Category: The WORD

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One Minute Reflection – 24 January – ‘ … In the Kingdom these relationships are transcended …’

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One Minute Reflection – 24 January – St Timothy (1st Century) Disciple of St Paul, Bishop and Martyr – 1 Timothy 6:11-16, Luke 14:26-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“If anyone comes to Me, without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:26

REFLECTION – “On another occasion, the Lord says, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, and wife and children and brothers and sisters and even his own soul, cannot be my disciple.” As a rule, this is more upsetting to the mind of new Christians, who are eager to begin at once, to live in accordance with the precepts of Christ. To those who do not fully grasp its meaning, it would seem contradictory…. He has condescended to call His disciples to the eternal Kingdom. He also called them brothers. In the Kingdom these relationships are transcended because, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither male nor female, neither slave nor freeman but Christ, is all things and in all.” The Lord says, “For in the resurrection, they will neither be married nor marry but will be as the Angels of God in Heaven.”

Whoever wishes to prepare himself now, for the life of that Kingdom, must not hate people but those earthly relationships, through which the present life is sustained, the temporary life that begins at birth and ends with death. Whoever does not hate this necessity, does not yet love that other life, in which there will be no condition of birth and death, the condition which makes marriages natural on earth.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father, Doctor of Grace (Sermon on the Mount,15).

PRAYER – Be mindful of our weakness, Almighty God and because the burden of our sins weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of blessed Timothy, Your Martyr and Bishop, sustain 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 CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 January – ‘… Let us not sleep, as the rest do but let us stay awak and sober … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 23 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275) – 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 – “We must sleep in such a way as to be easily awakened. For Scripture says, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when He comes and knocks.” (Lk 12:35-36). For a sleeping man is of no more use than a dead man. Therefore, we ought often to get up at night and bless God!

Blessed are those who watch for Him and so, make themselves like the Angels, whom we call “Watchers.” A man asleep is worth nothing, no more than if he were dead. But whoever has the light keeps watch and “darkness does not overcome him” (Jn 1:5) neither does sleep. Whoever has been illumined is, therefore, wakened to God and such a person is alive, “for what came to be in him was life.” (Jn 1:4) “Happy the man,” says Wisdom,“who obeys me and happy those who keep my ways, happy the man watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts” (Pr 8:34).

Therefore, “let us not sleep, as the rest do but let us stay alert and sober” as Scripture says. “For those who sleep, go to sleep at night and those who are drunk, get drunk at night,” that is, in the darkness of ignorance. “But since we are of the day, let us be sober.” (1Th 5:6-8) “For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.” (1Th 5:5).” – St Clement of Alexandria (c150- c215) Father of the Church, Theologian and Philosopher, Professor who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria (The Instructor II:9).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who chose blessed Raymond to be a renowned minister of the Sacrament of Penance and miraculously brought him through the waves of the sea, grant that, by his intercession, we may produce good results from our penance and reach the Heaven of eternal salvation 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 BAPTISM, CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, HOLY WEEK, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The HOLY NAME, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD, The WORD, THEOLOGICAL

Quote/s of the Day – 22 January – ‘… Always persevere …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – St Vincent of Saragossa (Died 304) Protomartyr of Spain and St Anastasius the Persian (Died 628) Martyr – Wisdom 3:1-8; Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And you shall be hated by all men,
for My Name’s sake.”

Luke 21:17

“The fruits of the earth
are not brought to perfection immediately
but by time, rain and care.
Similarly, the fruits of men ripen
through ascetic practice,
study, time, perseverance,
self-control and patience.”

St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

“Rejoice and be happy!
Persevere to the end
and prefer to die
rather than abandon the post,
to which God has called you!”

St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Doctor of the Church

“Love consists,
not in feeling great things
but, in having great detachment
and in suffering for the Beloved.”

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

“Now, you must always persevere
in firmly placing all your trust in our Lord,
in the troublesome business you have in hand.
It will give you a fine opportunity
of laying a good foundation of submission
to God’s will and peace of soul.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Excerpt from the Prayer
to the Five Wounds of Jesus
By St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

I pray Thee, O most gentle Jesus,
that having redeemed me
by Baptism from original sin,
so now, by Thy Precious Blood,
which is offered and received,
throughout the world,
deliver me from all evils,
past, present and to come.
And by Thy most bitter Death,
give me a lively faith,
a firm hope
and perfect charity,
so that I may love Thee
with all my heart and all my soul
and all my strength.
Make me firm and steadfast in good works
and grant me perseverance in Thy service,
so that I may be able to please Thee always.
Amen.

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOOD RESOLUTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 January – O strong love of God!

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One Minute Reflection – 22 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – St Vincent of Saragossa (Died 304) Protomartyr of Spain and St Anastasius the Persian (Died 628) Martyr – Wisdom 3:1-8; Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Resolve, therefore, in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand, how you are to make your defence. For I Myself, will give you utterance and wisdom …” – Luke 21:14-15

REFLECTION – “O strong love of God! I really think, nothing seems impossible, to one who loves. O happy soul which has obtained this peace, from its God! For it has become mistress over all the trials and perils of the world. If only it can serve its good Spouse and Lord, it fears none of them – and, with good reason … Think of something which occurs to me now and which, is applicable to those who are naturally pusillanimous and have little courage … Although, in actual fact, their soul has been raised up to this state, the weakness of their nature makes them afraid. We must be on the watch, or this natural weakness, will deprive us of a great crown. When you find yourselves as pusillanimous as this, my daughters, have recourse to faith and humility and do not fail to go forward with faith, for nothing is impossible to God (Lk 1:37). He has thus been able to give many holy Saints, the courage to endure all the cruel tortures which they had resolved to suffer for His sake!

