Octave of the Epiphany (The Baptism of our Lord)
by VP
Posted on Tuesday January 13, 2026 at 12:00AM in Meditations
Baptism of Jesus by Tissot
" Consider first, how St. John the Baptist, being sent as a fore-runner of our Lord, to prepare the people for Him, by preaching to them penance, and a thorough conversion from their sins; when a multitude of publicans and other sinners resorted to him, and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins, and receiving from him the rules of a new life: our Lord Jesus also came among them, as if He had been one of their number, and stood in need of that baptism of penance for the remission of sins, and desired to be baptized by him. Admire the humility of this Lamb of God, who came to take away the sins of the world, and yet here associates Himself with sinners, and is willing to pass for one of them. The Baptist was astonished at it, and refused to baptize him, saying: I ought to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me? But Jesus insisted upon his doing it: for so it becometh us, said he, to fulfill all justice, (Matt. iii. 14, 15.) that is, to exercise, and to give examples of all virtues; amongst which, humility is the foundation which sustains all the rest. O give us thy grace, dear Lord, that we also may fulfill all justice, by the imitation of thy humility.
Consider 2dly, how our Lord Jesus, having thus humbled himself, to fulfill all justice, was presently exalted by His heavenly Father; when being baptized and praying, heaven was opened: and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven: "Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased", (Luke ii. 21, 22). Learn from hence, my soul, that humility opens heaven, and conducts us to God, and to all good. But see, also, how upon this occasion of the baptism of Christ, the chief mysteries of religion are displayed: see how the whole Blessed Trinity manifests itself; the Father by His voice from heaven; the Son in His human nature, assumed for us; and the Holy Ghost by descending in the shape of a dove. See how the mission, and the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ, is here solemnly authorized, with a formal declaration of the dignity of His person, and of His unction and consecration by the Spirit of God: see how the Son of God, descending into the waters, sanctifies them, in order to those great effects of regeneration and renovation of the soul, in the laver of baptism: see how He buries, as it were, the old Adam here, under the waters, and brings Him forth a new man; opening Heaven in His favor, and imparting to Him both His Holy Spirit, and the title and dignity of Son of God. O let us venerate these heavenly mysteries! Let us here embrace our humble Savior, the source of all our good.
Consider 3dly, how our Lord began the functions of His mission, and the preaching of His Gospel, from this time of His being baptized; and His being here solemnly recommended to the world; not only by the repeated testimonies of St. John Baptist, but by the voice of His Heavenly Father, and by the visible descent of the Holy Ghost. But first, for our instruction, He was pleased, by way of preparation, to withdraw Himself from the conversation of men, into a lonesome wilderness, and there to employ forty days in fasting and prayer; at the end of which time He suffered three different assaults of temptation from Satan; and after overcoming this wicked enemy, was visited and served by Angels. Christians, let us learn from this great example, in all our spiritual undertakings, to seek first the assistance and blessing of Heaven, by retirement, fasting, and prayer: let us learn, that these same are also the best arms against all the temptations of the enemy: that we are not to expect, how much soever we are retired from the world, to live without temptations, since Christ Himself was tempted, and tempted in the desert; but that we must, by His example, fight and overcome; and that this is the way to heavenly comforts here, and to an immortal crown hereafter.
Conclude to keep as close as thou can to the Lord Jesus, in every step He takes, and to have thy eye always upon Him; that thou mayest copy out His virtues in thy life." Considerations upon Christian Truths and Christian Duties, Bishop Challoner
The New-born Child
by VP
Posted on Friday December 26, 2025 at 12:00AM in Meditations
Jean-Baptiste Marie Pierre
(1714–1789) 
"In the cradle before us lies the new-born
Infant wrapped in swaddling-clothes and laid in the manger. Let us
contemplate Him for a few moments and see what lessons He teaches us.
1.
