Category: The WORD

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the KING Prayers, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The HOLY SOULS, The RESURRECTION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 November – The hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs shall hear the Voice of the Son of God. John 5:28-29

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One Minute Reflection – 2 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – All Souls Day – 1 Corinthian 15:51-57, John 5:25-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Do not wonder at this, for the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs shall hear the Voice of the Son of God. And they who have done good, shall come forth unto the resurrection of Life but they who have done evil, until the resurrection of judgement.” – John 5:28-29

REFLECTION – “Devout, wise and good people are not afraid of death, in view of the great hope they have in what lies before them. Everyday they think of death as of a departure and of the last day, as when the offspring of Adam will be born! The Apostle Paul says: “Death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin, as has happened with all the children of Adam” (Rm 5:14.12) … It has happened, too, in all Moses’ descendants, to the end of the world. However, Moses declared that its rule would be destroyed; death thought to hold everyone captive and rule over them forever. .., but when the Holy One called to Moses, from the heart of the bush, he said to him: “I am the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob” (Ex 3:6). When it heard these words, death was terrified, it trembled with fear, understanding that … God is Lord over the dead and the living and would come one day when men would escape from its darkness. Now Jesus our Saviour has repeated these words to the Sadducees and said: “He is not God of the dead, for all are alive for Him” (Lk 20:38) …

For Jesus has come, the One Who has put death to death!
He put on a body of Adam’s race, has been nailed to the Cross and tasted death. It has understood that He would be descending to its abode. Anxiously, death fastened its gates but He has broken down its gates, entered in and started to seize those it was holding there. The dead, seeing Light in the darkness, raised their heads from their prisonhouse and saw the glory of the Messiah King! … And death, seeing how the darkness began to disperse and the righteous to rise, knew that at the end of time, He would release every prisoner from its power!” – St Aphrahat (c280-c345) Bishop near Mosul, Father (Expositions No 22).

PRAYER – O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaids, the remission of all their sins, that they may obtain, by our loving prayer,s the forgiveness which they have always desired. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CREEDS, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 November – ‘ … The Communion of Saints will make up for my insufficiency and imperfection. … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 1 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – All Saints Day – Apocalypse 7:2-12, Matthew 5:1-12 – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in Heaven.” – Matthew 5:12

REFLECTION – “Dearly beloved, let us anxiously attend to all that concerns the profession of our common life, “keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace,” by “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the imparting of the Holy Spirit ”(Eph 4,3; 2 Cor 13:13). From the love of God comes the unity of the spirit; from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ comes the bond of peace; from the imparting of the Holy Spirit, comes that communion which is necessary to those who live in common. …

“I believe, 0 Lord, in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints” (Credo). This is my hope, this is my trust, this is my confidence, this is the whole of my security in the professing of my faith. … If I am allowed, O Lord, to “love Thee and love my neighbour,” (Mt 22:37-39) although my merits are small and few, yet will my hopes reach beyond them. I am confident that the merits of the Saints will help me by the communion of charity, so that the Communion of Saints will make up for my insufficiency and imperfection. … Let charity expand our hope, as far as the Communion of Saints, in the sharing of merits and rewards but the sharing of the latter belongs to the future, for it is the sharing in the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Since, then, there are three communions – the first of nature, which includes the sharing of guilt … the second of grace and the third, of glory. By the communion of grace, that of nature begins to be remade and the sharing of guilt to be excluded but, by the communion of glory, that of nature will be perfectly restored and the communion of anger, will be entirely excluded, when “God will wipe away every tear from the eyes” of the Saints (Is 25:8; Rv 21:4). Then, among all the Saints, there will be “one heart and one soul” and “all things will be in common”when God will be “all in all” (Acts 4:2; 1 Cor 15:28). That we may all arrive at this communion and that we all may be one, “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the imparting of the Holy Spirit be with us all forever. Amen.” – Baldwin of Forde O.Cist ( c 1125–1190) Cistercian Abbot, Bishop, then Archbishop of Canterbury (Treatise on the common life).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who granted us to honour the merits of all Thy Saints in a single solemn festival, bestow on us, we beseech Thee, through their manifold intercession, that abundance of Thymercy for which we yearn. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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One Minute Reflection – 31 October – Blessed are you …

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One Minute Reflection – 31 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Vigil of All Saints – Apocalypse 5:6-12, 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. Cone, that there may be salvation on earth and joy in Heaven! Turn me towards Youself 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 You, by the immensity of Your Love for me, a sinner, grant that I may love You alone, above all things, that I may be consoled by none but You, my sweetest God!” – Ludolph of Saxony (c1300-1378) Monk, Theologian, Writer, Dominican then a Carthusian (Prayers to Jesus Christ).

PRAYER – Multiply Thy grace upon us, O Lord our God and grant that by following in holiness of life, those whose glorious festival we anticipate, we may attain to their bliss. 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, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 30 October – The Image of God

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Quote/s of the Day – 30 October – Philippians 1:6-11, Matthew 22:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Therefore, render to Caesar
the things that are Caesar’s and to God,
the things that are God’s.”

Matthew 22:21

“… Caesar required his image on every coin
but God has chosen man,
whom He has created,
to reflect His glory!”

“I shall reflect the image of God
in that I feed on love;
grow certain on faith and hope;
strengthen myself, on the virtue of patience;
grow tranquil by humility;
grow beautiful by chastity;
am sober by abstention;
am made happy by tranquillity
and am ready for death,
by practising hospitality.”

