Category: The WORD

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother. – Matthew 12:50

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Rufina and St Secunda of Rome (3rd Century) Virgin Martyrs – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 12:46-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” – Matthew 12:50

REFLECTION – “I beg you to listen to what the Lord had to say when He stretched out His hand towards His disciples: “Here are My mother and My brethren” and, “whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” Are we to take it from this that the Virgin Mary did not do the will of the Father, she who by faith believed, by faith conceived; she who was chosen to bring forth salvation on our behalf and who, was by Christ created that Christ in her, might be created? Indeed and indeed, she did the Father’s will and it is a greater thing for Mary that she was Christ’s disciple, than that she was His Mother. It is a happier thing to be His disciple, than to be His Mother. Blessed then is Mary, who bore her Lord in her body, before she gave Him birth…

Mary is holy. Mary is blessed. Yet the Church is greater than she is. What reason do I bring? Mary is part of the Church. She is a holy member of the Church; she is THE holy member; she is the member above all member hut, she is still one member of the whole body… Brothers, listen very closely – you are members of Christ’s body and you are the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27). And this is how you are what He said: “Here are My mother and My brothers.” But how does this prove you are Christ’s mother? He goes on: “Whoever hears and whoever does the will of my heavenly Father, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 25 on Saint Matthew).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who know how courageously Thy holy Martyrs have confessed the faith, may experience their goodness as they intercede for us 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).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 July – I have compassion on the multitude … Mark 8:2

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One Minute Reflection – 9 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Pentecost VI – Romans 6:3-11, Mark 8:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I have compassion on the multitude, for behold they have now been with Me three days and have nothing to eat.” – Mark 8:2

REFLECTION – “ In this account of the miracle we must consider, in one and the same Redeemer, the separate operation of His Divinity and of His Humanity. And the error of Eutyches, who dared to teach that in Christ there is but one operation, must be wholly driven out from Christian lands. Who cannot see that the Lord, in having compassion on the multitude, lest they faint from want of food or from the weariness of the long journey home, was moved by the compassion of human pity but that, feeding four thousand people from seven loaves and a few fish, is a work of Divine Power?

“And they collected seven baskets full of fragments.” That multitude who had just eaten and been fille, did not carry away with them the remains of the loaves but left them to be gathered into baskets by the disciples, as before. And taken literally, this event teaches us to be content with what is necessary and never to look for anything more than that. Then the Evangelist makes known to us the number of those who were satisfied – “Now those who ate were about four thousand and He dismissed them” Here, let us consider that our Lord Jesus Christ does not wish to send anyone away hungry, since to the contrary, He wants to give to everyone the nourishment of His grace.

In a figurative sense, there is this difference between this second miracle and the first multiplication of the five loaves and two fish – the first prefigures the letter of the Old Testament, which was as though full of the spiritual grace of the New, whereas the second, represents the truth and grace of the New Testament fully communicated to the faithful. The multitude who, according to Saint Matthew’s testimony, wait three days for the healing of their sick (Mt 15), represent the elect in the faith of the Holy Trinity, who beg for the forgiveness of their sins, with persevering prayer, or those who are converted to the Lord, through their thoughts, words and deeds.” – St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Monk, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Mark, Book II, ch8 cf PL 92 – quoted by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Catena Aurea Vol 4)

PRAYER – O God of the heavenly powers, creator of all good things, implant in our hearts the love of Thy Name and bestow upon us, an increase of godliness, fostering what is good and, by Thy loving care, guarding what Thou hast fostered. 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, DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, St Francis de Sales, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 July – The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 July – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52

“Jesus said in parables:
The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure,
hidden in a field.”

Matthew 13:44

“Thy will be done
on earth as it is
in Heaven.”
Matthew 6:10

“I want to advise you and remind you, what His will is.
Do not fear that it means He will give you riches,
or delights, or honours, or all these earthly things.
His love for you is not that small!
and He esteems highly what you give Him.
He wants to repay you well,
for He gives you His Kingdom
while you are still on earth …
See … what He gave to the One He loved most.
By that we understand what His will is.
For these are His gifts in this world.”

St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of Prayer of the Church

“This life is short and it is only given us
to gain the other.”

“Whoever thinks well on eternity,
troubles himself little about what happens
in these three or four moments of mortal life.”

“By giving yourself to God,
you not only receive Himself in exchange
but, eternal life as well!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, Quotes on SALVATION, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 July – Our choice – Heaven or Hell?

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One Minute Reflection – 8 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Elizabeth of Portugal TOSF (1271-1336) Widow, Queen –Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“So shall it be at the end of the world. The Angels shall go out and shall separate the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:49-50

REFLECTION – “Consider the choice you make in this life will last forever in the next!
Consider too, that while both are open to receive you, according to your choice, yet God, Who is prepared to give the one by reason of His Justice, the other by reason of His Mercy, all the while desires, unspeakably that you should select Paradise. offering you countless graces on God’s part, countless assistance to attain to it.
Consider that Jesus Christ, enthroned in Heaven, looks down upon you in loving invitation – ‘O beloved one, come unto Me and joy forever in the eternal blessedness of My Love!’
Behold His Mother yearning over you with maternal tenderness, ‘Courage, my child, do not despise the Goodness of my Son, or my earnest prayers for thy salvation.‘ …

O Hell, I abhor thee now and forever; I abhor thy griefs and torments, thine endless misery, the unceasing blasphemies and maledictions which thou pourest out upon my God and turning to thee, O blessed Paradise, eternal glory, unfading happiness, I choose thee forever as my abode, thy glorious mansions, thy precious and abiding tabernacles.