It is of this resolution and this free-will that the soul wishes to make Him Master, though He has no need of our efforts. Indeed, His Majesty is pleased that His works should shine forth in those who are weak, since in these, there is more scope for His power and, for the fulfilment of His desire, to grant us favours…

Pay no heed to the arguments adduced by your mind and your own weakness – this weakness will only grow, if you begin to imagine, what will and what will not happen …This is no time to think about your sins, leave them alone, humility is out of place now, it comes at the wrong time… Be assured that the Lord never forsakes those who love Him and risk everything for His sake!” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582) Carmelite, Doctor of the Church (Conceptions of the Love of God Ch 3:4-6).

PRAYER – Give heed to our humble prayers, O Lord, that we who know we are guilty of our own sin, may be saved by the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius.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 WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, St Francis de Sales, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 21 January – It is in the heart …

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 January – St Agnes (c 291- c 304) Virgin and Martyr – Romans 12:16-21; Matthew 8:1-13 – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The centurion said in reply,
“Lord, I am not worthy
to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word
and my servant will be healed.”

Matthew 8:8

“By viewing himself as unworthy,
he showed himself worthy,
for Christ to come,
not merely into his house
but also into his heart.”

“For the Master of humility,
both by word and example,
sat down also, in the house
of a certain proud Pharisee, Simon
and although He sat down in his house,
there was no place in his heart.
For in his heart.
the Son of Man could not lay His head.”

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

“The obedience of the Star
calls us to imitate its humble service:
to be servants, as best we can,
of the grace which invites all men
to find Christ.”

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

“To receive the grace of God
into our hearts,
we ought to empty them
of our own glory.”

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

“Keep your heart in peace
and let nothing trouble you,
not even your faults.
You must humble yourself
and amend them peacefully,
without being discouraged or cast down,
for God’s dwelling, is in peace.”

St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HEART, The HOLY CROSS, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 January –  “Many will come … ” – Matthew 8:11

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One Minute Reflection – 21 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – St Agnes (c 291- c 304) Virgin and Martyr – Romans 12:16-21; Matthew 25:1-13 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Many will come from the east and the west and will recline… at the banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven” – Matthew 8:11

REFLECTION – “I have seen our Lord in the Gospel accomplish many miracles and, reassured by them, have strengthened my fearful words. I have seen the centurion throw himself at the Lord’s feet, nations send their firstfruits to Christ. The Cross has not yet been erected and already, pagans hasten towards their Master. The words “Go, teach all nations” have not yet been heard (Mt 28,19) but the nations are already hastening. Their race precedes their call, they are burning with desire for the Lord. The sound of preaching has not yet been heard but they are hurrying towards the One Who preaches. Peter… has now been instructed and they gather around the One Who is teaching him; the light of Paul has not yet blazed beneath Christ’s standard and nations are coming with incense to adore the King (Mt 2:1).

And now, see how a centurion begs Him and says to him: “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralysed, suffering dreadfully.” Here is a new miracle indeed! The servant, whose limbs are paralysed leads his master to the Lord; the slaves’ sickness gives health to his owner. Seeking his servant’s healing, he finds our Lord and while he is seeking for his slave’s cure, he becomes Christ’s conquest!” – Basil of Seleucia (Died c 468) Archbishop (Homily 19 on the centurion, PG 85, 235f).

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 Agnes, 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 AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St PAUL!, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 January – Faith in Christ Jesus

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 January – St Fabian, Pope and St Sebastian, Martyrs – Hebrews 11:33-39, Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“They were stoned,
they were sawed asunder,
they were tempted,
they were put to death by the sword.
They went about in sheepskins
and goatskins, destitute,
distressed, afflicted –
of whom the world was not worthy –
wandering in deserts, mountains, caves
and holes in the earth.
And all these, approved by the testimony
of faith, were found in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Hebrews 11:37-39

“And all who wish to live
piously in Christ Jesus,
will suffer persecution.”

2 Timothy 3:12

“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

“Do not love your life in this world!
If you truly love yourselves,
do not thus love your life
and then, you will save your life!”…

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

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One Minute Reflection – 20 January – Blessed are you … – Luke 6:20

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One Minute Reflection – 20 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– St Fabian, Pope and St Sebastian, Martyrs – Hebrews 11:33-39, Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And He, lifting up His eyes on His disciples, said:
Blessed are you …” – Luke 6:20

REFLECTION – “Lord Jesus Christ, to teach us the summit of virtue, You ascended the mountain with Your disciples and taught them the Beatitudes and highest virtues, promising them the rewards applicable to each. Grant that my weakness may hear Your Voice, that I may apply myself, through their practice, to acquire the merit of the virtues, so that by Your Mercy, I may receive the promised reward. As I consider the payment, do not let me refuse the effort of the labour. Make my hope of eternal salvation, sweeten the bitterness of the cure, inflaming my soul with the splendour of Your work. Out of the wretched person I am, create one of the blessed; from the blessedness here below, lead me, by Your Grace, to the blessedness of the homeland.

Come, Lord Jesus Christ, in search of Your servant, seeking Your erring and exhausted sheep. Come, Spouse of the Church, in search of Your lost coin. Come, Father of mercies, welcome the prodigal son returning to You. Come, then, Lord, for You are the only One, able to call back the sheep that has strayed, to find the lost drachma, to reconcile the runaway son. Come, that there may be salvation on earth and joy in Heaven! Turn me towards You and grant that I may carry out a true and perfect repentance, so that I may become an occasion for joy, among the Angels. Sweetest Jesus, I pray Thee, by the immensity of Thine Love for me, a sinner, grant that I may love Thee alone, above all things, that I may be consoled by none but Thee, my sweetest God!” – Ludolph of Saxony (c1300-1378) Monk, Theologian, Writer, Dominican then a Carthusian (Prayers to Jesus Christ).

