Meditation Seven – Of Hell.

Published on: May 20, 2025 by KOFPB

Meditation Seven – Of Hell.

Preparation.

PLACE yourself in God’s Presence.
Humble yourself, and ask His Aid.
Picture to yourself a dark city, reeking with the flames of sulphur and brimstone, inhabited by citizens who cannot get forth.

Considerations.

Even so the lost are plunged in their infernal abyss; —suffering indescribable torture in every sense and every member; and that because having used their members and senses for sin, it is just that through them they should suffer now. Those eyes which delighted in impure vicious sights, now behold devils; the ears which took pleasure in unholy words, now are deafened with yells of despair; —and so on with the other senses.
Beyond all these sufferings, there is one greater still, the privation and pain of loss of God’s Glory, which is for ever denied to their vision. If Absalom cared not to be released from exile, if he might not see his father David’s face (2 Kings 14:32), how much sorer will it be to be deprived for ever of the blessed vision of God?
Consider how insupportable the pains of Hell will be by reason of their eternal duration. If the irritating bite of an insect, or the restlessness of fever, makes an ordinary night seem so long and tedious, how terrible will the endless night of eternity be, where nought will be found save despair, blasphemy and fury!

Affections and Resolutions.

Read the Prophet’s descriptions of the terrors of the Lord (Is. 33:14), and ask your soul whether it can face them—whether you can bear to lose your God for ever?
Confess that you have repeatedly deserved to do so. Resolve henceforth to act differently, and to rescue yourself from this abyss. Resolve on distinct definite acts by which you may avoid sin, and thereby eternal death. Give thanks, offer yourself, pray.

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ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

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Meditation Six – On Judgement.

Published on: May 20, 2025 by KOFPB

Meditation Six – On Judgement.

Preparation.

PLACE yourself in the Presence of God.
Intreat Him to inspire you.

Considerations.

When the time comes which God has appointed for the end of this world, and after many terrible signs and warnings, which will overwhelm men with fear, —the whole earth will be destroyed, and nothing then left.
Afterwards, all men, save those already risen, shall rise from the dead, and at the voice of the Archangel appear in the valley of Jehoshaphat. But alas, with what divers’ aspects! for some will be glorious and shining, others horrible and ghastly.
Consider the majesty with which the Sovereign Judge will appear surrounded by all His Saints and Angels; His Cross, the Sign of Grace to the good and of terror to the evil, shining brighter than the sun. 4. This Sovereign Judge will with His awful word, instantly fulfilled, separate the evil and the good, setting the one on His Right Hand, the other on His Left—an eternal separation, for they will never meet again.
This separation made, the books of conscience will be opened, and all men will behold the malice of the wicked, and how they have contemned God; as also the penitence of the good, and the results of the grace they received. Nothing will be hidden. O my God, what confusion to the one, what rejoicing to the other! Consider the final sentence of the wicked. “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Dwell upon these awful words. “Go,” He says—for ever discarding these wretched sinners, banishing them for ever from His Presence. He calls them “cursed:” O my soul, what a curse: a curse involving all other maledictions, all possible evil, an irrevocable curse, including all time and eternity; condemning them to everlasting fire. Think what that eternity of suffering implies.
Then consider the sentence of the good. “Come,” the Judge says—O blessed loving word with which God draws us to Himself and receives us in His Bosom. “Blessed of My Father”—O blessing above all blessings! “inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.” O my God, and that Kingdom will know no end!

Affections and Resolutions.

Tremble, my soul, at the thought. O God, who will be my stay in that hour when the pillars of the earth are shaken?
Abhor your sins, which alone can cause you to be lost when that fearful day comes. Surely, I will judge myself now, that I be not judged; —I will examine my conscience, accuse, condemn, punish myself, that the Judge may not condemn me then. I will confess my faults, and follow the counsels given me.

Conclusion.

Thank God for having given you means of safety in that terrible Day, and time for repentance. Offer Him your heart, and ask for grace to use it well. OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY. Gather your bouquet.

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Meditation Five – Of Death.

Published on: May 20, 2025May 20, 2025 by KOFPB

Meditation Five – Of Death.

Preparation.

PLACE yourself in the Presence of God.
Ask His Grace.
Suppose yourself to be on your deathbed, in the last extremity, without the smallest hope of recovery.