He teaches us the unspeakable force of divine charity. How was it
possible for the Eternal Word, the co-equal Son of God, to leave the
bosom of His Father to clothe Himself with the flesh of sinful man? It
seems an almost extravagant act of love, one unworthy of the dignity of
God. Yet love puts everything aside except the burning desire to promote
the welfare of the loved. The Son of God forgot all else in His divine
compassion for us. How dearly He must love us ! How great should be our
confidence in His love!
2. He teaches us never to judge by
appearances. If we had been told that God had come to dwell on earth,
would not the stable of Bethlehem have been the last place where we
should have sought Him. In how many a humble cottage there may still be
found saints more dear to God than even those who have a world wide
repute for their holiness and virtue !
3. He teaches us the true
dignity of self-abasement. God could not do anything unworthy of
Himself when clad in human flesh. It therefore was no disparagement to
the divine honor that He should thus infinitely condescend. Nay, it
proved that the greatest possible likeness to God is attained by the
most complete humiliation of self. How little I have learned to practice
this lesson ! "
Meditations for Christmas . By Rev. Richard F. Clarke S.J. The Catholic Truth Society, London 1891
The Shepherds, in receiving the Angel’s tidings, were a figure of watchful priests
by VP
Posted on Thursday December 25, 2025 at 12:00AM in Meditations
I. They Were The First To Be Called.
II. They Were The First To Be Enlightened.
III. They Were The First To Be Comforted.
"And there were in the same country, shepherds watching, and
keeping the night-watches over their flock. And behold an Angel of the
Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them,
and they feared with a great fear: and the Angel said to them: Fear
not."—St. Luke ii. 8, 9, 10.
1. And behold an Angel of the Lord stood by them.
The shepherds who kept watch over their flocks by night, were a figure
of Priests, who, as St. Ambrose says, in the night time of this present
life sleep not, but watch in order to guard the souls committed to their
care from the assaults of their spiritual enemies; and it was fitting,
as St. Ambrose says further, "that shepherds should be found watching,
and that they should be the first to receive the Heavenly Tidings, that
He, the Good Shepherd, the Pattern of Shepherds, was born." Therefore
all Priests who teach or direct souls, should remember that they
especially are called upon to adore the new-born Child. Venerable Bede
says, "Mystically speaking, they signify the pastors of the flock,
teachers also, and rulers of faithful souls." Let us then be the first
at the manger; let us contemplate this great mystery; let us be the
first to attract the glance of the Divine Child, and let us melt into
tears of tenderness, love, and compunction. He says to us: Come, make
haste, and buy of Me without price, at the expense of only asking, the
wine of strength, and the milk of consolation: "Come, make haste, buy
wine and milk . . . without any price" (Isa. lv. 1). "Come, eat My
Flesh, and drink My Blood; this is your food, this is your drink, and
therefore am I born in Bethlehem," that is, in " the House of Bread."
"Come eat My bread, and drink the wine which I have mingled for you"
(Prov. ix. 5). Come, you who are afflicted with misery, oppressed by the
weight of your ministry. "Come to me all you that labor, and are
burdened, and I will refresh you" (St. Matt. xi. 28). Let us go, then;
"let us go over to Bethlehem," let us imitate the shepherds, who came
with haste, and let us be the first to offer tribute to the new-born
Monarch; for the princes of the people ought to go before the people in
their acts of homage.
2. And the brightness of God shone round about them.
The light which shone round about the shepherds is an image of the
divine light with which worthy ministers of God are invested; and, as
St. Gregory says, the greater their vigilance for the salvation of
souls, the greater will be the light of grace which enlightens them; and
the more solicitous they are for the welfare of their flocks, so much
the more will they merit to understand divine truths better than others.
