The WORD – Page 115

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Thought for the Day – 16 September – Today’s Gospel: Mark 8:27–35

Posted on September 16, 2018September 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 16 September – Today’s Gospel: Mark 8:27–35 – Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

“But who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”...Mark 8:29

These same questions are proposed to each of us today: “Who is Jesus for the people of our time?” and more importantly: “Who is Jesus for each of us?”, for me, for you,…? Who is Jesus for each one of us?

We are called to make Peter’s answer our own response, joyfully professing that Jesus is the Son of God, the Eternal Word of the Father, who became man to redeem mankind, pouring out the abundance of divine mercy upon it.

The world needs Christ more than ever: His salvation, His merciful love.

Pope Francis – Angelus, 19 June 2016

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One Minute Reflection – 16 September – Today’s Gospel: Mark 8:27–35

Posted on September 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 September – Today’s Gospel: Mark 8:27–35 – Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of Sts Cornelius & Cyprian and St Ninian

“If any man would come after me,
let him deny himself and take up his cross
and follow me.”…Mark 8:34

if any man - deny himself take up his cross - mark 8 34 - 16 sept 2018

REFLECTION – “Being one with Christ is our sanctity, and progressively becoming one with him our happiness on earth, the love of the cross in no way contradicts being a joyful child of God. Helping Christ carry his cross fills one with a strong and pure joy, and those who may and can do so, the builders of God’s kingdom, are the most authentic children of God. And so those who have a predilection for the way of the cross by no means deny that Good Friday is past and that the work of salvation has been accomplished. Only those who are being saved, only children of grace, can in fact be bearers of Christ’s cross. Only in union with the divine Head does human suffering take an expiatory power. To suffer and to be happy although suffering, to have one’s feet on the earth, to walk on the dirty and rough paths of this earth and yet to be enthroned with Christ at the Father’s right hand, to laugh and cry with the children of this world and ceaselessly sing the praises of God with the choirs of angels – this is the life of the Christian until the morning of eternity breaks forth.”…St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891-1942)

PRAYER – Look upon us Lord, Creator and Ruler of the whole world, give us the grace to serve You with all our hearts, to take up our cross and follow You, that we may come to know the power of Your love and the forgiveness which You give and You teach. Grant that by the intercession of Sts Cornelius and Cyprian and St Ninian, we may attain the glory of Your kingdom and see You face to face. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. sts-cornelius-and-cyprian-pray-for-us-16 sept 2017 st ninian pray for us - 16 sept 2018

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One Minute Reflection – 15 September – The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Posted on September 15, 2018September 15, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 September – The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Near the cross of Jesus, there stood his mother…..John 19:25 john-19-25-near the cross stood his mother - 15 sept 2017 our lady of sorrows

REFLECTION – “Mary “stood by”; she was simply there . Here again the young woman of Nazareth, hair now grayed with the passage of time, still struggling with a God who must only be embraced and with a life that has come to the threshold of the darkest night. Mary “stood by” in the thickest darkness but she “stood by”. She did not go away. Mary is there, faithfully present, each time a candle must be held aflame in a place of fog and haze. She does not even know the future resurrection her Son was opening at that instant for us, for all of mankind – she stands there out of faithfulness to the plan of God whose handmaid she proclaimed herself to be on the first day of her vocation but also due to her instinct as mother who simply suffers, each time there is a child who undergoes suffering. The suffering of mothers – we have all known strong women who have faced their children’s suffering!”…Pope Francis – General audience, 10 May 2017

PRAYER – Our Father, when Jesus Your Son, was raised up on the Cross, it was Your will that Mary, His Mother, should stand there and suffer with Him in her heart. Grant that in union with her, the Church may share in the passion of Christ and so be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Be our intercessor and our consolation, Our Lady of Sorrows! We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen. our-lady-of-sorrows-pray-for-us.15 sept 2017

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One Minute Reflection – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Posted on September 14, 2018September 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

“…And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”...John 3:14-15 and as moses lifted up - john 3 - 14-15 - 14 sept 2018

REFLECTION – “From now on, through the cross, all shadows have been dispelled and the truth arises, as the apostle John says: “The old order has passed away; all things are new” (Rv 21:4-5). Death has been stripped of prey, hell’s captives liberated; man is set free; the Lord reigns; creation rejoices. The cross is victorious and all nations, races, languages and peoples (Rv 7:9) come to adore him. Together, in the cross we find our joy, exclaiming with blessed Paul: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:14). The cross gives light to the whole universe; it casts out darkness and gathers nations together in charity into one Church, one faith, one baptism, from West and East, from the North and from the seas. It stands at the very centre of the world, set up on Calvary.
Armed with the cross, the Apostles go out to preach and gather together in adoration of it the whole universe, treading under foot every hostile power. Through it the martyrs have bravely confessed the faith, fearless of tyrants’ cunning. Having taken it upon themselves, monks have joyfully made solitude their home.
When Christ returns, this cross will first appear in heaven, the Great King’s precious sceptre, living, true and holy. “Then,” says the Lord, “the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven” (Mt 24:30). We will see it escorted by angels, illuminating the earth from one end of the universe to the other, brighter than the sun, proclaiming the Day of the Lord.”…Homily attributed to Saint Ephrem (306-373) Father & Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – O God, who willed that your Only Begotten Son should undergo the Cross to save the human race, grant, we pray, that we, who have known his mystery on earth, may merit the grace of His redemption in heaven.
For you placed the salvation of the human race on the wood of the Cross, so that, where death arose, life might again spring forth and the evil one, who conquered on a tree, might likewise on a tree be conquered through Christ. O cross, you are the glorious sign of victory. Through your power may we share in the triumph of Christ Jesus.
We adore You Christ and we praise You, for by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Amen o-cross-you-are-the-glorious-sign-of-victory-feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross

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Thought for the Day – 13 September – 13 September – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Doctor – “John of the Golden Mouth”

Posted on September 13, 2018September 13, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 13 September – 13 September – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Doctor – “John of the Golden Mouth”

“The Second Paul”

“The Ladder to God”

“It is said of John Chrysostom that when he was seated upon the throne of the New Rome, that is, Constantinople, God caused him to be seen as a second Paul, a doctor of the Universe.

