TODAYS REFLECTION, MEMORIAL OF ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY FRI MAY 27

TODAYS REFLECTION, MEMORIAL OF ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY  FRI MAY 27 ( 1Pt 4:7-13, Mk 11:11-26 )

#FAITHFULNESSANDFORGIVENESNOURISHESOURPRAYERS#

Friends, through the story about the fig tree today, Jesus teaches us about faithfulness, love and forgiveness. Jesus says that he chose us from the world and appointed us to go and bear fruit that will last for all eternity (Jn 15:16). He also teaches us against the faithlessness of those who rejected his message. For faith to be fruitful and productive, it must be nourished with the word of God (2 Tim 3:16; Col 3:16) and be rooted in love (Gal 5:6).

Jesus did not see any fruitful, good works happening in the temple area, because the money changers took advantage of the poor and forced them to pay many times more than was right, in essence, He “sweeps” through the temple cleaning up all the ungodly behaviour and tells us that his house, the temple, is to be a house of prayer for all people.

Further Jesus highlights one of the greatest obstacles to a healthy prayer life as lack of forgiveness. When we come to Christ, in prayer, we need to first cleanse our hearts if we are to hear Him speak. Jesus wants us to forgive others as the Father forgives us and to love one another. The apostle Peter urges us to let our love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins (1Pt 4:9). St. Augustine, whose feast day we celebrate today says “Since love grows within us, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.”

Beloved, reflect, today upon whether you want to grow in prayer. If you do, then start by cleansing your heart of all sin. Confession is the best way to do this. May Help us to forgive others just as He has been merciful towards us and has forgiven us. May St Augustine pray for us. Have a blessed weekend and Be blessed.

SAINT OF THE DAY MAY 27 ( Saint Augustine of Canterbury ) pray for us.

Saint Augustine of Canterbury

Also known as
• Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons
• Apostle to the English
• Austin of Canterbury

Profile

Monk and abbot of Saint Andrew's abbey in Rome, Italy. Sent by Pope Saint Gregory the Great with 40 brother monks, including Saint Lawrence of Canterbury to evangelize the British Isles in 597. Before he reached the islands, terrifying tales of the Celts sent him back to Rome in fear, but Gregory told him he had no choice, and so he went. He established and spread the faith throughout England; one of his earliest converts was King AEthelberht who brought 10,000 of his people into the Church. Ordained as a bishop in Gaul (modern France) by the archbishop of Arles. First Archbishop of Canterbury, England. Helped re-establish contact between the Celtic and Latin churches, though he could not establish his desired uniformity of liturgy and practices between them. Worked with Saint Justus of Canterbury. Anglican Archbishops of Canterbury are still referred to as occupying the Chair of Augustine.

Born

at Rome, Italy

Died

• 26 May 605 in Canterbury, England of natural causes
• relics interred outside the church of Saints Peter and Paul, Canterbury, a building project he had started

Patronage

England

Representation

bishop baptizing a king.

SAINTS OF THE DAY MAY 21 ( MARTYRS OF THE MEXICAN REVOLUTION ) May they pray for us.

MARTYRS OF THE MEXICAN REVOLUTION

Profile

The 1917 Mexican constitution was pointedly anti-clerical and anti-Church, and its adoption instituted years of violent religious persecution including expulsion of foreign priests, closing of parochial schools, and the murders of several priests and lay leaders who work to minister to the faithful and support religious freedom. 25 of them who died at different times and places but all as a result of this persecution were celebrated together. They each have separate memorials, but are also remembered as a group.

• Saint Agustin Caloca Cortes
• Saint Atilano Cruz Alvarado
• Saint Cristobal Magallanes Jara
• Saint David Galván-Bermúdez
• Saint David Roldán-Lara
• Saint David Uribe-Velasco
• Saint Jenaro Sánchez DelGadillo
• Saint Jesús Méndez-Montoya
• Saint Jose Isabel Flores Varela
• Saint José María Robles Hurtado
• Saint Julio álvarez Mendoza
• Saint Justino Orona Madrigal
• Saint Luis Batiz Sainz
• Saint Manuel Moralez
• Saint Margarito Flores-García
• Saint Mateo Correa-Magallanes
• Saint Miguel de la Mora
• Saint Pedro de Jesús Maldonado-Lucero
• Saint Pedro Esqueda Ramírez
• Saint Rodrigo Aguilar Alemán
• Saint Roman Adame Rosales
• Saint Sabas Reyes Salazar
• Saint Salvador Lara Puente
• Saint Toribio Romo González
• Saint Tranquilino Ubiarco Robles

Venerated

7 March 1992 by Pope John Paul II (decree of martyrdom)

Beatified

22 November 1992 by Pope John Paul II

Canonized

21 May 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME SAT MAY 21

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME SAT MAY 21 ( Jas 5:13-20, Mk 10:13-16 )

#THROUGHPRAYERANDSIMPLICITYSHOWLOVEANDWELCOMEONEANOTHER#

In todays first reading St James asks us questions and also gives us the answer,    Are you suffering?  Pray.  Are you cheerful?  Pray.  Are you sick?  Pray.  This is what we are told, making praying the ultimate solutions to our problems and a way of acheiving success in our lifes. He however, invites us to a deeper level in our exploration of and commitment to prayer. This reading points also to the importance of the sacrament of annoting of the sick administered by the priests.

In the gospel Jesus used the example of children to explain the way that we must accept the Kingdom of God. We must accept it as a child would. Not with skepticism or doubt, but with openness, joy and simplicity. But this passage above also reveals another subtle truth. It reveals the natural and healthy affection we must have for others.

Today Jesus rebuked his disciples for hindering the children from coming to saying, “Let the children come to me.” It goes on, “Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.” These passages reveal to us the holy, natural and healthy affection that Jesus had for these children and for all of us, and also demonstrated that God's love has ample room for everyone. He comes to each person individually that he might touch us with his healing love and power.

May through simplicity, kindness and humility we show love to one another as Jesus has taught us today and continue to pass on the faith. Be blessed as we are united in prayers.