God, who predestined us to the priesthood, Who enlightened us with His
heavenly light from our earliest years, and gave us a clearer knowledge
of His Son than He gave to the rest of the Faithful: "He hath shined in
our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in
the face of Christ Jesus" (2 Cor. iv. 6). When we studied Dogmatic
Theology, we learned the treatise, De Incarnatione, in order that the
sublime teaching of this great mystery might be impressed on our minds;
we have often instructed the ignorant in it, we have confuted
unbelievers, we have defended its truth. One step more remains for us to
take, and it is this; to nourish our minds and hearts with the Faith
and sound doctrine, by imploring the descent of the divine light into
our souls, and so shall we be "good ministers of Christ Jesus" (1 Tim.
iv. 6). Therefore let us hasten to adore the Divine Child; let us study
Him, the pattern of humility, patience, and every virtue; let us say to
Him, with St. Bernard: "The meaner Thou makest Thyself for me, the
dearer Thou art to me." Let Thy grace be made manifest in us, bestow on
us abundance of light, for Thou hast "destroyed death, and brought to
light life and incorruption by the gospel" (2 Tim. i. 10).
3. Fear not. The Angel took away all fear from
the hearts of the shepherds; much more will Jesus Christ take away all
fear from the hearts of His Priests. He says to them now from the
manger, by His infant cries, what, on another occasion, He said in
words: "It is I, fear ye not" (St. Matt. xiv. 27). I am Who am, and you
are My ministers; whom should you fear? I am come, not to give you the
spirit of fear, which was in the Old Law, but the spirit "of power, and
of love, and of sobriety" (2 Tim. i. 7). Preach My Gospel without shame,
without weariness, without diffidence: "be not ashamed of the testimony
of Our Lord . . . but labor with the gospel according to the power of
God" (2 Tim. i. 8). Three times to-day you will offer the mighty
Sacrifice which is the source of all strength, which, as Holy Church
declares, was the support of the martyrs amidst their torments; three
times to-day you will eat My Flesh and drink My Blood, so that in the
strength of that food you may walk, even to "the Mount of God" (3 Kings
xix. 8). And we will answer Him: Jesus, be Thou my strength: come to me,
come to my soul, live in me; or, with St. Ambrose, we may say, For
otherwise what would Thy coming into the world profit me 1
"Say
to my soul, I am thy Salvation."—Ps. xxxiv. 3. "The Lord is my
strength, and my praise, and He is become my salvation." —ha. xii. 2.
Vigil of the Nativity of our Lord
by VP
Posted on Wednesday December 24, 2025 at 12:00AM in Meditations
"THIS day is a preparation for one of the greatest festivals of the year, a festival of infinite mercy and goodness. On the effects of this mercy depends your eternal good: prepare then for it in the best manner you are able; join contrition with your fasting, and a most profound humiliation of spirit. Confess your manifold weakness and unworthiness: He that comes to be your physician will be pleased with the sincere acknowledgment of your infirmities.
This vigil has been kept from the time of the apostles; and in the primitive ages with such exactness, that a neglect of it was reputed criminal.
St. Augustin removed a priest from amongst his clergy, for being wanting in the observance of it, and for breaking his fast. St. Gregory of Tours gives particular instances of God's displeasure against some who had little regard to it. It cannot be questioned that there is great abuse in the disorderly conduct of those who, after assisting at the Holy Sacrifice, hasten from the altar to their entertainments, which are unbecoming at this holy time, and too often profaning it by irreverence and intemperance. Avoid all these abuses: and if necessity obliges you to take any refreshment, let it be with great moderation, without noise or conversation, that your soul may not be disturbed, but be at full liberty to entertain your Lord, and acknowledge all his mercies.
Beg of your Saviour that the mercy of this night may be extended to you, and help you so powerfully in overcoming all the corruption that is yet within you, that having in Him so plentiful a redemption, you may not be lost by any neglect of yours. Appeal to Him under all the infirmities, to which you are subject. Represent to Him all the dangers you meet in the way of salvation.
He comes to be your Saviour; beseech Him then to be a Saviour to you,
and give you all that grace, which He sees necessary for you." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
"He who believes shall be saved: he who believes not shall be condemned."
by VP
Posted on Sunday December 21, 2025 at 02:00AM in Meditations
"My Lord and My God".
