Category: The WORD

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One Minute Reflection – 18 February – ‘Prefer nothing to Christ’

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One Minute Reflection – 18 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) Virgin, The Visionary of Lourdes – James 1:12-18; Luke 14:26-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“So likewise, everyone of you, who does not renounce all he possesses, cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:33

REFLECTION – “Our Lord Jesus Christ said to all, on many occasions and while giving many demonstrations of it: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me,” (cf Lk 9:23) and again: “anyone of you who does not renounce all that he possesses cannot be My disciple.” Thus, He seems to demand of us the most entire renunciation… “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be,” He says elsewhere (Mt 6:21). So if we keep back for ourselves any earthly goods or any perishable supplies, our minds will remain sunk in them as though in mud. Then, inevitably, our souls will become unable to contemplate God and will be unmoved by desire for the splendours of Heaven and for the good things promised us. We shall only be able to acquire those good things, if we ask for them unceasingly, with a burning desire that will, besides, make easy the effort needed to gain them.

To renounce ourselves, means to undo the bonds which bind us to this earthly passing life and free ourselves from human contingencies, so that we may become more equal to walking along the way which leads to God. It is to free ourselves from all hindrances, so as to possess and use, the goods that are “far more precious than gold and silver,” (Ps 118:72). And, to sum up, to renounce oneself, is to lift the human heart into the life of Heaven, so as to be able to say: “Our citizenship is in Heaven,” (Phil 3:20). Above all, it is to begin to grow like Christ, Who for our sake, became poor although he was rich (2 Cor 8:9). We need to become like Him, if we wish to live according to the Gospel.” – St Basil the Great (329-379)Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Father and Doctor of the Church (Greater Monastic Rules Q.8).

PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, Who has dominion over both the living and the dead and has mercy upon all, whom Thou foreknow will be Thine own by faith and good works; we humbly beseech Thee that all, for whom we have resolved to make supplication, whether the present world still holds them in the flesh, or the world to come holds them out of the body, may, through the intercession of St Bedrnadette and all Thy Saints, obtain of Thine goodness and clemency, pardon for all their sins.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – Septuagesima

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – Septuagesima

“Why stand you here idle, all the day?”

Matthew 20:6

“Prepare the way of the Lord
make His paths straight” …

Luke 3:4

“What is the surest kind of witness?
“Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ
came among us in the flesh” (cf 1 Jn 4:2)
and who keeps the commands of the Gospel…
How many there are, each day,
of these hidden martyrs of Christ
who confess the Lord Jesus!
… So be faithful and courageous
in interior persecutions,
so that you may also win
the victory in exterior persecutions.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“We are to become vessels
of God’s compassionate love for others.”

“Never forget that the way
which leads to Heaven is narrow
that the gate leading to Life,
is narrow and low
that there are but few who find it
and enter by it and if, there be some,
who go in and tread the narrow path,
for some time, there are but very few,
who persevere therein.”

St Clare (1194-1253)

“The surest and quickest way
to attain perfection, is to strive
for purity of heart.
Once the obstacles have been removed,
God finds a clear path and does wonders,
both in and through, the soul.”

Guide Me Lord
By St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Doctor of the Church

O Lord Jesus Christ,
Who seeks those who stray
and receives them when returning,
make me approach Thee
through the frequent hearing of Thy Word,
lest I sin against my neighbour,
by the blindness of human judgement,
through the austerity of false justice,
through comparing his inferior status,
through too much trust in my merits
or through ignorance of the Divine Judgement.
Guide me to search diligently,
each corner of my conscience,
lest the flesh dominate the spirit!
Amen

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Universal Doctor of the Church

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOOD FRIDAY, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 February – ‘ … He favoured him with no title, showed him no miracle. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 16 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Septuagesima Sunday – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 10:1-5 – Matthew 20:1-16. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“So shall the last be first and the first last.
For many are called but few chosen.” – Matthew 20:16

REFLECTION – “What did that criminal do that he received a share in Paradise following the cross? … While Peter denied Christ, this criminal, raised up on his cross, bore witness to Him. I am not saying this to denigrate Peter but, to draw attention to that criminal’s greatness of soul. … While a whole rabble were standing around Him, murmuring, yelling and heaping oaths and abuse on them both, this criminal paid no attention. He did not even consider the wretched condition of the Crucifixion right before his eyes. All this, he passed over, with a glance full of faith …. He turned towards our heavenly Lord and entrusted himself to Him and said: “Lord, remember me when Thou comes into Thy Kingdom” (Lk 23:42). Let us not casually avoid this criminal’s example, or be ashamed of taking as teacher, the man whom our Lord was not ashamed to lead first into Paradise! …

He did not say to him, as He said to Peter: “Come after me, and I will make you a fisher of men” (Mt 4:19). Nor did he say to him as to the Twelve: “You will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Mt 19:28). He favoured him with no title, showed him no miracle. This criminal did not see Him raise a dead man, nor cast out demons; he did not see the sea obeying Him. Christ said nothing to him about the Kingdom, nor yet about hell. And yet, he bore witness to Him before all and inherited the Kingdom!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon for Good Friday “The Cross and the criminal” ).

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech You, graciously hear the prayers of Your people, that we who are justly punished for our sins may be mercifully delivered for the glory of Your name. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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One Minute Reflection – 15 February – “I will utter things hidden, from the foundation of the world.” – Matthew 13:35

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One Minute Reflection – 15 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Epiphany VI (Anticipated) – Feast of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Refuge of Sinners – 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10; – Matthew 13:31-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I will utter things hidden, from the foundation of the world.” – Matthew 13:35

REFLECTION – “In one of the Psalms the Prophet says: “My soul pines for Thy salvation; I hope in Thy Word” (118:1) … Who is expressing this ardent desire if not “the chosen race, the royal priesthood, the people set apart for God” (1 Pt 2:9) each in their own day, in each one of those, who have lived, are living or will live, from humanity’s first beginning until the end of the world? … This is why our Lord Himself, says to His disciples: “Many Prophets and righteous men have wished to see that which you see.” It is their voice, then, we must recognise in this Psalm … Their longing has never come to an end in the Saints, nor does it end even now in “the Body of Christ, the Church” (Col 1:18) until “the Desired of all nations” comes (Hag 2:8) …

So, the beginning of the Church’s era, before the Virgin had given birth, comprised Saints who longed to see Christ’s coming in the flesh and, the period where we are now, following the Ascension, comprises other Saints who long to see the revealing of Christ to judge the living and the dead. From the beginning to the end of time, the Church’s longing has never lost its intensity, excepting only, when our Lord was alive on earth in the company of His disciples.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of Grace (Discourses on the Psalms Ps 118 No 20).

