Tag: fr richard clarke

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on PURITY, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 27 March – St Joseph’s Purity of Heart

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

27th Day – St Joseph’s Purity of Heart

“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.”
One might almost think that Our Lord, in uttering these words, was thinking of His foster-father.
It was because of his purity of heart that he had the privilege of seeing God face-to-face under the veil of flesh, for nearly thirty years.
Let us see what this meant.

+1. It meant that St Joseph must have been free from all sin, as far as was possible, to one who did not possess, Our Lady’s singular privilege. The authority over the sinless Lamb of God, would scarcely have been entrusted to one who was sinful. The constant association, the exchange of endearing love, implied that His father was the purest of all men.
To me, too, Christ commits Himself in Holy Communion to be my guest and the food of my soul. What ought I to be!?

+2. Purity of heart involves too, a knowledge of God. Who, save His Mother, knew Jesus as Joseph did? Who watched so intensely each movement, each look, each word? Who sought to imitate them and drink in His spirit, as Joseph did? Who was modelled so perfectly after the likeness of Christ?
How distant is my likeness to Christ? Nay, how unlike am I, alas to Him?!

+3. St Joseph had the extraordinary privilege of ministering, with his own hands, to Jesus, a privilege which the Angels must needs have envied him.
His ministry to Jesus was a source of continual grace. His acts of love to Jesus, were acts of love to God. All was done for Jesus, knowing, he was doing it for God.
O happy Joseph! Teach me to minister to others for Jesus’ Sake !

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 27 March – Jesus in the Guardroom

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 27 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Thursday after the Third Sunday in Lent
Jesus in the Guardroom

Read St Luke xxii:63-65

[63] And the men who held Him, mocked Him and struck Him. [64] And they blindfolded Him and smote His Face. And they asked Him, saying: Prophesy, who is it that struck Thee? [65] And blaspheming, many other things, they said against Him. [Luke 22:63-65]

+1. After Our Lord had been condemned to death, the Sanhedrim rose and He was handed over for custody during the night, to the soldiers and servants, who, taking the cue from their masters, treated their Prisoner with every kind of brutal ill-usage. They tied a dirty rag over His Eyes and struck Him in the Face, challenging Him, at the same time, to show His Divine Power by revealing the name of the striker.
When He was silent, they mocked and jeered at Him and at last, they spat their filthy spittle in His Sacred Face.
O my Lord, King of Heaven and earth, how couldst Thou suffer Thy Divine Majesty to be outraged by these wretches?

+2. Yet Our Lord was never more glorious than in the midst of His degradation and contempt.
If at His baptism, He was the Beloved Son of God, in Whom He was well pleased, much more now! Each blow, each gibe, each insult, added to the glory of His Sacred Humanity to all eternity.
Truly then does St Peter say:
“If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed.”
Wisely did the Apostles count it joy to suffer shame for His Sake.
My God, I know it is so but do I act on this principle and rejoice in the reproaches and contempt which fall to my lot?

+3. What did Christ specially atone for in the guardroom?
For all the filthy words men speak, for all the obscene jests, for all the mockery of holy things, for all the angry, cruel, uncharitable words.
Alas! my Jesus, have I not taken part in these insults poured upon Thee?

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 26 March – St Joseph’s Prudence

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 26 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

26th Day – St Joseph’s Prudence

Prudence is a virtue we all value and desire. Let us look at this virtue in St Joseph.

+1. St Joseph never acted on impulse. He always prayed and reflected before acting. What husband would not have put away his wife without any delay, when he discovered that she was about to give birth to a child who was not his. Not so St Joseph! He prayed and pondered and waited and gradually formed the prudent resolve of sending her back to her friends in secret. Even after deciding on this plan, as the best course of action, he again waited and commended it to God, turned it over and over in his own mind, prayed still more before
proceeding to act.
It was this prudence, this charitable delay which earned him the solution of his dilemma and doubts, by an Angel’s voice.

+2. St Joseph had been entrusted with Jesus’ training. The formation of the character of the Divine Child was committed to him. What prudence, what perfect prudence must he have possessed whom God considered as the fit Guardian of the Eternal Word!
If I were more prudent, God would entrust me with greater works in His service.

+3. Our Lady must have had wonderful confidence in the prudence of her spouse when she arose, without hesitation at dead of night, to fly with him to Egypt, just because he told her he had had a dream warning him to do so. But she knew, not only how naturally careful and wise he was but too, that he had an infused and supernatural prudence which could not be deceived.
If I were more prudent, others would trust me more and listen, with greater confidence, to my advice or commands

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, St PETER!, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 26 March – St Peter’s Repentance

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 26 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Wednesday after the Third Sunday in Lent
St Peter’s Repentance

Read St Luke xxii:55–62

[55] And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them. [56] Whom, when a certain servant maid had seen, sitting at the light and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man too, was with Him. [57] But he denied Him, saying: Woman, I know Him not. [58] And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not. [59] And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with Him; for he is also a Galilean. [60] And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew. [61] And the Lord turning, looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, as He had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. [62] And Peter going out, wept bitterly. [Luke 22:55-62]

+1. St Peter had thrice denied his Master and the third time with oaths and curses! He was ashamed of Christ, afraid to own himself a servant of Christ and all because of a woman’s jeering tongue.
As I look over my life, how many times there have been when I have been faithless as Peter was! I have not boldly spoken out as I ought. I have perhaps, taken part in talk hateful to my Lord and Master. I have been ashamed to run counter to uncharitable or evil conversation, although I knew well enough that it was sinful.

+2. After the third denial, the cock crew and at the same time Our Lord turned and looked upon Peter. It was at the moment when He was being dragged from the tribunal to the servants’ room amid the jeers and mockery of the soldiers. All this time St Peter had been present to His thoughts, amid all the outrages and insults and not St Peter alone but all, who, although, not at heart disloyal, nevertheless, fall into sin through weakness.
Remember me, O Lord, when I am in danger of falling and when Satan desires to have me that he may iift me as wheat.

+3. That look pierced St Pete’s heart with a keen pang of shame, sorrow and repentance. How could he have been faithless to the Lord Whom he loved and for Whom he had joyfully given up all! At once, he made his way out of the hall and, with tears of anguish, begged
for pardon. Those tears were not unmixed with the sweet consolation of knowing he was forgiven and with a firm resolution, not to let this fall discourage him.
Here is a model for me when I have sinned!

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, I BELIEVE!, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on FAITH, St JOSEPH, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 25 March – St Joseph’s Strong Faith

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 25 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

25th Day – St Joseph’s Strong Faith

Faith consists in the ready acceptance of God’s messages to us on His Authority. It is tested by the difficulty of believing and by the painful consequences to ourselves. We will try St Joseph’s faith by these methods.