Indeed, there is in Chrysostom a substantial unity of thought and action, in Antioch as in Constantinople. It is only the role and situations that change.

In his commentary on Genesis, in meditating on God’s eight acts in the sequence of six days, Chrysostom desired to restore the faithful from the creation to the Creator: “It is a great good”, he said, “to know the creature from the Creator”, He shows us the beauty of the creation and God’s transparency in His creation, which thus becomes, as it were, a “ladder” to ascend to God in order to know Him.

To this first step, however, is added a second: this God Creator is also the God of indulgence (synkatabasis). We are weak in “climbing”, our eyes grow dim. Thus, God becomes an indulgent God who sends to fallen man, foreign man, a letter, Sacred Scripture, so that the creation and Scripture may complete each another. We can decipher creation in the light of Scripture, the letter that God has given to us. God is called a “tender father” (philostorgios) (ibid.), a healer of souls (Homily on Genesis, 40, 3), a mother (ibid.) and an affectionate friend (On Providence 8, 11-12).

But in addition to this second step – first, the creation as a “ladder” to God and then, the indulgence of God through a letter which he has given to us, Sacred Scripture – there is a third step. God does not only give us a letter – ultimately, He Himself comes down to us, He takes flesh, becomes truly “God-with-us”, our brother until His death on a Cross.

And to these three steps – God is visible in creation, God gives us a letter, God descends and becomes one of us – a fourth is added at the end. In the Christian’s life and action, the vital and dynamic principle is the Holy Spirit (Pneuma) who transforms the realities of the world. God enters our very existence through the Holy Spirit and transforms us from within our hearts.”

Pope Benedict XVI – General Audience 26 September 2007

St John Chrysostom, Pray for us!

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One Minute Reflection – 13 September – Today’s Gospel – Luke 6:27–38

Posted on September 13, 2018September 13, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 September – Today’s Gospel – Luke 6:27–38 – Thursday of the Twenty-third week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Church

“Judge not and you will not be judged; condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give, will be the measure you get back.”...Luke 6:37-38 judge not and you will not be judged - luke 6 37-38 - 13 sept 2018

REFLECTION – “O envious one, you injure yourself more than he whom you would injure and the sword with which you wound will recoil and wound yourself. What harm did Cain do to Abel? Contrary to his intention he did him the greatest good, for he caused him to pass to a better and a blessed life and he himself was plunged into an abyss of woe. In what did Esau injure Jacob? Did not his envy prevent him from being enriched in the place in which he lived and, losing the inheritance and the blessing of his father, did he not die a miserable death? What harm did the brothers of Joseph do to Joseph, whose envy went so far as to wish to shed his blood? Were they not driven to the last extremity and well-nigh perishing with hunger, whilst their brother reigned all through Egypt? It is ever thus; the more you envy your brother, the greater good you confer upon him. God, who sees all, takes the cause of the innocent in hand and, irritated by the injury you inflict, deigns to raise up him whom you wish to lower and will punish you to the full extent of your crime. If God usually punishes those who rejoice at the misfortunes of their enemies, how much more will He punish those who, excited by envy, seek to do an injury to those who have never injured them?”…Saint John Chrysostom

“It will do us good today to think of an enemy – I think we all have someone who has hurt us or who wants to hurt us or who tries to hurt us. Ah, this! The mafia prayer is: “You will pay for it”, the Christian prayer is: “Lord, bless him and teach me to love him”…Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 19 June 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, strength of those who hope in You, by Your will, St John Chrysostom became renowned in the Church, for his astounding eloquence and his forbearance in persecution. Grant that we may be enriched by his teaching and thus grow in sanctity, to follow the commandments You set forth in Your Word, Your Son who is our Saviour and Redeemer. By the prayers of St John Chrysostom, may we attain the place You have prepared for us. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever amen. st john chrysostom pray for us - 13 sept 2018

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One Minute Reflection – 5 September – Today’s Gospel: Luke 4:38-44

Posted on September 5, 2018September 4, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 September – Today’s Gospel: Luke 4:38-44 – Wednesday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of St Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them….Luke 4:40

REFLECTION – “Having come to earth to proclaim and to realise the salvation of the whole man and of all people, Jesus shows a particular predilection for those who are wounded in body and in spirit: the poor, the sinners, the possessed, the sick, the marginalised. Thus, He reveals Himself as a doctor both of souls and of bodies, the Good Samaritan of man. He is the true Saviour: Jesus saves, Jesus cures, Jesus heals. Each one of us is called to bear the light of the Word of God and the power of grace to those who suffer and to those who assist them — family, doctors, nurses — so that the service to the sick might always be better accomplished with more humanity, with generous dedication, with evangelical love, with tenderness.”… Pope Francis – Angelus, 8 February 2015

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love…..God doesn’t require us to succeed, He only requires that we try…….I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” ….St Mother Teresa of Calcutta

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help us to be holy in the way that You have laid out for all of us. Let us carry out the duties of our state in life to the full and so attain the holiness proper to each one. May the prayers of St Mother Teresa assist us in using the gifts You have been given us, for the Glory of God. We make our prayer through our Lord, Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen. st-mother-teresa-pray-for-us-5 sept 2017

