The WORD – Page 116

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

One Minute Reflection – 16 August – The Memorial of St Stephen of Hungary (c 975- 1038) – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 18:21–19:1

Posted on August 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 August – The Memorial of St Stephen of Hungary (c 975- 1038) – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 18:21–19:1

“So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”…Matthew 18:35

If you show favouritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law…..James 2:9

REFLECTION – “Do not show favour only to relations and kin, or to the most eminent – whether they are leaders or the wealthy or neighbours or citizens of the same country. Show favour to all who come to you. By fulfilling your duty in this way, you will reach the highest state of happiness.”…St Stephen of Hungary

PRAYER – Just and Holy Father, help me to overcome all tendencies to show favouritism in my life. Let me treat all persons as brothers and sisters in Christ and work and pray for their salvation. As You forgive me, teach me Lord, to forgive all. Grant that the prayers of St Stephen of Hungary may continue to defend us, as he did in the world. Through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-stephen-of-hungary-pray-for-us-16 aug 2017

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 August – The Memorial of St Simplician (c 320-c 401)

Posted on August 15, 2018August 15, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 August – The Memorial of St Simplician (c 320-c 401) Bishop and Successor of St Ambrose (340-397) in the ArchDiocese of Milan.

“For I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand;
It is I who say to you, Do not fear, I will help you.”….Isaiah 41:13 isaiah-41-13-15 aug 2017

The Confessions – Book VIII – St Augustine’s Conversion to Christ: Augustine is deeply impressed by Simplicianus’ story of the conversion to Christ of the famous orator and philosopher, Marius Victorinus. He is stirred to emulate him but finds himself still enchained by his incontinence and preoccupation with worldly affairs. He is then visited by a court official, Ponticianus, who tells him and Alypius the stories of the conversion of Anthony and also of two imperial “secret service agents.” These stories throw him into a violent turmoil, in which his divided will struggles against himself. He almost succeeds in making the decision for continence but is still held back. Finally, a child’s song, overheard by chance, sends him to the Bible; a text from Paul resolves the crisis; the conversion is a fact. Alypius also makes his decision and the two inform the rejoicing Monica.

REFLECTION – “And Thou didst put it into my mind and it seemed good in my own sight, to go to Simplicianus, who appeared to me a faithful servant of Thine and Thy grace shone forth in him. I had also been told that from his youth up he had lived in entire devotion to Thee. He was already an old man and because of his great age, which he had passed in such a zealous discipleship in Thy way, he appeared to me likely to have gained much wisdom–and, indeed, he had. From all his experience, I desired him to tell me–setting before him all my agitations–which would be the most fitting way for one who felt as I did to walk in thy way.”…St Augustine (From the Confessions – Book VIII – Chapter 1)

PRAYER – “Go on, O Lord and act, stir us up and call us back, inflame us and draw us to Thee, stir us up and grow sweet to us, let us now love Thee, let us run to Thee. Are there not many men … who, out of a deeper pit of darkess.. return to Thee–who draw near to Thee and are illuminated by that light which gives those who receive it power from Thee to become Thy sons? “… (St Augustine – From the Confessions Book VIII – Chapter IV) St Simplician, pray for us, Amen.

CONSECRATION Prayers, franciscan OFM, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, ON the SAINTS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 14 August – The Memorial of St Maximillian Kolbe OFM Conv (1894 -1941)

Posted on August 14, 2018August 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 14 August – The Memorial of St Maximillian Kolbe OFM Conv (1894 -1941) “Martyr of Charity”and “Apostle of Consecration to Mary”

“Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

That verse certainly comes to mind whenever I think of St Maximilian Kolbe, whose feast we celebrate today. So it’s not surprising to read that these were the opening words of the papal decree introducing his Beatification. St Maximilian Kolbe was arrested in Poland in February of 1941 and in May sent to the Auschwitz death camp. As prisoner #16670, he eventually laid down his life for another prisoner on 14 August 1941, at the young age of 47.

Father Kolbe’s death was not a sudden, last-minute act of heroism. His whole life had been a preparation. His holiness was a limitless, passionate desire to convert the whole world to God. And his beloved Immaculata, was his inspiration.

St Maximillian is the patron saint of families, prisoners, journalists, political prisoners, drug addicts and the pro-life movement. St John Paul II declared him to be “the patron saint of our difficult century.” The evils which made the twentieth century so difficult were not left behind as we moved into the twenty-first century.

Let us continue to call upon the intercession of this saint and continue to come to Jesus through His mother, Mary, the Immaculata.

Daily Consecration Renewal to the Immaculata
By St Maximillian Kolbe

Immaculata, Queen and Mother of the Church,
I renew my consecration to you for this day
and for always, so that you might use me
for the coming of the Kingdom of Jesus in the whole world.
To this end, I offer you all my prayers,
actions and sacrifices of this day.
Amen daily-consecration-renewal-to-the-immaculata-by-st-maximillian-kolbe-14 aug 2017

Mary, Immaculata, Pray for us!
St Maximillian Kolbe, pray for us!

franciscan OFM, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – The Memorial of St Maximillian Kolbe (1894 -1941)

Posted on August 14, 2018August 13, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – The Memorial of St Maximillian Kolbe OFM Conv (1894 -1941) “Martyr of Charity”and “Apostle of Consecration to Mary”