PRAYER – O God most kind, Who as a salvation for sinners and a refuge for the miserable, didst will the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the Ever Virgin Mother of Thine only Son and the distributor of His graces; grant, we pray, that while celebrating the memory of this most loving Mother’s Heart, we may obtain for sinners, the grace of conversion and an abundance of heavenly gifts, for all the faithful. Through the same Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God forever amen. (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HOSPITALITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 February – “I was a stranger,” Christ says …

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One Minute Reflection – 14 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Valentine (176-273) Bishop and Martyr – Wisdom 10:10-14; Matthew 10:34-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And whosoever shall give to drink, to one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only … amen, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42

REFLECTION – “I was a stranger,” Christ says “and you took Me in” (Mt 25:35). And again, “Insofar as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.” (Mt 25:40). In every believer and brother, though they be least of all, Christ comes to you! Open your house, take them in. “Whoever receives a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward.” … These are the qualities which ought to be in those who welcome strangers – readiness, cheerfulness, liberality. For strangers feel abashed and ashamed and, unless their host shows real joy, they feel slighted and go away and their being received, in this way, makes it worse, than not to have received them at all.

Therefore, set aside a room in your house, to which Christ may come; say, “This is Christ’s room; this is set apart for Him.” Even if it is very simple, He will not disdain it. Christ goes about “naked and a stranger,” He needs shelter, do not hesitate to give it to Him. Do not be incompassionate, nor inhuman. You are earnest in worldly matters, do not be cold in spiritual matters … You have a place set apart for your chariot but none for Christ, Who is wandering by?!  Abraham received strangers in his own home (Gn 18); his wife took the place of a servant, the guests, the place of masters. They did not know that they were receiving Christ, that they were receiving Angels.  If Abraham had known it, he would have lavished his whole substance.  But we, who know we receive Christ, do not show as much zeal as he did, who thought he was receiving mere men! – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 45 on the Acts of the Apostles),

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who celebrate the anniversary of the death of Thy holy Martyr, Valentine, may, by his intercession, be delivered from all evils which threaten us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thine Son who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God forever, amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 February – ‘ … Is there not anything in you which another has to bear?’

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One Minute Reflection – 13 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Ferial Day – Colossians 3:12-17 – Matthew 13:24-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Suffer both to grow until the harvest” – Matthew 13:30– Matthew 13:30

REFLECTION – “When that which is corruptible in us, clothes itself with incorruptibility and that which is mortal, clothes itself in immortality” (1 Cor 15:54), then there will be perfect sweetness, perfect rejoicing, endless praise and love without fear. … And here below? Do we not enjoy any kind of joy? … Certainly we find joy here below; here we taste in hope, of the life to come, a joy which will satisfy us completely in Heaven.

However, the wheat has much to bear in the midst of the darnel. The seed is mixed up with the straw and the lily grows among the thorns. … And indeed, what is it that was spoken to the Church? “As a lily among thorns, so is my beloved among my maidens” (Sg 2:2). It said, “Among my maidens” and not among foreigners. O Lord, what are the consolations Thou gives us? What the comfort? Or rather, what the alarm? Art Thou calling Thy own maidens “thorns”? By their behaviour, they are thorns, He answers but maidens through My Sacraments. …

But where is the Christian to take refuge then, if he is not to groan in the midst of false brethren? Where is he to go? What is he to do? Is he to fly away to the desert? Occasions for falling will follow him. Will he, who is doing so well, separate himself, to the extent, of not putting up with a single one of his confreres? What about him, then? Supposing nobody was able to put up with him, before his conversion? … So if, under the pretext of making progress, he cannot bear with anyone else, by this very fact, it is clear, he has not progressed as yet. Pay careful attention to these words – “Bear with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:2-3). Is there not anything in you which another has to bear?” – St Augustine (354=430) Father & Doctor of Grace (Discourses on the Psalm Ps 99:8-9).

PRAYER – King of Heaven and earth, Lord God, rule over our hearts and bodies this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed according to the commandments of Thy law, so that now and forever, Thy grace may free and save us. Teach us Lord to walk in the ways of the Cross of Thy Son, our Saviour, longing for and rejoicing always in our heavenly home. Through the same Christ our Lord, with the Holy Ghost, God, forever, amen. (Collect)

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 February – ‘ … By the Cross, we put on Christ ‘ and Follow Him

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 February – The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (1233) – Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15; Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And everyone who has left house,
or brethren, or sisters, or father,
or mother, or wife, or children, or lands
for My Name’s sake,
shall receive a hundredfold
and shall possess life everlasting.”

Matthew 19:29

“He Who is immortal, voluntarily shed His Blood.
He Who created the Host of Angels,
was bound at the hands of soldiers
and He Who is to judge the living and the dead,
was dragged to justice (cf. Acts 10:42; 2 Tm 4:1).
Truth was exposed to false witnesses,
was slandered, struck, covered with spittle,
hung on the Wood of the Cross –
the Lord of Glory (cf. 1 Cor 2:8)
endured every outrage and suffering
without Himself needing these trials. …

So, there is nothing surprising about it,
if we submit to even one of these trials,
since such is our condition …
Therefore, we too have to be offended and tempted,
afflicted by the cutting off of our wills!”
(Catecheses 1)

By the Cross, death was slain
and Adam was restored to life.
The Cross is the glory of all the Apostles,
the Crown of the Martyrs,
the Sanctification of the Saints.
By the Cross, we put on Christ
and cast aside our former self.
By the Cross we, the sheep of Christ,
have been gathered into one flock,
destined for the Sheepfold of Heaven.”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
Abbot, Confessor, Father of the Church

“It is only right, my brothers,
to celebrate our Lord’s Coming
with all possible devotion,
so greatly does His comfort gladden us…
and His love burn within us.
But do not just think about His First Coming,
when He Came “to seek and save the lost” (Lk 19:10);
think, too, of that other Coming,
when He will come to take us with Him.
I should like to see you constantly
occupied in meditating on these two Comings…
for they are the two arms of the Bridegroom …”

St Bernard (1091-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

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One Minute Reflection – 12 February – ‘ … In exchange for her rags and ashes …’

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One Minute Reflection – 12 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (1233) – Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15; Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“At that time, Peter said to Jesus: Behold we have left all things and have followed Thee: what, therefore, shall we have? ” – Matthew 19:27

