Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection = 30 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:18-21

One Minute Reflection = 30 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:18-21 – Tuesday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – The Memorial of St Angelo of Acri OFM Cap (1669-1739)

“What is the kingdom of God like?   And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden and it grew and became a tree and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”..Luke 13:18-19

REFLECTION – “In the language of the Gospel, the seed is the symbol of the Word of God, whose fruitfulness is recalled in this parable.   The Word of God makes things grow, it gives life. …Because this is the power that makes the life of the Kingdom of God sprout within us.   And thus is the Kingdom of God, a humanly small and seemingly irrelevant reality.   To become a part of it, one must be poor of heart, not trusting in their own abilities but in the power of the love of God;  not acting to be important in the eyes of the world but precious in the eyes of God, who prefers the simple and the humble.   When we live like this, the strength of Christ bursts through us and transforms what is small and modest into a reality, that leavens the entire mass of the world and of history.   This opens us up to trust and hope, despite the tragedies, the injustices, the sufferings that we encounter.   The seed of goodness and peace sprouts and develops, because the merciful love of God makes it ripen.”…Pope Francis = Angelus, 14 June 2015

“To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?   It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”...Luke 13:20-21

REFLECTION – “There are three measures:  of the flesh, of the soul and of the spirit.  This is truer of the spirit in which we all live.   The woman, who prefigures the church, mixes with them the virtue of spiritual doctrine, until the whole hidden inner person of the heart is leavened and the heavenly bread arises to grace.   The doctrine of Christ is fittingly called leaven, because the bread is Christ.   The apostle said, “For we, being many, are one bread, one body.”   Leavening happens when the flesh does not lust against the Spirit, nor the Spirit against the flesh.   We mortify the deeds of the flesh and the soul, aware that through the breath of God it has received the breath of life, shuns the earthly germs of worldly needs.”…St Ambrose (340-397) Father & Doctoer- Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, 7.the parable of the seed and the leaven luke 13 18-21 pope francis st ambrose - 30 oct 2018

PRAYER – True light of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, as You enlighten all men for their salvation, give us grace, we pray, to herald Your coming by preparing the ways of justice and of peace. Help us Lord, that we may sprout and bear fruit, fitting to grow and be a home of comfort to our neighbour.   By the prayers of St Angelo of Acri, who bore the seed of Your Word to many, may we too be heralds of Your Kingdom.   Through Jesus our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st angelo of acri pray for us no 2 - 30 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Thirteen – 29 October

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Thirteen – 29 October

Readings and Prayers

First Week

Day 13 of 33

Theme for the Week:  Knowledge Of Self

Prayers, examinations, reflection, acts of renouncement of our own will, of contrition for our sins, of contempt of self, all performed at the feet of Mary, for it is from her that we hope for light to know ourselves.   It is near her, that we shall be able to measure the abyss of our miseries without despairing.

We should employ all our pious actions in asking for a knowledge of ourselves and contrition of our sins and we should do this in a spirit of piety.   During this period, we shall consider not so much the opposition that exists between the spirit of Jesus and ours, as the miserable and humiliating state to which our sins have reduced us.

Moreover, the True Devotion being an easy, short, sure and perfect way to arrive at that union with Our Lord which is Christlike perfection, we shall enter seriously upon this way, strongly convinced of our misery and helplessness.   But how attain this without a knowledge of ourselves’?

Luke 11:1-10

He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”

He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.   Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us and do not subject us to the final test.”

And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed.   I cannot get up to give you anything.’   I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.   For everyone who asks, receives and the one who seeks, finds and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Recite:   Litany of the Holy Spirit, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, & Ave Maris Stella (See below)DAY THIRTEEN FIRST WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 29 oct 2018

First Week

Litany of the Holy Spirit

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Father all powerful, have mercy on us Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, hear us
Holy Spirit, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Spirit, Who are equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us. Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us
Author of all good, have mercy on us
Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us Consuming fire, have mercy on us
Ardent charity, have mercy on us Spiritual unction, have mercy on us
Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us
Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us
Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us
Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us
Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us
Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us
Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us
Holy Spirit, the Comforter, have mercy on us
Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us Holy Spirit, Who governs the Church, have mercy on us
Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us
Spirit Who fills the universe, have mercy on us
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us
Holy Spirit, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Spirit, shed Your light in our souls.
Holy Spirit, engrave Your law in our hearts Holy Spirit, inflame us with the flame of Your love. Holy Spirit, open to us the treasures of Your graces Holy Spirit, teach us to pray well.
Holy Spirit, enlighten us with Your heavenly inspirations.
Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of salvation Holy Spirit, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Spirit, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy Spirit, make us persevere in justice.
Holy Spirit, be You our everlasting reward.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Send us Your Holy Spirit.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety.

V. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Your faithful,
R. And enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

Let Us Pray. Grant, O merciful Father, that Your Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who with You, in the unity of the same Spirit, lives and reigns forever and ever.
R. Amen.

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loreto)

Lord, have mercy on us, Christ have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, pray for us.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
Mother most amiable, pray for us.
Mother most admirable, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel,pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us. Mother of our Saviour, pray for us.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Virgin most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin most venerable, pray for us. Virgin most renowned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
Preparation for Consecration, pray for us.
Mirror of justice, pray for us. Seat of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.
Vessel of honor, pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate of Heaven, pray for us.
Morning star, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of angels, pray for us.
Queen of patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of prophets, pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen of martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of confessors, pray for us.
Queen of virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without Original Sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into Heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray. Grant, we beseech You, O Lord God, unto us Your servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the joy of Your eternal gladness. Through Christ Our Lord.
R. Amen

Ave Maris Stella

Hail, O Star of the ocean,
God’s own Mother blest, ever sinless Virgin,
gate of heav’nly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came,
peace confirm within us, changing Eve’s name.
Break the sinners’ fetters, make our blindness day,
Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray.
Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine
born for us thine Infant, hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild,
free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure
till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore.
Praise to God the Father, honour to the Son,
in the Holy Spirit, be the glory one.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:10-17