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 September – Today’s Gospel: Luke 4:31–37 – Tuesday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time

Posted on September 4, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 September – Today’s Gospel: Luke 4:31–37 – Tuesday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of Our Lady of Consolation

And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”…Luke 4:36 and they were all amazed - luke 4 36 - 4 sept 2018

REFLECTION – “The power of Jesus confirms the authority of His teaching. He does not just speak with words but He takes action. In the Gospel in fact, we see that in His earthly mission, Jesus reveals the love of God both through preaching and through countless gestures of attention and aid to the sick, the needy, children and sinners.
Jesus is our Teacher, powerful in word and deed. Jesus imparts to us all the light that illuminates the sometimes dark paths of our lives. He also transmits to us the necessary strength to overcome difficulties, trials and temptations. Let us consider what a great grace it is for us to have known this God who is so powerful and so good! A teacher and a friend who shows us the path and takes care of us especially when we are in need.
May the Virgin Mary, the woman of listening, help us to create silence around us and within us, in order to hear, through the din of the messages of the world, the most authoritative word that there is: that of her Son Jesus, who proclaims the meaning of our existence and delivers us from all slavery, even that of the Evil one.”...Pope Francis – Angelus, 28 January 2018

PRAYER – True Light of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, as You enlighten all men for their salvation, give us grace, we pray, to live in Your Light and follow Your teachings. May Your Mother and ours, help us to hear Your Voice and teach us to enclose our hearts in silence and thus hear Your Voice. You, Who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever, amen. our lady of consolation pray for us.2

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Thought for the Day – 3 September – The Memorial of St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father & Doctor of the Church “Father of the Fathers” “Servant of the Servants”

Posted on September 3, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 3 September – The Memorial of St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
Father & Doctor of the Church
“Father of the Fathers”
“Servant of the Servants”

Excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI’s Homily – General Audience – 4 June 2009
St Pope Gregory the Great “Servant of the Servants” “Servus Servorum Dei”

“Probably the most systematic text of Gregory the Great is the Pastoral Rule, written in the first years of his Pontificate. In it, Gregory proposed to treat the figure of the ideal Bishop, the teacher and guide of his flock. To this end he illustrated the seriousness of the office of Pastor of the Church and its inherent duties. Therefore, those who were not called to this office may not seek it with superficiality, instead those who assumed it without due reflection necessarily feel trepidation rise within their soul. Taking up again a favourite theme, he affirmed that the Bishop is above all the “preacher” par excellence; for this reason he must be above all an example for others, so that his behaviour may be a point of reference for all. Efficacious pastoral action requires that he know his audience and adapt his words to the situation of each person – here Gregory paused to illustrate the various categories of the faithful with acute and precise annotations, which can justify the evaluation of those who have also seen in this work a treatise on psychology. From this one understands that he really knew his flock and spoke of all things with the people of his time and his city.

Nevertheless, the great Pontiff insisted on the Pastor’s duty to recognise daily his own unworthiness in the eyes of the Supreme Judge, so that pride did not negate the good accomplished. For this the final chapter of the Rule is dedicated to humility : “When one is pleased to have achieved many virtues, it is well to reflect on one’s own inadequacies and to humble oneself, instead of considering the good accomplished, it is necessary to consider what was neglected”. All these precious indications demonstrate the lofty concept that St Gregory had for the care of souls, which he defined as the “ars artium”, the art of arts. The Rule had such great and the rather rare, good fortune to have been quickly translated into Greek and Anglo-Saxon.

He wanted to be – and this is his expression – “Servus Servorum Dei”. Coined by him, this phrase was not just a pious formula on his lips but a true manifestation of his way of living and acting. He was intimately struck by the humility of God, who in Christ made Himself our servant. He washed and washes our dirty feet. Therefore, he was convinced that a Bishop, above all, should imitate this humility of God and follow Christ in this way.

His desire was to live truly as a monk, in permanent contact with the Word of God but for love of God he knew how to make himself the servant of all in a time full of tribulation and suffering. He knew how to make himself the “servant of the servants”. Precisely because he was this, he is great and also shows us the measure of true greatness.”

St Pope Gregory the Great, “Servant of the Servants”, Pray for Us!

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 September – The Memorial of St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) – Father & Doctor of the Church “Father of the Fathers”

Posted on September 3, 2018September 3, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 3 September – The Memorial of St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) – Father & Doctor of the Church
“Father of the Fathers”

“If we knew at what time we were to depart from this world,
we would be able to select a season for pleasure
and another for repentance.
But God, who has promised pardon to every repentant sinner,
has not promised us tomorrow.
Therefore we must always dread the final day,
which we can never foresee.
This VERY DAY is a day of truce, a day for conversion.
And yet we refuse to cry over the evil we have done!
Not only do we not weep for the sins we have committed,
we even add to them…”

“Don’t be anxious about what you have,
but about what you are!”

“When we attend to the needs of those in want,
we give them what is theirs, not ours.
More than performing works of mercy,
we are paying a debt of justice.”

“The proof of love is in the works.
Where love exists, it works great things.
But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.”

“He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps.”

“He truly believes
who puts what
he believes
into practice.”

There is more joy in heaven over a converted sinner
than over a righteous person standing firm.
A leader in battle has more love for a soldier
who returns after fleeing and who valiantly pursues the enemy,
than for one who never turned back
but who never acted valiantly either.
A farmer has greater love for land which bears fruitfully,
after he has cleared it of thorns, than for land
which never had thorns but which never yielded a fruitful harvest.”

“The Emperor of heaven,
the Lord of men and of angels,
has sent you His epistles for your life’s advantage—
and yet you neglect to read them eagerly.
Study them, I beg you and meditate daily on the words
of your Creator. Learn the heart of God in the words of God,
that you may sigh more eagerly for things eternal,
that your soul may be kindled
with greater longings for heavenly joy.”

