Thought for the Day – 9 January – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
The First Two Weapons of the Spiritual Combat
I: Distrust of Self (Diffidence) FOUR METHODS,
“I, therefore, set before you FOUR METHODS, by the use of which, in dependence always on Divine grace, you may acquire this gift. …”
The FIRST is, to KNOW and consider your own vileness and nothingness and your inability, of yourself, to do any good, by which to merit an entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The SECOND is, CONTINUALLY to ASK such knowledge of the Lord in fervent and humble prayer; for it is His gift. And in order to reach its attainment, we must look upon ourselves, not only as destitute thereof, but as of ourselves incapable of acquiring it. Present yourself, therefore, continually before the Divine Majesty, with an assured faith that He is willing, of His great goodness, to grant your petition; wait patiently, all the time which His Providence appoints and without doubt, you shalt obtain it.
The THIRD is, to stand in FEAR of your own judgement about yourself, of your strong inclination to sin, of the countless hosts of enemies against whom you are incapable of making the slightest resistance, of their long practice in open warfare and secret stratagem, of their transformations into Angels of Light and of the innumerable arts and obstacles which they secretly spread for us, even in the very way of holiness.
The FOURTH is, whenever you are OVERTAKEN by any FAULT, to look more deeply into yourself and, more keenly, feel your absolute and utter weakness – for to this end did God permit your fall that, warned by His inspiration and illumined by a clearer Light than before, you may come to know yourself and learn to despise yourself as a thing unutterably vile and be, therefore, also willing to be so accounted and despised by others. For without this willingness, there can be no holy self-distrust which is founded on TRUE HUMILITY and experimental SELF-KNOWLEDGE.
This self-knowledge is clearly needful to all who desire to be united to the Supreme Light and Uncreated Truth and the Divine Clemency, often makes use of the fall of proud and presumptuous men to lead to Itself; justly suffering them to fall into some faults which they trusted to avoid, by their own strength that they may learn to know and absolutely distrust themselves. Our Lord is not, however, wont to use so severe a method, until those more gracious means of which we have before spoken have failed to work the cure designed by His Divine Mercy. He permits a man to fall, more or less deeply, in proportion to his pride and self-esteem; so that if there were no presumption (as in the case of the Blessed Virgin Mary), there would be no fall. Therefore, whenever you shall fall, take refuge at once in humble self-knowledge and beseech the Lord, with urgent entreaties to give you Light — truly to know yourself and entire self-distrust lest you should fall again, perhaps into deeper perdition!”
Quote/s of the Day – 9 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Arise, be enlightened, … for thy Light is come!”
Isaias 60:1
“Make ready then the vessel of your soul that you may become a son of God and an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17); if, indeed, you are preparing yourself that you may receive; if you are drawing near in faith that you may be made faithful; if of set purpose, you are putting off the old man!”
St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Have patience with all things but chiefly, have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them, everyday begin the task anew.”
“A person who is conscious of his misery, can certainly have great confidence in God. In fact, he cannot have true confidence in Him, without this consciousness of his misery. This knowledge and acknowledgement of our misery, leads us to the presence of God.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
“Anyone who takes life seriously in the Christian sense, will regard it as a difficult journey towards perfection and towards God. This journey will be, at the same time, painful and joyful. … It is our own loss if we sit down lazily on the side of the road, which should lead us to Heaven. It is even more disastrous, if we acknowledge defeat and lay down the spiritual weapons of prayer and renunciation, in order to surrender ourselves to sin or to indifference. Everyday we should say to ourselves, in the presence of God – A new life is beginning … in You, by Your grace and for You! Amen”
One Minute Reflection – 9 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1
REFLECTION – “The loving Providence of God determined that in the last days He would aid the world, set on its course to destruction. He decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ.
A promise had been made to the holy Patriarch Abraham, in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. His descendants are, therefore, compared with the array of the stars. The father of all nations, was to hope, not in an earthly progeny but, in a progeny from above.
Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the Patriarchs. Let the children of the promise, now receive the blessing in the seed of Abraham, the blessing renounced by the children of his flesh. In the persons of the Magi, let all people adore the Creator of the universe – let God be known, not in Judea only but in the whole world, so that His Name may be great in all Israel.
Dear friends, now that we have received instruction in this revelation of God’s grace, let us celebrate, with spiritual joy, the day of our first harvesting, of the first calling of the Gentiles. Let us give thanks to the merciful God, Who has made us worthy, in the words of the Apostle, to share the position of the Saints in Light, who has rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son. As Isaias prophesied – the people of the Gentiles, who sat in darkness, have seen a great light and for those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death a Light has dawned. He spoke of them to the Lord – The Gentiles, who do not know Thee, will invoke Thee and the peoples, who knew Thee not, will take refuge in Thee.” – St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his On the Lord’s Epiphany, Sermon 3)
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 9 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of The Epiphany
The Love of Your Name By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471) The Imitation of Christ (Book 3 Ch 26:1-4)
My God, Sweetness beyond words, make bitter all the carnal comfort which draws me from love of the eternal and lures me to its evil self, by the sight of some delightful good in the present. Let it not overcome me, my God. Let not flesh and blood conquer me. Let not the world and its brief glory deceive me, nor the devil trip me by his craftiness. Give me courage to resist, patience to endure and constancy to persevere. Give me the soothing unction of Your spirit, rather than all the consolations of the world and in place of carnal love, infuse into me, the love of Your Name. Amen
Saint of the Day – 9 January – Saint Marcellinus of Ancona (Died c577) the Fifth Bishop of Ancona, Italy.Born in Ancona and died there on 9 January in c577 of natural causes. Patronages – against fire (a raging fire ceased by St Marcellinus waving his prayer book at it; the book survived the fire with only slight damage; afterwards, people who touched it, while praying, were cured of ailments), of Ancona, Italy. Also known as – Marcellin, Marcellino.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Ancona, St Marcellinus, Bishop, who, according to St Gregory the Great, miraculously delivered that City from destruction by fire.”