One Minute Reflection – 29 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:10-17 – Monday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Gaetano Errico (1791-1860)

” And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?”…Luke 13:16

REFLECTION – “The whole human race, like this woman, was bent over and bowed down to the ground.   Someone already understands these enemies.   He cries out against them and says to God, “They have bowed my soul down.”   The devil and his angels have bowed the souls of men and women down to the ground.   He has bent them forward to be intent on temporary and earthly things and has stopped them from seeking the things that are above.
Since that is what the Lord says about the woman whom Satan had bound for eighteen years, it was now time for her to be released from her bondage on the sabbath day.  Quite unjustly, they criticised Him for straightening her up.   Who were these, except people bent over themselves?   Since they quite failed to understand the very things God had commanded, they regarded them with earthbound hearts.   They used to celebrate the sacrament of the sabbath in a literal, material manner and did not notice its spiritual meaning.” … St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor (Sermon 162)and out not this woman, a daughter of abraham luke 13 16 the whole human race like this woman was bent over- st augustine 29 oct 2018

PRAYER – Almighty Lord and God, protect us by Your power throughout the course of this day, even as You have enabled us to begin it – do not let us turn aside to any sin but, let our every thought, word and deed aim at doing what is pleasing in Your sight.   Grant we pray, that by the prayers of St Gaetano Errico, we may strive to seek only to please the Sacred Heart of Your Son and the loving Heart of His Mother.   Through Jesus our Lord, Your Son, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st gaetano errico pray for us 29 oct 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 28 October – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Feast of Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ

Quote/s of the Day – 28 October – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Feast of Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ

Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ
and brother of James,
to those who are called,
beloved in God the Father
and kept safe for Jesus Christ:
may mercy, peace and love
be yours in abundance.

Jude 1:1-2jude 1 1-2 - jude a slave of jesus christ - 28 oct 2018

But you, beloved,
build yourselves up
in your most holy faith,
pray in the holy Spirit.
Keep yourselves in the love of God
and wait for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ
that leads to eternal life.

Jude 1:20-21jude 1 20-21 - but you beloved, build yourselves up - 28 oct 2018

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:46–52 – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Feast of Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:46–52 – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Feast of Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ

And Jesus said to him, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.”   And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.…Mark 10:52

REFLECTION – “We are always in need of salvation.   And all of us should take this step everyday – from beggars to disciples.   And thus, the blind man sets out behind the Lord, becoming part of His community.   The one they wanted to silence, now witnesses aloud to his encounter with Jesus of Nazareth and “all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God”.   Let us also allow ourselves to be called by Jesus and let us be healed by Jesus, forgiven by Jesus and let us follow Jesus, praising God.   So be it!”…Pope Francis – General audience, 15 June 2016mark 10 52 and immediately he received his sight - pope francis - we are always in need of - 28 oct 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, You taught us to call upon Your name, through the preaching of the Apostles.   Open our eyes each day, grant that we may see Jesus Your Son at our side, open our ears that we may hear His voice, open our mouths that we may beg forgiveness and proclaim the good news as we follow the way Your Son carved out for us.   At the intercession of Sts Simon and Jude, may Your Church continue to grow and to hope in Your love.   We make our prayer through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.sts simon and jude pray for us 29 oct 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 27 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

Thought for the Day – 27 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:1-9 – Saturday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

“And he said to the vinedresser,
‘Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit
on this fig tree and I find none.
Cut it down, why should it use up the ground?”…Luke 13:7

Answering God’s call to repent at last

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church – Confessions Bk. 8

Those trifles of all trifles and vanities of vanities, my one-time mistresses, held me back, plucking at my garment of flesh and murmuring softly:  “Are you sending us away?”   And ” From this moment shall we not be with you, now or forever?”   And: ” From this moment shall this or that not be allowed you, now or forever?”   What were they suggesting to me, O my God?… I hesitated to shake them off and leap upwards on the way I was called, for the strong force of habit said to me:  “Do you think you can live without them?”   But by this time its voice was growing fainter.   In the direction towards which I had already turned my face and was quivering in fear of going, I could see the austere beauty of Continence honourably soliciting me to come to her and not linger, her hands full of multitudes of good examples…   “The Lord their God gave me to them.   Why do you rely on yourself and so fail to stand at all?   Cast yourself upon Him and do not be afraid, He will not draw back and let you fall.   Cast yourself on Him without fea,; He will receive you and heal you”…

This disputation within my heart was nothing other than a struggle between myself against myself… When my most searching scrutiny had drawn up all my vileness from the secret depths of my soul and heaped it in my heart’s sight, a mighty storm rose up in me bringing a mighty rain of tears.   In order to give release to my tears and lamentations, I got up and went out… I flung myself down somehow under a certain fig tree and no longer tried to check my tears, which poured from my eyes in a flood, an acceptable sacrifice to Thee.   And I spoke to You freely:   “And Thou, O Lord, how long? How long, Lord, will You be angry forever?   Remember not our former iniquities.” (Ps 6:4; 78:5)…  And I continued my miserable complaining:   “How long, how long shall I go on saying tomorrow and again tomorrow?   Why not now, why not this very hour?”

And suddenly I heard a voice from some nearby house, a boy’s voice or a girl’s voice, a sort of sing-song repeated again and again:  “Take and read, take and read.”   I stopped weeping and immediately began to search my mind most carefully as to whether children were accustomed to chant these words in any kind of game and I could not remember that I had ever heard any such thing.   Damming back my flood of tears I rose up again, interpreting the incident as quite certainly a divine command to open the book of the apostle Paul and read the first passage on which my eyes should fall…  I returned hastily and took up the book and read what I had seen before:  “Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy but put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscence,” (Rom 13:13).   I had no wish to read any further and no need.   For in that instant, with the very ending of the sentence, it was as though a light of utter confidence shone in my heart, and all the darkness of uncertainty vanished away.