REFLECTION – “For forty years, to use the analogy made by Saint Paul (1 Cor 9:24), Clare had now run the race in the stadium of very great poverty. She was drawing close to the goal of her heavenly vocation and, to the reward promised to the victor … Divine Providence hastened to fulfil what it had in mind for Clare – Christ desired to bring His little, poor one into His Royal Palace at the close of her pilgrimage. She, on her part, longed with all the impulse of her desire … to behold, reigning on high in His Glory, the Christ Whose poverty she had imitated on earth …

All her daughters had gathered around their mother’s bed … Then, speaking to herself, Claire said to her soul: “Go in all safety; you have a good Guide for the road. Go, for He Who created you, has also sanctified you. He has always kept you and loved you with tender love, as a mother loves her child. Blessed are you, O Lord, Who have created me!” One of the Sisters asked her, to whom she was speaking. Clare answered: “To my blessed soul.” Her guide for the journey was not far off. Indeed, turning towards one of her daughters, she said: “Do you see what I can see? – The King of Glory!” …

Blessed be her departure from this vale of sorrow, a departure which was, for her, the entry into the life of blessedness! As a reward for her fasts here below, she now knows the joy which reigns at the table of the Saints. In exchange for her rags and ashes, she has entered into possession of the blessedness of the heavenly Kingdom, where she is clothed in the robe of eternal glory!” – Thomas of Celano OFM (c1185-1260) Franciscan Friar and close assistant to St Francis, Biographer of Saint Francis and Saint Clare (Life of Saint Clare).

PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, to keep alive the memory of Your most holy Mother’s sorrows, through the Seven holy Fathers enriched your Church with a new family of her Servants, graciously grant that we may be so united with them in their sorrows, as also to share their joys. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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One Minute Reflection – 11 February – “Hail, full of grace!” – Luke 1:28

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One Minute Reflection – 11 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Lourdes – Apocalypse 11:19; 12:1, 10; Luke 1:26-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace!” – Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “The degeneration caused by sin had obscured the beauty of our original nobility. But when, the mother of Supreme Beauty is born, our nature finds its purity once more and sees itself moulded according to the perfect model, worthy of God (Gn 1:26) … We had all preferred the world below to that above. There no longer remained any hope of salvation. The state of our nature cried aloud to Heaven to come to the rescue … Then at last, in His good pleasure, the world’s Divine Artificer determined to make a new world appear, a different world full of harmony and youth.

Now, was it not fitting that a most pure virgin, without stain, should place herself at the service of this mysterious plan, first of all? … And where was this virgin to be found, if not in this woman, alone of her kind, chosen by the world’s Creator before all generations? Yes, she indeed is Mother of God, divinely named Mary, whose womb gave birth to God Incarnate and whom, He, Himself, had supernaturally prepared as His Temple…

In this way, then, the design of the Redeemer of our race was to bring about a birth and, as it were, a new creation to replace the one which went before. Therefore, just as in Paradise, He had taken a litle clay out of the pure and spotless earth, to fashion the first Adam (Gn 2:7), so, at the moment of bringing about His own Incarnation, He made use of another earth, so to speak, namely this pure and immaculate Virgin, chosen from among all other beings He had created. It is in her that He, Adam’s Creator, has remade us in our very substance and become a new Adam (1 Cor 15:45) that the old, might be saved by the new and eternal.” – St Andrew of Crete (c650-c730) Bishop and Father of the Church (Sermon 1 for the Nativity of the Mother of God).

PRAYER – O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, prepared a worthy dwelling for Thy Son, we humbly beseech Thee that, recalling the apparition of the same Virgin, we may obtain health for both soul and body. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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One Minute Reflection – 10 February – ‘ … Do you think it might be charity? …’

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One Minute Reflection – 10 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Scholastica (c482-547) Virgin Nun, St Benedict’s twin – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, 11:1-2; Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But the wise took oil in their vessels” – Matthew 25:4

REFLECTION – “It is some great thing, some exceedingly great thing, that this oil signifies. Do you think it might be charity? If we try out this hypothesis, we hazard no precipitate judgement. I will tell you why charity seems to be signified by the oil. The Apostle says, “I will show you a still more excellent way.” “If I speak with the tongue of mortals and of angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” This is charity. It is “that way above the rest,” which is, with good reason, signified by the oil. For oil swims above all liquids. Pour in water and pour in oil upon it, the oil will swim above. If you keep the usual order, it will be uppermost, if you change the order, it will be uppermost. “Charity never fails!” … St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor (Sermon 93).

PRAYER – O God, Who, to show us the way of innocence, caused the soul of Thy Virgin, blessed Scholastica, to fly up to heaven in the likeness of a dove, grant us, through her merits and prayers, to live innocently, so that we may be found worthy to reach everlasting joys. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 February – St Cyril of Alexandria

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 February – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) “The Pillar of Faith” “Doctor of the Incarnation,” Bishop,Confessor, Father and Doctor, of the Church

“Young man, I say to thee, arise!”
Luke 7:14

“Even for restoring the dead to life,
the Saviour did not stop at acting by Word alone,
although it was the bearer of Divine Commands.
For such a surpassing work,
He took His own Flesh as His assistant –
if one might put it that way –
that He might show, that it has the power
to give life and, that He might cause it
to be seen that it is entirely One with Him.
… Thus, He not only conferred to His Word
the power to raise the dead
but He even touched the dead,
to show that His Body is Life-giving and,
through His Flesh, He caused life
to pass into their corpses.
If the touch alone of His Sacred Flesh
restores life to a corrupting body,
what profit shall we not discover
in His Life-giving Eucharist
when we make of it our food?
It will wholly transform into its own property
which is immortality, those who participate in it.”

“At that time, the Lord appointed
seventy-two others
and sent them forth …”
Luke 10:1

“By saying that He is sending them
as the Father has sent Him, therefore,
He summarised, in a few words,
the character of the Apostles’ mission.
In this way, they would know that they were bound
to call sinners to repentance,
to heal the sick, whether of body or soul
and in all their dealings as stewards,
not by any means to follow their own will
but the will of Him Who sent them and,
finally, to save the world,
insofar as it received the teachings of the Lord.”

“He who abides in Me and I in Him,
the same bears much fruit”
John 5:5

“We are preserved in being, if we grow onto Him
and cling fast to the holy commandment,
which has been handed down to us
and, if we are eager to keep the blessing of nobility,
that is to say, if we never consent, in any way,
to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Eph 4:30),
Who has come to dwell in us and, through Whom,
we believe, God has made His home in us. …
For just as the vine-stock supplies and distributes,
the virtue of its own inherent natural quality to the shoots,
so, too, the Only-Begotten Word of God,
implants, in His people, a sort of affinity
with His own nature and that of the Father.
By the gift of the Spirit, they are united with Him
by every kind of holiness.
He nourishes them, so that they become devout
and He moves them to knowledge of all virtue
and good works.”

