradise, yet living, caught,
He hears the heav’nly myst’ries there,
Which mortal tongue can not declare.

The Word’s blest seed around he flings
And straight a mighty harvest springs
And fruits of holy deeds supply,
God’s everlasting granary.

The lamp his holy lore displays
Hath fill’d the world with glorious rays
And doubt and error are o’erthrown,
That Truth may reign, and reign alone.

Long as unending ages run,
To God the Father laud be done,
To God the Son our equal praise
And God the Holy Ghost, we raise.
Amen.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY, St PAUL!

Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, Apostle and the Saints for 25 January

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Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, Apostle – 25 January:
The Church is to have one more Apostle – an Apostle for the Gentiles – and he is to be the fruit of the Martyrdom and prayer of St Stephen.
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/25/feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-apostle-25-january/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-25-january/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/25/feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-25-january-2/

NOVENA In Preparation for the
Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary – LINK to DAY TWO, 25 January: DAY TWO, 25 January

St Agape the Martyr
St Agileus of Carthage
St Amarinus of Clermont
St Ananias of Damascus

Blessed Antonio Migliorati OSA (1355-1450) Priest and Friar of the Order of St Augustine, Missionary Preacher, Confessor, Mystc. His body is incorrupt.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/25/saint-of-the-day-24-january-blessed-antonio-migliorati-osa-1355-1450/

St Apollo of Heliopolis
St Artemas of Pozzuoli
St Auxentius of Epirus

St Bretannion of Tomi (Died c380) Bisho, Confessor, Defender of the Faith against heresy.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Tomi in Scythia, St Bretannion, Bishop, who by his great sanctity and his zeal for the Catholic Faith, shone in the Church under the Arian Emperor Valens,. whom he opposed with fortitude.”
His Courageous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/01/25/saint-of-the-day-25-january-saint-bretannion-of-tomi-died-c380-bishop-confessor/

St Donatus the Martyr
St Dwynwen (Died c460) Virgin Princess, Nun.
St Eochod of Galloway
St Joel of Pulsano
St Juventinus of Antioch
St Maximinus of Antioch
St Palaemon

St Poppo of Stavelot (977-1048) Abbot, Reformer, Ascetic. He became one of the best known Abbots of Stavelot and was one of the first recorded Flemish pilgrims to the Holy Land.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/25/saint-of-the-day-25-january-saint-poppo-of-stavelot-977-1048/

St Praejectus (625–676) Bishop, Martyr. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Clermont-Ferrand in the Aquitaine region, in France, Saints Preietto, Bishop and Amarino, man of God, both killed by the notables of the City.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/25/saint-of-the-day-25-january-saint-praejectus-625-676/

St Publius of Zeugma
St Racho of Autun
St Sabinus the Martyr

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, St PAUL!, The HOLY CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 23 January – St Raymond of Peñafort

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Quote/s of the Day – 23 January – St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275) Confessor, “Father of Canon Law” Dominican Priest, Co-Founder of the Mercedarian Friars with St Peter Nolasco, Miracle-Worker. – Patronages – Lawyers, Canonists, Medical Record Librarians, Barcelona, Spain, Navarre, Spain.

“This is that enviable
and blessed Cross of Christ . . .
the Cross in which alone,
we must make our boast,
as Paul,
God’s chosen instrument,
has told us.”

this is that enviable and blessed cross of christ - st raymond of penafort 7 jan 2019

“May the God of love and peace,
set your hearts at rest
and speed you on your journey,
may He meanwhile,
shelter you from disturbance by others,
in the hidden recesses of His Love,
until He brings you, at last,
into that place of complete plenitude,
where you will repose forever,
in the vision of peace,
in the security of trust
and in the restful enjoyment of His riches.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/01/23/quote-s-of-the-day-23-january-st-raymond-of-penafort-1175-1275/

St Raymond of Peñafort
(1175-1275)

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, St PAUL!, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – Rejoice!

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12

“And seeing the Star they rejoiced
with exceeding great joy.”

