The WORD – Page 96

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One Minute Reflection – 27 October – ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’

Posted on October 27, 2019October 26, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 October – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 18:9–14

‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ … Luke 18:13

REFLECTION – “The Gospel of the two men praying in the temple, the Pharisee and the tax collector, reveals to what kind of prayer penetrates to God.
We notice a difference even in their respective postures. The one stands “with unbowed head” as if the temple belongs to him, while the other “keeps his distance,” as if he has crossed the threshold of a house in which he really does not belong.
The first one prays “to himself,” really, not even praying to God but reviewing for himself the list of his virtues assuming that, when God Himself notices them, He will respect them and marvel at them. Moreover, this man catalogues his virtues as a means of setting himself off from “other men,” none of whom have attained his level of perfection. He is travelling the road of “self-discovery,” which is precisely the path of “loss of God.” The other man can only discover sin in himself, can only find himself devoid of God, which, as he pleads, “be merciful to me,” turns into an empty place for God to occupy. No-one, whose ultimate goal is his own perfection, will ever find God.
Anyone who has the humility to permit God’s perfection to take effect in his emptiness – not by being passive but by working with the talent He gives him – will be considered a “justified” person in the sight of God.” … Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988)

PRAYER – Lord God, deepen our faith, strengthen our hope, enkindle our love and so that we may obtain what You promise, make us love what You command. Mary, holy Mother, teach us complete humility and trust, help us to be a total fiat as you are. We make our prayer, through Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity, amen. blessed virgin mother mary pray for us - 27 oct 2019.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 26 October – The fruitless tree

Posted on October 26, 2019October 26, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 October – Saturday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 13:1-9 and the Memorial of Blessed Bonaventura of Potenza OFM Conv (1651-1711)

And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and I find none. Cut it down, why should it use up the ground?’…Luke 13:7

REFLECTION – “The Lord also has something very fitting to say about a fruitless tree, “Look, it is now three years that I have been coming to it. Finding no fruit on it, I will cut it down, to stop it blocking up my field.” The gardener intercedes. This tree is the human race. The Lord visited this tree in the time of the patriarchs, as if for the first year. He visited it in the time of the law and the prophets, as if for the second year. Here we are now, with the gospel the third year has dawned. Now it is as though it should have been cut down but the Merciful One intercedes with the Merciful One. He wanted to show how merciful He was and so He stood up to Himself with a plea for mercy. “Let us leave it,” he says, “this year too. Let us dig a ditch around it.” Manure is a sign of humility. “Let us apply a load of manure, perhaps it may bear fruit.” Since it does bear fruit in one part and in another part does not bear fruit, its Lord will come and divide it. What does that mean, “divide it”? There are good people and bad people now in one company, as though constituting one body.” … St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor (Sermon 254) luke-13-7-and-he-said-to-the-vinedresser-ST AUGUASTINE - 26 OCT 2019 THE LORD ALSO .jpg

PRAYER – Come to help us in our weakness, God of mercy, forgive the sins of Your people and as nothing we can do is worthy in Your sight, save us through the intercession of the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ. May the prayers of all your saints and we entreat Your servant, Blessed Bonaventura of Potenza to add his prayers on our behalf. We make our prayer through Jesus with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. bl bonaventura of potenza pray for us 26 oct 2019

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Thought for the Day – 25 October – ‘What gain is it to please the world?’

Posted on October 25, 2019October 25, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 25 October – Friday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 12:54-59

“Why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” … Luke 12:56

“Oh that we could take that simple view of things, as to feel that the one thing which lies before us is to please God! What gain is it to please the world, to please the great, even to please those whom we love, compared with this? What gain is it to be applauded, admired, courted, followed, compared with this one aim, of not being disobedient to a heavenly vision? What can this world offer comparable with that insight into spiritual things, that keen faith, that heavenly peace, that high sanctity, that everlasting righteousness, that hope of glory, which they have who in sincerity love and follow our Lord Jesus Christ?

Let us beg and pray Him day by day, to reveal Himself to our souls more fully,
to quicken our senses,
to give us sight and hearing, taste and touch of the world to come,
so to work within us, that we may sincerely say,
“Thou shall guide me with Thy counsel” and after that receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire in comparison of Thee – my flesh and my heart fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, SAINT of the DAY, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 October – ‘let us seize upon the grace that is by Christ’

Posted on October 25, 2019October 25, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 25 October – Friday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 12:54-59 and the Memorial of Bl Thaddeus McCarthy (c 1455–1492)

“As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge and the judge hand you over to the officer and the officer put you in prison.” … Luke 12:58

REFLECTION – “Now all of us, without exception, upon earth are guilty of offences, he who has a suit against us and accuses us, is the wicked Satan – for he is “the enemy and the exactor.” While, therefore, we are in the way, that is, ere yet we have arrived at the termination of our life here, let us deliver ourselves from him, let us do away with the offences of which we have been guilty, let us close his mouth, let us seize upon the grace that is by Christ, which frees us from all debt and penalty and delivers us from fear and torment, lest, if our impurity be not cleansed away, we be carried before the judge and given over to the exactors, that is, the tormentors, from whose cruelty no man can escape, yea, rather, who will exact vengeance for every fault, whether it be great or small.

Far removed from this danger are those who search for the time of Christ’s corning and are not ignorant of His mystery but well know that the Word, though He be God, has shone forth upon the inhabitants of earth in likeness as one of us, that freeing them from all blame, He may bless with exceeding happiness those who believe in Him and acknowledge Him as God and the Son of God, by Whom and with Whom to God the Father be praise and dominion, with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever, Amen” … St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444), Father & Doctor of the Church – Commentary on Luke (1859) Sermons 89-98. luke 12 58 now as you go with your accuser - now all of us are guilty - st cyril of alex 25 ocvt 2919

PRAYER – Lord God, You fill us with Your grace and teach us true faith. Strengthen in our hearts that faith that no trials may quench the fire, that we may seek Your face in every moment and accept AND LIVE all of Your will. Send us Your Spirit to keep the fire blazing. May the humble love and intercession of Mary Mother of our faith, be our succour and may Blessed Thaddeus McCarthy intercede for us on our pilgrim way. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. bl thaddeus mccarthy pray for us 25 oct 2919

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One Minute Reflection – 24 October – ‘The requirement to live “underway.”

