Category: The WORD

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

Celebrating the CHRISTMAS SEASON OCTAVE DAY – 1 JANUARY SOLEMNITY of MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

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Celebrating the CHRISTMAS SEASON
OCTAVE DAY – 1 JANUARY
SOLEMNITY of MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Sunday, 1st January is the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God. It is also the World Day of Prayer for Peace.

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:
Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. Isaiah 60

May the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute, the kings of Arabia and Seba offer gifts.
May all kings bow before him, all nations serve him.
For he rescues the poor when they cry out, the oppressed who have no one to help.
He shows pity to the needy and the poor and saves the lives of the poor. Psalm 72

The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Ephesians 3

This great feast – celebrated in the East as the Baptism of the Lord – is a feast of “revelation.”
Jesus is the beloved Son of God,
a light for the whole world,
the very one who comes to us in time, this year,
to be our saviour:
to rescue the poor, to hear our cry,
to save us in our need, in our poverty.

May we bring Him the gifts of our faith and trust and hope.
May we recognize Him as our Saviour
who gave His own life to set us free from the power of sin and death.
Come, let us adore Him.

Closing Prayer:
Light of the world,
You have come into my life; You are here for me in my poverty.
I am dazzled by the gifts You bring to me on this day:
“Your light is strong, your love is near.”

Truly You have drawn me far beyond the limits of the world,
and into the limit-less boundaries of Your dizzying love.

My gifts are small, and often filled with fear.
They are my trust and my hope.
Please accept them and heal me
and let me be free enough to rejoice
that You are the Beloved Son
and that You have come for me

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

octave-day

Posted in SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Celebrating the Christmas Season – 31 December: The MEMORIAL of ST POPE SYLVESTER I – DAY SEVEN OF THE OCTAVE

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Celebrating the Christmas Season – 31 December: The MEMORIAL of ST POPE SYLVESTER I – DAY SEVEN OF THE OCTAVE

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:

I write to you not because you do not know the truth
but because you do and because every lie is alien to the truth.1 John 2: 21

John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”John 1:15

Jesus baptises us the the Holy Spirit. All that has prepared us for His coming
gives witness to His presence with us now.

May we remain in the One who has come to be with us.
May we place our trust in the One who promises us life.

Closing Prayer:
I beg You, Lord, give me the sight I need
so that I can see You in those around me
and welcome You into my heart
with the joy of celebration.

If only my eyes could be opened!
Give me the wisdom and internal vision to see
and I will recognize You as my saviour
not only in my heart today
but in my life every day.

I ask that You help me to open my heart more fully
to Your own dizzying love for me.
Help me to be grateful for Your incredible gifts to me.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

day-7-octave

Posted in SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Celebrating the CHRISTMAS SEASON – 30 December: MEMORIAL of THE HOLY FAMILY

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Celebrating the CHRISTMAS SEASON – 30 December: MEMORIAL of THE HOLY FAMILY

DAY SIX OF THE CHRISTMAS OCTAVE

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

DAILY MEDITATION

And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not be put to shame by him at his coming. 1 John 2

John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”John 1

Jesus baptises us in the Holy Spirit.
His baptism prepares us for His coming among us
and it gives witness to His presence with us now.

May we remain in the One who has come to be with us.
May we place our trust in the One who promises us life.

CLOSING PRAYER

I beg You, Lord, give me the sight I need
so that I can see You in those around me
and welcome You into my heart
with the joy of celebration.

If only my eyes could be opened!
Give me the wisdom and internal vision to see
and I will recognize You as my saviour
not only in my heart today
but in my life every day.

I ask that You help me to open my heart more fully
to your own dizzying love for me.
Help me to be grateful for Your incredible gifts to me, help me to appreciate my family;  to live in peace with them and  to treat them as You would’ve treated Your holy family:  with love, respect and kindness.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

day-6-octave

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 December

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One Minute Reflection – 30 December

God sets a father in honour over his children; a mother’s authority He confirms over her sons…………… Sir 3:2

REFLECTION – Today, in the joyful atmosphere of Christmas, the Church, reliving with fresh wonder the mystery of Emmanuel, God-with-us, leads us to contemplate the Holy Family of Nazareth. From contemplation of this admirable model, the Church draws the values to hold up to the women and men of all times and all cultures………St John Paul

PRAYER – Holy Family of Nazareth, we pray for your help, that we may be granted the strength and courage to stand against all those who seek to destroy the life of traditional families. St Joseph, we pray too for your special intercession, as the Protector of the Holy Catholic Church. Amen (St John Paul)

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Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Celebrating the Christmas Season – 29 December: the Memorial of ST THOMAS a BECKET

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Celebrating the Christmas Season – 29 December: the Memorial of ST THOMAS a BECKET

DAY 5 OF THE CHRISTMAS OCTAVE

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”
Daily Meditation:

And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not be put to shame by him at his coming. 1 John 2:28

John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”John 1:26

We are baptised in the Holy Spirit.