O my God, I bless Thy Mercy which gives me the power to choose, O Jesus, Saviour, I accept Thine Eternal Love and praise Thee for the promise Thou hast given me, of a place prepared for me, in that blessed New Jerusalem, where I shall love and bless Thee forever. ” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis (Excerpt – ‘Introduction to the Devout Life’ 9th Meditation).

PRAYER – Most merciful God, Who among other admirable gifts, endowed blessed Queen Elizabeth with the special grace of calming the tumult of war; grant by her intercession that, after the peace for which we humbly pray, we may attain everlasting happiness. 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", franciscan OFM, Lady POVERTY, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 July – “Carry neither purse, nor wallet, nor sandals …” – Luke 10:4

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Saint Cyril (827-869) and Saint Methodius (826-885)
“Apostles to the Slavs,” Sibling Brother Bishops, Confessors – Hebrews
7:23-27, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Carry neither purse, nor wallet …” – Luke 10:4

REFLECTION – “The Lord commands us in the Gospel: “Watch, be on your guard against all malice and greed” (cf Lk 12:15). “Guard yourselves against the preoccupations of this world and the cares of this life” (cf Mt 6:25; Lk 21:34). Therefore, none of the brothers, wherever he may be, or wherever he goes, should in any way, carry, receive, or have received, either money or coins, whether for clothing or books or payment for any work-indeed, for no reason-unless it is for the evident need of the sick brothers; for we must not suppose that money or coins have any greater value than stones. And the devil would like to blind those who desire it or consider it better than stones. Therefore, let us who have left all things behind, take care that we do not lose the Kingdom of Heaven for so little (cf Mt 19:27; Mk 10:24.28). And if we were to find coins in any place, let us give them no more thought than the dust which we crush with our feet; for all this is “vanity of vanities and all is vanity” (Eccl 1:2).

All the brothers should strive to follow the humility and the poverty of our Lord Jesus Christ … And they must rejoice when they live among people who are considered to be of little worth and who are looked down upon, among the poor and the powerless, the sick and the lepers and the beggars by the wayside. And when it may be necessary, let them go to seek alms. And they should not be ashamed but rather recall that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living and all-powerful God … was a poor man and a transient and lived on alms, he and the Blessed Virgin and His disciples.” – St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226) Founder of the Friars Minor (Earlier Rule, #8-9).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of the blessed brothers, Cyril and Methodius, who, by the power of the Holy Ghost were moved to bring the light of the Gospel to a hostile and divided people. 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 DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on PATIENCE, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 July – Sts Peter and Paul

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul

“Upon this rock I will build My Church
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven
and whatever you bind on earth
shall be bound in Heaven and,
whatever you loose on earth,
shall be loosed in Heaven.”

Matthew 16:18-19

“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

“Do not, therefore, lose your confidence,
which has a great reward.
For you have need of patience that,
doing the will of God,
you may receive the promise.
For yet a very little while
and He Who is to come,
will come
and will not delay.”

Hebrews 10:35-37

“St Paul, the incomparable master,
the great Doctor of the Infant Church,
made Jesus Christ on the Cross
the delightful object of his love,
the sweet subject of his discourses,
the end of all his aspirations in this world
and the foundation of all his hopes in eternity
Blessed is the soul, which thus everywhere,
finds Jesus Christ Crucified!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 July – “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:31

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul – Sirach 44:10-15, Matthew 14:22-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:31

REFLECTION – “Once again the disciples are a plaything of the waves and a storm, similar to the first one (Mt 8:4) hurls itself against them. The first time, however, they had Jesus with them, whereas this time they are alone and left to themselves. … I think this was because our Saviour wanted to stir their sleeping hearts and, by throwing them into a panic, He inspired in them a strong desire for His presence and kept the remembrance of Him constantly in their minds. Hence, He did not come to their help at once but “during the fourth watch of the night He came towards them, walking on the sea …”

Peter, ever volatile, always getting in before the other disciples, said: “Lord, if it is Thee, command me to come to Thee on the water” … He didn’t say, “Command me to walk on the water” but “come to thee,” for, there was none who loved Jesus as much as he. He did the same thing after the Resurrection – unable to bear moving as slowly as the others in the boat, he jumped into the water to get there before them and satisfy his love for Christ. … Getting out of the boat, then, Peter went towards Jesus, more delighted to be going towards Him, than to be walking on the water. But after confronting the greatest danger, that of the sea, he was to give in to a lesser, that of the wind. Such is human nature! Often, having overcome serious dangers we are conquered by lesser ones … Peter had not yet been set free from all his fear … in spite of Christ’s presence beside him. For it is of no use to be beside Christ if one is not close to Him by faith. This is what emphasises the distance separating Master from the disciple …

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” So if Peter’s faith had not faltered, he would have resisted the wind without difficulty. And the proof of this, is that Jesus grasped Peter ,while leaving the wind to continue blowing … Just as the mother bird supports the fledgling which has prematurely left the nest, with her wings, as it is about to fall and draws it back into the nest, so does Christ, with regard to Peter.” … St John Chrysostom (345-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church – (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel no 50, 1-2).

PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the Martyrdom of Your Apostles Peter and Paul, grant Thy Church to follow in all things, the teaching of those, from whom she first received the faith. 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", CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The HOLY NAME, The TEN COMMANDMENTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 July – ‘ … If we understand that religion comes first and filial devotion second … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 4 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul – Acts 5:12-16, Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

REFLECTION – “In almost every passage of Scripture, the spiritual meaning plays an important part. But in this passage especially, we must look for spiritual depth within the thread of its meaning. … How is it that He Himself can say: “Peace I leave with you, My own peace I give you” (Jn 14:27) if He has come to divide fathers from their sons, sons from their fathers, breaking their relationship? How can we be called “cursed if you dishonour your father” (Dt 27:16) yet fervent, if we abandon him?!

If we understand that religion comes first and filial devotion second, then we will understand, this question to be clarified – for we have to pass onto the human, after the Divine. For if we have duties towards our parents, how much more to the Father of our parents, to Whom we owe thanksgiving for our parents? … He does not say, then that we must give up those we love but that, we must prefer God before all else. Besides, do we not find in another book: “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Mt 10:37). What is forbidden is not to love your parents but to prefer them to God. For our blood relations are among God’s blessings and no-one is to love the good things they have received, more than the God Who conserves the blessings He has given!” – St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on the Gospel of Luke, 7)

PRAYER – God, Who hast consecrated this day to the Martyrdom of Thy Apostles Peter and Paul, give Thy Church a precept to follow them in all things. 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, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, HOLY SPIRIT, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 3 July – Live to Christ … Grow onto Him

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Leo II (611–683) Pope, Confessor – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

Matthew 16:16

“Then go and learn,
neither to be moved with injuries nor flatteries.
If you die to the world and to yourself,
you will begin to live to Christ.”

St Macarius of Egypt (c300-390)

“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

“Christ said that the shepherd
enters through the gate
and that He is Himself the Gate,
as well as the Shepherd.
Then, it is necessary,
that He enter through Himself.
By so doing, He reveals Himself
and through Himself, He knows the Father.
But we enter through Him
because through Him. we find happiness.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus
Doctor Communis

“Those with pride
are not Christ’s sheep
but the devil’s goats!”

St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on GRACE, SAINT of the DAY, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 July – Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 3 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Leo II (611–683) Pope, Confessor – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16

REFLECTION – “Peter did not say “Thou are a Christ” or “a son of God” but “the Christ, the Son of God.” For there are many christs by grace, who have attained the rank of adoption [as sons] but [there is] only One Who is by nature the Son of God. Thus, using the definite article, he said, THE Christ, THE Son of God. And in calling Him, Son of the LIVING God, Peter indicates that Christ Himself is Life and that death has no authority over Him. And even if the flesh, for a short while, was weak and died, nevertheless, it rose again, since the Word, Who dwelled in it, could not be held under the bonds of death.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Known as “The Pillar of Faith” Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor Incarnationis (Doctor of the Incarnation) (Fragment 190).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Leo Thy 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 CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The INCARNATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 July – ‘… Both her Son and her Lord. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 2 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Song 2:8-14, Luke 1:39-47 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.”- Luke 1:46-47

REFLECTION – “When a man devotes all his thoughts to the praise and service of the Lord, he proclaims God’s greatness. His observance of God’s commands, moreover, shows that he has God’s power and greatness always at heart. His spirit rejoices in God his Saviour and delights in the mere recollection of his Creator Who gives him hope for eternal salvation.

These words are offered for all God’s creations but especially for the Mother of God. She alone was chosen and she burned with spiritual love for the Son she so joyously conceived. Above all other Saints, she alone could truly rejoice in Jesus, her Saviour, for she knew that He, Who was the source of eternal salvation, would be born, in time, in her body, in one person both her own Son and her Lord.

Therefore, it is an excellent and fruitful custom of holy Church that we should sing Mary’s hymn at the time of evening prayer. By meditating upon the Incarnation, our devotion is kindled and by remembering the example of God’s Mother, we are encouraged to lead a life of virtue. Such virtues are best achieved in the evening. We are weary after the day’s work and worn out by our distractions. The time for rest is near and our minds are ready for contemplation.” – St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father & Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Bestow upon Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace that as the child-bearing of the Blessed Virgin marked the beginning of our salvation, so may the solemn Feast of her Visitation bring us an increase of peace.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 WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 July – ‘ … Run with eager desire to this Source of Life …’

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One Minute Reflection – 1 July – “The Feast and Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Hebrews 9:11-15, John 19:30-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But one of the soldiers opened His side with a lance and immediately there came forth, Blood and water.” – John 19:34

REFLECTION – “Take thought now, redeemed man and consider how great and worthy is He, Who hangs on the Cross for you… Arise, then, beloved of Christ! Imitate the dove ‘that nests in a hole in the cliff’ (Jr 48:28), keeping watch at the entrance ‘like the sparrow that finds a home’(Ps 84:4). There, like the turtledove, hide your little ones, the fruit of your chaste love. Press your lips to the Fountain, draw water from the wells of your Saviour; for this is the spring flowing out of the middle of paradise, dividing into four rivers, inundating devout hearts, watering the whole earth and making it fertile.

Run with eager desire to this Source of Life and Light, all you who are vowed to God’s service. Come, whoever you may be and cry out to Him, with all the strength of your heart. O indescribable Beauty of the most high God and purest Radiance of Eternal Light! Life that gives all life, Light that is the Source of every other light, preserving, in everlasting splendour, the myriad flames that have shone before the throne of Your Divinity from the dawn of time!