ACW – Ancient Christian Writer
Incomplete Work on Matthew

(Homily 40)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on The SOUL, QUOTES on TRUTH, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 October – ‘ … repay God with your soul …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 October – Resumed Mass of Sunday – Philippians 1:6-11, Matthew 22:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God, the things that are God’s.” – Matthew 22:20-21

REFLECTION – “Just as this coin bears the image of Caesar, so our soul is in the image of the Blessed Trinity, as one of the Psalms says: “The light of Thy countenance, has been imprinted upon us” (4:6 LXX) … Lord, the light of Your countenance that is to say, the light of Your grace that sets Your image within us and makes us become like You, has been imprinted upon us, imprinted in our rational faculty which is the highest power of our soul and receives this light as wax receives the mark of a seal. God’s countenance is our reason because, just as we recognise someone by his face, so we recognise God through the mirror of reason. However, this reason has been deformed by human sin, since sin sets us against God. The grace of Christ has put our reason right. Hence, the Apostle Paul says to the Ephesians: “Be renewed in your minds” (4:23). The light in question, in the Psalm [above], is thus the grace which restores God’s image imprinted in our nature …

The whole Trinity has marked mankind with Its likeness. With the memory it resembles the Father; with the understanding it resembles the Son; by love, it resembles the Holy Ghost … From the beginning of creation man was made “in the image and likeness of God” (Gn 1:26). The image in his understanding of Truth, the likeness in his love of virtue. The light on God’s countenance is thus, the grace which justifies us and brings to light, once again, our created image. This light constitutes man’s whole good, his true good; it sets its mark on him, just as the emperor’s image marked the coin. That is why the Lord adds: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” It was as if He said: “Just as you repay Caesar with his image, so repay God with your soul, beautified and marked by the light of His countenance.” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Evangelical Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and Feasts of the Saints).

PRAYER – O God, our refuge and our strength, the very source of holiness, heed the devout prayers of Thy Church and grant that what we seek in faith, we may obtain in fact. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 October – “God has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son.” Col 1:13

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One Minute Reflection – 29 October – Christ the King – Colossians 1:12-20. John 18:33-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews …” – John 18:36

REFLECTION – “ Listen everyone, Jews and Gentiles… Listen all the kingdoms of the earth! I am not preventing you from ruling over this world, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” (Jn 18:36) So do not be afraid with that senseless fear which seized Herod when My birth was announced to him… “No,” the Savior says, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” May you not be made cruel by fear. It is true that the Son of God, speaking of the Father, says in a prophecy: “Through Him, I was established as King on Zion, His holy mountain.” (Ps 2:6) But that Zion and that mountain, are not of this world.

And what is His Kingdom? It is they who believe in Him, those to whom He says: “You are not of the world, just as I Am not of the world.” But He, nevertheless, wants them to be in the world; He prays to His Father: “I am not asking Thee to take them out of the world but, to protect them from the evil one.” (Jn 17:15) For He did not say: “My Kingdom is not in this world,” but rather: “It is not OF this world. If My Kingdom were OF this world, My followers would be fighting to keep Me from being handed over.”

For His Kingdom really is here on earth until the end of the world, until the harvest of weeds mingled with the good seed (Mt 13:24.)… But His Kingdom is not from here, for He is like a traveller in this world. To those over whom He reigns, He says: “You do not belong to the world but I have chosen you out of the world.” (Jn 15:19) So they did belong to this world when they were not yet His Kingdom and they belonged to the prince of this world (Jn 12:3)… All who are born of Adam’s sinful race belong to this world; all who were reborn in Jesus Christ belong to His Kingdom and no longer belong to this world. For “God has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son.” (Col 1:13).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace(Tractate 115 on the Gospel of John ) [Translated from the French].

PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, Who willed to restore all things in Thy beloved Son, the King of the Universe, graciously grant that the peoples of the earth torn asunder by the wound of sin, may submit to His most gentle rule.
Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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One Minute Reflection – 28 October – If they kept My Word, they will also keep yours. John 15:20

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One Minute Reflection – 28 October – Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles – Ephesians 4:7-13, John 15:17-25 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The servant is not greater than his Master. … If they kept My Word, they will also keep yours. ” – John 15:20

REFLECTION – “Just as those, who have been trained in agriculture cut up the land with the plough and then, bury the seed in the furrow and do not rely any further on their own skill but rather, leave the rest to the power and favour of God — I mean the germination of the seed which is buried in the earth and nourishing it, up to perfect fruit, — so too, I think, the interpreter of the noblest truths ought only to sow the Word and leave the rest to God.

The Saviour, therefore, gives His advice in this matter to His disciples as a medicine, for lack of spirit and a cure for listlessness. For, He says, do not ever choose to shy away from continuing to teach, even if some of those, who have once been admonished, should nullify the teaching that has been given to them. Rather, finding that even My Words are often not received by many, do not strive to surpass My reputation. Instead, follow in My footsteps and do not become discouraged!” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church – (Commentary on the Gospel of John, 10)

PRAYER – O God, Who has given us a way of coming to know Thy Name through Thy blessed Apostles Simon and Jude, grant us to honour their everlasting glory, by becoming more holy and to become more holy by honouring it. 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 PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on TRUTH, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 October – ‘But to God alone, give all the glory …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 October – Vigil of Saints Simon and Jude – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14, John 15:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Abide in Me and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
unless it abide in the vine,
so neither can you,
unless you abide in Me.”

John 15:4

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God,
with thy whole heart
and with thy whole soul
and with thy whole mind.”

Matthew 22:37

“Be strengthened in Almighty God
and in the power of His might,
for with His help, nothing is difficult.
Throw off the heavy load of your own will,
cast aside the burden of sin
and gird yourselves as valiant warriors!
Forget what you are leaving behind;
strain forward to the great things before you.
I tell you that every place where you set foot,
shall be yours.
For the Spirit, Who goes before your face
is Christ the Lord.
He will carry you to the topmost peak
in the arms of His Love.”

St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)

“If, because of your preaching,
men lay aside enmities,
forgive injuries,
avoid occasions of sin
and scandals
and reform their conduct,
you may say that the seed
has fallen on good ground.
But to God alone, give all the glory
and acknowledge yourselves,
ever unprofitable servants.”

St Louis Bertrand (1526-1581)

“Amongst all loves,
God’s is so to be preferred
that we must always stand prepared in mind,
to forsake them all for that alone!”