Posted on October 23, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – Wednesday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time Year C, Gospel: Luke 12:39-48 and The Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer

“Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required”…Luke 12:48 luke 12 48 - everyone to whom much is given - 23 oct 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “In various ways the Gospel modifies the challenge to Christians to live in a constant state of departing.
The more richly God has endowed Christians with gifts and thereby with assignments, the more God varies the requirement to live “underway.”
God’s assignments are carried out best if His servant, never loses sight of the fact, that he might be called to account at any moment – in other words – if every temporal moment is lived and shaped directly in and toward the light of eternity. If he forgets this immediacy, he has forgotten the content of his earthly mission and the justice and righteousness it incorporates (“he begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants”). It now becomes clear, that this justice-righteousness, can only be retained if the believer looks beyond the world to the requirements of eternal justice-righteousness, which is not merely an “idea” but is the living Lord, for whose appearance, all of the world history waits!” … Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988) luke 12 48 everyone to whom much is given - to live underway - hans urs von balthasar 23 oct 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to keep my death constantly before my eyes, for this is my final account. pray You for a holy life that my death may be holy and that I may come to You and live for all eternity with You. hen my hour is come, bid me come to You, Lord. ear the prayers of the Blessed Virgin, our Mother and your saints, who lived each moment of their lives for the glory of Your Kingdom. e ask this through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!

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One Minute Reflection – 22 October – ‘There are two means – prayer and detachment from self.’

Posted on October 22, 2019October 22, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 October – Tuesday of the Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel Luke 12:35–38 and the Memorial of St Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes ... Luke 12:37

REFLECTION – “What are we to do if we are to overcome our weakness of soul? There are two means – prayer and detachment from self. Our Lord Jesus counsels us to watch. We must be on the watch if we want our heart to be pure but our watching must be peaceful if our heart is to be touched. Because it can be moved by good things or bad, within or without. Thus we need to watch carefully.
As a general rule God’s inspiration is an unobtrusive grace, we mustn’t turn it away… if our heart’s aren’t awake, grace turns back. Divine inspiration is very exact, just as a writer guides his pen, so the grace of God, guides the soul. So let us try hard to attain greater interior recollection.
Our Lord wants us to desire to love Him. The watchful soul notices when it falls and realises that, of itself, it cannot reach it’s destination. That is why it experiences the need for prayer. Our petition is founded on the conviction that we can do nothing of ourselves but God can do all. Prayer is needed to obtain light and strength.” … Saint Maximilian Kolbe OFM (1894-1941) Martyr – Conference of 13/2/1941 luke-12-37-blessed-are-those-servants-st max kolbe - what are we to do to overcome - 22 oct 2019

PRAYER – Lord God, strengthen in our hearts the faith You have given us, so that no trials may quench the fire Your Spirit has kindled within us. May Your Light shine through our lives and be constantly lit to lead us ready for the day the Lord Jesus calls. St John Paul, by your prayers, may our way be made holy. Through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st john paul II pray for us 18 may 2019 his birthday 99 years old

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One Minute Reflection – 21 October – ‘The bridal train is sweeping by…’

Posted on October 21, 2019October 21, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 October – Monday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 12:13-21 and the Memorial of Blessed Giuseppe “Pino” Puglisi (1937-1993) Priest, Martyr

But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ … Luke 12:20

REFLECTION – “Take heed, watch – for you do not know when the time will come» (Mk 13:33)… Let us then consider this most serious question, which concerns everyone of us so nearly—What it is to watch for Christ. He says, “Watch ye therefore, for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning, lest coming suddenly, He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch!” (v.35 f.)…

Many men indeed are open revilers of religion, or at least openly disobey its laws but let us consider those who are of a more sober and conscientious cast of mind. They have a number of good qualities and are in a certain sense and up to a certain point religious but they do not watch… They do not understand that they are called to be strangers and pilgrims upon the earth (Heb 11:13) and, that their worldly lot and worldly goods, are a sort of accident of their existence and that they really have no property… Now, it cannot surely be doubted, that multitudes in the Church, are such as I have been describing and that they would not, could not, at once welcome our Lord on His coming…

It is a most affecting and solemn thought, that He has actually called our attention to this very danger… He warns His disciples of the danger of having their minds drawn off from the thought of Him, by whatever cause, He warns them against all excitements, all allurements of this world, He solemnly warns them, that the world will not be prepared for His coming and tenderly entreats of them, not to take their portion with the world. He warns them by the instance of the rich man whose soul was required, of the servant who ate and drank (Lk 12:45) and of the foolish virgins (Mt 25:2)… The bridal train is sweeping by—Angels are there—the just made perfect are there—little children and holy teachers and white-robed saints and martyrs washed in blood… His Bride hath made herself ready (Rv 19:7). She has already attired herself, while we have been sleeping.” … St John Henry Newman (1801-1890) – Cardinal, Founder of the Oratory in England, Theologian – Sermon: “Watching” (PPS, vol. 4, no. 22, passim) luke 12 20 - fool this night your sol - the bridal train is sweeping by - st john henry newman 21 oct 2019.jpg

“I’ve been expecting you.” – Blessed Giuseppe “Pino” Puglisi (1937-1993) Priest, Martyr – HIS LAST WORDS TO HIS MURDERERS

PRAYER – Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to Yours and serve Your majesty in sincerity of heart. Teach us to lay up riches in heaven and may the prayers of Blessed Pino Puglisi, who bravely fought against the worldly evils of the Mafia, assist us in our daily struggles against the idols of the world. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, amen. bl pino puglisi pray for us 21 oct 2019.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 20 October – ‘Will the Lord “find faith upon the earth” when He returns?