Eternal and inaccessible Fountain, clear and sweet stream, flowing from a hidden spring, unseen by mortal eye! None can fathom Your depths nor survey Your boundaries, none can measure Your breadth, nothing can sully Your purity. From You flows ‘the river which gladdens the city of God’ (Ps 46:5) and makes us cry out with joy and thanksgiving, in hymns of praise to You, for we know, by our own experience, that ‘with You is the Source of Life and in Your Light we see light’ (Ps 36:10).” – St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Doctor of the Church (The Tree of Life, 29-30, 47, – Breviary)

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who made Thine Only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world and, willed to be reconciled by His Blood, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to worship in this Sacred rite the price of our salvation and to be so protected, by its power against the evils of the present life on earth, that we may enjoy its everlasting fruit in Heaven. 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).

Aspiration:  Precious Blood, ocean of Divine Mercy, Flow upon us.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, MISSIONS, MISSIONARIES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 June – Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Matthew 10:16

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One Minute Reflection – 30 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Commemoration of St Paul, Apostle and Martyr – Galatians 1:11-20, Matthew 10:16-22 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves, therefore, wise as serpents and simple as doves.” – Matthew 10:16

REFLECTION – “According to the people here,, we run two dangers. The first is that, after taking our money, our guide may leave us on some deserted island or throw us into the sea, so as to escape the Governor of Canton. The second is that, supposing he leads us to Canton and we come into the Governor’s presence, the latter will treat us badly or throw us into prison. For our proceeding is unheard of. Numerous decrees prevent anyone at all from gaining access to China and, it is strictly forbidden, for foreigners to make their way in, without the King’s authorisation. Besides these two dangers, there are many other, even greater ones – that the locals know nothing about. It would take a good deal of time to describe them all, however, I will not pass by without citing some of them.

The first is to lose our hope and trust in God’s mercy! It is for His love and service that we go to make known His law and Jesus Christ His Son, our Redeemer and Lord. He well knows this, since it was He, in His blessed mercy, Who gave us these desires. But to lack confidence in His mercy and might, in the midst of the hazards into which we may fall, for His service’ sake, is an incomparably greater danger than all the evils, the enemies of God might raise up against us. For indeed, if His greater service requires it, He will keep us from the dangers of this life, while, without God’s permission and authorisation, the devils and their attendants, can do nothing at all to harm us!” – St Francis Xavier (1506-1552) Jesuit Missionary (Letter 131:22 October 1552).

PRAYER – O God, Who taught vast numbers of the Gentiles by the preaching of the blessed Apostle Paul, grant we beseech Thee that, by honouring his memory, we may enjoy the benefit of his patronal intercession. 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).

DIVINE Heart of JESUS, convert sinners, save the dying, set free the holy souls in Purgatory. Indulgence 300 Days Everytime – St Pius X, 11 September, 1907.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATECHESIS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – ‘There are the gates of our true country … ‘

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

“There are the gates of our true country,
the two lights of the immense world.
There Paul’s voice is heard like thunder;
there Peter withholds or hurls the bolt .
The former opens the hearts of men,
the latter opens Heaven.
Peter is the Foundation-stone,
Paul the Architect of the temple
where stands the Altar
by which God is propitiated.
Both together form a single Fountain,
which pours out its healing
and refreshing waters.”

St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)
“The Troubadour of Christ”

“Yes, the Apostle chosen
to be His co-worker,
merited to share,
the same Name as Christ.
They built the same Building together –
Peter does the planting,
the Lord gives the increase
and it is the Lord, too,
Who sends those,
who will do the watering (cf 1 Cor 3:6f).”

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

“These falls were both very great
but there was this differ­ence.
One acknowledged his guilt; the other despaired.
Yet, our Saviour had inspired in the heart of both,
the same Peccavi [admission of guilt] (“I have sinned”)
… From this time on, St Peter never ceased weeping,
principally when he heard the cock crow
at night and morning, for he remembered
this crowing as the signal for his conversion.
… Why then was Judas not converted?
… Alas, did not this unhappy man know
that Our Lord alone could give it to him,
that He was the Saviour and held Redemption in His hands?
… Certainly, he knew it but he did not wish,
nor dare to ask pardon. ”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

“He grieved for his three sins,
not only on that sad night but throughout his life.
St Clement (c35-c101 the third succeeding Pope
after St Peter) writes that he wept so often
that his tears wore two deep furrows in his cheeks
and that, whenever he heard the cock crowing,
the cry pierced his heart.
He loved Jesus sincerely and passionately.
If we really love Jesus as Peter did
and are prepared to face death for His sake,
as Peter was, then we may be sure
that we shall never offend God again.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“I have appeared to you for this purpose,
to appoint you as a servant and witness,
of what you have seen
and what you will be shown.
I shall deliver you from this people
and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you,
to open their eyes, that they may turn
from darkness to light
and from the power of Satan to God,
so that they may obtain forgiveness of sins
and an inheritance among those,
who have been consecrated by faith in Me.”

Acts 26:16-18

“Yet I live, no longer I
but Christ lives in me;
insofar as I now live in the flesh,
I live by faith in the Son of God,
Who has loved me
and given himself up for me.”

Galatians 2:20

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CONFESSION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 June –Whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth … Matthew 16:19

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One Minute Reflection – 29 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles – Acts 12:1-11, 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 – O God, Who made this day holy by the Martyrdom of Thy Apostles Peter and Paul, grant Thy Church to follow in all things the teaching of those from whom she first received the faith. 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).