St Augustine, Pray for Us!st augustine pray for us - 27 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

One Minute Reflection – 27 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:1-9 – Saturday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and I find none. Cut it down, why should it use up the ground?’…Luke 13:7

REFLECTION – “Unfortunately, each of us strongly resembles the tree that, over many years, has repeatedly shown that it’s infertile.   But, fortunately for us, Jesus is like a farmer who, with limitless patience, still obtains a concession for the fruitless vine.   “Let it alone this year” the invincible patience of Jesus!   Have you thought about the patience of God?   Have you ever thought as well of His limitless concern for sinners?   How it should lead us to impatience with ourselves!   It’s never too late to convert, never.   God’s patience awaits us until the last moment.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 28 February 2016luke 13 7 - and he said to the vinedresser - unfortunately each of us strongly resembles the tree - pope francis 27 oct 2018

PRAYER – Come to help us in our weakness, God of mercy, forgive the sins of Your people and as nothing we can do is worthy in Your sight, save us through the intercession of the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ.   We make our prayer through Jesus with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.bl mother of our lord pray for us - 27 oct 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:54-59

One Minute Reflection – 26 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:54-59 – Friday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

“You hypocrites!   You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”...Luke 12:56

REFLECTION – “The gospel tells us that some people were rebuked by the Lord because, clever as they were at reading the face of the sky, they could not recognise the time for faith when the kingdom of heaven was at hand. It was the Jews who received this reprimand but it has also come down to us.   The Lord Jesus began His preaching of the gospel with the admonition:  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 4:17). His forerunner, John the Baptist, began his in the same way:  “Repent,” he said, “for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 3:2).   Today, for those who will not repent at the approach of the kingdom of heaven, the reproof of the Lord Jesus is the same…you hypocritesd luke 12 56 - today, for those who will not repent - st augustine - 26 oct 2018

As for when the end of the world will be, that is God’s concern… Even so, the time is very near for each of us, for we are mortal.   There are hazards all around us.  We should be in less danger from them were we made of glass.   What more fragile than a vessel of glass? And yet it can be kept safe and last indefinitely.   Of course it is exposed to accidents but it is not liable to old age and the suffering it brings.   We, therefore, are the more frail and infirm.   In our weakness we are haunted by fears of all the calamities that regularly befall the human race and if no such calamity overtakes us, still, time marches on.   We may evade the blows of fortune but shall we evade death?   We may escape perils from without but shall we escape what comes from within us?   Now, suddenly, we may be attacked by any malady.   And if we are spared?   Even so, old age comes at last and nothing will delay it.”…St Augustine (354-430) – Father & Doctor of the Church – Sermon 109we may evade he blows of fortune - st augustine - 26 oct 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, You fill us with Your grace and teach us true faith.   Strengthen in our hearts that faith that no trials may quench the fire, that we may seek Your face in every moment and accept AND LIVE all of Your will.   Send us Your Spirit to keep the fire blazing.   May the humble love and intercession of Mary Mother of our faith, be our succour.   Through Jesus Your Son our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.mary mother of faith - pray for us - 19 may 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:49–53

One Minute Reflection – 25 October – Today’s Gospel:  Luke 12:49–53 – Thursday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of Saints Crispin & St Crispinian – (†285 or 286) Martyrs

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth?   No, I tell you, but rather division…”…Luke 12:51

REFLECTION – “In all our affections, order is necessary.   Love your father, love your mother, love your children after God.   If it becomes inevitable to place love of one’s relatives and children in the balance with love of God, without it being possible to preserve them both, then not to prefer one’s own family, is piety towards God.”…St Jerome (343-420) Father & Doctor of the Churchluke 12 51 - do you think i have come to give peace on earth - in all our affections order is necessary - st jerome - 25 oct 2018

PRAYER – Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, You glorious Trinity are our lesson in love and unity. Grant us this day the grace of true love for You and true order in all our affections.   May the intercession of Sts Crispin and Crispinian, strengthen us.   Amen.sts crispin & crisp[inian pray for us - 25 oct 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HOPE, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:39–48

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:39–48 – Wednesday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time. Year B and The Memorial of St Anthony Mary Claret CMF (1807-1870) and St Luigi Guanella (1842-1915)

“But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into…”…Luke 12:39but know this if the householder - luke 12 39 24 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “There is need of living well but, there is even more need of dying well.   A good death is everything, especially today, where people think only of things and enjoyment here on earth, rejecting eternity.” … St Luigi Guanella (1842-1915)there is need of living well - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

“The disciple is one, who awaits the Lord and His Kingdom.   May the Virgin Mary help us, not to be people and communities dulled by the present, or worse, nostalgic for the past but striving toward the future of God, toward the encounter with Him, our life and our hope.”...Pope Francis – Angelus, 7 August 2016the disciples is one who awaits the lord - pope francis - 24 oct 2018

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to keep my death constantly before my eyes, for this is my final account.   I pray You for a holy life that my death may be holy and that I may come to You and live for all eternity with You.   When my hour is come, bid me come to You, Lord.   Hear the prayers of your Saints, Anthony Mary Claret and Luigi Guanella, who lived each moment of their lives for the glory of Your Kingdom.   We ask this through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st anthony mary claret pray for us - 24 oct 2018

st-luigi-guanella-pray-for-us-24 oct 2017

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:13–21

One Minute Reflection – 22 October – Today’s Gospel:  Luke 12:13–21 – Monday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

“But God said to him, ‘Fool!   This night your soul is required of you and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’“…Luke 12:20