“No one does more harm in the Church
than he who has the title or rank of holiness
and acts perversely.”

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
Father & Doctor of the Church
“Father of the Fathers”

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One Minute Reflection – 3 September – The Memorial of St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) – Father & Doctor “Father of the Fathers”

Posted on September 3, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 3 September – Today’s First Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1–5 – Monday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time, Year B & the Memorial of St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) – Father & Doctor “Father of the Fathers”

…”my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”…1 Corinthians 2:4-5

REFLECTION – “Holy Scripture presents a kind of mirror to the eyes of the mind, so that our inner face may be seen in it. There we learn our own ugliness, there our own beauty. And there too we discover the progress we are making and how far we are from perfection.”….St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)

PRAYER – God our Father, Your rule is a rule of love, Your providence is full of mercy for Your people. Through the intercession of St Gregory, grant the spirit of wisdom and understanding in Your Word through Your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that by the light of His Resurrection we may know our eternal home and strive to attain eternal joy there with You. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-pope-gregory-the-great-pray-for-us-3 sept 2017

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Thought for the Day – 2 September – Today’s Gospel: Mark 7:1–23

Posted on September 2, 2018September 2, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 2 September – Today’s Gospel: Mark 7:1–23 – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

‘This people honours me with their lips but their heart is far from me…”…Mark 7:6

“The interior life is primordial… The active life is the consequence of the interior life and has no value unless it depends upon it. We should like to do everything to the best of our ability, perfectly. But if it isn’t linked to our interior life it is to no purpose. All the value of our life and activity stems from our interior life, the life of love for God and the Virgin Mary, the Immaculata – not in theories or sweetness but in the practice of a love that consists in the union of our will with the will of the Immaculate Virgin.

Above and over all we must deepen this interior life. If it is truly a case of spiritual life then supernatural means are required. Prayer, prayer and prayer alone is what is needed to undertake the interior life and its flowering. Interior recollection is necessary.

Let us not be anxious about unnecessary things but gently, peacefully, let us try to preserve recollection of spirit and be attentive to God’s grace. That is why silence helps us.”…St Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941) Martyr prayer prayer and prayer alone - st maximillian kolbe - 2 sept 2018

“You must, so to speak, tear off your own skin, which Saint Paul calls the old man, in order to be clothed with the Spirit of Jesus Christ, which is, according to the same Apostle, the new man.”

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

“So let me ask you – are there moments when you place yourself quietly in the Lord’s presence, when you calmly spend time with Him, when you bask in His gaze? Do you let His fire inflame your heart? Unless you let Him warm you more and more with His love and tenderness, you will not catch fire. How will you then be able to set the hearts of others on fire by your words and witness?

Pope Francis Gaudete et Exscultate

And you Immaculata, who are our example, who are our constant intercessor, pray for us!

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One Minute Reflection – 2 September – Today’s Gospel: Mark 7:1–23

Posted on September 2, 2018September 1, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 2 September – Today’s Gospel: Mark 7:1–23 – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

“You leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.”..Mark 7:8

REFLECTION – “With these words, Jesus wants to caution us too, today, against the belief, that outward observance of the law is enough to make us good Christians. This is what Jesus condemns because this is a counter-witness to Christianity. After His exhortation, Jesus focuses attention on a deeper aspect and states: “there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him” (v. 15). In this way he emphasises the primacy of interiority, that is, the primacy of the “heart, it is not the external things that make us holy or unholy but the heart, which expresses our intentions, our choices and the will to do all, for the love of God….Pope Francis – Angelus, 30 August 2015

PRAYER – Father of might and power, every good and perfect gift comes down to us from You. Implant in our hearts, the love of Your name, increase our zeal for Your service, nourish what is good in us and tend it with watchful care. May our blessed Mother, guide and protect us on our journey and may Your holy Saints, pray for us. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. blessed virgin mary immaculate mother - pray for us - 2 sept 2018

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One Minute Reflection – 1 September – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 25:14–30 and The 4th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

Posted on September 1, 2018September 1, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 1 September – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 25:14–30 – Saturday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year B and The 4th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

“For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property….”…Matthew 25:14

REFLECTION – “The universal destination and the private ownership of goods – In the beginning God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common stewardship of mankind to take care of them, master them by labour and enjoy their fruits (Gn 1:26-29). The goods of creation are destined for the whole human race. However, the earth is divided up among men to assure the security of their lives, endangered by poverty and threatened by violence. the appropriation of property is legitimate for guaranteeing the freedom and dignity of persons and for helping each of them to meet his basic needs and the needs of those in his charge. It should allow for a natural solidarity to develop between men. The right to private property… does not do away with the original gift of the earth to the whole of mankind, the universal destination of goods remains primordial, even if the promotion of the common good requires respect for the right to private property and its exercise.
“In his use of things man should regard the external goods he legitimately owns not merely as exclusive to himself but common to others also, in the sense that they can benefit others as well as himself” (Vatican II, GS 69). The ownership of any property makes its holder a steward of Providence, with the task of making it fruitful and communicating its benefits to others, first of all his family. Goods of production… oblige their possessors to employ them in ways that will benefit the greatest number. Those who hold goods for use and consumption should use them with moderation, reserving the better part for guests, for the sick and the poor.”…Catechism of the Catholic Church § 2402-2405

PRAYER – Holy God and Father, help us by Your grace, to remain “good and faithful servants” so that we may use all You have bestowed upon us and left to our care, in the loving care of our neighbour and of Your gifts. May Mary, the Mother of Your divine Son and our Mother, walk at our side and teach us to be true children and users of our talents and Your creation. May we guard Your world with great wisdom. Holy Mother of Montevergine, pray for us, that we may one day enter “into the joy of our Lord”. We make our prayer, through Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. our lady of montevergine pray for us - 1 sept 2018

MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 31 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 25:1–13

Posted on August 31, 2018August 31, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 31 August – Friday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 25:1–13

‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ …Matthew 25:6

“Give me grace to amend my life
and to have an eye to mine end,
without grudge of death,
which to them that die in You,
good Lord,
is the gate of a wealthy life.”