ALL PRAISE, honour and glory to the Divine Heart of JESUS. Indulgenced– 50 Days, once a day. 168 Pope Leo XIII, 14 June 1901.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 28 June – Steadfastness in Suffering

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Thought for the Day – 28 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Steadfastness in Suffering

“Christ has suffered for you, leaving you an example that you may follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/15/thought-for-the-day-15-june-steadfastness-in-suffering/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/03/thought-for-the-day-16-june-steadfastness-in-suffering-2/

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 June – And fear you not them who kill the body and are not able to kill the soul …”

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One Minute Reflection – 28 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – St Irenaeus (c130 – c202) Bishop, Martyr – 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 4:1-5; Matthew 10:28-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And fear you not them who kill the body and are not able to kill the soul …” – Matthew 10:28

REFLECTION – “They did not nail Polycarp but only tied him up. And so, he was bound, putting his arms behind his back, like a noble ram taken from a large flock for sacrifice, a burnt offering acceptable to and made ready for God. Then he gazed up to Heaven and said: “O Lord God Almighty, Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through Whom we have received knowledge of You, God of the angels and the powers and of all creation, God of the whole race of the righteous who live in Your sight: I bless You, for You have thought me worthy of this day and hour, to share the cup of Your Christ, as one of Your Martyrs, to rise again to eternal life in body and soul in the immortality of the Holy Ghost. May I be taken up today into Your Presence among Your Martyrs, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, in the manner You have prepared and have revealed and have now brought to fulfillment, for You are the God of truth… And so also I praise You for all things; I bless and glorify you through our Eternal High Priest in Heaven (Heb 4,14), in Your beloved Child, Jesus Christ, through Whom be glory to You and to Him and to the Holy Ghost, now and for the ages to come. Amen.” – Letter of the Church of Smyrna concerning the Martyrdom of Saint Polycarp (69-155) [Especially appropriate today, as St Irenaeus was a Student and Disciple of St Polycarp.]

PRAYER – O God, Who enabled blessed Irenaeus, Thy Martyr and Bishop, to overcome heresy with true doctrine and to establish peace happily in the Church, grant, we beseech Thee that Thy people may be steadfast in holy religion and give us Thy peace in our times. 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).

SWEET HEART of JESUS, be my LOVE. – Indulgence 300 Days, Once a Day – Pope Leo XIII 21 May 1802.

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN Aspirations and Ejaculations, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE, St JOHN the BAPTIST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 June – – ‘ … Consider, then, the merit of the holy Baptist …’

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One Minute Reflection – 27 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Succour, Within the Octave of St John – Isaias 49:1-3, 5-7, Luke 1:57-68 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed and he spoke blessing God.” – Luke 1:64

REFLECTION – “When John, his son was born, among his neighbours there was concern about what name he should be given. Writing tablets were offered to his father, so that he himself could put down the name that he had decided upon, so that he might express, in writing, what he could not, in speech. Then, in a wonderful manner, when he had taken the tablets in order to begin writing, his tongue was loosened, the written word gave way to speech and he did not write “John” but spoke it. Consider, then, the merit of the holy Baptist: he gave his father back his voice, he restored the faculty of speech to the priest. Consider, I say, his merit – John unloosed the mouth that the Angel had bound. What Gabriel had closed, the little child unlocked. When John is born, the father suddenly becomes a prophet or priest, speech attains its use, love receives an offspring, the office recognises the priest.” – – St Maximus of Turin (Died c 420) Bishop of Turin, Father (Sermon 6) St Maximus’ Feast Day today.

PRAYER – God our Father, Thou opens the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven to those who are born again of water and the Holy Ghost. Increase the grace Thou hast given, so that the people who have been purified from all sin, may not forfeit the promised blessing of Thy love. Grant that we may ever keep Thy Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, before our eyes and do all in Him and through Him and for Him and may the prayers of our Mother of Perpetual Succour ever guide and bear us in her care! We make our pray through Christ, our Lord,who livest and reignest with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God forever, amen. (Collect).

Ejaculation: My Lady and my Mother, remember, I am thine;
protect and defend me as thy property and possession.

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, St Francis de Sales, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 26 June – ‘Therefore, do not be afraid …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 June – Saint John and Saint Paul of Rome (Died c362) Martyrs – Ecclesiasticus 44:10-15, Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings?
And yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Therefore, do not be afraid,
you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Luke 12:6-7

“Let the world turn upside down,
let everything be in darkness,
in smoke, in uproar – God is with us!”

(Letters to Persons in the World, VI, 12)

“The good Angels are around you,
like a company of Sentinels on guard!”

(Letters to Persons in Religion, IV, 14)

“Fear is a greater evil
than the evil itself.”

(Letters to Persons in the World, VI, 12)

“Have no fear – He Who has given you the will,
He will give you the accomplishing.”

(Letters to Persons in Religion, IV, 21)

“Why do you put yourself in trouble?
God is good; He sees very well what you are.”

(Letters to Persons in Religion, III, 16)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 June – Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.

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One Minute Reflection – 26 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Saint John and Saint Paul of Rome (Died c362) Martyrs – Ecclesiasticus 44:10-15, Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7

REFLECTION – “Do not look forward to the changes and chances
of this life in fear – rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, Whose you are, will deliver you out of them.
He is your keeper. He has kept you hitherto. Do you but hold fast to His dear Hand and He will lead you safely through all things and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow.
Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or He will give you strength to bear it.” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church.