REFLECTION – “The fool in the Bible, the one who does not want to learn from the experience of visible things, that nothing lasts forever but that all things pass away, youth and physical strength, amenities and important roles.   Making one’s life depend on such an ephemeral reality is therefore foolishness.   The person who trusts in the Lord, on the other hand, does not fear the adversities of life, nor the inevitable reality of death, he is the person who has acquired a wise heart, like the Saints.”…Pope Benedict XVI – Angelus 1 August 2010but god said to him - luke 12 20 - the fool in the bible - pope benedict - 22 oct 2018

“The rich man, clinging to his immense fortune, is convinced that he will succeed in overcoming death….Indeed, like all other men and women, rich and poor, wise and foolish alike, he is doomed to end in the grave, as happens likewise to the powerful and he will have to leave behind on earth that gold so dear to him and those material possessions he so idolised.” – St Pope John Paul II 20 October 2004but god said to him fool - luke 12 20 - the rich man - st john paul - 22 oct 2018

PRAYER – Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to Yours and serve Your majesty in sincerity of heart. Teach us to lay up riches in heaven and may the prayers of St John Paul assist us in our daily struggles against the idols of the world. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, amen.st pope john paul pray for us 22 oct 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

One Minute Reflection – 21 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:35-45 – Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, the Memorial of Blessed Karl of Austria (1887 – 1922)

“For the Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”…Mark 10:45mark 10 45 for the son of man came not to be served but to serve - 21 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “In the biblical tradition, the Son of Man is the one who receives from God “dominion, glory and kingship”.   Jesus fills this image with new meaning.   He shows us that He enjoys dominion because He is a servant, glory because He is capable of abasement, kingship because He is fully prepared to lay down His life.   By His passion and death, He takes the lowest place, attains the heights of grandeur in service and bestows this upon His Church”…Pope Francis – Canonisation Mass, 18 October 2015mark-10-45-for-the-son-of-man-came-not-to-be-served-he-enjoys-dominion-pope-francis-21-oct-2018.jpg

PRAYER – Holy Father, grant me an operative faith, a faith that will move mountains. Enlighten my soul with Your Light, Goodness, Power and Wisdom.   Let my faith be an image of You by lively deeds and love and by conforming myself to Your Will in all things.   Blessed Karl of Austria, amidst the fineries of your earthly kingship, you longed only to serve the God of all and searched for complete closeness and abandonment to Him, teach us by your prayer, to serve God alone with upright hearts and thus manifest a true faith, through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.bl karl of austria pray for us 21 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Three – 19 October

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Three – 19 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 3 of 33

Matthew 7:1-14

Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?
You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.
Do not give what is holy to dogs,* or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.g
Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread,*
or a snake when he asks for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.
Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.

DAY TWO - TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 19 oct 2018

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be

(See See HERE:   https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ )

 

Posted in GOD the FATHER, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:1–7 and the Memorial of St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562)

One Minute Reflection – 19 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:1–7 – Friday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562)

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not, you are of more value than many sparrows.”...Luke 12:7

REFLECTION – “Strain not after tears, strive not for sentiments of devotion, do not force your heart.   Rest rather in interior solitude.   Dwell therein quietly, waiting until God’s will be accomplished in you.   When it shall please Him to send you tears, oh, how sweet will those tears be, for is not your impatience that has secured them:  they are the fruits of humility and of peace.   On your part, then, you must receive them with the deepest self-effacement, allowing God to work in you.   Note well, that if ever you fancy this desire or the securing of these affections to be in any measure due to yourself, you will infallibly expose yourself to the losing of them.”…St Peter of Alcantara – Treatise on Prayer and Meditation’

st peter of alcantara pray for us - 19 oct 2018

PRAYER – My Lord and patient God, help me to practice patience in doing good.   No matter what may occur, allow me to face each day with quiet courage and without complaint, knowing You are always at my side and that all is part of Your divine plan.  I pray for total abandonment to Your Will.   Grant that by the intercession of St Peter of Alcantara, we may grow in trust, leaving all in our Father’s hands.   We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

Quote of the Day – – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my saviour.
For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness,
henceforth, all generations will call me blessed.”

Luke 1:46-48luke 1 46-48 - my soul proclaims the greatness of the lord - 18 oct 2018

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – Today’s Gospel:  Luke 10:1–9 – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – Today’s Gospel:  Luke 10:1–9 – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

“Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”…Luke 10:3

REFLECTION – “We must abandon ourselves to the power of the Spirit, who is able to infuse light and especially love for Christ;  we must open ourselves to the inner fascination that Jesus works in the hearts of those who aspire to authenticity, while fleeing from half measures.   This is certainly difficult for human beings but it becomes possible with the grace of God (cf. Lk 18: 27).   On the other hand, if following Christ means carrying the Cross each day, the latter in turn is the tree of life leading to the resurrection.   Luke, who emphasises the radical requirements for following Christ, is also the Evangelist who describes the joy of those who become Christ’s disciples.”…St Pope John Paul (1920-2005) 15 October 2000go is end you out as lambs luke 10 3 - luke who emphasises the radical requirements - st john paul 18 oct 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, You chose St Luke to reveal the mystery of Your love in his preaching and his writings.   Grant, we pray, that we may grow in love for the Holy Face of Christ, His words and His directions, revealed to us in the Gospels, in the example of your saints.   Today, on his feast, we especially look to St Luke, to guide, teach and pray for us.   We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever and ever, amen.st-luke-pray-for-us-18-oct-2017 (1)

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection- 17 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:42-46 and the Memorial of St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35 – 107) Father of the Church, Martyr

One Minute Reflection- 17 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:42-46 – Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35 – 107) Father of the Church, Martyr

“Woe to you Pharisees! for you love the best seat in the synagogues and salutations in the market places.”…Luke 11:43woe to you pharisees - luke 11 43 - 17 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “Christianity is not a matter of persuading people of particular ideas but of inviting them to share in the greatness of Christ.   So pray that I may never fall into the trap of impressing people with clever speech but instead I may learn to speak with humility, desiring only to impress people with Christ Himself.”…St Ignatius of Antiochchristianity-is-not-a-matter-st-ignatius-of-antioch-17-oct-2017