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

(Treatise on the Love of God, Book 10, Chapter 7)

“[Jesus] is our only Master, Who must teach us;
our only Lord, on Whom we must depend;
our only Head, to Whom alone we should belong;
our only Model, Whom we should imitate;
our only Physician, Who must heal us;
our only Shepherd, Who must feed us;
our only Way, Who must lead us;
our only Truth, Whom we must believe;
our only Life, Who must be our life
and our sole sufficiency in all things
that, in Him, we may have all in All.
Except the Name of Jesus,
there is no other name given under Heaven,
whereby we must be saved
and apart from Jesus Christ,
God has given us no other foundation of our salvation,
our perfection and our glory! ”

St Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

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One Minute Reflection – 27 October – “Abide in Me and I in you.”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Vigil of Saints Simon and Jude – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14, John 15:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Abide in Me and I in you.” – John 15:4

REFLECTION – “ [Jesus] is our only Master, Who must teach us; our only Lord, on Whom we must depend; our only Head, to Whom alone we should belong; our only Model, Whom we should imitate; our only Physician, Who must heal us; our only Shepherd, Who must feed us; our only Way, Who must lead us; our only Truth, Whom we must believe; our only Life, Who must be our life and our sole sufficiency in all things that, in Him, we may have all in All. Except the Name of Jesus, there is no other name given under Heaven, whereby we must be saved and apart from Jesus Christ, God has given us no other foundation of our salvation, our perfection and our glory: “for other foundations, no man can lay but that which is laid which is Christ Jesus” (1 Cor 3:11). Every house which is not built upon this firm Rock, is founded on the shifting sands and will inevitably fall, sooner or later. Every soul who is not united with Christ, as a branch to the stem of the vine, will fall off, wither and become fit only for the fire. If we are in Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ in us, we need not fear damnation; neither Angels in Heaven, nor men on earth, neither demons in hell, nor any other creature, can harm us because they cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (cf. Rm 8:38-39).” – St Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716) Priest, Renowned Preacher, Founder of Religious Communities [Treatise on the true devotion to the Blessed Virgin (Article one; First Truth)]

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, maybe delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 October – ‘… Grow onto Him …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona
because flesh and blood
hath not revealed it to thee
but My Father Who is in Heaven.”

Matthew 16:17

“But the God of all grace,
Who hath called us into His eternal glory
in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little,
will Himself perfect you and confirm you
and establish you.
To Him be glory and empire
forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 5:10-11

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

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

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

“Hide me then in the day of evil, O Lord,
in the secret place of Thy tabernacle,
in the hidden recesses of Thy Face,
“far from the strife of tongues” (Ps 26:5; 30:21),
for Thy yoke is easy and the burden
Thou hast laid on me is light (Mt 11:30).
And when Thou show me the difference
between Thy service and the service of the world,
gently and tenderly Thou asks me
if it is not better to serve Thee,
the living God, than to serve strange gods
(Cf 2 Chron 12:8). And I, for my part,
adore the hand that lays the load,
I kiss the yoke and I embrace the burden
and it is very sweet to me to sweat beneath its weight.
For masters other than Thee, have long possessed me…
I acknowledge Thy yoke and Thy light burden
which lifts me up and does not crush me down. …”

William of St Thierry O.Cist (c1075 – c1148)

“Let us always belong to God,
unreservedly and without interruption.
May He ever live and reign in our hearts.”

(Letter to Madame de Chantal)

“He who most loves,
will be most loved.”

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

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One Minute Reflection – 26 October – ‘Bridegroom and Bride, that is Christ and the Church … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Evaristus – (c44–c107) Martyr, Pope Evaristus is the fifth Bishop of Rome, holding office from c99 until his death in c108. – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in Heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in Heaven.” – Matthew 16:19

REFLECTION – “Bridegroom and Bride, that is Christ and the Church, are as one, be it in receiving confession or in bestowing absolution. All this makes clear why Christ had to tell each of us: “Go, show yourself to the priest” (Mt 8,4)… It follows that apart from Christ, the Church cannot grant forgiveness and that Christ has no will to forgive, apart from the Church. The Church’s authority to forgive extends only to the repentant, to those, that is, whom Christ has already touched; Christ, on His part, has no intention of regarding as forgiven, one who despises the Church.

Doubtless, Christ need accept no restraints to His power of Baptising, Consecrating the Eucharist, Ordaining Priests, forgiving sins and the like but, the humble and faithful Bridegroom, prefers to confer such blessings, with the co-operation of His Bride. “What God,” then, “has joined, let no man put asunder” (Mt 19,6). “I say this is a great mystery and refers to Christ and the Church” (Eph 5,32)… To remove the Head from the Body (Col 1,18) were to ruin the whole Christ, irreparably. Christ, apart from the Church, is no more the whole Christ, than the Church is complete, if separated from Christ. Head and Body go to make the whole and entire Christ.” – Bl Isaac of Stella (c 1100 – c 1170) Cistercian Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Philosopher (Sermon 11, §11-814).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Evaristus Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. 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 WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HEART, The HOLY CROSS, The LORD'S PRAYER, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 October – ‘ … We turn aside, we look for excuses …’

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One Minute Reflection – 25 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Saints Chrysanthus and Daria (Died c 282) Martyrs, Married Couple – Wisdom 3:1-8, Luke 11:47-51 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I will send to them prophets and apostles and some of them they will kill and persecute. ” – Luke 11:49

REFLECTION – “You know what we are going to say in prayer to God before coming to Communion: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Interiorly prepare yourself to forgive because you are about to meet with these words in prayer. How are you going to say them? Are you perhaps not going to say them? In the end that is very much the question – will you say these words, yes or no? You hate your brother and will you utter the words: “Forgive us, as we forgive?” Are you going to say that you avoid these words? But in that case, are you praying? Pay close attention, my brethren. In a moment you are going to pray – forgive from the heart!