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME FRI MAY 20

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME FRI MAY 20 ( Jas 5:9-12, Mk 10:1-12 )

#BEPATIENTWITHONEANOTHERANDLETOURLOVEBEFAITHFUL#

Friends todays first reading admonishes us not to swear by anything since we have no control over anything but ourselves but only to say and to mean, yes or no. It further challenges us to patient perseverance in our essential commitments.  It requires each of us to take our own voice, and our behavior enacting that voice, very seriously indeed.

Ushering us into the gospel message today St James writes; it is required us to see that the foundation of marriage is faithful self-donation on the part of each of the spouses to an irrevocable spoken “yes” to relationship that flows from, and participates in, God’s work of salvation through perfectly irrevocable mercy. Human beings also want to be loved deeply and forever. We do not want to be used, "dumped," and rejected.

In todays gospel, Jesus announced that divorce is no longer necessary. He is God and is able to change our human nature so that we can fulfill our legitimate needs. Baptized into Jesus, we can love deeply and forever. The life and marriage we want are now possible. Christ's salvation and our Baptism into Him makes divorce obsolete and matrimony holy, not harmful. Accept Jesus as the Saviour of your marriage and your life. May through our prayers today broken marriges be repaired and May the the love of Christ as the foundation of their lifes. Have a blase weekend

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME THURS MAY 19

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME THURS MAY 19 ( Jas 5: 1-6, Mk 9: 41-50 ).

#PURIFICATIONANDREWARDAWAITEACHONEOFUS#

Beloved, the reading from James and the Psalm are reminders of just how short life is and consideration of what we do with what we have. We clearly see that those who oppress others will have their wealth rotted out, because they stored treasures for the last days from the wages of elders and workers. St James said they will weep and wail over impending miseries because their possessions are on the road to decay.

In the gospel Jesus assures the disciples that those who assist them will never lose their reward. As we have been told that God will come on the last day to repay each one according to his deeds, we now have an assurance that those who assisted men of God in their needs will also receive the reward of their gestures of love and kindness and also there will be reward for those who have caused them to derail from their focus with punishments according to their deeds.

Finally Jesus makes it clear that everyone will go through “salting.” So what does this actually mean? Being “salted with fire” means that we are purified by God. Fire purifies and refines. So it is with us, we must be purified by the fire of God in every way. Sin must be purged and we must become malleable by the fire of God so that we can be molded into his divine image.

Reflect, especially upon any ways that you feel the pain of some suffering that you do not want to embrace. Know that a full embrace of this suffering may actually produce the purification God wants in your life so as to make you truly holy and pure. May we be open to the guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT. BE BLESSED.

SAINT OF THE DAY MAY 19 ( POPE SAINT CELESTINE V )

Pope Saint Celestine V

Also known as
• Peter Celestine
• Peter Morrone
• Peter of Moroni
• Pietro del Morrone
• Pietro di Murrone

Profile

Eleventh of twelve children. His father died when Peter was quite young. When his mother would ask, "Which one of you is going to become a saint?" Peter would answer "Me, Mama! I'll become a saint!".

At 20 Peter became a hermit, praying, working, and reading the Bible. He followed the Benedictine Rule, and so many other hermits came to him for guidance, that he founded the Holy Spirit Community of Maiella (Celestines).

Following a two year conclave during which the cardinals could not decide on a pope, Peter came to them with the message that God was not pleased with the long delay; the cardinals chose Peter as the 192nd Pope.

The primary objective of Celestine's pontificate was to reform clergy, many of whom were using spiritual power to obtain wordly power. Celestine sought a way to bring the faithful to the original Gospel spirit, and he settled on "Pardon" - he called for a year of forgiveness of sins, and return to evangelical austerity and fidelity.

He reigned a mere five months, and the members of the Vatican Curia took advantage of him. This led to much mismanagement, and great uproar in the Vatican. Knowing he was responsible, Celestine asked forgiveness for his mistakes, and abdicated on 13 December 1294, the only pope to do so. His successor, Boniface VIII, kept Celestine hidden for the last ten months of his life in a small room in a Roman palace. Celestine may have appreciated it - he never lost his love of the hermit's life, and spent his last days in prayer.

Born

1210 at Isneria, Abruzzi, Italy as Pietro del Morrone

Papal Ascension

5 July 1294

Papal Abdication

13 December 1294

Died

• 19 May 1296 in Rome, Italy of natural causes
• buried in the church of Saint Agatha, Ferentino, Italy
• re-interred in the Church of Saint Maria di Collemaggio, Aquila, Italy

Canonized

1313 by Pope Clement V

Patronage

• Aquila, Italy
• bookbinders.

SAINT OF THE DAY MAY 18 ( Saint Felix of Cantalice )

Saint Felix of Cantalice

Also known as
• Ass of the Capuchins (his own nickname for himself)
• Brother Deo Gratias ("Deo Gratias" was his habitual greeting)
• Felix of Catalicio
• Felix of Cantalica
• Felice Porri

Profile

Born to pious peasants, he was a shepherd in his youth. At age nine he was hired out as a shepherd and farm hand at Cotta Ducale; he worked there over twenty years. A pious youth and man, Felix spent his free time in prayer.

Having little education, Felix had a friend read him the lives of the early Desert Fathers; they left him torn - he wanted to live as a hermit, but feared he would give in to temptation if he had no superior. He sought entrance to the Capuchins; they were hesistant, but finally accepted him as a lay brother in 1543 at Anticoli, Italy near Rome. Sent to Rome in 1547 as questor for the community; he stayed there the rest of his life.

Felix's reputation for holiness spread quickly. He could not even read, yet theologians consulted him on spiritualality and Scripture. Sinners on the street would hide from him when it became obvious he could see their sins, and knew their hearts. Felix preached in the street, rebuked corrupt politicians and officials, and exhorted young men to stop leading dissolute lives. Once during Carnival, a time of open vice in the streets, Felix and Saint Philip Neri organized a procession of Capuchin friars right into the middle of the revellers; Fra Lupo, a well-known Capuchin preacher, spoke to the crowds, and Carnival ended for the year.