Posted on October 20, 2019October 19, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 October – Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 18:1–8 and World Mission Sunday

And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.” … Luke 18:6

REFLECTION – “As He often does, in today’s Gospel, Jesus takes the immoral realities of our world as His point of departure. Here, it is the corrupt judge, elsewhere, it was the servant who defrauds his master, the prodigal son, the foolish rich man, the glutton, the wicked vineyard owner.
Beginning with what is familiar, Jesus wants to move up to the laws of the Kingdom of God. Here, as in the parable of the friend knocking at the door at midnight, the point of comparison is the persistence of an importunate but not unjust request.
If even the wicked … then all the more God, who is good. Jesus wants to make utterly clear to us – God wants men to ask Him, even to pester Him. If God gives man freedom and goes so far as to enter into covenant with him, then He is not merely concerned about human freedom but has bound Himself in a covenant with His partner without giving up His divine freedom – God will always give the petitioner what is best for him, “the good” (Mt 7:11), “the Holy Spirit” (Lk 11:12). Whoever prays, in the Spirit of Christ, will be listened to without exception (Jn 14:12-14) And the Gospel adds, “without delay.” God does not hear our prayers at some later date. He hears and immediately responds with whatever best corresponds to the request. A request, however, presupposes faith, which is why the Gospel ends with something for us to mull over – will the Lord “find faith upon the earth” when He returns? It is we, who are listening here and not just anyone, who are being asked this!” … Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988)

PRAYER – All-powerful, eternal God and Father, grant us the grace of Your Spirit and fill us with the light of understanding and love. May we learn to truly pray and by our prayers to entreat You to bless us in Your goodness and lead us to true faith in Your unfailing love and mercy. Grant that by the prayers of your Saints we may be strengthened and depend only on You. Holy Mother, be our protection and our guide . We make our prayer through Jesus, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. blessed virgin mary mother of god - pray for us - 5 aug 2018.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 19 October – ‘If necessary, even to die for the truth.’

Posted on October 19, 2019October 19, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 19 October – Saturday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 12:8-12 and The Memorial of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko (1947-1984) Priest and Martyr

“And I tell you, every one who acknowledges me before men, the Son of man also, will acknowledge before the angels of God…” … Luke 12:8

REFLECTION – “It seems to me that in the history of the Church, in the history of Christianity, there are many examples showing to what extent you have to defend the Truth. You have to defend it to the end. Jesus Christ sacrificed His life in order to announce His Divine Truth. Likewise, the apostles sacrificed their lives. Therefore, the role of the priest is to proclaim the Truth and suffer for the Truth…… If necessary, even to die for the truth. Such examples are plenty in Christianity and from these examples, we should draw conclusions, for ourselves.” … Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko (1947-1984) Priest and Martyr

PRAYER – God of power and mercy, You gave Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko, the grace to overcome the sufferings of his nation through the good of the Gospel and to face his own martyrdom with unfailing courage through Your love for him, grant us, who celebrate his victory, that the power of Your protecting hand may keep us unshaken in the face of our ancient enemy and all his hidden snares. Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko, pray for us! Through our Lord Jesus Christ, in union with our Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen. bl jerzy popiesluscko pray for us 19 oct 2019.jpg

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Thought for the Day – 18 October – “Our Beloved Physician” – Bringer of Light

Posted on October 18, 2019October 18, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 18 October – Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

“Our Beloved Physician” – Bringer of Light

Luke wrote as a Gentile for Gentile Christians. His Gospel and Acts of the Apostles reveal his expertise in classic Greek style, as well as his knowledge of Jewish sources. There is a warmth to Luke’s writing that sets it apart from that of the other synoptic Gospels and yet, it beautifully complements those works. The treasure of the Scriptures is a true gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church.

Luke wrote one of the major portions of the New Testament, a two-volume work comprising the third Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. In the two books, he shows the parallel between the life of Christ and that of the Church. He is the only Gentile Christian among the Gospel writers. Tradition holds him to be a native of Antioch and Paul calls him “our beloved physician (Col 4:14).” His Gospel was probably written between 70 and 85.

Luke appears in Acts, during Paul’s second journey, remains at Philippi for several years, until Paul returns from his third journey, accompanies Paul to Jerusalem and remains near him when he is imprisoned in Caesarea. During these two years, Luke had time to seek information and interview persons, who had known Jesus. He accompanied Paul on the dangerous journey to Rome where he was a faithful companion.

Luke’s unique character may best be seen by the emphases of his Gospel, which has been given a number of subtitles:
1) The Gospel of Mercy
2) The Gospel of Universal Salvation
3) The Gospel of the Poor
4) The Gospel of Absolute Renunciation
5) The Gospel of Prayer and the Holy Spirit
6) The Gospel of Joy

St Luke, Pray for Us!

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 October – Luke

Posted on October 18, 2019October 18, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 18 October – Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

“My mother and my brethren
are those,
who hear the word of God
and do it.”

Luke 8:27

“To what then shall I compare
the men
d of this generation
and what are they like?”

Luke 7:31

“Go your way,
behold, I send you out
as lambs in the midst
of wolves.”

Luke 10:3

And Jesus said to him,
“Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:37

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One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “I too have decided … to write it down..”

Posted on October 18, 2019October 18, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist, Gospel: Luke 10:1-9

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few, pray therefore, the Lord of the harvest, to send out labourers into his harvest.” … Luke 10:2

Saint Luke’s testimony – “I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately to write it down in an orderly sequence” (Luke 1:3)

REFLECTION – “Among all the Scriptures, even those of the New Testament, the Gospels have a special pre-eminence and rightly so, for they are the principal witness for the life and teaching of the incarnate Word, our Saviour. The Church has always and everywhere, held and continues to hold, that the four Gospels are of apostolic origin. For what the Apostles preached in fulfilment of the commission of Christ, afterwards, they themselves and apostolic men, under the inspiration of the divine Spirit, handed on to us in writing – the foundation of faith, namely, the fourfold Gospel, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Holy Mother Church has firmly and with absolute constancy, held and continues to hold, that the four Gospels just named, whose historical character the Church unhesitatingly asserts, faithfully hand on what Jesus Christ, while living among men, really did and taught for their eternal salvation until the day He was taken up into heaven (Acts 1:1-2). Indeed, after the Ascension of the Lord the Apostles handed on to their hearers what He had said and done. This they did with that clearer understanding which they enjoyed after they had been instructed by the glorious events of Christ’s life and taught by the light of the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:26).