PRAYER – We beseech Thee, Almighty God that on this feast-day, we may have the double joy of celebrating blessed John and Paul, true brothers ,who obtained eternal glory through one Faith and one Martyrdom. 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).

All praise, honour and glory to the divine HEART of JESUS. – Indulgence 50 Days, Once a day. Raccolta 168 Pope Leo XIII, 14 June 1901.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, MODESTY, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TRUTH, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 25 June – The many paths?

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 June – Pentecost IV – Romans 8:18-23, Luke 5:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Master, the whole night through
we have toiled and have taken nothing
but at Thy Word, I will lower the net.”

Luke 5:5

“To arrive at the knowledge of the truth,
there are many paths – the first is humility,
the second is humility
and the third is humility.”

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

“Those who refuse to be humble
cannot be saved.
They cannot say with the prophet:
See, God comes to my aid;
the Lord is the helper of my soul.
But anyone who makes himself humble,
like a little child,
is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

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

“At Thy Word I will lower the nets.”
Whenever I lowered them on my own,
I wanted to keep what belongs to Thee for myself.
It was myself I was preaching
and not Thee; my words, not Thine.
That is why I caught nothing.
Or, if I did catch something,
it was not fish but frogs,
only good for croaking my own praise! …”

St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Doctor of the Church

“When insults have no effect on us,
when persecutions and penalties,
have no terror for us,
when prosperity or adversity,
has no influence on us,
when friend and foe,
are viewed in the same light…
do we not come close,
to sharing, the serenity of God?”

St Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167)
“St Bernard of the North”

“Humility is the mother
of many virtues
because from it,
obedience, fear, reverence,
patience, modesty,
meekness and peace are born.
He who is humble easily obeys everyone,
fears to offend anyone,
is at peace with everyone,
is kind with all.”

“Dismiss all anger
and look into yourself a little.
Remember that he, of whom,
you are speaking, is your brother
and as he is, in the way of salvation,
God can make him a Saint,
in spite of his present weakness.”

St Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)

“Humility and charity
are the two master chords –
one, the lowest;
the other, the highest;
all the others are dependent on them.
Therefore, it is necessary, above all.
to maintain ourselves in these two virtues,
for observe well,
that the preservation of the whole edifice
depends on the foundation and the roof!”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 June – “At Thy Word I will lower the nets.”

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One Minute Reflection – 25 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost IV and the Feast of St William (1085-1142) Abbot – Romans 8:18-23, Luke 5:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Fear not, henceforth you shall catch men.” – Luke 5:10

REFLECTION – “At Thy Word I will lower the nets.” It is at the command of divine grace and supernatural inspiration that the nets of preaching are to be spread out. Otherwise, the preacher wastes his time in lowering the lines of his words. People’s faith is won, not by carefully composed speeches but the grace of a divine vocation… O fruitful humility! When those who so far have not caught a thing, put their trust in Christ’s Word, they catch a great number of fish…

“At Thy Word I will lower the nets.” Whenever I lowered them on my own, I wanted to keep what belongs to Thee for myself. It was myself I was preaching and not Thee; my words, not Thine. That is why I caught nothing. Or, if I did catch something, it was not fish but frogs, only good for croaking my own praise…

“At Thy Word I will lower the nets.” Running out the net at the Word of Jesus Christ, means not attributing anything to oneself but all to Him; it means practising what one preaches. Then a great number of fish will be caught!” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and Saints’ days).

PRAYER – O God, Who made Thy Saints an example and a help for our weakness, grant us, as we walk the path of salvation, so to venerate the virtues of the blessed Abbot William that we may obtain his intercession and follow in his footsteps. 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).

EUCHARISTIC Heart of JESUS, model of the priestly heart, have mercy on us.
COR JESU Eucharisticum, cordis sacerdotalis exemplar, miserere nobis. – Indulgence 300 Days, Everytime – Raccolta 177 St Pius X, 11 September 1907.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, St JOHN the BAPTIST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 June – What will He be who comes as the Way (Jn 14:6), if such is the one, who prepares the way?

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One Minute Reflection – 24 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist – Isaias 49:1-3, 5-7, Luke 1:57-68 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“What then will this child be?” – Luke 1:66

REFLECTION – “What will the glory of the Judge be, if the glory of the hero is so great? What will He be who comes as the Way (Jn 14:6), if such is the one, who prepares the way? . . . We are celebrating John’s birthday, we also celebrate the birthday of Christ . . . John was born of a woman who was too old for childbearing; Christ was born of a young virgin. John’s birth occurred in spite of the age of his parents; Christ’s birth occurred without the union of sexes. One was predicted by an Angel, the other was conceived by the voice of the Angel…The news of John’s birth was met with incredulity and his father was struck dumb; Mary believes in Christ’s birth and conceives Him through faith…

John, then, appears as the boundary between two covenants, the old and the new. That he is a sort of boundary the Lord Himself bears witness, when He speaks of the law and prophets lasting until John the Baptist: “The law and the prophets lasted until John” (Lk 16:16). Thus John represents the time that is past and, at the same time, he is the herald of the new era to come. Because he represents the past, he is born of aged parents; as herald of the new era, he is declared to be the prophet while still in his mother’s womb (Lk 1:41) . . . It was revealed that he was to be Christ’s precursor even before they had ever seen one another. These are Divine happenings surpassing the limits of our human frailty.