Felix worked with the children of Rome; his inherent simplicity and lack of education made him rather childlike, and children trusted him. He composed simple teaching canticles, and had the children gather in groups to sing them as a way to teach them catechism. The canticles became well-known and popular, and while Felix was begging for his house, Roman citizens would invite him in to sing for them; he saw these invitations as opportunities to teach, and always jumped at them.

During the famine of 1580, the city fathers asked the Capuchins for the loan of Felix as a fund raiser; he was tireless in the work. His friend, Saint Philip Neri, considered Felix the greatest saint then living. Saint Charles Borromeo sought Saint Philip's help to draw up the constitutions of the Oblates of Saint Ambrose; Philip referred him to Felix as a the best advisor.

Felix slept little, ate what came to hand, attended Mass every morning. He had a great devotion to Our Lady, frequently prayed the rosary, and was sometimes swept away in ecstacy, unable to finish the prayers. Received a vision of the Virgin Mary during which he was allowed to hold the Christ Child in his arms. Acclaimed a saint by the people of Rome immediately after his death.

Born

18 May 1515 at Cantalice, Abruzzi, Italy

Died

• 18 May 1587 at Rome, Italy of natural causes
• so many came to his funeral that some were injured in the press to get into the church, and an extra door had to be knocked through one wall so they could exit
• buried under an altar in the church of the Immaculate Conception in Rome
• miracles reported at his tomb

Beatified

1 October 1625 by Pope Urban VIII

Canonized

22 May 1712 by Pope Clement XI

Patronage

• Cantalice, Italy
• Spello, Italy

Representation

• Capuchin holding the Infant Jesus in his arms
• with Saint Philip Neri and Saint Charles Borromeo
• Capuchin carrying a beggar's wallet.

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME WED MAY 18

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME WED MAY 18 ( Jas 4:13-17, Mk 9:38-40 )

#ENVYANDJEALOUSYARECONTRARYTOLOVE#

In the gospel, the disciples  were upset that someone who was not of their company was performing a good work in the name of Jesus. They even "forbade" the man "because he was not following us", Jesus reprimands then for their exclusivism,  jealousy and suspicion and replied with wisdom saying  "No one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me." Are we not like the disciples when we get upset at the good deeds of others who seem to shine more than us?

Honestly friends “Exclusivism” can be defined as a tendency to think that something is good only when I do it. It’s a form of spiritual greed in which we have a hard time rejoicing in and supporting the good deeds of another. This is a dangerous but all to common struggle for many. Envy and jealousy are sinful because they lead us to sorrow over what should make us rejoice - namely, our neighbour's good. Envy is contrary to love.

Beloved, the ideal, in our Christian life, is to look for the works of God everywhere and within everyone. We should so deeply desire that the Kingdom of God be built up that we are overjoyed whenever we witness such activity. Let us reflect, today, upon our own reactions toward the goodness of others. May the Holy Spirit purify our hearts and free us from our disordered passions, such as envy, jealously, greed, and bitterness, and may we always rejoice at the good of others. Be blessed.

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME TUES MAY 17

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME TUES MAY 17 ( Jas  4:1-10, Mk 9:30-37 )

#JESUSTEACHESUSREALGREATNESS#

In todays gospel, when Jesus prophesied his own betrayal and crucifixion, it did not make any sense to his disciples because it did not fit their understanding of what the Messiah came to do. Further, we how ashamed the disciples must have been when Jesus overheard them arguing about who among them was the greatest, We sometimes like the disciples compare ourselves with others and desire their praise. The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be inbred in us.

Friends, after Jesus gently reproved the Apostles, He then gently taught them the meaning of true greatness by embracing a child to show his disciples who really is the greatest in the kingdom of God. The one who is humble and lowly of heart,  who instead of asserting their rights willingly empty themselves of pride and self-seeking glory by taking the lowly position of a servant or child. Jesus, himself, is our model. He came not to be served, but to serve (Mt 20:28). Paul the Apostle states that Jesus emptied himself and took the form of a servant (Phil 2:7). These are perfect examples for us.

Beloved, Finally we know that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Jm 4:6). If we want to be filled with God's life and power, then we need to empty ourselves of everything which stands in the way like, pride, self-seeking glory, vanity and other vices. May we come to realize that to be of service is to receive the child in others that needs understanding and guidance, not judgment and punishment. More still according to the first reading may we avoid the conflicts within the Christian community and within each person that divide, destroy and separate us from each other and from God. May God bless and help us.

SAINT OF THE DAY MAY 16 ( Saint Andrew Bobola ).

Saint Andrew Bobola

Also known as

• Andrzej Bobola
• Apostle of Lithuania
• Hunter of Souls

Additional Memorials

• 21 February in Poland
• 23 May (Jesuits)

Profile

Born to the Polish nobility. Studied at the Jesuit school at Sandomierz, Poland. He joined the Jesuits on 31 July 1611 at Vilna, Lithuania. Studied and taught philosophy. Ordained on 12 March 1622. Parish priest at Vilna in 1625. Superior of the Jesuit community at Bobrinks in 1630. Worked with the sick during a plague outbreak.

Successful missionary to the Orthodox from 1636 to 1656, preaching along the roads, bringing whole villages back to Catholicism. In 1652 Prince Radziwell gave Andrew a house in Pinsk as a refuge for Jesuits hiding from the Cossacks and Tartars. He was captured just after Mass on 10 May 1657 during a Cossack raid on Pinsk. He was severely beaten, dragged by horses, tortured, hacked with knives, skinned alive, and when he tried to pray for them, they tore out his tongue and murdered him, all for being a Christian; he never surrendered his faith. Martyr.

Born

30 November 1591 at Sandomierz, Poland

Died

• beheaded at Janow on 16 May 1657 at Pinsk (in modern Belarus)
• buried at the Jesuit school in Pinsk, but his grave was forgotten when the Jesuits were forced to abandon the town
• he later appeared in visions to the rector of the school, pointing out his grave
• relics translated to Polosk in 1808
• body found incorrupt
• body later taken to Moscow, Russia by the Bolsheviks
• body taken to Rome, Italy in 1922
• currently entombed at the Jesuit church in Cracow, Poland

Venerated

9 February 1755 by Pope Benedict XIV

Beatified

30 October 1853 by Pope Blessed Pius IX

Canonized

17 April 1938 by Pope Pius XI

Patronage

• Poland
• archdiocese of Warsaw, Poland.

