Category: The WORD

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PRIDE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 October – “Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven.” – Matthew 18:4

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One Minute Reflection – 3 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897) – Isaias 66:12-14 – Matthew 18:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven.” – Matthew 18:4

REFLECTION – “Remember this saying : “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Jas 4:6). Keep before yourself the Lord’s words: “Those who humble themselves will be exalted and those who exalt themselves will be humbled” (Mt 23:12)… If it seems to you that you have some good quality, set it to your account but without forgetting your faults; do not boast about what you have done well today; do not set aside recent and past evil. If the present gives you reason to glory, remember the past! That is how you will pierce the abcess of pride! And if you see your neighbour sinning, beware you do not just consider him in the light of this lapse but, think too, about what he is doing, or has done which is good. Very often you will discover him to be better than yourself if you examine your life as a whole and do not add up the fragmentary bits. For God does not examine us in a fragmentary fashion … Let us often remember all this, so as to preserve ourselves from pride, humbling ourselves, so as to be raised up!

Let us imitate the Lord, Who came down from Heaven to the lowest depths … Yet, after such a humbling, He caused His glory to shine forth, glorifying with Himself, those who had been despised together with Him. These were indeed, in fact, His first blessed disciples who, poor and naked, went out through all the world, without words of wisdom, without sumptuous escort but alone and in anguish, vagabonds by land and by sea, beaten with rods, stoned, pursued and, in the end, put to death. Such as these are for us the divine teachings of our Father. Let us imitate them that we may also come to eternal glory, Christ’s perfect and authentic gift.” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on Humility 5-6).

PRAYER – O Lord, Who said: Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow the footsteps of blessed Thérèse the Virgin, in humility and simplicity of heart that we may obtain everlasting rewards.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 ArchAngels and Angels, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, In the PRESENCE of GOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quotes on SALVATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 October – ‘… He gives to each of us, one and, even several Angels …’

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One Minute Reflection – 2 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels – Exodus 23:20-23 – Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father …” – Matthew 18:10

REFLECTION – “Although the good God is sufficient unto Himself, nevertheless, He makes use of the ministry of the Angels to govern the world … When we see God taking such care of our lives, we conclude that our souls are something truly great and precious, if He is to employ all that is greatest in His Court for the souls’ preservation and sanctification. He has given us His Son to save us; this same Son … gives to each of us,one and, even several Angels, who are solely occupied in asking, on our half, the graces and aids we might need, to ensure our salvation … Oh, how little people know what they are and what they were made for! In Holy Scripture we read that the Lord said to His people: “See, I am sending an Angel before you, to guard you on the way” (Ex 23:20) …

We should often pray to our Guardian Angels, carefully respect them and, above all, try to imitate them in all our actions. And the first thing we need to imitate in them, is the thought of the Presence of God … Surely, if we were completely penetrated with God’s Presence, how could we do evil? How much more pleasing to God would be all our good deeds! … God said to Abraham: “Would you be blameless? Walk in My Presence” (Gn 17:1). How could we possibly forget God so easily, when we have Him always with us? Why are we not full of respect and gratitude towards our Angels, who accompany us day and night? … Perhaps you will say: “I am to unworthy to merit it.” My brethren, not only does God not lose sight of you for an instant but, He gives you an Angel who never ceases to guide your steps. Ah, happiness too great, yet too little known!” – St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Priest, Curé of Ars, Patron of Parish Priests (Sermon for the Feast of the Guardian Angels).

PRAYER – O God, Who in Thy wondrous providence graciously send Thy Angels to watch over us, grant that we, who pray to Thee maybe ever under their protection and may rejoice in their unending companionship. 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", CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GATE of HEAVEN, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The LAST THINGS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 October – “Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21

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One Minute Reflection – 1 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and the Holy Angels” – St Remigius (c438-533) Confessor, “Apostle of the Franks” Bishop –Ecclesiasticus Sir ach 44:16-27; 45:3-20 – Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

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

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

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

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the solemn feast of blessed Remigius, Thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion and advance our salvation. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

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One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor – 2 Timothy 4:1-8 – Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the Mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lit by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lit, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.

Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: This command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of life and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously gave Thy Church blessed Jerome, Thy Confessor and peerless teacher, to explain the Holy Scriptures, grant, we beseech Thee that, with the help of his merits and by Thy assistance, we may be able to put into practice what he has taught us by his life and works. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DEATH, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WISDOM, St Alphonsus de Liguori,, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The 9 Choirs of Angels

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“See, I am sending My Angel before you,
to guard you on the way
and bring you to the place I have prepared.”

Exodus 23:20

“God Loves in the Seraphim, as Charity,
Knows in the Cherubim, as Truth,
is seated in the Thrones, as Equity,
Reigns in the Dominions, as Majesty,
Rules in the Principalities, as Principle,
Guards in the Powers, as Salvation,
Acts in the Virtues, as Strength,
Reveals in the Archangels, as Light,
Assists in the Angels, as Piety.”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor

O Victorious Prince,
Guardian of the Church of God
By St Aloysius de Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591)
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

O Victorious Prince,
most humble guardian of the Church of God
and of faithful souls,
who, with such charity and zeal,
took part in so many conflicts
and gained such great victories over the enemy,
for the conservation and protection
of the honour and glory,
we all owe to God,
as well as for the promotion of our salvation.
Come, we pray Thee, to our assistance,
for we are continually besieged
with such great perils by our enemies,
the flesh, the world and the devil
and as Thou wast a leader
for the people of God,
through the desert,
so also be our faithful leader
and companion through the
desert of this world,
until Thou conduct us safely,
into the happy land of the living,
in that blessed fatherland
from which we are all exiles.
Amen.