“That anyone could doubt the right
of the holy Virgin
to be called the Mother of God,
fills me with astonishment.
Surely she must be the Mother of God,
if our Lord Jesus Christ is God
and she gave birth to Him!”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/09/quote-s-of-the-day-9-february-st-cyril-of-alexandria-3/

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 February – “Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?” – Matthew 13:27

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One Minute Reflection – 9 February – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) “The Pillar of Faith” “Doctor of the Incarnation,” Bishop,Confessor, Father and Doctor, of the Church – Colossians 3:12-17 – Matthew 13,24-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?” – Matthew 13:27

REFLECTION – “It is not only sheep who abide in the Church, nor do only clean birds fly there to and fro. But amongst the grain other seed is sown, for “amidst the neat grain-fields, burrs and weeds and barren oats, lord it in the land” (Virgil’s Georgics). What is the farmhand to do? Root up the darnel? In that case the whole harvest is destroyed, along with it!

Everyday the farmer diligently drives away the birds, by making a noise or by frightening them with scarecrows … Nevertheless, he suffers from the raids of nimble roes or the wantonness of wild asses; on the one hand, rodents convey the grain to their underground barns, on the other, ants, in a moving column, ravage the crop. This is how things are! No-one who has land is free from care.

While the Householder slept, the enemy sowed tares; when the servants hastened to root them up, the Master prevented them, reserving for Himself the separation of wheat and chaff. … No-one, before the Day of Judgement, can take Christ’s winnowing fan in hand, no-one can pass judgement on another, whoever they might be.” – St Jerome (343-420) Priest, Translator of Sacred Scripture, Father & Doctor of the Church (The Dialogue against the Luciferians).

PRAYER – King of heaven and earth, Lord God, rule over our hearts and bodies this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed according to the commandments of Your law, so that now and forever, Your grace may free and save us. Teach us Lord to walk in the ways of the Cross of Your Son, our Saviour, longing for and rejoicing always in our heavenly home as St Cyril of Alexandria so lovingly and willingly inspires us to do. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God, forever, amen. (Collect)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HEART, The LAST THINGS, The RESURRECTION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – ‘So make haste to please the Lord …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – Sirach 31:8-11; Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … Open the door to Him at once,
when He Comes and knocks.”
Luke 12:35

“So make haste to please the Lord,
wait for Him in your heart without ceasing,
seek Him in your thoughts,
stir up your will and your love,
to reach out towards Him
at every moment!
Then you will see how He Comes to you
and makes His home within you.”

St Macarius of Egypt (c300-390)
Monk, Father (Attrib)

“The fire of the Lord is Light Eternal;
the lamps of believers are lit at this fire:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps,”
(Lk 12:35).
It is because the days of our life
are still night that a lamp is necessary.
This is the fire which,
according to the testimony
of the disciples at Emmaus,
the Lord Himself set within them:
“Were not our hearts burning within us
while He spoke to us on the way
and opened the scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32).
He gives us evident proof of this fire’s action,
enlightening man’s inmost heart.
That is why the Lord will Come in fire (Is 66,15)
so as to devour our faults at the resurrection,
fulfil each one’s desires with His Presence
and cast His Light over their merits and mysteries.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“ Well done, good and faithful servant
because thou hast been faithful over a few things,
I will place thee over many things.
Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Matthew 25:23

“The parable of the talents is about all those
who, instead of providing assistance to their brethren
with their goods, their advice or, in some other way,
live only for themselves …
Jesus wants to show us, our Lord’s long patience
in this parable but, He also alludes, it seems to me,
to the final resurrection …
In the first place, the servants who give
an account of their dealings
unequivocally acknowledge that which
comes from their Master’s gift
and, that which is the fruit of their stewardship.
… Someone who, for the sake of the other,
has received the grace of word and teaching
but does not put it to use,
will have this grace taken away.
But someone, who uses wisely and zealously,
the grace received, will receive
an even more abundant grace!”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 February – Blessed are those servants, whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.

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One Minute Reflection – 8 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” –St John of Matha (1160-1213) Confessor, Priest, Founder – Sirach 31:8-11; Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are those servants, whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:37

REFLECTION – “Our Lord spoke these words, recorded by the Gospel, to clarify the function of the servants, He had set at the head of His people: “Who is the faithful and prudent Steward Whom the Master will put in charge of His servants, to distribute the food allowance, at the proper time? Blessed is that servant, whom his Master, on arrival, finds doing so” Who is that Steward, my friends? Undoubtedly, it is Christ, Who said to His disciples: “You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master’ and rightly so, for indeed I Am” (Jn 13:13). And what is that Master’s Household? Surely the one which our Lord Himself Redeemed from the hands of the enemy and took to Himself. This Household is the Holy and Universal Church, spreading with remarkable fecundity throughout the world and priding itself on having been redeemed at the price of His Blood…

But who is the faithful and wise steward? The Apostle Paul shows us when he says – speaking of himself and his companions – “One should regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the Mysteries of God. Now, it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy” (1 Cor 4:1-2). And lest any of you should think that only the Apostles became stewards or, lest some lazy and unfaithful servant should abandon the spiritual combat and fall asleep, the holy Apostle demonstrates that Bishops are just as much stewards, too: “As God’s steward” he says, “a Bishop must be irreproachable” (Tim 1:7). Therefore, we are servants of the Householder, stewards of our Lord and, it is we, who have received the measure of wheat, to be distributed among you.” – St Fulgentius of Ruspe (c462-533) Bishop and Father of the Church (Sermon 1)

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously and by Divine means founded, through blessed John, the Order of the Most Holy Trinity to ransom captives from the hands of the Saracens, grant, we beseech Thee that through Thy help and the merits of his prayers, we may be freed body and soul from captivity. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VICE, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 February – ‘… True faith knows no delay. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 7 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Romuald (c951-1027) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6; – Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29

REFLECTION – “Jesus said to them, ‘Come after Me; I will make you fishers of men.’” Happy transformation of fishing! Simon and Andrew are what Jesus caught fishing … These men are made similar to fish, caught by Christ, before going themselves to catch other people. “They immediately abandoned their nets and became His followers.” True faith knows no delay. As soon as they heard Him, they believed, they followed Him and they became fishers. “They immediately abandoned their nets.” I think that with those nets, they abandoned all the vices of the life of this world …