St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 25:1–13

Posted on August 31, 2018August 31, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 31 August – Friday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 25:1–13 and the memorial of St Aidan of Lindisfarne

But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ … Matthew 25:6

REFLECTION – “The souls’ husband is the Holy Spirit, by His grace. When His interior inspiration calls the soul to repentance, then every enticement of vice is in vain. The pride that wants command, the greed and lust that consumes everything: this was the master that used to control and ravage the soul. Their very names have been removed from the repentant sinner’s mouth… When grace is poured into the soul and gives it light, God makes a covenant with sinners. He is reconciled with them… Then is celebrated the wedding of the bridegroom with His bride in the peace of a pure conscience.”…St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church

“You have been created for the glory of God and your own eternal salvation…..This is your goal! This is the centre of your life; this is the treasure of your heart. If you reach your goal you will find happiness. If you fail to reach it, you will find misery.”……St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – My Lord and my God, help me eternal Father, to stay awake! Teach me to be constantly on guard against my own weakness, to constantly keep watch for temptation and to live constantly in prayer, that Your Son will lead me to safety. Grant that by the prayers of your holy servant, St Aidan of Lindisfarne, who always remained prayerful and awake, waiting for the Lord, we may be ready to meet the bridegroom. Through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever,amen. st aidan of lindisfarne pray for us 31 aug 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 30 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 24:42–51

Posted on August 30, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 August – Thursday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 24:42–51

Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming...Matthew 24:42

REFLECTION – “We must sleep in such a way as to be easily awakened. For Scripture says, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.” (Lk 12:35-36). For a sleeping man is of no more use than a dead man. Therefore we ought often to get up at night and bless God.
Blessed are those who watch for Him and so make themselves like the angels, whom we call “watchers”. A man asleep is worth nothing, no more than if he were dead. But whoever has the light keeps watch and “darkness does not overcome him” (Jn 1:5) neither sleep. Whoever has been illumined is therefore wakened to God and such a person is alive, “for what came to be in him was life.” (Jn 1:4) “Happy the man,” says Wisdom,”who obeys me and happy those who keep my ways, happy the man watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts” (Pr 8:34)…St Clement of Alexandria (150-215) Father of the Church

PRAYER – God our Saviour, through the grace of Baptism you made us children of light. Hear our prayer, that we may always walk in that light and work for truth, love and charity, as Your witnesses before men. Dispel from our hearts the darkness of sin and keep us ever watchful for the true light, Christ Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever. St Jeanne Jugan, you lived a life of total charity ever watchful to the needs of your neighbour, please pray for us, amen. st jeanne jugan pray for us 30 aug 2018

CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on SIN, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 23:23–26 and The Memorial of St Augustine (354-430) – Doctor of Grace

Posted on August 28, 2018August 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 August – Tuesday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 23:23–26 and The Memorial of St Augustine (354-430) – Doctor of Grace

“You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean.”…Matthew 23:26

REFLECTION – “You are before God. Question your heart: see what you have done and what you have been yearning for there—your salvation or the windy praise of men. Look within, for a person cannot judge one whom he cannot see. If we are assuring our heart, let us assure it in his presence.
“Because if our heart thinks badly”—that is, if it accuses us within, because we aren’t acting with the spirit with which we should be acting —“God is greater than our heart, and he knows all things” (v.20). You hide your heart from man – hide it from God if you can. How will you hide it from Him to whom it was said by a certain sinner in fear and confession: “Where shall 1 go from your spirit, and where shed! I flee from your face?”… For where does God not exist? “If,” he said, “I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to hell, you are present” (Ps 139[138]:7-8). Where will you go? Where will you flee? Do you want to hear some advice? If you want to flee from Him, flee to Him. Flee to Him by Confessing, not from Him by hiding, for you cannot hide, but you can Confess. Tell Him. “You are my refuge” (Ps 32[31]:7) and let there be nursed in you the love that alone leads to life.”…St Augustine (354-430) – Doctor of Grace

PRAYER – Lord God, renew Your Church with the Spirit of wisdom and love which You gave to St Augustine. Lead us by that same Spirit, to seek You, the only fountain of true wisdom and the source of everlasting love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, in union with the Spirit, one God, forever and ever. St Augustine, pray for the Church and for us all, amen. st augustine - pray for us - 28 aug 2018

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 August – The Memorial of Blessed Dominic Barberi of the Mother of God C.P. (1792-1849)

Posted on August 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 August – The Memorial of Blessed Dominic Barberi of the Mother of God C.P. (1792-1849)

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.”…Matthew 26:26 take and eat this is my body matthew 26 26 - 27 aug 2018

REFLECTION – “Jesus Christ said over the consecrated elements, “This is my body” you say “No. It is not his body!” Who then am I to believe? I prefer to believe Jesus Christ.”…Blessed Dominic Barberi (1792-1849)

PRAYER – O God, who so lovingly raised Blessed Dominic to the heights of holiness, learning and apostolic zeal and made him a powerful minister of Your mercy for the return of many of our separated brethren to the Catholic Church, grant to us here below, an abundant share of his virtues and deign, through his intercession, to grant us this particular grace. May we too, according to our state, contribute to the realisation of his desire for the union of all Christians in the one True Fold under the one Shepherd. We ask this through our Lord Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. bl dominic barberi pray for us 27 aug 2018

franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 August – Today’s Gospel: John 6:60–69