“The powers of hell
will assail the dying Christian
but his Angel Guardian
will come to console him.
His Patrons and St Michael,
who has been appointed by God
to defend his faithful servants,
in their last combat with the devils,
will come to his aid.”

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Posted in "Follow Me", ArchAngels and Angels, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LUST, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – ‘Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?’ – Matthew 18:1

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One Minute Reflection – 29 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5 – Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like little
children, you will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. ” – Matthew 18:3

REFLECTION – “We must seek for reasons for individual sayings and actions of the Lord. After the coin was found, after the tribute paid, what do the Apostles’ sudden questions mean? Why precisely “at that time” did the disciples come to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Because they had seen the same tax had been paid for both Peter and the Lord. From the equal price, they inferred that Peter may have been set over all the other Apostles, since Peter had been compared with the Lord in the paying of the tax. So, they ask, who is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus, seeing their thoughts and understanding the causes of their error, wants to heal their desire for glory, with a struggle for humility.

He called a child to Him to ask its age or to show the image of innocence. Or perhaps, He actually set a child in their midst — He Himself, Who had not come to be served but to serve — to show them an example of humility.

Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as this child, whose example I show you, does not persist in anger, does not long remember injury suffered, is not enamoured inordinately by the sight of a beautiful woman, does not think one thing and say another, so you too, unless you have similar innocence and purity of mind, will not be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Or it might be taken in another way: “Whosoever, therefore, humiliates himself like this child, is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven,” so as to imply that anyone who imitates Me and humiliates himself following My example, so that he abases himself, as much as I abased Myself in accepting the form of a servant, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” – St Jerome (343-420) Priest, Monk, Translator of the Scriptures, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Matthew 3).

PRAYER – O God, Who assign according to a wondrous order, the duties of Angels and men, mercifully grant that our life on earth be guarded by those who continually stand in Thy presence and minister to Thee in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, St Francis de Sales, The ANNUNCIATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – ‘ … Distrusting ourselves and our own strength, produces trust in God … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr – Ephesians 3:13-21 – Luke 14:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For everyone who exalts himself, shall be humbled and he who humbles himself, shall be exalted.” – Luke 14:11

REFLECTION – “Humility is not just about self-mistrust but about the entrusting of ourselves to God. Distrusting ourselves and our own strength, produces trust in God and, from that trust, generosity of soul is born. The most holy Virgin, Our Lady, gave us an outstanding example of this, when she spoke these words: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to thy word” (Lk 1:38). When she said she was the handmaid of the Lord, she was performing, the greatest act of humility, it is possible to do and, all the more so, in that, she was contradicting the praise given her by the Angel – that she would be mother of God, that the child to be born from her womb would be called Son of the Most High, a greater dignity than any we might imagine – I say, she opposed her lowliness and unworthines,to all these praises and greatness, by saying that she was the handmaid of the Lord. Yet, note how, no sooner had she rendered her duty to humility, than she practised outstanding generosity, by saying: “May it be to me according to thy word.”

What she wanted to say was – “It is true, I am in no way capable of this grace of myself if one is to consider what I am ut, insofar as what is good in me, comes from God and what thou say to me, is His own most holy will, I believe it can happen and will ha,ppen.” And so, without the least hesitation, she said: “Let it be done to me according to thou word.” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva, Doctor Caritatis (Conversations 5).

PRAYER – O God, Who through the Palm of Martyrdom transported blessed Wenceslaus from an earthly dominion unto heavenly glory, keep us, by his prayers, from all harm and grant us to rejoice in his fellowship. 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, GOD ALONE!, PATIENCE - Fr Richard CLARKE, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Behold, your reward is great in Heaven,

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdom 5:16-20 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice,
for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,”

Luke 6:23

“Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward
will be great in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:12

“The one who walks in the love of God
seeks neither gain nor reward
but seeks only, with the will,
to lose self and all things, for God
and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain! ”

St John of the Cross (1442-1591)
Doctor of the Church

“It is true that we require great confidence
to abandon ourselves, without any reserve,
to Divine Providence but, when we do abandon all,
Our Lord takes care of all and disposes of all.
But, if we reserve anything which we are
unwilling to confide to Him, He leaves us,
as if He would say:
“You think yourselves sufficiently wise
to manage that affair without Me –
you can do so and see what will come of it!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“The patience of the Saints
was more severely tried than is ours.
Not only were they stoned, racked, torn asunder,
not only did they suffer want, distress, afflictions
(Hebrews 11 : 37) but, they had to endure
what was still more difficult –
ingratitude, failure, unkindness, false accusations, desolation, darkness.
Yet they willingly endured all for Jesus’ sake,
never ceasing to love Him through it all.
I have my trials, yet none so dreadful as theirs,
yet I complain even under my lighter cross!”

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on LUST, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SIMPLICITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – ‘… THE WORLD HATES Christians,so why give your love to it …?’

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649) Priest, Martyr, and St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
and after that have nothing more they can do. …
be afraid of him who, after he has killed,
has power to cast into hell. ”

Luke 12:4-5

“It is He Who is our peace.”

St Paul
Ephesians 2:14

“The world … hates Me
because I bear witness concerning it,
that its works are evil.”

John 7:7

“… THE WORLD HATES Christians,
so why give your love to it,
instead of following Christ,
Who loves you and has redeemed you?
A man cannot love the Father
and love the world at the same time.
All that the world offers is the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes and earthly ambition.
The world and its allurements will pass away
but the man who has done the Will of God
shall live forever.
Our part, my dear brothers,
is to be single-minded, firm in faith
and steadfast in courage,
ready for God’s will, whatever it may be.
Banish the fear of death
and think of the eternal life which follows it.
That will show people that we really live our Faith.”

