Category: The SECOND COMING

Posted in CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The LAST THINGS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The REDEMPTION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 March – “Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21

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One Minute Reflection – 17 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – St Patrick (c386-461) “The Apostle of Ireland,” Bishop, Confessor – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 44:16-27 – 45:3-20, Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21

REFLECTION – “The Word of the Father, Only-begotten Son of God, Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20), is the great Merchant Who has brought us the price of our redemption. It is a truly precious exchange which we can never value sufficiently, when a King, Son of the King Most High, has become the Coin, the Gold has paid our dues, the Just Man is given for the sinner. Truly unmerited mercy, perfectly disinterested love, astonishing goodness …, it is a completely disproportionate purchase, in which the Son of God is delivered up for the servant, the Creator is put to death for the one He has created, the Lord is condemned for His slave.

O Christ, these are Thine Works, Thou Who descended from Heaven’s brightness into our hellish darkness, to bring Light to our gloomy prison. Thou came down from the Right Hand of the Divine Majesty, into our human misery, to redeem the human race, Thou Who descended from the Father’s glory, to death on the Cross, to triumph over death and its author. Thou art the only One and there is no other but Thee Who could have been drawn to redeem us through Thine Own Goodness…

Let all the merchants of Teman (Bar 3:23) withdraw from this place … it is not they but Israel [Thy] beloved whom [Thou hast] chosen, Thou Who hide these mysteries from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to those babes and humble servants of Thine (Lk 10:21) … O Lord, I willingly embrace this purchase since it concerns me!… I remember all the things Thou hast done, Thou Who desire that I should keep them alive … Therefore, I shall profit by this talent which Thou hast lent to me until Thy return and will stand before Thee with great joy. O God, grant that I may then hear these sweet words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Mt 25:21).” – St Bernard O.Cist. (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, known as the Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Selected sermons, no 42: The Five Purchases).

PRAYER – O, God, Who graciously sent blessed Patrick, Thy Confessor and Bishop, to preach Thy glory to the nations, grant through his merits and intercession that by Thy mercy, we may be able to accomplish what Thou command. 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 CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the ANTI-christ, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 12 March – St Gregory the Great

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 March – St Gregory the Great (540-604), Pope, Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church, “Father of the Fathers”

“To do penance is to bewail
the evil we have done
and to do no evil to bewail.”

“Learn of the Heart of God
in the Words of God,
so that you may ardently long
for eternal things.”

“The love of God ensures,
the love of our neighbour
and the love of our neighbour,
serves to keep alive, the love of God.”

“Look at the fig tree and all the trees,
when they produce their fruit you know that summer is near.
So too, when you see these things happening,
know that the Kingdom of God is near.”
Luke 21:29-31

“He means that just as the coming of summer
is recognised by the fruit on the trees,
so is the nearness of the Kingdom of God recognised
by the destruction of the world.
These words show that the fruit of the world is destruction –
it increases only to fall, it produces, only to destroy
by its disasters whatever it produces.
The Kingdom of God is aptly compared to summer,
because it is then that the clouds of our sorrow pass away
and the days of life shine
with the brightness of the Eternal Sun. …
Therefore, my friends, do not love
what you see cannot long exist.
Keep in mind the Apostle John’s precept,
in which he counsels us not “to love the world
or the things in the world because,
if anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father is not in him!” (1 Jn 2:15).”

“The more numerous, the gifts
we have received from God,
the greater the account,
we must render to Him.”

“But He still follows behind us and counsels us,
although we have despised Him,
He still does not cease to call us.
We turn our backs on His Face, so to speak,
when we reject His Words,
when we trample His Commandments underfoot
but He, Who sees that we reject Him,
still calls out to us by His Commandments
and waits for us by His patience,
stands behind us and calls us back
when we have turned away.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/12/quote-s-of-the-day-12-march-st-gregory-the-great-2/

St PGregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Father & Doctor of the Church

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 CHRIST the JUDGE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The GREAT TRUTHS, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 24 February – The End Attained!

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Thought for the Day – 24 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)

24th Day – The End Attained!

Then shall the King say to those who shall be
on His Right Hand, Come you blessed of My Father,
possess you the Kingdom, prepared for you
from the foundation of the world.
(St Matt xxv:34)

+1. What will be the sentiments of those who, at the General Judgement will find themselves on the Right Hand of the Judge and listen to His Words of Love?
First of all, they will overflow with a delicious sense of happiness and peace; they will scarcely be able to contain themselves with delight; unmixed and unsullied, will be their cup of joy, unlike any of the joys of earth, intoxicating them with its ineffable sweetness!

+2. They will also be amazed and astonished at the reward given to them.
What have I done, O Lord, to deserve all this? When did I minister to Thee as Thou sayest? When did I do anything to earn Thy Words of Gratitude? Who am I that, Thou shouldst thus exalt me? All the little which I did, came from Thee and now, Thou rewardest me, as if it was my own doing.
We bless Thee, we praise Thee, for Thy great goodness,
Thine unspeakable generosity!

+3. They will also look back with wonder on their earthly life. While it lasted it seemed so long, so tedious, perhaps so miserable and now, it is like a moment in the past, like a shadow which flitted by.
How infinitesimal all its sorrows and pains will then seem, all compensated by that first moment of ineffable delight!
Seek to bear that day in heart and mind, when earthly sorrows press heavily.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HEART, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 February – My yoke is easy and My burden light.