We have prepared for His coming
and we give witness to his presence with us now.

May we remain in the one who has come to be with us.
May we place our trust in the one who promises us life.

Closing Prayer:
I beg You, Lord, give me the sight I need
so that I can see You in those around me
and welcome You into my heart
with the joy of celebration.

If only my eyes could be opened!
Give me the wisdom and internal vision to see
and I will recognize You as my saviour
not only in my heart today
but in my life every day.

I ask that You help me to open my heart more fully
to Your own dizzying love for me.
Help me to be grateful for Your incredible gifts to me.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

day-5-octave

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Celebrating the Christmas Season – 28 December: The FEAST of THE HOLY INNOCENTS

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Celebrating the Christmas Season – 28 December: The FEAST of THE HOLY INNOCENTS

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:
God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1

There are many messages in this day.
Exile and liberation are part of the story.
Greed and lust for power are also part of the story
as the innocent suffer and die as the result of injustice.

It is difficult to look at but this is a day to remember how injustice works.
It is important for us remember that however horrible this scene is,
the injustices and violence of today are immeasurably worse.
Ultimately, Jesus himself will die at the hands of the unjust,
to stand with us, in injustice, so that no one will ever need to
suffer injustice.

If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just
and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. 1 John 1

Closing Prayer:
Lord of Justice,
it is so easy for me to drift away in my own life,
caught up in my own problems and distractions.
Let me always remember those who suffer so much in this life
who are victims of violence and abuse, hunger and fear and the great number of HOLY INNOCENTS WHO ARE NOT EVEN ALLOWED LIFE!.

Let me remember that “those people”
are my brothers and sisters
and need me.
Give me the faith to pray for them,
the resources to support them,
and the strength to work to make their lives better.

Holy God, help me to pray for the end of Abortion throughout the world and to pray for the vast number of perpetrators of this immense crime of hate.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

holy-innocents-day-4-christmas

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Celebrating the Christmas Season -27 December: the Feast of St John Apostle and Evangelist

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Celebrating the Christmas Season -27 December: the Feast of St John Apostle and Evangelist

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:

Blessed are those that fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Psalm 128

Every son or daughter can read the first reading and let it be a life long guide.
The second reading is a wonderful guide for family life.
We could all do well to prepare our New Year’s resolution desires from here.
The gospel is from Luke and brings us back to Mary.
A sword will pass through her faithful heart.
May God bless all our families with fidelity and courage in loving as we have been loved.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful. Colossians 3

Closing Prayer:
God of such faithfulness,
we are a big and messy family;
both as humans – and in my own family.

Help me today to be especially patient and loving
and to forgive those who have hurt me.
We may not look like “The Holy Family” I see in paintings,
yet we are united with Jesus, Mary and Joseph
because in Your great love for us
You sent Your son to live in this world
and to share in our human experience.

Sometimes I forget the sacredness of our family life
and the privilege it is to be together in this bond.
Help me not only love others as You love us,
but to be more aware of those families in the world
who struggle so much with poverty, war and disease.

Help me to pray with and for them today
and to carry an awareness of all families fleeing for safety,
longing for the peace you offer to us all.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen

hilight-1

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 27 December

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Thought for the Day – 27 December

It is a long way from being eager to sit on a throne of power or to call down fire from heaven to becoming the man who could write: “The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16).

After the Resurrection and Pentecost, St John spent his life in bearing witness to Jesus and saw in the Incarnation the very foundation of his existence, all that he was.  There is really no other way – and if we love Him we have no choice but to prove it in word and deed, in our love for everyone!