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed…Luke 1:48

REFLECTION – “A man cannot rise any higher than this. The Immaculate is the highest degree of perfection and sanctity of a creature. No man will ever attain this celestial summit of grace, for the Mother of God is unique. However, he who gives himself without limits, to the Immaculate, will in a short time attain a very high degree of perfection and procure for God, a very great glory.”…St Maximillian Kolbe for behold - luke 1 48 - a man cannot rise any higher than this - st max kolbe - 14 august 2018

PRAYER – My Lord and my God, You who are the fruit of Mary’s blessed womb and the most Divine Son of our Father, grant that we may always have recourse to You, through her who bore You. Grant that she may help and comforus me and lead us to You. Mary, Holy and loving Mother of God, pray for us all. Grant O Lord, that through the intercession of St Maximillian, we may entrust ourselves to You through Your and our blessed Mother, amen. mary immaculate holy mother of god - pray for us - 28 may 2018 st-maximillian-pray-for-us-14 aug 2017

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

One Minute Reflection – 13 August -The Memorial of Blessed Mark of Aviano OFM Cap (1631-1699)

Posted on August 13, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 August -The Memorial of Blessed Mark of Aviano OFM Cap (1631-1699) – Today’s Psalm 148(147) 11-12

Let the kings of the earth and all peoples … Praise the name of the LORD... Psalm 148(147): 11-12

REFLECTION – “God knows that the scope of all of my works is only to do His will. My only interest is God’s glory and the good of souls. I am always an obedient son of Holy Mother Church and am ready to shed my blood and give my life for Her.”…. Blessed Mark of Aviano let the kings of the earth and all the peoples - psalme 148 11-12 and god knows that the scope of all - bl mark of aviano - 13 aug 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, who bestowed Your spirit of truth and of love in full measure on Blessed Mark of Aviano, grant that we, who are celebrating his feast, may be supported by his prayer and grow in perfection, as we follow his example. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. bl mark of aviano - pray for us - 13 august 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 12 August – Today’s Gospel: John 6:41–51

Posted on August 12, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 August – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: John 6:41–51

…the bread which I shall give, for the life of the world is my flesh...John 6:51

REFLECTION – “How could humankind, which remained riveted to the earth and subject to death, gain entry to immortality once more? Its flesh had to become assimilated to the life-giving force in God. Now, God the Father’s life-giving force is His Word, His only Son, and so it was He whom God sent as Saviour and Redeemer…
If you put a breadcrumb into oil, water or wine, it at once soaks up their properties. If you place iron into contact with fire it will shortly become full of the fire’s energy and, even though by nature it is only iron, will take on the appearance of fire. In the same way, then, God’s life-giving Word, by uniting Himself to the flesh He assumed, caused it to become life giving.
Did He not say: “Whoever believes in me has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” And again: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live for ever and the bread that I will give is my flesh… Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” So then, by eating the flesh of Christ, the Saviour of us all and drinking His blood, we have life in ourselves, we become one with Him, we remain in Him and He in us.
Therefore it is for Him to enter within us, through the Holy Spirit, in a way fitting to God and to mingle with our body, after a fashion, through the holy flesh and precious blood, we receive, under the forms of bread and wine, as our life-giving blessing. Indeed…, God has exercised His condescension towards our weakness and placed all His life-force into the elements of bread and wine, which are thus endowed with the spirit of His own life. So believe in it without hesitation, for our Lord Himself has clearly said: “This is my body” and “This is my blood”.”…St Cyril of Alexandria (380-444) Bishop, Father & Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, 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. Grant, we pray that by the prayers of St Jane de Chantal and Blessed Pope Innocent XI, we will be made always faithful and may Mary, the Mother of our life, lead us to our everlasting joy, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through Him, with Him and in Him, in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-jane-de-chantal-pray-for-us=12 august 2017 bl pope innocent xi - pay for us - 12 august 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 11 August – Saturday of the Eighteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 17:14–20

Posted on August 11, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 August – Saturday of the Eighteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 17:14–20

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”…Matthew 17:20

REFLECTION – “The word “faith” has one syllable but two meanings. First of all it is concerned with doctrine and it denotes the assent of the soul to some truth. Faith in this sense brings blessing and salvation to the soul, as the Lord said: “He who hears my word and believes in him who sent me, has eternal life.” (Jn 5:24)…
The word “faith” has a second meaning: it is a particular gift and grace of Christ. “To one is given throu gh the Spirit the utterance of wisdom and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing” (1Cor 12:8-9). Faith in the sense of a particular divine grace conferred by the Spirit is not, then, primarily concerned with doctrine but with giving a person powers quite beyond their natural capability. Whoever has this faith will say to a mountain: “Move from here to there” and it will move and anyone who can in fact say these words through faith and “believes without hesitation that they will come to pass,” (Mk 11:23) receives this particular grace. It is to this kind of faith that the Lord’s words refer: “If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed.” Now a mustard seed is small in size but its energy thrusts it upwards with the force of fire. Small are its roots, great the spread of its boughs and once it is fully grown the birds of the air find shelter in its branches (Mt 13:32). So too, in a flash, faith can produce the most wonderful effects in the soul.
Enlightened by faith the soul gazes at the glory of God so far as human nature allows and, even before the consummation of all things, ranging beyond the boundaries of the universe, it has a vision of the judgement and of God making good the rewards he promised. As far as it depends on you then, cherish this gift of faith that leads you to God and you will then receive the higher gift which no effort of yours can reach, no power of yours attain.”…Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (313-350) Bishop of Jerusalem, Father & Doctor of the Church (Baptismal Catechesis 5)

PRAYER – Holy God, grant we pray, Your Holy Spirit of love and divine grace to grow ever more in faith. By our prayers and love for You and our neighbour, may we merit Your divine assistance. Lord Jesus, help us to dwell often on the manner in which we are following You. Let us strive each day to become more and more like You in all things and, to become beacons of Your Light, to all the world. St Clare of Assisi, you who were a light to all, pray for us, amen. st-clare-of-assisi-pray-for-us-11 aug 2017

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

Thought for the Day – 10 August – Feast of St Lawrence, Martyr (died 258)

Posted on August 10, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 10 August – Feast of St Lawrence, Martyr (died 258)

When the archdeacon returned, instead of bringing vessels of gold and silver, he brought the poor of the city, saying, “Behold, these choice pearls, these sparkling gems that adorn the temple, these sacred virgins, I mean, and these widows who refuse second marriage…. Behold then, all our riches.”