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One Minute Reflection – 24 February – Feast of St Matthias, Apostle of Christ – Acts 1:15-26; – Matthew 11:25-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I Am meek and humble of heart … For My yoke is easy and My burden light.” – Matthew 11:29-30

REFLECTION – “The Third Coming of Christ our Bridegroom which is still in the future, is that which will occur at the Judgement or, at the hour of death …

The justice of the Judge lies, in the fact that, it is Christ to Whom the Judgement and the Verdict belong, for He is the Son of Man and the Wisdom of the Father, a Wisdom to Whom all Judgement belongs. To this Wisdom, all hearts are open and manifest, whether they are in Heaven, on earth or in hell … The means with which Christ, our Bridegroom and Judge, makes use, at this Judgement, consist in rewarding and punishing with justice, for He gives to all, according to their merits. On the good and for each good deed carried out in God, He bestows the measureless reward of Himself, unmerited by any creature. For indeed, since it is He Who collaborates in each of the creature’s works, it is all thanks to His Power that the creature merits Christ Himself as reward in all justice! …

The First Coming, namely, when God became a human being, lived humbly and died out of love for us, is one which we should imitate exteriorly through the perfect practice of the virtues and, interiorly, through, charity and genuine humility. The Second Coming which is in the present and which takes place when Christ comes, with His graces into every loving heart, is one which we should desire and pray for everyday, so that we might persevere and progress in new virtues. The Third Coming, at the Judgement or at the hour of our death, is one which we should await with longing, confidence and awe, so that we might be released from this present misery and enter the Palace of Glory!” – Blessed Jan van Ruysbroeck (1293-1381) Canon Regular (The Spiritual Espousals 1).

PRAYER – O God, Who added blessed Matthias to the company of Thy Apostles, grant, we beseech Thee, that by his intercession we may ever be aware of the depth of Thy love for us. 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 CHRIST the JUDGE, The GREAT TRUTHS, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 23 February – The Final Sentence

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Thought for the Day – 23 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)

23d Day – The Final Sentence

The wicked shall go into everlasting punishment
but the just into life everlasting,
(St Matt xxv:46)

+1. The sentence pronounced at the Last Judgement, will be one of perfect justice.
Every little circumstance will be taken into account – inherited character, natural disposition, fierce passions, favourable or unfavourable circumstances, early training, opportunities of grace sacraments, temptations, everything! All who are lost will confess that they have been treated with perfect justice that, it was their own fault that, it was they, who condemned themselves to eternal separation from God.

+2. The sentence will be, not only just but, merciful.
All the lost will acknowledge that, their punishment is less than they deserved. They will recognise an element of mercy and will be forced amid their despair and hatred of God, amid their curses and blasphemies , to confess that they have been leniently dealt with in comparison with their sins!

+3. The sentence will be irrevocable.
Even at the Particular Judgement, the soul will know its final destiny. But, at the General Judgement, the sentence will be confirmed and ratified in the presence of the holy Angels and the assembled crowd.
How strange it is then that, in view of this, we take so little trouble to secure a favourable sentence!
Pray that to you, may be addressed, the gracious words – “Well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, The GREAT TRUTHS, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 22 February – The General Judgement .

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Thought for the Day – 22 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)

22nd Day – The General Judgement .

Behold He cometh with the clouds
and every eye shall see Him
and they also who pierced Him .
(Apoc i:7)

+1. At the General Judgement, Christ as Man, will be the Judge of men because He is at once God and Man.
He will, therefore, have not only the most intimate knowledge of all our lives but a sympathy with us, an understanding of our nature from experience which will give Him, in the natural order, the highest qualifications for being our Judge.

+2. On that day, what a complete reverse there will be of all the world’s unjust verdicts!
How many, now ridiculed, despised, condemned, will then be glorious and honoured before men and Angels!
What will my sentiments be on that day, when the thoughts of all hearts will be revealed?

+3. On the Right of the Judge will be the sheep, on the Left, the goats – the one overflowing with celestial delights, the other already filled with the despair of hell.
What will distinguish between them? Simply this – whether they have shown charity to others for Christ’s sake. This and nothing else, will be the test –
“Inasmuch as you have done it to one of My least brethren, you have done it to Me.”
How shall I stand this test?
Ask God to teach you how to secure a place on the Right Hand of the Judge.

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – Septuagesima

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – Septuagesima

“Why stand you here idle, all the day?”

Matthew 20:6

“Prepare the way of the Lord
make His paths straight” …

Luke 3:4

“What is the surest kind of witness?
“Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ
came among us in the flesh” (cf 1 Jn 4:2)
and who keeps the commands of the Gospel…
How many there are, each day,
of these hidden martyrs of Christ
who confess the Lord Jesus!
… So be faithful and courageous
in interior persecutions,
so that you may also win
the victory in exterior persecutions.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“We are to become vessels
of God’s compassionate love for others.”

“Never forget that the way
which leads to Heaven is narrow
that the gate leading to Life,
is narrow and low
that there are but few who find it
and enter by it and if, there be some,
who go in and tread the narrow path,
for some time, there are but very few,
who persevere therein.”

St Clare (1194-1253)

“The surest and quickest way
to attain perfection, is to strive
for purity of heart.
Once the obstacles have been removed,
God finds a clear path and does wonders,
both in and through, the soul.”