Marcellinus, of the noble family of Boccamaiori, became the Fifth Bishop of Ancona in 539. At that time, the Church of Santo Stefano acted as the Cathedral. According to a Vita of the Saint, instead of being proud of the high office which had been entrusted to him, Marcellinus mortified himself with fasting and continual penance which he offered to God, together with vigils, prayers and works of charity.
In his Dialogues, St Gregory the Great (540-604) called him “a man of venerable virtue” and recalled the miracle when he extinguished a fire which was devastating Ancona.
In the Istoria d’Ancona, written in the first half of the 19th Century by Abbot Antonio Leoni, who drew upon a number of ancient sources, we read what happened when the fire “untreated at first” was fuelled by the wind. The City’s inhabitants implored the help of their Bishop who, after raising his eyes to Hea in prayer, was carried on a chair (he had difficulty walking due to a severe attack of gout) to the point where the fire was most threatening. There, he held out and read from the Evangeliary containing the passages of the synoptic Gospels, with notes relating to the Liturgical use of Ancona. The Evangeliary was partly scorched by a sudden upsurge of the flames which, however, went out the instant the Saint suddenly shut the book, to everyone’s gratitude.
A portion of the Evangeliary which was damaged
The Evangeliary of Saint Marcellinus, on the eve of the Saint’s Feast, is carried in procession through the City’s streets and is still kept in the Diocesan Museum of Ancona, after being restored in the 20th Century. Sick people who touched it regained health; the son of a noble family remained unharmed in the midst of a fire into which the devil had thrown him, out of envy at the veneration shown to Marcellinus by the youth; a fire in a village near Ancona immediately ceased when the prayer book was brought there.
Early 1300s Statue of St Marcellinus
The first Cathedral in Ancona is commemorated by an inscription on the Primary School which is now built on this site.
St Marcellinus’ Relics , circa 1756, in the Crypt of Ancona Cathedral
St Peter of Sebaste (c340-c391) Bishop of Sebaste in Lesser Armenia. Member of the glorious family of Saints – He was the younger brother of Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, the famous Christian Hermit Naucratius and Macrina the Younger and a close friend of Gregory of Nazianzen, all Saints. Of course, Basil and Gregory of Nazianzen are both Doctors too. St Pete‘r’s Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/09/saint-of-the-day-9-january-st-peter-of-sebaste-c-340-c-391-bishop/
St Marcellinus of Ancona (Died c577) Bishop St Marciana Bl Martinus In Eon-min St Maurontius St Nearchus St Paschasia of Dijon St Philip Berruyer St Polyeucte
Martyrs of Africa – 21 Saints: A group of 21 Christians murdered together for their faith in the persecutions of Decius. The only details to survive are 14 of their names – Artaxes, Epictetus, Felicitas, Felix, Fortunatus, Jucundus, Pictus, Quietus, Quinctus, Rusticus, Secundus, Sillus, Vincent and Vitalis. They were Martyred in c 250.
Martyrs of Antioch – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together during the persecutions of Diocletian – Anastasius, Anthony, Basilissa, Celsus, Julian and Marcionilla.
Thought for the Day – 8 January – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
The First Two Weapons of the Spiritual Combat
I: Distrust of Self (Diffidence)
“So necessary is self-distrust in this conflict that, without it, you will be unable, I say, not to achieve the victory desired but even to overcome the very least of your passions! And let this be well impressed upon your mind; for our corrupt nature too easily inclines us to a false estimate of ourselves; so that, being really nothing, we account ourselves to be something and presume, without the slightest foundation, upon our own strength. This is a fault, not easily discerned by us but very displeasing in the sight of God. For He desires and loves, to see in us, a frank and true recognition of this most certain truth — that all the virtue and grace which is within us, is derived from Himself alone, Who is the Fountain of all good and that nothing good can proceed from us, no, not even a thought which can find acceptance in His sight.
And, although this very important self-distrust is, itself, the work of His Divine Hand and is bestowed upon His beloved, now by means of holy inspirations, now by sharp chastisements and violent and almost irresistible temptations and by other means which we, ourselves, do not understand; still, it is His will that we, on our part, should do all in our power to attain it. I, therefore, set before you four methods, by the use of which, in dependence always on Divine grace, you may acquire this gift. …
Quote/s of the Day – 8 January – Advice for 2024 from St John of the Cross
“What we need most, in order to make progress, is to be silent before this great God with our appetite and with our tongue, for the language He best hears is silent love.”
“Contemplation is nothing else but a secret, peaceful and loving infusion of God which, if admitted, will set the soul on fire with the Spirit of love.”
“Take God for your spouse and friend and walk with Him continually and you will not sin and will learn to love and, the things you must do, will work out prosperously for you.”
“The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light!”
“Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world, disturb it.”