Matthew 2:10

“We too, then, when we suffer anything
for Christ’s sake,
should do so, not simply with courage
but even with joy.
If we have to go hungry, let us be glad,
as if we were at a banquet.
If we are insulted, let us be elated,
as though we had been showered with praises.
If we lose all we possess,
let us consider ourselves the gainers of all.
If we provide for the poor,
let us regard ourselves as the recipients! …
Above all, remember, that your struggles,
are for the sake of the Lord Jesus.
Then, you will easily rise above them
and live out your lifetime in happiness;
for nothing brings more happiness
than a good conscience.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor of the Church ”

“What is not pleasing to God,
is anxiety and disquiet of mind.
The Lord wants our limitations
and weaknesses, to find their support
in His Strength; He wants us
to hope that His Goodness will complete
and perfect the imperfectness of our means.”

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)
Priest, Founder of the Society of Jesus

(Letter of 17 November 1555)

“What does St Paul mean by rejoicing in the Lord?
He means the joy which is the result of such a love of God as makes us simply wish that His Will should be done
in all things and, which feels positive joy,
in seeing the accomplishment of the Divine Will,
quite apart from any personal advantage or disadvantage which may accrue to ourselves.
This is the secret of true joy, for then,
that which befalls ourselves, is a matter
of indifference to us.
Be it wealth or woe, success or failure,
we rejoice in it simply because it is
what God has ordained for us .
This is the meaning of Our Lord’s words –
“ Your joy, no man taketh from you.”

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WISDOM, St PAUL!, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 December – Christ is our Glory, Property and Kingdom!

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One Minute Reflection – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Eusebius of Vercelli (c283-371) Bishop, Confessor – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” – Matthew 16:24

REFLECTION – “In achieving the mystery of His Love, the Lord “took the form of a servant” and, for us, “deigned to humble Himself even to the death of the Cross” (Phil 2:8). He did this so that, through the lowliness which all could see, He might secretly achieve, for us, that hidden eminence amongst the dwellers of Heaven. Only realise, from what we first fell and you will become aware, that by the design of God’s Wisdom and Love, we are being refashioned for Life. In Adam, we fell through pride and, in Christ, we are humbled, that we may dissolve the sin of that ancient crime, by obedience to the opposite virtue. So, we who by proud conduct, have sinned, win approval by humble service.

Therefore, let us rejoice and glory in Him, Who made us both His battle and His victory, when He said: “Have confidence, for I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33) … He, Who is unconquered, will fight for us and conquer in us. Then the prince of this darkness shall be cast out (cf Jn 12:31). He is not, to be sure, expelled from the world but from the individual, for when faith enters us, we shut him out and provide a place for Christ…

Let orators keep their eloquence, philosophers their wisdom, rich men their wealth and kings their kingdoms. Christ is our Glory, Property and Kingdom! Our wisdom lies in the “foolishness of our preaching,” our strength, in the weakness of the flesh, our glory, in the stumbling block of the Cross (cf 1 Cor 1:21).” – St Paulinus of Nola (355-431) Bishop, Father of the Church (Letter 38:3-4.6).

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us with the annual festival of blessed Eusebius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, mercifully grant that, as we venerate the anniversary of his Martyrdom, we may also rejoice in his protection.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).

Posted in St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 15 December – Gaudete Sunday

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Quote/s of the Day – 15 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Gaudete Sunday, The Third Sunday of Advent – Philippians 4:4-7; John 1:19-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Gaudéte in Dómino semper”

“Rejoice in the Lord always”

Philippians 4:4

“ Rejoice, O star which goes before the Sun.
Rejoice, O womb of the Incarnate God.
Rejoice, for through you, all creation is renewed,
Rejoice, for through you, the Creator became a Baby.
Rejoice, O Virgin and Bride!”

Hymn to Mary (c Fifth Century)

“O Infinite God
and only love of my soul,
I thank Thee for having
given me Thy Son.
For the sake of this same Son,
accept me and bind me
with chains of love
to my Redeemer.
Amen ”

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Posted in SAINT of the DAY, St PAUL!, The WORD

Saint of the Day – 21 November – Saint Rufus (1st Century) Disciple of the Apostles

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Saint of the Day – 21 November – Saint Rufus (1st Century) Disciple of the Apostles, most particularly a disciple of St Paul, possibly later a Bishop. It is believed that Rufus was born in Rome and to have died there late in the 1st Century probably after St Peter and Paul.