Guide Me Lord
By St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Doctor of the Church

O Lord Jesus Christ,
Who seeks those who stray
and receives them when returning,
make me approach Thee
through the frequent hearing of Thy Word,
lest I sin against my neighbour,
by the blindness of human judgement,
through the austerity of false justice,
through comparing his inferior status,
through too much trust in my merits
or through ignorance of the Divine Judgement.
Guide me to search diligently,
each corner of my conscience,
lest the flesh dominate the spirit!
Amen

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Universal Doctor of the Church

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN TITLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The RESURRECTION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 February – “I will utter things hidden, from the foundation of the world.” – Matthew 13:35

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One Minute Reflection – 15 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Epiphany VI (Anticipated) – Feast of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Refuge of Sinners – 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10; – Matthew 13:31-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I will utter things hidden, from the foundation of the world.” – Matthew 13:35

REFLECTION – “In one of the Psalms the Prophet says: “My soul pines for Thy salvation; I hope in Thy Word” (118:1) … Who is expressing this ardent desire if not “the chosen race, the royal priesthood, the people set apart for God” (1 Pt 2:9) each in their own day, in each one of those, who have lived, are living or will live, from humanity’s first beginning until the end of the world? … This is why our Lord Himself, says to His disciples: “Many Prophets and righteous men have wished to see that which you see.” It is their voice, then, we must recognise in this Psalm … Their longing has never come to an end in the Saints, nor does it end even now in “the Body of Christ, the Church” (Col 1:18) until “the Desired of all nations” comes (Hag 2:8) …

So, the beginning of the Church’s era, before the Virgin had given birth, comprised Saints who longed to see Christ’s coming in the flesh and, the period where we are now, following the Ascension, comprises other Saints who long to see the revealing of Christ to judge the living and the dead. From the beginning to the end of time, the Church’s longing has never lost its intensity, excepting only, when our Lord was alive on earth in the company of His disciples.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of Grace (Discourses on the Psalms Ps 118 No 20).

PRAYER – O God most kind, Who as a salvation for sinners and a refuge for the miserable, didst will the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the Ever Virgin Mother of Thine only Son and the distributor of His graces; grant, we pray, that while celebrating the memory of this most loving Mother’s Heart, we may obtain for sinners, the grace of conversion and an abundance of heavenly gifts, for all the faithful. Through the same Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God forever amen. (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT QUOTES, CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUTH, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 12 February – ‘ … By the Cross, we put on Christ ‘ and Follow Him

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 February – The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (1233) – Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15; Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And everyone who has left house,
or brethren, or sisters, or father,
or mother, or wife, or children, or lands
for My Name’s sake,
shall receive a hundredfold
and shall possess life everlasting.”

Matthew 19:29

“He Who is immortal, voluntarily shed His Blood.
He Who created the Host of Angels,
was bound at the hands of soldiers
and He Who is to judge the living and the dead,
was dragged to justice (cf. Acts 10:42; 2 Tm 4:1).
Truth was exposed to false witnesses,
was slandered, struck, covered with spittle,
hung on the Wood of the Cross –
the Lord of Glory (cf. 1 Cor 2:8)
endured every outrage and suffering
without Himself needing these trials. …

So, there is nothing surprising about it,
if we submit to even one of these trials,
since such is our condition …
Therefore, we too have to be offended and tempted,
afflicted by the cutting off of our wills!”
(Catecheses 1)

By the Cross, death was slain
and Adam was restored to life.
The Cross is the glory of all the Apostles,
the Crown of the Martyrs,
the Sanctification of the Saints.
By the Cross, we put on Christ
and cast aside our former self.
By the Cross we, the sheep of Christ,
have been gathered into one flock,
destined for the Sheepfold of Heaven.”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
Abbot, Confessor, Father of the Church

“It is only right, my brothers,
to celebrate our Lord’s Coming
with all possible devotion,
so greatly does His comfort gladden us…
and His love burn within us.
But do not just think about His First Coming,
when He Came “to seek and save the lost” (Lk 19:10);
think, too, of that other Coming,
when He will come to take us with Him.
I should like to see you constantly
occupied in meditating on these two Comings…
for they are the two arms of the Bridegroom …”

St Bernard (1091-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 February – “Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?” – Matthew 13:27

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One Minute Reflection – 9 February – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) “The Pillar of Faith” “Doctor of the Incarnation,” Bishop,Confessor, Father and Doctor, of the Church – Colossians 3:12-17 – Matthew 13,24-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?” – Matthew 13:27

REFLECTION – “It is not only sheep who abide in the Church, nor do only clean birds fly there to and fro. But amongst the grain other seed is sown, for “amidst the neat grain-fields, burrs and weeds and barren oats, lord it in the land” (Virgil’s Georgics). What is the farmhand to do? Root up the darnel? In that case the whole harvest is destroyed, along with it!

Everyday the farmer diligently drives away the birds, by making a noise or by frightening them with scarecrows … Nevertheless, he suffers from the raids of nimble roes or the wantonness of wild asses; on the one hand, rodents convey the grain to their underground barns, on the other, ants, in a moving column, ravage the crop. This is how things are! No-one who has land is free from care.

While the Householder slept, the enemy sowed tares; when the servants hastened to root them up, the Master prevented them, reserving for Himself the separation of wheat and chaff. … No-one, before the Day of Judgement, can take Christ’s winnowing fan in hand, no-one can pass judgement on another, whoever they might be.” – St Jerome (343-420) Priest, Translator of Sacred Scripture, Father & Doctor of the Church (The Dialogue against the Luciferians).