St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)
Bishop of Carthage, Martyr
Father of the Church

(An excerpt from On Man’s Mortality).

“You do not, in your enemies,
love what they are
but what you would have them become,
by your prayers!”

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

“Father, forgive them.”
With this prayer, He wanted to make us understand
the love He bore us, undiminished
by any suffering and to teach us how
our heart should be toward our neighbour.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

QUOTES of St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr
AND St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/26/quote-s-of-the-day-26-september-st-isaac-jogues-and-st-jean-de-brebeuf/

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, GOOD FRIDAY, HOLY WEEK, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 September – ‘ … God’s desire to be loved, rather than feared, to be a Father, rather than a Lord. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – 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 – “I appeal to you by the Mercy of God. This appeal is made by Paul, or rather, it is made by God through Paul because of God’s desire to be loved, rather than feared, to be a Father, rather than a Lord. God appeals to us in His Mercy to avoid having to punish us in His severity.

Listen to the Lord’s appeal:
In Me, I want you to see your own body, your members, your heart, your bones, your blood. You may fear what is Divine but why not love what is human? You may run away from Me as the Lord but why not run to Me as your Father? Perhaps you are filled with shame for causing My bitter Passion. Do not be afraid. This Cross inflicts a mortal injury, not on Me but on death! These nails no longer pain Me but only deepen your love for Me. I do not cry out because of these Wounds but through them, I draw you into My Heart. My Body was stretched on the Cross as a symbol, not of how much I suffered but of My all-embracing Love. I count it no less, to shed My Blood, it is the price I have paid for your ransom. Come then, return to Me and learn to know Me as your Father, Who repays good for evil, love for injury and boundless charity for piercing wounds!” – St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (An Excerpt from Sermon 108).

PRAYER – May the continual protection of the blessed Martyrs comfort us, O Lord, for Thou do not cease to behold with favour those whom You have granted the grace of such assistance. 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 LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 September – “Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead and Christ will give you Light! ” (Eph 5:14)

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One Minute Reflection – 25 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Resumed Mass of Sunday – Ferial Day – Pentecost XV – St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824) Bishop, Priest of the Passionist Order of St Paul of the Cross – Galatians 5:25-26.6:1-10 – Luke 7:11-16. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

REFLECTION – “Let no-one who is Christian doubt that even now, dead people rise. Certainly, every human being has eyes, by which he can see dead people rising, in the way this widow’s son, whom we just heard about in the Gospel, arose. But not everyone can see people who are spiritually dead rise. For that, it is necessary to have already risen interiorly. It is greater to raise someone, who is to live forever, than to raise someone, who will have to die again.

The young man’s mother, this widow, was transported with joy at seeing her son rise. Our Mother, the Church, also rejoices when she sees her children’s spiritual resurrection everyday. The widow’s son was dead with the death of the body but these latter, are dead with the death of the soul. People wept tears over the visible death of the former but people were not concerned by the invisible death of the latter – they did not even see it. The only One Who did not remain indifferent, is the One Who knew these deaths – only the One, Who could give life back to them, knew these deaths. For, if the Lord had not come to raise the dead, the Apostle Paul would not have said: “Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead and Christ will give you Light.” (Eph 5:14).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 98).

PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of the blessed and gloriosus Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul, the blessed Vincent Strambi, Thy Confessor and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors, being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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

One Minute Reflection – 24 September – ‘ … Learning in silence, in the school of the Word … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 24 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Our Lady of Ransom – Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16 – Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28

REFLECTION – “Truly it is “a trustworthy word and deserving of every welcome” (1 Tm 1:15) your Almighty Word, Lord, which, in such deep Silence, made His way down from the Father’s royal throne (Wis 18:14f) into the mangers of animals and meanwhile, speaks to us better by His Silence. “Let him who has ears to hear, hear” what this loving and mysterious Silence of the eternal Word speaks to us …

For what recommends the discipline of silence with such weight and such authority, what checks the evil of restless tongues and the storms of words, as the Word of God, Silent in the midst of men. “There is no word on My tongue” (Ps 138:4), the Almighty Word seems to confess while He is subject to His Mother. What madness then will prompt us to say: “With our tongues we can do great things; our lips are good friends to us; we own no master” (Ps 11:5). If I were allowed, I would gladly be dumb and be brought low and be silent, even of good things that I might be able, the more attentively and diligently, to apply my ear to the secret utterances and sacred meaning of this Divine Silence, learning in silence, in the school of the Word, if only for as long as the Word Himself was Silent under the instruction of His Mother …

“The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us” (Jn 1:14). With complete devotion, then, let us think of Christ in the swaddling clothes with which His Mother wrapped Him, so that, with eternal happiness, we may see the glory and beauty with which His Father has clothed Him.” – Blessed Guerric of Igny O.Cist. (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (The 5th sermon for Christmas).