+1. The first message which is recorded as having been given to St Joseph, was that Mary was about to become a mother through the operation of the Holy Ghost. The news announced, was a miracle of stupendous magnitude, a Mystery inscrutable. Yet, St Joseph never doubted, never hesitated. He accepted it on God’s Authority, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

+2. The second message enjoined him to take the Divine Child and His Mother and fly in the darkness of the night, to Egypt. There was no apparent reason, no danger known to St Joseph.
The journey was a perilous, painful and most inconvenient one and seemingly unnecessary .
Yet, not for an instant, did St Joseph hesitate, doubt, nor delay but started before day had dawned.
What living , practical faith, so different from my doubting slowness!

+3. It was this habit of faith which earned, for him, the continual society of Jesus Christ.
St Joseph never ceased to have present to himself, the Godhead of his Son but at times, he would forget the outward form before him and would adore his God.
So we should seek to realise that the Sacred Host, does but veil the same God Incarnate and should make many acts of faith before the Blessed Sacrament and say:
“My Lord and my God!”

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PETER!, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 25 March – St Peter Denies Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 25 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Tuesday After the Third Sunday in Lent
St Peter Denies Jesus

Read St Luke xxii:55-62

[55] And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them. [56] Whom when, a certain servant maid had seen sitting at the light and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man also, was with Him. [57] But he denied Him, saying: Woman, I know Him not. [58] And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not. [59] And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with Him; for he is also a Galilean. [60] And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew.
[61] And the Lord turning, looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, as he had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. [62] And Peter going out, wept bitterly. [Luke 22:55-62]

+1. What was the secret of Peter’s miserable fall?
He was brave and generous and loved Our Lord dearly. Yet, through human fear, he denied all knowledge of Him. The reason why he fell, was that he trusted in himself and his natural qualities, instead of in God.
In the spiritual warfare, natural courage and generosity, avail not. He who does not rely upon God alone, is sure to fall. When dangers are imminent he loses heart and then all is lost.

+2. St Peter had not yet learned that natural impulse, as a motive of action, is sure to lead man astray. It never avails before God. Its excellence, whatever it may be, only avails in the things of this world and even here, it is a dangerous and untrustworthy motive. In things Divine, it is the road to ruin! We must exercise anti-impulsive effort, if we are to be safe. We must do more; we must turn our thoughts to God and seek a Divine impulse, an inspiration from Heaven, if we are to remain faithful and avoid frequent faults.

+3. St Peter had neglected prayer. Our Lord had expressly warned him to watch and pray and he had allowed himself to sleep, while Christ was suffering His Sacred Agony.
True , he was weary and his eyes were heavy but still, he should have made the attempt. It might have seemed an unsatisfactory prayer yet, it would have saved Peter from his fall. He might have used vocal prayers and repeated the same words as Our Lord did.
Learn from this – mere struggle against weariiness, is very pleasing to God.

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, St JOSEPH, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 24 March – St Joseph’s Inner Life

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 24 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

24th Day – St Joseph’s Inner Life

+1. The inner life of the soul depends on the closeness of the union with God. None of the Saints, save only the holy Mother of God, was ever so closely united to the Will of God as St Joseph. None so prompt in obedience. None so perfect in patient resignation.
From him I will try and learn these means of drawing nearer to God. I must be more pliable to the Will of God, more punctual and exact in obeying; more ready to submit to all which God ordains. Thus only can I hope for greater holiness and a life more closely united to Him.

+2. St Joseph had a privilege on earth which, for all other Saints, is reserved for the Eternal Paradise – of being in the continual company of his God, of gazing on the Sacred Humanity of the Incarnate Word, of hearing Words of love and gratitude from Him, of drinking in delicious
draughts of heavenly delight, from the Words, Touches and Looks of the Incarnate God. His life must have been one long ecstasy.
If those who touched the Hem of Jesus’ Garment received an inflow of heavenly virtue, what must he have received, who nursed Him in infancy and bore Him the closest company, in youth and manhood!

+3. How often St Joseph called Jesus his dear Son and Jesus, in return, called him His dear father! What happiness to him to have a right thus to address the Second Person of the Divine Trinity! What grace must have flowed into his heart when Jesus called him father!
Pray that you may deserve to have Jesus smile sweetly upon you, as He so often did upon His great foster-father.

Posted in HOLY WEEK, LENT- 2025, MAUNDY THURSDAY, QUOTES on JEALOUSY, QUOTES on PRIDE, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 24 March – The Condemnation of Christ

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 24 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Monday After the Third Sunday in Lent
The Condemnation of Christ

Read St Mark xiv:60-64 .

[60] And the high priest rising up in the midst, asked Jesus, saying: Answerest Thou nothing to the things that are laid to Thy charge by these men? [61] But He held His peace and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him and said to Him: Art Thou the Christ the Son of the blessed God? [62] And Jesus said to him: I Am. And you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power of God and coming with the clouds of heaven. [63] Then the high priest rending his garments, saith: What need we any further witnesses? [64] You have heard the blasphemy. What think you? Who all condemned Him to be guilty and to be condemned to death. [Mark 14:60-64]

+I. In the midst of the false witnesses and their lying testimony, Jesus remains silent. The high priest, angry and impatient, urges Him to reply: “Answerest Thou nothing to the things which these witness against Thee?” Still Jesus answers not a word.
How different from our eager anxiety to answer every accusation and every word of blame! How much better if we could hold our peace after the example of Jesus!

+2. At length, the high priest rises and asks a direct question; nay, he summons Christ in the Name of God to declare the truth: “I adjure Thee by the living God that Thou tell us if Thou be the Christ, the Son of God?” Ordered by authority, Jesus at once says: “I Am and one day I shall come in all the power of God which is now entrusted to you, as the high priest of God.”
Another lesson for us We must obey authority even where he who carries it shamefully abuses it (but never when sin is ordered!); for those in authority, like Caiphas, speak in their official capacity as in the place of God.

+3. When Christ declares Himself to be the Son of God, the high priest and the council rise indignantly to protest against such blasphemy. In this, they are the type of modern heretics who accuse the Church of God and the Vicar of Christ, of blasphemously usurping Divine prerogatives.
Pride and jealousy and self -love so blinded the eyes of the Sanhedrim that they called good~ evil and evil~good; thus condemned the Son of God to death because He told them the truth.
My God , preserve me from ever being thus blinded by sin!