PRAYER – King of heaven and earth, Lord God, rule over our hearts and bodies this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed according to the commandments of Your law, so that now and forever, Your grace may free and save us. Teach us Lord to walk in the ways of the Cross of Your Son, our Saviour, longing for and rejoicing always in our heavenly home as St Cyril of Alexandria so lovingly and willingly inspires us to do. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God, forever, amen. (Collect)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HEART, The LAST THINGS, The RESURRECTION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – ‘So make haste to please the Lord …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – Sirach 31:8-11; Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … Open the door to Him at once,
when He Comes and knocks.”
Luke 12:35

“So make haste to please the Lord,
wait for Him in your heart without ceasing,
seek Him in your thoughts,
stir up your will and your love,
to reach out towards Him
at every moment!
Then you will see how He Comes to you
and makes His home within you.”

St Macarius of Egypt (c300-390)
Monk, Father (Attrib)

“The fire of the Lord is Light Eternal;
the lamps of believers are lit at this fire:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps,”
(Lk 12:35).
It is because the days of our life
are still night that a lamp is necessary.
This is the fire which,
according to the testimony
of the disciples at Emmaus,
the Lord Himself set within them:
“Were not our hearts burning within us
while He spoke to us on the way
and opened the scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32).
He gives us evident proof of this fire’s action,
enlightening man’s inmost heart.
That is why the Lord will Come in fire (Is 66,15)
so as to devour our faults at the resurrection,
fulfil each one’s desires with His Presence
and cast His Light over their merits and mysteries.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“ Well done, good and faithful servant
because thou hast been faithful over a few things,
I will place thee over many things.
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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 February – ‘… We are greedy for present things but do not take into account the coming judgement. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 1 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinitys” – St Ignatius of Antioch (c35–107) Martyr, Bishop of Antioch, Apostolic Father of the Church. – Romans 8:35-39; John 12:24-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He who loves his life, loses it and he who hates his life in this world, keeps it unto life everlasting. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me and where I Am ,there also shall My servant be.” – John 12:25-26

REFLECTION – “… We are being towed along by a world which passes away, forgetting the world to come. We are greedy for present things but do not take into account the coming judgement. We will not run to meet the Lord as He Comes …

Let us turn back, brethren, let us turn back… By the very fact of His delay, of His still waiting, our Lord proves His desire to see us come back to Him, His desire that we should not perish. In His great goodness, He continues addressing these words to us: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked but would rather he would change his ways and live ”(Ez 33,11). So let us turn back to Him, brethren, not fearing that time is running short. The time that belongs to time’s Author cannot be shortened. The proof of it lies in the criminal in the Gospel, who, at the moment of dying on the cross, got away with his pardon, grabbed hold of life and, breaking into paradise like a burglar, managed to make his way into the Kingdom (cf. Lk 23,43)!” – St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and “Doctor of Sermons” of the Church (Excerpt from Sermon 167).

PRAYER – Be mindful of our weakness, O aAmighty God and since the burden of our deeds is grievous to us, grant that the glorious intercession of blessed Ignatius Thy Martyr and Bishop, may protect us. 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 AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HEART, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 January – ‘ … So you, then, mind you carry it with you, carry it inside, where God can see … ‘ St Augustine

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One Minute Reflection – 30 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – Feast of St Martina (Died c228) Virgin and Martyr, Patron of Rome – Sirach 51:1-8.12 – Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.” – Matthew 25:7

REFLECTION – “There has come a shout at midnight. What can this shout be, if not what the Apostle speaks of – ‘in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.’ For the trumpet will sound and the dead will rise up, imperishable and as for us, we shall be changed (1 Cor 15:52). Once the shout has been raised at midnight, what happens next? They all arose. What is the meaning of “They all arose?” The hour is coming, says the Lord Himself, when all who are in the tombs will hear His Voice and come forth (Jn 5:28-29).

… What is the meaning of “They did not take oil in their flasks?” In their hearts … I mean, look at these foolish virgins who did not carry oil with them; by their self-denial which earns them the name of virgins and by their good works, represented by the lamps they bring, they are intent on pleasing other people. And, if they are intent on pleasing others and that is why they do these admirable things, they are not carrying oil with them. So you, then, mind you carry it with you, carry it inside, where God can see; carry the testimony of your conscience there. … So if you refrain from unlawful things and perform good works, in order to be admired by other people, there is no oil inside you! …

Before those virgins went to sleep, it does not say that their lamps were going out. 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. But those of the foolish ones, were also burning. Why were they burning then? Because there was no dearth of admiration from other people. But after they had risen, that is to say, in the resurrection from the dead, they began to trim their lamps that is, to prepare to give God an account of their works. And because there is no-one then expressing admiration … they were asking for what they had always been used to, that is to say, to shine with someone else’s oil, to live in dependence on others’ admiration. Give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 93).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Thou Who choose the weak things of the world to confound the strong, mercifully grant that we, who are celebrating the feast of blessed Martina, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may reap the benefit ofher patronal intercession with Thee. 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", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SIMPLICITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, SELF-DISTRUST, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 January –  ‘ … Open the door to Him at once, when He Comes and knocks. Luke 12:35

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One Minute Reflection – 23 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275) – Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to Him at once, when He Comes and knocks.” – Luke 12:35-36

REFLECTION – “God is the Supreme Being, therefore, direct the thoughts of your mind to Him and do not think of anything else, except to watch for His Coming. Let the soul gather together its thoughts, dispersed by sin, as though it were gathering together children romping about! Let it take them back to the house of its body and there, wait for the Lord, at all times with fasting and love, until He Comes and gathers them up in truth…