PRAYER – Be mindful of our weakness, Almighty God and since the burden of our sins weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of Thy holy Martyrs, Fabian and Sebastian sustain 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 QUOTES, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 January  – The Third coming …

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One Minute Reflection – 19 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– St Marius and Family of Persia, (Died c270) Martyrs – Hebrews 10:32-38, Matthew 24:3-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For yet a very little while and He, Who is to come, will come …” – Hebrews 10:37

REFLECTION – “ 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… “resting among the sheepfolds” (Ps 67:14), for they are the two arms of the Bridegroom, in which the Bride of the Song of Songs took her rest: “His left arm is under my head and His right arm embraces me” (2:6)…

But, there is a third coming between the two, to which I have just referred and those who know of it, can rest in it, for their greater happiness. The other two are visible but this one is not. In the first, “ the Lord has appeared on earth and has spoken to us” (Bar 3:38)… in the last, “all mankind shall see the salvation of God” (Lk 3:6; Is 40:5)… But the one that comes between them is secret – it is that in which the elect alone see the Saviour within themselves and their souls find salvation.

In His first coming, Christ came in our flesh and in our weakness; in His coming in the midst of time, He comes in Spirit and power; in His final coming, He will come in His glory and majesty. But it is by the strength of the virtues that we attain to glory, as it is written: “The Lord, the King of armies, He is the King of glory” (Ps 23:10) and, in the same book: “That I may see Thy power and Thy glory” (Ps 62:3). And so, the second coming is like a road leading from the first to the last. In the first, Christ has been our Redemption; in the last, He will appear as our Life; in His coming between, He is our Rest and our Consolation!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, The Last Father and Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Sermons 4 and 5 for Advent).

PRAYER – O Lord, hear Thy people as they humbly pray, in union with the patronal intercession of Thy Saints that Thou wouldst grant us to enjoy peace, during our life on earth and to find help for life eternal. 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, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CHURCH, St PETER!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 18 January – ‘Peter alone was chosen to stand at the head …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 January – Feast of the Chair of the Apostle, St Peter at Rome – 1 Peter 1:1-7, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

“Upon this rock
I will build My Church”

Matthew 16:18

“I decided to consult the Chair of Peter,
where that faith is found
exalted by the lips of an Apostle;
I now come to ask for nourishment
for my soul there,
where once I received the garment of Christ.
I follow no leader save Christ,
so I enter into communion with Your beatitude,
that is, with the Chair of Peter,
for this, I know, is the rock
upon which the Church is built.”
(cf Le lettere I, 15, 1-2)

St Jerome (343-420)
Father & Doctor od rhw Church

“He gave way to sin so that,
remembering his own failure
and the kindness of the Lord,
he might testify to others,
a grace of philanthropy in accord
with the divine design conceived by God.
The fall had been permitted to the one
who was going to see himself
entrusted with the Church,
the Pillar of the Church,
the Harbour of the Faith;
the fall had been permitted to Peter,
the Doctor of the Universe,
in order that, the forgiveness received,
might remain the foundation of love for others.”

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

“Nothing escaped the Wisdom and Power of Christ,
the elements of nature lay at His service,
spirits obeyed Him, Angels served Him. …
And yet, out of all the world,
Peter alone was chosen to stand at the head,
for the calling of all the peoples
and the oversight of all the Apostles
and Fathers of the Church.”

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

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 January – ‘… [Thou] didst boldly set up the trophy of the Cross of Christ, upon those Roman walls …’

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One Minute Reflection – 18 January – Feast of the Chair of the Apostle, St Peter at Rome – 1 Peter 1:1-7, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And I say to thee: That thou art Peter and upon this rock, I will build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18

REFLECTION – “When the twelve holy Apostles had received from the Holy Ghost the power to speak all languages, they divided the regions of the earth amongst themselves, as fields for their Gospel labours. Then was Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, sent to the Capital City of the Roman Empire that he might make the Light to shine, from the head, to the whole body of the civilised nations. At that time, what nation was there which had no representative in Rome? What nations would be ignorant of what Rome had learned?

Here were to be refuted the theories of philosophers, here dissolved the vanities of earthly wisdom, here overthrown the worship of devils, here destroyed the impiety of every sacrilege; here, where superstitious zeal had collected all the error and vanity of the world. Therefore, to this City, O most blessed Peter, thou dost not fear to come and, while thy companion in glory, the Apostle Paul, is still occupied with the government of other Churches, thou dost enter this forest of savage beasts, this deep and turbulent ocean, with more boldness than when thou didst walk upon the water!

Thou hadst already taught those, of the circumcision who had been converted, thou hadst founded the Church of Antioch, the first that bore the noble name of Christian; thou hadst published the law of the Gospel throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia and, thou didst not fear for the difficulty of thy work, nor turn back because of thine old age but didst boldly set up the trophy of the Cross of Christ, upon those Roman walls, where the Providence of God had appointed the throne of thine honour and the glorious scene of thy passion.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on the Feast of St Peter’s Chair at Rome).