Considerations.

Consider the uncertainty as to the day of your death. One day your soul will quit this body—will it be in summer or winter? in town or country? by day or by night? will it be suddenly or with warning? will it be owing to sickness or an accident? will you have time to make your last confession or not? will your confessor or spiritual father be at hand or will he not? Alas, of all these things we know absolutely nothing: all that we do know is that die we shall, and for the most part sooner than we expect.
Consider that then the world is at end as far as you are concerned, there will be no more of it for you, it will be altogether overthrown for you, since all pleasures, vanities, worldly joys, empty delights will be as a mere fantastic vision to you. Woe is me, for what mere trifles and unrealities I have ventured to offend my God? Then you will see that what we preferred to Him was nought. But, on the other hand, all devotion and good works will then seem so precious and so sweet: —Why did I not tread that pleasant path? Then what you thought to be little sins will look like huge mountains, and your devotion will seem but a very little thing.
Consider the universal farewell which your soul will take of this world. It will say farewell to riches, pleasures, and idle companions; to amusements and pastimes, to friends and neighbours, to husband, wife and child, in short to all creation. And lastly it will say farewell to its own body, which it will leave pale and cold, to become repulsive in decay.
Consider how the survivors will hasten to put that body away, and hide it beneath the earth—and then the world will scarce give you another thought, or remember you, any more than you have done to those already gone. “God rest his soul!” men will say, and that is all. O death, how pitiless, how hard thou art!
Consider that when it quits the body the soul must go at once to the right hand or the left. To which will your soul go? what side will it take? none other, be sure, than that to which it had voluntarily drawn while yet in this world.

Affections and Resolutions.

Pray to God, and throw yourself into His Arms. O Lord, be Thou my stay in that day of anguish! May that hour be blessed and favourable to me, if all the rest of my life be full of sadness and trial.
Despise the world. Forasmuch as I know not the hour in which I must quit the world, I will not grow fond of it. O dear friends, beloved ones of my heart, be content that I cleave to you only with a holy friendship which may last for ever; why should I cling to you with a tie which must needs be broken? I will prepare for the hour of death and take every precaution for its peaceful arrival; I will thoroughly examine into the state of my conscience, and put in order whatever is wanting.

Conclusion.

Thank God for inspiring you with these resolutions: offer them to His Majesty: intreat Him anew to grant you a happy death by the Merits of His Dear Son’s Death. Ask the prayers of the Blessed Virgin and the Saints. OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY. Gather a bouquet of myrrh.

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Meditation Four – On Sin.

Published on: May 20, 2025May 20, 2025 by KOFPB

Meditation Four – On Sin.

Preparation.

PLACE yourself in the Presence of God.
Ask Him to inspire your heart.

Considerations.

Consider how long it is since you first began to commit sin, and how since that first beginning sin has multiplied in your heart; how every day has added to the number of your sins against God, against yourself and against your neighbour, by deed, word, thought and desire.
Consider your evil tendencies, and how far you have followed them. These two points will show you that your sins are more in number than the hairs of your head, or the sand on the seashore.
Apart from sin, consider your ingratitude towards God, which is in itself a sin enfolding all the others, and adding to their enormity: consider the gifts which God has given you, and which you have turned against the Giver; especially the inspirations you have neglected, and the promptings to good which you have frustrated. Review the many Sacraments you have received, and see where are their fruits. Where are the precious jewels wherewith your Heavenly Bridegroom decked you? with what preparation have you received them? Reflect upon the ingratitude with which, while God sought to save you, you have fled from Him and rushed upon destruction.

Affections and Resolutions.

Humble yourself in your wretchedness. O my God, how dare I come before Thine Eyes? I am but a corrupt being, a very sink of ingratitude and wickedness. Can it be that I have been so disloyal, that not one sense, not one faculty but has been sullied and stained; —not one day has passed but I have sinned before Thee? Was this a fitting return for all my Creator’s gifts, for my Redeemer’s Blood?
Ask pardon; —throw yourself at the Lord’s Feet as the prodigal son, as the Magdalene, as the woman convicted of adultery. Have mercy, Lord, on me a sinner! O Living Fountain of Mercy, have pity on me, unworthy as I am.
Resolve to do better. Lord, with the help of Thy Grace I will never again give myself up to sin. I have loved it too well; —henceforth I would abhor it and cleave to Thee. Father of Mercy, I would live and die to Thee.
In order to put away past sin, accuse yourself bravely of it, let there not be one sinful act which you do not bring to light.
Resolve to make every effort to tear up the roots of sin from your heart, especially this and that individual sin which troubles you most.
In order to do this, resolve steadfastly to follow the advice given you, and never think that you have done enough to atone for your past sin.