Posted in JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on the FAMILY, St JOSEPH, The HOLY FAMILY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE

Thought for the Day – 23 March – St Joseph, Father of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 23 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

23rd Day – St Joseph, Father of Jesus

We need not fear to apply this name to the holy foster-father of the Son of God, since it was given to him by Our Lady herself, when she said to Him in the Temple, “Thy father and I have sought Thee, sorrowing.”

+1. He had the position of father of Jesus and was recognised as such, by the common consent. He had all the rights and the authority of a father, as far as any could have, over the Son of God. His Divine Foster-Son from His birth, depended on him, as the child naturally depends upon his father. He fulfilled the office of father. God delegated to him, the duties, the rights, the privileges, of a father and, therefore, he is truly called, the father of Jesus.

+2. We may also piously believe, his Divine Son was made like to him in outward form. In the natural order, Jesus would not be made after the likeness of His holy Mother alone. The Holy Ghost, in fashioning the features of the Son of God, would have taken St Joseph as in some sort, the model to be followed in form and face. What must have been St Joseph’s beauty, sweetness of expression, symmetry of form, perfect purity of body and soul!
What a contrast to my unsightliness and impurity!

+3. When God calls a man by any name, He, thereby, ascribes to him whatever that name implies. How often Jesus called St Joseph by the endearing name of father! By so doing, He showed that He was truly His father. His Words were no mere fiction. O happy St Joseph! it is no wonder thou hast such power in Heaven!

Posted in "Follow Me", QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 23 March – In the Palace of Caiphas

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 23 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Third Sunday in Lent
In the Palace of Caiphas

Read St Mark xiv:55-64

[55] And the chief priests and all the council, sought for evidence against Jesus that they might put Him to death and found none.
[56] For many bore false witness against Him and their evidence were not agreeing. [57] And some rising up, bore false witness against Him, saying: [58] We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple made with hands and within three days, I will build another not made with hands. [59] And their witness did not agree. [60] And the high priest rising up in the midst, asked Jesus, saying: Answerest Thou nothing to the things that are laid to Thy charge by these men? [61] But He held His peace and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him and said to Him: Art Thou the Christ the Son of the blessed God? [62] And Jesus said to him: I Am. And you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power of God and coming with the clouds of heaven. [63] Then the high priest rending his garments, saith: What need we any further witnesses? [64] You have heard the blasphemy. What think you? Who all condemned Him to be guilty and to be condemned to death. [Mark 14:55-64]

+1. From the house of Annas Jesus was dragged to the Palace of Caiphas the high priest. Notice the bustle and activity which prevails: the chief priests and council searching everywhere for a show of evidence; messengers sent to and fro; bribes offered; all the most worthless summoned to testify against Him.
This is always the way – the wicked so much more active in fighting against God than the good, in fighting on His behalf. Our Lord’s disciples and friends are doing nothing, while His enemies are seeking to destroy Him!
When I look at myself, how little I have done, how little I do now in the interests of Jesus!

+2. The false witnesses who came forward had a certain show of truth. The words they quoted against Him were really spoken . They had learned the ways of their master the devil; Satan, when he deceives , always mixes up a large element of truth with his deceits. This is why we should never argue with him, for he can represent what is false and unlawful, as true and right, if once we listen, by bringing into prominence the element of truth it contains .

+3. These false witnesses, in spite of their cunning, could not agree together but contradicted one another. It is one of the certain tests of error, that it is inconsistent and self-contradictory; the City of Confusion and the home of strife, always thus betrays its imposture. Warring discord, is the mark of the foes of Christ – peace and concord, are the privilege of those who are on His side.
How I should thank God that He has caused me to dwell in the City of Truth, the Church of the Living God!

Posted in GOD ALONE!, LENT- 2025, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 22 March – In the House of Annas

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 22 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Saturday after the Second Sunday in Lent
In the House of Annas

Read St John xviii:19-24

[19] The high priest, therefore, asked Jesus of His disciples and of His doctrine. [20] Jesus answered him: I have spoken openly to the world: I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, whither all the Jews resort and, in secret I have spoken nothing.
[21] Why asketh thou Me? ask them who have heard what I have spoken unto them, behold they know what things I have said. [22] And when He had said these things, one of the servants standing by, gave Jesus a blow, saying: Answerest thou the high priest so? [23] Jesus answered him: If I have spoken evil, give testimony of the evil but if well, why strikest thou me? [24] And Annas sent Him bound to Caiphas the high priest. [John 18:19-24]

+1. Try to picture the scene – watch the persons, listen to their words, observe their actions.
Annas, a cunning, bitter, cynical old man, delighted to find his enemy within his power; the Pharisees crowding around in eager excitement; the false witnesses trying to concoct a plausible story and, in their midst, Jesus, sorrowful, bleeding, exhausted; yet calm and full of dignity.
Hear the insulting questions of Annas, the derisive jeers of the Pharisees, the shouts of the mob the firm, quiet, gentle words of Jesus.
See the angry, eager gestures of the enemies of Christ, the assumed indignation of the judge, the cruel blow struck by the mailed hand of the soldier on the face of Jesus, causing the Blood to flow from His Sacred Mouth.

+2. Christ received this blow upon His Face, to atone for our sins of the tongue for the wicked words, the censorious words, the uncharitable words, the impure words which, too often, proceed from our mouth.
Grant, O Lord that I may remember Thee suffering this cruel blow and thus, may learn to hate my sins of the tongue, which inflicted suffering upon Thee.

+3. Our Lord desired to teach us another lesson – to bear with patience and gentleness, all outrage and unkindness all reproaches and ill-usage and especially, such as we endure for His Sake.
“Blessed are you” He says, “when men shall revile you
and persecute you and speak all which is evil against you,
untruly, for My Sake.”
But we must take care to bear it for Christ’s Sake and for love of Him, if we would earn the blessing.

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 21 March – St Joseph’s Seventh Joy

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Thought for the Day – 21 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

21st Day – St Joseph’s Seventh Joy
The Finding of Jesus Amongst
the Doctors in the Temple

+1. For three days Joseph had sought Jesus and, at length, wearied with the fruitless search, he and Cur Lady betook themselves to the Temple, that there, before the mercy-seat, they might beg God to have mercy upon them. Here was true wisdom.
Why do we not imitate them in desolation? In our temples we have not the symbolic presence of God but God Himself, God Incarnate, waiting to listen to us! Why do I not have recourse to Him more frequently, in all my trials and troubles?

+2. In one of the halls of the Temple, they espied a group of old men gathered around a Boy and absorbed in their conversation with Him.
In an instant, Joseph recognised Him Whom they sought. Now all his anxiety was at an end; the darkness of night was turned into the dazzling brightness of the glorious day.
So in an instant, Jesus can work the same merciful change for us and, by His Presence, can turn all our darkness into Light.