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rocky Mount NC
"Thomas, now returned to Jerusalem, was the only one who refused to believe so many witnesses. "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails," he said, "and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side. I will not believe." Therefore, the eighth days after Easter, the Apostles, and this time Thomas with them, being gathered together in the upper chamber for prayer, and the doors being closed, Jesus stood suddenly in the midst of them, and turning to Thomas, He said, "Put in thy finger hither, and see My hands, and bring hither thy hand, and put it into My side, and be not faithless, but believing." The Apostle, now convinced, fell on his knees, exclaiming, in faith and repentance, "My Lord and my God!" Then, in tones of reproof, Jesus answered him, "Because thou hast see Me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed."
This, then, is the last link in the chain of evidence which attests the resurrection of our Lord, and it was, as St. Gregory remarks, for the confirmation of our faith that God permitted such marvelous unbelief. Could those who might refuse to believe the Apostles possibly refuse to accept the testimony of St. Thomas? Therefore Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man, died upon the cross to expiate our sins and truly rose from the dead by His own power; therefore the Christian faith is divine and absolutely certain: therefore the Catholic Church, which brings to us this faith, is the mother of our souls and harbor of salvation.
Let us have more faith than Thomas, let us believe without seeing, the truth affirmed by the Gospel, by the holy Apostles and martyrs; let us believe, love, and adore our risen Lord.
"He who believes shall be saved: he who believes not shall be condemned."
Source: The Light of the Cross in the Twentieth Century, by the Paulist Father Volume 3, 1905
The Golden Rose
by VP
Posted on Sunday December 14, 2025 at 12:00AM in Meditations
"The lights of hope and joy, the shadows of despondency and sorrow are ever flitting over the surface of human life, teaching the heart the solemn lesson of detachment from earth and giving it glimpses of heaven, that city of perpetual brightness whose "light is the Lamb," the uncreated splendor of the Father. We need this succession of light and shade; continual prosperity would make us love the world, and we would forget that the days of our pilgrimage are few and evil, whilst lasting adversity would deaden the elasticity of the heart and drive it to despair. The Church knows the requirements of our nature in this respect and provides for them. The penitential seasons of Advent and Lent are succeeded by the joys of Christmas and the glories of Easter. The sorrows of Holy Week are interrupted by the Gloria of Holy Thursday, and then again the last notes of the Angelic Hymn die away in the wail of the Miserere of Tenebrae and the Improperia of Good Friday.
Advent has its Gaudete Sunday,
when the Church bids her children rejoice in the Lord always, because
He is near, because He is soon to be manifested to the world as the Babe
of Bethlehem; so too on the fourth Sunday of Lent a cry of joy resounds
through the office, Rejoice O! Jerusalem! Rejoice thou barren that
bearest not. The time for the reconciliation of the penitents is
approaching; the children that were dead in sin will come to life and be
restored to the arms of their mother, and in anticipation her heart
beats high with gladness. Then her eye turns to Palestine, ranges the
dark sky that overhangs the scenes of the Passion and rests on the
horizon just reddening with the first faint streaks of light from the
Easter Sun. Sorrow and penance yield for a moment to the exultation of
triumphant love and from her lisp breaks forth an anthem of gladness
Laetare, Laetare, Rejoice, Rejoice."
The Sacramentals of the Holy Catholic Church; Or, Flowers from the Garden of the Liturgy By Rev. William James BARRY, 1858
Eighth Day: Pain of Helplessness and Desolation
by VP
Posted on Saturday November 08, 2025 at 04:00AM in Meditations
"The souls in Purgatory have entered into the realm of Divine Justice. The penance and satisfaction due for their faults must be made, either by the pain of Purgatory itself, or by the suffrages of the faithful, consisting in prayer, good works and the spiritual treasure of indulgences bestowed upon them; for the suffering souls can no longer merit and are entirely unable to assist themselves. A sick man and a beggar have a tongue to ask for help, and the very sight of their misery will move others to compassion. The suffering souls, however, have no resource but that of patience, resignation and hope. To all their moans there is but one answer, "the night hath come, in which no man can work."