PRAYER – O God, Who together with the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven didst bestow on thy blessed Apostle Peter the pontifical power of binding and loosing, grant that by the aid of his intercession, we may be released from the bonds of our 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).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PRESUMPTION, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 January –  ‘ … So keep watch with vigilant soul and you will see the pure Truth with open eyes! …’

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One Minute Reflection – 17 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – St Anthony Abbot (251-356) – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6; Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” – Luke 12:40

REFLECTION – “These words mean – you are to be awake and vigilant because you do not know the hour when the Lord will come from the wedding … Because, as soon as some feeling of pride, self-satisfaction or self-will enters a man, the Enemy is there, cutting the precious bag, of all his good works from him. Oh, children! How many people like these, will you see, who have done great works … and thus gained great renown … but, presumption has stripped them of all … They will be placed after the poor and simple fellows, whom no-one values because of their outward appearance and work. Because they humbly take a lowly place, these latter, will be set above the others … So keep watch with vigilant soul and you will see the pure Truth with open eyes …

“Let your loins be girt about and your lamps alight.” Here there are three points to notice. First – the loins are to be girded like someone firmly bound with a rope, so as to be led, against his will … Second – you are to carry lighted lamps in your hands which is to say, works of love. Your hands should never stop doing the true, ardent work of charity … Third – you should wait for the Lord when He returns from the wedding … “The Lord will set them over all His goods; He will gird Himself and will serve them.” This wedding from which the Lord comes, takes place in the most interior part of the soul, in its depths, where the noble image is found. O what intimate contact the soul has with God and God with it, in this depth and what a marvellous work God does there! What rejoicing and joy He finds there! It surpasses all feeling and thought and yet, man knows nothing and feels nothing of it.” – Fr Johannes Tauler OP (c1300-1361) Dominican Priest and Friar, renowned Preacher and Theologian (Sermon 77 for the Feast of a Confessor).

PRAYER – May the intercession of the Blessed Abbot Anthony, 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 tJesus 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, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The HOLY NAME, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 January – Thou art the Christ

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – 1 Peter 5:1-4, 10-11; Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

Blessed are they who have not seen
and have believed.”

John 20:29

“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!”
Luke 21:8

“[Christ speaks:]
I became useless to those who knew Me not,
because I shall hide Myself,
from those who possessed Me not.
And I will be with those who love Me. …
I arose and am with them
and will speak by their mouths.
For they have rejected those who persecute them
and I threw over them, the yoke of My love. …
Then I heard their voice
and placed their faith in My Heart.
And I placed My Name upon their forehead (Rv 14,1)
because they are free and they are Mine!”

Odes of Solomon
(Hebrew Christian text from the beginning
of the 2nd century) N° 42)

“Grace is given,
not to those who speak [their faith]
but to those, who live their faith!”

St Gregory of Nazianzen (330-390)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, St PETER!, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 January – “Upon this rock I will build My Church” – Matthew 16:18

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One Minute Reflection – 16 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Saint Pope Marcellus I (Died 309) – 1 Peter 5:1-4, 10-11; Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Upon this rock I will build My Church” – Matthew 16:18

REFLECTION – “Brothers, when it comes to fulfilling my duties as Bishop, I discover that I am weak and slack, weighed down by the weakness of my own condition, while at the same time, I want to act generously and courageously. However, I draw my strength from the untiring intercession of the almighty and eternal Priest, Who, like us but equal to the Father, lowered His divinity to the level of man and raised humankind to the level of God. The decisions He made, give me a just and holy joy. For, when He delegated many shepherds to care for His flock, He did not abandon watching over His beloved sheep. Thanks to that fundamental and eternal assistance, I in turn, have received the protection and support of the Apostle Peter, who also does not abandon his function. This solid foundation, on which the whole of the Church is built, never grows tired of carrying the whole weight, of the building which rests on it.

The firmness of faith, for which the first of the Apostles was praised, never fails. Just as everything which Peter professed in Christ remains, so that which Christ established in Peter, remains… The order willed by God’s Truth remains. Saint Peter perseveres in the solidity which he received; he has not abandoned the governance of the Church which was placed in his hands. That, my brothers, is what that profession of faith, inspired by God the Father, obtained in the heart of the Apostle. He received the solidity of a rock which no assault can shake. In the entire Church, Peter says everyday: “Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on the anniversary of his Consecration as Bishop).

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, graciously hear the prayers of Thy people, that we may be helped by the merits of blessed Marcellus, Thy Pope and Martyr, whose sufferings we celebrate. 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).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, GOD the FATHER, MIRACLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SIMPLICITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 January – Thou hast revealed them to little ones – Matthew 11:25

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One Minute Reflection – 15 January – St Paul the Hermit (c227-c342) The First Hermit – in the Thebaid region of Egypt, is regarded as the first Christian hermit, who lived alone in the desert from his sixteenth to the one hundred and thirteenth year of his life. – Philippians 3:7-12; Matthew 11:25-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent,and revealed them to little ones.” – Matthew 11:25

REFLECTION – “The fact ,that the All-Powerful God has been able to humble Himself even to the humility of the human condition, constitutes a greater proof than the impact and supernatural character of miracles. Indeed, when divine power effects something of great sublimity, this is, after a fashion, in conformity with and appropriate to, God’s nature … On the other hand, that God descended even to our lowliness is, in a certain way, the expression of an overwhelming power which is not in the least restrained, by what is contrary to its nature …

Neither the expanse of the heavens, the brightness of the stars, the governing of the universe, nor the harmony of created things, reveal the splendid power of God, as much as His indulgence, which leads Him to lower Himself to the weakness of our nature … God’s goodness, wisdom, justice and power are revealed in His plans on our behalf: goodness in His will to “save that which was lost” (Lk 19:10); wisdom and justice in His manner of saving us; power in the fact that Christ became “in the likeness of men” (Phil 2:7-8) and made Himself conformable to the humility of our nature.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (c.335-395) Bishop, Father of the Church (Catechetical Discourse 23-26 ; SC 453).