“Come. You have my Father’s blessing!

Inherit the kingdom prepared for you”

Christ, that is to say, heavenly mercy, comes to the door of your house every day, not only spiritually to the door of your soul but also materially to the door of your house. For every time a poor person approaches your house, it is without any doubt Christ who is coming, He who said: “As often as you did it for one of these little ones, you did it for me.” So don’t harden you heart, give a little money to Christ, from whom you want to receive the Kingdom. Give a piece of bread to Him, from whom you hope to receive life. Welcome Him into your home, so that He might welcome you into His paradise. Give Him alms, so that in return He might give you eternal life.

What audacity to want to reign in heaven with Him to whom you refuse to give alms in this world! If you receive Him during this earthly journey, He will welcome you into His heavenly happiness; if you despise Him here in your homeland, He will turn His eyes away from you in His glory. A Psalm says: “In your city, Lord, you despise their image.” (Ps 72:20 Vulg.) If we despise those who are made in the image of God (Gen 1:26) in our city, that is to say, in this life, we must fear being rejected in His eternal city. So be merciful here below… Thanks to your generosity, you will hear that wonderful word said to you: “Come. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you”

Saint Caesarius of Arles (470-543), Monk and Bishop (Sermon 26 # 5)

St Lawrence, your total and complete response to Christ is our example today, please pray for us!

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Quote of the Day – 10 August – Feast of St Lawrence, Martyr (died 258) – Today’s Gospel: John 12:24–26

Posted on August 10, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 10 August – Feast of St Lawrence, Martyr (died 258) – Today’s Gospel: John 12:24–26 if anyone serves me - john 12 26 - 10 august 2018

“Jesus brought new hope into the world and He did so in the manner of the seed: He became very small, like a grain of wheat, He left his heavenly glory in order to come among us, He “fell into the earth”.
But this still was not enough.
In order to bear fruit, Jesus experienced love to the fullest, allowing Himself to be split open by death as a seed lets itself split open under the ground. Precisely there, at the lowest point of His abasement — which is also the loftiest point of love — hope burgeoned.
When we choose the hope of Jesus, we gradually discover, that the successful way of life is that of the seed, that of humble love. There is no other way to conquer evil and give hope to the world. But you might tell me: “No, it is a losing rationale!” . It might seem so, seem that it is a losing rationale because those who love, lose power. Have you considered this? Those who love, lose power; those who give, impart something and loving is a gift.
In reality, the rationale of the seed that dies, of humble love, is God’s way and only this bears fruit.”

Pope Francis General Audience, 12 April 2017)

“We must note, therefore,
that he that does things pleasing to God,
serves Christ but he that follows his own wishes,
is a follower, rather of himself and not of God.”

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)

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

One Minute Reflection – 10 August – Feast of St Lawrence, Martyr (died 258) – Today’s Gospel: John 12:24–26

Posted on August 10, 2018August 9, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 August – Feast of St Lawrence, Martyr (died 258) – Today’s Gospel: John 12:24–26

“If anyone serves me, he must follow me and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honour him.”…John 12:26 if anyone serves me - john 12 26 - 10 august 2018

REFLECTION – “Dear brothers, your faith recognises this seed fallen into the earth that death has multiplied. Your faith recognises it because it dwells in your hearts. No christian hesitates to believe what Christ said of Himself. But when this seed died and multiplied, many seeds were scattered on the earth. Saint Lawrence is one of them and today we celebrate the day when he was sown. We see what a tremendous harvest has sprung up from all those seeds scattered over all the earth and the sight fills us with joy, provided only that we ourselves belong to God’s grain store, by His grace.
For not everything that is harvested goes into the grain store. The same necessary and fruitful rain causes both good seed and straw to grow but we don’t store both of them in the barn. Now is the time for us to choose… Listen to me, you holy seed, for I have no doubt that it is here in abundance… Listen to me or, rather, listen to Him in me who was first called a good seed. Do not love your life in this world! If you truly love yourselves do not thus love your life and then you will save your life!.. “Whoever loves his life in this world will lose it.” It is the good seed who said that: the seed thrown into the ground who died that He might bear much fruit. Listen to Him because as He speaks so has He done. He both teaches us and shows us the way by example.
Christ wasn’t attached to the life of this world. He came into the world to be stripped of Himself, to give His life and take it up again when He willed… He, the true man, is true God, a sinless man that He might take away the sin of the world, clothed with power so great that He could truly say: “I have power to lay down my life and power to take it up again. No one can take it from me; it is I who lay it down and I who take it up again” (Jn 10,18)…. St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon 305) now is the time for us to choose - st augustine - 10 august 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, You inspired St Lawrence with so ardent a love that his life was renowned for the service of Your people and his death for the splendour of his martyrdom. Help us to love what he loved and to life as he showed us. St Lawrence, Martyr for Christ and His Church, pray for us. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever amen. st lawrence pray for us - 10 august 2018