In due course he is born, he receives his name, his father’s tongue is loosened. One must read these events in the light of their deeper symbolic meaning.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (6th Sermon for the Nativity of John the Baptist, No 293:1)

PRAYER – O God, Who made this a day most worthy of our celebration because of blessed John; grant Thy people the grace of spiritual joys and direct the minds of all the faithful into the path of eternal salvation. T hrough Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

OUR Lady of the Sacred Heart, Pray for Us! – Indulgence 100 Days. Everytime – Raccolta 174 St Pius X, 9 July 1904.

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 June – ‘… This is the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price …’

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One Minute Reflection – 23 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and the Octave Day of the Sacred Heart – Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19, John 19:31-37 – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… One of the soldiers opened His side with a lance and immediately there came forth blood and water. ” – John 19:34

REFLECTION – “Let us draw near to the Heart of our most sweet Lord Jesus and we shall be glad and rejoice in it. How good and how sweet it is to dwell in this Heart! This is the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price which we discover, O Jesus, when we dig in the field of Thy Body (cf Mt 13:44). Who, then, would cast aside this Pearl? Far from it! For It, I will give away all my goods and offer in exchange, all my concerns and affections. I will lay down all my cares in the Heart of Jesus, it is He Who will suffice for me and Who will, without fail, supply all I need to live on!

It is within this temple, this Holy of holies, this Ark of the Covenant, that I shall come to offer worship and praise to the Lord’s Name. “I have found a heart with which to pray to my God” said David (1 Ch 17:25). And I too have found the Heart of my Lord and King, my Brother and Friend. Shall I not pray to Him, then? Indeed I shall pray, for, I dare to say it – His Heart is all mine…

O Jesus, deign to receive and answer my prayer. Draw me wholly into Thine Heart. Although the deformity of my sins prevents me from entering in, yet Thou can receive and purify me from my impurities since, through an incomprehensible Love, this Heart has expanded and opened wide. O most pure Jesus, wash me from my iniquities so that, purified by Thee, I may dwell in Thy Heart all the days of my life, to see and do Thy will. If Thine Side has been pierced, then it is so that our entrance there should be opened. If Thine Heart has been wounded, then it is so that, sheltered from outward distress, we can make our home within it. And, too, it is so that in this visible wound, we might see the invisible wound of Love.” – [Attrib] St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (editations on the Lord’s Passion 3).

PRAYER – O God, Who in the Heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, mercifully lavish upon us the infinite riches of love, grant, we beseech Thee, that as we offer Him the faithful service of our devotion, we may also show forth fitting repair. 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).

MAY the Heart of JESUS in the most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the Tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. – Indulgence 100 Days, Once a Day. Raccolta 161 Pius IX, 29 February 1868.

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FREEDOM, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 June – ‘ … Please set us in the freedom of the children of God.’

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One Minute Reflection – 22 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – St Paulinus of Nola (c 354-431) Bishop, Confessor – 2 Corinthians 8:9-15, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” – Luke 12:34

REFLECTION – “Where is the heart which loves? On the thing it loves. Therefore, where our love is, there our heart is held captive. It cannot leave it; it cannot be lifted higher, it cannot go either to the right or the left; see, it is fixed. Where the miser’s treasure is, there is his heart and where our heart is, there is our treasure. And what is so deplorable is that the things which hold us in servitude, are, for the most part, such unworthy things!

And what is this? Some nothing, some imagination, a bitter word spoken to us, a lack of gracious welcome, a little refusal, the mere thought that someone does not think much of us – all these things wound and put us out of countenance, to such an extent that we are unable to let them go! Self-love attaches us to these imaginary wounds – we do not know how to escape them, we are always inside ourselves. And why? Because we are prisoners of this emotion and vice … Are we in “the freedom of the children of God?” (Rm 8,21). Or are we chained to goods, comforts, honours? …

O Saviour, Thou hast opened up the door of liberty to us, teach us to find it! Make us understand the importance of our liberty, make us turn to Thee, to come to understand it. Enlighten us, O my Saviour, that we may see what we are attached to and please set us in the freedom of the children of God.” – St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) Priest, Founder of Religious Communities (Conference of 16 May 1659, On indifference).

PRAYER – O God, Who promised to those who forsake all things in this world for Thee, a hundred-fold reward in the world to come and life everlasting, mercifully grant that, following closely in the footsteps of the holy Bishop, Paulinus, we may look upon earthly things as nought and long only for those of Heaven. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

MAY the Heart of JESUS in the most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the Tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen. Indulgence 100 Days, Once a day. Raccolta 161 Pope Pius IX, 29 February 1868.

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One Minute Reflection – 21 June – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.” 

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One Minute Reflection – 21 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Feast of St Aloysius de Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591) Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11, Matthew 22:29-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Master, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” … Matthew 22:36

REFLECTION – “O Lord, what is it that you require of Your servants? “Take my yoke upon you,” you say. And what sort of yoke is this? “My yoke is easy and my burden light.” Now who would not willingly bear a yoke that does not press down but gives strength; a burden that does not weigh heavily but refreshes? As You rightly added: “And you will find rest” (Mt 11:29). And what is this yoke of Yours that does not tire but gives rest? It is the first and greatest of the commandments: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.” What could be easier, better or more agreeable than to love the goodness, beauty and love that is most perfectly Yours, O Lord my God?