Hence in their extreme desolation and distress, they incessantly cry out to us for relief and assistance. But since they cannot do this in a manner perceptible to us, holy Church does it for them by instituting many touching devotions in their behalf. Can we, then, be cold and heartless towards these souls? "A hard heart will fare evil at the last." Be not, then, indifferent to your own interests."
Prayer: Have mercy, O Lord, upon the suffering souls in Purgatory, in their helplessness and desolation. Comfort them by the prayers and petitions of the just in Heaven and upon earth; shorten the time of their suffering, and reward them with joys eternal. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen
Prayer for Priests in Purgatory: My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine Agony in the Garden, in Thy Scourging and Crowning with thorns, in the Way to Calvary, in Thy Crucifixion and Death, have mercy on the souls of priests in Purgatory, especially those most forgotten and who have no one else to pray for them. I wish to remember all those priests who ministered to me, the priests my heart has never forgotten, and for those that I no longer recall due to my frailty of memory. Do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in Paradise.
Pope Saint Pius X and Saint John Vianney, pray for us and especially for our priests. Amen
Special Intercession: Pray for the most forsaken and helpless souls.
Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (three times)
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
Source: Manual of the Purgatorian Society, Redemptorist Fathers. 1907Third Day: The Doctrine of Purgatory
by VP
Posted on Monday November 03, 2025 at 01:00AM in Meditations
The destiny awaiting us at death is not the same for all men: "He will render to every man according to his works." (Matthew XVI. 27) Heaven, Hell and Purgatory are the three places into which the souls of the departed are received. Heaven is the happy destination of perfectly pure and holy souls only; Hell the final doom of the reprobate; Purgatory, temporarily for the just, who are not, as yet, entirely purified. There God completes the punishment due to their faults, which were not sufficiently atoned for on earth; there He submits these holy souls to the last purgation, to cleanse them from the least stain, and, by fire, to bring them to that degree of perfected purity, which is necessary for them before being admitted to eternal bliss.
Hence there are two classes of souls in Purgatory:
1. Those who depart this life, stained by venial sins and imperfections.
2. Those who have repented, and if possible, confessed their mortal sins without, however, having done sufficient penance for them. Judging from our lives, experience teaches us that most men deserve Purgatory for both causes.
Prayer: Graciously hear, O Lord, the fervent prayers we offer Thee for the suffering souls in Purgatory, who, not being able to satisfy Thy divine justice, confide in Thine infinite mercy and our intercessions. Extend unto them Thy consolations, and redeem them, through Christ, our Lord. AmenPrayer for Priests in Purgatory: My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst
suffer in Thine Agony in the Garden, in Thy Scourging and Crowning with
thorns, in the Way to Calvary, in Thy Crucifixion and Death, have mercy
on the souls of priests in Purgatory, especially those most forgotten
and who have no one else to pray for them. I wish to remember all those
priests who ministered to me, the priests my heart has never forgotten,
and for those that I no longer recall due to my frailty of memory. Do
Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and
admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in Paradise.
Pope Saint Pius X and Saint John Vianney, pray for us and especially for our priests. Amen
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who suffer in Purgatory for little faults.
Lord grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen (Three times)
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
Source: Manual of the Purgatorian Society, Redemptorist Fathers. 1907Nov 1: Prayers for the Holy Souls In Purgatory
by VP
Posted on Saturday November 01, 2025 at 01:00AM in Meditations
"One of the most consoling doctrines of the Catholic Church is that of the Communion of Saints. All, the saints in Heaven, we upon earth, the souls in Purgatory, are members of one great family. By this "bond of perfection" which unites the Suffering and Triumphant Church with the Militant Church upon earth, incorporating them into one body, mutual charity becomes an obligation. This reciprocal love, being the duty of all men, renders it imperative that all should pray for one another, for in this general prayer, offered mutually, Christian charity is most beautifully and eloquently expressed.