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One Minute Reflection – 9 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 16:13–23

Posted on August 9, 2018August 9, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 August – Thursday of the Eighteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 16:13–23 and the Memorial of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891-1942) Martyr

“Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.“…Matthew 16:19 whatever you bind on earth - matthew 16 -19

REFLECTION – “Sin is before all else, an offence against God, a rupture of communion with Him. At the same time it damages communion with the Church. For this reason, conversion entails, both God’s forgiveness and reconciliation with the Church, which are expressed and accomplished liturgically, by the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

Only God forgives sin (Mk 2,7). Since He is the Son of God, Jesus says of Himself, “The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2,10) and exercises this divine power: “Your sins are forgiven” (v.5; Lk 7,48). Further, by virtue of His divine authority He gives this power to men to exercise in His name (Jn 20,21). Christ has willed that in her prayer and life and action, His whole Church should be the sign and instrument of the forgiveness and reconciliation that He acquired for us at the price of His blood. But He entrusted the exercise of the power of absolution, to the apostolic ministry, which He charged with the “ministry of reconciliation” (2Cor 5,18). The apostle is sent out “on behalf of Christ” with “God making his appeal” through him and pleading: ” Be reconciled to God” (v.20).

During His public life, Jesus not only forgave sins but also made plain the effect of this forgiveness, He reintegrated forgiven sinners, into the community of the People of God from which sin had alienated or even excluded them. A remarkable sign of this is the fact that Jesus receives sinners at His table (Mk 2,16), a gesture that expresses in an astonishing way, both God’s forgiveness and the return to the bosom of the People of God (cf. Lk 15; 19,9).”…Catechism of the Catholic Church – § 1440-1443

PRAYER – Lord our God, the Light and Creator of Light, grant that faithfully pondering on all that is holy, we may ever live in the splendour of Your presence. By the help and intercession of St Teresa Benedicta, You may never permit us to separate ourselves from You and thus we may come, to completion in You, Through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-teresa-benedicta-pray-for-us-9 aug 2017

DOMINICAN OP, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28

Posted on August 8, 2018August 8, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 August – Wednesday of the Eighteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28 and The Memorials of St Dominic (1170-1221) and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop (1842-1909)

Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly...Matthew 15:28

REFLECTION – “Jesus points to this humble woman as a model of unwavering faith. Her persistence in beseeching Christ’s intervention is incentive for us not to become discouraged, not to despair when we are burdened by life’s difficult trials. The Lord does not turn away in the face of our needs and, if at times, He seems insensitive to our requests for help, it is in order to put to the test and to strengthen, our faith. We must continue to cry out like this woman: “Lord, help me! Lord, help me!”. In this way, with perseverance and courage. This is the courage needed in prayer. He can help us to find our way, when we have lost the compass of our journey; when the road no longer seems flat but rough and arduous; when it is hard to be faithful to our commitments.

It is important to nourish our faith every day, by carefully listening to the Word of God, with the celebration of the Sacraments, with personal prayer as a “cry” to Him — “Lord, help me!” — and with concrete acts of charity toward our neighbour.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 20 August 2017

PRAYER – Lord God, You gave St Dominic and St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, to the Church in their days, as lessons in total love, charity and zeal. We pray that they may help us in our times, by their merits, their inspiration, their words and their prayers. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-dominic-pray-for-us.8 aug 2017.pg st mary of the cross mackillop pray for us 8 aug 2018

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 14:22–36

Posted on August 7, 2018August 7, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 August – Tuesday of the Eighteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 14:22–36

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”…Matthew 14:31-33

REFLECTION – “Today’s Gospel reminds us that faith in the Lord and in His Word does not open a way for us where everything is easy and calm, it does not rescue us from life’s storms. Faith gives us the assurance of a Presence, the presence of Jesus who encourages us to overcome the existential tempests, the certainty of a hand that grabs hold of us so as to help us face the difficulties, pointing the way for us even when it is dark.

Faith, in short, is not an escape route from life’s problems but it sustains the journey and gives it meaning. This episode offers a wonderful image of the reality of the Church throughout the ages – a boat that, as she makes the crossing, must also weather contrary winds and storms which threaten to capsize her. What saves her are not the courage and qualities of her men, the guarantee against shipwreck is faith in Christ and in his Word. This is the guarantee, faith in Jesus and in His Word. We are safe on this boat, despite our wretchedness and weaknesses, especially when we are kneeling and worshipping the Lord, like the disciples who, in the end, fell down before Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God!”...Pope Francis – Angelus, 13 August 2017 faith in short is not an escape route - pope francis - 7 aug 2018

PRAYER – Almighty God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, You enabled St Pope Sixtus II and his companions to lay down their lives for Your Word and to bear witness to Jesus, never fearing as they were tossed around in the tempest but always trusting in Your saving grace. Give us a ready and true faith, the courage to profess it and to hold tightly to the hand of Your Son in all of life’s storms. May the prayers of St Pope Sixtus, his companions and St Cajetan, fill us with strength. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st pope sixtus II - pray for us - 7 aug 2018 st-cajetan-pray-for-us.7 aug 2017

BREVIARY Prayers, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The TRANSFIGURATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection 6 August – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord – Today’s Gospel: Mark 9:2–10

Posted on August 6, 2018August 6, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection 6 August – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord – Today’s Gospel: Mark 9:2–10