Lord God, Lift Me Up By St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Lord God, my Beloved, if Thou art still mindful of my sins and wilt not grant my petitions, let Thy will be done, for this is my main desire. Show Thy goodness and mercy and Thou shalt be known for them. If Thou art waiting for me to do good works and upon their performance, Thou wilt grant my petitions, cause them to be accomplished in me, O Lord! Send also, the punishment for my sins, which is acceptable to Thee. For how will I raise myself up to Thee, born and bred as I am, in misery, unless Thou, O Lord, wilt lift me up with the Hand which made me?! Amen
St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Mystical Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 8 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Within the Octave of The Epiphany –Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Falling down they adored Him” – Matthew 2:11
REFLECTION – “God’s intention was not only to come down to earth but to become known there; not only to be born but to be recognised. In fact, it is with this recognition in mind that we hold this celebration of the Epiphany, the great day of His manifestation. For it was today that the Magi came from the East in search of the Sun of Justice at its rising (Mal 3:20), He of Whom we read: “Behold a Man Whose name is the Orient,” (Zec 6:12 Vul.). Today they have adored the Virgin’s newborn Child, following the guidance of a New Star. What great cause for joy do we not find here, my brethren, as also in those words of the Apostle Paul: “The kindness and generous love of God our Saviour have appeared,” (Tit 3:4)…
What is this you are doing, you Magi? What is this you are doing? Are you adoring an Infant at the breast in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can a Child such as this really be God? Yet, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in Heaven.” (Ps 11:4) while you are looking for Him in a common stable, held in His Mother’s arms! Whatever are you doing? Why are you offering Him gold? Could such a One as this be King? Where, then, is His Royal Court, His Throne, His crowd of courtiers? Can a stable be a palace, a crib a throne, Mary and Joseph members of His Court? How on earth could wise men be so foolish as to adore a Baby, as contemptible by reason of His age, as for the poverty of His Family?
Mad? Yes, they have become so in order to be wise. The Holy Spirit has taught them already what the Apostle Paul would later proclaim: “Whoever would be wise, let him become a fool. For since the world, in all its wisdom, did not come to know God in His Wisdom, it has pleased God to save those who believe, through the foolishness of the Gospel we proclaim, (Cf 1 Cor 1:21)… And so, they prostrate themselves before this poor Child; they do Him homage as to a King; they adore Him as a God. He Who outwardly guided them by a Star, has cast His Light into the interior of their hearts!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, Father and Doctor of the Church (1st Sermon for the Epiphany).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 8 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – With the Octave of The Epiphany
O Dearest Infant By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
O dearest Infant, tell me what You came on earth to do. Tell me whom You are seeking. Ah, yes, I now understand… You have come to die for me, a lost sheep, in order that I may no more hide from You but love You. O Jesus, my treasure, my life, my love, my all, if I do not love You, then whom shall I love? Where can I find a mother or father, a friend, or a spouse more loving than You? And who has ever loved me more than You have? I am sorry that I have lived so many years in this world and yet still love You so little, even having offended You and sometimes forgotten You. Amen
Saint of the Day – 8 January – Saint Albert of Cashel (Died c600) Bishop(?), Missionary. Born in England and died in 800 at Regensburg, Germany of natural causes. Patronages – against arthritis, of Cashel, Ireland, the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, Ireland. Also known as – Albert of Regensburg, Alberto. The name ‘Albert’ means “shining through nobility” (From the Old High German). Canonised on 19 June 1902 by Pope Leo XIII.
Traditionally held to be an Englishman who worked in Ireland and then Bavaria in modern Germany, together with St Erhard of Regensburg who died in the 7th Century and is believed to have been Albert’s brother.
Albert worked mainly around the City of Cashel, in Ireland and itraditionally held to have been the Bishop of that City and today he is reverred as the City’s and the Diocesan Patron Saint. There is a chronilogical error regarding Albert’s life in that the Diocese of Cashel was only founded in 1111.
In a legendary 12th Century Vita, he is called “natione Anglus, conversatione Angelicus – by race an Angle, in manners an Angel!”
Our Saint and St Erhard of Regensburg, evangelised and went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land together. They separated when Albert went to Ireland and Erhard remain in Regensburg. According to tradition, Albert became Archbishop of Cashel in County Tipperary in Ireland. Out of longing for his brother Erhard, Albert finally returned to Regensburg, where Erhard had since died. Albert prostrated himself crying at his grave in what was then the Niedermünster Monastery. Albert died soon after and his grave is next to Erhard ‘s.
Albert was Canonised by the confirmation of his cult on 19 June 1902 (the group “Albert , Asicus and Carthagus – Bishops, and their 22 Irish companions”) by Pope Leo XIII. His memorial day is 8 January in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly but 19 January is also mentioned. He is celebrated all over Ireland. It is recorded that Albert suffered from arthritis, hence his patronage of this illness.
St Albert’s Reliquary in the Church of the Niedermünster Monastery in Regensburg.
