The WORD – Page 118

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One Minute Reflection – 3 July – Feast of St Thomas Apostle – Today’s Gospel: John 20:24-29.

Posted on July 3, 2018July 3, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 3 July – Feast of St Thomas Apostle – Today’s Gospel: John 20:24-29.

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”...John 20:24-25 unless i see the mark - john 20 - 25 - st thomas - 3 july 2018

REFLECTION – “This was, therefore, a work of divine providence, that the separation of the disciple, would become a harbinger of increasing safety and surety. For if Thomas had not been absent, he would not have doubted; and, if he would not have doubted, he would not have sought strangely; and, if he would not have sought, he would not have felt; and, if he would not have felt, he would not have been convinced of the Lord and God; and, if he did not call Him Lord and God, then neither would we have been taught to hymn Him thus. For Thomas, by not being present, has led us towards the truth and later, became more confirmed regarding the faith.”… St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor this was therefore a work of divine providence - st john chrysostom - 3 july 2018

PRAYER – Father, let our celebration on the feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle, be the source of his unfailing help and protection. Fill us with Your life-giving grace through our faith in Your Son, Jesus the Christ, whom Thomas acknowledged to be his Lord and his God. We make our prayer, through our Lord Jesus in union with the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever and ever, amen. st-thomas-pray-for-us-3 july 2017

franciscan OFM, Lady POVERTY, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The WORD, Uncategorized

Thought for the Day – 2 July – “The poverty that makes rich.”

Posted on July 2, 2018July 2, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 2 July – Monday of the Thirteenth Week, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 8:18-22

“The poverty that makes rich.”

Excerpt from the “Sacrum Commercium” – “The Sacred Exchange between St Francis and Lady Poverty”

“And when He had fulfilled all those
Things of which you have spoken,
and desired to return to the Father Who had sent Him,
He made me a Testament to His Elect
and confirmed it by irrefragable Decrees :

Lay not up Gold nor Silver, nor Money.
Carry neither Purse, nor Scrip, nor Bread, nor a Staff, nor Shoes, nor two Coats.
And if any Man will contend with thee and take away thy Coat,
let go thy Cloak also. And whoever shall compel thee to go a mile,
go with him other twain.
Lay not up unto yourselves Treasures upon Earth,
where Rust and Moth doth corrupt
and where Thieves break through and steal.
Take no thought, saying:
What shall we eat, or what shall we drink,
or wherewithal shall we be clothed?
And take no thought of the morrow,
for the morrow will take thought for itself.
Sufficient unto the Day is the Evil thereof.
Whosoever doth not renounce
all that he hath, cannot be my
disciple . . . And many the
like sayings, which are all to
be found in the Gospels.”

The Sacred Exchange between Saint Francis and Lady Poverty, is one of the richest texts of the early Franciscan movement, “the single most brilliant example of the simple but lapidary allegory which was to become a major mode of spiritual writing in the later Middle Ages.” An allegory offering insights into Francis’s vision of poverty, the Sacred Exchange weaves a luxuriant tapestry of images held together by the strong threads of a biblical theology. For all of its richness, however, no text of these first hundred and fifty years is more mysterious. Like the weaver of an undated tapestry, the author of the Sacred Exchange is content to hide obscurely making sure that the ends and threads are in their proper place that the beauty and exactness of his work may be seen. Although there are many names suggested, the author of the Sacred Exchange still remains unknown. The same holds true for the date of its composition though it is believed by solid historical explorations, to date from late 13th century.

The allegory is an exhortation written to encourage Francis’s followers to live in the authentic way of the saint’s biblical vision of poverty. The central figure of the work is Lady Poverty, the personification of biblical Wisdom and, at times, of the Church.
The Passage above is one of the most profound, as each word is taken from scripture and bound together into a poem of immense richness.
This is a lesson we now need to embrace, as difficult as it would seem in the world in which we live, the world led only by riches. For this is a true desire for sanctity, with Christ alone as our riches!

St Francis, Pray for us!

Lady POVERTY, MORNING Prayers, MYSTICS, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 2 July

Posted on July 2, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 2 July – Monday of the Thirteenth Week, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 8:18-22

Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens
and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man
has nowhere to rest his head.”…Matthew 8:20

“He [ Jesus] is our clothing,
that for love wraps us and winds us,
embraces us and totally encloses us,
hanging about us in tender love.”

Julian of Norwich (c 1342-c 1430)

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

One Minute Reflection – 2 July – Monday of the Thirteenth Week, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 8:18-22

Posted on July 2, 2018July 2, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 2 July – Monday of the Thirteenth Week, Year B – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 8:18-22 and the Memorial of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg (1369-1387)

Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”…Matthew 8:20

REFLECTION – “Hence the blessed apostle Peter, when he was going up to the temple and was asked for alms by a lame man, said, “I have neither silver nor gold but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise and walk” (Acts 3:6)… And Peter, that poor man, who did not have anything to give him who asked for alms, bestowed so great a gift of divine grace that, not content with setting one man upright on his feet, he healed those many thousands of believers in their hearts by giving them faith.”…St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father & Doctor foxes have dens - matthew 8 - 20 and peter, that poor man, - st leo the great - 2 july 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, be the beginning and the end of all that we are and do and say. Prompt our actions with Your grace, may Your light be our only way, may Your commands be our only need and complete all, with Your all-powerful help. Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, who was the rich young man made poor, pray for us! We make our prayer through Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever and ever, amen. bl peter of luxembourg pray for us - 2 july 2018

MORNING Prayers, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 1 July – The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Mark 5:21-43.