And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”...Mark 9:7 this is my beloved son listen to him mark 9 7 - 6 aug 2018

REFLECTION – …”And the path of Jesus is another, Jesus triumphs through humiliation, the humiliation of the cross. But, as this would be a scandal for them, Jesus lets them see what will come next, what is after cross, what awaits us, all of us. This glory and this heaven. And this is very beautiful, very beautiful because Jesus and this feels good, always prepares us for the test. In one way or another but this is the message. It always prepares us. It gives us the strength to go on in moments of trial and to win with its strength. Jesus does not leave us alone in the trials of life, He always prepares us, He helps us as He prepares these (the disciples) with the vision of His glory. And so they remembered this moment, to bear the weight of the humiliation. And this is the first thing that the church teaches, that Jesus always prepares us and rehearses with us. He does not leave us alone, never!
“This is my beloved son. Listen to him.” This is the message which the Father gives to the Apostles, the message of Jesus prepares them to see His glory, the message of the Father is “Listen to him.” There is no moment in life which cannot be fully lived by listening to Jesus. In beautiful moments, stop and listen to Jesus, in bad moments, stop and listen to Jesus. This is the way, He will tell us what we need to do, always.”…Pope Francis 25 February 2018 he does not leave us alone never - pope francis - transfiguration homily feb 2018 - 6 aug 2018

PRAYER – Father, at the Transfiguration in glory of Your only-begotten Son, You confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness to Jesus of the prophets Moses and Elijah. You foreshadowed what we shall be when You bring our sonship to its perfection. Grant that by listening to the voice of Jesus, we may become heirs with Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever and may Mary, our tender and caring Mother, help us to be bright rays of the saving light of her Son Jesus. Amen mary beloved mother-pray for us all

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One Minute Reflection – 5 August – Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Posted on August 5, 2018August 5, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 August – Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: John 6:24-35

They said to him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.”…John 6″34-35 i am the bread of life - john 6 35 - 5 aug 2018

REFLECTION – “The soul’s bread is Christ, “the living bread that came down from heaven” (Jn 6:51) who gives food to His own, by faith here and by vision in the world to come. For Christ dwells in you by faith and faith in Christ is Christ in your heart (Eph 3:17). The measure of your faith in Christ is the measure of your possession of Him.
… In this gift I have received, I possess Christ wholly and Christ wholly possesses me, just as the member belonging to the whole body likewise possesses the body in its entirety. And so this portion of faith you have received as your share, is like the morsel of bread in your mouth. But unless you often devoutly meditate over what you believe, unless you chew over it, so to speak, moving it about and turning it over with your teeth, that is to say with your spiritual senses, it will never enter your throat, in other words it won’t get as far as your understanding.
For indeed, how could you understand anything that you reflect over only rarely and carelessly, especially when it concerns something subtle and unseen?… So, by means of meditation, let “the Law of the Lord be ever on your lips” (Ex 13:9) so that a sound understanding may be brought to birth within you. Through a good understanding spiritual food passes into your heart, so that you will not neglect what you have understood but will lovingly reflect over it.”…Guigo II the Carthusian “the Angelic” (?-1188) Prior of the Grande Chartreuse (Meditation 10 (SC 163, p. 181 rev.)

PRAYER – Forgive the sins of Your people Lord and since of ourselves, we are unable to do what pleases You, lead us on the way of salvation in Your divine Son who lives in us and gives us life. May the prayers of Mary, His Mother help us to constantly meditate on His eternal sustenance. He is our food, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, amen. blessed virgin mary mother of god - pray for us - 5 aug 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 August – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 13:54–58

Posted on August 3, 2018August 3, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 3 August – Friday of the Seventeenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 13:54–58 and The Memorial of Bl Augustine Gazotich O.P. (1262-1323)

Is not this the carpenter’s son?…And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief....Matthew 13:55,58

REFLECTION – “For if I do not understand the nature placed at my service, I discern Your goodness from the mere fact that it is there to serve me. I perceive that I do not even understand myself but I wonder at You all the more… You have given me intellect, life and human feeling, the source of so many joys, yet I do not begin to understand how I began to be…
So it is through failing to understand what surrounds me that I grasp what You are and it is through perceiving what You are that I come to adore You. That is why, in what concerns Your mysteries, my incomprehension lessens not a bit my faith in Your omnipotence… Your eternal Son’s birth exceeds even the idea of eternity; it is prior to the times everlasting. Before any other thing that exists, He was Son proceeding from You, O God and Father. He is true God… You have never existed without Him… Before ever time was, You are the eternal Father of Your Sole Begotten One.”…St Hilary (315-368) Bishop of Poitiers, Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – “So long as I enjoy that breath of life granted to me by You, Holy Father, Almighty God, I will proclaim You as God eternal but also as Father eternal. Never will I set myself up as judge of Your almighty power and mysteries; never will I set my limited understanding before the true appreciation of Your infinity; never will I claim You to have existed beforehand without Your Wisdom, Power and Word, God the Only-Begotten, my Lord Jesus Christ. For even though human language is weak and imperfect when it speaks of You, this will not inhibit my mind to the point of reducing my faith to silence for lack of words able to express the mystery of Your being…” (St Hilary) Lord God, You hold out the light of Your Word to those who do not know You. Strengthen in our hearts the faith You have given us, so that no trials may quench the fire Your Spirit kindled within us. Grant that the prayers of Bl Augustine Gazotich, may assist us to grow in love. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. bl augustine gazotich - pray for us 3 aug 2018

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One Minute Reflection – 2 August – The Memorial of St Peter Faber S.J. (1506-1546)