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, grant that I may believe what I have learned, never presuming to know better than the teachings of Holy Mother Church and that I may put into practice what I believe.   Let my commitment be like unto the Martyr, St Ignatius of Antioch, who went with joy to his horrific death, for the faith in Christ, Your Son, God with You and the Holy Spirit. St Ignatius, pray for us, amen.st-ignatius-of-antioch-pray-for-us-17-oct-2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:37–41

One Minute Reflection – 16 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:37–41 – Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Gerard Majella C.Ss.R. (1726-1755)

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

REFLECTION – “Consider the shortness of time, the length of eternity and reflect how everything here below comes to an end and passes by.   Of what use is it to lean upon that which cannot give support?”...St Gerard Majella (1726-1755)consider the shortness of time, the length of eternity - st gerard majella -no 2 a little softer - 16 oct 2018

“Let us ask the Lord that we never tire of going down that path, that we never tire of rejecting this religion of appearances, this religion of seeming, of pretending….   We must instead be committed to proceed quietly, doing good and doing so freely, as we have freely received, our interior freedom.   Let us ask for this grace.”…Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 11 October 2016luke 11 39 now you pharisees cleanse the outside - let us ask the lord - pope francis - no 2 - 16 oct 2018

PRAYER – Lord Jesus Christ, You wondrously revealed all of the deep treasures of Your Heart to Your saints.   May their merits and example win us the grace to love You above all things and in all things so that we may make our abode in Your own Sacred Heart. With You, for You and in You, may we assist and love our neighbour.  Hear the prayers of St Gerard Majella on our behalf dear Lord, we beg.   Who live and reign forever, amenst gerard majellla pray for us - 16 oct 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:29–32 and the Memorial of St Teresa of Jesus/Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church “Doctor of Prayer”

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:29–32 – Monday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Teresa of Jesus/Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church “Doctor of Prayer”

“This generation is an evil generation;  it seeks a sign but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah…”…Luke 11:29

REFLECTION – “Am I attached to my things, to my ideas, closed?   Or am I open to the God of surprises?   Am I a stationary person or a person on a journey?….Do I believe in Jesus Christ and in what He has done?   He died, rose again… do I believe that the journey goes forth toward maturity, toward the manifestation of the glory of the Lord?   Am I capable of understanding the signs of the times and of being faithful to the voice of the Lord that is manifest in them?”…Pope Francis 13 October 2014
Better Your faithful love than life itself;
my lips will praise You.
Thus I will bless You all my life,
in Your name lift up my hands. (Ps 63:3-4)this generation luke 11 29 - pope francis on the sign of jonah - 15 oct 2018

PRAYER – Almighty God, our Father, You sent St Teresa of Jesus to be a witness in the Church to the way of perfection.   Sustain us by her spiritual doctrine and kindle in us, the longing for true holiness.   Through Christ, our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, God forever.   May the intercession of St Teresa be a source of strength, amenst-teresa-of-jesus-pray-for-us - 15 oct 2017

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JOY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

One Minute Reflection – 14 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:17–30 –

One Minute Reflection – 14 October – Today’s Gospel:  Mark 10:17–30 — Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

“You lack one thing – go, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven and come, follow me.”...Mark 10:21

REFLECTION – “Jesus’ reply is clear:  “I tell you there is no-one who has given up everything and has not received everything”.   If you gave up everything. You will receive everything, in that overflowing measure with which God gives His gifts.   You will receive everything. …. Everything!”…   The Lord does not know how to give less than everything – when He gives something, He gives Himself, which is everything. …the sign that we are on the ‘everything and nothing’ path, of the forsaken fullness, is joy.   It is no surprise that “the rich young man’s countenance darkened and he went away saddened”. …amid the trials and difficulties, the saints had a cheerful face, a generous outlook and joy in their heart.   This is the sign”….Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 28 February 2017you lack one thing go sell - mark 10 21 - the lord does not know - pope francis 14 oct 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, open our hearts to Your grace.   Teach us Your ways  . May we always be intent upon doing Your will. With You, in You and for You! Grant that the prayers of our Blessed Mother Mary, St Donatian and all Your holy saints in heaven, grant us Your gifts and with them true joy.   We make our prayer through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.blessed virgin holy mother mary pray for us 14 oct 2018st donatian pray for us 14 oct 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:27–28

One Minute Reflection – 13 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:27–28 – Saturday of the Twenty seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Edward, King and Confessor  (c 1003-1066)

Blessed is the womb that bore you...Luke 11:27blessed is the womb that bore you luke 11 27 - 13 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “What a grace it is when a Christian truly becomes a “cristo-foro”, which means “bearer of Jesus” in the world!   Above all for those who are experiencing situations of grief, of despair, of darkness and of hate.   This can be understood from many fine details – from the light that a Christian conserves in his eyes, from the foundation of peace which is not undermined even on the most complicated of days, from the wish to begin to love again even when we have experienced many disappointments.

In the future, when the story of our days is written, what will it say about us?   That we were capable of hope, or that we put our light under a bushel?   If we are true to our Baptism, we will spread the light of the hope — Baptism is the beginning of hope, that hope — of God and we will be able to pass on to future generations the meaning of life”…Pope Francis – General audience, 2 August 2017what a grace it is when a christian truly becomes cristo-foro-bearer of jesus - pope francis 13 oct 2018

PRAYER– Almighty Father, let Your light so penetrate our minds, that walking by Your commandments, we may always follow You, our leader and our Guide in the path of Him who suffered and died for our love.   May Our Lady and Blessed Mother, keep us ever in her care and may the prayers of St Edward, King and Confessor, who consecrated himself and gave up his riches to the poor to follow the way of the Lord, please pray for us.   Through Jesus Christ, our Lord in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever,amen.our lady of fatima pray for us - 13 oct 2018st edward king and confessor - pray for us - 13 october 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on PRAYER, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 12 October – Month of the Holy Rosary

Thought for the Day – 12 October – Month of the Holy Rosary

As we travel with St Luke at present in the Daily Gospel, it becomes so clear that St Luke, the artist, lives very clearly in his words.   It is a blessed gift to find the icons of Rosary so clearly ‘painted’ in his Gospel.