Conclusion.

Thank God for having waited till now for you, and for rousing these good intentions in your heart.
Offer Him all your heart to carry them to good effect.
Pray that He would strengthen you.

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Meditations

Published on: May 20, 2025May 20, 2025 by KOFPB

Meditations – St. Ignatius of Loyola

Two Standards

Meditations – St. Francis DeSales

The following meditations are taken from St. Francis DeSales classic book “An Introduction to a Devout Life”. They were written as an aide to spiritual renewal, “In order to obtain this sensitiveness and contrition, exercise yourself carefully in the following meditations which, if well practiced, will, by the grace of God, uproot from your heart both sin and the affections of sin. I have prepared them to that end; and would have you take them in order, one daily, and as early in the morning as possible, for that is the fittest time for such exercises, then ponder and ruminate over it during the rest of the day.”

Meditation One – On Creation.

Meditation Two – Of the End for Which we Were Created.

Meditation Three – Of the Gifts of God.

Meditation Four – On Sin.

Meditation Five – Of Death.

Meditation Six – On Judgement.

Meditation Seven – Of Hell.

Meditation Eight – On Paradise.

Meditation Nine – On the Choice Upon to You Between Heaven and Hell.

Meditation Ten – How the Soul Chooses the Devout Life.

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Meditation Three – Of the Gifts of God.

Published on: May 20, 2025May 20, 2025 by KOFPB

Meditation Three – Of the Gifts of God.

Preparation.

PLACE yourself in the Presence of God.
Ask Him to inspire your heart.

Considerations.

Consider the material gifts God has given you—your body, and the means for its preservation; your health, and all that maintains it; your friends and many helps. Consider too how many persons more deserving than you are without these gifts; some suffering in health or limb, others exposed to injury, contempt and trouble, or sunk in poverty, while God has willed you to be better off.
Consider the mental gifts He has given you. Why are you not stupid, idiotic, insane like many you wot of? Again, God has favoured you with a decent and suitable education, while many have grown up in utter ignorance.
Further, consider His spiritual gifts. You are a child of His Church; God has taught you to know Himself from your youth. How often has He given you His Sacraments? what inspirations and interior light, what reproofs, He has given to lead you aright; how often He has forgiven you, how often delivered you from occasions of falling; what opportunities He has granted for your soul’s progress! Dwell somewhat on the detail, see how Loving and Gracious God has been to you.

Affections and Resolutions.

Marvel at God’s Goodness. How good He has been to me, how abundant in mercy and plenteous in loving-kindness! O my soul, be thou ever telling of the great things the Lord has done for thee!
Marvel at your own ingratitude. What am I, Lord, that Thou remembers me? How unworthy am I! I have trodden Thy Mercies under root, I have abused Thy Grace, turning it against Thy very Self; I have set the depth of my ingratitude against the deep of Thy Grace and Favour.
Kindle your gratitude. O my soul, be no more so faithless and disloyal to thy mighty Benefactor! How should not my whole soul serve the Lord, Who has done such great things in me and for me?
Go on, my daughter, to refrain from this or that material indulgence; let your body be wholly the servant of God, Who has done so much for it: set your soul to seek Him by this or that devout practice suitable thereto. Make diligent use of the means provided by the Church to help you to love God and save your soul. Resolve to be constant in prayer and seeking the Sacraments, in hearing God’s Word, and in obeying His inspirations and counsels.

Conclusion.

Thank God for the clearer knowledge He has given you of His benefits and your own duty.
Offer your heart and all its resolutions to Him. 3. Ask Him to strengthen you to fulfil them faithfully by the Merits of the Death of His Son. OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY. Gather the little spiritual bouquet.

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Meditation Two – Of the End for Which we Were Created.

Published on: May 20, 2025May 20, 2025 by KOFPB

Meditation Two – Of the End for Which we Were Created.