Posted on August 26, 2018August 26, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 August – 21st Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: John 6:60–69

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”...John 6:68-69

REFLECTION – “He does not say “where shall we go?” but “to whom shall we go?” The underlying problem, is not about leaving and abandoning the work undertaken but to whom to go. From Peter’s question, we understand, that fidelity to God is a question of fidelity to a person, to whom we bind ourselves, to walk together on the same road. And this person is Jesus. All that we have in the world does not satisfy our infinite hunger. We need Jesus, to be with Him, to be nourished at His table, on His words of eternal life!”…Pope Francis (Angelus, 23 August 2015)

“Be patient and persevere in the practice of meditation. Be content, to start with, to make progress only by degrees. Later on you will have legs that will ask for nothing but to run or, better, wings for flying with.
Be happy to obey. It’s never easy but it is God we have chosen as our portion. Accept that, as yet, you are only a little bee in its nest but, very quickly, it will become one of those wonderful workers so skilful in making honey. Always remain humble before God and men, in love. Then our Lord will speak to you in truth and enrich you with His gifts.”…St Pio of Pietrelcina “Padre Pio” (1887-1968)

PRAYER – Lord, by Your grace, we are made one in mind and heart. Give us a love for what You command and a longing for what You promise, so that, amid this world’s changes, our hearts may be set on the world of lasting joy. May the intercession of Your faithful servant, St Pope Zephyrinus, bring us strength and courage. As it was Your will heavenly Father, that, at the angel’s message, Your Word should be conceived by the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that as we believe her to be truly the Mother of God, so may we be helped always, by her intercession. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, ‘totus tuus’ Maria – please pray for us, amen. immaculate-mary-pray-for-us-26 aug 2017

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on TRUTH, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 23:1–12

Posted on August 25, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 25 August – Saturday of the Twentieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B, Today’s Gospel: Matthew 23:1–12 – The Memorials of Sts Louis IX, (1214-1270) King of France and St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648) Founder

“….so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach but do not practice.”...Matthew 23:3

REFLECTION – “Someone who is filled with the Holy Spirit speaks different languages (Acts 2:4). These different languages are differing testimonies to Christ, such as humility, poverty, patience and obedience. We speak them when, in practising them ourselves, we show them to others. The word is alive when it is our actions that speak. Please, I beg you, let words be silenced and actions speak! We are full of words but empty of deeds and because of this the Lord curses us just as he cursed the fig tree on which he found no fruit but only leaves (Mk 11:13f.). Saint Gregory says that: “The Law has been made known to the preacher so that he might practice what he preaches.” A person who spoils his teaching by his deeds is wasting his time spreading knowledge of the law.
But the apostles spoke according to the Spirit’s gift. Happy are those who speak according to the Spirit’s gift and not according to their own feelings… So let us speak as the Spirit gives us utterance. Let us humbly and devoutly ask Him to shed His grace within us.”..St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church (Sermons)

“All who undertake to teach must be endowed with deep love, the greatest of patience and, most of all, profound humility. They must perform their work with earnest zeal. Then, through their humble prayers, the Lord will find them worthy to become fellow workers with Him in the cause of truth.”…St Joseph Calasanz

PRAYER – God our Father, help us to teach others about You by our example as well as our words. Grant that we may spread Your truth and Your light wherever we go. St Louis, this is exactly what you sought to do, constantly serving God in penitence and prayer, ever mindful of His people. You lived the greatest commandment and strove always to be an example to your people through your great love for our Lord and for His Church. You gave St Joseph of Calasanz, remarkable gifts of priestly charity and patience. Grant that while we honour him as a master of wisdom, we may imitate him, by teaching the truth by our way of life. St Louis, St Joseph, please pray for our Priests and for us all! Amen st-louis-pray-for-us-2-25 aug 2017 st joseph calasanz pray for us - 25 aug 2018

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 24 August – The Feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle

Posted on August 24, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 24 August – The Feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle

“Here is a true child of Israel. There is no guile in him.”
Bartholomew/Nathanael answered him :
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

John 1:47-48

DOCTORS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 August – The Feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle of Christ – Today’s Gospel: John 1:45–51

Posted on August 24, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 24 August – The Feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle of Christ – Today’s Gospel: John 1:45–51

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”…John 1:51

REFLECTION – “The apostles’ glory is so indistinguishable and so bonded together by the cement of so many graces that in celebrating the feast of one of them the common greatness of all is called to our interior attention. For they share together the same authority of supreme judge, the same honourable rank and they hold the same power to bind and loose (Mt 19:28; 18:18). They are those precious pearls that Saint John tells us he beheld in the Book of Revelation out of which are constructed the gates of the heavenly Jerusalem (Rv 21:21.14)… And indeed, whenever the apostles beam divine light through their signs or miracles, they open up the heavenly glory of Jerusalem to all those peoples who have been converted to the christian faith…
Of them, too, the prophet says: “Who are these who fly along like clouds?” (Is 60:8)… God raises the minds of His preachers to contemplation of truths on high… so that they can abundantly pour down the rain of God’s word into our hearts. Thus they drink water from the spring so as to give drink to us too. Saint Bartholomew drew from the fullness of this spring when the Holy Spirit came upon him, as on the other apostles, in the form of tongues of fire (Acts 2:3).”… St Peter Damian (1007-1072) – Bishop, Doctor of the Church (Sermon 42, 2nd for Saint Bartholomew, PL 144, 726)