St John Pray for us!

st-john-apostle-and-evangelist-dec-27

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

Quote of the Day – 27 December

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Quote of the Day – 27 December

“Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.”..1 John 3:18

easter38

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Celebrating the CHRISTMAS SEASON 26 December: The FEAST of ST STEPHEN

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Celebrating the CHRISTMAS SEASON 26 December: The FEAST of ST STEPHEN

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”
Daily Meditation:
The gates of heaven opened for Stephen, the first of the martyrs;
in heaven, he wears the crown of victory. Entrance Antiphon

We remember the first martyr today to emphasize the invitation we have
as followers of Jesus to witness to his presence in our world, even when
it is unpopular, counter-cultural, or may even cost us our lives.

May we ask for the grace today to pray for our enemies and to
surrender even our lives in sharing this Good News with others.

Closing Prayer:
God of all great love,
you know how full of courage Stephen was
and how full of fears I am.

Help me to have the strength to be a witness for my faith,
standing up for those who are weaker,
speaking out for what I believe
and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.

Lord, give me a share in your compassion and understanding
that I might pray for those who oppose me,
those who ridicule me,
and those who dismiss me.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

christmas-26-dec

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 December

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One Minute Reflection – 26 December

God is love and he who lives in love lives in God and God in him…..1 Jn 4:16

REFLECTION – Love is the source of all good things.  It is an impregnable defense and the way that leads to heaven.  Those who walk in love can neither go astray nor be afraid.  Love guides and protects them and brings them safely to their journey’s end……….St Fulgentius

PRAYER – Loving Father, pour forth Your love into my heart and help me always to act in accord with it.  Let me be ruled by Your love in all things so that I may experience it completely with You in Heaven.  St Stephen you are an example of total love, pray for us all! Amen.

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st-fulgentius1226stephen17

Posted in SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Saint of the Day – 26 December

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Saint of the Day – 26 December – St Stephen the ProtoMartyr/Deacon/Preacher (1st cent died c34) – Patron of against headaches, brick layers, casket makers, coffin makers, deacons, horses, masons, stone masons, Metz, France, diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky, diocese of Toulouse, France, archdiocese of,• 92 cities

One of the first deacons of the Church was a man named Stephen, a man filled with the  Holy Spirit and with faith. Besides his job of overseeing the distribution of the poor, he also preached. A group of Jewish Hellenists strongly resented Stephen’s preaching of salvation through Jesus. The situation became so tense that they found witnesses to falsely testify that Stephen had committed blasphemy.

Stephen was arrested and brought to the court. The odds were against him and Jesus said, “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you to say will be given to you in that hour; for it not you who speak but the Spirit of your father speaking through you (Mathew 10:19–20). Stephen knew he would be helped by the Holy Spirit, and he wasn’t afraid.

When Stephen testified in court, he made two major points. First he believed that God could be found everywhere, not just in a single place like temple or a single person like Abraham. Second he demonstrated how from the beginning, the Israelites had consistently rejected God’s messengers, prophet’s and chosen servants. And now they rejected and killed God’s Son who had been sent to them.  In his speech, Stephen recalled God’s guidance through Israel’s history, as well as Israel’s idolatry and disobedience. He then claimed that his persecutors were showing this same spirit. “[Y]ou always oppose the holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors” (Acts 7:51b).

His speech brought anger from the crowd. “But [Stephen], filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God….’ They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him…. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit…. Lord, do not hold this sin against them’” (Acts 7:55-56, 58a, 59, 60b).

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Stoning of Saint Stephen, altarpiece of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice, by Jacopo & Domenico Tintoretto

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St. Stephen – Domenico Ghirlandaio

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img-saint-stephen-the-martyr

Jean Fouquet Etienne Chevalier with St Stephen (detail of Stephen)

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, The WORD

Celebrating the CHRISTMAS SEASON – 25 December – Christmas Day

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Celebrating the CHRISTMAS SEASON – Christmas Day

Christmas is not the end of Advent. It is a real season of the Church year. We usually miss it because the consumer society that some of us live in has nothing to offer us, except for days to return gifts. Too often, within days after Christmas day, the decorations are down and it is over.Lorenzo Costa

This year, let’s try to really celebrate Christmas and the days that follow. Let’s enter a new Season, which has its own spirit and desires and graces.

Special Feasts begin the season and we continue the story, so that we enter more deeply into the story of Jesus’ coming to be one with our life, but also that we might enter more deeply into how Jesus comes this year to bless each of us.