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME. MON MAY 16

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME. MON MAY 16 ( Jas 3:13-18, Mk 9: 14 -29 ).

#WITHFAITHANDPRAYERGODHELPSUSINOURNEEDS#

Friends with the Feast of the Pentecost we have ended the Easter season and have now entered into the ordinary season of the year. Our liturgical colour now turns to green. In todays gospel, We see at once both Jesus' dismay with the disciples' lack of faith and his concern to meet the need of the troubled boy and his anguished father. Jesus also recognized the weakness of the fathers faith and at the same time challenged him to pray boldly with expectant faith: All things are possible to him who believes!

We see that  it is a good thing to turn to Jesus in our need, when things are suddenly out of control, it is far better to come to Him when life is good and when we do not have any immediate hardship. The fact that this man came to Jesus out of pure desperation, and the fact that he wasn’t even convinced that Jesus could do anything to help, reveals a lack of faith on his part. So it is with us.

Beloved, when we wait until we are in the midst of some crisis to come to our Lord, hoping but unsure of His ability to intervene, we are manifesting a certain lack of faith. But the good news is that Jesus worked with the little faith this man had and He will do the same with us. He cured his son and He will cure us when we come to Him with even a little faith. May the lord increase our Faith and make us come to him at all times not only in times of need. Wishing you a blessed week.

TODAYS REFLECTION , FEAST OF ST MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE. SAT MAY 14.

TODAYS REFLECTION , FEAST OF ST MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE. SAT MAY 14.
( Act 1:15-17, 20-26, Jn 15:9-17  )

#THEMINISTRYOFJESUSCONTINUESTHROUGHORDINATION#

Today we celebrate the feast of one who has an important place in the early Church. By honoring St. Matthias we honour the fact that Jesus enabled His first Apostles to pass on the sacred power of their ordination to others as their successors. St. Matthias took the place of Judas. And as the Church continued to grow, there were others picked and given the grace of ordination as bishops. Today, every one of our bishops has a direct line of succession to one or more of the Apostles. This unbroken succession is our direct connection to the priestly ministry of Jesus as it is passed on to the Church.

Every Bishop and Priest shares in the wonderful gift of Christ's priestly ministry. And this ministry is not for them, it's for you. Every priest or bishop is a unique representation of Christ in his own way. They each reflect Christ in their human personality and holiness. But, more importantly, they represent Christ by acting in His very person. Jesus speaks His words of absolution and consecration through them.

In the gospel, Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment a new way of love and fruitful service which is empowered by his Holy Spirit. We are called to love and serve others just as Jesus has loved us with heartfelt compassion, kindness, and mercy. Jesus proved his love for us by laying down his life for us, even to death on the cross. Our love for God is a response to his exceeding love for us through the gift of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lets reflect today on the love us Christ towards especially by calling us his friends and also reflect the way we approach God's priests and bishops. How do you speak about them? Do you seek Christ in them and pray for them? May God bless our PRIESTS AND BISHOPS AND ALL THOSE WHO SERVE HIM AT THE ALTAR.

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF EASTER FRI MAY 13

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF EASTER FRI MAY 13 ( Acts 25:13b -21, Jn 21:15-19 )

LETOURLOVEFORGODBEDEEPSINCEREANDIRREVOCABLE#

Friends reflecting on the Gospel reading for today we see that it is one of the most beautiful Bible passages on leadership. Peter is restored to fellowship with Jesus, commissioned, told the cost of service, and then shown the path to a successful ministry. A restored Peter can now be commissioned to serve the people of God. Jesus tells him to feed his lambs and tend his sheep. Pope Francis has made a point to emphasize that you cannot do this from an ivory tower or a closed off office, You cannot tend sheep and not get your hands on them. A good shepherd will smell like the sheep.

Beloved, today three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. Why three times? One reason was so that Peter could "make up" for the three times he denied Jesus. No, Jesus did not need Peter to apologize three times, but Peter needed to express his love three times and Jesus knew it. Three is also a number of perfection. For example, we say God is "Holy, Holy, Holy." This triple expression is a way of saying that God is the Holiest of all. By Peter being given the opportunity to tell Jesus three times that He loved Him it was an opportunity for Peter to express His love in the deepest of ways.

The triple question also gives us the opportunity to express our deepest longing for His mercy. We all sin. We all deny Jesus in one way or another. But the good news is that Jesus is always inviting us to let our sin be a motivation for deepening our love. He doesn't hold our sin over our heads. But He does ask for the deepest of sorrow and a complete conversion of heart. Let us today Make a choice to express our love for God in a triple way. Let it be deep, sincere and irrevocable. The Lord will receive this heartfelt act and return it to us in a hundredfold. Wish you a blessed weekend.

TODAYS REFLECTION 7th WEEK OF EASTER THUR MAY 12

TODAYS REFLECTION 7th WEEK OF EASTER THUR MAY 12 ( Acts 22:30, 23 :6-11, Jn 20-26 )

#JESUSPRAYSTHATWHEREVERHEISWEMAYBE#

Friends, 0ne of the greatest privileges and responsibilities we have been given by God is to pray not only for ourselves, but for others as well. The Lord Jesus lived a life full of prayer, blessing, and gratitude. He prayed for his disciples, especially when they were in great need or danger. Jesus' prayers were personal, direct, and focused on the good of others.

His  prayer in the gospel today most clearly reveals his heart to whom and what he loved most, love for his Father and love for those who believed in him. His prayer focused on the love and unity he desired for all who would believe in him and follow him, not only in the present, but in the future as well. Jesus' prayer concludes with a petition for the unity among all Christians who profess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Jesus prays here for each one of us that as members of his body the church we would be one as he and his Father are one. The unity of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, with the eternal Father is a unity of mutual love, service, and honour, and a oneness of mind, heart, and spirit. The Lord Jesus calls each and every one of his followers into this unity of mutual love, service, honor, and friendship with all who belong to Christ. May we respond to this invitation with faithfulness and comitment. Thursday blessings to you.