The sacred authors wrote the four Gospels, selecting some things from the many which had been handed on by word of mouth or in writing, reducing some of them to a synthesis, explaining some things in view of the situation of their churches and preserving the form of proclamation but always, in such fashion, that they told us the honest truth about Jesus. For their intention in writing, was that either from their own memory and recollections, or from the witness of those who “themselves from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word” we might know “the truth concerning those matters about which we have been instructed” (Lk 1, 1-4). … Vatican Council II – Dogmatic Constitution on Revelation “ Dei Verbum ” # 18-19

PRAYER – Lord God, You chose St Luke to reveal the mystery of Your love in his preaching and his writings. Grant, we pray, that we may grow in love for the Holy Face of Christ, His words and His directions, revealed to us in the Gospels, in the example of your saints. Today, on his feast, we especially look to St Luke, to guide, teach and pray for us. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever and ever, amen.

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One Minute Reflection – 17 October – Tradition stands, the Faith dies.

Posted on October 17, 2019October 17, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 October – Thursday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 11:47–54 and the Memorial of St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35 – 107) Father of the Church, Martyr

“Woe to you! for you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.” … Luke 11:47

REFLECTION – ” The biggest sin of the Pharisees is that they persecute and even kill the messengers God has sent to purify and reform their religion. They are so caught up in the rut of their traditions, that they cannot heed or tolerate the voice of the prophets. They stone the present prophets and build monuments to the ancient ones.
Often we too make the same mistakes.
We are keen in preserving the names of great people who lived among us. We may even build monuments to their memory. But we fail to imbibe and live by their spirit. It is surprising how the creative spirit of a religious tradition can die in the hands of those who are faithfully seeking to preserve the tradition itself – the tradition stands, the faith dies.
That is what happened to the Pharisees of Jesus’ time and it is happening to us as well.” … Fr Joseph Thena SSP

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, grant that I may believe what I have learned, never presuming to know better than the teachings of Holy Mother Church and that I may put into practice what I believe. Let my commitment be like unto the Martyr, St Ignatius of Antioch, who went with joy to his horrific death, for the faith in Christ, Your Son, God with You and the Holy Spirit. St Ignatius, pray for us, amen. st ignatius of antioch pray for us - 17 oct 2017.jpg

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One Minute Reflection- 16 October – “Woe to you Pharisees!”

Posted on October 16, 2019October 16, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection- 16 October – Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 11:42-46 and the Memorial of St Marie Marguerite d’Youville (1701-1771)

“Woe to you Pharisees! for you love the best seat in the synagogues and salutations in the market places.”…Luke 11:43

REFLECTION – “Christianity is not a matter of persuading people of particular ideas but of inviting them to share in the greatness of Christ. So pray, that I may never fall into the trap, of impressing people, with clever speech but instead, I may learn, to speak with humility, desiring only to impress people with Christ Himself.”…St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35 – 107) Father of the Church, Martyr christianity is not a matter of persuading people - st ignatius of antioch - 16 oct 2019

PRAYER – Lord Jesus Christ, You wondrously revealed all of the deep treasures of Your Heart to Your saints. May their merits and example win us the grace to love You above all things and in all things so that we may make our abode in Your own Sacred Hea rt. With You, for You and in You, may we assist and love our neigh bour. Hear the prayers of St Marguerite d’Youville on our behalf dear Lord, we beg. Through Christ our Lord, in the union of the Holy Spirit, God who live and reign forever, amen. st marguerite dyouville pray for us 16 oct 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 15 October – Only God fills the soul and fills it wholly.

Posted on October 15, 2019October 15, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 11:37–41 and the Memorial of St Teresa of Jesus/Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church “Doctor of Prayer”

And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness.”…Luke 11:39

REFLECTION – “If the world that seeks my God were to know, if those learned men who seek for God in science and endless discussion were to know, if people did but know where to find God, how many wars would be prevented, what peace there would be in the world, how many souls would be saved! Unreasoning and stupid that you look for God where He is not! Listen and be filled with awe – God is in our hearts, I know it. God lives in the human heart when this heart lives withdrawn from all that is not Him, when this heart heeds God’s knock at its door (Rv 3,20) and, sweeping and cleaning all its rooms, makes itself ready to welcome Him who alone truly satisfies.

How sweet it is to live like this, with God in the heart. What sublime peace to find oneself filled with God!… What little trouble it is, rather it should be said, there is no trouble in doing what He wishes, since we love His will and even pain and suffering are His peace, since we suffer for love. Only God fills the soul and fills it wholly. Let scientists go on asking – Where is God? He is where those clever ones, arrogant in their knowledge, cannot reach.” … Saint Raphael Arnaiz Baron (1911-1938) – Spanish Trappist monk (Spiritual writings) luke 11 39 cleanse the outside of the cup - only god fills the soul st rafael arnaiz baron 15 oct 2019

PRAYER – Almighty God, our Father, You sent St Teresa of Jesus to be a witness in the Church to the way of perfection. Sustain us by her spiritual doctrine and kindle in us, the longing for true holiness. Through Christ, our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, God forever. May the intercession of St Teresa be a source of strength, amen

QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on TIME, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – Let us begin!

Posted on October 14, 2019October 14, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – Monday of the Twenty Eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 11:29–32

“Our Saviour’s words
are not of a nature
to be heard once
and no more
but that to understand them,
we must feed upon them
and live in them,
as if by, little and little,
growing into their meaning.”

Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

“Yesterday is gone.
Tomorrow has not yet come.
We have only today.
Let us begin.”

Saint Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – ‘Let us beware of losing all hope…’

Posted on October 14, 2019October 14, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – Monday of the Twenty Eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 11:29–32 and the Memorial of Blessed Roman Lysko (1914–1949) Priest and Martyr

“For they repented at the preaching of Jonah and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.” … Luke 11:32

REFLECTION – “Let us beware of losing all hope but let us also avoid giving in too easily to carelessness… Despair hinders those who have fallen, from getting up again and carelessness causes those who are standing, to fall… If presumption casts us down from the heights of heaven, despair casts us into the infinite depths of evil, whereas a little hope is enough to hold us back…
This is how Nineveh was saved. However, the divine judgement pronounced against the Ninevites was of a nature to throw them into confusion since it did not say: “If you repent you will be saved” but simply: “Three more days and Nineveh will be destroyed” (Jon 3:4). Nevertheless, neither the Lord’s threat, nor the prophet’s preaching, nor even the severity of the judgement… caused their confidence to fail. God wants us to draw a lesson, from this unconditional judgement that taught by this example, that we may resist despair as much as passivity… Besides, divine good will does not only reveal itself in the forgiveness granted to the repentant Ninevites.. the respite granted them, attests likewise, to His unutterable goodness. Do you imagine that three days would have been enough to wipe out so much wickedness? God’s good will is breaking out from behind these words and, besides, isn’t it the principal worker of the whole city’s salvation?
Let this example keep us from despairing. For the devil thinks of this form of weakness as his most successful weapon and, even when we sin, we could not give him greater pleasure than when we lose hope.” … St John Chrysostom (345-407) Father & Doctor luke 11 32 for they repented at the preaching of jonah - despair hope - st john chrysostom 14 oct 2019

PRAYER – Eternal, almighty God and Father, teach us true sorrow and repentance. Grant us the grace of trust and hope in Your unfailing love, that we may resist despair as we face the sin of the world and the wiles of the evil one. As we walk always in the Light of Christ, Your Son, following His way, we may never fall into temptation. May the intercession of Your saints and martyrs, be always an assistance to us all. Mary, our Mother of merciful love and Blessed Roman Lysko, pray for us. Through Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit, God for always and forever, amen. merciful mother mary pray for us 14 oct 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 13 October – ‘I offer You these humble prayers…’

Posted on October 13, 2019October 12, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 October – Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 17:11–19 and the Memorial of Blessed Alexandrina of Balazar

And he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. …Luke 17:16

REFLECTION – “O Heart of Jesus all love, I offer You these humble prayers for myself and for all those, who unite themselves with me, in spirit to adore You.
O holiest Heart of Jesus most lovely, I intend to renew and to offer to You, these acts of adoration and these prayers, for myself, a wretched sinner and for all those, who are associated with me in Your adoration, through all moments which I breath, even to the end of my life. I recommend to You, O my Jesus, Holy Church, Your dear spouse and our true Mother, all just souls and all poor sinners, the afflicted, the dying and all mankind. Let not Your Blood be shed for them in vain. Finally, deign to apply it in relief of the souls in Purgatory and of these in particular….” … St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

PRAYER – Lord God, open our hearts to Your Grace, that we may be filled with Your light and overflow with gratitude for Your merciful love. May we love and adore and worship You in return. Although we are sinners, our hearts long to thank You in total trust and humble thankfulness. Grant that by the prayers of Blessed Alexandrina of Balazar, we may grow in holiness. Through Your only Son, our Saviour and Redeemer, with the Holy Spirit, God, forever, amen. _bl alesancdrina of balazar pray for us 13 oct 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 12 October – ..’What the saints have understood and lived’

Posted on October 12, 2019October 12, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 October – Saturday of the Twenty Seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 11:27–28 and the Memorial of Blessed Jan Beyzym SJ (1850–1912), “Apostle of the Lepers of Madasgascar”

But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” … Luke 11:28

REFLECTION – “Jesus was speaking to the crowd. Some of them did not understand and were debating and a woman said: “Blessed is she who has been your mother and bore you!” A woman who shouts that out, it’s marvellous, things like that! Ordinary people in the authentic, how profound! This is the moment when Jesus will say: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” He wants to move away from that family environment – today one would speak of one’s “circle”. In mountainous districts or the countryside, family bonds are very close, they form a kind of little tribe. Jesus distances himself from that.
Someone said to Him: “Your mother and your brothers are waiting outside — Who is my mother? Who are my brothers? Those who do the will of God” (cf. Lk 8:20-21) — He establishes a society that is transnatural, not founded on shared sensibilities, social conditions of class and origin. No, it’s another thing altogether. To this woman He will say: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” But the woman had listened to the word of God since she had said to Him: “Blessed is she who has been your mother!” (Lk 8:19-21; 11:27-28). It is not blame that Jesus directs at her, on the contrary, it is a confirmation, saying: ‘Blessed are you for having understood that there is something greater than familial relationships, something which adds to familial relationships what they are capable of bearing of light when they are received but which are of another order.’
Well then! See what has been proclaimed to us, what the saints have understood and which they have lived.” ... Cardinal Charles Journet (1891-1975) Theologian – Conferences given at Geneva between 1972 and 1974 on St. John’s gospel. luke 11 28 blessed rather are those - card charles journet - blessed are you for having understood 12 oct 2019.jpg

PRAYER – “O my God, whatever is nearer to me than You, things of this earth and things more naturally pleasing to me, will be sure to interrupt the sight of You, unless Your grace interfere. Keep You my eyes, my ears, my heart, from any such miserable tyranny. Keep my whole being fixed on You. Let me never lose sight of You and while I gaze on You, let my love of You grow more and more every day.” … Bl John Henry Newman (1801-1890) May we run the race in obedience and love of the Will of our God, as Blessed Jan Beyzym did, always seeking Your Face in those who are the least and whose prayers we beg. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. bl jan beyzym pray for us 12 oct 2019.jpg

raise my heart by bl john henry newman 4 sept 2019.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 11 October – ‘What have You ever done to me but good?’