+3. What was Jesus doing?
He was listening to what the rabbis had to say about the Messias, putting questions to them which set them a-thinking – whether the time had come for His appearance, answering their questions with such supernatural Wisdom, the old men sat there astonished and, as it were in a trance Jesus was anticipating His public ministry, beginning the Work which He had Come to accomplish, at that early age. So, from the first, He began His Work within my soul, suggesting holy thoughts, pouring heavenly wisdom into me. Alas, how little have I learned His Divine lessons!?

Posted in ABOUT - Meditations with Fr RICHARD F CLARKE SJ, LENT- 2025, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 21 March – Jesus Led Away Captive

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 21 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Friday after the Second Sunday in Lent
Jesus Led Away Captive

Read St John xviii:12-13

[12] Then the band and the tribune and the servants of the Jews, took Jesus and bound Him[13] and they led him away to Annas firstly, for he was father in law to Caiphas, who was the high priest of that year. [John 18:12-13]

+1. The chief priests and Pharisees had brought with them. a coil of rope with which they tightly bound Jesus’ Sacred Hands and He was led away like a lamb going to the slaughter. This is the beginning of His apparent powerlessness. He, Who before bid defiance to His enemies, put them to the rout by Word and Work, now seems unable to resist them, feeble and helpless in their hands. Yet, under this apparent weakness, was hidden a Divine force; nay , it was this very weakness which was the means of conquering the whole world!

+2. The officers tied Jesus’ Hands, thus, He could no longer lay them upon the sick and the afflicted, to heal their diseases and their miseries.
So we too tie the Jesus’ Hands by bands far more fatal, in hindering His power to heal the sickness of our soul. When we reject His graces and turn a deaf ear to His counsel, we render Him powerless to assist us. He cannot bestow the blessings He delights to impart upon us – our obstinacy has tied His Hands so that He cannot help us as He wishes.

+3. Often in our desire to work for others, we find our hands tied. Something hinders our charitable designs; some hostile influence renders us apparently powerless. Our prayers seem to avail nothing; our kind acts are rejected; we seem to do the incorrect thing when trying our best to do what is correct. Yet, we must not repine; we are only treading in our Master’s Steps.
The very suffering entailed in this, is a sure means of earning the graces we desire.

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 20 March – St Joseph’s Seventh_Sorrow

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 20 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

20th Day – St Joseph’s Seventh_Sorrow
The Loss of Jesus for Three Days

+1. It was obligatory on all Jews who were within a moderate distance of Jerusalem, to pay a visit to the Temple once every year.
In accordance with this law, Joseph went each year from Nazareth and Mary accompanied him. As soon as He was old enough, Jesus too, travelled with His parents. When He was twelve years old, He journeyed thither but, on their return, they suddenly missed Him amongst their fellow pilgrims. Vainly they sought Him everywhere and, with heavy hearts, they asked each member of their company, if they had seen Him. No, He was not there. Oh, what a bitter grief for St Joseph! How terrible were those three days without Jesus!

+2. Could it be through any negligence on his part?
Joseph’s motive for separating himself from Jesus had been a most unselfish one – that Mary might have the joy of His company.
Men and women travelled in separate caravans and children would travel with either. But perhaps. he might have been more vigilant. Anyway, he had lost Jesus and what could be worse than that!?
How different from us, who too often remain content with earthly things, with scarce a thought of Jesus!

+3. Joseph’s grief was increased by witnessing Mary’s sorrow. Together, they returned to Jerusalem, asking, like the spouse in the Canticles:
“Have you seen Him Whom my soul loveth?”
All in vain – for three days and three nights, no trace of Jesus! Those days seemed like centuries.
Joseph then, can sympathise with my desolation. He knows the terrible void, the joyless days, the weary nights, when Jesus is absent from the soul.

Posted in The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 20 March – The Apprehension of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 20 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Thursday after the Second Sunday in Lent
The Apprehension of Jesus

Read St John xviii:2-11
(Posted at the end)

+1. When Judas had given to his Master the traitor’s kiss, Our Lord, knowing that His hour was come, boldly advanced to meet His enemies and told them that He was Jesus of Nazareth. At this word, they recoiled backward and fell to the ground. If this was the result of Our Lord’s presenting Himself to them in His humiliation and abasement, what will be the terror and the dread of sinners, when He comes again in all His glory?
O my God, grant that I may have no sin upon my soul no debt still to pay when I appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ!

+2. The soldiers then advanced to seize Jesus. St Peter, with impetuous courage and loyalty, draws his sword and attackrf the servants of the high -priest and in the affray, cuts off the ear of one of them. But Our Lord rebukes him and bids him put his sword back into the scabbard. His loyalty was natural, not supernatural and it did not endure long in the face of danger.
Natural motives, however good, will not serve the cause of God.

+3. When Our Lord was in the hands of His enemies, all the Apostles forsook Him and fled. Not one was found to remain by His side in His abandonment. It was the Will of God that He should suffer alone.
“I looked about and there was none to help; I sought and there was none to give aid.”
Christ then suffered alone and He can sympathise with that loneliness in suffering which adds so much to its bitterness.

[2]There were together Simon Peter and Thomas, who is called Didymus, and Nathanael, who was of Cana of Galilee, nd the sons of Zebedee and two others disciples. [3] Simon Peter saith to them: I go fishing. They say to him: We also come with thee. And they went forth and entered into the ship and that night. they caught nothing. [4] But when the morning was come, Jesus stood on the shore, yet, the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. [5] Jesus ,therefore, said to them: Children, have you any meat? They answered him: No.

[6] He saith to them: Cast the net on the right side of the ship and you shall find. They cast, therefore and now, they were not able to draw it, for the multitude of fishes. [7] That disciple, therefore, whom Jesus loved, said to Peter: It is the Lord. Simon Peter, when he heard that it was the Lord, girt his coat about him, (for he was naked) and cast himself into the sea. [8] But the other disciples came in the ship, (for they were not far from the land but, as it were two hundred cubits) dragging the net with fishes. [9] As soon then, as they came to land, they saw hot coals lying and a fish laid thereon and bread. [10] Jesus saith to them: Bring hither of the fishes which you have now caught.
[11] Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, one hundred and fifty-three. And although there were so many, the net was not broken. [John 21:2-11]

Posted in JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH, The HOLY FAMILY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE

Thought for the Day – 19 March – St Joseph’s Sixth Joy

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Thought for the Day – 19 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

19th Day – St Joseph’s Sixth Joy
The Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth

+1. When St Joseph found, dangers still threatening the safety of Jesus in the south of Palestine, he at once continued the journey towards Galilee. He was fertile in resource and when one plan failed. another, with God’s assistance, was soon destined to take its place.
Here too he teaches me a lesson. If I meet with reverses I am discouraged and inclined to relinquish the task, instead of cheerfully looking out for some fresh means of serving God and accomplishing the work He has entrusted to me.