Preparation.

PLACE yourself before God.
Ask Him to inspire your heart.

Considerations.

God did not bring you into the world because He had any need of you, useless as you are; but solely that He might show forth His Goodness in you, giving you His Grace and Glory. And to this end He gave you understanding that you might know Him, memory that you might think of Him, a will that you might love Him, imagination that you might realise His mercies, sight that you might behold the marvels of His works, speech that you might praise Him, and so on with all your other faculties.
Being created and placed in the world for this intent, all contrary actions should be shunned and rejected, as also you should avoid as idle and superfluous whatever does not promote it.
Consider how unhappy they are who do not think of all this, —who live as though they were created only to build and plant, to heap up riches and amuse themselves with trifles.

Affections and Resolutions.

Humble yourself in that hitherto you have so little thought upon all this. Alas, my God, of what was I thinking when I did not think of Thee? what did I remember when I forgot Thee? what did I love when I loved Thee not? Alas, when I ought to have been feeding on the truth, I was but filling myself with vanity, and serving the world, which was made to serve me.
Abhor your past life. I renounce ye, O vain thoughts and useless cogitations, frivolous and hateful memories: I renounce all worthless friendships, all unprofitable efforts, and miserably ungrateful self-indulgence, all pitiful compliances.
Turn to God. Thou, my God and Saviour shalt henceforth be the sole object of my thoughts; no more will I give my mind to ideas which are displeasing to Thee. All the days of my life I will dwell upon the greatness of Thy Goodness, so lovingly poured out upon me. Thou shalt be henceforth the delight of my heart, the resting-place of all my affections. From this time forth I will forsake and abhor the vain pleasures and amusements, the empty pursuits which have absorbed my time; —the unprofitable ties which have bound my heart I will loosen henceforth, and to that end I will use such and such remedies.

Conclusion.

Thank God, Who has made you for so gracious an end. Thou hast made me, O Lord, for Thyself, that I may eternally enjoy the immensity of Thy Glory; when shall I be worthy thereof, when shall I know how to bless Thee as I ought?
Offer. O Dearest Lord, I offer Thee all my affections and resolutions, with my whole heart and soul.
Pray. I entreat Thee, O God, that Thou wouldest accept my desires and longings, and give Thy Blessing to my soul, to enable me to fulfil them, through the Merits of Thy Dear Son’s Precious Blood shed upon the Cross for me. OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY. Gather your little spiritual bouquet.

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Meditation One – On Creation.

Published on: May 20, 2025May 20, 2025 by KOFPB

Meditation One – On Creation.

Preparation.

PLACE yourself before God.
Ask Him to inspire your heart.

Considerations.

God did not bring you into the world because He had any need of you, useless as you are; but solely that He might show forth His Goodness in you, giving you His Grace and Glory. And to this end He gave you understanding that you might know Him, memory that you might think of Him, a will that you might love Him, imagination that you might realise His mercies, sight that you might behold the marvels of His works, speech that you might praise Him, and so on with all your other faculties.
Being created and placed in the world for this intent, all contrary actions should be shunned and rejected, as also you should avoid as idle and superfluous whatever does not promote it.
Consider how unhappy they are who do not think of all this, —who live as though they were created only to build and plant, to heap up riches and amuse themselves with trifles.

Affections and Resolutions.

Humble yourself in that hitherto you have so little thought upon all this. Alas, my God, of what was I thinking when I did not think of Thee? what did I remember when I forgot Thee? what did I love when I loved Thee not? Alas, when I ought to have been feeding on the truth, I was but filling myself with vanity, and serving the world, which was made to serve me.
Abhor your past life. I renounce ye, O vain thoughts and useless cogitations, frivolous and hateful memories: I renounce all worthless friendships, all unprofitable efforts, and miserably ungrateful self-indulgence, all pitiful compliances.
Turn to God. Thou, my God and Saviour shalt henceforth be the sole object of my thoughts; no more will I give my mind to ideas which are displeasing to Thee. All the days of my life I will dwell upon the greatness of Thy Goodness, so lovingly poured out upon me. Thou shalt be henceforth the delight of my heart, the resting-place of all my affections. From this time forth I will forsake and abhor the vain pleasures and amusements, the empty pursuits which have absorbed my time; —the unprofitable ties which have bound my heart I will loosen henceforth, and to that end I will use such and such remedies.