Look at Christ suspended on the Cross, listen to Him praying: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34). Doubtless, you will say: He was able to do it but I cannot. I am a man but He is God. You cannot imitate Christ? Why then did the Apostle Peter write: “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps” (1Pt 2:21)? Why does the Apostle Paul write: “Be imitators of God as beloved children” (Eph 5:1)? Why did the Lord Himself say: “Learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29)? We turn aside, we look for excuses, when we claim to be impossible that which we do not want to do … My brethren, do not blame Christ for having given us commandments which are too difficult, impossible to fulfil. Rather, let us say to Him humbly, together with the psalmist: “ Thou art just, O Lord and Thy judgement is right” (Ps 118:137).” – St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop and Monk (Sermon 35).

PRAYER – May the prayer of Your blessed Martyrs, Chrysanthus and Daria, defend us, O Lord, that we may ever enjoy the loving help of those whom we honour by this celebration. ThroughJesus 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, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 24 October – St Raphael

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Quote/s of the Day – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of St Raphael the Archangel – Tobit 12:7-15, John 5:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For it is good to hide the secret of a king
but honourable to reveal and confess,
the works of God.

Prayer is good with fasting and alms,
more than to lay up treasures of gold.

For alms delivereth from death
and the same is that which purges away sins
and maketh to find mercy and life everlasting.

But they that commit sin and iniquity,
are enemies to their own soul.”

Tobit 12:7-10

“I am the Angel Raphael,
one of the seven,
who stand before the Lord.”

Tobit 12:15

Posted in BAPTISM, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on TRUTH, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – The cripple beside the pool of Bethsaida was waiting

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One Minute Reflection – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of St Raphael the Archangel – Tobias 12:7-15, John 5:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“In these lay a great multitude of sick, of blind, of lame, of withered, waiting for the moving of the water (by the Angel). ” – John 5:3

REFLECTION – “The cripple beside the pool of Bethsaida was waiting for someone (to help him into the pool). For whom was he waiting, if not for the Lord Jesus, born of a Virgin? When He came, it was no longer only a matter of some mere prefiguration which was healing people but Truth itself, was healing them all. And so it was, He, Whose descent was awaited, He of Whom God the Father spoke to John the Baptist: “On Whomever you see the Spirit descend and remain, He is the One Who will Baptise with the Holy Spirit” (Jn 1:33) … But why did the Spirit come down like a Dove, if not so that you might see and acknowledge that the Dove which righteous Noah sent out from the ark, was the image of that Dove and, might recognise in it, a prefiguring of the Sacrament of Baptism. ..?

Can you still waver, when the Father is unquestionably proclaiming to you in the Gospel: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17); when the Son, over Whom the Holy Spirit was manifested, in the form of a Dove, is proclaiming it too; when the Holy Spirit, Who descended in the form of a Dove, is also proclaiming it; when David proclaims: “The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over vast waters” (Ps 28:3)? Scripture also affirms that Fire came down from Heaven at Gideon’s prayers and again, that Fire was sent to consecrate the sacrifice at the prayer of Elijah. (Jgs 6:21; 1Kgs 18:38).

Do not attend to a Priest’s personal worth but to his office … Believe that our Lord Jesus is present, when invoked at the prayer of the Priest, He Who said: “Where two or three are gathered together, there Am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18:0). How much more, then, does He deign to grant us His presence where the Church is, where the Mysteries are celebrated. And so, you have gone down to the Baptistery. Remember what you have said – that you believe in the Father, you believe in the Son, you believe in the Holy Ghost … With similar words of commitment. you asserted your belief in the Son, as you believe in the Father, your belief in the Holy Spirit as you believe in the Son, with this sole difference – that you profess the need to believe in the Cross of our only Lord Jesus.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Mysteries 24).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave blessed Raphael the Archangel as a traveling companion to Your servant Tobias, grant us, Your servants, ever to be protected by his guardianship and by his help.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 DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on MERCY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 October –   … A poor man is begging from you and you are begging from God …’ Matthew 18

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One Minute Reflection – 23 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Ferial Day – Ephesians 6:10-17, Matthew 18:21-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Should you not have had compassion on your fellow servant, as I had compassion on you?” …Matthew 18:33

REFLECTION – “What is human mercy like? It makes you concerned for the hardship of the poor. What is divine mercy like? It forgives sinners…
In this world God is cold and hungry in all the poor, as He Himself said (Mt 25:40)… What sort of people are we? When God gives, we want to receive, when He asks, we refuse to give? When a poor man is hungry, Christ is in need, as He said Himself: “I was hungry and you gave me no food” (v. 42). Take care not to despise the hardship of the poor, if you would hope, without fear, to have your sins forgiven…
What He receives on earth He returns in heaven.

I put you this question, dearly beloved – what is it you want, what is it you are looking for, when you come to Church? What indeed if not mercy? Show mercy on earth and you will receive mercy in Heaven. A poor man is begging from you and you are begging from God, he asks for a scrap, you ask for eternal life! … And so, when you come to Church, give whatever alms you can to the poor, in accordance with your means.” – St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) (Sermon 25).

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, graciously grant Thou faithful, forgiveness and peace that they may be cleansed of all sin and serve Thee with minds free from care. 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 JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on MERCY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 22 October – Beggars of God

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 October – The 21st Sunday after Pentecost – Ephesians 6:10-17, Matthew 18:23-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“‘Thou wicked servant!
I forgave thee all thy debt
because thou entreated Me.
Should not thou then
have had compassion also
on thy fellow-servant,
even as I had compassion on thee?’ ”

Matthew 18:32-33

“… Every man is both debtor and creditor…
A beggar asks you for alms but you, too,
are God’s beggar, for when we pray
we are all beggars of God.
We stand – or rather, prostrate ourselves –
at our Father’s door (cf Lk 11:5);
we beseech Him with groans,
anxious to receive a grace from Him
and this grace is God Himself!
What does the beggar ask of you?
Bread. And what is it that you are asking of God
but Christ, Who said:
“I am the Living Bread come down from Heaven”
(Jn 6:51).”