PRAYER – O God, Who for the deliverance of Christians from the power of the pagans, graciously willed to enrich Thy Church by a new religious offspring through the most glorious Mother of Thy Son; grant, we beseech Thee, that by the merits and intercession of her, whom we piously venerate, as the founder of so great a work, we may be delivered from all our sins and from the captivity of the devil. 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, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PAPAL APOSTOLIC LETTERS, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on JEALOUSY, Quotes on SALVATION, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 September – ‘ … So let us be done with these barren and empty fancies … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 23 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Pope Linus (c10 – c76) Successor to St Peter – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11 – Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

REFLECTION – “Let us leave the instances from the past and come to some of the heroes of more recent times. Take the noble figures of out own generation. Even the greatest and most virtuous Pillars of our Church, were assailed by envy and jealousy and had to keep up the struggle until death ended their days. Look at the holy Apostles. It was by sinful jealousy that Peter was subjected to tribulation, not once or twice but many times; it was in that way, he bore his witness before leaving us for his well-earned place in glory. And Paul because of jealousy and contention, has become the very type of endurance rewarded! He was in bonds seven times, he was exiled, he was stoned. He preached in the East and in the West, winning a noble reputation for his faith. He taught righteousness to all the world and, after reaching the furthest limits of the West and bearing his testimony before kings and rulers, he passed out of this world and was received into the holy places. In him, we have one of the greatest of all examples, of endurance. Besides these men of saintly life, there are many more of the elect, who have undergone hardships and torments instigated by jealousy and provide admirable object lessons, for ourselves …

Now, all this is not being written as a warning to you alone, my dear friends but, for a reminder to ourselves too because, we also, are in the same arena and have the same conflict before ourselves. So let us be done with these barren and empty fancies and turn instead, to the honourable, holy rule of our tradition, so that we may find out what is good and pleasing and acceptable, in the Sight of Him Who made us. Let us fix our thoughts on the Blood of Christ and reflect how precious that Blood is in God’s Eyes, inasmuch as Its outpouring for our salvation, has opened the grace of repentance to all mankind.” – St Pope Clement I (c35-c101) – Pope from c88 to 101, Father (Letter to the Corinthians 5-7).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Linus Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 September – ‘ … If we are faithful in labouring at this work …’

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One Minute Reflection – 22 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555) Archbishop, Confessor – Ecclesiasticu Sirach 44:16-27; 45:3-20 – Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” – Matthew 25:21

REFLECTION – “Let us keep our eyes unceasingly fixed upon the Divine Ideal; let us work to realise, within ourselves, the perfection to which God wishes us to reach, in order to imitate His Divine Son. He is the form of our eternal predestination and for each one, there exists “given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ.” (cf Eph 4:7). Here below we do not know what this measure is, by what amount the measure of our predestination is fixed by God. But, without question, it is going to form Christ in us, to reproduce the characteristics of the unique Ideal which the Father Himself indicates …

If we are faithful in labouring at this work, despite temptations and difficulties, the day of reward promised by God will sound for us. … If we have had that constant application which love brings to the perfect fulfilment of our Heavenly Father’s wishes, if we have done “ always the things which please Him” (Jn 8:29), we shall receive the magnificent reward promised by Him Who is Faithfulness Itself: “Well done, good and faithful servant because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (cf Mt 25:21). All the Saints, on entering Heaven, hear these blessed words; this is the welcome they receive from Christ Jesus!

And what are the good things in which Our Lord gives a share? – God Himself, in His Trinity and His perfections and, with God, all spiritual good. The soul will be like God for it will “See Him as He really is” (1 Jn 3:2). Through this ineffable vision which succeeds to faith, the Soul will be fixed in God and will find in Him the Divine stability. It will be forever knit in a perfect embrace to the supreme and immutable Good, without the fear of ever losing Him.” – Columba Marmion (1858-1923) Abbot (“The Instruments of Good Works” – Christ the Ideal of the Monk)

PRAYER – O God, Who endowed blessed Bishop Thomas with the virtue of special pity for the poor, we beseech Thee, through his intercession, generously to pour forth the riches of Thy mercy upon all those who pray to Thee.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 The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 21 September – st Matthew

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 September –The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Martyr – Ezekiel 1:10-14; Matthew 9:9-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed him.”

Matthew 9:9

“It is not the healthy
who need a physician
but they who are sick.”

Matthew 9:12-

“By their fruits
you will know them.
Do men gather grapes
from thorns,
or figs from thistles?“

Matthew 7:16

“So it will be at the end of the world.
The Angels will go out
and separate the wicked
from among the just.”

Matthew 13:40

“But the things which proceed
out of the mouth,
come from the heart
and it is they which defile a man.”

Matthew 15:18

“His Lord said to him:
Well done, good and faithful servant
because thou has been faithful over a few things,
I will place thee over many thing.
Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Matthew 25:23

“Amen I say to you,
as long as you did
NOT do it
for one of these
least ones,
you did NOT do it
for Me.”

Matthew 25:45

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 September – For I have come to call sinners, not the just.- Matthew 9:13

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One Minute Reflection – 21 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Martyr – Pentecost XV – Ezekiel 1:10- 14 – Matthew 9:9-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“It is not the healthy who need a physician but they who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call sinners, not the just.”- Matthew 9:12-13

REFLECTION – “The Apostles, those who all as one and each in particular, possessed the Good News of God, went to the ends of the earth proclaiming the news of all the blessings God sends us and announcing Heaven’s peace towards men (Lk 2:14). Specifically, Matthew produced a written form of the gospel for the Hebrews in their own language, while Peter and Paul evangelised Rome and founded the Church there. After their deaths, Mark, who was Peter’s disciple and interpreter (1 Pt 5:13), also handed down Peter’s preaching to us in writing. Likewise, Luke, Paul’s companion, set down in a book, the Gospel preached by the latter. And then John, the disciple of the Lord, the one who leaned back on his breast (Jn 13:25), also published the Gospel during his stay at Ephesus.