TODAYS REFLECTION 7th WEEK OF EASTER WED MAY 11

TODAYS REFLECTION 7th WEEK OF EASTER WED MAY 11. ( Act 20:28-38, Jn 17:11b-19 )

#JESUSPRAYSTHATWEMAYBEONEANDCONCECRATEDTOTHETRUTH#

In the first reading as Paul was about leaving Ephesus  He warns the community that the danger of “perverting the truth” can come as easily internally from the Christian community as well as from the external world. He exhorts the community to God’s gracious word.

Beloved, In the Gospel, On the eve of his sacrifice on the cross and in the presence of his disciples, Jesus made his high priestly prayer: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that they may be one as we are one". Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples and for all who would believe in him. Also we are reminded more than once that we “do not belong to the world“ but to Christ and his kingdom. The fact for me is that we are going to be challenged by the world as an adherent to the truth Christ proclaimed. As we grow spiritually we we begin to better understand just how counter cultural our faith walk is.

Jesus  prayed that we would be sanctified and consecrated in God's truth and holiness and promised to give us the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to live as his disciples, because walking in the world can be difficult at times. We are all called to go out into the world and proclaim the Gospel daily in our lives. In most cases we can accomplish this by our actions at home, work and in our communities. We pray that we be sanctified in the truth and always grow in Holiness for the Glory of God. Be blessed.

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF EASTER TUES MAY 10

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF EASTER TUES MAY 10 ( Acts 20:17-27, Jn 17:1-11a )

#JESUSPRAYSANDCARESFORUSBEFOREHISFATHER#

Friends, Jesus' “high priestly prayer recorded in today’s gospel embraces a mystery that extends through time, even to us in our modern age. Here Jesus petitions the Father for himself and also for his disciples. This prayer reveals that He was not working independently, but doing the work of the Father in bringing the gift of eternal life. This prayer for his disciples shows that they are also part of the salvific gift, agents participating in a divine plan that invited their cooperation.

Beloved in his prayer Jesus speaks about
the hour of his glorification. First of all, we should recognize this "hour" as the hour of His crucifixion. This may, at first, seem like a sad moment, but from a divine perspective, Jesus sees it as His hour of glory. It's the hour when He is glorified by the Father in Heaven because He perfectly fulfilled the Father's will. He perfectly embraced His death for the salvation of the world.

Jesus also speaks of the knowledge of God. He tells his disciples that they can know the only true God. Knowledge of God is not simply limited to knowing something about God, but we can know God personally. The essence of Christianity, and what makes it distinct from Judaism and other religions, is the knowledge of God as our Father. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. May we daily follow Christ in carrying our crosses and in doing his will in our lives. Lets be united in prayers as we continue the NOVENA to the THE HOLY SPIRIT. BE BLESSED.

TODAYS REFLECTION 7th WEEK OF EASTER, MON MAY 9

TODAYS REFLECTION 7th WEEK OF EASTER, MON MAY 9 ( Acts 19:1-8, 16:29-33 )

#GODSLOVEANDCOMPASSIONSEESUSTRUEINOURPERSECUTIONS#

Friends, compassion is an incredible, human action that God has given to us which is unlike sympathy, pity or “feeling sorry” for someone. In today’s Gospel Jesus is compassionately preparing his Disciples for the day when he will no longer be with them:  "Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone.  But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

When we are touched by another’s compassion, we often see the face of God. Jesus assures his disciples that they will find peace because of the relationship they have had with him.  He reminds them that the world is not easy but his compassionate words offer them great hope. This applies to us too. Jesus is talking to us everyday through his disciples. May each of us believe in ourselves and God’s love this day, things  will be better for us.

Beloved as Jesus reassures his disciples  of his peace, unfailing love, and victory over the world which is in opposition to God's reign. Jesus speaks the same reassuring words of enduring love, faithfulness, and victory to us his followers today.  "I will never fail you nor forsake you." While we may forget the Lord and fail him, he will never forget us nor fail to come to our aid. As we cannot avoid all pain and suffering which may come our way in this life let us rely of God's promise that He will guide us safely through any trial or hardship. May we be strengthened as we continue our NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. Have a blessed week.

TODAYS REFLECTION 6TH WEEK OF EASTER SAT MAY 7

TODAYS REFLECTION 6TH WEEK OF EASTER SAT MAY 7 ( Acts 18 :24-28, Jn 16:23b-28 )

Friends the First reading of today teaches us that the Lord continues to choose "the world's lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing" (1 Cor 1:28) to bear great fruit and renew the face of the earth in the power of the Holy Spirit (Ps104:30). Priscilla and Aquila lived their marriage and their life in the Holy Spirit. Wherever they went, they bore great fruit in whatever they did.

They risked their lives for the sake of Paul and helped him recover from his failed mission to Athens ( Acts 17:32–18:3). They also assisted the great teacher Apollos and led him to faith in Jesus. They are been remembered and appreciated in the churches of the Gentiles (Rm 16:4). May we be available to assist others in their points of need and bring them to the knowledge of the gospel like this couple.

In the gospel we learn that If we were fully open to the Truth, and if we were completely ready to embrace the Truth no matter what it was, Jesus would be able to speak to us clearly and we would respond immediately. Also Jesus further advices us to boldly  approach God as our Father and ask him for the things we need. In love he bids us to draw near to his throne of grace and mercy. Finally like Priscilla and Aquila May we recognise that we are called to help others to know Jesus and the Will and love of God.  And we are also to seek out others who will help us continually grow in our faith. Be blessed as we are united in prayers through the NOVENA OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

TODAYS REFLECTION 6TH WEEK OF EASTER FRI MAY 6

TODAYS REFLECTION 6TH WEEK OF EASTER FRI MAY 6 ( Acts 8:9-18, Jn 16:20-23 ).

#YOURSORROWWILLTURNTOJOY#

Beloved in todays first reading Paul, had a vision and is encouraged to continue to speak out, even though this was potentially dangerous. He was told, “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.” And Paul does continue to speak despite the danger. He is brought to the tribunal for speaking against the law, but the proconsul will not hear the complaint against him. The Lord went before him and protected him.  Paul was speaking and teaching the truth and was protected from trial and persecution.