Contemplating the Mysteries With Saint Luke

The contemplation of the “icons” of Saint Luke’s Gospel, especially through the prayer of the Rosary, is transforming.   The Rosary is, a uniquely Lukan prayer. Consider Saint Luke’s icon of the Annunciation (Lk 1:26 38) and, with Mary, become “Yes” to the Word. Look at the Visitation (Lk 1:39 56) and learn the language of Mary’s praise.   Look at the Child lying in the manger (Lk 2:16) and become little and poor.

Look at the merciful Christ (Lk 4:40 – 5:26) and become merciful – at the healing Christ (Lk 7:1-10) and become an instrument of healing;   at the solitary Christ in prayer (Lk 11:1) and learn to converse with the Father.

Look at the icon of Christ in Gethsemane (Lk 22:39-46), agonising and comforted by an angel and enter into His submission to the Father’s will.   Look at the crucified Jesus (Lk 23:33-47) and learn from Him to forgive and to show mercy, even in the hour of darkness.   Look at the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-32) and know that He walks with you always, opening the Scriptures, breaking the Bread, causing your hearts to burn with a mysterious fire.   Finally, look at the icon of the Church in the last sentence of Saint Luke’s Gospel — “They were continually in the temple blessing God” (Lk 24:53) — and learn to bless God always and everywhere, learn to give the last word to praise.

Holy God, we praise Thy Name!holy god we praise thy name - 12 oct 2018

Mother of the Holy Rosary, Pray for Us!mother of the holy rosary pray for us - 12 oct 2018

Excerpted from Fr Mark’s blog

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:15–26

One Minute Reflection – 12 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:15–26 – Friday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Wilfrid (c 633-709)

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

REFLECTION – “The finger:   “It is by the finger of God that [Jesus] casts out demons.” If God’s law was written on tablets of stone “by the finger of God” (Ex 31,18), then the “letter from Christ” entrusted to the care of the apostles, is written “with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2Cor 3,3).   The hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” invokes the Holy Spirit as the “finger of the Father’s right hand.”…CCC 700but if it is by the finger luke 11 20 - the finger CCC700 - 12 oct 2018

Jesus reacted with firm and clear words, He did not tolerate this, because those scribes, perhaps without realising it, were falling into the gravest sin – denying and blaspheming against God’s Love which is present and active in Jesus.
And blasphemy, the sin against the Holy Spirit, is the one unforgivable sin— as Jesus said — because it comes from closing the heart to God’s mercy which acts in Jesus….Pope Francis – Angelus, 10 June 2018and blasphemy the sin against the holy spirit - pope francis - 12 oct 2018

PRAYER – Almighty Father, let Your light so penetrate our minds, that we may walk always in that light and follow Your Son, the Way, the Truth and the Life.   Fill us with understanding and may the Holy Spirit guide us in love.   Allow the intercession of St Wilfrid who learnt of Your light and brought it to his land and taught his people, to help us all.   We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st wilfrid pray for us - 12 oct 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:5–13 and the Memorial of St Pope John XXIII

One Minute Reflection – 11 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:5–13 – Thursday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of St Pope John XXIII

“For everyone who asks, receives and he who seeks, finds and to him who knocks, it will be opened.”…Luke 11:10

REFLECTION – ” Now by asking, He means prayer but by seeking, zeal and anxiety, as He adds, seek and you shall find.   For those things which are sought require great care.   And this is particularly the case with God.   For there are many things which block up our senses.   As then we search for lost gold, so let us anxiously seek after God.   He shows also, that though He does not forthwith open the gates, we must yet wait.   Hence he adds, knock and it shall be opened to you, for if you continue seeking, you shall surely receive.   For this reason and as the door shut makes you knock, therefore He did not at once consent that you might entreat.
Or by the word knock perhaps he means seeking effectually, for one knocks with the hand but the hand is the sign of a good work.   Or these three may be distinguished in another way.   For it is the beginning of virtue to ask to know the way of truth.   But the second step is to seek how we must go by that way.   The third step is when a man has reached the virtue to knock at the door, that he may enter upon the wide field of knowledge.   All these things a man acquires by prayer  . Or to ask indeed, is to pray but to seek, is by good works to do things becoming our prayers.   And to knock is to continue in prayer without ceasing.”…St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Churchluke 11 10 - for everyone who asks receives - as then se search for lost gold - st john chrysostom - 11 oct 2018

PRAYER – Help us my Lord, to discern through prayer and meditation, what You truly want of us.   Then enable us to offer it to You and indeed to offer myself and all I have to You.   Teach us to listen that we might hear Your answers, teach us to wait in patience for that which we ask and to trust in Your answer and teach us to constantly knock at Your door in prayer.   May St John XXIII, pray for Holy Mother Church, pray for all the members of the Mystical Body, pray for our sons and daughters and for us all, pray for me! Amenst-john-23-pray-for-us-11-oct-2017

Posted in GOD the FATHER, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HOPE, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:1–4

One Minute Reflection – 10 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 11:1–4