CHRISTMAS DAY

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God. John 1

We plan to celebrate the family Christmas morning, with our traditional customs,
perhaps with a Christmas tree gift sharing with the children.
When we come to church to celebrate our faith together,
there is a different feel than midnight Mass or even an early
morning Mass.
Still, the choir draws us in immediately.
We look at each other and smile and we see the bright eyes of
the elderly and single friends around the community.
We know why we are here, and it is easy to join in the singing.

Let us give thanks today. Let us repeat the sounding joy of a faith-filled Christmas.
Let us go forth to share glad tidings with our family and friends.
Let us help our Lord usher in an age of justice and peace,
beginning in our our hearts this day.

In times past, God spoke in partial and various way to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son. Hebrews 1

Closing Prayer:
This day feels so different already, dear Lord.
You promised the glory of this day by the birth of Jesus.
So humble, so simple, such a complete act of love.

Make me one of your people of the light
and help me to be faithful to your word.
I am filled with the joy of the world
and ask you to fill my heart
with a longing for your justice and peace.

My savior – you are here with me on this day,
bringing life to the waiting world.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life, amen.

christmas-day

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, The WORD

The Meaning of the Christmas Wreath

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The Meaning of the Christmas Wreath

+Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

In the General Roman Calendar, this date is the last day of Advent, Christmas Eve, and also (beginning with the vigil Mass) is the first day of Christmas time. The liturgical texts express wholehearted confidence in the imminent coming of the Redeemer. There is much joyous expectation. Most families have their own observances, customs that should be preserved from generation to generation. Today is the last day of our Christmas Novena.

Throughout Advent we have seen how the preparation for Jesus’ coming became more and more precise. Isaiah, John the Baptist and the Virgin Mother appeared throughout the season announcing and foretelling the coming of the King. We learn today that Christ according to His human nature is born at Bethlehem of the House of David of the Virgin Mary and that according to His divine nature He is conceived of the Spirit of holiness, the Son of God and the Second Person of the Trinity.

The certitude of His coming is made clear in two images. The first is that of the closed gate of paradise. Since our first parents were cast forth from the earthly paradise the gate has been closed and a cherubim stands guard with flaming sword. The Redeemer alone is able to open this door and enter in. On Christmas Eve we stand before the gate of paradise and it is for this reason that Psalm 23 is the theme of the vigil:

Lift up your gates, O princes,
Open wide, eternal gates,
That the King of Glory may enter in. . . .

The opening of the eternal gates through
which the King of Glory may enter is indicated
by the wreath on the door of our homes at Christmastide.
The Advent wreath, which accompanied the family
throughout the season of preparation may be taken down.
The violet ribbons are removed and it is gloriously
decorated with white, red and gold.
It is then placed upon the door as a symbol
of the welcome of Christ into our city, our home and our hearts.
On Christmas Eve the whole house should be strewn with garlands
and made ready for the Light of the World.
The crib is set in a special place of honour,
for tonight the central figure of the Nativity scene is to arrive.

christmas-wreath

 

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 24 December

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Thought for the Day – 24 December

A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION

St Alphonsus Liguori

“A child is born to us, and a son is given to us” -Isa. 9:6

CONSIDER that after so many centuries, after so many prayers and sighs, the Messiah, whom the holy patriarchs and prophets were not worthy to see, whom the nations sighed for, “the desire of the everlasting hills,” our Saviour, has come;  He is already born and has given Himself entirely to us: “A child is born to us, and a son is given to us.”
The Son of God has made Himself little, in order to make us great.
He has given Himself to us, in order that we may give ourselves to Him.
He has come to show us His love, in order that we may respond to it by giving Him ours.
Let us, therefore, receive Him with affection.
Let us love Him and have recourse to Him in ill our necessities.
“A child gives easily,” says St. Bernard; children readily give anything, that is asked of them. Jesus came into the world as a child in order to show Himself ready and willing to give us all! good gifts: “The Father hath given all things into his hands.”
If we wish for light, He has come on purpose to enlighten us.
If we wish for strength to resist our enemies, He has come to give us comfort.
If we wish for pardon and salvation, He has come to pardon and save us.
If, in short, we desire the sovereign gift of divine love, He has come to inflame our hearts with it and, above all, for this very purpose, He has become a child and has chosen to show Himself to us worthy of our love, in proportion as He was poor and humble, in order to take away from us all fear and to gain our affections.
“So,” said St. Peter Chrysologus, “should He come who willed to drive away fear and seek for love.” And Jesus has chosen to come as a little child to make us love Him, not only with an appreciative but even a tender love.
All infants attract the tender affection of those who behold them- but who will not love, with all the tenderness of which they are capable, a God whom they behold as a little child, in need of milk to nourish Him, trembling with cold, poor, abased and forsaken, weeping and crying in a manger, and lying on straw?
It was this that made the loving St. Francis exclaim: “Let us love the child of Bethlehem, let us love the child of Bethlehem. Come, souls and love a God who has become a child and poor, who is so lovable and who has come down from heaven to give Himself entirely to you.”