In his Gospel,Matthew relates the genealogy of Christ as man: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: now this is how the birth of Christ came about” (Mt 1:1, 18). Thus, this Gospel, presents Christ in human form, which is why it always represents Christ as being moved by sentiments of humility and remaining a man of gentleness … The Apostle Matthew knows none but One and the same God, Who promised Abraham that He would multiply his descendants like the stars in the sky (Gen 15:5) and, Who, through His Son, Jesus Christ, has called us from the worship of stones to knowledge of Him, (Mt 3:9) in such a way, that “those who were no people have become His people and she who was unloved has become beloved” (cf Hos 2:25; Rom 9:25).” – St Irenaeus (130-202) Father of the Church, Bishop of Lyons, Theologian, Martyr (Against the heresies, III, 11,8 ; 9,1 – One of the first historical testimonies to the Evangelists).

PRAYER – We thank You, heavenly Father,
for the witness of Your Apostle
and Evangelist, Matthew,
to the Gospel of Your Son, our Saviour
and we pray, that, after his example,
we may with ready wills and hearts,
obey the calling of our Lord, to follow Him;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect).

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, St Francis de Sales, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – Blessed are you who are poor

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Wisdom 5:16-20 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the Kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:20

“Let him who is greatest among you,
become as the youngest
and he who is the leader,
as the servant.”

Luke 22:25

“No Christian should think of himself
as his own master
but each should rather so think and act,
as though given by God,
to be slave to his fellow brothers and sisters.”

St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

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

St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555)

“Be generous to the poor orphans
and those in need.
The man to whom our Lord
has been liberal
ought not to be stingy.
We shall one day find in Heaven,
as much rest and joy
as we ourselves have dispensed in this life.”

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

“Humility is not just about self-mistrust
but about the entrusting of ourselves to God.
Distrusting ourselves and our own strength
produces trust in God
and from that trust,
generosity of soul is born.”

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The BEATITUDES, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 September – ‘ … What could be more wretched for God, than to take the form of a slave? …’

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One Minute Reflection – 20 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Ember Saturday – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Wisdom 5:16-20 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.” –

REFLECTION – “As almost all men have a natural tendency to pride, the Lord begins the Beatitudes by casting aside the original sin of self-sufficiency and by counseling our imitation of Himself, Who is truly blessed, the genuinely voluntary Poor Man … so, we might become like Him, in a voluntary poverty which is according to our means, so as to share His blessedness, His happiness. “Have among you the same attitude which is also yours in Christ Jesus. Who, although He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave,” (Phil 2:5-7).

What could be more wretched for God, than to take the form of a slave? What lowlier for the King of the Universe, than to share our human nature? The King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Judge of the world, pays taxes to Caesar (1 Tim 6:17; Heb 12:23; Mk 12:17)! Creation’s Lord embraces this world, enters a cave, finds no place in an inn and takes refuge in a stable, in the company of irrational beasts. He, Who is pure and spotless, takes upon Himself, the stains of human nature and, after sharing all our poverty, goes as far as to experience our death. Consider the excessiveness of His voluntary poverty! Life tastes death; the Judge is dragged before the court; the Master of the lives of us all submits to a magistrate; the King of the Heavenly Powers does not escape the hands of torturers! This is the pattern, says the Apostle Paul, against which His humility is measured.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (c335-395) Bishop, Father of the Church, Brother of St Basil the Great (The Beatitudes 1).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the worshipful Feast of Thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist, St Matthew, on the eve whereof we now stand, may avail us, to the increase, both of godliness toward Thee and of health to our own souls. 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 CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 19 September – But he who shall persevere to the end,he shall be saved. Matthew 24:13

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Quote/s of the Day – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Januarius of Naples (Died c304) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr and his Martyred Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Matthew 24:3-13 – cripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Tell us when shall these things be?
and what shall be the sign of Thy Coming
and of the consummation of the world? ”

Matthew 24:3

“But he who shall persevere
to the end,
he shall be saved.”

Matthew 24:13

“It is written, ‘God is not mocked.’ (Gal 6: 7)
Indeed, God cannot be mocked,
nor circumvented, nor deluded
by any man’s astute deceit. …
Let each of you, then, I beg you, brethren,
confess his fault while the sinner is yet in this world,
while Confession is still possible,
while the satisfaction and remission
granted by the Priests,
is still acceptable to God!”

St Cyprian of Carthage (c200-258)
Martyr, Bishop of Carthage,
Father of the Church

“Let us then, my brethren, endure in hope.
Let us devote ourselves, side-by-side with our hoping,
so that the God of all the universe,
as He beholds our intention,
may cleanse us from all sins,
fill us with high hopes from what we have in hand
and grant us the change of heart which saves.
God has called you and you have your calling!”

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

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 September – “The world is crucified to me and I to the world”

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One Minute Reflection – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Januarius of Naples (Died c304) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr and his Martyred Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Matthew 24:3-13 – cripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy Coming and of the consummation of the world? ” – Matthew 24:3

REFLECTION – “Not one stone will remain upon another: all shall be destroyed.” These words were true of the Temple built by Solomon … for everything built by human hands either wears away or disintegrates or is overthrown by violence or destroyed by fire … But there is also a temple within everyone of us which crumbles whenever faith is lacking and, most especially, if in Christ’s Name, one falsely tries to gain possession of interior convictions. Perhaps this is the most helpful interpretation, where we are concerned. Indeed, what is the point of my knowing the day of judgement? Being aware of so many sins, what is the point of knowing the Saviour will one day come, if He has not come into my soul, if He is not recalled to my mind, if Christ does not live in me, if Christ does not speak in me? So it is to me Christ must come and it is for my sake, His coming must take place.