“Father, hallowed be thy name.”...Luke 11:2hallowed be thy name - 10 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “Consideration of your faults is absolutely right.   Faults coming from weakness and that are genuinely rejected do not prevent God from loving us.    They stir up His compassion: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him… for he remembers that we are dust” (Ps 102[103]:13, 14b).
It was St Paul’s great devotion to stand before the heavenly Father with all his infirmities and, as he always saw himself to be a member of Jesus Christ, those infirmities were Christ’s:  “I will rather boast most gladly in my weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell with me” (2Cor 12:9).   Strive to be filled with this spirit of childlike confidence towards God.
It seems to me that the more I am united intimately with our divine Lord, the more he draws me to His Father – and the more, too, He wants me to be filled with His filial spirit. This is the whole spirit of the New Law: “You have not received a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear but you have received a Spirit of adoption through which we cry out:HAbba! Father!” (Rom 8:15).”…Blessed Columba Marmion (1858-1923) Abbot – Union with God in Christ according to the Letters of direction of Dom Marmionconsideration of you faults - bl columba marmion - 10 oct 2018

PRAYER – Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.   Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.   Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.   And grant us Lord, our Father, that the prayers of St Daniel Combon, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all our holy saints, may help us in our needs.   We make our prayer, through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.st-daniel-comboni-pray-for-us-10-oct-2017blessed virgin mary immaculate mother - pray for us - 2 sept 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:38–42 and the Memorial of Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

One Minute Reflection – 9 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:38–42 – Tuesday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”…Luke 10:41-42

REFLECTION –   ” Has not the desire of wealth so eaten into our hearts, that we think poverty the worst of ills, that we think the security of property the first of blessings, that we measure all things by mammon, that we not only labour for it ourselves but so involve in our own evil earnestness all around us, that they cannot keep from the pursuit of it though they would?   Does not the frame-work of society move forward on such a plan as to enlist into the service of the world all its members, almost whether they will or no?   Would not a man be thought unaspiring and unproductive, who cared not to push forward in pursuit of that which Scripture calls “the root of all evil,” the love of which it calls “covetousness which is idolatry,” and the possession of which it solemnly declares all but excludes a man from the kingdom of Heaven? Alas! can this be denied?
And therefore, of course, the entire system of tranquil devotion, holy meditation, freedom from worldly cares, which our Saviour praises in the case of Mary, is cast aside, misunderstood, or rather missed altogether, as much as the glorious sunshine by a blind man, slandered and ridiculed as something contemptible and vain.  Surely, no one, who is candid, can doubt, that, were Mary now living, did she choose on principle that state of life in which Christ found her, were she content to remain at Jesus’ feet hearing His word and disengaged from this troublesome world, she would be blamed and pitied.   Careless men would gaze strangely and wise men compassionately, on such an one, as wasting her life and choosing a melancholy, cheerless portion.   Long ago was this the case.   Even in holy Martha, zealous as she was and true-hearted, even in her instance, we are reminded of the impatience and disdain with which those who are far different from her, the children of this world, regard such as dedicate themselves to God.  Long ago, even in her, we seem to witness, as in type, the rash, unchristian way in which this age disparages devotional services.”…Blessed John Henry Newman martha martha luke 10 41-42 - does not the frame work of society - bl john henry newman - 9 oct 2018

PRAYER – “Dear Jesus, help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Your spirit and life.   Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly, that my life may only be a radiance of Yours.   Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your presence in my soul.   Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus!” – (Note – NOT written by St Mother Teresa, who merely made it her own but by Blessed John Henry Newman)   Lord Holy God, grant that by the intercession of Blessed John Henry, we too may become a fragrance of You!   Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.bl-john-henry-pray-for-us - 9 oct 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Lady POVERTY, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, SPEAKING of ....., The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:25–37 – Seeking : The Good Samaritan

Quote/s of the Day – 8 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:25–37 – Monday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Speaking of – Seeking : The Good Samaritan

As long as anyone has the means
of doing good to his neighbours
and does not do so,
he shall be reckoned a stranger
to the love of the Lord.

St Irenaeus (130-202) Father of the Churchas long as anyone has the means - st irenaeus - 8 oct 2018 - speaking of seeking the good samaritan

No one has ever been accused for not providing ornaments
but for those who neglect their neighbour,
a hell awaits with an inextinguishable fire
and torment in the company of the demons.
Do not, therefore, adorn the church
and ignore your afflicted brother,
for he is the most precious temple of all.

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Churchno one has ever - st john chrysostom - 16 jan 2018

We must speak to them with our hands
before we speak to them with our lips.

St Peter Claver (1580-1654)we must speak to them with our hands - st peter claver - 23 may 2018

We should strive to keep our hearts open
to the sufferings and wretchedness of other people
and pray continually, that God may grant us,
that spirit of compassion,
which is truly the Spirit of God.

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)we should strive to keep our hearts open - st vincent de paul - 8 oct 2018 - speaking of seeking the good samaritan

Since God is perfect in loving man,
man must be perfect in loving his neighbour.

St Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850)since god is perfect - st vincent pallotti - 8 oct 2018 - speaking of seeking the good samaritan

All our religion is but a false religion
and all our virtues are mere illusions
and we ourselves are only hypocrites
in the sight of God,
if we have not that universal charity for everyone –
for the good and for the bad,
for the poor and for the rich
and for all those who do us harm,
as much as those who do us good.

St John Vianney (1786-1859)all our religion is but a false religion - st john vianney - 4 aug 2018

“This parable is a splendid gift for us all and also a task!
To each of us Jesus repeats what He said to the doctor of the Law:
“Go and do likewise” (v. 37).
We are all called to follow the same path of the Good Samaritan,
who is the figure of Christ:
Jesus bent down to us, He became our servant
and thus He has saved us,
so that we too might love
as He loved us, in the same way.”