In the gospel, Jesus told his disciples " you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices, but your sorrow will turn to joy". Reflecting on the life of Jesus we see that throughout His public ministry He experienced the anguish and exhaustion of His earthly life. He experienced the criticism of others, misunderstanding, ridicule, rejection, harsh treatment, and so much more. In the end, we know His fate on the Cross. Our Mother Mary also was misunderstood and ridiculed from the beginning as a result of her mysterious pregnancy out of wedlock, she was mocked and harassed.

Friends think of now,  they reign from Heaven as the glorious Queen of All Saints and the King of the Universe. They live in glory now for eternity. Their anguish has turned to perfect joy. Our own cases cannot be different. May we never forget that the way to happiness and joy in the kingdom of God is through the cross and suffering. As the Easter victory of Jesus teaches us courage in the face of suffering and death, may we remain steadfast in our sufferings and struggles bearing in mind that the Lord will surely prove his word by turning our sufferings and mourning into joy. WISHING YOU A BLESSED WEEKEND.

TODAYS REFLECTION SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD. THUR MAY 5 ( Acts 1:1-11, Eph 1:17-23, Lk 24: 46-53 ) #THELORDASCENDSANDPROMISESTHEHOLYSPIRIT#

TODAYS REFLECTION SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD. THUR MAY 5 ( Acts 1:1-11, Eph 1:17-23, Lk 24: 46-53 )

#THELORDASCENDSANDPROMISESTHEHOLYSPIRIT#

Todays gospel Jesus reminds his disciples that he will suffer before his glorification, now he promises to send them the promise of his father  ( the Holy Spirit) so that the can be clothed with strenght to preach the gospel. He blessed them and commissioned them and they were filled with joy constantly praising God.

The letter to the Hebrews today invivites us to approach God with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience
and our bodies washed in pure water.
And as we unwaveringly hold to our confession that gives us hope, the Lord definitely shows his faithfulness in his  the promise.

Friends, tomorrow begins the Pentecost Novena, nine days of intense prayer to receive the Holy Spirit when He comes in a new way on Pentecost Sunday. The nine days of this Holy Spirit novena correspond closely to the nine months of a woman's pregnancy. The baby dwells within the mother during the pregnancy. Similarly, the Holy Spirit dwells within us (1 Cor 3:16). Within this Novena may we be disposed to undergo dramatic changes in lifestyle in repentance and in sorrow for our sins and the sins of others ( Ez 9:4), all of which grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30).

As Mary was filled to overflowing with the joy and the gifts of the Spirit after completing a Life in the Spirit seminar. May we empty ourself as Jesus did so that our sorrow will turn to joy. Wishing you a spirit filled Novena of the Holy Spirit and may through the  Ascension of The Lord we be drawn closer to him in love. HAPPY ASCENSION THURSDAY.

SAINT OF THE DAY MAY 4 ( Saint Florian of Lorch ).

Saint Florian of Lorch

Profile

Third century officer in Roman army stationed in modern Austria. Military administrator of the town of Noricum, and a closet Christian. Said to have stopped a town from burning by praying and throwing a single bucket of water on the blaze, and thus his association with firefighters and those who protect us from fire, including chimney sweeps. When ordered to execute a group of Christians during the persecutions of Diocletian, he refused, and professed his own faith. Martyr.

Died

• scourged, flayed alive, a stone tied to his neck, and dumped into a river c.304
• body later retrieved by Christians and buried at an Augustinian monastery near Lorch
• relics translated to Rome in 1138
• part of the relics given to King Casimir of Poland and the bishop of Cracow by Pope Lucius III, which led to Florian's patronage of Poland and Upper Austria

Patronage

• against battle
• against drowning, drowning victims
• against fire
• against flood
• barrel-makers, coopers
• brewers
• chimney sweeps
• fire prevention
• firefighters
• harvests
• soap-boilers
• Austria
• Poland
• diocese of Chur, Switzerland
• Linz, Austria

Representation

• bearded warrior with a lance and tub
• boy with a millstone
• classical warrior leaning on a millstone, pouring water on a fire
• dead man on a millstone guarded by an eagle
• dead man whose body is being protected by an eagle
• man being beaten
• man on a journey with a hat and staff
• man thrown into a river with a millstone around his neck
• man with a palm in his hand and a burning torch under his feet
• man with a sword
• young man, sometimes in armor, sometimes unarmed, pouring water from a tub on a burning church.

TODAYS REFLECTION 6TH WEEK OF EASTER, WED MAY 4.

TODAYS REFLECTION 6TH WEEK OF EASTER, WED MAY 4. ( Acts 17:15, 22-18:1, Jn 16:12-15 )

#THESPIRITWILLLEADUSTOTHETRUTH#

In the first reading we see that the apostles and Paul witnessed with power for the risen Christ except when he preached at Athens. There, a few believed, others sneered and called him a "magpie" (Acts 17:18), and refused to take him seriously. At Athens, Paul seemed to have lost his power, his anointing from the Spirit. Like Paul, we may see less power in our prayer, ministry, marriage, family, or witnessing. We're at the Athens in our lives. When others don't seem to take our Christian lives seriously. We feel like we are failures. We need the Spirit fanned into flame in our lives (2 Tm 1:6).

In the gospel, Jesus told his disciples that he would send them the Spirit of truth who will guide you into all the truth ..and declare to you the things that are to come (Jn16:13). Jesus knew that his disciples could not fully understand on their own everything he had taught and revealed to them while he was physically present with them. He knew that they would need the ongoing guidance and help of the Holy Spirit after he returned to his Father in heaven.

Friends Jesus has truly opened our lives to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, we can be certain that we cannot bear the Truth. We cannot understand the deep truths of God and we cannot believe them unless the Holy Spirit is alive within us. The Lord Jesus gives each of us his Holy Spirit as our divine Teacher and Helper that we may grow in the knowledge, wisdom, and strength of God. May the Holy Spriit come consume our life. Teach us and guide us into all Truth. WISHING WEDNESDAY BLESSINGS.