St Abo of Tblisi St Albert of Cashel (Died c600) Bishop
St Apollinaris the Apologist (Died 2nd Century) Confessor, Defender of the True Faith against heretics, Writer, renowned Scholar. Bishop, Apologist. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Hierapolis in Phrygia, in today’s Turkey, Saint Apollinaris, Bishop, who shone under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius for doctrine and holiness.” A Courageous and Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/08/saint-of-the-day-8-january-saint-apollinaris-the-apologist-died-2nd-century/
St Athelm of Canterbury St Atticus of Constantinople St Carterius of Caesarea Bl Edward Waterson St Ergnad of Ulster St Erhard of Regensburg St Eugenian of Autun St Garibaldus of Regensburg St Gudule of Brussels St Helladius St Julian of Beauvais St Lucian of Beauvais St Maximian of Beauvais St Maximus of Pavia Bl Nathalan of Aberdeen St Patiens of Metz St Pega of Peakirk
St Severinus of Noricum (c 410-482) Abbot, Hermit, Missionary, the “Apostle to Noricum” (Noricum is the Latin name for the Celtic Kingdom or Federation of Tribes which included most of modern Austria and part of Slovenia). He established Monasteries and refuge centres for those stricken by war. Severinus was graced with the gifts of prophecy and miracles. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/08/saint-of-the-day-8-january-saint-severinus-of-noricum-c-410-482-the-apostle-to-noricum/
St Theophilus the Martyr St Thorfinn St Wulsin of Sherborne
Martyrs of Greece – 9 Saints: A group of Christians honoured in Greece as Martyrs, but we have no details about their lives or deaths – Euctus, Flix, Januarius, Lucius, Palladius, Piscus, Rusticus, Secundus and Timotheus
Martyrs of Terni – 4 Saints: A group of Christian soldiers in the imperial Roman army. Executed during the persecutions of Emperor Claudius. Martyrs. – Carbonanus, Claudius, Planus and Tibudianus. They were martyred in 270 in Terni, Italy.
Thought for the Day – 7 January – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
Introduction I: Of the Essence of Christian Perfection – Of the Struggle Requisite for its Attainment – And of the Four Things Needful in this Conflict
And of the Four Things Needful in this Conflict
“Now that you see wherein Christian perfection consists and that it requires a continual intense warfare against self, you must provide yourself with four most sure and necessary weapons, in order to secure the palm and gain the victory, in this spiritual combat. These are:
Distrust of Self (Diffidence of ourselves)
Trust in God (Confidence in God)
Proper use of the faculties of Body and Mind (Exercise) and
Prayer.
Of all these, we will, with the Divine assistance, treat clearly and concisely in the following Chapters.”
Quote/s of the Day – 7 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” and tbe Feast of the Holy Family
“He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them”
Luke 2:51
“So, taking Christ’s genealogy from Joseph – a husband in chastity, he was father in the same way. … Are you saying that he did not conceive Jesus through the operation of nature? Well then, what the Holy Spirit operated, He did for them both. For Joseph was “a just man,” Matthew tells us (1:19). Both husband and wife were just. The Holy Spirit dwelt within their mutual justice and gave each of them, a Son!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“God, to Whom Angels submit themselves and Who Principalities and Powers obey, was subject to Mary; and not only to Mary but Joseph too, for Mary’s sake [….]. God obeyed a human creature; this is humility without precedent. A human creature commands God! it is sublime beyond measure.”
St Bernard (1090-1153) Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
A pious practice among Catholics, is to write “✝ J M J ✝” often flanked by two Crosses at the top of letters, cards, documents and personal notes as a reference to Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the Holy Family. Where it is written, “✝ J M J ✝” the writer appeals for the blessing and protection of the Holy Family.
One Minute Reflection – 7 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Sunday Within the Octave of the Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… And falling down they worshipped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, Gold and Frankincense and Myrrh.” … Matthew 2:11
REFLECTION – “But if, with careful thought, we wish to see how their threefold kind of gift, is also offered by all who come to Christ, with the foot of faith — is not the same offering repeated in the hearts of true believers? For he who acknowledges ,Christ the King of the universe brings Gold from the treasure of his heart, he who believes the Only-begotten of God to have united man’s true nature to Himself, offers Myrrh and he who confesses Him, in no wise, inferior to the Father’s Majesty, worships Him in a manner, with Incense.” - St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Saint of the Day – 7 January – Saint Lucian of Antioch (Died 312) Confessor, Priest, Martyr, Teacher, Theologian, Writer, Founder of the renowned School of Antioch. Born in Samosata. Syria in the 2nd Century and died after many tortures by the sword in 312 at Nicomedia, Bithynia (modern Izmid, Turkey). Also known as – Lucian of Drepana, Lucian of Nicomedië, Lucian of Nicomedia, Lucian the Martyr, Lucian of Samosata, Luciano… Lucianus… Lucian means ‘the shining one‘ (Latin).
The Roman Martyrology reads: “The birthday of the blessed Lucian. a Priest of the Church of Antioch and Martyr, who was distinguished for his learning and eloquence. He suffered at Nicomedia for the confession of Christ, in the persecution of Galerius Maximian and was buried at Helenopolis, in Bithynia. His praises have been proclaimed by St John Chrysostom.”
Fresco in the Cathedral in Segni. Italy
Lucian came from a respected family, was educated in Edessa – today’s Sanlıurfa – and then worked as a Priest and teacher in Antioch – today’s Antakya/Hatay. He founded the famous Antiochene school – it used literal, grammatical-historical explanations to interpret Scripture which was in contrast to the allegorical interpretation of the Scriptures taught in Alexandria and, therefore, had a reputation for rationalism.
After the condemnation of Bishop Paul of Samosata in 268 and his teaching that Jesus Christ was a normal human being, Lucian, although not subscribing to this view, also found himself increasingly in opposition to the official teaching and soon no longer belonged to the community in Antioch. Arius, the founder of Arianism , was then one of Lucian’s students, whose followers initially called themselves Syllukianists after Lucian – (meaning: “like-minded with Lucian”).