Posted on July 1, 2018July 1, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 1 July – The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Mark 5:21-43.

The woman healed and the girl raised, have some things in common:

they are female;
they are both called daughter;
and they are linked by the number twelve.

The number is a sign of the restoration of the twelve tribes of Israel at the end of time, a sign of the Messiah and the eschaton – the last things, the final event in the Divine plan.

Israel is also known as the daughter or even, the bride of God (Hos 2:19-21).

In these miracles today, Jesus shows that He has come to bring daughter Israel to health and full life. The healings that connect these daughters of Israel are signs of the spiritual wholeness and the destruction of death that the Messiah brings. And since we know that “God does not delight in the death of the living” (Wis 1:13), we know that new life for the restored people of Israel, was a sign of the offer extended to the whole world. Wherever death comes to destroy, faith in Christ’s power is sufficient, even unto death.

The divine power leaves Jesus in order to flow into us on the Cross and in the Eucharist.

“She touched the hem of His garment, she approached Him in a spirit of faith, she believed and she realised that she was cured… so we too, if we wish to be saved, should reach out in faith to touch the garment of Christ” ...St Ambrose (340-397 Father & Doctor), Expositio Evangelii sec. Lucam, VI, 56. 58.

so we too, if we wish to be saved - st ambrose - 1 july 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 1 July – The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Mark 5:21-43

Posted on July 1, 2018June 30, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 1 July – The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Mark 5:21-43

“I say to you, arise!”...Mark 5:41

REFLECTION – “Then He entered the room where the child was and, taking the child by the hand, said to her: ‘Talitha koum’. The girl arose immediately and walked around.’ Let us desire Jesus to touch us and at once we too will walk. Whether we are paralysed or whether we commit wrongful deeds, we find ourselves unable to walk. Perhaps we are lying on the bed of our sins as if on a real bed. No sooner will Jesus touch us than we shall at once be healed.”…St Jerome (347-420) Father & Doctor mark 5 41 - I say to you arise - let us desire Jesus to touch us - st jerome - 1 july 2018

PRAYER – “By Your grace, Lord, touch our hands, we who are lying down; raise us up from the bed of our sins; cause us to walk. When we have walked, give the command that we should be given something to eat. Lying down, we cannot walk and, if we are not upright, we cannot receive the body of Christ, to whom be glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for endless ages. Amen”…St Jerome (347-420) Father & Doctor by your grace Lord, touch our hands - 1 july 2018 - st jerome.jpg

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Posted on June 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

“Their sound has gone out into all the earth
and their words to the ends of the world”

Psalm 19

“Where Peter is,
there is the Church.
Where the Church is,
there is Jesus Christ.
Where Jesus Christ is,
there is eternal salvation.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
One of the original four Doctors of the Church

“There is one day for the passion of two apostles.
But these two also were as one;
although they suffered on different days, they were as one.
Peter went first, Paul followed.
We are celebrating a feast day, consecrated for us by the blood of the apostles.
Let us love their faith, their lives, their labours,
their sufferings, their confession of faith, their preaching.”

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church

“There must be general rejoicing, dearly beloved,
over this holy company whom God has appointed
for our example in patience and for our confirmation in faith.
But we must glory even more in the excellence of their fathers,
Peter and Paul, whom the grace of God has raised
to such a height among all the members of the Church
that He has set them like twin lights
of eyes in that Body whose head is Christ.”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father & Doctor of the Church

Today the Lord repeats to me, to you…: Follow Me!
Waste no time in questioning or in useless chattering;
do not dwell on secondary things but look to what is essential and follow Me.
Follow Me without regard for the difficulties.
Follow Me in preaching the Gospel.
Follow Me by the witness of a life shaped by the grace you received in baptism….. and holy orders.
Follow Me by speaking of Me, to those with whom you live, day after day,
in your work, your conversations and among your friends.
Follow Me by proclaiming the Gospel to all, especially to the least among us,
so that no one will fail to hear the word of life,
which sets us free from every fear
and enables us to trust in the faithfulness of God.
Follow Me!

Pope Francis – Homily 29 June 2014

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One Minute Reflection – 29 June – The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Posted on June 29, 2018June 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 June – The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 16:13–19

And I tell you, you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” …Matthew 16:18-19 ON THIS ROCK - MATTHEW 16 18

REFLECTION – “And so it is with Rome, where the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, gave with their blood their final witness. The vocation of Rome is of apostolic origin and the ministry which it is our lot to exercise here, is a service for the benefit of the entire Church and of mankind. But it is an irreplaceable service, because it has pleased the Wisdom of God to place the Rome of Peter and Paul, so to speak, on the road that leads to the eternal City, by the fact that Wisdom chose to confide to Peter—who unifies in himself the College of Bishops—the keys of the kingdom of heaven. What remains here, not through the effect of man’s will but through the free and merciful benevolence of the Father and the son and the Holy Spirit, is the soliditas Petri, such as our predecessor Saint Leo the Great extolled in unforgettable terms: “Saint Peter does not cease to preside over his See and preserves an endless sharing, with the Sovereign Priest. The firmness that he received from the Rock which is Christ, he himself, having become the Rock, transmits it equally to his successors.”…Blessed Pope Paul VI (1897-1978) – Exhortation on Christian Joy, 1975 and so it is with rome - bl paul VI - 29 june 2018.jpg

PRAYER – Lord our God, You give us the great joy of devoting this day to the honour of the apostles Peter and Paul. Provide us, by their intercession, with help for our eternal salvation. Grant that Your Church may follow their teaching to the full, because these are the men who first taught us to worship You in Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. sts-peter-and-paul-pray-for-us-29 June 2017