TODAYS REFLECTION Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles, TUES MAY 3

TODAYS REFLECTION Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles, TUES MAY 3 ( 1Cor 15:1-8, Jn 14:6-14 )
#EVENINOURWEAKNESSTHELORDCALLSUS#

Friends, the essence of Christianity, and what makes it distinct from Judaism and other religions, is the personal knowledge of God as our Father. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. To see Jesus is to see what God is like. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God, a God who cares intensely and who yearns over men and women, loving them to the point of laying down his life for them upon the Cross. Further Jesus promises that God the Father will hear our prayers when we pray in his name.

In the gospel still, Jesus was discouraged because of the lack of knowledge of him by his apostles, it is possible that we go to Church hear the word of God and still do not know Christ. If the apostles didn't know Him, then how can we know Him? "The way we can be sure of our knowledge of Him is to keep His commandments" (1 Jn 2:3). If we tell ourselves, I have known Him, without keeping His commandments," we are self-deceived (1 Jn 2:4). Consequently, we need to spend more time reading His Word and making it our home (Jn 8:31).

May we imitate Jesus like James and Philip who gave their lives for Christ, holding nothing back. But it took time for them to grow in faith and confidence in Jesus. This is a significant witness for our lives. Jesus saw the weakness of Philip, addressed it, but continued to love him and continued to call him down the path chosen for him. Jesus does the same with each one of us. As the Lord never gave up on them may He give up on you. May Saints Philip and James pray for us.

SAINTS OF THE DAY MAY 3 ( SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES ) PRAY FOR US.

Saint Philip the Apostle

Additional Memorials

• 3 May (Roman calendar; Evangelical Church in Germany)
• 1 May (Anglican; Evangelical Lutheran; Lutheran Church Missouri Synod; pre-1955 Roman calendar)
• 11 October (Lutheran; Episcopal Church USA)
• 14 November (Greek calendar; Orthodox; Russia)
• 17 November (Armenian Church)
• 18 November (Coptic Church)
• 31 July (translation of relics of Cyprus)

Profile

Disciple of Saint John the Baptist. Convert. One of the Twelve Apostle. Brought Saint Nathanael to Christ. Confidant of Jesus. Little is known about him, but scriptural episodes give the impression of a shy, naive, but practical individual. Preached in Greece and Asia Minor. Martyr.

Born

at Bethsaida, Palestine

Died

stoned to death while tied to a cross c.80 at Hierapolis, Phrygia (near modern Pamukkale, Turkey)

Patronage

• hat makers, hatters, milliners
• pastry chefs
• Luxembourg
• Uruguay
• 37 cities

Representation

• elderly bearded man holding a basket of loaves and a cross which is often t-shaped
• elderly man casting a devil from the idol of Mars
• elderly man crucified on a tall cross
• elderly man holding loaves and fishes
• elderly man with a dragon nearby
• elderly man with a loaf and book
• elderly man with a snake nearby
• loaves of bread
• man baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch
• man holding a book or scroll reading descendit ad inferna
• tall cross
• with Saint Andrew the Apostle.

Saint James the Lesser

Also known as

• Jacobus Minor
• James the Just
• James the Less
• James the Younger
• James, son of Alphaeus
• James, the brother of the Lord

Additional Memorials

• 1 May (under the title James, son of Alpheus; Anglican)
• 9 October (Orthodox as James, son of Alpheus)
• 23 October (Luther Church in America as James the Just; Orthodox as James the Righeous)
• 26 December (Eastern Orthodox)

Profile

Cousin of Jesus. Brother of Saint Jude Thaddeus. Raised is a Jewish home of the time with all the training in Scripture and Law that was part of that life. Convert. One of the Twelve Apostles. One of the first to have visions of the risen Christ. First Bishop of Jerusalem. Met with Saint Paul the Apostle to work out Paul's plans for evangelization. Supported the position that Gentile converts did not have to obey all Jewish religious law, though he continued to observe it himself as part of his heritage, may have been a vegetarian. A just and apostolic man known for his prayer life and devotion to the poor. Martyr.

Having been beaten to death, a club almost immediately became his symbol. This led to his patronage of fullers and pharmacists, both of whom use clubs in their professions. He is reported to have spent so much time in prayer that his knees thickened, and looked like a camel's. Soon after the Crucifixion, James said he would fast until Christ returned; the resurrected Jesus appeared to him, and fixed a meal for James Himself.

Died

c.62 at Jerusalem by being thrown from a pinnacle of the Temple, then stoned and beaten with clubs, including fuller's mallets, while praying for his attackers

Patronage

• dying people
• apothecaries, druggists, pharmacists
• fullers
• hatmakers, hatters, milliners
• Uruguay
• 8 cities in Italy

Representation

• fuller's club
• man holding a book
• square rule.

TODAYS REFLECTION Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, 6TH WEEK OF EASTER MON MAY 2

TODAYS REFLECTION Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, 6TH WEEK OF EASTER MON MAY 2 ( Acts 16:11-15, Jn 15:26-16:4a )

#THESPIRITSTRENGHTENSUSINFAITHANDCOURAGE#

Friends in todays gospel Jesus offers his disciples the best and truest of friends. Who is this promised friend? He is the HOLY SPIRIT. HE is our Advocate and Helper who guides and strengthens us and brings us safely through the challenges and adversities we must face in this life. the Holy Spirit is inseparably one with the Father and the Son. It is the Holy Spirit who gives life, the very life of God and who makes faith come alive in hearts and minds of people who are receptive to God's word.

Furthermore, Jesus warned his disciples that they could expect persecution just as He was opposed and treated with hostility. He prepared His disciples for their heavy cross of persecution by the religious leaders by letting them know that they would be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to give witness and testimony to Him. The Spirit gives us courage and perseverance when we meet adversities and challenges.

Beloved, we must realize that being a Christian means persecution. We see this persecution in our world today through various terrorist attacks upon Christians. Some see it also, at times, within the "Domestic Church," the family, when they experience ridicule and harsh treatment for trying to live out their faith. And, sadly, it's even found within the Church itself when we see fighting, anger, disagreement and judgment. Lets us stand firm in faith against all these.

May the lord teach us to love those who hate us, and to pray for those who despitefully use us. Wishing you God's choicest blessings in this New month. May Mary our Mother whom we honour in this month INTERCEDE ALWAYS FOR US.

