Serving Jesus

“When we serve the poor and the sick we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus.” ~St. Rose of Lima

Asceticism

“So what is the point of this Lenten journey? Just this: We need to find out for ourselves what we believe and how strongly we believe. That is where asceticism […] comes in. Asceticism is any act of sacrifice. We give up some real good in this world as a way of saying and showing that we believe in a better world to come (even on this side of the grave).” ~Fr. Terrance Klein

Living a Virtuous Life

“One should not say that it is impossible to reach a virtuous life; but one should say that it is not easy. Nor do those who have reached it find it easy to maintain.” ~St. Anthony of the Desert

2nd Sunday of Lent

God our Father, you bid us listen to your Son, the well beloved. Nourish our hearts on your word, purify the eyes of our mind, and fill us with joy at the vision of your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

February 23: Saint Polycarp, martyr

“Eighty and six years have I served Christ, nor has He ever done me any harm. How, then, could I blaspheme my King who saved Me?….I bless Thee for deigning me worthy of this day and this hour that I may be among Thy martyrs and drink the cup of my Lord Jesus Christ.”

Saint Polycarp, pray for us.

February 22: Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter

Almighty God, as you built your Church on the rock of Peter’s faith, grant that with such a firm foundation we may hold fast in every storm. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Feb 21: St. Peter Damian

“Do not be depressed. Do not let your weakness make you impatient. Instead, let the serenity of your spirit shine through your face. Let the joy of your mind burst forth.” ~St. Peter Damian
St. Peter Damian, pray for us.

Forgive Us Our Trespasses

“Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day, every hour increasingly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family.” ~Fr. Henri J.M. Nouwen

Flame of God

Flame of God
From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.
 
From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified)
From all that dims Thy Calvary
O Lamb of God, deliver me.
 
Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire;
Let me not sink to be a clod;
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.
 
~Amy Carmichael

The Voice of the Heart

“When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than the proceedings from the mouth.” ~St. Bonaventure