Posted on October 11, 2019October 11, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 October – Friday of the Twenty Seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel Luke 11:15–26 and the Memorial of St Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you…Luke 11:20

REFLECTION – ” “The finger: “It is by the finger of God that [Jesus] casts out demons.” If God’s law was written on tablets of stone “by the finger of God” (Ex 31,18), then the “letter from Christ” entrusted to the care of the apostles, is written “with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2Cor 3,3). The hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” invokes the Holy Spirit as the “finger of the Father’s right hand.”…CCC 700

“What things ought I render to Almighty God that He has made me what I am? It is a matter of grace … I am what I am, not from any excellence or merit of my own but by the grace of God who has chosen me to believe. Has He not visited me with over-abundant grace? And was it not necessary for my hardened heart to receive more than other people? …
Lord You have poured on me Your grace. You have been with me in my perplexities. You have forgiven me my sins. You have satisfied my reason. You have made faith easy. You have given me Your saints, You show before me, day after day, Your own Passion – why should I leave You? What have You ever done to me but good?” … Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

PRAYER – Almighty Father, let Your light so penetrate our minds, that we may walk always in that light and follow Your Son, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Fill us with understanding and may the Holy Spirit guide us in love. Allow the intercession of St Pope John XXIII who followed Your light so faithfully be of help to us all. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st-john-23-pray-for-us-11-oct-2017

ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 October – ‘You are ever listening for my voice.’

Posted on October 10, 2019October 10, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 October – Thursday of the Twenty Seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Gospel: Luke 11:5–13 and the Memorial of Blessed Angela Truszkowska (1825-1899)

“For everyone who asks, receives and he who seeks, finds and to him who knocks, it will be opened.”… Luke 11:10 luke 11 10 - for everyone who asks receives - 10 oct 2019

REFLECTION – “Yes, my Lord, You do desire that I should ask You, You are ever listening for my voice. There is nothing I cannot get from You. Oh, I confess my heinous neglect of this great privilege. I am very guilty. I have trifled with the highest of gifts – the power to move Omnipotence. How slack I am, I in praying to You for my own needs! how little have I thought of the needs of others! How little have I brought before You the needs of the world – of Your Church! How little have I asked for graces in detail! and for aid in daily wants! How little have I interceded for individuals! How little have I accompanied actions and undertakings, in themselves good, with prayer for Your guidance and blessing!”… Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

PRAYER – Help us my Lord, to discern through prayer and meditation, what You truly want of us. Then enable us to offer it to You and indeed to offer myself and all I have to You. Teach us to listen that we might hear Your answers, teach us to wait in patience for that which we ask and to trust in Your answer and teach us to constantly knock at Your door in prayer. May Blessed Angela Truszkowska, pray for Holy Mother Church, pray for all the members of the Mystical Body, pray for our sons and daughters and for us all, pray for me! Amen bl angela truszkowska pray for us 10 oct 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 9 October – To My Father

Posted on October 9, 2019October 9, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 October – Wednesday of the Twenty Seventh Week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 11:1–4 and the Memorial of Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

“Father, hallowed be thy name.”…Luke 11:2

REFLECTION – “Thou art all-holy, yet I come before Thee. I place myself, under Thy pure and piercing eyes which look me through and through and discern every trace and every motion of evil within me. Why do I do so?
First of all, for this reason. To whom should I go? What can I do better? Who is there in the whole world that can help me? Who that will care for me, or pity me, or have any kind thought of me, if I cannot obtain it of Thee? I know Thou art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity but I know again, that Thou art all-merciful and that Thou so sincerely desires my salvation, that Thou has died for me. Therefore, though I am in a great strait, I will rather fall into Thy hands, than into those of any creature ….
I have an instinct within me, which leads me to rise and go to my Father, to name the Name of His well-beloved Son and having named it, to place myself, unreservedly in His hands, saying “if Thou, Lord, will mark iniquity, Lord, who shall stand it? For with Thee, there is merciful forgiveness.” … Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890) To My Father

PRAYER – Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. And grant us Lord, our Father, that the prayers of Blessed John Henry Newman, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all our holy saints, may help us in our needs. We make our prayer, through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. the lord's prayer - matthew 6 7-15 - and 9 oct 2019no 2 20 feb 2018 (1).jpg

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 October – ‘But let us continue on our way …’

Posted on October 8, 2019October 8, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 8 October – Tuesday of the Twenty Seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Goaspel: Luke 10:38–42

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious
and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her.”

Luke 10:42

“Our Lord’s words teach us that though we labour
among the many distractions of this world,
we should have but one goal.
For we are but travellers
on a journey without as yet a fixed abode,
we are on our way, not yet in our native land,
we are in a state of longing, not yet of enjoyment.
But let us continue on our way
and continue without sloth or respite,
so that we may ultimately arrive at our destination.”

St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor
(Sermo 103, 1-2, 6: PL 38, 613, 615)

“Action and contemplation
are very close companions;
they live together in one house on equal terms.
Martha and Mary are sisters.”