St Paul preaching

Rufus was the disciple to whom Saint Paul sent a greeting and also to the Rufus’ mother (Romans 16:13). St Mark says in his Gospel (15:21) that Simon of Cyrene was the father of Rufus and as Mark wrote his Gospel most especially for the Roman Christians, this Rufus is probably the same as the one to whom Paul sent a salutation.

Simon of Cyrene carries the Cross

Tradition believes too that our St Rufus later served the Church as a Bishop.

St Paul says: “Salute Rufus, elect in the Lord and his mother and mine.” (Romans 16:13).

St Mark says: “And they forced one Simon a Cyrene, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and of Rufus, to take up His Cross.” (Mark 15:21).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES on the CHURCH, St PAUL!, St PETER!

Quote/s of the Day – 18 November – Feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 November – Feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas ofSts Peter and Paul

“The sepulchres of those,
who have served Christ Crucified,
surpass the palaces of kings,
not so much in the greatness and beauty of the buildings (although in this too, they go beyond them)
as in another thing of more importance,
namely, in the multitude of those who,
with devotion and joy, repair to them.
For the emperor himself, who is clothed in purple,
goes to the sepulchres of the Saints
and kisses them and, humbly prostrate on the ground, beseeches the same Saints to pray to God for him
and he, who wears a royal crown upon his head,
holds it, as a great favour of God
that a tent-maker and a fisherman
and these dead, should be his protectors and defenders
and this he begs with great earnestness.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“We do not build Churches to Martyrs as to gods
but memories as to men, departed this life,
whose souls live with God.
Nor do we erect Altars to sacrifice on them
to the Martyr but to the God
of the Martyr and our God.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 November – But it is God Who builds this dwelling place.

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One Minute Reflection – 18 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Peter and Paul – Apocalypse 21:2-5; Luke 19:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… For this day, I must abide in thy house.” – Luke 19:5

REFLECTION – “The Lord said: “This is My resting place forever” and He “chose Zion as the place where He will dwell.” (Ps 132:14) But the temple is destroyed. Where will God’s eternal throne be? Where will His resting place be forever? Where will His temple be for His dwelling place? The apostle Paul gives us an answer: “You are the temple of God, … the Spirit of God dwells in you” (1 Cor 3:16). That is the house and temple of God. They are filled with His teaching and His power. They are the dwelling place for the holiness of God’s Heart.

But it is God Who builds this dwelling place. If it were built by human hands, it would not last, not even if it were founded on human teaching. Our fruitless work and our worries, are not enough to protect it. The Lord goes about this in a different way; He did not found it on earth or on moving sand but it rests on the Prophets and the Apostles (Eph 2:20); it is built constantly out of living stones (1 Pet 2:5). It will develop to the ultimate dimension of Christ’s Body. Its construction continues constantly. Many houses go up all around it and they will resemble one another in one big and happy city (Ps 122:3).” – St Hilary (315-368) Bishop of Poitiers, Father and Doctor of the Divinity of Christ (Treatise on Psalm 64).

PRAYER – O God, Who for us brings each year, the recurrence of the Consecration day of this Thy holy temple and always brings us back safely to the sacred rites, hear the prayers of Thy people and grant that whoever enters this temple, to pray for blessings, may rejoice in having obtained whatever he sought. 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).

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, St PAUL!, St PETER!