If our hearts are not swollen with pride and, if we do not send our thoughts out to feed in the pastures on the mad weeds of sin and if, to the contrary, we lift up our minds and lead our thoughts into the Lord’s Presence with fervent wills, then, in His good Will, the Lord shall certainly Come to us and truly unite us to Himself …

So make haste to please the Lord, wait for Him in your heart without ceasing, seek Him in your thoughts, stir up your will and your love, to reach out towards Him at every moment!Then you will see how He Comes to you and makes His home within you.” – St Macarius of Egypt (c300-390) (Attrib) Monk, Father (Sermon 31).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who chose blessed Raymond to be a renowned minister of the Sacrament of Penance and miraculously brought him through the waves of the sea, grant that, by his intercession, we may produce good results from our penance and reach the Heaven of eternal salvation 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 CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FEAR, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 January – ‘The nearer the King approaches …’

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One Minute Reflection – 22 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St Vincent of Saragossa (Died 304) Protomartyr of Spain and St Anastasius the Persian (Died 628) Martyr – Wisdom 3:1-8; Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Jesus said to His disciples: When you shall hear of wars and seditions, be not terrified.” – Luke 21:9

REFLECTION – “The nearer the King approaches, the more we should pray. The nearer the moment arrives for bestowing the trophy on the combatant, the more fervently we should struggle. This is what they do at the races – as the end of the course nears and they are reaching the goal, they stir up the horses’ enthusiasm even more. In the same way, Saint Paul says: “Now is salvation nearer to us than when first we believed. The night is far gone, the day is at hand” (Rm 13:11-12).

Since night is disappearing and day is coming into view, let us carry out the works of day and leave behind the works of darkness. This is what we do in the course of life – when we see night giving way to dawn and hear the swallows singing, then we rouse one another even though it is still dark … We hurry to our daily tasks, we clothe ourselves after being snatched from sleep, so that the sun will find us ready. What we do then, let us do now. Let us shake off our dreams, rouse ourselves from thoughts of this present life, leave our heavy slumber and put on the garment of virtue. This is what the Apostle clearly says to us: “Cast off the works of darkness and put on the Armour of Light” (v.12). For day is calling us to the battle, to the fight!

But do not be afraid when you hear these words about fighting and combat! For if it is uncomfortable to put on heavy material armour, it is pleasant, on the other hand, to put on spiritual armour, for this is an Armour of Light! In this way you will shine more brightly than the sun and, even as you sparkle brightly, you will be safe because these are weapons … weapons of Light. So then? Are we excused from fighting? Not at all! We are to fight but without being overcome by fatigue and without pain. For it is not so much a war to which we are being summoned as a feast and celebration!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Epistle to the Romans, 24).

PRAYER – Give heed to our humble prayers, O Lord, that we who know we are guilty of our own sin, may be saved by the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius.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 CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, In the PRESENCE of GOD, MARIAN QUOTES, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – Thy Light is Come!

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – Within the Octave– Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

This day a great Light has descended upon the earth!
Alleluia!

“Arise, be enlightened, …
for thy Light is Come!”

Isaias 60:1

“ The fire of the Lord is Light Eternal;
the lamps of believers are lit at this fire:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps,”
(Lk 12:35).
It is because the days of our life
are still night that a lamp is necessary.
This is the fire which,
according to the testimony
of the disciples at Emmaus,
the Lord Himself set within them:
“Were not our hearts burning within us
while He spoke to us on the way
and opened the scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32).
He gives us evident proof of this fire’s action,
enlightening man’s inmost heart.
That is why the Lord will Come in fire (Is 66,15)
so as to devour our faults at the resurrection,
fulfil each one’s desires with His Presence
and cast His Light over their merits and mysteries.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Eternal Light, Shine into our Hearts
By St Alcuin of York (735-804)

Eternal Light, shine into our hearts,
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil,
Eternal Power, be our support,
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the
darkness of our ignorance,
Eternal Pity, have mercy on us
that with all our heart
and mind
and soul
and strength,
we may seek Thy Face
and be brought,
by Thine Infinite Mercy
to Thy Holy Presence;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord
Amen

“Taking up the newborn Emmanuel,
Mary beheld a Light incomparably fairer
than the sun and saw a Fire,
which water cannot quench.
She received, in the covering of Flesh
Whom she had borne,
the Light, Who enlightens all things
and she was worthy,,
to carry in her arms,
the Word, Who carries the universe!”

St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159)
Bishop, Cistercian Monk

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The SECOND COMING

Our Morning Offering – 24 December – Magnis Prophetæ Vocibus, With Mighty Voice the Prophets Cry

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Our Morning Offering – 24 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Magnis Prophetæ Vocibus
With Mighty Voice the Prophets Cry
Unknown Author

With mighty voice the prophets cry
that Christ the Lord is drawing nigh;
rejoicing, they foresee the grace
by which He saves us and redeems.

And so our morning sun shines forth,
our hearts ablaze with radiant joy;
we hear the faithful voice resound,
precursor of God’s glorious gift.

At that first Advent, Christ our God
came forth not to condemn the world,
but came to cleanse our gaping wound,
to seek and save what had been lost.

Christ’s Second Coming warns us all
that He is standing at the gates,
to give to saints their glorious crowns
and open wide the heav’nly realm.