“Proceeding a little farther along, He caught sight of James, Zebedee’s son and his brother, John … He summoned them on the spot. They abandoned their father Zebedee, who was in the boat with the hired men and went off in His company.” You will tell me — faith is daring. What indication did they have, what sublime characteristic had they noted which made them follow Him, as soon as He called them? We realise that evidently something Divine came forth from Jesus’ gaze, from the expression on His Face which incited those who looked at Jesus to turn towards Him … Why am I saying all this? It is to show you that the Lord’s Word was active and, that through the least of His Words, He was working on His task: “He commanded and they were made.” (Ps 148:5) With the same simplicity, He called and they followed … “Hear, O daughter and see; turn your ear, forget your people and your father’s house. So shall the king desire your beauty.” (Ps 45:11-12)

Listen well, brother and follow the path of the Apostles; listen to the Saviour’s Voice, ignore your father according to the flesh and see the true Father of your soul and your mind … The Apostles left their father, left their boat, left all their riches of that time; they abandoned the world and its countless riches; they renounced all that they owned. However, God does not consider the mass of riches but rather, the soul of the person who renounces them. Those people who left only a few things would also have renounced a large fortune, if the need had arisen.” – St Jerome (347-420) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospel of Mark).

RAYER – May the intercession of the Blessed Abbot Romuald, commend us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, so that what we do not deserve by any merits of our own, we may obtain by his patronage. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on TRUTH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 February – Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house … Luke 10:5

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One Minute Reflection – 6 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Titus (Died c96) Bishop, Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 44:16-27; 45:3-20; Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house.
And, if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him but if not, it shall return to you.” – Luke 10:5-7

REFLECTION – “As you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house,‘” (Lk 10:5) so that the Lord Himself might enter and remain there, as with Mary. … This greeting is the Mystery of Faith which shines forth in the world. Through it, enmity is stifled, war is ended and people acknowledge one another. The effect of that greeting was hidden by a veil in spite of the fact that it prefigures the Mystery of the Resurrection … when the light rises and dawn chases night away. From the moment Christ sent out His disciples, people began to give and receive this greeting, a source of healing and blessing. …

This greeting with its hidden power … is amply sufficient for us all. That is why Our Lord sent it out, together with His disciples, as forerunner, so that it might bring about peace and, carried by the voice of the Apostles whom He sent, prepare the way before them. It was sown in every dwelling … it entered into all who heard it, so as to separate and set apart, the children it recognised as its own. It remained in them but it denounced those who were alien to it, for they did not welcome it.

This greeting of peace did not dry up; it began in the Apostles and then sprang up in their brethren, revealing the Lord’s inexhaustible treasures. … Present in those who offered greetings in this way and in those who welcomed the greeting, this announcement of peace was neither diminished nor divided. It announced that the Father is near and is in everyone; it revealed that the Son’s mission is bound up with all, even if its object is to be with His Father. It will not cease to proclaim that images are now brought to completion and Truth will cast all shadows away at last.” – St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church (Diatessaron 8: 3-4).

PRAYER – O God, Who adorned blessed Titus, Thy Confessor and Bishop, with the virtues of an apostle, grant, through his merits and intercession that by living justly and piously in this world, we may be found worthy to enter Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the FAMILY, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 5 February – Love above all …

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 February – 1 Corinthians 1 Cor. 1:26-31; Matthew 19:3-12– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… A man shall leave father and mother
and shall cleave to his wife
and they two shall be in one flesh.”
Matthew 19:5

“Say your prayers together.
Let each of you go to Church and, returning home,
let the husband ask an account from his wife
and the wife from her husband,
concerning whatever was said or read …
Learn the fear of God and all the rest will flow,
as from a spring and your house
will be filled with countless blessings.
Let us aspire to those good things
that are incorruptible and
the rest will not pass us by.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God
and all the rest will be added to you”
(Mt 6:33).”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“If any of you should wish
to act out of love, brothers,
do not imagine it to be a self-abasing,
passive and timid thing.
And do not think that love can be preserved
by gentleness – or rather, docile listlessness.
This is not how it is preserved.
Do not imagine that you love your servant,
when you refrain from beating him,
or that you love your son,
when you do not discipline him,
or that you love your neighbour,
when you do not rebuke him.
This is not love, it is feebleness!
Love should be fervent, to correct.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“If I speak with the tongues
of men and of angels
and have not charity,
I am become as sounding brass,
or a tinkling cymbal.
And if I should have prophecy
and should know all mysteries
and all knowledge
and if I should have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains
but have not charity,
I am nothing!”

St Paul
1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MARRIAGE, MARRIED LOVE, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 February – ‘ … Through the marriage bond, God makes two, one and one, two …’

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One Minute Reflection – 5 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Agatha (c231- c251) Virgin Martyr – 1 Corinthians 1 Cor. 1:26-31; Matthew 19:3-12– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… A man shall leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and they two shall be in one flesh.” – Matthew 19:5

REFLECTION – “Woman is not independent of man, nor man of woman, in the Lord” (1 Cor 11:11) … Man and woman walk hand-in-hand to the Kingdom. Christ calls both man and woman at one and the same time, without distinction, united by God and joined together by nature, giving them a share in the same actions and tasks in wonderful harmony. Through the marriage bond, God makes two, one and one, two, in such a way that another self is discovered, without loss of individuality or mingling in duality.

But why does God appeal thus to man and and to woman, through the images he gives of his Kingdom? (cf Lk 13:18-21). Why does He suggest such greatness by means of seemingly weak and inadequate examples? Oh my brethren! a priceless mystery is hidden under this poverty. As the Apostle Paul says: “This is a great mystery but I speak in reference to Christ and His Church” (Eph 5:32).

These parables suggest humanity’s greatest goal – man and woman have brought an end to the lawsuit against the world, a lawsuit which dragged on for centuries. The first man, Adam and first woman, Eve, are led from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, to the fire … of the Gospel …. Mouths sickened by the fruit of the poisoned tree are healed, by the fiery taste of the tree of salvation, of that tree tasting of fire which, enflames consciences, frozen by the former tree. Here nakedness makes no difference and no longer inspires shame, for man and woman are fully clothed in forgiveness.” – St Peter Chrysologus (406-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 99).

PRAYER – O God, Who among other wonders of Thy power hast given the victory of mMrtyrdom even to the gentler sex, graciously grant that we, who commemorate the anniversary of the death of blessed Agatha, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may come to Thee, by following her example.Through esus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FRUITS of the SPIRIT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 4 February – Bearing fruit with those talents

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 February – The Parable of the Talents

“And he who had received the five talents
went and traded with them,
and gained five more.