+2. St Joseph, under God’s direction, journeyed on, to the Town of Nazareth, where he had formerly lived and there, he re-enters the poor little cottage humble and lowly, where he and his holy spouse had formerly dwelt. This, a secret voice told him, is to be his home.
How joyfully he took possession of it! Now his wanderings were over and he was to spend the rest of his days in peace in the tranquil home God had prepared for him.

+3. Yet how poor it was! The Town of Nazareth was so despised, men did not think it possible that anything great or good, could come from thence. Was this to be the home of the Son of God? Yes! and St Joseph rejoiced in the low esteem of Nazareth because, it seemed to him, an arrangement quite according to God’s designs that Jesus, should dwell there and the name of Nazarene, should cling to Him, as a name of contempt.
Why have I not more of his spirit? I am too fond of show and display and all that the world thirks much of.

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, St JOSEPH, The FLIGHT into EQYPT

Thought for the Day – 18 March – St Joseph’s Sixth Sorrow

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Thought for the Day – 18 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

18th Day – St Joseph’s Sixth Sorrow
Finding that Archelaus reigned in Judæa

+1. When the appointed time was come , St Joseph received the joyful news – the Holy Family could at length return from their place of exile. An Angel appeared to him by night and informed him that Herod was dead and he might safely return into the land of Israel. But when he arrived there, he found the tyrant had been succeeded by his son,
Archelaus and that Judæa, over which he held sway, was, therefore, no safe abode for Jesus and Mary. What a bitter disappointment it must have been!

+2. It seems as if St Joseph had been deceived by Almighty God. He was encouraged to return and now, he found the place of the dead king was occupied by a son, who was not much better than his father Yet, no thought of discontent was harboured in St Joseph’s heart, not the faintest murmur of complaint escaped his lips. His was the true obedience – blind, confiding, unreasoning, uncomplaining obedience
to the Will of God.
Can I say the same of myself?

+3. Observe St Joseph’s prudence. He might have said that the command to return was a guarantee of safety, from Almighty God.
In spite of this, he took the most extreme natural precautions, going far away from the place of danger. He knew that God requires us to use all natural means to gain our ends and, if we neglect them, we cannot reasonably trust to the supernatural intervention of God on our behalf.

Posted in QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 18 March – The Sequel to the Sacred Agony

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Lenten Meditations – 18 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Tuesday after the Second Sunday in Lert
The Sequel to the Sacred Agony

Read St Mark xiv:41-42

[41] And He cometh the third time and saith to them: Sleep ye now and take your rest. It is enough – the hour is come, behold, the Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners. [42] Rise, let us go. Behold, he who wilt betray Me is at hand. [Mark 14:41-42]

+1. At length, Our Lord’s mental agony in the Garden was over. He had accepted the Chalice which His heavenly Father had given Him to drink. Now ,He is no longer sad and downcast but, He returns to His Apostles full of vigour and courage. He encounters His Passion almost with eagerness. This is always the result of a perfect submission to the Will of God and absolute confidence in Him!
God will always give us the courage to meet every trial and when the time comes, He will impart the strength and energy and light-heartedness which make it easy to face the suffering.

+2. Yet this change had another cause.
It was won by prayer, or, rather, Our Lord, as our Divine
Example, imparted for our sakes to His human nature, grace, such as earnest prayer alone can obtain from God. This is the secret of all spiritual victories; all are won by persevering prayer! Prayer changes the poor, timid, frightened, shrinking soul, into one brave and strong and ready to do great things for God.
Without prayer,we are sure to fail. Am I earnest in prayer?

+3. We observe too, it was not merely prayer but repeated prayer – the same words over and over again, the same entreaty to be spared, joined to the same act of resignation. We sometimes say we cannot pray but at least, we can repeat over and over again, some prayer for mercy and for aid. Our repetitions will be not vain repetitions but will bring certain relief from Him Who encourages us to importunity in prayer.

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 17 March – The Consolations of the Sacred Agony

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 17 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Monday after the Second Sunday in Lent
The Consolations of the Sacred Agony

Read St Luke xxii:40-46

[40] And when He was come to the place, He said to them: Pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
[41] And He was withdrawn away from them, a stone’s cast and kneeling down, He prayed, [42] Saying – Father, if Thou wilt, remove this chalice from Me but yet, not My Will but Thine be done. [43] And there appeared to Him an Angel from Heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony, He prayed the longer. [44] And His sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. [45] And when He rose up from prayer and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow.
[46] And he said to them: Why sleep you? arise, pray, lest you enter into temptation. [Luke 22:40-46]

+I. No words can tell, no human heart can conceive, the intensity of the Sacred Agony of Jesus.
It would have crushed His very Life, had He not, by means of His Divinity, supported His Sacred Humanity and so enabled it, to suffer more. See Him pale, haggard, scarcely to be recognised in His abasement and His terror! See the sweat of Blood pouring from His Sacred Limbs!
Can this be the well-beloved Son of God?
My God, make me more contrite at the thought that I have taken part in bringing Thee to this great horror!

+2. But He was not without consolation in His Agony. An Angel was sent to comfort Him, to present before His vision, the innumerable company of the Saints won by His Precious Blood.
He saw their joy and happiness to be won by His Sacred Passion, by the labour of His Soul and seeing it, He was satisfied to bear it all.
O pure unselfish joy! O joy surpassing all other joys!
The joy of seeing others happy was the promised reward which supported Jesus in His Agony.

+3. But He had a still greater and stronger support than this.
He beheld the honour and glory which would accrue to His Eternal Father.
He saw that all the glory God would reap from His Works, would be as nothing in comparison to this greatest Work, to be wrought by His Eternal Son and seeing this, He was satisfied and more than satisfied.
In the beginning of the Book, it is written of Him:
“Behold, I come to do Thy Will, O my God. I am content to do it.“”
Have I the glory of God at heart as the first and foremost motive of my actions?

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH, The FLIGHT into EQYPT

Thought for the Day – 16 March – St Joseph’s Fifth Sorrow

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Thought for the Day – 16 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

16th Day – St Joseph’s Fifth Sorrow
The Flight into Egypt

+I. One night, as Joseph slept, a vision came before his eyes. He saw an Angel who bade him rise and take the Child Jesus and HisMother and fly into Egypt. Without a moment’s delay, he rose quickly, called Our Lady, put together what was necessary for the journey and started ere dawn appeared, in the sky. His heart was torn with sorrow but, like a true son of obedience, he hesitated not for a single moment but accepted all, as coming from God.