Eternal light is now foretold,
the saving star is shining forth,
its radiant splendour summons us
and calls us to the heav’nly court.

Christ Jesus, Thou alone we seek
to see Thee face-to-face as God;
may this unending vision be
an everlasting hymn of praise.
Amen.

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES on FEAR, The LAMB of GOD, The SECOND COMING

Our Morning Offering – 23 December – Hark, a Herald Voice Is Sounding

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Our Morning Offering – 23 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Hark, a Herald Voice Is Sounding
Vox Clare
Unknown Author – 5th or 6th Century
Trans: Fr Edward Caswall C.Orat. (1814-1878)

Hark! A herald voice is sounding!
“Christ is near,” we hear it say.
Cast away the works of darkness,
all you children of the day!”

2 See, the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from Heav’n.
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
one and all, to be forgiv’n.

3 So, when next He Comes in glory
and the world is wrapped in fear,
He will shield us with His mercy
and with words of love draw near.

4 Honour, glory, might, dominion
to the Father and the Son
with the everlasting Spirit
while eternal ages run!
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT, OUR Cross, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on Will (Sensual or Inferior), The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 20 December – The Dangers of the Careless Soul

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Thought for the Day – 20 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Dangers of the Careless Soul

+I. There is in human nature a fatal tendency to procrastinate, especially when that which we know we ought to do, is something to which we are naturally disinclined.
All men are naturally disinclined to do violence to themselves and force their pride and self-will, to yield before the sway of Christ, to put on His yoke and carry His cross.
Hence, men put off and make excuses to themselves and fancy that what is difficult to them to-day, will be easy to morrow .
O fatal mistake!
Each day that we postpone the task of submission, it becomes
more difficult, more distasteful.
Why then do I not hasten to submit myself entirely to Christ?

+2. From day-to-day, the careless soul thus goes on putting off, crying: “Tomorrow I will amend my ways” and when tomorrow comes, it still cries: “Tomorrow.” How fatal is this folly!
Tomorrow may never come, or, if it comes, you may have forfeited the grace!
“Today, if ye will hear His Voice, harden not your hearts.‘

+3. This postponement is always accompanied by some deliberate disobedience to the commands or to the holy inspirations of the Spirit of God.
Thus the careless soul becomes more engrossed in earthly things and more and more disinclined to make the necessary effort. Therefore, it is that, so many will be surprised by the Coming of their Judge at the moment when they least expect Him and are quite unprepared to meet Him.
O Jesus, save me at any cost from the deadly state of the careless soul!

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, HYMNS, The DIVINE INFANT, The SECOND COMING

Our Morning Offering – 20 December – “Christ is Near!”

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Our Morning Offering – 20 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

“Christ is Near!”
Vox clara ecce intonas
Hear the Herald Voice Resounding
Unknown Sixth Century
Trans. Fr Edward Caswell C.Orat. (1814-1878)

Hear the herald voice resounding:
“Christ is near!” it seems to say,
“Cast away the dreams of darkness,
Welcome Christ, the Light of day!”

Wakened by this solemn warning,
Let the earthbound soul arise;
Christ her Sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.

See the Lamb so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from Heav’n;
Hasten now, with tears of sorrow,
One and all to be forgiv’n.

So when next He comes with glory,
Shrouding all the earth in fear,
May He then as our Defender
On the clouds of heav’n appear.

Honour, glory, virtue, merit,
To the Father and the Son,
With the co-eternal Spirit,
While eternal ages run.
Amen!

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT REFLECTIONS, ArchAngels and Angels, GOD ALONE!, Meditations for ADVENT, OUR Cross, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 19 December – The Preparation for His Approach

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Thought for the Day – 19 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Preparation for His Approach

Who is there who does not desire to meet Jesus Christ, when He Comes Again, with joy and not with trembling?
To insure this, three things are necessary.

+1. We must have friends among those ,who will come again with Him. Just as few die a happy death, unless they have some advocates in Heaven, so few indeed, will meet Our Lord, with joy, unless they have some who will welcome them as having befriended them for Christ’s Sake.
Unless we have been men of supernatural charity, we shall stand defenceless on that day. Alas! how faint and feeble my charity has been! how little I have done to procure friends, who will plead for me on that day!

+2. We must too, have had the thought of Jesus often present to our minds in life, if His Coming is to be a joyful one to us. He must be no stranger to us. He must have been our Guide, our Friend, our Maste , our Companion!
We must have walked with God on earth, if we are to walk with Him in the Celestial Paradise.
The more familiar has been our friendship with Him, the greater will be our happiness in meeting Him when He Coms again.

+3. We must also, have carried our cross willingly after Him on earth, if we are to meet Him with a well-grounded confidence of a great reward in the Kingdom which He has won for His elect. O how overflowing will be the delight of those who have lived mortified and self-denying lives for His Sake !
What a trifle will all their sufferings then appear in comparison with their abounding joy, when the Archangel’s trumpet sounds!

Posted in ADVENT, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 18 December – The Uncertainty of His Coming

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Thought for the Day – 18 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Uncertainty of His Coming

+1. Ever since Our Lord’s Ascension into Heaven , His servants have watched for His return, crying out: “Come , O Lord Jesus, come quickly!”
In the days of the Apostles, in the early ages of the Church, in mediæval times , men believed that His Coming was close at hand. In these later days, it is true, the expectancy is not as immediate as it once was but, the very fact that we think the world has still [a time] to run, may be an indication that the end is not far away.
Can I, from my heart, offer the prayer that His coming may not be long delayed?