Posted on August 2, 2018August 2, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 2 August – The Memorial of St Peter Faber S.J. (1506-1546)

‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your almsgiving remembered before God.’...Acts 10:31

REFLECTION – “I then noted that by seeking God in good works through the spirit, one will more readily find Him afterwards in prayer than if one had sought Him first in prayer so as to find Him subsequently in good works, as is often done. For he who seeks and finds the spirit of Christ in good works makes much more solid progress than the person whose activity is limited to prayer alone.”…St Peter Faber cornelius your prayer has been heard and your acts 10 - 31 - I the noted - st peter faber - 2 aug 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, who gave blessed Peter to Your Church, to feed Your flock by his teaching and form them by his example, grant that by his intercession, we may keep the faith which he taught and follow in the way he walked. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st peter faber pray for us - 2 aug 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 1 August – The Memorial of St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church

Posted on August 1, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 1 August – The Memorial of St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church

May the Lord…make you overflow with love for one another and for all.…1 Thessalonians 3:12 1-thes-3-12-2-1 august 2017

REFLECTION – “The means for attaining perfect love is to accomplish frequent acts of love. Fire is kindled by the wood that we cast into it and love is enkindled by acts of love.”….St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Loving Father, grant me the grace to strive after perfect love. Help me to bring forth frequent acts of love, to all and sundry, to each of my neighbours, so that I may grow in this greatest of virtues… St Alphonsus Liguori pray for us, amen.

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Quote/s of the Day 30 July – The Memorial of St Peter Chrysologus “Golden Words” (c 400-450) Father & Doctor

Posted on July 30, 2018July 30, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day 30 July – The Memorial of St Peter Chrysologus “Golden Words”

(c 400-450) Father & Doctor

“Each of us is called to be both a sacrifice to God and His priest.
Do not forfeit what divine authority confers on you.
Put on the garment of holiness,
gird yourself with the belt of chastity.
Let Christ be your helmet,
let the cross on your forehead be your unfailing protection.
Your breastplate should be the knowledge of God
that He Himself has given you.
Keep burning continually the sweet smelling incense of prayer.
Take up the sword of the Spirit.
Let your heart be an altar.
Then, with full confidence in God, present your body for sacrifice.
God desires not death but faith;
God thirsts not for blood but for self-surrender;
God is appeased not by slaughter but by the offering of your free will.”

“He is The Bread sown in the virgin,
leavened in the Flesh,
moulded in His Passion,
baked in the furnace of the Sepulchre,
placed in the Churches
and set upon the Altars,
which daily supplies Heavenly Food to the faithful.”

“For he who touches
the Body of Christ unworthily,
receives his damnation.”

“Now that we are reborn,…
in the likeness of our Lord
and have indeed been adopted
by God as his children,
let us put on the complete image
of our Creator
so as to be wholly like Him,
not in the glory that He alone possesses
but in innocence, simplicity, gentleness,
patience, humility, mercy, harmony,
those qualities in which He chose to become
and to be, one with us.”

“The poor stretch out the hand
but God receives what is offered.”

” If you want God to know that you are hungry,
know that another is hungry.
If you hope for mercy, show mercy.
If you look for kindness, show kindness.
If you want to receive, give.
If you ask for yourself what you deny to others,
your asking is a mockery.”

“Anyone who wishes
to frolic with the devil
cannot rejoice with Christ.”

“We exhort you, in every respect, honourable brother,
to heed obediently what has been written
by the Most Blessed Pope of the City of Rome;
for Blessed Peter, who lives and presides in his own see,
provides the truth of faith to those who seek it.”

St Peter Chrysologus “Golden Words”

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

One Minute Reflection – 30 July

Posted on July 30, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 July – Monday of the Seventeenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Peter Chrysologus “Golden Words” (c 400-450) Father & Doctor

“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”..Matthew 13:33

REFLECTION – “Let us give the deep meaning of this parable. The woman who took some yeast is the Church; the yeast which she took is the revelation of heavenly doctrine; the three measures with which she mixed the yeast are the Law, the Prophets and the Gospels, where the divine meaning mixes itself and hides itself under symbolic terms, to be understood by the believer but escape those who do not believe. As for these words “until the whole batch was leavened”, they relate to what the apostle Paul says: “Now we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away” (1Co 13:9). The knowledge of God is now in the dough: it spreads to the senses, it inflates hearts, strengthens our minds and like all instruction, widens them, lifts them and opens them up to the dimensions of heavenly wisdom. Everything will soon be leavened. When? at the advent of Christ.”...St Peter Chrysologus

PRAYER – God our Father, You made St Peter Chrysologus a most eloquent preacher of Christ, Your Word. By his intercession, help us top meditate constantly in our hearts, on the mysteries by which You save us and to manifest them faithfully in our lives. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-peter-chrysologus-pray-for-us.30 july 2017jpg

MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 29 July – Today’s Gospel: John 6:1–15 and the Memorial of St Martha

Posted on July 29, 2018July 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 29 July – The Memorial of St Martha

One of the most precious things in life is to have a home where you can go at any time and find people who accept, love and understand you. Jesus found such a home in Bethany, at the house of a woman named Martha. She welcomed Him and served Him, and they developed a special bond of friendship.

Martha lived with her sister Mary. Like all other pairs of sisters, these two women were different in personality. Martha was energetic and outspoken, while Mary was quiet and reflective. Jesus loved both of them and appreciated the gifts that each one had.