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One Minute Reflection – 28 June

Posted on June 28, 2018June 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 June – The Memorial of St Irenaeus of Lyons (c 135 – c 202) Father of the Church – Today’s Readings: 2 Kings 24:8-17, Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9, Matthew 7:21-29

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name; deliver us and forgive our sins, for thy name’s sake!…Psalm 79(78):9

REFLECTION – “For this is why the Word became man and the Son of God became the Son of man – so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.”… St Irenaeus help us o god of our salvation - psalm 79 or 78 - 9 - for this is why the word became man - st irenaeus - 28 june 2018

PRAYER – Grant us Lord, a true knowledge of salvation, so that, freed from fear and from the power of our foes, we may serve You faithfully, according to Your Word, all the days of our life. Grant that by the prayers of St Irenaeus, we may always work for the truth, for unity and for love and peace. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever, amen. st irenaeus - pray for us - 28 june 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 27 June – Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 7:15-20

Posted on June 27, 2018June 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 June – Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 7:15-20

“Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.”…Matthew 7:17

REFLECTION – ” I recommend great fidelity to the movements of the Holy Spirit. Your baptism and confirmation have implanted it like a living fountain in your soul. Listen to His whisperings and put to flight all other inspirations with one blow. If you keep this fidelity, little by little the divine Spirit will become your guide and will bear you along with Him into the bosom of God.
”Sursum corda”: “Lift up your hearts”, the introductory words to the preface of the Mass.”…Blessed Columba Marmion (1858-1923) Abbot matthew 7-17 just so, every good tree - bl columba marmion - I recommend great fidelity - 27 june 2018

PRAYER – God our Father, You open the gates of the kingdom of heaven to those who are born again of water and the Holy Spirit. Increase the grace You have given, so that the people who have been purified from all sin, may not forfeit the promised blessing of Your love. Grant that the Holy Spirit may ever guide and bear us in His inspiration. We make our pray through Christ, our Lord, in union with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen may the holy spirit kindle in us all

NOVENAS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 June – The Memorial of St Josemaria Escrivá (1902-1975)

Posted on June 26, 2018June 26, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 June – The Memorial of St Josemaria Escrivá (1902-1975) – Today’s Gospel Matthew7:6.12-14.

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”…Matthew 7:12-14

REFLECTION – “Never say of anybody under you: he is no good. It is you who are no good, for you cannot find a place where he will be of use.”…The Furrow #975
“…He does not give us this standard as a distant target, as a crowning point of a whole lifetime of struggle. It is — it ought to be, I repeat so that you may turn it into specific resolutions — the starting point, for Our Lord presents it as a sign of Christianity: ‘By this shall all men know that you are my disciples.'”…Friends of God #223
“All the things of this world are no more than earth. Place them in a heap under your feet and you will be so much the nearer to heaven.”…The Way #676 never say of anyone - he does not give us - all the things of this world - st josemaria - 26 june 2018

PRAYER – Enable me loving Father, to live a life of purity that will make me live in You. Let me be so united with You that whatever I might ask will be in total accord with Your will for me. St Josemaria, your inspiration and teachings help and show us the way to sanctification, please intercede for us all, amen. st-josemaria-pray-for-us-28 june 2017

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Thought for the Day – 25 June – Monday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 7:1-5 & The Memorial of St Maximus of Turin (? – c 420)

Posted on June 25, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 25 June – Monday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 7:1-5 & The Memorial of St Maximus of Turin (? – c 420)

“Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye”

Love — caritas — is an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace. It is a force that has its origin in God, Eternal Love and Absolute Truth. Each person finds his good by adherence to God’s plan for him, in order to realise it fully: in this plan, he finds his truth, and through adherence to this truth he becomes free (cf. Jn 8:32)…

Charity is love received and given. It is “grace”. Its source is the wellspring of the Father’s love for the Son, in the Holy Spirit. Love comes down to us from the Son. It is creative love, through which we have our being; it is redemptive love, through which we are recreated. Love is revealed and made present by Christ (cf. Jn 13:1) and “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5). As the objects of God’s love, men and women become subjects of charity, they are called to make themselves instruments of grace, so as to pour forth God’s charity and to weave networks of charity.

This dynamic of charity received and given is what gives rise to the Church’s social teaching…: the proclamation of the truth of Christ’s love in society. This doctrine is a service to charity but its locus is truth… Development, social well-being, the search for a satisfactory solution to the grave socio-economic problems besetting humanity, all need this truth. What they need even more is that this truth should be loved and demonstrated. Without truth, without trust and love for what is true, there is no social conscience and responsibility and social action ends up serving private interests and the logic of power, resulting in social fragmentation, especially in a globalised society at difficult times like the present….Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical « Caritas in veritate

“To illustrate this view of Maximus’ ministry in his city, I would like to point out for example Sermons 17 and 18, dedicated to an ever timely topic: wealth and poverty in Christian communities. In this context too, the city was fraught with serious tensions. Riches were accumulated and hidden. “No one thinks about the needs of others”, the Bishop remarked bitterly in his 17th Sermon. “In fact, not only do many Christians not share their own possessions but they also rob others of theirs. Not only, I say, do they not bring the money they collect to the feet of the apostles but in addition, they drag from priests’ feet their own brethren who are seeking help”. And he concluded: “In our cities there are many guests or pilgrims. Do what you have promised adhering to faith, so that what was said to Ananias will not be said to you as well: “You have not lied to men but to God'” (Sermon 17, 2-3).”…Pope Benedict Homily on St Maximus 31 October 2007

St Maximus of Turin, Pray for us!