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

“If you wish God to know that you are hungry,
know that another is hungry.
If you hope for mercy, show mercy.
If you look for kindness, show kindness.
If you wish to receive, … give.
If you ask for yourself,
that which you deny to others,
your asking is a mockery!”

St Peter Chrysologus (400-450)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“You must be reconciled to your enemies,
speak to them, as if they had never done you
anything but good, all your life,
keeping nothing in your heart but the charity,
which the good Christian should have, for everyone,
so that we may all appear with confidence,
before the tribunal of God.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 October – ‘ … I do not know how we can sleep … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 22 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The 21st Sunday after Pentecost – Ephesians 6:10-17, Matthew 18:23-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“‘Thou wicked servant! I forgave thee all thy debt because thou entreated Me. Should not thou then, have had compassion also on thy fellow-servant, even as I had compassion on thee?’ ” – Matthew 18:32-33

REFLECTION – “Every man is God’s debtor and each has his brother in debt to him. Indeed, who could be without debt towards God, if not Him, in Whom is found no sin? And who could not have a debtor in his brother, if not he, whom no-one has ever offended? Thus every man is both debtor and creditor… A beggar asks you for alms but you, too, are God’s beggar, for when we pray we are all beggars of God. We stand – or rather, prostrate ourselves – at our Father’s door (cf Lk 11:5); we beseech Him with groans, anxious to receive a grace from Him and this grace is God Himself. What does the beggar ask of you? Bread. And what is it that you are asking of God but Christ, Who said: “I am the Living Bread come down from Heaven” (Jn 6:51). Do you want to receive pardon? Then, show pardon. “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” Do you want to receive? “Give and gifts will be given to you” (Lk 6:37-38) …

Thus, we ought to be ready to forgive all the wrongs done to us, if we wish God to forgive us too. Truly, if we consider our sins and think over the offences we have committed, I do not know how we can sleep, without feeling the burden of our debt weighing down upon us! And this is why we make our requests to God each day. Each day our prayers strike His ears; each day we prostrate ourselves, saying: “Forgive us our debts, as we ourselves forgive those who are in debt to us.” Which of your debts would you like to have remitted? All of them or only some? You are going to reply – All! So do the same for your debtor then!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 83).

PRAYER – Grant us, Thou servants, O Lord God, we beseech Thee, to enjoy lasting health of mind and body and, by the intercession of glorious and blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be delivered from present sorrow and partake to the full of eternal happiness. 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, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on VANITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 October – “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak”

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One Minute Reflection – 21 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Saint Ursula and Companions (Died c 238) Virgin Martyrs – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28

REFLECTION – “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak” (Jas 1;19). Yes, brethren, I tell you frankly… I, who frequently address you at your own request, it is undiluted joy for me, when I take my place in the audience; my happiness is unalloyed, when I listen, rather than speak. Then, it is that I savour the Word in all confidence; my satisfaction is unthreatened by vainglory. When you sit on the solid rock of Truth, how can you fear the precipice of pride? “I will give ear,” says the psalmist, “and you will fill me with joy and gladness” (cf Ps 50:10). So, I am never more delighted, than when I am listening – our position as hearers, is that which keeps us in an attitude of humility.

To the contrary, if we speak … we need to have a certain restraint. Even if I do not give in to pride, I am always afraid I might still do so! If I listen, on the other hand, no-one can take my joy away from me, (Jn 16:22) since no-one witnesses it. This is truly the joy of the Bridegroom, of Whom Saint John says: “He stands and listens” (Jn 3:29). He stands because he listens. The first man, too, was standing because he was listening to God, as soon as he listened to the serpent, he fell. The friend of the bridegroom, then, is “overcome with joy at the Bridegroom’s Voice.” What makes him joyful is not his own voice, as preacher and prophet but the Voice of the Bridegroom Himself.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace [Attri] (Cf Discourse on Ps 139:15 – Treatises on St John’s Gospel No 57)

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God that we may never cease devoutly, to venerate the triumphs of Thy holy Virgins and Martyrs, Ursula and her companions that, as we cannot worthily shew forth their praises, yet we may continually honour them, with lowly service. 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 FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 October – ‘… Let us be watchful, to observe and to do the Lord’s precepts. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 20 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St John Cantius (1390-1473) Confessor – James 2:12-17, 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 – “The Lord was looking to our days when He said, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Lk 18:8) We see that what He foretold has come to pass. There is no faith in the fear of God, in the law of righteousness, in love, in good works …. That which our conscience would fear if it believed, it does not fear because it does not believe at all. If it believed, it would also take heed and if it took heed, it would be saved.

Therefore ,beloved brothers, let us arouse ourselves as much as we can and break the slumber of our listlessness. Let us be watchful to observe and to do the Lord’s precepts. Let us be like He Himself, has bidden us to be, saying, “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. Blessed are those servants, whom the Master finds vigilant on His arrival“.

 Let us always wait with solicitude and caution for the sudden coming of the Lord, so that when he knocks, our faith maybe on the watch and receive from the Lord, the reward of our vigilance. If these commands be observed, if these warnings and precepts be kept, we will not be overtaken in slumber, by the deceit of the devil. But we shall reign with Christ in His Kingdom, as servants on the watch.” – St Cyprian (c 200-258) Bishop of Carthage and Martyr, Father of the Church (Treatise on the unity of the Church, 26-27).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that by following the example of blessed John, Thy Confessor, we may advance in a knowledge of holiness and, by showing pity for others, obtain Thou forgiveness through his merits. 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 GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, SACRED HEART QUOTES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 October – ‘ … He has written us on His hands, so as to have us always under His eyes …’

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One Minute Reflection – 19 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor – Philippians 3:7-12, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I press on, hoping that I may lay hold of that, for which Christ Jesus, has laid hold of me.” – Philippians 3:12

REFLECTION – “Our beloved Saviour assures us, in many places, of His Holy Scriptures that He is constantly caring for and keeping watch over us that He carries and, will Himself, always carry us in His breast, His Heart, His inner being. Nor is He content to say just once, or twice, that He will carry us in this way but, He asserts and reasserts it, as many as five times, in the same place.