SAINT OF THE DAY MAY 2 ( Saint Athanasius of Alexandria )

Saint Athanasius of Alexandria

Also known as

• Athanasius of Egypt
• Athanasius the Great
• Champion of Christ's Divinity
• Champion of Orthodoxy
• Father of Orthodoxy
• Greek Doctor of the Church
• Holy Hierarch
• Pillar of the Church

Profile

Studied the classics and theology in Alexandria, Egypt. Deacon, secretary, and student of bishop Alexander of Alexandria. Attended the Council of Nicea in 325 where he fought for the defeat of Arianism and acceptance of the divinity of Jesus. Formulated the doctrine of homo-ousianism which says that Christ is the same substance as the Father; Arianism taught that Christ was different from and a creation of the Father, a creature and not part of God. Bishop of Alexandria c.328; he served for 46 years. When the dispute over Arianism spilled over from theology to politics, Athanasius got exiled five times, spending more than a third of his episcopate in exile. Biographer of Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint Potamon of Heraclea. Confessor of the faith and Doctor of the Church, he fought for the acceptance of the Nicene Creed.

Born

c.295 at Alexandria, Egypt

Died

• 2 May 373 at Alexandria, Egypt of natural causes
• relics in San Croce, Venice, Italy

Representation

• bishop arguing with a pagan
• bishop holding an open book
• bishop standing over a defeated heretic

Readings

For the Son of God became man so that we might become God. - Saint Athanasius

Brethren, how fine a thing it is to move from festival to festival, from prayer to prayer, from holy day to holy day. The time is now at hand when we enter on a new beginning: the proclamation of the blessed Passover, in which the Lord was sacrificed. We feed as on the food of life, we constantly refresh our souls with his precious blood, as from a fountain. Yet we are always thirsting, burning to be satisfied. But he himself is present for those who thirst and in his goodness invites them to the feast day. Our Savior repeats his words: If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He quenched the thirst not only of those who came to him then. Whenever anyone seeks him he is freely admitted to the presence of the Savior. The grace of the feast is not restricted to one occasion. Its rays of glory never set. It is always at hand to enlighten the mind of those who desire it. Its power is always there for those whose minds have been enlightened and who meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures, like the one who is called blessed in the holy psalm: Blessed is the man who has not followed the counsel of the wicked, or stood where sinners stand, or sat in the seat of the scornful, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Moreover, my friends, the God who first established this feast for us allows us to celebrate it each year. He who gave up his Son to death for our salvation, from the same motive gives us this feast, which is commemorated every year. This feast guides us through the trials that meet us in this world. God now gives us the joy of salvation that shines out from this feast, as he brings us together to form one assembly, uniting us all in spirit in every place, allowing us to pray together and to offer common thanksgiving, as is our duty on the feast. Such is the wonder of his love: he gathers to this feast those who are far apart, and brings together in unity of faith those who may be physically separated from each other. - from an Easter letter by Saint Athanasius

The Word who became all things for us is close to us, our Lord Jesus Christ who promises to remain with us always. He cries out, saying: See, I am with you all the days of this age. He is himself the shepherd, the high priest, the way and the door, and has become all things at once for us. In the same way, he has come among us as our feast and holy day as well. The blessed Apostle says of him who was awaited: Christ has been sacrificed as our Passover. It was Christ who shed his light on the psalmist as he prayed: You are my joy, deliver me from those surrounding me. True joy, genuine festival, means the casting out of wickedness. To achieve this one must live a life of perfect goodness and, in the serenity of the fear of God, practice contemplation in one's heart. This was the way of the saints, who in their lifetime and at every stage of life rejoiced as at a feast. Blessed David, for example, not once but seven times rose at night to win God's favor through prayer. The great Moses was full of joy as he sang God's praises in hymns of victory for the defeat of Pharaoh and the oppressors of the Hebrew people. Others had hearts filled always with gladness as they performed their sacred duty of worship, like the great Samuel and the blessed Elijah. Because of their holy lives they gained freedom, and now keep festival in heaven. They rejoice after their pilgrimage in shadows, and now distinguish the reality from the promise. When we celebrate the feast in our own day, what path are we to take? As we draw near to this feast, who is to be Our guide? Beloved, it must be none other than the one whom you will address with me as our Lord Jesus Christ. He says: I am the way. As blessed John tells us: it is Christ who takes away the sin of the world. It is he who purifies our souls, as the prophet Jeremiah says: Stand upon the ways; look and see which is the good path, and you will find in it the way of amendment for your souls. In former times the blood of goats and the ashes of a calf were sprinkled on those who were unclean, but they were able to purify only the body. Now through the grace of God's Word everyone is made abundantly clean. If we follow Christ closely we shall be allowed, even on this earth, to stand as it were on the threshold of the heavenly Jerusalem, and enjoy the contemplation of that everlasting feast, like the blessed apostles, who in following the Savior as their leader, showed, and still show, the way to obtain the same gift from God. They said: See, we have left all things and followed you. We too follow the Lord, and we keep his feast by deeds rather than by words. - from an Easter letter by Saint Athanasius

You will not see anyone who is really striving after his advancement who is not given to spiritual reading. And as to him who neglects it, the fact will soon be observed by his progress. - Saint Athanasius

The Word of God, incorporeal, incorruptible, and immaterial, entered our world. Out of his loving-kindness for us he came to us, and we see this in the way he revealed himself openly to us. Taking pity on mankind's weakness, and moved by our corruption, he could not stand aside and see death have the mastery over us. He did not want creation to perish and his Father's work in fashioning man to be in vain. He therefore took to himself a body, no different from our own, for he did not wish simply to be in a body or only to be seen. By dying for others, he immediately banished death for all mankind. The corruption of death no longer holds any power over mankind, thanks to the Word, who has come to dwell among us through his one body. - from a talk by Saint Athanaius

Mary, Mother of Grace, it becomes you to be mindful of us, as you stand near him who granted you all graces, for you are the Mother of God and our Queen. Help us for the sake of the King, the Lord God and Master who was born of you. For this reason, you are called full of grace. Remember us, most holy Virgin, and bestow on us gifts from the riches of your graces, Virgin full of graces. - Saint Athanasius.