let-us-love-the-child

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

One Minute Reflection – 24 December

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One Minute Reflection – 24 December

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us……..Jn 1:14

REFLECTION – The sun’s rays light up the world without separating themselves from the sun.   In like manner, the Son of God comes down to earth to enlighten us without separating Himself from the Father with Whom He is entirely one………..St Anthony of Padua

PRAYER – Come Lord Jesus and give me new courage, for I trust in Your love. By Your renewed coming at Christmas and in the Eucharist, raise me to heavenly glory.  On the Memorial of Sts Tarsilla and Emiliana, we implore them to Pray for us, amen.

the-word-became-fleshdec-24-the-suns-rays-st-anthony

sts-emiliana-tarsilla-dec-24

Posted in ADVENT, CHRISTMASTIDE!, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 December

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One Minute Reflection – 23 December

On coming into the world, Jesus said ….. “”For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38).   By one offering He has forever perfected those who are being sanctified.

REFLECTION – Jesus Christ, the God-Man, was born in a manger and is spiritually reborn on the altar.  He suffered on Calvary and continues to offer Himself on the altar.

In His earthly life He spread His teaching and worked miracles among the crowds.  In the Eucharist, He spans the centuries and communicates Himself to all………..St John Chrysostum.

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, in contemplating the birth of Your Son in time and in the Eucharist, may I ever attain a new birth.  May I through love of You, give my all to my neighbour in true charity.  Help me to learn from St John of Kanty to live in humility and whom we ask for intercession. St John of Kanty, Pray for us! Amen

john-6-38131029691288fb5eb308d48c66351305st-john-kanty-pray

Posted in ADVENT, The WORD

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent – 22 December 2016

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Thursday of the Fourth Week of
Advent – 22 December 2016

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God, my saviour.”

Mary’s response (the Gospel) based upon Hannah’s prayer
(Responsorial Psalm) can be our prayer today.
Our anticipation of the coming of our Lord into our hearts grows
as we praise God for coming to us in our lowliness.

My heart exults in the Lord, my saviour.

Closing Prayer:
Oh, king of us all.
I find myself standing before
Your strength and splendour
watching, waiting
and filled with total joy.

You have lifted my mind in hope.
Now help me to open my life
to Your coming..

I want to be like Mary, Your mother.
Her wonderful courage and strength
inspire me to do the same.
She simply said Yes
and the impossible was done.

Thank You for this Advent journey.
The anticipation has filled my life
and made me long for
a closer relationship with You.

My life gets so busy that I forget to focus.
Thank You for guidance.
Thank You for the quiet moments
when I have felt Your love.

Nothing will be impossible with God.

Guide my feet on the way of peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen

thursday-4th-week

Posted in ADVENT, CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRISTMASTIDE!, MORNING Prayers, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 22 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul
………If we examine Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, we find very similar motifs to Matthew’s – Matthew tells us that Herod, having been duped by the Magi, furiously lashed out, ordering the murder of every boy in Bethlehem under two years of age. Not exactly the reaction of someone who is just delighted that the Christmas season has arrived!  Luke sets up his story as the tale of two rival Emperors: Caesar, the king of the world and Jesus, the baby king. While Caesar rules from his palace in Rome, Jesus has no place to lay his head; while Caesar exercises rangy power, Jesus is wrapped in swaddling clothes; while Caesar surrounds himself with wealthy and sophisticated courtiers, Jesus is surrounded by animals and shepherds of the field. And yet, the baby king is more powerful than Augustus – which is signaled by the presence of an army (stratias in the Greek) of angels in the skies over Bethlehem.