Furthermore, He assures us that even if a mother were to be found, who would go as far, as to forget the child she had borne in her womb, yet, He will never forget us that He has written us on His hands, so as to have us always under His eyes; that whoever touches us, touches the apple of His eye; that we should never be anxious, about what we need to live and to clothe ourselves, that He knows well, we need these things and takes care of them for us; that He has numbered the hairs on our head and not one of them will perish that His Father loves us as He loves Him and that, He loves us as His Father loves Him that He wills that we should be where He is that is to say, that we should be at rest with Him, in the breast and Heart of His Father.” – St John Eudes (1601-1680) Priest, Founder, Apostle of the Two Holy Hearts (The Kingdom of Jesus II:30).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously made blessed Peter, Thy Confessor, glorious by the gift of remarkable penance and sublime contemplation, grant, we beseech Thee, that, by the merit of his prayers, we may the more easily understand the things of Heaven by curbing our passions. 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, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on MISSION, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “The harvest indeed is great but the labourers are few.” – Luke 10:2

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One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist – 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The harvest indeed is great but the labourers are few.” – Luke 10:2

REFLECTION – “All the farmer’s work naturally leads towards the harvest. So how could Christ call a ‘harvest’ a work that was still in its initial stages? Idolatry reigned over all the earth .… Everywhere there was fornication, adultery, debauchery, greed, theft, wars . … The earth was filled with so many evils! No seed had yet been sown there. The thorns, thistles and weeds which covered the ground, had not yet been pulled up. The ground had not yet been ploughed, no furrow had yet been drawn.

So how could Jesus say, that the harvest was abundant? … The Apostles were probably distressed and frustrated: “How are we going to be able to say anything, to stand upright before so many people? How can we, the Eleven, correct all the inhabitants of the earth? Shall we, who are so ignorant, be able to approach scholars; shall we, who are so stripped of everything, be able to meet armed men; shall we, who are subordinates, be able to approach people in authority? We know only one language – shall we be able to argue with the barbarians, who speak foreign languages? Who will bear with us, if they do not even understand our language?”

Jesus did not want such reasoning to discourage them. So He called the Gospel a ‘harvest.‘ It is as if, He told them: “Everything is prepared, all the preparations have been made. I am sending you out to harvest the ripe grain. You shall be able to sow and reap, on the same day!” When the farmer leaves his home to go out and gather the harvest, he is brimming over with joy and shining with happiness. He thinks neither of the suffering, nor the difficulties he might encounter . … Christ says, lend Me your tongue and you shall see the ripe grain going into the King’s granaries. And so, He then sends them out, telling them: “I am with you always, until the end of the world.” (Mt 28:20).” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homily on the abundant harvest, 10, 2-3)

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, that Luke, Thy holy Evangelist, who for the honour of Thy Name bore continuously in his body the suffering of the Cross, may intercede on our behalf. 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 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, Quotes on SALVATION, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 October – “Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to the little ones.” – Matthew 11:25

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One Minute Reflection – 17 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) Virgin – Ephesians 3:8-9, 14-19, 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 the little ones.” – Matthew 11:25

REFLECTION – “When more obscure Mysteries are presented to your timid nature by your faith, Christian soul, take courage and say [like Mary], “How shall this be done …? ” (Lk 1:34), not in a controversial spirit but with the love of a disciple. Let your questioning be your prayer, your love, your piety, your humble desire – not seeking to plumb the depths of God’s majesty but looking for salvation, in the healing acts of the God, Who saves us. …

No-one “knows a man’s thoughts, except the spirit of the man which is in him; so also, no-one comprehends the thoughts of God, except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor 2:11). Hasten then to be a sharer in the Holy Spirit. He is present when He is called upon; nor could He be called upon, if He were not present. When, on being called upon, He comes, it is with the abundance of the blessings of God. He is the flowing of “the river which gives joy to God’s city” (Ps 45:5). And if, when He comes, He finds you humble and still and respecting the Words of God, He will rest upon you (Lk 1:35) and He will reveal to you, what God the Father withdraws from the wise and prudent of this world and those things, will begin to dawn upon you which Wisdom (1 Cor 1:24) could say to the disciples when on this earth but which they were unable to bear, until the Spirit of Truth came, Who was to teach them all Truth (Jn 16:12-13).” – William of Saint-Thierry O.Cist. (c1075-c1148) Cistercian Monk, Mystic, Theologian, Writer (The Mirror of Faith 6).

PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, Who wondrously revealed the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart to blessed Margaret Mary, the Virgin, grant us, by her merits and through imitating her, to love Thee, in all things and above all things, so that we may be found worthy to possess a lasting dwelling place in Thou Heart itself. 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 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The BEATITUDES, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 October – ‘ … And, the greater their purity, the more they will see!’

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One Minute Reflection – 16 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Proverbs
31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure, hidden in a field.” – Matthew 13:44

REFLECTION – “Some of the brethren think that they are excluded from the Holy Ghost’s gifts of grace. Because they neglect to practise the commandments, they do not know that he who has an unadulterated faith in Christ, has within himself, the sum total of all the Divine gifts. Since, through our laziness, we are far from having an active love for Him — a love which shows us the Divine Treasures within us — we naturally think that we are excluded from these gifts.