It seems Lucian corrected his errors and in 285 made peace with the Church and was re-admitted into full communion with the community of Antioch
Lucian was in Nicomedia (today Izmid in Turkey), when Emperor Diocletian’s persecutions broke out and he was imprisoned there for nine years. Twice he was interrogated, when he defended himself ably and refused to deny Christ. In the winter of 311/312 Lucian was brought before Emperor Maximinus Daza, where he presumably suffered Martyrdom after making a profession of his faith. His speech before the Emperor has been preserved but its authenticity is disputed. He was either starved to death, or more likely, killed by sword in 312. His body was taken to Drepanum, which was nearby. Emperor Constantine renamed it Helenopolis in memory of his mother – today’s Hersek -.
According to St Jerome’s testimony, a summary of the Sacred Scriptures published by Lucian was used for a long time, from Constantinople – today’s Istanbul – to Antioch. A surviving creed written by Lucian, according to which Jesus Christ was not Consubstantial but only Consubstantial with God, was also widespread. Lucian’s life story, written in the middle of the 4th Century, comes from Arian representatives.
A Greek Icon of St Lucian
Lucian’s grave in Drepanon – today’s Hersek – was first venerated by the followers of Arianism but by the end of the 4th Century, Lucian was included in the Church’s list of Saints.
St John Chrysostom gave him an Eulogy, St Eusebius of Caesarea praised him as a Priest of the community in Antioch who was excellent in all his conduct and as a very excellent man in every respect, of a strict way of life and well versed in the Sacred sciences . St Helena had a Church built in his honour in Antioch which was probably Consecrated on 15 October. In the Russian Orthodox Church, Lucian is incorrectly referred to as a Bishop because of his importance.
Canonisation: – As early as the end of the 4th Century, Lucian was included in the list of Saints despite his earlier critical relationship with the official Church.
Bl Albert of Siena St Aldric of Le Mans Bl Ambrose Fernandez St Anastasius of Sens St Brannock of Braunton St Candida of Greece St Cedd St Clerus of Antioch St Crispin I of Pavia St Cronan Beg St Emilian of Saujon St Felix of Heraclea St Giuliano of Gozzano (c350-c391) Deacon, Missionary St Januarius of Heraclea St Julian of Cagliari St Kentigerna St Lucian of Antioch (Died 312) Confessor, Priest, Martyr
St Pallada of Greece St Polyeuctus of Melitene St Reinhold of Cologne St Spolicostus of Greece St Theodore of Egypt St Tillo of Solignac
St Valentine of Passau (Died 475) Bishop in Passau in the Rhaetia region, Switzerland, an area in the border region of modern Italy, Austria and Switzerland, Monk, Abbot, Missionary, Hermit, Miracle-worker. Died on 7 January 475 at Mais, Tyrol, Austria of natural causes. Patronages – against convulsions, against cramps/stomach pain, against epilepsy, against gout, against plague/epidemics, against demonic possession, of cattle diseases, of pilgrims, poor people, City and Diocese of Passau. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/07/saint-of-the-day-7january-st-valentine-of-passau-died-475-bishop/
St Virginia of Ste-Verge Bl Wittikund of Westphalia
Thought for the Day – 6 January – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
Introduction I: Of the Essence of Christian Perfection – Of the Struggle Requisite for its Attainment – And of the Four Things Needful in this Conflict
Of the Struggle Requisite for its Attainment
“You see, then, very clearly that, as I have said, the spiritual life consists not in these things. It consists in nothing else but: the knowledge of the goodness and the greatness of God and of our nothingness and inclination to all evil; in the love of Him and the hatred of ourselves; in subjection, not to Him alone but for love of Him, to all His creatures; in entire renunciation of all will of our own and absolute resignation to all His divine pleasure; and furthermore, willing anddoing all this purely for the glory of God and solely to please Him and because He so wills and merits thus to be loved and served.
This is the law of love, impressed by the Hand of the Lord Himself upon the hearts of His faithful servants; this is the abnegation of self which He requires of us; this is His sweet yoke and light burden; this is the obedience to which, by His Voice and His Example, our Master and Redeemer calls us.
In aspiring to such sublime perfection, you will have to do continual violence to yourself by a generous conflict with your own will in all things, great or small, until it be wholly annihilated; you must prepare yourself, therefore, for the battle with all readiness of mind, for none but brave warriors shall receive the crown!
This is indeed the most difficult of all struggles — for while we strive against self, self is striving against us and, therefore, is the victory here most glorious and precious in the sight of God! For if you will set yourself to trample down and exterminate all your unruly appetites, desires and wishes, even in the smallest and most inconsiderable matters, you will render a greater and more acceptable service to God, than if you should discipline yourself to blood, fast more rigorously than hermits or anchorites of old, or convert millions of souls and yet, voluntarily leave even one of these evils alive within you. For although the conversion of souls is no doubt more precious to the Lord than the mortification of a fancy, nevertheless, nothing should, in your sight, be of greater account than to will and to do that very thing which the Lord specially demands and requires of you. And He will infallibly be better pleased that you should watch and labour to mortify your passions, than if, consciously and willfully, leaving but one alive within you, you should serve Him in some other matter of greater importance in itself.”
Quote/s of the Day – 6 January – The Epiphany of the Lord
Chalk the Door – Epiphany House Blessing 20 C+M+B 24
“Christus mansionem benedicat” Peace be to this house and to all who dwell herein. From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord – “and opening their treasures they offered precious gifts – Gold for the Great King, Incense for the True God and Myrrh to symbolise His Burial.”