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One Minute Reflection – 25 June – Monday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B

Posted on June 25, 2018June 25, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 25 June – Monday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B

“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”…Matthew 7:5

REFLECTION – “Let us especially resolve not to judge others, not to doubt their good will, to drown evil in an abundance of good, sowing loyal friendship, justice and peace all around us.”… St Josemaria Escriva (1902-1975) matthew 7-5 you hyprocrite - let us especially resolve not to judge - st josemaria - 25 june 2018

PRAYER – God of power and mercy, be with us in our endeavours to be true to Your commandments and be light in our world. Grant that we may always act in true humility towards our neighbour, assisting where we are able without allowing our hearts to pass judgment on things we do not see and understand. May our Mother Mary be with us and lead us to the truth of Her Son. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. blessed virgin mother mary - pray for us - 25 june 2018

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Thought for the Day – 24 June – The Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, B

Posted on June 24, 2018June 24, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 24 June – The Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, B

John challenges us Christians to the fundamental attitude of Christianity—total dependence on the Father, in Christ. Except for the Mother of God, no one had a higher function in the unfolding of salvation. Yet the least in the kingdom, Jesus said, is greater than he, for the pure gift that the Father gives. The attractiveness as well as the austerity of John, his fierce courage in denouncing evil—all stem from his fundamental and total placing of his life within the will of God.

The Benedictus, below, is prayed every morning in the Breviary and so, the Church remembers this “forerunner of Jesus” at the beginning of every day. The opening words of this Canticle are the source of its Latin title, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel”.

What does it mean for Catholics, that we sing this song about John the Baptists at the start of every new day? After having been “silenced” by sleep throughout the night, God opens our mouths and one of the first things we do, is to sing this blessing of God, whose dawn breaks forth to shine on us and guide our way to peace.

In the Benedictus, we join ourselves to the mission of St John the Baptist, who came to prepare a way for the Lord by being a witness of God’s salvation, living a simple and penitential life and calling others to do the same. Our work each day, then, is to use our voice – like Zechariah and his son – and the witness of our lives, to make God’s presence known wherever we go and to whom whomever we encounter.

Ant. The mouth of Zechariah was opened and he spoke this prophecy: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel.

The Benedictus – Canticle of Zechariah
Luke 1:68-79
The Messiah and His forerunner

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
He has visited His people and redeemed them.

He has raised up for us a mighty saviour,
in the house of David, His servant,
as He promised by the lips of holy men,
those who were His prophets of old.

A Saviour who would free us from our foes,
from the hands of all who us.
So His love for our fathers is fulfilled
and His holy covenant remembered.

He swore to our father Abraham, our father, to grant us,
that free from fear and saved from the hands of our foes.
we might worship Him in justice and holiness
all the days of our lives, in His Presence.

As for you, little child,
you shall be called the prophet of God, the Most High.
You shall go ahead of the Lord
to prepare His ways before Him,

to make known to His people their salvation,
through forgiveness of all their sins,
the loving kindness of the heart of our God,
who visits us like the dawn from on high.

He will give light to those in darkness,
those who dwell in the shadow of death,
and to guide us into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen

Ant. The mouth of Zechariah was opened and he spoke this prophecy: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel.

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One Minute Reflection – 24 June – The Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, B

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

One Minute Reflection – 24 June – The Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, B

“He was a burning and shining lamp”…John 5:35

REFLECTION – “Our Lord says that John is a lamp: “He was a burning and shining lamp” (Jn 5:35). But the light of a lamp pales, when the sun shines, it’s flame dies down, overcome by an even more radiant light. What sensible person uses a lamp in full sunlight?… Who would still come for John’s baptism of repentance (Mk 1:4) when Jesus’ baptism brings salvation?… St Maximus of Turin (?-c 420) Bishop – Sermon 99 ; PL 57, 535 john 5 - 35 - he was a burning and shining lamp - but the light of a lamp pales - st maximus of turin - 24 june 2018

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, You sent St John the Baptist, to the people of Israel to make them ready for Christ the Lord. Give us the grace of joy in the Spirit and guide the hearts of all the faithful, in the way of salvation and peace, as they harken to the voice of John, the Lord’s herald and bring them safely to Jesus, whom John foretold. St John the Baptist, may your intercession for the Church, bring us to the Light and the Way. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever amen. st john the baptist - pray for us - 24 june 2018

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One Minute Reflection – – 23 June – The Memorial of St Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860)

Posted on June 23, 2018June 23, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – – 23 June – The Memorial of St Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860)

“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”…John 20:21 as the father has sent me - john 20-21 - st joseph cafasso - 23 june 2018

REFLECTION – “Not without a special and beneficial disposition of Divine Goodness have we witnessed new stars rising on the horizon of the Catholic Church: the parish priest of Ars and the Venerable Servant of God, Joseph Cafasso. These two beautiful, beloved, providently timely figures must be presented today; one, the parish priest of Ars, as small and humble, poor and simple as he was glorious and the other, a beautiful, great, complex and rich figure of a priest, the educator and formation teacher of priests, Venerable Joseph Cafasso”….Pope Pius XI

PRAYER – Holy God, may St Joseph Cafasso’s example serve as a reminder to all to hasten towards the perfection of Christian life, towards holiness. In particular, may St Joseph Cafasso, remind priests of the importance of devoting time to the sacrament of Reconciliation and to spiritual direction and to all, the concern we should have for the most deprived. May we find help in his intercession and that of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom St Joseph Cafasso was very devoted and whom he called “Our beloved Mother, our consolation, our hope”. St Joseph Cafasso, St John Vianney, please pray for all our priests! We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, with You, in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. sts joseph cafasso and john vianney - pray for us and all priests - 23 june 2018