PRAYER – O God, Who each year give us the joyful feast of blessed Paul, Thy Confessor, mercifully grant that we may imitate the deeds of him, whose anniversary 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).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MIRACLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 January – Why did our Lord change water into wine as His first Sign? – St Ephrem

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One Minute Reflection – 14 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Second Sunday after the Epiphany and the Feast day of St Hilary (315-368) Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church – Romans 12:6-16; John 2:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“This, the first of His Signs, Jesus worked at Cana in Galilee and manifested His Glory and His disciples believed in Him…” – John 2:11

REFLECTION – “Why did our Lord change water into wine as His first Sign? It was to show how God, Who transforms nature into something else, also works His transformation in the womb of the Virgin. In the same way, as the crown of His miraculous deeds, Jesus opened a tomb to make known His freedom, with regard to the death, which is hungry to swallow up everything.

To both authenticate and confirm, the twofold reversal of nature, brought by His Birth and His Resurrection, Jesus changed water into wine, without in any way altering the stone water-jars. This was the symbol of His own Body, miraculously conceived and wonderfully created in a virgin, without the working of a man… Contrary to their normal use, the jars… brought new wine into the world, without ever repeating the same miracle again. In the same way the Virgin conceived and brought Emmanuel into the world, (Is 7,14) without afterwards conceiving again. The miracle of the stone water-jars was that what was small, became great, sparseness was changed into superabundance, plain water into sweet wine… In Mary, on the other hand, the greatness and glory of the Godhead changed its appearance to take on the aspect of weakness and humiliation.

Those jars were used for the Jewish purifications; into them our Lord poured His teaching: He demonstrated that He came according to the Law and the prophets but with the purpose of changing them all, through His teaching, as the water became wine… «The Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ» (Jn 1,17). The bridegroom who lived in Cana, invited the Bridegroom from Heaven and the Lord, Who was ready for that wedding, answered His invitation. Those seated at table invited Him, Who sets worlds in His Kingdom and He sent them a wedding gift, able to delight them… They had no wine, even of an ordinary sort, He poured a little from His own abundance for them. In return for their invitation, He Himself, invited them to His own wedding!” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on the Diatessaron, 5, 6f).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Thy people blessed Hilary, as a minister of salvation, grant we beseech Thee that we, who cherished him on earth as a teacher of life, may be found worthy to have him as an intercessor 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 WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, St JOHN the BAPTIST, The BAPTISM of the LORD, The HOLY GHOST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 13 January – The Baptism of the Lord

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Quote/s of the Day – 13 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Octave Day of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, John 1:29-34 –

“I saw the Spirit coming down as a dove
from the Heaven and He remained upon Him.”

John 1:32

“Jesus rises from the waters – the world rises with Him.
The heavens, like Paradise with its flaming sword,
closed by Adam for himself and his descendants,
are rent open. The Spirit comes to Him as to an equal,
bearing witness to His Godhead.
A Voice bears witness to Him from Heaven,
His place of origin.
The Spirit descends in bodily form like the Dove
which, so long ago, announced the ending of the flood
and so, gives honour to the Body, Who is One with God.”

St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Christ was born of the Holy Spirit
and, since it was fitting,
that He should fulfill all justice,
He entered into the waters of baptism
to sanctify them.
When He left the Jordan,
He was filled with the Holy Spirit,
Who had descended upon Him,
in the form of a dove.
As the Evangelist tells us:
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit,
returned from the Jordan.”

St Gaudentius of Brescia (Died 410)

Posted in BAPTISM, CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, St JOHN the BAPTIST, The BAPTISM of the LORD, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 January – ‘ … Make ready then the vessel of your soul that you may become a son of God … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 13 January – Octave Day of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, John 1:29-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And I knew Him not but He who sent me to Baptise with water said to me: He upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, He it IS, Who Baptises with the Holy Spirit. And I saw and I gave testimony that this is the Son of God.” – John 1:33-34

REFLECTION – “Jesus Christ was the Son of God, yet He preached not the Gospel before His Baptism. If the Master Himself followed the right time in due order, ought we, His servants, to venture out of order? From that time Jesus began to preach (Matthew 4:17) , when the Holy Ghost had descended upon Him in a bodily shape, like a Dove, (Luke 3:22) not that Jesus might see Him first, for He knew Him even before He came in a bodily shape but, that John, who was Baptising Him, might behold Him. For I, says he, knew Him not but He that sent me to Baptise with water, He said to me, upon Whomsoever you shall see the Spirit descending and abiding on Him, that is He (John 1:33).

If you too have unfeigned piety, the Holy Ghost comes down on you also and a Father’s Voice sounds over you from on high — not, ‘This is My Son’ alone because ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.’ To Him belongs the ‘IS’ since He is always the Son of God – but to you, has now been made, since you have not the sonship by nature but receive it by adoption. He eternally ‘IS’ but you receive the grace progressively.

Make ready then the vessel of your soul that you may become a son of God and an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17); if, indeed, you are preparing yourself that you may receive; if you are drawing near in faith that you may be made faithful; if of set purpose, you are putting off the old man!” – St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Bishop of Jerusalem, Father and Doctor of the Church (Catechetical Lecture 3: 14-15).