The equation is written to be the first two digits of the year, followed by the initials C, M and B, followed by the last two digits of the year. Each portion is split by plus signs (being the Sign of the Cross). For this year, the equation would be written as “20 + C + M + B + 24” The chalking holds two meanings. The C, M and B, refer to the traditional names of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. The letters also stand for the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” which means “May Christ Bless this House” The plus signs represents the Cross and the 20 and 24 simply refer to the year.
“Three gifts they bring, three gifts they bear away, For Incense, Myrrh and Gold, Faith, Hope and Love And with their gifts, the givers’ hearts do stay, Their mind from Christ, no parting can remove, His humble state, His stall, His poor retinue They fancy more than all their rich revenue.”
St Robert Southwell SJ (1561-1595) Priest and Martyr
(Excerpt from the Poem “The Epiphany”)
Oh Jesus, My Love By St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)
Oh Jesus, my Love, may my heart be consumed in loving Thee. Make me humble and holy, giving me childlike simplicity, transform me into Thy holy Love. O Jesus, Life of my life, Joy of my soul, God of my heart, accept my heart as an altar, on which I will sacrifice to Thee, the gold of ardent charity, the incense of continual, humble and fervent prayer and the myrrh of constant sacrifices! Amen
Epiphany Prayer
“Give me, therefore, I pray Thee, this gold, this incense and this myrrh. Give me the gold of Thy holy love, give me the spirit of holy prayer, give me the desire and strength to mortify myself in everything that displeases Thee. I am resolved to obey Thee and to love Thee but Thou knowest my weakness, oh, give me the grace to be faithful to Thee!”
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 6 January – The Epiphany of the Lord – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1
REFLECTION – “ … In virtue of it this day also, you are sanctified by the enlightening of the Church. Thanks be to Thee, true Light, Thou that “enlighten every man coming into this world” (Jn 1:9), Thou Who for this very purpose, have come into this world as a Man. …
O God, Thou Who gives Light to all nations, of Thou we will sing – “Behold the Lord will come and enlighten the eyes of His servants” (cf. Jude 14). Behold, Thou hast come, my Light: “Enlighten my eyes that I may never fall asleep in death” (Ps 12:[12],4)… Thou has come, O Light of the faithful and behold Thou has granted us today, to rejoice at the enlightening of faith that is, of our lamp. Grant us also to rejoice always at the enlightening of the darkness that remains in us…
This is the way in which you should advance, O faithful soul, in order that you may cast off the darkness of this world and arrive at your home country of eternal brightness, where “your darkness will be like midday” (Is 58:10) and “night will be lit up like day” (Ps 138:12). Then indeed, then “you will see and be radiant, your heart will thrill and rejoice” (Is 60;5), when the whole earth is filled with the majesty of unbounded Light and “His glory is seen in you” (Is 60;2)… “Come and let us walk in the Light of the Lord!” (Is 2:5); as “children of light” let us walk “from brightness to brightness, as led by the Lord Who is Spirit“ (2 Cor 3:18).” – Bl Guerric of Igny (c 1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (3rd sermon for Epiphany SC 166).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Saints of the Day – 6 January – Saint Caspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasar, (1st Century) otherwise known as the Three Wise Men/Kings or the Magi – they were all Martyrs. Patronages – against epilepsy/of epileptics, against thunder, furriers, motorists, pilgrims, playing card manufacturers, sawmill workers, travellers, travelling merchants, Cologne, Germany, Saxony. Additional Memorials – 23 July (translation of Relics); 24 July (Cologne, Germany where their Relics lie).
“And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary His Mother and falling down they adored Him and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
The Three Kings brought Jesus Gold — to show that He was a King; Frankincense to honour Him as God and Myrrh to greet Him as man. These Kings first saw the Star which led them to Bethlehem, on the previous 25 March — the day and at the moment, on which Jesus was conceived in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Ghost.
It took the Magi nine months and twelve days to reach Bethlehem, guided by the Star. The Star left them when they were in Jerusalem. But it shone again after the Kings left Jerusalem and led them to the cave of Bethlehem.
Our Lady let each of the Kings hold Jesus in his arms. They were given some of His baby clothes to bring back to the East by way of Relics. The Kings returned to the East, to Persia and later were Baptised there by Saint Thomas the Apostle, in the year 40.
All three of the Kings were Martyred for the Catholic Faith. Their names are now and should always be called, Saint Caspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasar. The bodies of Saint Gaspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasar were first brought to Constantinople and then to Milan and in the 12th Century they were placed in the Cathedral of Cologne, in Germany, where they are venerated with much love by the Catholics of all the world.
Around the year 1200, the Cologne Cathedral Chapter commissioned the creation of this Golden Shrine to house the bones of the Magi.
These Relics which were brought from Milan to Cologne in 1164 by ArchbishopRainald of Dassel, remain there to this day.
The precious Reliquary is decorated with gems, intaglios and cameos. The sides of the Shrine feature images of the Prophets and the Apostles, seated beneath rows of arches while the front-facing end, depicts three manifestations of Christ; the adoration of the Magi on the left, the Baptism in the Jordan on the right and the Last Judgement – above.
For centuries, pilgrims have come from all over Europe and the world, to venerate the Relics in the Shrine.
