Category Archives: Saints and Prophets

Show Me the Face of God

St. Theophilus of Antioch wrote a beautiful piece on seeing the face of God.  A few quotes for your reflection. “If you say, ‘ Let me see your God’, I will say to you, ‘ Let me see the man within you, … Continue reading

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Live Without Fear

A couple of months ago, I wrote about my New Year’s resolution to live without fear.  I am finding it easier said than done.  No surprise there, I suppose. I ran across this from St. Padre Pio of Pietrecina today.  It … Continue reading

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Social Justice ala St. John Chrysostom

When we talk about fasting during Lent, how often do we think of social justice as a form of fasting? Take a look at what St. John Chrysostom has to say: “Not to enable the poor to share in our … Continue reading

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Qoheleth and the Works of God

Today’s Office of Readings again is from Qoheleth.  Qoheleth says: “I thought again that whatever God does is immutable; there is nothing to add, nothing to take away.  God works like this so we may have a sense of awe and … Continue reading

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St. Augustine and the Desire of the Heart

In today’s Office of Readings,  St. Augustine comments on the first Letter of John.  He speaks of our task as Christians to desire the vision of our future likeness with the Risen Jesus. My translation from the Italian: “And since … Continue reading

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Quotes for the Day

“Viewed superficially the cross appears as the tree of death, but to the one who views it in depth, the mystery of the cross shines forth as the tree of life because of Him who hung upon it.” — St. … Continue reading

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St. John of Naples

St. John of Naples wrote about the light of Christ, and the confidence it gives us.  One of his sermons fits so nicely with my New Year’s resolve to live without fear and in confidence with the Lord and with … Continue reading

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St. Basil’s Fear

St. Basil the Great, after reflecting on the great gifts of God given to us in Jesus his Son, said: “When I think of all this, I am left terrorized and swallowed up with fear that, because of fickleness of … Continue reading

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Quote of the Day

St. Ignatius of Antioch had this to say in his letter to the Ephesians:  “It is better to be a Christian without saying so than to proclaim you are without living it. It is a good thing to teach, if … Continue reading

Posted in Deacons, Sacraments, Saints and Prophets | 1 Comment

Venerable Fr. Solanus Casey, OFM Cap.

“God’s plans are always for the best, always wonderful.” — Venerable Solanus Casey, OFM Cap. Solanus Casey was a Franciscan who died not so many years ago.  He was a very simple holy man.  He lived most of his younger years not … Continue reading

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St. Anthanasius and Creation

The second reading from the Office of Readings today is taken from St. Anthansius’ “Discourse Against the Pagans”.  There are a couple of catching sentences.  I am translating from the Italian text: “In fact, it is right that creation should be made … Continue reading

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Thoughts About The Death Penalty

Bishop Taylor of Little Rock, about whom I posted several days ago, once said at the funeral Mass of a parishioner who had been executed for murder (I am paraphrasing): “It wasn’t the VIrgin Mary who first entered Heaven; it … Continue reading

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“Let It Be”, as Mary

St. Ambrose wrote something that caught my eye today.  He was reflecting on Mary, Elizabeth, Jesus and John the Baptist in his writing on the Gospel of Luke.  He  wrote that we are to be as was Mary. I quote:  … Continue reading

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John the Voice, Jesus the Word

St. Augustine had some wonderful thoughts about John the Baptist and Jesus.  (My translation from the Italian.) “John is the voice.  However, we say of the Lord: ‘In the beginning was the Word’ (John 1,1).   John is the voice … Continue reading

Posted in General Interest, Saints and Prophets | 1 Comment

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

The following is from Saint Anselm’s Discourses: “God created every creature and Mary gave birth to God;  God, who had created everything made himself a creature of Mary, and recreated thus all that he had created.  And while he had … Continue reading

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