The WORD – Page 116

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

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

DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL Apostolic EXHORTATIONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

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!

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, The WORD

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

MORNING Prayers, The WORD

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

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!

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

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

	29 ta’ Jannar:… on Saint of the Day – 13 August –…
	ssrid1974 on Feast of Our Lady of Mount Car…
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	Saint of the Day – 2… on Saint of the Day – 21 Septembe…
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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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Mary, Immaculata, Pray for us! St Maximillian Kolbe, pray for us!

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“Come. You have my Father’s blessing!

Inherit the kingdom prepared for you”

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

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Pope Francis General Audience, 12 April 2017)

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)

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