+2. Long and perilous was the journey, many were the sufferings of the Holy Family. Perils in the desert perils from the robbers who beset the road, perils from the wild beasts, perils from exposure to the sun by day and to the cold by night. Sorrowful indeed was St Joseph’s heart, as he trudged on day-by-day, leading the ass upon which Our Lady rode. S orrowful not for his own sake but because of the anxiety he felt for the safety of the precious treasure committed to him. Sorrowful at the thought of all they were suffering and would suffer, during their exile.

+3. At last, they arrived at the destination God had fixed for them and here, St Joseph earned a scanty livelihood day-by-day, by his trade as a carpenter. How uncongenial was all around them! They were among those who knew not the true God, among their old oppressors in Egypt, among idolaters and pagans. No murmur ever escaped St Joseph’s lips; he was willing to wait in Egypt, as long as God pleased.
Do I submit with blind obedience to all God commands through my superiors or the arrangement of His Providence, without murmuring or complaining?

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, LENT- 2025, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on SUFFERING, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 16 March – The Assitance Given the Saints, in the Sacred Agony

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Lenten Meditations – 16 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Second Sunday in Lent
The Assitance Given the Saints, in the Sacred Agony

Read St.Matthew xxvi:40–44

40] And He cometh to His disciples and findeth them asleep and He saith to Peter: What? Could you not watch one hour with Me?
[41] Watch ye and pray that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh weak. [42] Again the second time, He went and prayed, saying: My Father, if this chalice may not pass away but I must drink it, Thy Will be done. [43] And he cometh again and findeth them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. [44] And leaving them, He went again and He prayed the third time, saying the selfsame word. [Matthew 26:40-44]

+1. Our Blessed Lord was not satisfied with taking upon Himself the sins of the world; in His Divine Mercy and compassion, He added to this, a further Sacrifice of Himself. He took upon Himself too, all the sufferings of the just and especially, all His Saints and Martyrs would have to suffer for His Sake. He endured beforehand, the thousand forms of agony to which they would be subjected for His Sake. Not only would He, in His Love and Mercy, redeem them but He bore their infirmities and carried their sorrows.
What sufficient thanksgiving can we give Him for His unbounded Goodness?

+2. This it is which enabled the Martyrs to despise their torments and made the Apostles rejoice to suffer shame for His Sake. This it is which makes tolerable, anguish which otherwise would be intolerable; for, if it be borne patiently for love of Christ, He has already, in Himself, if not exhausted its bitterness, at least taken the bulk of it, onto Himself. Every pang, every struggle, every throb of agony which should fall to the lot of His servants until the end of the world, He made His Own, for their relief.

+3. For this reason, we are taught to unite our sufferings with those of Our Lord; for, what else does this mean, except that He desires to share them with us? In point of fact, the more we do this, the more we bear our troubles with a supernatural motive, the lighter they will become, or rather, the greater will be our power and willingness, to bear them.
I will be more resigned, more patient, for Christ’s sake. To Him, I will offer all my sufferings and unite them to His.

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 15 March – St Joseph’s Fourth Joy

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 15 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

15th Day – St Joseph’s Fourth Joy

+1. As our blessed Lord was consoled during His Sacred Agony by a vision of the fruits of His Passion, in the happiness of the countless multitude of the redeemed, so too, St Joseph was comforted in his sorrow for the coming sufferings of Jesus and Mary, by the knowledge of the reconciliation to God, of souls without number. This would be their recompense The knowledge of the Work which Jesus was to accomplish in enabling millions to arise from their sins, filled Joseph’s heart with sweetness and delight.
It is one of the marks of love for God, when we rejoice in the spiritual good of others, beyond all else.
Can I say that it is my greatest joy to hear of the advancing
spiritual welfare of those with whom I am concerned?

+2. St Joseph was himself, to have no direct part in the Divine Work of expiation, Jesus was to accomplish it and Mary was to have her share, as far as mortals could. Did Joseph rejoice the less because others were to do the work? Not a whit; he desired simply that God’s glory and man’s good should be advanced.
How different am I, who am often jealous of others where I fail and take little interest in any good work save that with which I am personally concerned!

+3. St Joseph’s joy at the fruit of the sufferings of Jesus and Mary, quite overpowered his sorrow at the fact, of their having to suffer. He estimated things at their true value and, although he grieved at the thought that God and His Mother were to suffer, yet he counted it a privilege for Christ as Man, to suffer that, as Man, He might receive he plentiful and overflowing reward which God gives to those who suffer for Him.

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on SIN, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 15 March – The Aggravations of the Sacred Agony

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 15 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Saturday of the First Week in Lent
The Aggravations of the Sacred Agony

Read St Mark xiv:32-42
(Posted at the end)

+1. If it is difficult to suffer, it is far more difficult to suffer willingly for those who show no gratitude in return for what we endure for them!.
But most difficult, nay, impossible, save to One Who is Himself Divine, or else shares the Divine Charity of the Son of God, to suffer for those who requite our love, with hatred, our sufferings with bitter mockery the favours we win for them by outrages and insults! It was this which crushed to the earth, the Son of God.
Alas! how ungrateful I am to Him!

+2. During His Sacred Agony, He took upon Himself, the sins of the whole world. Not in a general way but individually, so that each and every sin, from the first sin of Adam to the last that shall be committed on the eve of the Judgement, was present before Him and, not only present but each added its own pain. The great black cloud which passed before His soul contained each sin of each individual man, woman and child and Christ suffered for each!
What a frightful thing it must be to deliberately commit even the least sin, if thereby, we add fresh pain to the agony of Jesus!

+3. It was in this way that “He was made sin for us,” i.e. He identified Himself with sin as far as it was possible for the Immaculate Lamb of God. He took upon Himself, all the effects of sin except those which necessarily belong to him who is guilty of the act of sin. All the darkness, all the gloom , the despondency, the loss of God, the feeling of hopelessness, the terrors which arise from sin, inundated His Sacred Soul.

32] And they came to a farm called Gethsemani. And He saith to His disciples: Sit you here, while I pray. [33] And He taketh Peter and James and John with Him and He began to fear and to be heavy. [34] And He saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death; stay you here and watch. [35] And when He was gone forward a little, He fell flat on the ground and He prayed, that if it might be, the hour might pass from Him.