PRAYER – Almighty Lord and Father, strengthen in us that faith with which St Bartholomew gave himself wholeheartedly to Christ Your Son. Grant, at his intercession, that Your Church may become the Sacrament of salvation, for all the nations of the earth. We make our prayer through Jesus, our Lord and Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen. st-bartholomew-pray-for-us-24 aug 2017

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14 and the Memorial of St Rose of Lima (1586-1617)

Posted on August 23, 2018October 19, 2025 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 23 August -Today’s Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14 and the Memorial of St Rose of Lima (1586-1617)

“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’...Matthew 22:11-12 friend how did you get in here - matthew 22 12

REFLECTION – “What is that “wedding garment” then? … The wedding garment” is such charity as this. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.” Tongues have come in alone and it is said to them, “How came ye in hither not having a wedding garment?” “Though,” said he, “I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing.” See, these are the miracles of men who very often have not “the wedding garment.” “Though,” he says,” I have all these and have not Christ, I am nothing.” … If then I have not charity, though I bestow alms freely upon the poor, though I have come to the confession of Christ’s Name even unto blood and fire, these things may be done even through the love of glory and so are vain.
… For “the wedding garment” is taken in honour of the union, the union, that is, of the Bridegroom to the Bride. You know the Bridegroom – it is Christ. You know the Bride – it is the Church. Pay honour to the Bride, pay honour to the Bridegroom . If you pay due honour to them both, you will be their children. Therefore in this make progress. Love the Lord and so learn to love yourselves, that when by loving the Lord, you shall have loved yourselves, you may securely love your neighbour as yourselves.
…So then, have faith with love. This is the “wedding garment.”…St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor

“Thus, then, the obedient man,with the light of faith, in the truth burning in the furnace of charity … receives his end from Me, his Creator.”…St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – “God our Father, for love of You, St Rose of Lima left the world and gave herself to a life of penitence, austerity and charity. Help us by her prayers, so to follow the path of life on earth, in complete love of You and thus of Your children, that we may obtain the fulness of joy in Your presence in heaven and be clothed fit for the wedding feast. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-rose-of-lima-pray-for-us-23 aug 2017

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 19:23–30 and the Memorial of St Pope Pius X (1835-1914)

Posted on August 21, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 August – Tuesday of the Twentieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 19:23–30 and the Memorial of St Pope Pius X (1835-1914)

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life...Matthew 19:29 and everyone who has left - matthew 19 29 - 21 aug 2018

REFLECTION – “Despite all our feelings of woe or of well-being, God wants us to understand and to believe, that we are more truly in heaven than on earth. Our faith comes from the natural love of our soul and from the clear light of our reason and from the steadfast memory, which we have from God in our first creation. And when our soul is breathed into our body, at which time we are made sensual, at once mercy and grace begin to work, having care of us and protecting us with pity and love, in which operation the Holy Spirit forms in our faith the hope, that we shall return up above to our substance, into the power of Christ, increased and fulfilled through the Holy Spirit… For in the same instant and place in which our soul is made sensual, in that same instant and place exists the city of God, ordained for Him from without beginning (Heb 11:16; Rv 21:2-3). He comes into this city and will never depart from it, for God is never out of the soul, in which He will dwell blessedly without end.”…Julian of Norwich (1342-1430) Mystic & Recluse (Revelations of divine love, ch. 55)

“Catholics are part of the Church Militant. They struggle and they suffer for the triumph of Christ. They must never lose sight of their Divine Model, so that their trials will be turned into joy.”…St Pius X despite all our feelings of woe - julian of norwich - 21 aug 2018 they-struggle-and-they-suffer-st-pope-pius-x-21 aug 2017

PRAYER – Lord God, You filled the saints with strength and courage and gave them the knowledge of unity with You. Grant, we pray, that in imitation of St Pope Pius X, we may defend the Catholic faith and renew all things in Christ, Your Son. Help us Holy Father, to follow the example of St Pius and finally inherit eternal life ,with You and all the saints. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-pope-pius-pray-for-us-21 aug 2017

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 August – The Memorial of St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) “Doctor of Light”

Posted on August 20, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 August – The Memorial of St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) “Doctor of Light”

Hold fast to …. a good conscience. Some men, by rejecting the guidance of conscience, have made shipwreck of their faith…1 Timothy 1:19 hold fast to a good conscience - 1 tim 1 19 - 20 aug 2018

REFLECTION – “A good conscience is a treasury of riches. Indeed, what greater riches can there be – or what can be sweeter – than a good conscience?….St Bernard

PRAYER – All-knowing God, may we be able to stand in Your presence with a good conscience. Help us to avoid anything that would sully our conscience and do all we can, to remain united with You. We ask that by Your goodness, the prayers of St Bernard and St Maria de Mattias, may assist us to grow in sanctity and develop a holy conscience. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-bernard-pray-for-us-20 aug 2017 st maria de mattias pray for us - 20 aug 2018

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Sunday Reflection- 19 August – John 6:51-58

Posted on August 19, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Sunday Reflection – 19 August – John 6:51-58

“My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink”

The sacramental representation of Christ’s sacrifice, crowned by the resurrection, in the Mass involves a most special presence which – in the words of Paul VI – “is called ‘real’ not as a way of excluding all other types of presence as if they were ‘not real’, but because it is a presence in the fullest sense: a substantial presence whereby Christ, the God-Man, is wholly and entirely present”. This sets forth once more, the perennially valid teaching, of the Council of Trent, “the consecration of the bread and wine effects the change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord, and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. And the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called this change transubstantiation”.