PRAYER – O God, Whose Only-begotten Son appeared in the substance of our flesh, grant, we pray Thee that we, who acknowledge His outward likeness to us, may deserve to be inwardly refashioned in His Image. 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).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 January – ‘Shine like a Star! …’

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One Minute Reflection – 12 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Seventh Day Within the Octave of The Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Where is He Who is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His Star in the east and are come to adore Him.” – Matthew 2:2

REFLECTION – “All these things we know to have taken place ever since the Three Wise Men, aroused in their far-off land, were led by a Star to recognise and worship the King of Heaven and earth.
The responsiveness of that Star exhorts us to imitate it’s obedience and, as much as we can, to make ourselves servants of that grace which invites us all to Christ.
For, whoever lives religiously and chastely in the Church and “sets his mind on the things which are above, not on the things that are upon the earth” (Col 3:2) resembles that heavenly light in a certain sense.
So long as he maintains in himself the brightness of a holy life, he points out to many, like a Star, the way that leads to God.
All having this concern, dearly-beloved… you will shine in the Kingdom like children of Light.”… St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father & Doctor of the Church.

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).

Posted in CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, St Alphonsus de Liguori,, The DIVINE INFANT, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 January – ‘ … Let us too, with the holy Magi, adore our little King Jesus …’

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One Minute Reflection – 11 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And seeing the Star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” – Matthew 2:10

REFLECTION – “Jesus is born poor in a stable; the Angels of Heaven indeed acknowledge Him but men abandon and forsake Him on earth. Only a few shepherds come and pay Him homage. But our Redeemer was desirous of communicating to us the grace of His redemption and begins, therefore, to manifest Himself to the Gentiles, who knew Him least. Therefore, He sends a Star to enlighten the holy Magi, in order that they may come and acknowledge and adore their Saviour. This was the first and sovereign grace bestowed upon us–our vocation to the Faith which was succeeded by our vocation to grace, of which men were deprived.

Behold the Wise Men, who immediately, without delay, set off upon their journey. The Star accompanies them as far as the cavern where the Holy Infant lies. On their arrival, they enter and what do they find? They found the Child with Mary. They find a poor maiden and a poor Infant wrapped in poor swaddling-clothes, without anyone to attend on Him or assist Him. But, lo! on entering into the little shed, these holy pilgrims feel a joy which they had never felt before; they feel their hearts chained to the dear little Infant Whom they behold. The straw, the poverty, the cries of their little Saviour–oh, what darts of love! Oh, what blessed flames are they to their enlightened hearts! The Infant looks upon them with a joyful countenance and this is the mark of affection, with which He accepts them amongst the first-fruits of His Redemption.

The holy Kings then look at Mary, who does not speak –she remains silent but with her blessed countenance which breathes the sweetness of paradise, she welcomes them and thanks them for having been the first to come and acknowledge Her Son (as indeed He is) for their Sovereign Lord. See also how, out of reverence, they adore Him in silence and acknowledge Him for their God, kissing His Feet and offering Him their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Let us too, with the holy Magi, adore our little King Jesus and let us offer Him all our hearts.” – St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Founder of the Redemptorists, Most Zealous Doctor (The Adoration of the Magi),

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – Following His Star

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – Within the Octave of The Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“We have seen His Star in the East
and have come, with gifts,
to worship the Lord.
Alleluia!”

Matthew 2:2

“Behold, the star
which they had seen in the east,
went before them
until it came and stood
over where the Child was…”

Matthew 2:9

“I implore you to live with me and,
by believing, to run with me;
let us long for our Heavenly Country,
let us sigh for our Heavenly Home,
let us truly feel that here, we are strangers.
What shall we then see?
Let the gospel tell us:
In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
You will come to the fountain,
with whose dew you have already been sprinkled.
Instead of the ray of Light
which was sent through slanting
and winding ways, into the heart of your darkness,
you will see the Light Itself,
in all its purity and brightness.
It is to see and experience this Light
that you are now being cleansed. …
It has been good for us to share
the common Light,
good to have enjoyed ourselves,
good to have been glad together.
When we part from one another,
let us not depart from Him!”

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

“The obedience of the Star
calls us to imitate its humble service:
to be servants, as best we can,
of the grace which invites all men
to find Christ.”

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

“… For this day, I must abide in thy house.”
Luke 19:5

“But He says to all:
“Come down quickly, for the exalted
freedom of the spirit cannot be maintained,
except through lowly obedience of mind.
You must know and love Me,
as both God and a human being,
higher than all and lower than all!
You will savour Me when I raise you up
above all things and above yourself to Myself
and, when you lower yourself beneath all things
and beneath yourself, to Me and for My sake.
Then, I will have to come to your house
and remain living with you and in you
and you with Me and in Me!”

Bl Jan van Ruysbroeck (1293-1381)

(A Mirror of Eternal Blessedness)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 January – ‘… The obedience of the Star calls us to imitate its humble service …’

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One Minute Reflection – 10 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of The Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1

REFLECTION – “This is the day which Abraham saw and rejoiced to see, when he knew that the sons born of his faith would be blessed in his seed, that is, in Christ. Believing that he would be the father of the nations, he looked into the future, giving glory to God, in full awareness that God is able to do what He has promised.

This is the day which David prophesied in the Psalms, when he said: All the nations which you have brought into being, will come and fall down in adoration in Thy presence, Lord and glorify Thy Name. Again, the Lord has made known His salvation; in the sight of the nations, He has revealed His Justice.

This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the Star beckoned the Three Wise Men out of their distant country and led them, to recognise and adore, the King of Heaven and earth. The obedience of the Star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace which invites all men to find Christ.

Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another, then, in the Kingdom of God, to which faith and good works are the way, you will shine as children of the Light: through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Ghost, forever and ever. Amen.” – St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his On the Lord’s Epiphany, Sermon 3).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 9 January – The New Life

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Arise, be enlightened, …
for thy Light is come!”