The Lord’s Second Coming takes place, as the world draws to a close, when we are able to say: “The world is crucified to me and I to the world” (Gal 6:14)… To the one to whom the world is dead, Christ is everlasting; to such a one, the temple is spiritual, the Law spiritual, even the Passover is spiritual … And so, for that person, Wisdom’s Presence has come to pass, along with virtue and justice and the presence of the Resurrection, for Christ indeed Died once for the sins of the people, in order daily, to redeem the sins of the people.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop, Father & Dpctpr of the Church (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel 10:6-8)

PRAYER – O God, Who gladdens us by the annual festival of Thy Martyrs Januarius and Companions, grant that we, may be inspired by the example of those, in whose merits we rejoice.Through tJesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 September – ‘What is that “wedding garment” then? …’ St Augustine

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One Minute Reflection – 18 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv (1603-1663) Confessor – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 – Matthew 22:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www. drbo.org/

Now the king went in to see the guests and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?‘” – Matthew 22:11-12

REFLECTION – “What is that “wedding garment” then? … The wedding garment” is such charity as this. “Although I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.” Tongues have come in alone and it is said to them, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment? “I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and although I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing.”

See, these are the miracles of men who very often have not “the wedding garment.” “Although,” he says,” I have all these and have not Christ, I am nothing.” … If then I have not charity, although I bestow alms freely upon the poor, although I have come to the confession of Christ’s Name even unto blood and fire, these things may be done even through the love of glory and so are vain.
… For “the wedding garment” is taken in honour of the union, the union, that is, of the Bridegroom to the Bride. You know the Bridegroom – it is Christ. You know the Bride – it is the Church. Pay honour to the Bride, pay honour to the Bridegroom. If you pay due honour to them both, you will be their children. Therefore, in this make progress. Love the Lord and so learn to love yourselves, that when, by loving the Lord, you shall have loved yourselves, you may securely love your neighbour as yourselves. …So then, have faith with love. This is the “wedding garment!” … St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace.

PRAYER – O God, Who willed that all things be drawn unto Thy Son, when He was raised above the earth, mercifully grant, by the merits and example of Thy seraphic Confessor Joseph that, having been raised above all earthly desires, we may be found worthy to come unto Him. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WISDOM, St PAUL!, The HOLY CROSS, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 September– Christ is our Glory, Property and Kingdom!

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One Minute Reflection – 17 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Commutation of the Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi – Galatians 6:14-18 – Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” – Matthew 16:24

REFLECTION – “In achieving the mystery of His Love, the Lord “took the form of a servant” and, for us, “deigned to humble Himself even to the death of the Cross” (Phil 2:8). He did this so that, through the lowliness which all could see, He might secretly achieve, for us, that hidden eminence amongst the dwellers of Heaven. Only realise, from what we first fell and you will become aware, that by the design of God’s Wisdom and Love, we are being refashioned for Life. In Adam, we fell through pride and, in Christ, we are humbled, that we may dissolve the sin of that ancient crime, by obedience to the opposite virtue. So, we who by proud conduct, have sinned, win approval by humble service.

Therefore, let us rejoice and glory in Him, Who made us both His battle and His victory, when He said: “Have confidence, for I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33) … He, Who is unconquered, will fight for us and conquer in us. Then the prince of this darkness shall be cast out (cf Jn 12:31). He is not, to be sure, expelled from the world but from the individual, for when faith enters us, we shut him out and provide a place for Christ…

Let orators keep their eloquence, philosophers their wisdom, rich men their wealth and kings their kingdoms. Christ is our Glory, Property and Kingdom! Our wisdom lies in the “foolishness of our preaching,” our strength, in the weakness of the flesh, our glory, in the stumbling block of the Cross (cf 1 Cor 1:21).” – St Paulinus of Nola (355-431) Bishop, Father of the Church (Letter 38:3-4.6).

PRAYER – O Lord, Jesus Christ, Who, to inflame our hearts with the fire of Thy love, when the world was becoming cold in spirit, renewed in the flesh of most blessed Francis, the sacred marks of Thine own Passion, graciously grant that by his merits and prayers, we may steadfastly carry our cross and bring forth worthy fruits of penance. 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 PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FREEDOM, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The HOLY NAME of MARY, The INCARNATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 September – ‘… Why did He then defer His gift for so long? …’

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One Minute Reflection – 16 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of Saint Corneliu, Pope & Martyr and Saint Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr – Wisdom 3:1-8 – Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search herehttps://www.drbo.org/

“And you shall be hated by all men for My Name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall perish.” – Luke 21:17-18

REFLECTION – “If God’s gift to the world in sending it His Son is so good, so worthy of God, why did He then defer His gift for so long? Why, when evil in the world was still in its early stages, did God not cut short its hidden development? I have time to respond briefly to this objection – that it is God’s foreknowledge and Wisdom, the One Who is good by nature, Who has impeded this gift. Just as with physical illnesses … doctors wait until the disease which is hidden within the body to begin with, manifests itself without, so that he can apply the remedy it requires once it has become visible, so once the disease of sin had attacked the human race, the world’s Physician waited until no kind of wickedness should remain concealed.