From this general obligation we derive the special duty to pray for the suffering souls in Purgatory, who are unable in their extreme distress to do aught for their own relief. It has always been the belief of Holy Church that the faithful, united in the Communion of Saints, can mutually assist each other. As the saints in Heaven pray for us, so must we also offer our petitions for the suffering souls in Purgatory, that God in His goodness and mercy, may mitigate and shorten their punishment, and hasten their entrance into Heaven. It is the doctrine of the Church that the faithful upon earth are really able to relieve the temporal punishment of the holy souls in Purgatory. "In this," says the Roman Catechism, "we must praise the infinite goodness and mercy of God with greatest thankfulness, that He has granted to human weakness the grace that one can make satisfaction for another."
Prayer: O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Who hast said, "Where there are two or three gathered together in My name, there Am I in the midst of them," (Matthew XVIII. 20) look mercifully upon Thy holy Church, who implores Thy clemency in behalf of her suffering members. End their intense pain, and open unto them the portals of the heavenly Jerusalem, that they may praise and bless Thee forever and ever. AmenPrayer for Priests in Purgatory: My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine Agony in the Garden, in Thy Scourging and Crowning with thorns, in the Way to Calvary, in Thy Crucifixion and Death, have mercy on the souls of priests in Purgatory, especially those most forgotten and who have no one else to pray for them. I wish to remember all those priests who ministered to me, the priests my heart has never forgotten, and for those that I no longer recall due to my frailty of memory. Do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in Paradise.
Pope Saint Pius X and Saint John Vianney, pray for us and especially for our priests. Amen
Special Intercession: Pray for those who, during the course of their earthly lives, did most to relieve the souls in Purgatory.
Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (three times)
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
Source: Manual of the Purgatorian Society, Redemptorist Fathers. 1907
Nativity of our Lady: Mary's Sublime Vocation
by VP
Posted on Monday September 08, 2025 at 01:00AM in Meditations
Giotto di Bondone: Scenes from the Birth of Our Lady
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
GIVE God thanks for all the graces and privileges bestowed on the Blessed Virgin. Rejoice in spirit on this day of her birth, and for the approaching mercy of the incarnation, which was then drawing near. While God is liberally pouring forth his graces on her, step in, and beseech him to give you a blessing also. Let his bounty confirm your hope, and make you earnest in your prayers.
Pray in particular for that virtue, of which you are most in want. How far are you from her humility, her purity, charity, and patience? Be not then dull and slothful, when you see your wants, and have encouragement enough to hope for remedy.
The memory of past blessings ought to be a subject of perpetual joy and thanksgiving. Heaven is the place, where these holy affections are to be perfected; but here on earth we are not to be wanting in those exercises, which we hope will be our employment for ever. Bow down therefore, and with a true sense of gratitude, bless and adore the infinite goodness of your God, for the rich present which he made this day to the earth, in the birth of the Blessed Virgin, of whom was to be born the Saviour of the world. Repeat your thanks; and see that the real sentiments of your heart exceed the expressions of your lips. And having sincerely performed this part of your devotion, then turn your thoughts, and see what lessons the present festival affords.
"Mary was born in order to be the Mother of Jesus. : "Of whom was born Jesus." This is the principle of all her privileges, the summing up of all her praises. (...) It is as the Mother of the Redeemer of mankind that she will be the refuge and advocate of sinners. She is the aurora which precedes and ushers in the morning sun. (...) Certain it is that if men had known the blessings which Mary's nativity drew upon them, there would have been throughout the whole world a repetition of that which occurred among the Jews at their having been preserved from death through the meditation of Ester. "A new light seemed to rise, you, honor, dancing in all peoples...wonderful rejoicing." (Est. viii. 16,17). You also, O Priests, were born for a sublime destiny! Accomplish it faithfully, and you shall be the cause of an unspeakable joy for heaven and earth. To give Jesus to the world, and with Jesus to give it all blessings, such is your vocation, and such was the vocation of Mary. This is the reason why the holy Virgin has such a warm affection for good priests and lavishes upon them such truly maternal cares. Source: September 8, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin p444. Meditations for the Use of the Secular Clergy, from the French of Father Chaignon, S.J. Volume 2. 1907