If, as St Paul says: “Christ dwells in our hearts through faith” (Eph 3:17) and, “all the treasures of wisdom and spiritual knowledge are hidden in Him” (Col 2:3), then, all the treasures of wisdom and spiritual knowledge are hidden in our hearts! They are revealed to the heart, in proportion to our purification by means of the commandments. This is the treasure, hidden in the field of your heart which you have not yet found because of your laziness. Had you found it, you would have sold everything and bought that field. But now, you have abandoned that field and give all your attention to the land nearby, where there is nothing but thorns and thistles! It is for this reason that the Saviour says: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8) for He is hidden in the hearts of those who believe in Him. They shall see Him and the riches that are in Him, when they have purified themselves, through love and self-control. And, the greater their purity, the more they will see!” – St Maximus the Confessor (c580-662) Abbot and Theologian (Centuries of love 4:69).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. 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 WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – ‘ … He came to lead our lives away from corruption to Himself … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 15 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin and Doctor of the Church – Ephesians 5:15-21, John 4:46-53 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus said to him: Go thy way, thy son lives.” – John 4:50

REFLECTION – “To this end Christ died and lived again that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Rm 14:9). But “God is not God of the dead but of the living” (Lk 20:38). Consequently, the dead over whom He Who lives has power, are no longer dead but alive. Life has power over them, so that they may live without any further fear of death, just as “Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again” (Rm 6:9). Raised up and freed from corruption, they shall see death no more. They will share in the resurrection of Christ just as He shared in their death. For no other reason did He descend to earth, whose bars are barriers to eternity, except to “shatter the doors of bronze and cut in two, the bars of iron” (Ps 106:16). He came to lead our lives away from corruption to Himself and gave us freedom, in place of slavery.

If the work of this arrangement of Providence does not seem to be finished yet, for men still die and their bodies rot in the grave, this should in no way undermine our faith. In advance of all the good things already mentioned, we have even now received a pledge through Christ our First Fruits. Through Him, we attain the highest Heaven and take our places with Him, Who carried us up to the heights with Himself. That is what Saint Paul says: “He raised us up with Himself and made us sit with Him, in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:6). – St Anastasius of Antioch (Died c599) Bishop of Antioch(Sermon 5, on the Resurrection of Christ, 6-9).

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, O God, our Saviour that as we rejoice on the feast-day of blessed Teresa, Thy Virgin, we may be so nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching, as to learn how to serve Thee. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 October – The Faithful on Pilgrimage

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Callistus I (c218- c223) Confessor, Pope, Martyr (and remembering St Bernard our Pilgrim today) – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Simon Peter answered and said:
Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. ”

Matthew 16:16

“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)

“No-one should fear to suffer
for the sake of justice,
no-one should lose confidence
in the reward that has been promised.
The way to rest is through toil,
the way to life is through death.
Christ has taken on Himself
the whole weakness of our lowly human nature.
If then, we are steadfast in our faith in Him
and in our love for Him,
we win the victory that He has won,
we receive what He has promised.”

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

“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

“If we are to reach God, Who is our goal,
it is necessary for us to know, love and serve Him.
In the hidden depths of our own being, we hear His Voice.
As our Creator, Redeemer and Benefactor,
God has the right to the undivided affection of our hearts.
This love should not be empty and sterile, however,
it should be active and effective.
Knowing and loving God,
we should feel the obligation of serving Him
as our Master, in whatever He commands,
even when this demands a heavy sacrifice on our part!”

“We should also have great confidence
in the continual assistance which God offers us
in the temptations, troubles and trials of life.
When pain torments us,
when humiliations are difficult to bear,
when all is dark. we fear each moment
and we feel abandoned, let us trust in Him,
Who is the Way, the Truth and Life.
He says to us, as He said to Peter floundering in the waves:
“O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?” (Mt 14:31).
He is always ready to console and comfort.
He is always there waiting for our call.
We are not alone!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

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One Minute Reflection – 13 October –‘ … Stand ready to obey, when He comes and knocks …’

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One Minute Reflection – 13 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Our Lady of Fatima: The Sixth & Final Apparition – St Edward King and Confessor (c1003-1066) – Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning …” – Luke 12:35

REFLECTION – “It is so that our spirit may be detached from its fantasies that the Word invites us, to shake off this heavy sleep, from the eyes of our souls, so that we may not slide away from the true reality, by clinging to what lacks substance. That is why He sets before us an image of vigilance when He says: “Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning”… The meaning of these symbols is clear enough. Someone who is girded with temperance, lives in the light of a pure conscience because, filial trust enlightens his life, like a lamp. Lit up by the truth that person’s soul is detached from the sleep of illusion because, no empty dreams are leading it astray. As the Word says – if we do this, we shall enter into a life like that of the Angels…

Indeed, these are they who wait for the Lord at His return from the wedding and who are seated by the heavenly gates, with watchful eyes, so that the King of Glory (Ps 23:7) might once more pass through, when he returns from the marriage feast and enters again into the beatitude above the heavens. “Coming forth like the groom from his bridal chamber” (Ps 18:6)…, He united to Himself like a virgin, the nature we had prostituted to idols, once He had restored its virginal integrity, through sacramental regeneration. The nuptials, having now been accomplished, since the Church has been espoused by the Word… and brought into the chamber of His Mysteries, the Angels awaited the return of the King of Glory to the blessedness which matches His nature.

Hence, the text says that our lives ought to be like those of the Angels. Just as they live far from vice and self-deception, ready to welcome the second coming of the Lord, so we too ought to remain awake at the doors of our dwellings and stand ready to obey, when He comes and knocks at the door.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (335-395) Bishop, Father of the Church, Brother of St Basil the Great (Sermons on the Song of Songs No 11).

PRAYER – O God, Who crowned blessed King Edward with the glory of eternity, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate him on earth that we may be worthy to reign with him 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).

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 October – That you may abound in hope … Romans 15:13

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 October – Romans 15:4-13. Matthew 11:2-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Now, the God of hope,
fill you with all joy and peace
in believing – that you may abound in hope
and in the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Romans 15:13

“And as soon as He sees you seek Him fervently,
He will make Himself known to you.
He will appear to you, grant you His help,
bestow the victory on you
and save you from your enemies.
In fact, when He sees how you are looking for Him,
how you continually place all your hope in Him,
then He will instruct you,
teach you true prayer,
give you that authentic charity that is Himself.
Then, He will become everything to you:
your Paradise, Life-giving Tree,
Precious Pearl, Crown, Architect, Farmer,
One subject to suffering
but not afflicted with suffering,
Man, God, Wine, Living Water,
Lamb, Bridegroom, Soldier, Armour,
Christ Who is “All in All” (1Cor 1B,28).