That is why God did not apply His remedy to the world immediately after Cain’s jealousy and murder of his brother Abel … It was when vice had reached its peak and there was no single act of evil which men had not attempted that God set about curing the wound, no longer in its beginnings but in its full development. In this way, the Divine remedy could extend to every human weakness…

But then, why was the grace of the Gospel not at once extended over all? True, the Divine call is addressed equally to all alike, without distinction of condition, age or race … But, He Who has the free arrangement of all things within His Hands, pushed to the extreme His respect for humankind. He has permitted each one of us to have our own domain over which we alone are masters – this is the will, the faculty which does not know bondage which remains free, founded on the autonomy of reason. Therefore, faith is at the free disposition of those who receive the message of the Gospel.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (335-395) Bishop, Father of the Church, [The brother of St Basil the Great] (Catechetical Instruction 29-30)

PRAYER – May the feast of the blessed Martyrs and Bishops, Cornelius and Cyprian, protect us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and may their holy prayer recommend us to Thee.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, STATIONS of the CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 September – Now there stood by the Cross of Jesus, Mary, His Mother …”

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One Minute Reflection – 15 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and The Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin – Judith 13:22; 13:25 – John 19:25-27 – Scripture search here:

“Now there stood by the Cross of Jesus, Mary, His Mother …” –John 19:25

REFLECTION – “Like a sheep beholding its lamb being led to the slaughterhouse (Is 53 :7), Mary followed behind with the other women, consumed with sorrow and crying: “Where are Thou going, my Child? Why do Thou end Thy swift course (Ps 18:6) in this way? Are there still other wedding feasts in Cana? Is it there that Thou are now going so swiftly, to make wine for them out of water? May I come with Thee, O my Child, or would it be better to wait? Speak one word to me, O Word, do not pass before me in silence…, oh Thou Who are my Son and my God…

“Thou art going towards an unjust death and no-one shares Thy suffering. Peter does not go with Thee, he who said: “Even if I have to die, I will never deny Thee” (Mt 26:35). Thomas, who exclaimed: “Let us all die with Him!” (Jn 11:16), has left Thee. And the others too, Thy friends, those who are to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Mt 19:28), where are they now!? Not one remains. But Thou alone, O my Child, Thou dies for all. This is Thy recompense for having saved and served all humankind, my Son and my God.”

Turning to Mary, His Mother, He who came forth from her, cried out: “Mother, why do thy weep?… Am I not to suffer? Not to die? Then how could I save Adam? Am I not to dwell in the tomb? How should I bring back to life, those who inhabit the dwelling of the dead? Why do thou weep? Shout aloud, rather: ‘My Son and my God, is suffering of His Own Free Will.’ O wise Virgin do not make thyself like those who are foolish (Mt 25:1); thou stands in the wedding hall, do not become as though thou stood outside… Weep no longer, then but rather say: ‘Take pity on Adam, be merciful towards Eve, O my Son and my God.’

“Be assured, O Mother, thou will be the first to see Me come from the Tomb. I will come to show thee from what misfortunes I have redeemed Adam, what efforts I have expended for his sake. To My friends, I shall reveal their marks which I will show in My Hands. Then thou will see Eve alive, as she was before and in thou joy, thou will cry out: ‘He has saved my parents, my Son and my God!’ – St Romanos Melodios (c490-c556) Monk, Composer of Hymns, Poet (Hymn 25, The Blessed Virgin Mary at the Cross).

PRAYER – O God, in Whose Passion the sword, according to the prophecy of blessed Simeon, pierced through the soul of Mary, the glorious Virgin and Mother, mercifully grant that we, who reverently commemorate her piercing through and her suffering, may, by the interceding glorious merits of all the Saints faithfully standing by the Cross, obtain the abundant fruit of Thine Passion. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, 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, OUR Cross, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, St PAUL!, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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

St Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14

“Be imitators of God, as very dear children
and walk in love, as Christ also loved us
and delivered Himself up for us …”

St Paul … Ephesians 5:1-2

“Carry me, O Christ,
on Thy Cross
which is salvation to the wanderer,
rest for the wearied
and, in which alone,
is Life for those who die.”

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

“Happy the soul which detaches itself
from its own pleasure,
from its own will,
from its own understanding.
A sublime lesson is this
and God will teach it,
to all those who place their happiness
in the Cross of Jesus Christ.”

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

“Crosses, contempt,
sorrows and afflictions,
are the real treasures
of the lovers of Jesus Christ Crucified.”

St Margaret Mary Alacoque
(1647-1690)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-september-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-the-book-of-life/

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – ‘I … ‘will never find Thee, except on the Cross …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Pentecost XIV – Philippians 2:5-11 – John 12:31-36 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to Myself.” – John 12:32

REFLECTION – “Far be it for me to glory, except in the Cross of my Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:4). The Cross is Thy glory, the Cross is Thy Dominion. Behold, upon Thy shoulders Dominion rests (Is 9:5). Those who bear Thy Cross, bear Thy glory. That is why the Cross which makes unbelievers quail, is more beautiful than all the trees of Paradise to believers. Was Christ afraid of the Cross? Or Peter? Or Andrew? To the contrary! they longed for it. Christ went to meet it “like a champion joyfully running his course” (Ps 18:6): “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Lk 22:15). He ate the Passover even as He suffered His Passion when He passed from this world to His Father. He ate and drank on the Cross, He was drunk with wine and fell asleep …

From henceforth, who can fear the Cross? Lord, I may traverse Heaven and earth, the sea and dry land, yet will never find Thee, except on the Cross. It is there Thou sleeps, there Thou pasture Thy flock, there Thou rest at noonday (Sg 1:7). One ,who is united to his Lord, sweetly sings upon this Cross: “Thou, O Lord, my encircling shield, my glory, Thou lifts up my head” (Ps 3:4). None seeks for Thee, none finds Thee, except on the Cross. O glorious Cross, embed Thyself in me that I may be found in Thee!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Abbot, Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Meditation on the Passion (attrib),