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 June – The Memorial of St John Fisher (1469-1535) and St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyrs

Posted on June 22, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 June – The Memorial of St John Fisher (1469-1535) and St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyrs

More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much refuse, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having any righteousness of my own based on the law but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God, depending on faith to know him and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by being conformed to his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead…Philippians 3:8-11 i even consider everything as a loss - phil 3-8 - st paul - 22 june 2018

REFLECTION – “Although I know well, Margaret, that because of my past wickedness, I deserve to be abandoned by God, I cannot but trust in His merciful goodness. His grace has strengthened me until now and made me content to lose goods, land and life as well, rather than to swear against my conscience. God’s grace has given the king a gracious frame of mind toward me, so that as yet he has taken from me nothing but my liberty. In doing this His Majesty has done me such great good, with respect to spiritual profit, that I trust, that among all the great benefits he has heaped so abundantly upon me, I count my imprisonment the very greatest.

I cannot, therefore, mistrust the grace of God. By the merits of His bitter passion joined to mine and far surpassing in merit for me, all that I can suffer myself, His bounteous goodness, shall release me from the pains of purgatory and shall increase my reward in heaven besides.

I will not mistrust Him, Meg, though I shall feel myself weakening and on the verge of being overcome with fear. I shall remember, how Saint Peter at a blast of wind, began to sink because of his lack of faith and I shall do as he did, call upon Christ and pray to Him for help. And then I trust He shall place His holy hand on me and in the stormy seas, hold me up from drowning.

And finally, Margaret, I know this well, that without my fault He will not let me be lost. I shall, therefore, with good hope commit myself wholly to Him. And if He permits me to perish for my faults, then I shall serve as praise for His justice. But in good faith, Meg, I trust that His tender pity shall keep my poor soul safe and make me commendHhis mercy.

And, therefore, my own good daughter, do not let you mind be troubled over anything that shall happen to me in this world. Nothing can come but what God wills. And I am very sure, that whatever that be, however bad it may seem, it shall indeed be the best.” – from a letter written by Saint Thomas More from prison to his daughter Margaret

PRAYER – Almighty, ever-living God, You set the perfection of true faith in martyrdom. Strengthen us by the prayers of the martyrs, St Thomas More and St John Fisher , so that our lives may bear witness to the faith we profess. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. sts thomas moe and john fisher - pray for us

JESUIT SJ, MARIAN PRAYERS, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 June – The Memorial of St Aloysius de Gonzaga S.J. (1568-1591)

Posted on June 21, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 June – The Memorial of St Aloysius de Gonzaga S.J. (1568-1591)

So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy, to suffer dishonour, for the sake of the name...Acts 5:41

REFLECTION – “He who wishes to love God, does not truly love Him, if he has not an ardent and constant desire, to suffer for His sake.”…St Aloysius de Gonzaga (1568-1591) acts 5-41 - he who wishes - st aloysius gonzaga - 21 june 2018

PRAYER – “O Holy Mary! My Mother; into your blessed trust and special custody and into the bosom of your mercy, I this day and every day and in the hour of my death, commend my soul and body. To you, I commit all my anxieties and sorrows, my life and the end of my life, that by your most holy intercession and by your merits, all my actions may be directed and governed by your will and that of your Son.”… by St Aloysius de Gonzaga (1568-1591) o holy mary my mother - daily prayer of st aloysius gonzaga - 21 june 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, SPEAKING of ....., The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – – 20 June – Wednesday Eleventh Week of Ord Time Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 6:1-6.16-18

Posted on June 20, 2018June 20, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 20 June – Wednesday Eleventh Week of Ord Time Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 6:1-6.16-18

“Speaking of: Humility”

“God resists the proud
but gives grace to the humble”

James 4:6

“Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues,
hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist,
there cannot be any other virtue,
except in mere appearance.”

“It was pride that changed angels into devils;
it is humility that makes men as angels.”

St Augustine (354-430) Doctor of Grace

“As patience leads to peace
and study to science,
so are humiliations,
the path that leads to humility.”

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Mellifluous Doctor

“In the difficulties which are placed before me,
why should I not act like a donkey?
When one speaks ill of him – the donkey says nothing.
When he is mistreated – he says nothing.
When he is forgotten – he says nothing.
When no food is given him – he says nothing.
When he is made to advance – he says nothing.
When he is despised – he says nothing.
When he is overburdened – he says nothing.
The true servant of God must do likewise
and say with David:
“Before Thee I have become like a beast of burden.”

St Alphonsus Rodriguez (1532-1617)

“True humility
scarcely ever
utters words
of humility.”

“Humility consists
in not esteeming ourselves above other men
and in not seeking
to be esteemed above them.”

“Humility makes our lives
acceptable to God,
meekness makes us
acceptable to men.”

“If, when stung by slander or ill-nature,
we wax proud and swell with anger,
it is a proof that our gentleness
and humility are unreal
and mere artificial show.”

“The highest point of humility
consists in not merely acknowledging one’s abjection
but in taking pleasure therein,
not from any want of breadth or courage
but to give the more glory to God’s Divine Majesty
and to esteem one’s neighbour,
more highly than one’s self.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity

“The truly humble
reject all praise for themselves
and refer it all to God.”