+2. Men sometimes tell us, when six thousand years have passed, the world will have run its course and Christ will return to Judge the living and the dead.
It may be so but rash indeed is he, who ventures thus to fix the time for it is Our Lord Himself Who tells us: “Of that
day and that hour knoweth no man, nor the Angels of God but the Father only.”
One of the essential characteristics of that day will be its suddenness. Hence, learn the importance of being always ready and then you will be always safe and at peace.

+3. We may not live until the Second Coming of Christ surprises the world but, we shall liveuntil the day which is the call for us to Judgement.
That day is not far off; it may be very near and the chance is, it will either come unexpectedly, or will be preceded by a time which will be but a poor time for preparation.
I must be prepared now, I must always be prepared, for the moment when I hear the Voice of God summoning me and then, the sooner that time comes, the better for me.

Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT, The O ANTIPHONS, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 17 December – The Signs of His Coming

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Thought for the Day – 17 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Signs of His Coming

+1. One of the signs of the Second Coming of Our Lord being nigh at hand, will be that no-one will expect it.
All the world will be satisfied that things will go on as hitherto for many a century and they will ask – “Where is the promise of His Coming?”
In this too, the life of the individual is often a miniature of the history of the world. Christ comes again to many an nexpecting
soul when sudden death, through some accident or nsuspected disease, carries off, in a moment, the man who thought he had long years to live.
“Blessed is he whom his Lord, when He cometh shall find watching.”

+2. Another warning of Our Lord’s approach will be the coming of Antichrist.
He will be one, whose authority and power will be a counterfeit of the Vicar of Christ. His distinguishing marks will be overweening pride, hatred of the Catholic Church, widespread dominion, spirit of rebellion which will enlist, in his service, all who revolt against the authority which comes from God . Examine yourself to see if there lurks in you, any of this dislike of lawful authority and pray for the grace of loyalty to men, for God’s sake.

+3. Before Our Lord’s Coming, there will be a terrible persecution of he servants of God.
In these days, when there is an ever-increasing spirit of tolerance, it is difficult to understand this.
But under the spirit of what is called ‘religious liberalism or ecumenism!‘ lurks a deadly hatred of the Church of Christ. It breaks out from time to time, as in the French Commune. It slumbers but now it blazes up again.
Pray for grace to withstand all the assaults of the persecutor!

Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST the JUDGE, GOD ALONE!, Meditations for ADVENT, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 16 December – The Second Coming of Christ

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Thought for the Day – 16 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Second Coming of Christ

+1. When the Apostles on Mount Olivet were gazing after their Master Who had just ascended into Heaven, two Angels stood by them and announced to them that He, Who had just vanished from their sight would return in like manner
Our Lord Himself had already declared – He would Come Again with power and great glory and would sit upon the throne of His glory. At the sound of His approach, the dead will rise from their graves to meet Him and, the nations of the world, who have not accepted His sway, will be filled with unspeakable terror and dismay.
What will be the dispositions with which I shall rise again to meet Christ? What would they be now, if He were to Come today?

+2. The object of His Coming will be to judge the living and the dead.
All which is now hidden, will be made manifest before the world. All the secret thoughts and whispered words and actions, concealed from the eyes of men, will then be made manifest.
How should I like to have all my base and low motives dragged to light, all my unkind words revealed to those against whom they were spoken, all those actions of which I cannot myself think,. without shame, proclaimed so all may behold them?

+3. Our Lord will Come, radiant in majesty and glory, to crush His enemies under His feet and reward His faithful soldiers and servants.
How great then will be the ignominy and shame of the mighty men of earth if they have not bowed their neck to the King of kings! How full of joy will be the hearts of all who have humbled themselves before Him! How will they be beautiful beyond compare and honoured before His holy Angels!
Learn now to humble yourself under the yoke of Christ!

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CONFESSION/PENANCE, Meditations for ADVENT, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, St JOHN the BAPTIST, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 11 December – The Forerunner’s Message

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Thought for the Day – 11 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Forerunner’s Message

+1. The refrain of St John’s teaching was a very simple and constant one: “Do penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” It seems strange advice . The Coming of the King of Heaven might be a reason for joy, on the part of those who looked for Him and of dread, on the part of His enemies. But why, for doing penance?
Yet the teaching of St John is true now, as it was at the time his words were first spoken.
Penance is the means of preparation for the Advent of our King. This explains the Saint’s love of penance.
What penance do I practice with this object?

+2. Yet, after all it is the natural and most suitable means of preparation. It helps us to bring into subjection, that lower nature which rebels against the sovereignty of our King.
It detaches us from finding our satisfaction in earthly things. It is, in itself, an act of obedience to our King. It renders us humble and teaches us to put our necks under the yoke. It saves us from being separated from the Kingdom we are to share by the long prison of Purgatory.
Learn from all this, to love penance!

+3. Penance is a necessary preparation for receiving our King when He comes to us in humble form in Holy Communion.
This is why Confession is the preliminary of that sacred feast and why, contrition is necessary. We must purge our souls by prayer and penance and sorrow for sins, if we are to rejoice exceedingly in the Bridegroom’s presence and to hear His Voice
sweetly whispering in our ears.
Do I prepare thus for Holy Communion?

Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT, St JOHN the BAPTIST, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 10 December – The Forerunner of the King

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Thought for the Day – 10 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Forerunner of the King

+1. St John Baptist was the chosen messenger to proclaim the coming of the King of kings.
No other Herald had so important an office. He had to prepare the hearts of men for the Coming of the Messias. It was this which constituted him, “the greatest of those born of women.”
If to proclaim the Coming of Christ in the flesh was so solemn and responsible an office, what then must be the dignity and responsibility of the Priests of God, who are sent to announce His Second Coming in glory?

+2. How did St John prepare for his work?
By a life of seclusion and penance.
From childhood, he lived alone in the desert, his bed the hard
ground, his meat locusts and wild honey, his dress a camel’s skin.
Our Lord contrasts him with those who wear soft raiment. No-one who lives a life of luxury, will ever be an efficient messenger of God. A Priest, above all, must avoid a life of ease and self-indulgence, if he wishes to win souls for Christ.

+3. The secret of St John’s success was thus, the result of practising what he preached. He practiced much more than he preached, for he enjoined upon his hearers, the simple performance of ordinary duties, while he himself, led a life of continual penance and self-denial.
If our words are to carry any weight, we must not preach without practising. The parent or superior, who has the
training of the young, will never train them to virtue, unless he himself is a man of virtue.
No-one can reach the hearts of others, unless he firstly fulfils the lessons he teaches.
Do I do this?

Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 December –The least in the Kingdom of Heaven – Matthew 5:19

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One Minute Reflection – 7 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Immaculate Conception – St Ambrose (340-397) – Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so, will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments, will be called greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” – Matthew 5:19

REFLECTION – “For what reason then does He call some of these commandments “least,” although they are so magnificent and lofty? Jesus spoke this way because, He was about to introduce His own teaching, as a new law . As He humbles Himself and speaks of Himself with great modesty, so He refers to His own teaching in the same manner. In this way, Jesus teaches us to practice humility in everything. And besides, since some suspected His teaching to be a new departure, He temporarily taught it in a more reserved way.

But when you hear “least in the Kingdom of Heaven,” you are to think of nothing but hell and punishment. For it was His practice to speak, not only of the joy the Kingdom brings but also, of the time of the resurrection and the fearful event of the Second Coming.

Think of one who calls a brother a fool. That one, transgresses only one commandment, maybe even the slightest one and falls into hell. Compare that one with another, who breaks all the commandments and instigates others to break them too. Do both have the same relationship to the Kingdom? This is not the argument Jesus is making. Rather, He means, that one who transgresses only one of the commands will, on the final day, be the least — that is, cast out — and last and will fall into hell!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (The Gospel of Saint Matthew, Homily 16).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who have given blessed Ambrose to Thy people as a help for eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee that we may be worthy to have him as our intercessor in Heaven, whom we have had as a teacher of life, on earth. ThroughJesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 December – ‘The Talents – good works and the final resurrection …’

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One Minute Reflection – 6 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Nicholas (270-343) Confessor, Bishop – Hebrews 13:7-17; Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ Well done, good and faithful servant because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

REFLECTION – “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. The first says: “Lord, Thou entrusted me with five talents” and the second: “Lord, Thou entrusted me with two talents.” Thus they acknowledge it is from their Master’s bounty that they hold the capital they put to their profit.

This acknowledgement goes so far, that they ascribe all the merit and glory of their success, to their Master’s trust. What does the Master reply, then? “Well done, good and faithful servant.” This is real goodness, is it not, when someone strives to do good towards their brethren?… “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” this refers to the blessedness of Eternal Life.

But, it is by no means the same case for the wicked servant … What is then the Master’s reply? “Thou wicked and lazy servant, why didst thou not place my money in the bank?” which means, speaking to, encouraging, counselling one’s brothers and sisters. “But people would not listen to me,” the other might have replied. To which the Lord answers: “What is that to thee? … Thou shouldst, at least, have deposited this money in the bank and left Me to collect it with interest on My return.” The interest refers to the good works which go before the Hearing of the Word, when we are to speak. “Thou only had to do the easier part of the work and leave the more difficult to Me” … What is there to say? 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) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s gospel 78:2-3).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who made the holy Bishop Nicholas renowned for countless miracles, grant, we beseech Thee that by his merits and prayers, we may be saved from the fires of hell. 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", ADVENT QUOTES, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 5 December – ‘ … Embrace Him, Whom you have sought. …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 December – The First Week of Advent – Ferial Day Romans 13:11-14; Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But when these things begin to come to pass,
look up and lift up your heads
because your redemption is at hand.”

Luke 21:28

“Watch, therefore because you know not
the day, nor the hour.”
Matthew 25:13

“ In the hours of the night, think always on Christ
and hope for His Coming at every moment. …
Christ enters at the open door.
He will not fail to do so, for He has promised to enter.
Embrace Him, Whom you have sought.
Approach Him and be illumined.
Hold Him and ask Him not to go away quickly.
Beg Him not to depart.
For “His Word runs swiftly” (Ps 147:15)
and will not be held by the slothful
or negligent soul.
Let your soul run to His call and follow closely,
the sound of His heavenly Voice,
for His passing is swift. …”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“It is only right, my brothers,
to celebrate our Lord’s Coming
with all possible devotion,
so greatly does His comfort gladden us…
and His love burn within us.
But do not just think about His First Coming,
when He Came “to seek and save the lost” (Lk 19:10);
think, too, of that other Coming,
when He will come to take us with Him.
I should like to see you constantly
occupied in meditating on these two Comings…
for they are the two arms of the Bridegroom …”

St Bernard (1091-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church