Truly the Eucharist is a mysterium fidei, a mystery which surpasses our understanding and can only be received in faith, as is often brought out in the catechesis of the Church Fathers regarding this divine sacrament: “Do not see – Saint Cyril of Jerusalem exhorts – in the bread and wine merely natural elements, because the Lord has expressly said that they are his body and his blood: faith assures you of this, though your senses suggest otherwise”.

Before this mystery of love, human reason fully experiences its limitations. One understands how, down the centuries, this truth has stimulated theology to strive to understand it ever more deeply. These are praiseworthy efforts, which are all the more helpful and insightful to the extent that they are able to join critical thinking to the “living faith” of the Church… There remains the boundary indicated by Paul VI: “Every theological explanation… must firmly maintain that in objective reality, independently of our mind, the bread and wine have ceased to exist after the consecration, so that the adorable body and blood of the Lord Jesus from that moment on are really before us under the sacramental species of bread and wine”.

St Pope John Paul (1920-2005)

BREVIARY Prayers, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 August – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: John 6:51-58

Posted on August 19, 2018August 19, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 19 August – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: John 6:51-58

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”...John 6:51 i am the living bread - john 6 51 - 19 aug 2018

REFLECTION – “The Eucharist is Jesus Himself who gives Himself entirely to us. Nourishing ourselves on Him and abiding in Him through Eucharistic Communion, if we do so with faith, transforms our life: transforms it into a gift to God and to our brothers and sisters. Nourishing ourselves of that “Bread of Life” means entering into harmony with the heart of Christ, assimilating His choices, His thoughts, His behaviour. It means entering into a dynamism of love and becoming people of peace, people of forgiveness, of reconciliation, of sharing in solidarity. …Pope Francis – (Angelus, 16 August 2015)

PRAYER – Lord God, You have called us and prepared for those who love You, what no eye has seen, no ear has heard. Fill our hearts with Your love, so that loving You above all and in all, we may attain Your promises and become images of Your Son. With Mary our merciful and loving Mother who is constantly reaching down to assist us, to intercede for us and bring us to You, we make our prayer through Jesus our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. mary assumed into heaven pray for us - 19 aug 2018

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 August

Posted on August 18, 2018August 18, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 August – Saturday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 19:13–15 and the Memorials of St Alberto Hurtado (1901-1952) and St Helena (c 250 – c 330)

“Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”...Matthew 19:14

REFLECTION – “See how fortunate you are to care for these little ones who give God perfect praise and in whom God’s goodness takes such great pleasure, a pleasure that is, in a certain sense, just like that of mothers who have no greater consolation than to view the little acts of their children. They admire everything and love everything. In the same way that God, who is their Father, takes great pleasure in all their little doings.”…St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) [Addresses to the Daughters of Charity, 7/12/1643]

PRAYER – God almighty Father, grant that we may be instruments of welcome and of that love with which Jesus, Your Son, embraces the littlest ones. May we be a society of love and of holy parenting of all children, especially those most in need. St Alberto Hurtado, who so loved the poorest children of your world, intercede for us. St Helena, you were the support and love of your son, bringing him to the love of God and neighbour, pray for us. We make our prayer through Christ, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-alberto-pray-for-us-18 aug 2017 st helena pray for us - 18 aug 2018

CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES on MARRIAGE, MARRIED LOVE, QUOTES on TRUTH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection 17 August – Friday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 19:3–12

Posted on August 17, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection 17 August – Friday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 19:3–12

“‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh.”…Matthew 19:5-6

REFLECTION – “Jesus responds with the overwhelming truth, the blunt truth — this is the truth! — of fullness, always. And Jesus never negotiates the truth. And this small group of enlightened theologians always negotiated truth, reducing it to a case study. Jesus, on the contrary, does not negotiate truth – this is the truth about marriage and there is no other…Pope Francis (Santa Marta, May 20, 2016)

PRAYER – Lord our God,
creator of the universe and all living things,
You made man and woman in your own likeness (Gn 1:27)
and gave them loving hearts
with which to participate in Your work of love.
You willed that in this church today
the lives of your servants, N….. and N….., should be united,
and now You will that they may make their home together,
may seek to love each other more and more each day
and follow Christ’s example in His love for others
even to death on the cross.
Bless, strengthen and protect the love of these newlyweds;
may their love sustain their fidelity to each other,
bringing them happiness and enabling them to find in Christ
the joy of complete self-giving to the one they love.
May their love, like Yours, O Lord,
become a source of life;
may it make them ever attentive to the needs of their neighbours;
and may their home be open to all in need.
Supported by their love and the love of Christ,
may they play an active part
in building up a more just and fraternal world
and thus be faithful to their human and christian vocation.
Amen…The Roman Missal – Rite of marriage : Nuptial Blessing 5

	Santas e Santos do d… on Saint/s of the Day – 8 August…
	Santo Paschasius Rad… on Saint of the Day – 26 Ap…
	Santo Richarius… on Saint of the Day – 26 Ap…
	Santo Markus Penulis… on Saint of the Day – 25 Ap…
	Santa Maria Euphrasi… on Saint of the Day – 24 Ap…

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“The Second Paul”

“The Ladder to God”

St John Chrysostom, Pray for us!

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Excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI’s Homily – General Audience – 4 June 2009 St Pope Gregory the Great “Servant of the Servants” “Servus Servorum Dei”

St Pope Gregory the Great, “Servant of the Servants”, Pray for Us!

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St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father & Doctor of the Church “Father of the Fathers”

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And you Immaculata, who are our example, who are our constant intercessor, pray for us!

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St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr

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John 1:47-48

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St Pope John Paul (1920-2005)

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Excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI’s Homily – General Audience – 4 June 2009
St Pope Gregory the Great “Servant of the Servants” “Servus Servorum Dei”

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
Father & Doctor of the Church
“Father of the Fathers”