St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor

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

One Minute Reflection – 19 June – The Memorial of St Romuald (c 951-1027)

Posted on June 19, 2018June 18, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 19 June – The Memorial of St Romuald (c 951-1027)

And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, in regard to whatever we ask, we know that, what we have asked him for, is ours...1 John 5:14-15

REFLECTION – “Better to pray one psalm with devotion and compunction than a hundred with distraction.”…St Romuald

PRAYER – Father, through St Romuald You renewed the life of solitude and prayer in your Church. By our prayer and self-denial as we follow Christ our Lord, bring us the joy of heaven. Kindly receive the intercession of St Romuald still, as we beg his prayers for all of your Church. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen st romuald - pray for us no 2 - 19 june 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 18 June

Posted on June 18, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 June – Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 5:38-42

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also...”Matthew 5:38-39

REFLECTION – “Whoever keeps the whole Law but falls short in one particular has become guilty in respect to all of it” (Jas 2:10). What is this one law if not true love, perfect charity? It is of this that Saint Paul also said : “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one statement, namely: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’” (Gal 5:14)…

For true charity is patient in adversity and moderate in prosperity; strong in painful suffering, joyful in good works; completely safe in temptation. It is very gentle among genuine brothers, very patient among the false. It is innocent in the midst of snares, groans in the midst evildoing and breathes naturally in the truth. It is chaste in the married woman, Susannah, in the widow, Anna, in the virgin, Mary (Dn 13:1f.; Lk 2:36). It is humble in Peter’s obedience and free in Paul’s arguments. It is human in the witness of Christians, divine in the forgiveness of Christ. For true charity, beloved brethren, is the soul of the whole of Scripture, the strength of prophecy, the structure of knowledge, the fruit of faith, the wealth of the poor, the life of the dying. So keep it faithfully; cherish it with all your heart and all the strength of your soul (cf Mk 12:30).”…St Caesarius of Arles (470-543), monk and Bishop (Sermons to the people, no. 23, 4-5, which draws its inspiration from Saint Augustine)

PRAYER – King of heaven and earth, Lord God, rule over our hearts this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed according to Your commandments. That we may grow in love, patience, strength, gentleness, forgiveness and all the ways of our guide, Your Son, Jesus Christ our Saviour. Holy Mother Mary, pray for us and keep us ever in your care that we may not go astray. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, one God with You and the Holy Spirit, forever, amen. holy mother mary - pray for us - 18 june 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 17 June – The Memorial of St Albert Chmielowski (1845-1916)

Posted on June 17, 2018June 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 June – The Memorial of St Albert Chmielowski (1845-1916)

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is,
there also will your heart be.”….Matthew 6:19-21 matthew-6-19-21-17 june 2017

REFLECTION – Reflecting on his own priestly vocation, St Pope John Paul II wrote in 1996 that Brother Albert had played a role in its formation …..“because I found in him a real spiritual support and example in leaving behind the world of art, literature and the theatre and in making the radical choice of a vocation to the charity” ………..St John Paul speaking of St Albert Chmielowski (Gift and Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination)

PRAYER – Father of goodness, make me realise and understand that each and all of my brothers represent the face of Jesus and that He is the only way to You for us all! Help me to extend all of myself to my neighbour in loving imitation of Your Son. St Albert Chmielowski, pray for us that we too may be a light in the darkness of this world, to all who call out to us in their pain and suffering. And please pray for us! Amen st-albert-chmielowski-pray-for-us-17 june 2017

MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 June – Saturday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 5:33-37

Posted on June 16, 2018June 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 June – Saturday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 5:33-37

“Again you have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”…Matthew 5:33-37

REFLECTION – “Again the Law says: “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” (Ex 21:24) but Our Lord admonishes us not only to bear patiently the blows of one who strikes us but humbly to turn to him the other cheek. (Mt 5:39) And so the object of the Law is to teach us not to do to others what we do not wish to suffer and, therefore, it cuts away our wrong-doing, through our fear of suffering. But now the object must be, to cast away our hatred, our love of pleasure, our vainglory and the rest of our unruly desires.
I repeat that the aim of Christ, our Master, is precisely to teach us how we come to commit all our sins; how we fall into evils. First He sets us free, through holy baptism, giving us the forgiveness of our sins, then He gives us the power to do good, if we desire it and no longer to be dragged down into sin, so to speak, by force.”…St Dorotheus of Gaza (c 500-c 565), monk in Palestine – Instructions, no. 1, 6-8 ; SC 92

PRAYER – True Light of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, as You enlighten all men for their salvation, give us Your grace, we pray to herald Your coming by preparing the ways of justice and of peace. Grant, that St Benno of Meissen, who has gone before us, may by his prayers intercede for us all. We pray to You Lord Jesus, Who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st benno pray for us - 16 june 2018.jpg

MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 15 June – St Bernard of Menthon C.R.S.A (c 1020-1081)

Posted on June 15, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 15 June – St Bernard of Menthon C.R.S.A (c 1020-1081)

Saint Bernard’s life was one of simple service in a difficult environment. His hospitality was legendary and his works survive today in the form of the hospices he established. His community—the Houses and Congregations of Saints Nicholas and Bernard—remains active today, maintaining the Alpine hospices as well as one in the Himalayas. Upon his death, he was interred at the cloisters of Saint Lawrence. Numerous miracles were reported at the site of his burial, as well as in Saint Bernard’s pass. We are inspired by the love of Saint Bernard to extend ourselves to those in need, never missing an opportunity to show God’s love. Saint Bernard reminds us of the epistle of Saint Peter:

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen

1 Peter 4: 7-11

St Bernard of Menthon, Pray for us!