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us this day by the annual feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who know on earth, the mysteries of Christ, may be found worthy to obtain, in heaven, the rewards of His Redemption. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Hail MARY!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 September – ‘ … From Heaven, the Glorious Virgin helps us here below … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 12 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31 – Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace!” – Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “So when the Virgin of Virgins was led by her God and Son, the King of Kings, in the joy of the Angels, the joy of the Archangels, among the acclactions of Heaven, then was accomplished the prophecy of David saying to the Lord: “The Queen stands on Thy Right, in a gilded clothing and various ornaments.” (Cf PS 44:10) Then, according to the Word of Solomon, The young girls arose and proclaimed Him blessed and the Queens in turn sang His praise (cf Pr 31:28 Vulg ). … She could not stop praising, she who saw the Son of God, born of her, sit to the Right of the Majesty of the Father and with Him in glory. “Thou held,” she said, “my right hand and Thou led me, according to Thy Will and in glory Thou received me.” (Cf PS 72:24) … raised in the midst of cheers of joy and praise, therefore, placed, first after God, on a throne of glory, above all the inhabitants of Heaven. …

Then, lowering towards the human race with an unspeakable charity and turning towards us, these merciful eyes which are the Light of the sky, it fosters an universal prayer for the clergy and the people , alive and dead. From Heaven, the Glorious Virgin helps us here below and, by her all-powerful prayer, she drives out all the evils and endows all the graces. For all those who pray to her from the bottom of the heart, it is their protection for the present life and for the future life. … Certainly, she will receive that which she beseeches, this beloved Mother, she whose very chaste body was the way in which the Son of God came to wash away the defilements of the world. Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God in all centuries of centuries. Amen” – St Amadeus of Lausanne O.Cist. (1108-1159) Cistercian Bishop (Marion Sermon VII).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, through the protection of the most holy Virgin Mary, Thy faithful people, who delight in her name may, by her loving intercession, be delivered from all evils on earth and be found worthy to attain everlasting happiness in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 11 September – Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 September – St Protus and St Hyacinth (Died c257) Brother Martyrs – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“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”

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
and after that have nothing more they can do. …
be afraid of him who, after he has killed,
has power to cast into hell. ”

Luke 12:4

“Take courage: It is I,
do not be afraid.
And He got into
the boat with them
and the wind fell”

Mark 6:50-51

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

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

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

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 September – ‘ … Do not worry … but entrust to Divine Providence … 

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One Minute Reflection – 11 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Protus and St Hyacinth (Died c257) Brother Martyrs – Hebrews 10:32-38 – 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 – “It seems to me you ought to resolve to carry out peacefully what you can. Do not worry about all the rest but entrust to Divine Providence that which you are unable to accomplish on your own. What is pleasing to God, is the reasonable care and attention we give, to accomplishing well, whatever business we must undertake through duty. What is not pleasing to God, is anxiety and disquiet of mind. The Lord wants our limitations and weaknesses, to find their support in His Strength; He wants us to hope that His Goodness will complete and perfect the imperfectness of our means.

Those who take on numerous responsibilities, even with an upright and pure intention, must resolve to do simply what lies within their power … If it is necessary to set certain things aside, arm yourselves with patience and do not think that God expects of us what we are unable to do. He does not want a man to distress himself on account of his limitations … there is no need to tire ourselves out excessively. More, if we have laboured to do our best, we can abandon all the rest to Him ,Who has the power to accomplish whatever He will.

May the Divine Goodness always be pleased to communicate His Light of Wisdom to us, so that we may clearly see and firmly accomplish, His good pleasure, for ourselves and for others … so that we may accept from His Hand, whatever He sends us, taking due note of what is the most important – patience, humility, obedience and charity!” – St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Priest, Founder of the Society of Jesus (Letter of 17 November 1555)

PRAYER – May the precious witness of Thy blessed Martyrs, Protus and Hyacinth, comfort us, O Lord and may their kind intercession, continually protect us. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on The SOUL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 September – ‘ … The body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 9 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Peter Claver SJ (1581-1654) Confessor, Priest of the Society of Jesus, Missionary – 2 Timothy 2:8-10; 3:10-12 – Matthew 10:26-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather, be afraid of him, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28

REFLECTION – “The Gospel is life. Impiety and infidelity are the death of the soul. So then, if the soul can die, how then is it yet immortal? Because, there is always a dimension of life in the soul which can never be extinguished. And how does it die? Not in ceasing to be life but by losing its proper life. For the soul is both life to something else and it has it own proper life. Consider the order of the creatures. The soul is the life of the body. God is the life of the soul. As the life which is the soul, is present with the body, that the body may not die, so the life of the soul (God), ought to be with the soul that it may not die.

How does the body die? By the departure of the soul. I say, by the departure of the soul, the body dies and it lies there as a mere carcass, what was a little before, a lively, not a contemptible object. There are in it still, its several members, the eyes and ears. But these are merely the windows of the house – its inhabitant is gone. Those who bewail the dead, cry in vain at the windows of the house. There is no-one there within it to hear. Why is the body dead? Because the soul, its life, is gone . But at what point is the soul itself dead? When God, its life, has forsaken it! This then we can know and hold for certain – the body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. Everyone without God has a dead soul. You who bewail the dead rather, should bewail sin! Bewail ungodliness! Bewail disbelief! – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 65).

PRAYER – God of mercy and love, Thou offer all peoples the dignity of sharing in Thy Light and Life. By the example and prayers of St Peter Claver, strengthen us to love each other as brothers. 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