Conclusion.

Thank God, Who has made you for so gracious an end. Thou hast made me, O Lord, for Thyself, that I may eternally enjoy the immensity of Thy Glory; when shall I be worthy thereof, when shall I know how to bless Thee as I ought?
Offer. O Dearest Lord, I offer Thee all my affections and resolutions, with my whole heart and soul.
Pray. I entreat Thee, O God, that Thou wouldest accept my desires and longings, and give Thy Blessing to my soul, to enable me to fulfil them, through the Merits of Thy Dear Son’s Precious Blood shed upon the Cross for me. OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY. Gather your little spiritual bouquet.

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

St. Ignatius – Meditation on Two Standards

Published on: May 20, 2025May 20, 2025 by KOFPB

St. Ignatius – Meditation on Two Standards

The one of Christ, our Commander-in-chief and Lord; the other of Lucifer, mortal enemy of our human nature.

Prayer. The Preparatory Prayer is to ask grace of God our Lord that all my intentions, actions and operations may be directed purely to the service and praise of His Divine Majesty.

First Prelude. The First Prelude is the narrative. It will be here how Christ calls and wants all under His standard; and Lucifer, on the contrary, under his.

Second Prelude. The second, a composition, seeing the place. It will be here to see a great field of all that region of Jerusalem, where the supreme Commander-in-chief of the good is Christ our Lord; another field in the region of Babylon, where the chief of the enemy is Lucifer.

Third Prelude. The third, to ask for what I want: and it will be here to ask for knowledge of the deceits of the bad chief and help to guard myself against them, and for knowledge of the true life which the supreme and true Captain shows and grace to imitate Him.

First Point. The first Point is to imagine as if the chief of all the enemy seated himself in that great field of Babylon, as in a great chair of fire and smoke, in shape horrible and terrifying.

Second Point. The second, to consider how he issues a summons to innumerable demons and how he scatters them, some to one city and others to another, and so through all the world, not omitting any provinces, places, states, nor any persons in particular.

Third Point. The third, to consider the discourse which he makes them, and how he tells them to cast out nets and chains; that they have first to tempt with a longing for riches — as he is accustomed to do in most cases 12 — that men may more easily come to vain honour of the world, and then to vast pride. So that the first step shall be that of riches; the second, that of honour; the third, that of pride; and from these three steps he draws on to all the other vices.

So, on the contrary, one has to imagine as to the supreme and true Captain, Who is Christ our Lord.
First Point.

The first Point. is to consider how Christ our Lord puts Himself in a great field of that region of Jerusalem, in lowly place, beautiful and attractive.

Second Point. The second, to consider how the Lord of all the world chooses so many persons — Apostles, Disciples, etc., — and sends them through all the world spreading His sacred doctrine through all states and conditions of persons.

Third Point. The third, to consider the discourse which Christ our Lord makes to all His servants and friends whom He sends on this expedition, recommending them to want to help all, by bringing them first to the highest spiritual poverty, and — if His Divine Majesty would be served and would want to choose them — no less to actual poverty; the second is to be of contumely and contempt; because from these two things humility follows. So that there are to be three steps; the first, poverty against riches; the second, contumely or contempt against worldly honour; the third, humility against pride. And from these three steps let them induce to all the other virtues.

First Colloquy. One Colloquy to Our Lady, that she may get me grace from Her Son and Lord that I may be received under His standard; and first in the highest spiritual poverty, and — if His Divine Majesty would be served and would want to choose and receive me — not less in actual poverty; second, in suffering contumely and injuries, to imitate Him more in them, if only I can suffer them without the sin of any person, or displeasure of His Divine Majesty; and with that a HAIL MARY.

Second Colloquy. I will ask the same of the Son, that He may get it for me of the Father; and with that say the SOUL OF CHRIST.

Third Colloquy. I will ask the same of the Father, that He may grant it to me; and say an OUR FATHER.

Note. This Exercise will be made at midnight and then a second time in the morning, and two repetitions of this same will be made at the hour of Mass and at the hour of Vespers, always finishing with the three Colloquies, to Our Lady, to the Son, and to the Father; and that on The Pairs which follows, at the hour before supper.