Isaias 60:1

“Make ready then the vessel of your soul
that you may become a son of God
and an heir of God
and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17);
if, indeed, you are preparing yourself
that you may receive;
if you are drawing near in faith
that you may be made faithful;
if of set purpose,
you are putting off the old man!”

St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Have patience with all things
but chiefly, have patience with yourself.
Do not lose courage
in considering your own imperfections
but instantly set about remedying them,
everyday begin the task anew.”

“A person who is conscious of his misery,
can certainly have great confidence in God.
In fact, he cannot have true confidence in Him,
without this consciousness of his misery.
This knowledge and acknowledgement
of our misery, leads us to the presence of God.”

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

“Anyone who takes life seriously
in the Christian sense,
will regard it as a difficult journey
towards perfection and towards God.
This journey will be, at the same time,
painful and joyful.
… It is our own loss if we sit down lazily
on the side of the road,
which should lead us to Heaven.
It is even more disastrous,
if we acknowledge defeat
and lay down the spiritual weapons
of prayer and renunciation,
in order to surrender ourselves to sin or to indifference.
Everyday we should say to ourselves,
in the presence of God –
A new life is beginning …
in You, by Your grace and for You!
Amen”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 January – Thy Light is come …

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One Minute Reflection – 9 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1

REFLECTION – “The loving Providence of God determined that in the last days He would aid the world, set on its course to destruction. He decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ.

A promise had been made to the holy Patriarch Abraham, in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. His descendants are, therefore, compared with the array of the stars. The father of all nations, was to hope, not in an earthly progeny but, in a progeny from above.

Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the Patriarchs. Let the children of the promise, now receive the blessing in the seed of Abraham, the blessing renounced by the children of his flesh. In the persons of the Magi, let all people adore the Creator of the universe – let God be known, not in Judea only but in the whole world, so that His Name may be great in all Israel.

Dear friends, now that we have received instruction in this revelation of God’s grace, let us celebrate, with spiritual joy, the day of our first harvesting, of the first calling of the Gentiles. Let us give thanks to the merciful God, Who has made us worthy, in the words of the Apostle, to share the position of the Saints in   Light, who has rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son. As Isaias prophesied – the people of the Gentiles, who sat in darkness, have seen a great light and for those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death a Light has dawned. He spoke of them to the Lord – The Gentiles, who do not know Thee, will invoke Thee and the peoples, who knew Thee not, will take refuge in Thee.” – St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his On the Lord’s Epiphany, Sermon 3)

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WISDOM, St PAUL!, The DIVINE INFANT, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The EPIPHANY Prayers, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 January – ‘ … Mad? Yes, they have become so in order to be wise. …’ St Bernard

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One Minute Reflection – 8 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Within the Octave of The Epiphany –Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Falling down they adored Him” – Matthew 2:11

REFLECTION – “God’s intention was not only to come down to earth but to become known there; not only to be born but to be recognised. In fact, it is with this recognition in mind that we hold this celebration of the Epiphany, the great day of His manifestation. For it was today that the Magi came from the East in search of the Sun of Justice at its rising (Mal 3:20), He of Whom we read: “Behold a Man Whose name is the Orient,” (Zec 6:12 Vul.). Today they have adored the Virgin’s newborn Child, following the guidance of a New Star. What great cause for joy do we not find here, my brethren, as also in those words of the Apostle Paul: “The kindness and generous love of God our Saviour have appeared,” (Tit 3:4)…

What is this you are doing, you Magi? What is this you are doing? Are you adoring an Infant at the breast in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can a Child such as this really be God? Yet, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in Heaven.” (Ps 11:4) while you are looking for Him in a common stable, held in His Mother’s arms! Whatever are you doing? Why are you offering Him gold? Could such a One as this be King? Where, then, is His Royal Court, His Throne, His crowd of courtiers? Can a stable be a palace, a crib a throne, Mary and Joseph members of His Court? How on earth could wise men be so foolish as to adore a Baby, as contemptible by reason of His age, as for the poverty of His Family?

Mad? Yes, they have become so in order to be wise. The Holy Spirit has taught them already what the Apostle Paul would later proclaim: “Whoever would be wise, let him become a fool. For since the world, in all its wisdom, did not come to know God in His Wisdom, it has pleased God to save those who believe, through the foolishness of the Gospel we proclaim, (Cf 1 Cor 1:21)… And so, they prostrate themselves before this poor Child; they do Him homage as to a King; they adore Him as a God. He Who outwardly guided them by a Star, has cast His Light into the interior of their hearts!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, Father and Doctor of the Church (1st Sermon for the Epiphany).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH, The HOLY FAMILY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 7 January – The Holy Family

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Quote/s of the Day – 7 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” and tbe Feast of the Holy Family

“He went down with them
and came to Nazareth
and was obedient to them”

Luke 2:51

“So, taking Christ’s genealogy from Joseph –
a husband in chastity,
he was father in the same way. …
Are you saying that he did not conceive Jesus
through the operation of nature?
Well then, what the Holy Spirit operated,
He did for them both.
For Joseph was “a just man,” Matthew tells us (1:19).
Both husband and wife were just.
The Holy Spirit dwelt within their mutual justice
and gave each of them, a Son!”

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

“God, to Whom Angels submit themselves
and Who Principalities and Powers obey,
was subject to Mary;
and not only to Mary but Joseph too, for Mary’s sake [….].
God obeyed a human creature;
this is humility without precedent.
A human creature commands God!
it is sublime beyond measure.”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

A pious practice among Catholics, is to write “✝ J M J ✝” often flanked by two Crosses at the top of letters, cards, documents and personal notes as a reference to Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the Holy Family.
Where it is written, “✝ J M J ✝” the writer appeals for the blessing and protection of the Holy Family.

