May 3 Feast of Sts. Philip and James, Apostles
How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature.
-James 3:5-6
Today's Reflection
Have I started "fires" of gossip among my friends and family by failing to control my tongue? I will resolve to consider my words more deeply, for my sake and others'.
May 2 Feast of St. Athanasius (296 - 373)
He who confesses his sins freely receives pardon from the priest by virtue of the grace of Christ.”
-St. Athanasius
Today's Reflection
What most holds me back from confessing my sins “freely” to the priest who hears my confession in the person of Jesus? Am I willing to bring this defect to the sacrament for healing?
May 1 Feast of St. Joseph the Worker
St. Joseph is the best protector to help you in your life, to penetrate the spirit of the Gospel. Indeed, from the Heart of the God-Man, Savior of the world, this spirit is infused in you and in all men, but it is certain that there was no worker's spirit so perfectly and deeply penetrated as the putative father of Jesus, who lived with him in the closest intimacy and community of family and work. So, if you want to be close to Christ, I repeat to you "Ite ad Ioseph": Go to Joseph!
-From an address of Pope Pius XII to Italian Workers
Today's Reflection
How are my labor and my leisure fruitful for my salvation and that of others? What can I do in each to make them more so? How can St. Joseph's example and intercession aid me to do so?
April 30 Feast of St. Pius V (1504 - 1572)
"O Lord, increase my sufferings and my patience."
-Dying words of St. Pius V
Today's Reflection
Do I have the courage pray this prayer? Why or why not? What virtue do I most need to acquire to do so?
April 29
St. Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380)
"Eternal Trinity, Godhead, You could give me no greater gift than the gift of Yourself. For You are a fire ever burning and never consumed, which itself consumes all the selfish love that fills my being. Yes, You are a fire that takes away coldness, illuminates the mind with its light, and causes me to know Your truth. You are beauty and wisdom itself."
-Adapted from a prayer of St. Catherine of Siena
Today's Reflection
Today, I will take a few moments to meditate on this prayer of St. Catherine and see what the Lord speaks to me through it.
April 24
Feast of St. Fidelis, Priest and Martyr
“In addition to this charity, he was faithful in truth as well as in name. His zeal for defending the Catholic faith was unsurpassed and he preached it tirelessly.”
-From a eulogy for St. Fidelis
Today's Reflection
We need more of St. Fidelis in our midst today. Given the circumstances of my life, how can I respond to this need?
April 23
Feast of St. George, Martyr (280-303)
“As for Saint George, he was consumed with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Armed with the invincible standard of the cross, he did battle with an evil king and acquitted himself so well that, in vanquishing the king, he overcame the prince of all wicked spirits, and encouraged other soldiers of Christ to perform brave deeds in his cause.” -From a homily of St. Peter Damien on St. George
Today's Reflection
Could I be called “St. Georgette” today? In what way do I emulate St. George?
When Our Lady appeared outside St. John the Baptist Church in Knock, Ireland on August 21,1879, she uttered not a single word, but the way she chose to appear spoke volumes.