The Gospels record that once, when Jesus was visiting, Martha prepared the meal while Mary sat talking to their visitor. Martha complained that Jesus should tell Mary to help her. Jesus said that because Martha was worrying so much about the work, she did not have time to enjoy being with Him and listening to His words.

Another time recorded in John’s Gospel, the sisters sent a message to Jesus that their brother, Lazarus, was ill. They knew Jesus would come and cure him; they trusted in His loving care for them. When Jesus finally came, Lazarus had already been dead for four days . As soon as she heard that Jesus was nearby, Martha, a woman of action, went out to meet Him, while Mary stayed in the house. In her grief, Martha told Jesus honestly what she had expected from Him. Jesus asked her to believe that He was the resurrection and that He had power to give eternal life to all who believe in Him. Without really understanding this mystery, Martha trusted Jesus totally and said, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world” (John 11:27). That day Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead, showing that He has power over life and death and power to give eternal life. i believe that you athe christ - st martha - john 11 27 - 29 july 2018

The home Jesus found in Bethany was not only in the house but in the faithful heart of a woman named Martha.

St Martha, Pray for us!

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 July – Today’s Gospel: John 6:1–15 and the Memorial of St Martha

Posted on July 29, 2018July 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 July – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Today’s Gospel: John 6:1–15 and the Memorial of St Martha

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” – Luke 10:42

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

St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor
(Sermo 103, 1-2, 6: PL 38, 613, 615)

One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him,
“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?”…John 6:8-9

“Before the suffering, loneliness, poverty
and difficulties of so many people,
what can we ourselves do?
Complaining doesn’t resolve anything
but we can offer the little that we have,
like the lad in the Gospel.
We surely have a few hours of time, certain talents, some skills….
Who among us doesn’t have “five loaves and two fish” of his own?
We all have them!
If we are willing to place them in the Lord’s hands,
they will be enough to bring about a little more love,
peace, justice and especially joy in the world.”

Pope Francis – Angelus, 26 July 2015

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

One Minute Reflection – 29 July – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Today’s Gospel: John 6:1–15

Posted on July 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 July – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Today’s Gospel: John 6:1–15

“This is indeed the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world!”…John 6:14

REFLECTION – “The disciples say that they have only five loaves and two fish. The five loaves signified that they were still subject to the five books of the Law and the two fish that they were fed by the teachings of the prophets and John the Baptist… This was what the apostles had to offer to begin with since this was the point they were at and it was from this point, that the preaching of the Gospel began…
Our Lord took the loaves and the fish. He raised his eyes to heaven, said the blessing and broke them. He gave thanks to the Father because the Good News was being changed into food after centuries of the Law and the prophets… The loaves were then given to the apostles, it was at their hands, that the gifts of divine grace were to be handed out. Then the people were fed with the five loaves and two fish and, when those who were invited were satisfied, the leftovers of bread and fish were so plentiful that twelve baskets were filled with them. What this means is that the crowd was filled with God’s word coming from the teaching of the Law and the prophets. But it is an abundance of divine power, kept aside for the gentiles, that overflows after the provision of the food that lasts forever. It comes to its full complement, that of the number twelve, the same as the number of the apostles. Now, it happens that the number of those who ate is the same as that of those who would come to believe: five thousand men (Mt 14:21; Acts 4:4).”…St Hilary (c 315-367) Bishop of Poitiers, Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Lord God, protector of those who hope in You, without whom nothing is strong, nothing holy, support us always with Your love. Help us to offer our own ‘loaves and fishes’ our own talents and possessions, to feed all who need our care. May the prayers of St Martha grant us Your grace to serve Christ faithfully in our brethren and guide us so to use the good things of this world, that even now, we may hold fast to what endures forever, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen st-martha-pray-for-us-29 july 2017

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 July – Today’s Gospel: 13:24-30.

Posted on July 28, 2018July 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 July – Saturday of the Sixteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: 13:24-30 and The First Memorial of Blessed Stanley Francis Rother (1935-1981) Martyr

‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?’…Matthew 13:27

REFLECTION – “In today’s gospel, my friends, we see that when the owner of the field had sowed his seed in good soil, the enemy came while he was sleeping and sowed weeds in it. What this means is that God created Man good and perfect but the enemy came and sowed sin. This was Adam’s downfall, a terrible fall that opened the door to sin in the human heart.
Are you saying that we must pull out the weeds? “But no,” the Lord replies, “for fear that in pulling up the weeds you pull up the good seed as well. Wait until harvest.” This is how the human heart must remain until the end, a mixture of good and bad, vice and virtue, light and darkness, good seed and weeds. God did not wish to destroy this mix and refashion a nature in us where there would be nothing but good seed. He wants us to fight, to strive to prevent the weeds from taking over. The devil comes to sow temptation across our path but we are able to overcome it by grace, we can smother the weeds. Three things are absolutely necessary against temptation: prayer to enlighten us, the sacraments to strengthen us and vigilance to preserve us. Happy are souls that are tempted! It is when the devil discerns that a soul is tending towards union with God that he redoubles his rage.”…St John Marie Vianney (1786-1859)

PRAYER – All-powerful and ever-living God, splendour of true light and never-ending day, chase away the night of sin and fill our minds with the glory of Your coming. Take away our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh, help us in our battle with sin and the devil. By our prayers, Your holy sacraments and the strength of the Holy Spirit, may we be ever vigilant of the evil one. Blessed Stanley Rother, although evil surrounded you, you kept your eyes on the Lord, knowing He was always with you. Hear the prayers of Blessed Stanley on our behalf dear Lord. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. bl stanley rother - pray for us - 28 july 2018

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Thought for the Day – 27 July – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 13:18–23

Posted on July 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 July – Friday of the Sixteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 13:18–23

“As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it;
he indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty and in another thirty.”…Matthew 13:23

“Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus invites us today to look inside ourselves: to give thanks for our good soil and to tend the soil that is not yet good.