Pope Francis – General audience, 27 April 2016this parable is a splendid gift - pope francis - speaking of seeking the good samaritan - 8 oct 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:25–37

One Minute Reflection – 8 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:25–37 – Monday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year B

“Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?”   He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.  ” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”...Luke 10:36-37which of these three do you think - good samaratan parable - luke 10 36-37 - 8 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “Jesus brings about an unexpected reversal in the traditional concept of neighbour.   The Samaritan is the neighbour and not the wounded man, as we would have expected.   This means that we must not wait till our neighbour appears along our way, perhaps quite dramatically.   It belongs to us to be ready to notice him, to find him. We are all called to be the neighbour!   The problem of the doctor of the law is reversed. From an abstract and academic problem, it becomes a concrete and living problem.   The question to ask is not “Who is my neighbour?” but “Whose neighbour can I be here and now?…
If one of us were to pose Jesus the question “Who is my neighbour?” what would he answer?   He would certainly remind us that our neighbour is not only our fellow countrymen but also those outside our community, not only Christians but Muslims also, not only Catholics but Protestants also.   But he would immediately add that this is not the most important thing.   The most important thing is not to know who my neighbour is but to see whose neighbour I can be here and now, for whom I can be the Good Samaritan.”…Fr Raneiro Cantalamessa – Preacher to the Papal Household (14 July 2007)the most important thing - good samaratan parable luke 10 36-37 - fr raneiro cantalamessa - 8 oct 2018

PRAYER – Lord God and Father, who entrusted the earth to men and each to the other, as one family of man, give us the grace this day, to see Your Face in our neighbour and to seek all who need our help.   Grant us the grace to work faithfully for Your glory and for our neighbour’s good.   May the prayers of St Hugh Canefro who worked tirelessly for his neighbour be a help to us all and may Mary our Holy Mother, keep us ever in her guiding care.   We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.

st hugh canefro pray for us - 8 oct 2018holy mary mother of god pray for us sinners - 4 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 7 October – Our Lady of the Rosary

Quote/s of the Day – 7 October – Our Lady of the Rosary

Open your petals, like roses planted near running waters…Sirach 39:13
“To discover whether people are of God,
I have found no better way than the following.
Observe whether they say the Hail Mary and the Rosary.”to-discover-whether-people-st-louis-de-montfort-7 oct 2017

“The Rosary is the most powerful weapon
to touch the Heart of Jesus, Our Redeemer,
who loves His Mother.”the rosary is the most powerful - st louis de montfort 7 oct 2018

THE SEVEN BLESSINGS OF THE ROSARY

“The Rosary, recited with meditation on the mysteries, brings about the following marvellous results:

1. It gradually gives us a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ;
2. It purifies our souls, washing away sin;
3. It gives us victory over all our enemies;
4. It makes it easy for us to practice virtue;
5. It sets us on fire with love of Our Blessed Lord;
6. It enriches us with graces and merits;
7. It supplies us with what is needed to pay,
all our debts to God and to our fellow men
and finally, it obtains all kinds of graces for us from Almighty God.”

St Louis Marie Grignion De Montfort (1673-1716)the-seven-blessings-of-the-rosary-st-louis-de-montfort-7 oct 2017

“When reciting the Rosary,
the important and meaningful moments
of salvation history are relived.
The various steps of Christ’s mission are traced.
With Mary the heart is oriented
toward the mystery of Jesus.
Christ is put at the centre of our life,
of our time, of our city,
through the contemplation and meditation
of His holy mysteries
of joy, light, sorrow and glory.”

Pope Benedict XVIwhen reciting the rosary - pope benedict - 7 oct 2018

Basilica of Saint Mary Major – Saturday, 3 May 2008

“Mary joins us, she fights at our side.
She supports Christians in the fight
against the forces of evil… through the Rosary.”mary joins us in the fights against evil - opope francis - 7 oct 2018

“Do you pray the Rosary each day?”

Pope Francisdo you pray the rosary each day - pope francis 7 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, QUOTES on MARRIAGE, MARRIED LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 October – Today’s Gospel – Mark 10:2–16 – Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

One Minute Reflection – 7 October – Today’s Gospel – Mark 10:2–16 – Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

“…The two shall become one flesh.”...Mark 10:8

REFLECTION – “In the world of the Bible, God’s relationship with Israel is described using the metaphors of betrothal and marriage – idolatry is thus adultery and prostitution… But God’s eros for man is also totally agape.   This is not only because it is bestowed in a completely gratuitous manner, without any previous merit but also because it is love which forgives… In this biblical vision, on the one hand we find ourselves before a strictly metaphysical image of God:  God is the absolute and ultimate source of all being but this universal principle of creation—the Logos, primordial reason—is at the same time a lover with all the passion of a true love.   Eros is thus supremely ennobled, yet at the same time it is so purified as to become one with agape…  The first novelty of biblical faith consists… in its image of God.   The second, essentially connected to this, is found in the image of man.
The biblical account of creation speaks of the solitude of Adam, the first man and God’s decision to give him a helper… The idea is certainly present that man is somehow incomplete, driven by nature to seek in another the part that can make him whole, the idea that only in communion with the opposite sex can he become “complete”.   The biblical account thus concludes with a prophecy about Adam:  “Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife and they become one flesh” (Gen 2:24).
Two aspects of this are important.   First, eros is somehow rooted in man’s very nature; Adam is a seeker, who “abandons his mother and father” in order to find woman, only together do the two represent complete humanity and become “one flesh”.   The second aspect is equally important.   From the standpoint of creation, eros directs man towards marriage, to a bond which is unique and definitiv, thus and only thus, does it fulfil its deepest purpose.   Corresponding to the image of a monotheistic God is monogamous marriage.   Marriage based on exclusive and definitive love, becomes the icon of the relationship between God and His people and vice versa.   God’s way of loving becomes the measure of human love…Pope Benedict XVI – Encyclical letter “Deus caritas est”, # 9-11mark 10 8 the two shall become one flesh-marriage based on exclusive and definitive love - pope benedict XVI

PRAYER – Almighty, everliving God, whose love surpasses all that we ask or deserve, open up for us, the treasures of Your mercy.   Teach us the truth of love and forgive us all that weighs on our conscience.   Grant us even more than we dare to ask and grant us the merciful and guiding assistance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.   Through Him who redeemed us in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.our-lady-of-the-rosary-pray-for-us-7 oct 2017oly Spirit, one God forever and ever.   Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, pray for us, amen.