St Macarius of Egypt (c300-390)

“The soul glorifies the Lord,
when it consecrates all its inner powers
on praising and serving God
and when, by its submission
to the Divine commands,
it proves that it never loses sight
of His Power and Majesty.
The spirit rejoices in God, its Saviour,
when it places all its joy
in the remembrance of its Creator,
from Whom it hopes for eternal salvation.”

St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

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

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

(Spiritual Conferences 6)

Posted in ADVENT, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The INCARNATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 October – The root of Jesse – Roman 15:12

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One Minute Reflection – 12 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Ferial Day – Romans 15:4-13. Matthew 11:2-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And again Isaias says, There shall be the root of Jesse and He Who shall arise to rule the Gentiles… in Him the Gentiles shall hope.” – Roman 15:12

REFLECTION – “Until the beginning of the vision, or the burden of Babylon, which Isaias the son of Amos saw, his entire prophecy was about Christ, a prophecy which we want to explain piecemeal, lest the ideas and discussions thereof together, confuse the reader’s memory.

The Jews interpreted the branch and the flower from the root of Jesse, to be the Lord Himself because, the power of His governance, is demonstrated in the branch and His beauty, in the flower. But ,we understand the branch, from the root of Jesse, to be the holy Virgin Mary, who had no shoot connatural to herself. About her we read …: “Behold, a virgin will conceive and bear a son.” And the flower is the Lord our Saviour, Who said, in the Song of Songs, “I am the flower of the field and the lily of the valleys.” In place of “root,” which only the Septuagint translated, the Hebrew text has geza, which Aquila and Symmachus and Theodotus, interpret as kormon, that is, “stem.” And they translated “flower,” which the Hebrew text calls nēṣer, as “bud,” to show that after a long time in Babylonian captivity, no longer possessing any glory from the sprout of the old kingdom of David, Christ would rise from Mary, as though from her stem. The educated of the Hebrews believe that what all the ecclesiastics sought in the Gospel of Matthew but could not find, where it was written “Because He will be called a Nazarene,” was taken from this place. But it should be noted that nēṣer was written here with the [Hebrew] letter ṣade [צ], the peculiar sound of which—somewhere between z and s—the Latin language does not express.” – St Jerome (343-420) Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Isaias 4.)

PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may, by her intercession, be assisted in attaining eternal life. 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 ADVENT, CHRISTMASTIDE!, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN QUOTES, MOTHER of GOD, QUOTES on DOUBT, Quotes on SALVATION, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 11 October – Feast of the Divine Maternity

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 October – Feast of the Divine Maternity

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

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

The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky
For Mary, The Mother of God
For the Annunciation, Advent and Christmas
By St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)

The God whom earth and sea and sky
Adore and praise and magnify,
Whose might they claim, whose love they tell,
In Mary’s body comes to dwell.

O Mother blest! the chosen shrine
Wherein the Architect Divine,
Whose Hand contains the earth and sky,
Has come in human form to lie.

Blest in the message Gabriel brought,
Blest in the work the Spirit wrought,
Most blest, to bring to human birth
The long desired of all the earth.

O Lord, the Virgin-born, to You
Eternal praise and laud are due,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Spirit blest for evermore.

“Having confidence in you,
O Mother of God, I shall be saved.
Being under you protection,
I shall fear nothing.
With your help,
I shall give battle to my enemies
and put them to flight,
for devotion to you,
is an arm of Salvation.”

St John Damascene (676-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“And some seed fell on good ground”
Luke 8:8

“Rejoice, O Mary, House of the Lord,
earth trodden by the Footsteps of God…
Rejoice, O Paradise
more happy than the Garden of Eden,
where every virtue has been seeded
and where the Tree of Life has grown.”

St Theodore the Studite (750-826)
Father, Abbot, Theologian, Writer

(Sermon 2 for the Nativity of Mary)

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One Minute Reflection – 11 October – ‘ … We must do this too, when we are feeling low … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 11 October – Feast of the Divine Maternity – Apocalypse 21:2-5, Luke 19:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … He climbed up into a sycamore tree that he might see Him …” – Luke 19:2

REFLECTION – “I’m writing with the desire to see you, a bold and good shepherd, pasturing and guiding the sheep entrusted to you with perfect zeal and thus, imitating the sweet Master of Truth, Who gave His life for us who are His sheep, who have strayed away from the path of grace. True…, we cannot do this without God and we cannot possess God while remaining on earth. But here is a sweet remedy – when our hearts are reduced to nothing and feeling small, we must do as Zacchaeus did. He was not tall and he climbed a tree to see God. This zeal of his, allowed him to hear these sweet words: “Zacchaeus, go home, for I must dine with you today.”

We must do this too, when we are feeling low, when our hearts are constricted and lacking in charity. We must climb the tree of the most holy Cross and there, we shall see, we shall touch God. There we shall find the fire of His inexpressible charity, the love that propelled Him, even to the humiliation of the Cross that raised Him up and made Him desire His Father’s honour and our salvation, with the craving of hunger and thirst… If this is what we want, if our carelessness does not get in the way, we can, in mounting the tree of the Cross, fulfill in ourselves, this word issuing from the mouth of Truth: “When I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all things to Myself” (Jn 12,32 Vg). Indeed, when the soul is thus raised up, it sees the blessings of the Father’s goodness and power…, it sees the mercy and lavishness of the Holy Spirit, that is to say, the inexpressible love holding Jesus bound to the wood of the Cross. Nails and bonds cannot hold Him there, only charity… O climb this most holy tree where hang, the ripe fruits of all the virtues that the body of the Son of God bears, ardently hasten. Dwell within the holy and sweet love of God. O sweet Jesus, Jesus love.” – St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Church (Letter 119, to the prior of the Olivetan Monks).

PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, maybe assisted by her intercession with Thee.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).