All four of the Gospels play out as a struggle, culminating in the deadly business of the cross, between the worldly powers and the power of Christ. For Jesus is not simply a kindly prophet with a gentle message of forgiveness; he is God coming in person to assume command. He is the Lord. And the entire New Testament couldn’t be clearer that his Lordship means that all those who follow a contrary rule – meaning, pretty much every one of us – are under judgment.

To be sure, the distinctive mark of Jesus’ Lordship is love, compassion, forgiveness and non-violence – but this is not the stuff of sentimentality and warm feelings. It is a provocation, a challenge, a call to conversion of the most radical kind

Bishop Robert Barron –  Why Christmas should bother everybody – December 15, 2016 –

ARE WE READY for the challenge?

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Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 December

A child is born to us, a son is given us;  upon his shoulder dominian rests……Is 9:5

REFLECTION – In adoring our Saviour’s birth, it is our origin that we celebrate.  Christ’s temporal generation is the source of the Christian people, the birth of His Mystical Body. All of us encounter in this Mystery a new birth in Christ…………….St Leo the Great.

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, in celebrating the birth of Your Son on earth, let me also celebrate my birth in His Mystical Body.  Grant that I may thus be brought closer to You in union with Your only Son.  Saints and Martyrs and all Christ’s Holy Ones, Pray for us! Amen

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Posted in ADVENT, The WORD

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent – 21 December 2016

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent –
21 December 2016

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. Luke 1

With just days until Christmas, we listen to readings of joy
and fulfillment.
We imagine the incredible meeting of Mary and Elizabeth.
With growing anticipation, we let ourselves simply believe
that the Lord’s many promises to us these weeks
will be fulfilled.

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust…..Psalm 33

Closing Prayer:

Loving God,
It is growing in my heart:
An awareness and gratitude of Your constant love for me;
Like the sun rising in the East
to warm and comfort my life
and to bring new growth.

Thank You for these weeks of prayer.
In the spirit of the season
my waiting, my patience,
feels sacred.

Bless my heart with generosity
and make me ready to receive You.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen

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Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 December

God who is mighty, has done great things for me, holy is his name…….Lk 1:49

REFLECTION – “While remaining the Mother of our Judge, Mary is a mother to us, full of mercy.
She constitutes our protection. She keeps us close to Christ and she faithfully takes the matter of our salvation into her charge.”……………….St Peter Canisius (Saint of the Day)

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, You have filled Mary with grace and made her a Co-Redeemer with Christ Your Son. Grant that I may have constant recourse to her and attain the salvation she helped win for the world. St Peter Canisius Pray for us! Amen

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Posted in ADVENT, The WORD

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent – 20 December 2016

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent – 20 December 2016

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”

Mary could become the “temple of God’s Word”
because she was so ready to do God’s will.
As we approach this anniversary of our redemption,
let’s spend the day placing our life in God’s hands
embracing the ways He will come to us
and let us be His instruments for others.

Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.

Closing Prayer:
Oh, King of us all,
I find myself standing before
Your strength and splendour
watching, waiting
and filled with total joy.

You have lifted my mind in hope.
Now help me to open my life
to Your coming.

I want to be like Mary, your mother.
Her wonderful courage and strength
inspire me to do the same.
She simply said Yes
and the impossible was done.

Thank You for this Advent journey.
The anticipation has filled my life
and made me long for
a closer relationship with You.

My life gets so busy that I forget to focus.
Thank You for Your guidance.
Thank You for the quiet moments
when I have felt Your love.

Nothing will be impossible with God.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

tues-of-the-4th-week

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

One Minute Reflection – 20 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 December

You, O God, are my stronghold, my gracious God!………..Ps 59:18

REFLECTION – In tribulations, turn to God with confidence.  You will obtain strength, light and knowledge.

In joys and successes, turn to God with fear and sincerity.  You will escape all snares and be free of everything false…………….St John of the Cross

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, let me turn to You in good times and in bad.  Grant that I may always remain in loving union with You no matter what adversity or goodness should befall me.  As St Dominic de Silos lived his life, when he was exiled, he found another way to give You honour and through this adversity You filled his work with miracles. So too may it be in my life. St Dominic de Silos Pray for us! Amen

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Posted in The WORD

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent – 19 December 2016

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:

But now you will be speechless and unable to talk
until the day these things take place,
because you did not believe my words,
which will be fulfilled at their proper time.