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

Doctor of the Church

“In bustling about and busying herself,
Martha risks forgetting —
and this is the problem —
the most important thing,
which is the presence of the Guest…
Most importantly He ought to be listened to. “

Pope Francis

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One Minute Reflection – 9 October – Martha and Mary

Posted on October 8, 2019October 8, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 October – Tuesday of the Twenty Seventh week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Goaspel: Luke 10:38–42 and the Memorial of Saint Simeon

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”…Luke 10:41-42

REFLECTION – ” Has not the desire of wealth so eaten into our hearts, that we think poverty the worst of ills, that we think the security of property the first of blessings, that we measure all things by mammon, that we not only labour for it ourselves but so involve in our own evil earnestness all around us, that they cannot keep from the pursuit of it though they would? Does not the frame-work of society move forward on such a plan as to enlist into the service of the world all its members, almost whether they will or no? Would not a man be thought unaspiring and unproductive, who cared not to push forward in pursuit of that which Scripture calls “the root of all evil,” the love of which it calls “covetousness which is idolatry,” and the possession of which it solemnly declares all but excludes a man from the kingdom of Heaven? Alas! can this be denied?
And, therefore, of course, the entire system of tranquil devotion, holy meditation, freedom from worldly cares, which our Saviour praises in the case of Mary, is cast aside, misunderstood, or rather missed altogether, as much as the glorious sunshine by a blind man, slandered and ridiculed as something contemptible and vain. Surely, no-one, who is candid, can doubt, that, were Mary now living, did she choose on principle that state of life in which Christ found her, were she content to remain at Jesus’ feet hearing His word and disengaged from this troublesome world, she would be blamed and pitied. Careless men would gaze strangely and wise men compassionately, on such an one, as wasting her life and choosing a melancholy, cheerless portion. Long ago was this the case. Even in holy Martha, zealous as she was and true-hearted, even in her instance, we are reminded of the impatience and disdain with which those who are far different from her, the children of this world, regard such as dedicate themselves to God. Long ago, even in her, we seem to witness, as in type, the rash, unchristian way in which this age disparages devotional services.”…Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

PRAYER – Lord God and Father, who entrusted the earth to men and each to the other, as one family of man, give us the grace this day, to see Your Face in our neighbour and to seek all who need our help. Grant us the grace to work faithfully for Your glory and for our neighbour’s good and never cease to praise Your glory and beg the grace of Your love and mercy. May the prayers of St Simeon and may Mary our Holy Mother, keep us ever in her guiding care. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen. mary motber of god st simeon - presentation - mem of st simeon 8 oct 2019 pray for us.jpg

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Saint of the Day – 8 October – St Simeon

Posted on October 8, 2019October 8, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 8 October – St Simeon – also known as Holy Simeon, St Simeon the Prophet, Symeon and Simeon Senex – senex means “the old man” and St Simeon the Elder, was present when Jesus was brought into the temple as an infant – celebrated as the feast of the Presentation – the Presentation is celebrated on 2 February and is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.

According to the Biblical account, Simeon had been visited by the Holy Spirit and told that he would not die until he had seen the Christ of the Lord. Moved by the Holy Spirit, he entered the Temple as Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus in. On taking Jesus into his arms he uttered a prayer, which is still used liturgically as the Latin Nunc Dimittis (“Now you dismiss”) every night in Compline of the Divine Office. Simeon gave a prophecy alluding to the crucifixion. His prophecy is used in the context of Our Lady of Sorrows. Simeon is venerated as a saint with his memorial today in the revised Martyrology of the Roman Catholic Church. img-Saint-Simeon-Senex

The sole mention in the New Testament of Simeon is as follows:

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him in his arms and blessed God and said,

“Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

And his father and his mother marvelled at what was said about him and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Luke 2:25-35

The Nunc Dimittis

Latin (Vulgate):
Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace.
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum
Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum.
Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.

English (Roman Breviary):
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace. You have fulfilled your promise.
My own eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples.
A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness, the glory of your people Israel.

©Photo. R.M.N. / R.-G. Ojda — The beginning of the Nunc dimittis in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
*The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry* – It is probably the most famous and best surviving Gothic Manuscript Illumination. It is a book of hours – a collection of prayers to be said at the canonical hours. It was created between c 1412 and 1416.

simeon snip glass.JPG

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One Minute Reflection – 6 October – ‘Serving the Lord’

Posted on October 6, 2019October 5, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 October – Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 17:5–10 and the Memorial of St Mary Frances of the Five Wounds (1715-1791)

‘Prepare supper for me’ ...Luke 17:8

REFLECTION – “To believe is not simply to sit back and wait until the Lord comes and serves us with His grace. Faith receives it’s incomprehensible efficacy (tossing a tree into the ocean), in the course of serving the Lord, who, after all, has become the servant of us all and cannot stand to see anyone lazily let himself be served by Him (sola fides). Instead, He takes it as self-evident, that His followers serve alongside Him, which really means they serve Him, for “where I am, there will my servant also be” (Jn 12:26).
Moreover, this serving does not take place in haughty pride over how useful to the Lord my co-service may be (as if He could not do anything without me). Just the opposite, in modesty, the servant knows the words of Jesus – “Without me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).
Since He has already done everything for us, the correct estimation of ourselves, is the one commanded by the Lord Himself and expressed in the Confession – “We are useless servants, we have only done our duty.” … Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988) luke 17 8 - to believe is not simply to sit back and wait - hans urs von balthasar 6 oct 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Almighty, ever-living God, whose love surpasses all that we ask or deserve, guide us to perfect obedience to conform ourselves to Your holy will, that in the manner of St Mary Frances, our only wish may be to serve and find You. May we always serve in modesty and humility and know that only in Your Son, are we complete. May the prayers of St Mary Frances of the Five Wounds be a source of strength on our journey home. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity, amen.

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One Minute Reflection – 5 October – Christian joy

Posted on October 5, 2019October 5, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 October – Saturday of the Twenty Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 10:17–24 and the Memorial of St Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938)

In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…” … Luke 10:17

REFLECTION – “Christian joy is, essentially, a spiritual participation in the boundless joy, at the same time both divine and human, in the heart of Jesus Christ glorified… Let us now pause to contemplate the person of Jesus during His earthly life. In His humanity, He had experienced our joys. He has manifestly known, appreciated and celebrated a whole range of human joys, those simple daily joys within the reach of everyone. The depth of His interior life did not blunt His concrete attitude or His sensitivity. He admires the birds of heaven, the lilies of the field. He immediately grasps God’s attitude towards creation at the dawn of history. He willingly extols the joy of the sower and the harvester, the joy of the man who finds a hidden treasure, the joy of the shepherd who recovers his sheep or of the woman who finds her lost coin, the joy of those invited to the feast, the joy of a marriage celebration, the joy of the father who embraces his son returning from a prodigal life and the joy of the woman who has just brought her child into the world.