Dedication of the Basilicas of Peter and Paul and Memorials of the Saints – 18 November

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Dedication of the Basilicas of Peter and Paul:
From the twelfth century the Dedications of the Vatican Basilica of St Peter and the Basilica of St Paul on the Via Ostiense, have been celebrated on this day, as the anniversary of their dedication by St Pope Silvester and St Pope Siricius in the fourth century. In more recent times, this feast has been extended to the whole Roman Rite. As the anniversary of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major (5 August) honours the motherhood of Our Lady, so this Feast honours the memory of the two Princes of the Apostles.
About this Feast:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/18/feast-of-the-dedication-of-the-basilicas-of-sts-peter-and-paul-at-rome-18-november/

St Amandus of Lérins
Bl Andreas Murayama Tokuan
St Anselm of Lérins
St Augusto Cordero Fernández
St Barulas
St Constant
Bl Cosmas Takeya Sozaburo
Bl Domingos Jorge
St Emiliano Martínez de La Pera Alava
St Esteban Anuncibay Letona
St Francisco Marco Alemán
St Germán García y García
Bl Guilminus
Bl Ioannes Yoshida Shoun
St José María Cánovas Martínez
St Keverne
Bl Leonard Kimura
St Mawes
St Maximus of Mainz
St Modesto Sáez Manzanares
St Mummolus of Lagny
St Nazarius of Lérins
St Noah the Patriarch

St Odo of Cluny (c 880–942) Monk and Abbot, Reformer.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/18/saint-of-the-day-18-november-saint-odo-of-cluny-c-880-942/

St Oriculus
St Patroclus of Colombier
St Romfarius of Coutances

St Romanus of Antioch (Died c 303) Deacon Martyr.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Antioch, the birthday of St Romanus, Martyr in the time of the Emperor Galerius. When the Prefect Asclepiades broke into the Churches and strove to destroy them completely, Romanus exhorted the Christians to resist him and, after being subjected to dire torments and the cutting out of his tongue (without which, however, he spoke the praises of God), he was strangled in prison and crowned with a glorious Martyrdom. Before him suffered a young boy, named Barula, who, being asked by him. whether it was better to worship one God, Whom the Christians adore, was scourged and beheaded.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/18/saint-of-the-day-18-november-saint-romano-of-antioch-died-c-303-deacon-

St Teofredo of Vellaicum
St Thomas of Antioch (Died 782) Hermit

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, St PAUL!, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 November – “You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – St Albert the Great OP (1200-1280) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the Mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lit by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lit, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.

Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: This command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of life and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).

PRAYER – O God, Who made blessed Albert, ThyBishop and Doctor, eminent in the submission of human wisdom to divine faith, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow the path of his teaching that we may enjoy perfect light in Heaven.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).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, BAPTISM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, LENT, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on SIN, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – ‘ … Once washed in the saving waters … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of St Raphael the Archangel – Tobias 12:7-15; John 5:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“In these lay a great multitude of sick, of blind, of lame, of withered, waiting for the moving of the water (by the Angel). ” – John 5:3

REFLECTION – “We read in the Old Testament that in the times of Noah, since all humankind had been won by sin, Heaven’s floodgates opened and rain poured down for forty days … This was a symbol – it was less about a flood than about a Baptism. For it was indeed a Baptism which bore away the misdeeds of the sinners and spared the uprightness of Noah. And so today, just as it was then, our Lord has given Lent to us, so that the skies may open for the same number of days, to inundate us with the floods of Divine Mercy. Once washed in the saving waters of Baptism, this Sacrament enlightens us and, just as formerly, its waters bear away the evil of our sins and confirm the uprightness of our virtues.

Today’s situation is just the same as in Noah’s time. Baptism is flood to sinners and Consecration for the faithful. In Baptism, the Lord rescues justice and destroys injustice. We can see this in the example of one and the same man – before he was cleansed by the spiritual commands, the Apostle Paul was a persecutor and blasphemer (1 Tm 1:13). But once he had been bathed with the Heavenly rain of Baptism, the blasphemer died, the persecutor died, Saul died. Then the Apostle, the just man, Paul came to life… Anyone who lives Lent in a religious manner and observes the Lord’s decrees, will see sin die in himself and grace come to life… such as these die as sinners and live as righteous persons.” – St Maximus of Turin (Died c420) Bishop of Turin, Father of the Church (Sermon for Lent).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave blessed Raphael the Archangel as a traveling companion to Your servant Tobias, grant us, Your servants, ever to be protected by his guardianship and by his help.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).