In Zechariah’s story we see how “unable to speak” we become
when we do not believe God’s words of promise to us.
Let us trust that nothing is impossible with God.
Today, let’s look at the ways we are being invited
to be open, to surrender, to trust, to love.
Let us become instruments of God’s plan
in ways we might least expect.

My mouth shall be filled with your praise and I will sing your glory! Ps. 71

Closing Prayer:

Oh, Jesus who descended from Jesse,
You are a sign of God’s love.
I feel hopeful and expectant,
filled with a rebirth of joy and love.

I depend on You so much.
You are a rock for my belief
and a sign of God’s love.

Fill me with Your praise!
I want to sing Your glory,
filled with joy
for the message of hope You send.

I don’t always understand
when You are acting on my behalf.
Thank You for the message of hope You send me.
Give me true faith and love
as I celebrate the mystery
of how You came to be with us.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

monday-4th-week

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

One Minute Reflection – 19 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 19 December

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him and he with me……Rv 3:20

REFLECTION – “Speak to Jesus and you will give joy to His heart.
Your own heart will open up to the ray
of this Sun of Goodness, like humid
and chilled flowers on a spring morning”…………St Peter Julian Eymard

PRAYER – Lord Jesus, let me learn to open the door to my heart to You and speak with You daily. Let me be inundated with the warmth of Your love and direction so that I may follow You more closely every day. Let me live only Your truth dear Lord and follow the teachings of Your Church as St Pope Anastasius I did, whom I ask for intercession in prayer. Amen

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

One Minute Reflection – 18 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 December

We walk by faith, not by sight……….2 Cor 5:7

REFLECTION – ‘Faith is like a bright ray of sunlight.

It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God”………St Francis de Sales

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to shine the spotlight of Your faith on the world I live in.  Grant that I may see You everywhere and serve You in everything.  Help me to walk by Faith alone, as your saints did, as St Winibald walked forth into strange lands to spread your light! St Winibald Pray for us! Amen

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

One Minute Reflection – 17 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 December

A loyal friend is like a safe shelter; find one, and you have found a treasure…..Sir 6:14

REFLECTION – “A friend is more to be longed for than the light; I speak of a genuine one. And wonder not: for it were better for us that the sun should be extinguished, than that we should be deprived of friends; better to live in darkness, than to be without friends.”……………………… St John Chrysostom

PRAYER – God of all consolation, teach me to put all my trust in You. Let me then go out and share the joy of Your love with my neighbour and give You grateful thanks for those You have given me to love and accompany me on our journey to You. St Olympias you were a stalwart and loving friend to St John Chrysostum, Pray for us! Amen

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Posted in ADVENT, The WORD

Saturday of the Third/Gaudete Week of Advent – 17 December 2016

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Saturday of the Third/Gaudete Week of Advent – 17 December 2016

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Daily Meditation:

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

We now begin the second part of Advent.
We follow the Gospel story, as it bring us to Christmas.
Today, we hear the story of God’s plan,
using a long line of less-than-perfect kings
and 5 very special women, to bring us to Jesus.

God saved us, by becoming one of us,
entering into our human and sometimes messy history.

Jesus will come to each of us this Advent
in and through our human journey.

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever. Ps. 72

Closing Prayer:
Oh, God of wisdom,
I want to praise You and give You my life.

Like a loving parent,
You bless me.
You have watched over me,
knowing my history
and the path that led me to You.

You promise peace in my life.
I ask that I be always aware
of the strength of Your great power.
May it never leave me.

So many people before me
in so many generations,
have served You so humbly,
answering Your call.
Please give me the grace, wisdom and courage
to be Your humble servant.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

sat-third-week

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

One Minute Reflection – 16 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 December

Seek after integrity, piety, faith, love, steadfastness and a gentle spirit…………1 Tm 6:12

REFLECTION – Virtue is a very wonderful thing for us.  It is the good of life, the fruit of a clear conscience and the peace of the innocent………St Ambrose

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to build up virtue in my life.  Let me realise that by cultivating all the virtues, I will attain happiness not only in heaven but also here on earth. Father, You gave us St Adelaide, as an example, who though an Empress, sought the virtues of piety, faith, charity and love.  May we imitate her.  St Adelaide of Burgundy Pray for us! Amen

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