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Method of Mental Prayer or Meditation

Published on: May 20, 2025 by KOFPB

Method of Mental Prayer or Meditation According to St. Alphonsus.

I. PREPARATION.
A recollected life and regular Spiritual Reading are the best remote preparation.
For the immediate preparation, make three short but fervent acts

(I) An Act of Adoration of God present to the soul.
Example: O my God, I believe Thou art really here present; I bow down and adore Thee. Thou art so good, I am so sinful; Thou art so great, I am only nothingness; etc.

(2) An Act of Sorrow for Sin:
Example: O my God, I am heartily sorry for all my sins of thought, word, deed, and omission, and by the help of Thy holy grace I will never sin again.

(3) A Petition for Light and Strength:
Example: O my God, give me light to see Thy holy Will, give me grace to do Thy Will. O Wisdom of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, direct me in all my ways. O Love of the Sacred Heart, consume me in Thy fire. Add a Hail Mary to the Blessed Virgin and an ejaculation to St. Joseph, your Patron Saints and Angel Guardian.

II. BODY OF THE PRAYER.
Use the mind in thinking on some subject as much as is necessary in order to pray fervently. But do not imagine that very much is necessary in order to pray. Do not wait for a great fire to burn up in your soul, but cherish any little spark you may feel.

To help your mind, read a text of Scripture or a short Meditation out of a book. St. Teresa used a book in her Meditations for seventeen years.

Meditate for a few minutes on any thought that has struck you; that is, think for a short time on what it means, what lessons it teaches you, and ask yourself: What have I done about this hitherto? What shall I now do? But remember, you think only in order that you may pray.

The great benefit of Mental Prayer consists less in meditation or thinking than in acts, prayers and resolutions, which are the fruits of Meditation. The thinking is the needle which draws after it the golden thread of acts, prayers and resolutions. The thread is more important than the needle. The chief part of the time of Meditation should, then, be spent in making

1. Acts and Affections.
Examples. -Acts of Humility: ‘My God, I am nothing in Thy sight. Act of Thanksgiving: ‘My God, I thank Thee for Thy goodness. Act of Love: ‘ My God, I love Thee with my whole heart. I wish to please Thee in all things. I will only what Thou wiliest. I love Thee because Thou art infinitely good. Do with me and mine all that pleases Thee, because it is Thy will. Acts of love and of contrition are golden chains binding us to God. St. Thomas says: ‘ Every act of love merit’s eternal life. Make then many simple but fervent acts of love and sorrow.

2. Prayers of Petition.
In mental prayer, it is extremely useful, and, perhaps better than all else, to make many earnest petitions for the graces you want. Always ask, above all, for (a) the perfect forgiveness of all past sin; (b) the perfect love of God; and (c) the grace of a holy death. ‘At first, said Father Paul Segneri, S.J., ‘I used to employ my time of prayer in reflections and affections, but God opened my eyes, and then I gave myself to petitions, and if I have any good, it comes from this practice.

3. Resolutions.
‘The progress of a soul, says St. Teresa, ‘ does not consist in thinking much of God, but in loving Him, and this love is gained by resolving to do much for Him. Make one practical resolution that you mean to keep during the day.

III. CONCLUSION.
Three short fervent acts:
(1) Thank God for the light He has given you.

(2) Renew your resolution to abstain from some fault or to do some good thing, during the day.

(3) Ask the Eternal Father, for the love of Jesus and Mary, to help you to keep it. At the end of meditation, always pray for poor sinners and for the souls in Purgatory.

N.B.-The acts and prayers of petition should occupy the most of the time. Thus, in a half-hour’s prayer, give three minutes to the preparation: think for five minutes and then pray.

“In prayer the soul is cleansed from sin, pastured with charity, confirmed in faith, strengthened in hope, gladdened in spirit. By prayer the inward man is directed aright, the heart is purified, the truth discovered, temptation overcome, sadness avoided, the perceptions renewed, languishing virtue restored, lukewarmness dismissed, the rust of vices done away; and in it there do not cease to come forth living sparkles of heavenly desires, with which the flame of divine love burns. Great are the excellencies of prayer, great are its privileges! Before it Heaven is opened, secrete things are made manifest, and to it the ears of God are ever attentive.” (St. Lawrence Justinian, In Signo Vitae)