MORNING Prayers, papal ENCYCLICALS, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MARRIAGE, MARRIED LOVE, The WORD, VATICAN Documents, VATICAN Resources

One Minute Reflection – 15 June – Friday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 5:27-32

Posted on June 15, 2018June 15, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 June – Friday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 5:27-32

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that every one who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, makes her an adulteress and whoever marries a divorced woman, commits adultery.”…Matthew 5:31-32 matthew 5 31-32-but i say to you that everyone who divorces

REFLECTION – “Married love particularly reveals its true nature and nobility when we realise that it takes its origin from God, who is love… Marriage, then, is far from being the effect of chance or the result of the blind evolution of natural forces. It is in reality the wise and provident institution of God the Creator, whose purpose was to effect in man His loving design. As a consequence, husband and wife, through that mutual gift of themselves alone… develop that union of two persons in which they perfect one another, cooperating with God in the generation and rearing of new lives. The marriage of those who have been baptised is, in addition, invested with the dignity of a sacramental sign of grace, for it represents the union of Christ and His Church (Eph 5:32).

In the light of these facts the characteristic features and exigencies of married love are clearly indicated. This love is above all fully human, a compound of sense and spirit. It is not, then, merely a question of natural instinct or emotional drive. It is also, and above all, an act of the free will, whose trust is such that it is meant not only to survive the joys and sorrows of daily life but also to grow, so that husband and wife become, in a way, one heart and one soul and together attain their human fulfilment.

It is a love which is total—that very special form of personal friendship in which husband and wife generously share everything, allowing no unreasonable exceptions and not thinking solely of their own convenience. Whoever really loves his partner, loves not only for what he receives but loves that partner, for the partner’s own sake, content to be able to enrich the other with the gift of himself.

Married love is also faithful and exclusive of all other and this until death. This is how husband and wife understood it on the day on which, fully aware of what they were doing, they freely vowed themselves to one another in marriage… Finally, this love is fecund. It is not confined wholly to the loving interchange of husband and wife; it also contrives to go beyond this to bring new life into being.”…Blessed Paul VI – Humanae vitae, 8-9

PRAYER – Yours is the day and Yours, the night, Lord God and we are Your children. Grant we pray, that the weakness of our humanity, the drive of our emotions and flesh may not overpower us. Lead us Lord, through the dangers of our day, give us strength and true love, wishing only our final home for those who share our lives, especially our spouse. Mary, pray for us, that we may imitate your faithfulness in all things, St Joseph be a guide and a support to us all. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. holy mary holy joseph - pray for us - 15 june 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 June – Thursday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 5:20-26.

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

One Minute Reflection – 14 June – Thursday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 5:20-26.

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother and then come and offer your gift...Matthew 5:23-24

REFLECTION – “The Church does not exist for us to remain divided when we come to it but rather so that our divisions might be nullified. That is what the assembly means. Thus if we have come for the Eucharist, let us not do anything in contradiction to the Eucharist, let us not hurt our brother. You have come to give thanks for the kindnesses you have received, therefore, do not separate yourself from your neighbour.
Christ offered his body to everyone without distinction when he said: “Take and eat, all of you.” Why do you not admit everyone to your own table? … You are remembering Christ and you disdain someone who is poor? … You are taking part in this divine meal; you should be the most compassionate of all people. You have drunk the Lord’s blood and you do not acknowledge your brother? But even if you have ignored him until now, at this table you must acknowledge him. We must all be in the Church as in one common house, we form only one body. We have only one baptism, one single table, one single source, as well as one single Father.”…St John Chrysostom (345-407), Father & Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the 1st Letter to the Corinthians, no 27 -cf Eph 4:5; 1 Cor 10:17 )

PRAYER – Lord God, true light and creator of light, grant that faithfully following the instructions of Your Son and pondering all that is holy, we may ever live in the splendour of Your presence. By the gifts of the Holy Spirit, may we always be light to our neighbour. Mary, Mother of Love and our loving mother, by your prayers, may we grow in charity and love. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord amen. loving mother pray for us - 14 june 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 13 June – The Memorial of St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church

Posted on June 13, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 June – The Memorial of St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church

Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves…Phil 2:3

REFLECTION – “The spirit of humility is sweeter than honey, and those who nourish themselves with this honey produce sweet fruit.”…St Anthony of Padua the spirit of humily - st anthony of padua - phil 2 3 do nothing out of selfishness - 13 june 2018

PRAYER – Almighty, everliving God, You gave St Anthony of Padua to Your people as a preacher and teacher and a patron in their needs. Grant that we may learn from his words inspired by Your Holy Spirit and by his prayers, grow in faith, hope and humility. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, amen. st-anthony-pray-for-us-13 june 2017

MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 12 June – Tuesday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 5:13-16 and the Memorial of St Gaspar Bertoni C.S.S. (1777-1853)

Posted on June 12, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 12 June – Tuesday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time Year B – Today’s Gospel Matthew 5:13-16 and the Memorial of St Gaspar Bertoni C.S.S. (1777-1853)

“You are the salt of the earth.