Do You not offer a reward to those who keep the com­mandments, which are “more desirable than a heap of gold and sweeter than honey from the comb?” (Ps 19[18]:11) So in every way You offer a very ample reward, as James the Apostle says: “The Lord has prepared, the crown of life, for those who love Him” (Jas 1:12) (…) And Paul quotes these words from Isaiah: “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor has the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor 2:9).

That first and great commandment is not only profitable for the man who keeps it, or for God Who commands it, – the other commandments of God, also make perfect him who obeys them, improves him, instructs him and makes him illustrious – in a word, they make him good and holy. If you understand this, realise that you have been created for the glory of God and for your own eternal salvation. This is your end, this is the object of your soul and the treasure of your heart. You will be blessed if you reach this goal but miserable if you are cut off from it.” – St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) Doctor of the Church (The Ascent of the Mind to God, 1).

PRAYER – O God, bestower of heavenly gifts, Who in the angelic youth Aloysius joined wondrous innocence of life to an equally wondrous love of penance; grant, by his merits and prayers, that we who have not followed him in his innocence may imitate him in his penance. 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).

SWEET HEART of my JESUS, Make me love Thee ever more and more! – Indulgence 300 Days Everytime – Plenary Once a Month – Raccolta 162 – Pope Pius IX 26 November 1876.

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 June – Popes’ on the Sacred Heart

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart

“Learn of the Heart of God
in the Words of God,
so that you may ardently long
for eternal things.”

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
Great Father and Doctor of the Church

“In the Sacred Heart,
there is the Symbol
and the express Image
of the Infinite Love of Jesus Christ
which moves us to love in return.”

“This Devotion, [to the Sacred Heart] which we recommend to all,
will be profitable to all!”

Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)

“His Heart is the natural Sign and Symbol
of His boundless love for the human race.”

Pope Pius XII (1876-1958)

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One Minute Reflection – 20 June – ‘… Then my life will be alive, filled entirely with You. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 20 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart – The Memorial of St Pope Silverius (Died 538) Martyr – Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19, John 19:31-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And to have Christ dwelling, through faith, in your hearts, so that, being rooted and grounded in love, you may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know Christ’s Love, which surpasses knowledge,” – Ephesians 3:17-19

REFLECTION – “When once I shall be united to You with my whole being, I shall at last be free of sorrow and toil. Then my life will be alive, filled entirely with You. When You fill someone, You relieve him of his burdens but because, I am not yet filled with You, I am a burden to myself. My joy when I should be weeping, struggles with my sorrows, when I should be rejoicing. I know not where victory lies.

Woe is me! Lord, have mercy on me! My evil sorrows and good joys are at war with one another. I know not where victory lies. Woe is me! Lord, have mercy! Woe is me! I make no effort to conceal my wounds. You are my Physician, I Your Patient. You are merciful; I stand in need of mercy!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (An excerpt from: The Confessions Book 10).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Sylverius 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).

SACRED Heart of JESUS, Thy Kingdom come! – Indulgence 300 Days – Every time – Raccolta 179 St Pius X, 6 November 1906.

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One Minute Reflection – 14 June – ‘ Christ has hidden enemies. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 14 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Corpus Christi – Feast of St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church. –1 Corinthians 23-29, John 6:56-59 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … For he who eats and drinks unworthily, … eats and drinks judgement upon himself.”- 1 Corinthians 29

REFLECTION – “Christ has hidden enemies. All those who live unjust and irreligious lives are Christ’s enemies, even if they are signed with His Name and are called ‘Christians’ – I mean the ones to whom he is going to say, “I do not know you” and they say to Him, “Lord, in Thy Name we ate and drank. In Thy Name, we performed many deeds of power. What did we eat and drink in Thy Name?”

You see that they did not value their food very highly and yet, it was with reference to It that they said they belonged to Christ. Christ is the Food that is eaten and drunk. Even Christ’s enemies eat and drink Him! The faithful know the Lamb without spot on which they feed, if only they fed on It in such a way that they are not liable to punishment! The Apostle says, “Whoever eats and drinks unworthily, is eating and drinking judgement upon himself.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 308).

PRAYER – We beseech Thee, O Lord, hear our prayers which we offer on the festival of blessed Basil, Thy Confessor and Bishop and through his intercessory merits, who had the grace to serve Thee worthily, absolve us from all 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).

Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love. 300 days ONCE A DAY – (Unless otherwise stated, e.g., “once a day,” a partial Indulgence may be gained any number of times in succession.) Pope Leo XIII 21 May.

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One Minute Reflection – 13 June – ‘ … Listen to Him …’

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One Minute Reflection – 13 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Feast of St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Cpmfessor, Evangelical Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I have come, not to abolish but to fulfil.” … Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – “In Him, the promise made through the shadows of prophecy, stands revealed, along with the full meaning of the precepts of the law. He is the One Who teaches the Truth of prophecy, through His Presence and makes obedience to the commandments possible, through grace.
In the preaching of the holy Gospel all should receive a strengthening of their faith. No-one should be ashamed of the Cross of Christ, through which the world has been redeemed.
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.
When it comes to obeying the commandments or enduring adversity, the words uttered by the Father should always echo in our ears – “This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.” … St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from Sermo 51).

PRAYER – May the solemn feast of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, make Thy Church rejoice, O God, so that, ever sustained by spiritual help, she may deserve to reap everlasting joy. 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).

MAY the Heart of JESUS in the most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the Tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence 100 Days, Once a day. Raccolta 161 Pius IX, 29 February 1868.