Prayer for the Intercession of the Three Kings, Saint Caspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasar (By Cologne Cathedral)
Lord and God Thou created us for a lifelong journey to Thee. Each one of us takes a different path, over mountains and through valleys, through joy and sorrow and need. May the Three Holy Kings guide us in our wanderings, as their faith, knowledge and determination guided them through many perils on their journey to Thee. They saw Thee, knelt before Thee, offered up their gifts and paid homage to Thee, They were filled with the joy of finding Thee!
Lord and God, We thank Thee for granting us the freedom to seek and find Thee, our life’s goal! Grant us the faith, strength and trust we need, to follow in the path of the Three Kings. Give us courage when we are at risk of taking easier but false paths, Let us experience the joy of being with Thee at the end of our journey, so that we may be eternally surrounded by Thy Love. We ask this, through Jesus Christ our Lord. the destination of every pilgrimage. Amen!
(An Imprimatur has been granted for this publication – Cologne Cathedral)
The Epiphany of the Lord Epiphany celebrates the visit of the three Kings or iMagi (Wise Men) to the Christ Child, signifying the extension of salvation to the Gentiles. The date of Epiphany, one of the oldest Christian Feasts, is 6 January, the 12th day after Christmas. However, in some countries, the celebration of Epiphany is transferred to the Sunday which falls between 2 January and 8 January (inclusive). Greece, Ireland, Italy and Poland continue to observe Epiphany on 6 January as do some Dioceses throughout the world. Because Epiphany is one of the most important Feasts, it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
St Charles of Sezze OFM (1613-1670) Stigmatist, Friar, of the Friars Minor, Mystic, Writer, Advisor. His Beatification was celebrated in 1882 while Pope Pius XII approved his Canonisation in 1958 but the Pope died before he could Canonise the Friar so his successor, Pope John XXIII did so on 12 April 1959. His body is incorrupt. About St Charles: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/saint-of-the-day-6-january-st-charles-of-sezze-o-f-m-1613-1670/
St Demetrius of Philadelphia St Diman Dubh of Connor St Edeyrn St Eigrad St Erminold of Prüfening
St Julian of Antinoë St Julius Bl Luc of Roucy Bl Macarius the Scot St Macra of Rheims St Merinus St Nilammon of Geris (Died c404) Hermit St Petran of Landévennec
St Pia of Quedlinburg St Pompejanus Bl Raymond de Blanes St Schotin St Wiltrudis of Bergen
Martyrs in Africa: Unknown number of Christian men and women who were Martyred in the persecutions of Septimus Severus. They were burned to death c 210.
Martyrs of Sirmium – 8 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. The only surviving details are the names of eight of them – Anastasius VIII, Florianus, Florus, Jucundus, Peter, Ratites, Tatia and Tilis. They were martyred in the 4th century at Syrmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Vojvodina, Serbia).
Twelve Apostles – Saints of Ireland: Twelve 6th Century Irish Monks who studied under Saint Finian at Clonard Abbey and then spread the Faith throughout Ireland. Each has his own commemoration but on this day, they and their good works are considered and celebrated together. Although Saint Finian is sometimes included, most ancient writers list them as –
Thought for the Day – 5 January – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
Introduction I: Of the Essence of Christian Perfection – Of the Struggle Requisite for its Attainment – And of the Four Things Needful in this Conflict
Of the Essence of Christian Perfection, Part Two:
“ Such persons leave their hearts unguarded to the mercy of their own inclinations and exposed to the lurking deceits of the devil, who, seeing them out of the direct road, not only lets them continue these exercises, with satisfaction but leads them, in their own vain imagination, to expound on the delights of paradise and to fancy themselves to be borne aloft amidst the Angelic Choir and to feel God within them. Sometimes, they find themselves absorbed in high, or mysterious and ecstatic meditations and, forgetful of the world and of all that it contains, they believe themselves to be caught up to the Third Heaven.
But the life and conversation of such persons, prove the depth of the delusion in which they are held and their great distance from the perfection after which we are inquiring; for in all things, great and small, they desire to be preferred and placed above others; they are wedded to their own opinion and obstinate in their own will and blind to their own faults, they are busy and diligent observers and critics of the deeds and words of others. But touch only with a finger their point of honour, a certain vain estimation in which they hold themselves and would have others to hold them, interrupt their devotions and they are disturbed and offended beyond measure.
And if, to bring them back to the true knowledge of themselves and of the way of perfection, Almighty God should send them sickness, or sorrow, or persecution (that touchstone of His servants’ loyalty which never befalls them without His permission or command), then, is the unstable foundation of their spiritual edifice discovered and its interior laid bare, all corroded and defaced by pride …
Hence, it is most certain that such persons are in serious danger – for, the inward eye being darkened, wherewith they contemplate themselves and these their external good works, they attribute to themselves a very high degree of perfection and thus puffed up with pride, they pass judgement upon others, while a very extraordinary degree of God’s assisting grace is needed to convert themselves. For the open sinner is more easily converted and restored to God, than the man who shrouds himself under the cloak of seeming virtue!”
Quote/s of the Day – 5 January – The Memorial of Saint Syncletica (c320-c400) Virgin, Anchorite, Mystic, Spiritual Guide, Abbess in the Sketic Desert?
“We hold to the Cross as our sail and so we can set a safe course.”