Posted in CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART, The INCARNATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 January – ‘ …The Threefold Gift …’

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One Minute Reflection – 7 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Sunday Within the Octave of the Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… And falling down they worshipped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, Gold and Frankincense and Myrrh.” … Matthew 2:11

REFLECTION – “But if, with careful thought, we wish to see how their threefold kind of gift, is also offered by all who come to Christ, with the foot of faith — is not the same offering repeated in the hearts of true believers?
For he who acknowledges ,Christ the King of the universe brings Gold from the treasure of his heart, he who believes the Only-begotten of God to have united man’s true nature to Himself, offers Myrrh and he who confesses Him, in no wise, inferior to the Father’s Majesty, worships Him in a manner, with Incense.” - St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 January – … Thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1

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One Minute Reflection – 6 January – The Epiphany of the Lord – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1

REFLECTION – “ … In virtue of it this day also, you are sanctified by the enlightening of the Church. Thanks be to Thee, true Light, Thou that “enlighten every man coming into this world” (Jn 1:9), Thou Who for this very purpose, have come into this world as a Man. …

O God, Thou Who gives Light to all nations, of Thou we will sing – “Behold the Lord will come and enlighten the eyes of His servants” (cf. Jude 14). Behold, Thou hast come, my Light: “Enlighten my eyes that I may never fall asleep in death” (Ps 12:[12],4)… Thou has come, O Light of the faithful and behold Thou has granted us today, to rejoice at the enlightening of faith that is, of our lamp. Grant us also to rejoice always at the enlightening of the darkness that remains in us…

This is the way in which you should advance, O faithful soul, in order that you may cast off the darkness of this world and arrive at your home country of eternal brightness, where “your darkness will be like midday” (Is 58:10) and “night will be lit up like day” (Ps 138:12). Then indeed, then “you will see and be radiant, your heart will thrill and rejoice” (Is 60;5), when the whole earth is filled with the majesty of unbounded Light and “His glory is seen in you” (Is 60;2)… “Come and let us walk in the Light of the Lord!” (Is 2:5); as “children of light” let us walk “from brightness to brightness, as led by the Lord Who is Spirit“ (2 Cor 3:18).” – Bl Guerric of Igny (c 1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (3rd sermon for Epiphany SC 166).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, INGRATITUDE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The DIVINE INFANT, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The FLIGHT into EQYPT, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 January – ‘For they are dead who sought the life of the Child.’ Matthew 2:20

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One Minute Reflection – 5 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Vigil of the Epiphany – Galatians 4:1-7, Matthew 2:19-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Arise and take the Child and His Mother and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead who sought the life of the Child.” – Matthew 2:20

REFLECTION – “My dear Jesus, Thou art the King of Heaven
but now I behold Thee as an Infant wandering over the earth –
tell me, whom dost Thou seek?
I pity Thee when I see Thee, so poor and humbled but I pity Thee more when I see Thee treated with such ingratitude by the same men whom Thou came to save. Thou dost weep but I also weep because I have been one of those, who in times past, have despised and persecuted Thee. But now I value Thy grace more than all the kingdoms of the world; forgive me, O my Jesus, all the evil I have committed against Thee and permit me to carry Thee always in my heart during the journey of my life to eternity, even as Mary carried Thee in her arms during the flight into [and return from] Egypt.” – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church”

PRAYER – O Almighty and everlasting God, do Thou order all our actions in conformity with Thy good pleasure that through the name of Thy well-beloved Son, we may worthily abound in all good works. 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).

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The DIVINE INFANT, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 January – ‘ … Why did the newborn heavenly King abandon these companions in innocence …?’

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One Minute Reflection – 4 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Octave of the Holy Innocents – Apocalypse 14:1-5; Matthew 2:13-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“When Herod realised that he had been deceived by the Magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity, two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the Magi.” – Matthew 2:16

REFLECTION – “Where does this jealousy lead?… The crime committed today shows us. Fear of a rival to his earthly kingdom fills Herod with anxiety, he plots to suppress “the newborn King” (Mt 2:2), the Eternal King; he fights against his Creator and puts innocent children to death … As for those children, what fault had they committed? Their tongues were dumb, their eyes had seen nothing, their ears heard nothing, their hands done nothing. They accepted death who had not known life! … Christ reads the future and knows the secrets of the heart, He weighs our thoughts and probes our intentions (cf. Ps 138[139]): why did He forsake them? … Why did the newborn heavenly King abandon these companions in innocence, forget the sentinels watching around His crib, to such an extent that the foe, who wanted to get at the King, ravaged His whole army?

My brethren, Christ did not forsake His soldiers but covered them with honour, by allowing them to conquer, before they had lived and to carry away the prize, without a fight. … He wanted them to possess Heaven, rather than earth. … He sent them before Him as His heralds. He did not abandon them but saved those who went on ahead. He did not forget them. …

Blessed are they who have exchanged their travail for repose, their pains for ease, their suffering for joy. They are alive! Yes, they are alive, they live indeed who have undergone death for Christ’s sake. … Happy the tears their mothers shed for these infants, they have won them the grace of Baptism. … May He who deigned to rest in a stable, be pleased to lead us too, to the heavenly pastures.” – St Peter Chrysologus (400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 152 PL 52, 604).

PRAYER – O God, Whose praise the Innocents, Thy Martyrs, this day proclaimed, not by speaking but by dying, put to death in us all the wickedness of sin, so that Thy faith which our tongue professes, may be proclaimed also by our 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).