For Jesus, these joys are real because for Him they are the signs of the spiritual joys of the kingdom of God, the joy of people who enter this kingdom return there or work there, the joy of the Father who welcomes them. And for His part Jesus Himself manifests His satisfaction and His tenderness when He meets children wishing to approach Him, a rich young man who is faithful and wants to do more, friends who open their home to Him, like Martha, Mary and Lazarus. His happiness is, above all, to see the Word accepted, the possessed delivered, a sinful woman or a publican like Zacchaeus converted, a widow taking from her poverty and giving. He even exults with joy when He states that the little ones have the revelation of the kingdom which remains hidden from the wise and able. Yes, because Christ was “a man like us in all things but sin,” (PE 4) He accepted and experienced affective and spiritual joys, as a gift of God. And He did not rest until “to the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation…and to those in sorrow, joy.” … St Paul VI (1897-1978) Pope from 1963-1978 – Apostolic exhortation on Christian joy ‘Gaudete in Domino’ (PE 4; cf Lk 4:10).

PRAYER – Lord God, You called St Faustina to serve You in a life of complete communion with Your Son and your people. Amidst this world’s changes, help us, by her prayers, to set out hearts always on You. Heavenly Father, let me realise that You guide our lives through Your Providence, Your Word, Your Mercy and Sacraments. Help me to be obedient to the rules for my state in life and so be obedient to Your will for me. Grant that the prayers of St Faustina may assist us as we strive to grow in humility and in joy! Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen. st faustina pray for us 5 oct 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 4 October – ‘Listening to the Word’

Posted on October 4, 2019October 4, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 October – Friday of the Twenty-sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year C Gospel: Luke 10:13-16 – The Memorial of St Francis of Assisi OFM (1181/2–1226)

“He who hears you, hears me and he who rejects you,
rejects me and he who rejects me, rejects him who sent me.”…Luke 10:16 luke 10 16 he who hears you hears me - 4 oct 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “The truth is that St Francis really did have an extremely intimate relationship with Jesus and with the word of God, that he wanted to pursue sine glossa – just as it is, in all its radicality and truth. It is also true, that initially he did not intend to create an Order with the necessary canonical forms. Rather he simply wanted, through the word of God and the presence of the Lord, to renew the People of God, to call them back to listening to the word and to literal obedience to Christ.”…Pope Benedict XVI – Catechesis on St Francis – General Audience, 27 January 2010 he, francis, simply wanted - pope benedict 4 oct 2019.jpg

“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received—only what you have given – a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.”….St Francis of Assisi

PRAYER – Lord God, You made St Francis of Assisi, Christ-like in his poverty and humility, his gentleness and charity, his love and courage. Help us to walk in his ways that, with joy and love, we may follow Christ Your Son and be united with You. May the intercession of St Francis, be an assistance on our journey. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st francis of assisi - pray for us - 17 sept 2018.jpg

CATHOLIC Quotes, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 3 October – ‘That is, the joy of being His disciples.’

Posted on October 3, 2019October 3, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 3 October – Thursday of the Twenty Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 10:1-12 and the Memorial of Blessed Szilárd István Bogdánffy (1911-1953) Martyr

“Let us thank God for this heroic pastor of the Church who followed the Lamb to the very end! May his witness bring comfort to those, who even today, are persecuted for the sake of the Gospel.”

Pope Benedict XVI

We must always pray to the “Lord of the harvest”, namely, God the Father, that He send labourers into His field which is the world.
These imperatives show that the mission is based on prayer, that it is itinerant – it is not idle, it is itinerant, that it requires separation and poverty, that it brings peace and healing, signs of the closeness of the Kingdom of God, that it is not proselytism but proclamation and witness and that, it also requires frankness and the evangelical freedom, to leave, while highlighting the responsibility of having rejected the message of salvation but without condemnation and cursing.

If lived in these terms, the mission of the Church will be characterised by joy.
And how does this passage end? The 72 “returned with joy” (cf. v. 17). It is not an ephemeral joy, which flows from the success of the mission – on the contrary, it is a joy rooted in the promise that — as Jesus says – “your names are written in heaven” (v. 20).

That is, the joy of being His disciples.

Pope Francis
(Angelus 7 July 2019)

Blessed Szilárd István Bogdánffy
Pray for Us!

PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MISSION, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 3 October – He will be with you also, all the way, that faithful God.”

Posted on October 3, 2019October 3, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 3 October – Thursday of the Twenty Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 10:1-12

“Go your way,
behold, I send you out
as lambs
in the midst
of wolves.”

Luke 10:3

“He will be with you also, all the way, that faithful God.
Every morning when you awaken to the old and tolerable pain,
at every mile of the hot uphill dusty road of tiring duty,
on to the judgement seat, the same Christ there as ever,
still loving you, still sufficient for you, even then.
And then, on through all eternity.”

	Santo Adelbertus dar… on Saint of the Day – 23 Ap…
	Santo Georgius, Oran… on Saint of the Day – 23 Ap…
	Santo Konradus dari… on Saint of the Day – 21 Ap…
	Santo Anselmus dari… on Saint of the Day – 21 Ap…
	Beato James Duckett… on Saint of the Day – 19 Ap…

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Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

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Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!

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“Our Beloved Physician” – Bringer of Light

St Luke, Pray for Us!

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Luke 8:27

Luke 7:31

Luke 10:3

Luke 10:37

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Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Saint Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

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Luke 10:42

St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor (Sermo 103, 1-2, 6: PL 38, 613, 615)

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

Doctor of the Church

Pope Francis

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Pope Benedict XVI

Blessed Szilárd István Bogdánffy Pray for Us!

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Luke 10:3

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

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St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor
(Sermo 103, 1-2, 6: PL 38, 613, 615)

Blessed Szilárd István Bogdánffy
Pray for Us!