Let us ask ourselves if our heart is open to welcome the seed of the Word of God with faith.

Let us ask ourselves if our rocks of laziness are still numerous and large; let us identify our thorns of vice and call them by name.

Let us find the courage to reclaim the soil, to effect a conversion of our heart, bringing to the Lord in Confession and in prayer, our rocks and our thorns.” …Pope Francis (Angelus, 16 July 2017)

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us!

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 27 July

Posted on July 27, 2018July 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 27 July – Friday of the Sixteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 13:18–23

“The way Jesus shows you is not easy.
Rather, it is like a path winding up a mountain.
Do not lose heart!
The steeper the road, the faster it rises towards ever wider horizons.”

St Pope John Paul (1920-2005)

FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 July – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 13:18–23

Posted on July 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 July – Friday of the Sixteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 13:18–23

“As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”...Matthew 13:23

REFLECTION – “Indeed, you all know how land is cultivated. First of all you pull out the weeds and throw away the stones, then you work the ground itself. You do it again a second time, a third time and finally… you sow. Oh, let it be like this in our souls! First of all let us uproot the weeds, that is to say our evil thoughts; then take out the stones, in other words all our malice and obstinacy. Finally, let us work our hearts with the plough of the Gospel and the ploughshare of the cross. Let us break it by repentance, turn over the soil with almsgiving and with charity, prepare it for the seed of Our Lord… that it may joyfully receive the seed of the divine word and bring forth fruit, not just thirty but sixty and a hundredfold.”...St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Monk & Bishop (Sermons to the people, no.6 passim ; SC 175)

PRAYER – A pure heart create for me O God, put a steadfast spirit within me! (Ps 50[51]) Lord God, bestow a full measure of Your grace to us. Keep us within in the path of Your commandments, help us to work on the earth of our souls, rooting out the weeds and casting forth the stones of malice. Grant that by the prayers of St Pope Celestine, who faced so many stones of heresy, we may succeed in attaining sanctity. Through Christ, our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen. st pope celestine I pray for us - 27 july 2018.jpg

BREVIARY Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The CHRIST CHILD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 July – The Memorial of Sts Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgina nd Grandparents of Jesus

Posted on July 26, 2018July 26, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 July – The Memorial of Sts Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgina nd Grandparents of Jesus

How wonderful is God among his saints; come, let us adore him…..Psalm 94 how wonderful is godamong his saints - psalm 94 - 26 july 2018

REFLECTION – “Joachim and Anne, how blessed a couple! All creation is indebted to you. For at your hands the Creator was offered a gift excelling all other gifts: a chaste mother, who alone was worthy of Him. Joachim and Anne, how blessed and spotless a couple! You will be known by the fruit you have borne, as the Lord says: “By their fruits you will know them.” The conduct of your life pleased God and was worthy of your daughter. For by the chaste and holy life you led together, you have fashioned a jewel of virginity: she who remained a virgin before, during and after giving birth . She alone for all time would maintain her virginity in mind and soul as well as in body. Joachim and Anne, how chaste a couple! While leading a devout and holy life in your human nature, you gave birth to a daughter nobler than the angels, whose queen she now is.” – from a sermon by Saint John Damascene (675-749) – Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – O Lord, God of our Fathers, who bestowed on Saints Joachim and Anne this grace, that of them should be born the Mother of your incarnate Son, grant, through the prayers of both, that we may attain the salvation you have promised to your people. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Sts Joachim and Anne, pray for us! Amen sts-anne-and-joachim-pray-for-us- 26 july 2017

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 24 July – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50

Posted on July 24, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 24 July – Tuesday of the Sixteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven,
is my brother and sister and mother.”…Matthew 12:50

It is a matter of real sorrow when God has given us strength to break stronger fetters, those of vanity and sin, that we neglect our own progress and the attainment of such great blessings, because we will not detach ourselves from trifles.
Not only do we not advance, we fall back.
For it is well known, that on the spiritual road, not to go on overcoming self, is to go backwards and not to increase our gain, is to lose.
As wood can never be transformed into fire, if one necessary degree of heat is missing, so the soul, that has even one imperfection, can never be perfectly transformed in God.

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

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One Minute Reflection – 24 July 2018 – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50

Posted on July 24, 2018July 23, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 24 July 2018 – Tuesday of the Sixteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50 and the Memorial of St Charbel Makhluf (1828-1898)

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven, is my brother and sister and mother.”…Matthew 12:50

REFLECTION – “His mother is the whole Church, since it is she, who, by God’s grace, gives birth to Christ’s members, that is to say, those who are faithful to Him. Again, His mother is every holy soul who does the Father’s will and whose fruitful charity is made known in those, to whom she gives birth for Him, “until he has been formed in them” (cf Gal 4:19)…St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor

PRAYER – Almighty Father, You made us Your children, You called us from all ages and You formed us by Holy Mother Church. Grant, we pray, that by Your grace, we may be ever faithful to her and be guided by Your Holy Spirit of love. O God may Your holy Saint Charbel Makhluf intercede for us that, being made imitators of the Lord’s Passion, we may merit to be co-heirs of His Kingdom. Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen. st-charbel-pray-for-us 24 july 2017(1)

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