Showing all posts by Elija

In Biblical Meditations

MEMORIAL OF SAINT BLAISE: “Consolations and tribulations under the gaze of the Father”

Author ElijaPosted on

Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint Blaise, bishop of Sebaste in Armenia, who performed great miracles and suffered martyrdom in the year 316. In his honor, we will hear the reading from the second Mass for a martyr and bishop in the traditional rite.

2 Cor 1:3–7

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

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In 3 Minutes for God the Father

GLORIFYING GOD THROUGH EVANGELIZATION

Author ElijaPosted on

“How I wish that men would listen to my Son and thus glorify the Father who is in heaven!” (Interior word)

We are in this world to serve our Father and glorify Him by following His Son. For this deeper meaning of human existence to become a reality, the Gospel must be proclaimed with authority. Indeed, how could people come to know their Father in heaven during their earthly life if not through the one who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6)?

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In Biblical Meditations

A light of revelation for the gentiles and glory for your people Israel

Author ElijaPosted on

Lk 2:22-40

And when the day came for them to be purified in keeping with the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord- observing what is written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord- and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is prescribed in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to the restoration of Israel and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

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In 3 Minutes for God the Father

LONGING FOR LOVE

Author ElijaPosted on

“Even if our heart lacks love, it longs for love” (St. Francis de Sales).

St. Francis de Sales was a very sensitive spiritual guide who always knew how to encourage a soul and build on the good he found in it, especially when it was in darkness. Thus, today’s phrase can also serve as a consolation and speak to us in the midst of our inner darkness, when we feel incapable of loving and our heart seems closed in on itself.

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In 3 Minutes for God the Father

THE GOLDEN KEY TO THE FATHER’S HEART

Author ElijaPosted on

“Give yourself to God without reserve. He is a Father, and a most loving Father, who would rather allow heaven and earth to collapse than abandon anyone who has placed their trust in Him” (St. Paul of the Cross).

Both through the saints and in His own words, the Lord invites us again and again to trust Him without reserve. It is the golden key that opens the heart of our Father, who values our trust so much—even if it is only a small flame or a mere spark—that He could never ignore it.

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In Reflexion

The letters of Saint Ignatius

Author ElijaPosted on

In the traditional calendar, today is the feast of St Ignatius of Antioch. If anyone prefers a meditation based on the current calendar, it can be found at the link below.

According to Church tradition, St Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of the Apostles Peter and John. He was later appointed Bishop of Antioch, the capital of Syria. He died a martyr’s death and was venerated as a saint in the Church from the earliest times. He always called himself Theophorus (θεοφόρος), which means “God-bearer”.

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In Biblical Meditations

Don Bosco and trust

Author ElijaPosted on

Phil 4:4–9

Reading for the Memorial of St. John Bosco

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

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In 3 Minutes for God the Father

MASTER OF YOURSELF

Author ElijaPosted on

“Remain steadfast in yourself! No enemy, whether internal or external, can defeat you if you are master of yourself” (St. Bonaventure).

We could also paraphrase St. Bonaventure as follows: “Keep your inner house in order so that everything is centered on God and in harmony with His will. Then, no matter what happens, we can retreat to that inner refuge of peace and remain there.”

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In Reflexion

Saint Martina of Rome

Author ElijaPosted on

Today we celebrate once again one of the holy virgins who suffered martyrdom at the beginning of the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire, thus becoming seeds for the growth of the Kingdom of God. It is admirable to see with what faith and determination these young women remained faithful to the Lord, unbowed. Not only should we remember them and imitate their example, but we can concretely ask them to help us to remain faithful to the Lord when we ourselves suffer slander and persecution.

Time and again in my meditations and conferences I have said that I believe our faith today is threatened both from without and from within. Certainly it has been threatened in every age, but we cannot overlook the fact that we are now in a time when the truth of our faith is under attack globally (though with varying intensity depending on the region). This can easily lead to a situation of persecution.

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