Matthew 25:16

“I have chosen you
and have appointed you,
that you should go
and should bring forth fruit
and your fruit should remain,
says the Lord.”

John 15:16

“What dost thou have that thou hast not received?”

St Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:7

“Watch me, O Lord, this day –
for, abandoned to myself,
I shall surely betray Thee!”

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

“As a general rule, God gives us
three kinds of talents.
There are – (1) material, like health or riches;
(2) intellectual and moral, such
as intelligence, personality and ability;
and (3) supernatural, like Divine grace,
a vocation, or extraordinary powers.
God lavishly distributes all these talens
to whomsoever He pleases
and in accordance with His own hidden dessigns.
We have no right,, therefore, to envy
the talents of others, nor,
to be discontented with our own.
… If we cheerfully accept and offer to God,
our lack of certain talents,
we can gain great merit in His eyes.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 February – ‘ … I shall profit by this talent which Thou hast lent to me until Thy return …’

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One Minute Reflection – 4 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Andrew Corsini O.Carm (1302-1373) Bishop of Fiesole from 1349 until his death,Confessor, known as the “Apostle of Florence” Carmelite Friar – Ecclesiasticus Sir 44:16-27; 45:3-20; Matthew 25:14-23– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21

REFLECTION – “The Word of the Father, Only-begotten Son of God, Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20), is the great Merchant Who has brought us the price of our redemption. It is a truly precious exchange which we can never value sufficiently, when a King, Son of the King Most High, has become the Coin, the Gold has paid our dues, the Just Man is given for the sinner. Truly unmerited mercy, perfectly disinterested love, astonishing goodness…, it is a completely disproportionate purchase, in which the Son of God is delivered up for the servant, the Creator is put to death for the one He has created, the Lord is condemned for His slave.

O Christ, these are Thine Works, Thou Who descended from Heaven’s brightness into our hellish darkness, to bring Light to our gloomy prison. Thou came down from the Right Hand of the Divine Majesty, into our human misery, to redeem the human race, Thou Who descended from the Father’s glory to death on the Cross, to triumph over death and its author. Thou art the only One and there is no other but Thee, Who could have been drawn to redeem us through Thine Own Goodness…

Let all the merchants of Teman (Bar 3:23) withdraw from this place … it is not they but Israel [Thy] beloved whom [Thou hast] chosen, Thou Who hide these mysteries from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to those babes and humble servants of Thine (Lk 10:21) … O Lord, I willingly embrace this purchase since it concerns me! … I remember all the things Thou hast done, Thou Who desire that I should keep them alive … Therefore, I shall profit by this talent which Thou hast lent to me until Thy return and will stand before Thee with great joy. O God, grant that I may then hear these sweet words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Mt 25:21).” – St Bernard O.Cist. (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, known as the Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Selected sermons, no 42: The Five Purchases).

PRAYER – O God, Who establishes ever new examples of virtue in Thy Church, grant that Thy people may follow the footsteps of blessed Andrew, Thy Confessor and Bishop, so that they may also obtain his reward. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 February – ‘ … Today a new Sun is shining …’

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One Minute Reflection – 3 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Resumed Mass of Sunday – Malachias 3:1-4; – Luke 2:22-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My eyes have seen Thy salvation …” – Luke 2:30

REFLECTION – “The “Father of lights” (Jam 1:17) is inviting the children of Light (Lk 16:18) to celebrate the Feast of Light: “Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy” says the Psalm (33:6). In fact, He Who “dwells in unapproachable light” (1Tm 6:16) has condescended to become approachable. He has come down in the cloud of His Flesh that the weak and small might mount up to Him. What a descent of mercy! “He inclined the heavens,” that is to say, the heights of His Divinity, “and came down” by becoming present in the flesh, “with dark clouds under His Feet” (Ps 17:10) …

A necessary darkness to turn us to Light! The true Light was hidden beneath the cloud of His Flesh (cf. Ex 13:21) – a dark cloud by reason of its “likeness to sinful flesh” (Rm 8:3) … Since the true Light has made flesh His hiding place, let us, who are beings of flesh, draw near to the Word made Flesh … that we may learn to pass, by degrees to the spiritual flesh. Let us now draw near, for today a new Sun is shining even more than is its wont. Up until now, he was enclosed in the narrowness of a crib in Bethlehem and was known by hardly anyone but today, at Jerusalem, he is presented in front of a great number of people in the Temple of the Lord … Today, the Sun breaks out to shine over the whole world …

If only my soul could burn with the desire which inflamed Simeon’s heart that I, too, might be worthy of becoming the bearer of so great a Light! But, unless the soul has first of all been purified from its sins, it cannot go “to meet Christ on the clouds” of true freedom (1 Thes 4:17) … Only then, will it be able to rejoice in the true Light with Simeon and, like him, to depart in peace.” – Adam of Perseigne (c1145-1221) Cistercian Abbot (Sermon 4 for the Purification).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, we humbly beseech Thy Majesty that, as Thy Only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the nature of our flesh, so may Thou grant us to be presented to Thee with purified minds. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 February – We must be burning with love and radiant with good deeds

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One Minute Reflection – 2 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Candlemas – Malachias 3:1-4; Luke 2:22-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Lord, Whom you are seeking, will suddenly enter His Temple” – Malachias 3:1

REFLECTION – “Your lamps must be burning in your hands” (Lk 12:35). By this outward sign let us remind ourselves of the joy of Simeon, carrying the Light in his hands … We must be burning with love and radiant with good deeds and so, take up Christ in our hands with Simeon … Let us discuss this charming custom of the Church of bearing lights aloft on this Feast day … Could anyone hold up a lighted candle in his hands on this day, without at once remembering that old man, who on this same day, took up in his arms, Jesus, God’s Word, clothed in flesh like a candle-flame clothed in wax and affirmed Him to be “the Light which would be a beacon for the Gentiles.” Surely he was that “burning and radiant lamp” (Jn 5:35; 1,7) which bore witness to the Light. For this purpose he came in the Spirit, who had filled him, into the temple, that he might “receive, O God, your loving-kindness in the midst of your temple” (Ps 48[47]:10) and declare him to be loving-kindness indeed and the light of your own people.