[36] And He saith: Abba, Father, all things are possible to Thee, remove this chalice from Me but not what I will but what Thou wilt. [37] And He cometh and findeth them sleeping. And He saith to Peter: Simon, sleepest thou? couldst thou not watch one hour? [38] Watch ye and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak. [39] And going away again, He prayed, saying the same words. [40] And when He returned, He found them again asleep, (for their eyes were heavy) and they knew not what to answer Him.

[41] And He cometh the third time and saith to them: Sleep ye now and take your rest. It is enough, the hour is come – behold the Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners. [42] Rise up, let us go. Behold, he that will betray Me is at hand. [Mark 14:32-42]

Posted in "Follow Me", The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The WILL of GOD

Lenten Meditations – 14 March – The Sacred Agony in the Garden

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 14 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Friday of the First Week in Lent
The Sacred Agony in the Garden

Read St Matthew xxvi: 30-40
(Posted at the end)

+I. During the Agony in the Garden, Our Lord anticipated all the coming agony of His Passion. He allowed His human soul to feel, in all its intensity, each detail of the unspeakable suffering which was now close at hand. Hitherto, it had indeed been distinctly present to Him but now, it seemed to take possession of His whole soul Now, it was a mortal horror, resulting from a clear, vivid realisation of all He had
to endure – for those who would not believe and love Him!
When darkness invades our souls, we should remember that none is like the deep, black darkness which spread over Jesus’ Sacred Soul.

+2. What relief did Jesus seek, in this agonising terror? The relief of prayer. He knew that, in all desolation and distress, the best plan, indeed the only plan! is to throw ourselves upon the mercy of God. There is no imperfection in asking to be delivered from something which we can scarcely endure,
whether present agony or the anticipation of it. For Christ would not have prayed: “My Father, if it be possible let this chalice pass from Me!”
In our darkest hours, we can at least repeat these Sacred Words spoken as a pattern for us!

+3. Yet. we must remember the conclusion of the prayer, the act of resignation which leaves all in the hands of God. “Not as I will but as Thou wilt!”
These words spoken from our hearts, will always give us strength to bear that which seems unbearable and will take the bitterness out of our pains.

[30] And a hymn being said, they went out unto mount Olivet. [31] Then Jesus said to them: All you shall be scandalised in Me this night. For it is written: I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be dispersed. [32] But after I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. [33] And Peter answering, said to Him: Although all shall be scandalized in thee, I will never be scandalised. [34] Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee, that in this night before the cock crow, thou wilt deny me thrice. [35] Peter saith to Him: Yea, though I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee. And in like manner said all the disciples.

[36] Then Jesus came with them into a country place which is called Gethsemani and He said to His disciples: Sit you here, until I go yonder and pray. [37] And taking with Him, Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to grow sorrowful and to be sad. [38] Then He saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death, stay you here and watch with Me. [39] And going a little further, He fell upon His Face, praying and saying: My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me. Nevertheless, not as I will but as Thou wilt. [40] And He cometh to His disciples and findeth them asleep and He saith to Peter: What? Could you not watch one hour with Me? [Matthew 26:30-40]

Posted in JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH, The HOLY NAME

Thought for the Day – 13 March – St Joseph’s Third Joy

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 13 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

13th Day – St Joseph’s Third Joy
Hearing the Name of Jesus

+1. Before Our Lord was born, an Angel had given St Joseph instructions to Name Him JESUS.
It was St. Joseph not Our Lady, who was first to pronounce the Name of the Son of God.
The jurisdiction he thus exercised was a declaration of his authority. When God brought the Animals to Adam to be
named, He thus declared him their master. So too, when He gave to Joseph the office of naming the Infant in his arms, He declared him the constituted ruler of his God . O wondrous privilege! What must have been the sanctity of one, to whom such an office was assigned!

+2. The Name St Joseph gave to his Infant Son was Jesus , the Saviour – not Emmanuel, or Christ.
Christ is the official Name of the Son of God, in virtue of His human nature; He was anointed as Man with the Holy Ghost. Emmanuel, or God with us, proclaims His Divinity but Jesus, or Saviour, declares His human nature and Divine personality, at the same time. As Our Saviour, He must be both God and Man – man to pay the price of our Redemption, God –,that the price maybe one that will satisfy the Eternal Father.

+3. What must have been the sweetness which filled St Joseph’s heart as he first breathed that Sacred Name! If to others it was as honey in their mouth, to St Joseph, it was as nectar and ambrosia, containing in itself, all possible sweetness.
None save the holy Mother felt such joy as St Joseph did, in pronouncing the Holy Name.
Yet how little I love it and relish it!
How seldom I repeat it and with what coldness and indifference! My Jesus, mercy! May I love Thee ever more and more!

Posted in LENT- 2025, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 13 March – On the Road to Gethsemane

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 13 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Thursday of the First Week in Lent
On the Road to Gethsemane

Read St Mark xiv:26-34

[26] And when they had said a hymn, they went forth to the Mount of Olives. [27] And Jesus saith to them: You will all be scandalised in my regard this night; for it is written, I will strike the shepherd and the sheep shall be dispersed. [28] But after, I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. [29] But Peter saith to him: Although all shall be scandalised in Thee, yet not I. [30] And Jesus saith to him: Amen I say to thee, today, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shall deny Me thrice.

[31] But he spoke the more vehemently: Although I should die together with Thee, I will not deny Thee. And in like manner too, said they all. [32] And they came to a farm called Gethsemani. And He saith to his disciples: Sit you here, while I pray. [33] And He taketh Peter and James and John with Him and He began to fear and to be heavy. [34] And He saith to them: My Soul is sorrowful even unto death; stay you here and watch. [Mark 14:26-34]

+1. After singing one of the paschal hymns, Our Lord and His Apostles went forth to the Garden of Gethsemane. On the way a strange sorrow spread over the countenance of Jesus. His unfailing cheerfulness forsook Him. His disciples wondered at the sudden change. It was the shadow of His Sacred Passion which fell upon Him, the beginning of the black darkness which was to envelop His Sacred Heart.
When the shadow of desolation falls on me, may I remember Thee, O Lord, thus downcast on the road to Gethsemane!

+2. In mournful words Our Lord addresses the Apostles : “You will all be scandalised in My regard this night. You will all fly like cowards when the danger comes. One of you will betray Me, another will deny Me thrice, all will forsake Me.”
How this thought pierced the sensitive Heart of Jesus, with anguish! of all who, for three years, had been His chosen friends and companions, who had seen His miracles and listened to His Divine Words not one would be found faithful.
My God, how often have I been found unfaithful to Thee!