You are the light of the world”

At about the time of the Mission, St Gaspar suffered a physical relapse and sickness continued as a constant companion until his death. Shortly after, on 27 July 1816, the “Stimmate”, a small private chapel, with several rooms attached, named after the Stigmata of St Francis, was bequeathed to a priest in Verona. Just a few months later, the Stimmate was given to Father Bertoni with the stipulation that he continue to teach the youth. Fr Bertoni and confreres, Fr Mariani and layman, Paul Zanolli move into the Stimmate on 4 November 1816 resolving, “never again to leave,” thus establishing the new religious community. Suspicion lingered about all religious groups after the French Revolution and the Napoleonic conquest of Verona but since the school was a very visible reason for the men to be together at the Stimmate, the authorities did not object. In 1833, Father Bertoni had 180 young people in his care. The Oratory, which remained quiet during the period of repression, flowered into a beautiful movement blossoming admiration from visitors throughout Italy. It was a powerful instrument for God. Father Bertoni was asked regularly to pray and to intercede for the sick. Many people recovered for whom he prayed. He always acknowledged that thanks were due to the Madonna, or Saint Joseph, or St Zeno (patron of Verona).

Over the years following his first illness,Father Bertoni endured over 300 operations, all without anaesthesia, to lacerate leg ulcers and to remove gangrene which invaded his right leg. At age 61, St Gaspar was confined to his bedroom “between his bed and wheelchair.” He spent the remaining 14 years of his life in that bare room with empty walls, adorned only by his beloved Crucifix.

By his every action, by his every word, St Gaspar lived every moment in the Light of Christ, sending the rays to all around him, in good and bad times, never ceasing to live the mission given to us all, to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world!

St Gaspar Bertoni, pray for us, that we may always strive to be salt and light, amen!

MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 11 June – Memorial of St Barnabas, Apostle

Posted on June 11, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 11 June – Memorial of St Barnabas, Apostle

Barnabas, a Jew of Cyprus, comes as close as anyone outside the Twelve to being a full-fledged apostle. He was closely associated with Saint Paul—he introduced Paul to Peter and the other apostles—and served as a kind of mediator between the former persecutor and the still suspicious Jewish Christians.

When a Christian community developed at Antioch, Barnabas was sent as the official representative of the church of Jerusalem to incorporate them into the fold. He and Paul instructed in Antioch for a year, after which they took relief contributions to Jerusalem.

Later Paul and Barnabas, now clearly seen as charismatic leaders, were sent by Antioch officials to preach to the gentiles. Enormous success crowned their efforts. After a miracle at Lystra, the people wanted to offer sacrifice to them as gods—Barnabas being Zeus, and Paul, Hermes—but the two said, “We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God” (see Acts 14:8-18).

But all was not peaceful. They were expelled from one town, they had to go to Jerusalem to clear up the ever-recurring controversy about circumcision and even the best of friends can have differences. When Paul wanted to revisit the places they had evangelised, Barnabas wanted to take along his cousin John Mark, author of the Gospel but Paul insisted that since Mark had deserted them once, he was not fit to take along now. The disagreement that followed was so sharp, that Barnabas and Paul separated: Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus, Paul taking Silas to Syria. Later they were reconciled—Paul, Barnabas and Mark.

When Paul stood up to Peter for not eating with gentiles for fear of his Jewish friends, we learn that “even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy” (see Galatians 2:1-13)

Barnabas is spoken of simply as one who dedicated his life to the Lord. He was a man “filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby, large numbers were added to the Lord.” Even when he and Paul were expelled from Antioch in Pisidia—modern-day Turkey—they were “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”

Come O Holy Spirit, come, fill the hearts of Your faithful!

St Barnabus, Pray for us!

BREVIARY Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 June – Memorial of St Barnabas, Apostle

Posted on June 11, 2018June 11, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 June – Memorial of St Barnabas, Apostle – Today’s First Reading Acts of the Apostles 11:21b-26.13:1-3.

News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad and he exhorted them all, to remain faithful to the Lord, with steadfast purpose; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord...Acts 11:22-24

REFLECTION – “While we cannot see God, there is something we can do, to open a way, for the eye of our understanding to come to Him. It is certain that we can see now in His servants, one whom we can in no way see in Himself. When we see them doing astonishing things, we can be sure that God dwells in their hearts… None of us can look directly at the rising sun by gazing at its orb. Our eyes are repelled as they strain to see its rays. But we look at mountains bathed in sunlight and see that it has risen. Because we cannot see the Sun of righteousness (Mal 3,20) Himself, let us see the mountains bathed in His brightness, I mean the holy apostles. They shine with virtues and gleam with miracles… The power of His divinity, is in itself, like the sun in the sky; in human beings it is like the sun shining on earth…”…St Pope Gregory the Great (c 540-604), Father & Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospel, no 30)

PRAYER – O God, who decreed that Saint Barnabas, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, should be set apart to convert the nations, grant that the Gospel of Christ, which he strenuously preached, may be faithfully proclaimed by word and by deed. We pray you Lord, that by the intercession of St Barnabas, we too may grow in faith and love and live to glorify Your kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. st barnabas - pray for us - 11 june 2018

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	Santo Markus Penulis… on Saint of the Day – 25 Ap…
	Santa Maria Euphrasi… on Saint of the Day – 24 Ap…

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St Francis, Pray for us!

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Julian of Norwich (c 1342-c 1430)

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Psalm 19

St Ambrose (340-397) One of the original four Doctors of the Church

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father & Doctor of the Church

Pope Francis – Homily 29 June 2014

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St Maximus of Turin, Pray for us!

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“Speaking of: Humility”

James 4:6

St Augustine (354-430) Doctor of Grace

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Mellifluous Doctor

St Alphonsus Rodriguez (1532-1617)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity

St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor

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St Bernard of Menthon, Pray for us!

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“You are the salt of the earth.

You are the light of the world”

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Come O Holy Spirit, come, fill the hearts of Your faithful!

St Barnabus, Pray for us!

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St Ambrose (340-397)
One of the original four Doctors of the Church