Truly, O holy Simeon, in the quiet contentment of old age, you carried this Light not simply in your hands but in the very dispositions of your heart. You were like a lamp-standard, seeing so clearly how much the Gentiles would one day be lit up, while reflecting … the bright rays of our faith. Old, yet still sincere, you can now be happy, in that, you really see what once you but foresaw. Gone is the world’s gloom, “the Gentiles bask in this light of yours,” “the whole earth is full of his glory” (Is 60:3; 6:3).” … Blessed Guerric of Igny O.Cist. (c 1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, we humbly beseech Thy Majesty that, as Thy Only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the nature of our flesh, so may Thou grant us to be presented to Thee with purified minds. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect). Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 February – ‘… We are greedy for present things but do not take into account the coming judgement. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 1 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinitys” – St Ignatius of Antioch (c35–107) Martyr, Bishop of Antioch, Apostolic Father of the Church. – Romans 8:35-39; John 12:24-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He who loves his life, loses it and he who hates his life in this world, keeps it unto life everlasting. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me and where I Am ,there also shall My servant be.” – John 12:25-26

REFLECTION – “… We are being towed along by a world which passes away, forgetting the world to come. We are greedy for present things but do not take into account the coming judgement. We will not run to meet the Lord as He Comes …

Let us turn back, brethren, let us turn back… By the very fact of His delay, of His still waiting, our Lord proves His desire to see us come back to Him, His desire that we should not perish. In His great goodness, He continues addressing these words to us: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked but would rather he would change his ways and live ”(Ez 33,11). So let us turn back to Him, brethren, not fearing that time is running short. The time that belongs to time’s Author cannot be shortened. The proof of it lies in the criminal in the Gospel, who, at the moment of dying on the cross, got away with his pardon, grabbed hold of life and, breaking into paradise like a burglar, managed to make his way into the Kingdom (cf. Lk 23,43)!” – St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and “Doctor of Sermons” of the Church (Excerpt from Sermon 167).

PRAYER – Be mindful of our weakness, O aAmighty God and since the burden of our deeds is grievous to us, grant that the glorious intercession of blessed Ignatius Thy Martyr and Bishop, may protect us. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ADVENT, ADVENT QUOTES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHILDREN, The DIVINE INFANT, The NATIVITY of JESUS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 January – “And whoever receives one such little child for My Sake, receives Me.” – Matthew 18:5

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One Minute Reflection – 31 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St John Bosco “Don Bosco” SDB (1815-1888) Priest, Confessor, Founder. – Philippians 4:4-9; Matthew 18:1-5 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And whoever receives one such little child for My Sake, receives Me.” – Matthew 18:5

REFLECTION – “Could God not have made the human person perfect right from the beginning? For God, Who has always been identical with Himself and Who is not created, everything is possible. But because the existence of the created beings began after God’s, they are necessarily inferior to God, Who made them … Thus, since they are created, they are not perfect. When they have just been born, they are small children and as small children, they are neither accustomed to, nor have they had practice in, perfect conduct … Thus, God could give perfection to the human person right from the beginning but, the human person was incapable of receiving this perfection, for he was only a small child.

And that is why, in the last times, when our Lord gathered up all things in Himself (Eph 1:10), He came to us, not in His power but, in such a way, we were able to see Him. For He could have come to us in His inexpressible glory but, we were not yet able to bear the greatness of His glory. … Although the Word of God was perfect, with humankind He became a small Child, not for Himself but because of the state of childhood, in which was humankind.” – St Irenaeus (c130-202) Bishop of Lyons, Martyr, Father of the Church (Against the Heresies IV 38, 1-2).

PRAYER – O God, Who in Thy Confessor, blessed John, raised up a father and teacher of youth and willed that through him, with the help of the Virgin Mary, new religious families should bloom in the Church, grant, we beseech Thee, that , inflamed by the same fire of love, we may seek to win souls and to serve Thee alone. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HEART, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 January – ‘ … So you, then, mind you carry it with you, carry it inside, where God can see … ‘ St Augustine

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One Minute Reflection – 30 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – Feast of St Martina (Died c228) Virgin and Martyr, Patron of Rome – Sirach 51:1-8.12 – Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.” – Matthew 25:7

REFLECTION – “There has come a shout at midnight. What can this shout be, if not what the Apostle speaks of – ‘in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.’ For the trumpet will sound and the dead will rise up, imperishable and as for us, we shall be changed (1 Cor 15:52). Once the shout has been raised at midnight, what happens next? They all arose. What is the meaning of “They all arose?” The hour is coming, says the Lord Himself, when all who are in the tombs will hear His Voice and come forth (Jn 5:28-29).

… What is the meaning of “They did not take oil in their flasks?” In their hearts … I mean, look at these foolish virgins who did not carry oil with them; by their self-denial which earns them the name of virgins and by their good works, represented by the lamps they bring, they are intent on pleasing other people. And, if they are intent on pleasing others and that is why they do these admirable things, they are not carrying oil with them. So you, then, mind you carry it with you, carry it inside, where God can see; carry the testimony of your conscience there. … So if you refrain from unlawful things and perform good works, in order to be admired by other people, there is no oil inside you! …

Before those virgins went to sleep, it does not say that their lamps were going out. The wise ones’ lamps were burning, from the oil inside them, from the assurance of their consciences, from their inner boast, from their deepest charity. But those of the foolish ones, were also burning. Why were they burning then? Because there was no dearth of admiration from other people. But after they had risen, that is to say, in the resurrection from the dead, they began to trim their lamps that is, to prepare to give God an account of their works. And because there is no-one then expressing admiration … they were asking for what they had always been used to, that is to say, to shine with someone else’s oil, to live in dependence on others’ admiration. Give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 93).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Thou Who choose the weak things of the world to confound the strong, mercifully grant that we, who are celebrating the feast of blessed Martina, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may reap the benefit ofher patronal intercession with Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on TRUTH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 January – ‘ … The Light of Truth itself …’

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One Minute Reflection – 29 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

REFLECTION – “In his epistle, Saint John rightly states: ‘God is Light‘ and “whoever remains in God” is “in the Light, just as God Himself is in the Light” (1 Jn 1:5,7; 3:24). Because we have had the good fortune to be freed from the darkness of error, we should always “walk in the Light” like “children of the Light” (Eph 5:8) … And so the Apostle Paul says: “Among them you shine as Lights in the world, holding fast the Word of Life” (Phil 2:15-16). But if we do not do this, it will be clear that we are, so to speak, covering up and shading this essential Light by our lack of faith…

Therefore, that shining Light which has been lit, for our salvation, must always shine in us. For we possess the lamp of the heavenly commandments and of the spirit of grace, of which David said: “Thy law is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 118:105)… We must not, then, hide this lamp of the law and of faith but, should always set it up on the Church, as on a lampstand, for the salvation of many. In this way, we too may enjoy the Light of Truth itself and all who believe. may be enlightened.” – St Chromatius of Aquilaea (Died c407) Bishop, Father of the Church (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel No 5).