Some sisters asked St Syncletica: ‘What do we have to do to be saved?‘ She heaved a sigh, wept bitterly and then said:
“We all know what we must do to be saved but because of our negligence, we can lose our salvation. Above all and more and more, we should do everything we can to keep the commandment of the Lord – ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and your neighbour as yourself’ (Mt 22:37). So salvation lies in this double love.”
“Just as it is impossible for the grass to grow on the sand, so it is impossible for one who seeks pleasure and superficial conversation, to produce the heavenly fruit. For the Lord says: No-one can serve two masters (Mt 6:24).”
“The more progress the competitors make, the stronger the opponents they fight against …”
(Compiled by Abbot em. Dr Emmeram Kränkl OSB Benedictine Abbey Schäftlarn – for the Katholische SonntagsZeitung).
One Minute Reflection – 5 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Vigil of the Epiphany – Galatians 4:1-7, Matthew 2:19-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Arise and take the Child and His Mother and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead who sought the life of the Child.” – Matthew 2:20
REFLECTION – “My dear Jesus, Thou art the King of Heaven but now I behold Thee as an Infant wandering over the earth – tell me, whom dost Thou seek? I pity Thee when I see Thee, so poor and humbled but I pity Thee more when I see Thee treated with such ingratitude by the same men whom Thou came to save. Thou dost weep but I also weep because I have been one of those, who in times past, have despised and persecuted Thee. But now I value Thy grace more than all the kingdoms of the world; forgive me, O my Jesus, all the evil I have committed against Thee and permit me to carry Thee always in my heart during the journey of my life to eternity, even as Mary carried Thee in her arms during the flight into [and return from] Egypt.” – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church”
PRAYER – O Almighty and everlasting God, do Thou order all our actions in conformity with Thy good pleasure that through the name of Thy well-beloved Son, we may worthily abound in all good works. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 5 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – The Vigil of the Epiphany of Our Lord
The Eastern Kings the Star Have Seen! Unknown Author
The Eastern Kings the Star have seen, They hasten on their way; Long time they’ve watched and waiting been The dawning of that Day: The dawning of the Day of grace, The gleam of Jacob’s Star, The Virgin’s Child of Jesse’s race Whom Prophets saw afar.
Glory give to God on high!
And now they open treasures rare Which Indian silks enfold, Of Myrrh which sweetly scents the air, Of Frankincense and gold. Their kingly heads they meekly bow The cradled Babe before, Their God confess, and kneeling low In humble faith adore.
Glory give to God on high!
With them I come to greet my King, Yet not with them to part; No Gold, no Frankincense I bring, I offer Him my heart. With Him to live, with Him to die, Who by His lowly birth, Gave glory to our God on high And peace to men on earth.
Saint of the Day – 5 January –S aint Syncletica (c320-c400) Virgin, Anchorite, Mystic, Spiritual Guide, Abbess in the Sketic Desert? Name means: “the chosen one” (From the Greek). Syncletica was born around 320 in Alexandria in Egypt and died there of natural causes in around 400. Patronages – against bodily ills, against loss of parents, against temptations, of the ill, of single laywomen. Also known as – Sincletica.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “St Syncletica, whose noble deeds have been recorded by St Athanasius.”
According to tradition, Syncletica came from a rich and pious family and is reputed to have been very beautiful. From childhood, however, Syncletica was drawn to a life of holiness and piety. She rejected several marriage proposals for she wished to lead a virtuous life devoted to her heavenly Spouse alone.
After the death of her parents, she distributed her inheritance to the poor and with her younger blind sister, Syncletica abandoned the life of the City withdrawing into a cave as a Recluse. Her holy life soon gained the attention of locals and, gradually, many women joined her to live as her disciples in Christ, teaching them the ascetic way of life.
She was mystically gifted. At the end of their lives, the tempter asked God for permission to test them – just as he had done with Job. Syncletica was tormented by many sufferings but despite her old age, she remained steadfast in her faith and asceticism until she died at the age of 84.
About 40 sayings have been preserved of and about Syncletica. Her life story probably dates to the 5th Century.
We are exposed to many temptations in life. Syncletica advises how we should deal with them:
“The devil’s snares are common. If he cannot dissuade the soul through poverty, then he brings wealth as a lure. If he cannot do anything through disgrace, then he withholds praise and honour from her. If he has to accept defeat through health, he makes the body sick. If he cannot deceive with his desires, then he tries to bring about a change through unwanted efforts. He brings about certain very serious illnesses if he is allowed to, in order to darken the love of God in those who become faint-hearted. Then the body is worn out by the most violent fever and is harassed by unbearable thirst. If you, as a sinner, have to endure this, then remember the coming punishment and the eternal fire and the torments inflicted by the Judge and do not be discouraged because of the present. Rejoice that God has visited you, and have that sweet word on your tongue – God has chastened me but has not delivered me to death (Psalm 117:18). You were like iron but with fire you burnt away the rust but if you, as a righteous person, fall into sickness, you will progress from greatness to greaterness. You are gold but through fire you become even more proven.
An Angel has been appointed to you for the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7). Be happy! See who you have become like! For you were worthy of the lot of St Paul . … In such exercises let us form our souls. Because we see the enemy before our eyes!” (Compiled by Abbot em. Dr Emmeram Kränkl OSB Benedictine Abbey Schäftlarn – for the Katholische SonntagsZeitung).
Fresco in the Chapel at St Thodosios’ Tomb in the Monastery of Agiou Theodosiou tou Neou near Agia Triada near Argos
AnaStpaul 
You must be logged in to post a comment.