+3. At length, Our Lord’s bitter sorrow breaks out in words still more mournful:
“My soul is sorrowful even unto death.”
The darkness which was gathering around Him, was even then like the darkness of death. He began to fear and to be very heavy. He could hardly endure the misery which began to fall on Him.
Pray for sympathy with Jesus and the power of appreciating the Divine Love, even just a little, which undertook all this for your sake!

Posted in JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Thought for the Day – 12 March – St Joseph’s Third Sorrow

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 12 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

12th Day – St Joseph’s Third Sorrow
The Shedding of Jesus ‘ Blood at His Circumcision

+I. On the eighth day after the birth of a Jewish boy-child, the ceremony of circumcision took place, according to God’s Covenant with Abraham.
Was this cleansing rite to be performed in the case of the Son of God? Yes, He had come to suffer and to shed His Precious Blood for us and, on the very octave of His Birth, Mary and Joseph had to recognise that God, laid on Him, the iniquity of us all.

+2. It was St Joseph who had to be the minister of the Sacred rite. He had to be the reluctant and sorrowful cause of those tears of the Infant Jesus. What was St Joseph thinking of?
We may at least conjecture that he was lamenting over the evil of sin that he was recognising,in the pain which he was inflicting, one of the most terrible consequences of sin that, he was praying to his foster-Son and his God, to forgive those sinners for whom He was shedding His Precious Blood.

+3. Nearby, Mary was bathed in tears of anguish.
Now, for the first time, Jesus was enduring the cruel smart which was to be His Life-long lot at the hands of His own creatures.
If only she could bear the pain for Him!
How the sight of His tears pierced her heart!
All this St Joseph witnessed and his sorrow at the bitter sufferings of Jesus was intensified by his sorrow, at Mary’s bitter grief.
If Joseph thus sorrowed, how much more should I, who have so constantly, added to the pangs suffered by the Son of God, by my sins!

Posted in Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The WILL of GOD

Lenten Meditations – 12 March – Jesus’ Farewell Discourse

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 12 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
Jesus’ Farewell Discourse

Read St John xiv:1-3, 27-31
(Posted at the end)

+1. Our Lord’s farewell to His Apostles begins and ends with words of encouragement. He knew the importance of courage and confidence and, without these, they would never do great things for God. He knew too, how liable all men are to be discouraged and cast down when troubles and trials arise; how difficult it is to struggle on, when all seems dark around one.
To us too, as to the Twelve, He says – “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me.”
Why do not we believe more in Christ, trust Him more, appeal more to Him in times of darkness?
He will always have a word of comfort for us.
“Let not your heart be troubled. I go to prepare a place for you.”

+2. Amid all the troubles Our Lord foretells to His Apostles, He promises them one gift which will enable them to rise above all their difficulties and all their sorrows. He promises to leave His Peace with them. What gift is there which is like this in the world? If we are at peace, we can bid defiance to all our foes; if we are not at peace, we might be lords of the universe, yet, we should be miserable. No wonder we pray in Holy Mass, “Dona nobis pacem – Give us peace.”

+3. The peace Our Lord promises, is His Peace :
“My Peace I give unto you.”
What sort of peace is this?
It is the peace He enjoyed all through His Life – the peace of perfect union of His Will with God’s. If we are thus united to God by perfect resignation, we too shall have unalterable and eternal peace

1] Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father’s House there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you because, I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I shall go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself that where I Am, you also may be. [John 14:1-3]

[27] Peace I leave with you, My Peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [28] You have heard that I said to you: I go away and I come unto you. If you loved Me, you would indeed be glad because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. [29] And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that when it shall come to pass, you may believe. [30] I will not now speak many things with you. For the prince of this world cometh and in Me he hath not any thing.
[31] But that the world may know that I love the Father and as the Father hath given me commandment, so do I: Arise, let us go hence. [John 14:27-31]

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on PURITY, St JOSEPH, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Thought for the Day – 11 March – St Joseph’s Second Joy: The Birth of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 11 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

11th Day – St Joseph’s Second Joy: The Birth of Jesus

+1. Although St Joseph knew, the time of Our Lady’s delivery was drawing near, yet the birth of Jesus came upon him as a joyful surprise.
He anticipated the lot of his Foster-Son.
“He came to His own and His own received Him not.”
The reward of Joseph’s purity, chastity, patience, submission, gentleness and sorrow, was the visible Presence of the Son of God, the privilege of being the first of all the sons of men, to behold Him.
“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God,” was literally fulfilled for the first time in the person of St Joseph.

+2. It was but fitting that the coming of Christ Jesus into the world should be surrounded by celestial wonders. A choir of Angels sang angelic melodies and a brightness, dazzling beyond the brightness of the sun, illumined the cave and settled around the new -born Infant and His Virgin Mother. St Joseph saw the Holy Child and the sight was Heaven begun on earth!
What was all the preceding sorrow compared with the unspeakable joy of that happy moment?

+3. Joseph was recalled to earthly things by hearing voices outside the cave and seeing a group of shepherds coming to adore the newborn King. It was not a dream then but a happy reality. God was really come to dwell among men and was born in that humble cave. What mattered it if it was bare and poor and rough? How much happier to be there, sitting on the hard cold ground, poor and despised of men, than to be lounging on perfumed couches, in the Palace of Herod! Where Jesus is, there is happiness!
What are outward things if we enjoy His Peace!

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, MOTHER of GOD, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 10 March – St Joseph’s Second Sorrow

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 10 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

10th Day – St Joseph’s Second Sorrow

+1. When St Joseph started from his home at Nazareth to repair to Bethlehem, according to the Emperor’s command, he had every reason to expect he would be well received. His early youth had been spent there and he must have been known to many of the inhabitants. But, when he arrived there, a sad shock awaited him. No room in the caravansary or guesthouse. No room in any of the houses where he applied for admission. Everywhere, a refusal. No room for him; no room for his spotless spouse.
It is always painful to meet with a cold reception among those, who we expect will welcome us.

+2. It was not for his own sake, Joseph grieved.
He was accustomed to being ill-treated. He had learned to welcome it for God’s Sake. But to witness the distress caused to his holy spouse, ah, this was difficult!
It is far more painful to witness suffering in those we love than to feel it ourselves. Could Joseph do nothing to find shelter for Mary in her delicate and critical condition? Every resource had failed him; he could only pray and wait.

+3. At last, a thought occurred to him. He remembered a cave where some animals were kept; small, low, dirty, unfit. for human habitation but here, at least, she would be safe from the perishing cold, here they could remain in peace.
How could he propose it to her?
Was this the sort of treatment to be accorded to the Mother of God?
Yes, it must be so and Joseph submitted to the holy Will of God.