PRAYER – O God, Who for the salvation of souls, willed that blessed Francis, Thy Confessor and Bishop, should become all things to all men, mercifully grant that we, inspired by the sweetness of Thy love, guided by his teachings and aided by his merits, may attain the joys of everlasting life. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 28 January – We are fools for Christ’s sake

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Quote/s of the Day – 28 January – St Peter Nolasco OdeM (c 1182–c 1256) Confessor, Founder – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be too.”

Luke 12:34

“We are made a spectacle to the world
and to Angels and to men.
We are fools for Christ’s sake
but you are wise in Christ;
we are weak but you are strong;
you are honourable but we without honour.
Even unto this hour, we both hunger and thirst
and are naked and are buffeted
and have no fixed abode.
And we labour, working with our own hands.
We are reviled and we bless.
We are persecuted and we suffer it.
We are blasphemed and we entreat.
We are made as the refuse of this world,
the offscouring of all, even until now.”

St Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14

“The great wealth of Christians
is found in the needs of the poor,
provided we grasp how to put our
possessions to good use.
The poor are always before us;
if we entrust our wealth to them,
we shall not lose it.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“Great indeed is the confidence
which God requires us to have
in His paternal care and in His Divine Providence
but why should we not have it,
seeing that no-one has ever been deceived in it?
No-one ever trusts in God
without reaping the fruits of his confidence.”

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

(Spiritual Conferences 6)

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 January – ‘Make for yourselves purses which do not grow old, a treasure unfailing in Heaven …’

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One Minute Reflection – 28 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St Peter Nolasco OdeM (c 1182–c1256) Confessor, Founder – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14; Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Sell what you possess and give alms. Make for yourselves purses which do not grow old, a treasure unfailing in Heaven, where neither thief draws near, nor moth destroys.” – Luke 12:33

REFLECTION – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 5:3) … Of this generous poverty, the Apostles first, after the Lord, have given us example. Unhesitatingly leaving all they had, at the Voice of the Heavenly Master, they were joyfully converted and abandoned the catching of fish, to become fishers of men (Mt 4:18). Among the latter, many became like themselves, by imitating their faith; for with those first children of the Church, “the community of believers was of one heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). Stripped of all their possessions, they were enriched with eternal goods, thanks to holy poverty. Welcoming the Apostles’ preaching, they rejoiced to have nothing in this world and yet, possess all things in Christ. (2 Cor 6:10).

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 Nazorean, rise and walk” (Acts 3:6)… Peter healed him with a word and he, who did not have a coin with Cæsar’s image upon it, restored upon the man, the Image of Christ. And by the riches of this treasure, not only was that one person aided, whose power of walking was restored but too, the five thousand men who then believed the Apostle’s preaching because of this miracle (Acts 4:4). 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 Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 95 2-3).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who, as an example of Thy love, divinely taught St Peter to enrich Thy Church with new offspring, a family of Religious devoted to the ransom of the faithful, grant by his intercession that we may be released from the slavery of sin and rejoice in lasting freedom in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MODESTY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The BEATITUDES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 January – Salt and Light – St John Chrysostom

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One Minute Reflection – 27 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church “Golden Mouthed” – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus said to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth.
… You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:13, 14

REFLECTION – “You are the salt of the earth. It is not for your own sake, He says but for the world’s sake that the word is entrusted to you. I am not sending you into two cities only or ten or twenty, not to a single nation, as I sent the Prophets of old but across land and sea, to the whole world. And that world is in a miserable state. For when He says: You are the salt of the earth, He is indicating, that all mankind had lost its savour and had been corrupted by sin. Therefore, He requires of these men, those virtues which are especially useful and even necessary, if they are to bear the burdens of many. For the man who is kindly, modest, merciful and just ,will not keep his good works to himself but will see to it, that these admirable fountains send out their streams, for the good of others. Again, the man who is clean of heart, a peacemaker and ardent for truth, will order his life so as to contribute to the common good. …

Then He passes onto a more exalted comparison – You are the light of the world. Once again, “of the world,” not of one nation or twenty cities but of the whole world. The light He means, is an intelligible light, far superior to the rays of the sun we see, just as the salt is a spiritual salt. First salt, then light, so that you may learn how profitable sharp words may be and how useful, serious doctrine. Such teaching holds in check and prevents, dissipation, it leads to virtue and sharpens the mind’s eye. A City set on a hill cannot be hidden, nor do men light a lamp and put it under a basket. Here again, He is urging them to a careful manner of life and teaching them, to be watchful, for they live under the eyes of all and have the whole world for the arena of their struggles.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his Homily on Matthew).

PRAYER – May heavenly grace, we beseech Thee, O Lord, prosper Thy Church, which Thou mercifully enlightened by the blessed virtues and teachings of glorious and blessed John Chrysostom, Thy Confessor and Bishop. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 January – ‘ … I am inviting you into My Life. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 26 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St Polycarp (69-155) Martyr, Bishop of Smyrna (Asia Minor), Apostolic Father – Romans 12:16-21; Matthew 8:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Lord, I am not worthy … ”- Matthew 8:8

REFLECTION – “When He came here from another country, Christ found nothing here but what there is in abundance – afflictions, sorrows and death. This is what you have here – this is what there is here in abundance. He has eaten with you that which is to be found in abundance, in the poor house of your misfortune. He has drunk vinegar, He has tasted gall (Jn 19:29) – this is what He has found in your poor house.

Yet, He has invited you to His splendid table, His table in Heaven, to the table of Angels, where He Himself is the bread (Jn 6:35). Coming down to be with you and finding misfortune in your poor house, He was not too proud to be seated at your table, such as it was and promised you His own … He has taken away your misfortune; He will give you His own happiness. Yes indeed, He will give it you, He has promised us His Life!

And what He has accomplished is yet more unbelievable – He has given us His own Death in pledge. As if He were to say to us – “I am inviting you into My Life, to the place where none dies, where true happiness is to be found, where the food never stales, where it revives, where it never lacks but satisfies all. See, this is where I Am inviting you – to the Land of Angels, to friendship with the Father and Holy Ghost, to the meal of eternity, to My brotherly friendship. In sum, I invite you to Myself, to My Qwn Life. Are you unwilling to believe that I will give you My Life? Take My Death as your witness!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 231).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave us joy by the annual solemnity of blessed Polycarp, Thy Martyr and Bishop, mercifully grant that we may rejoice in his protection, whose birthday we celebrate. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).