Evening Meditations for Day III Christmas Octave ~ St Alphonsus Liguori

Imagine that you see Mary, having now brought forth her Son, take Him reverently in her arms, adore Him as her God, and then wrap Him up in swathing-bands: she wrapped him up in swaddling-clothes (Luke ii. 7). The Holy Church says the same: “His tender limbs in swathing-bands the Virgin Mother binds.”

Today’s ✠Challoner Meditation: December 27th On St John the Apostle & Evangelist

Today’s ✠Challoner Meditation

Carissimi; Today’s Mass: St John, Apostle & Evangelist

Saint John, brother of Saint James the Greater, the Apostle of Spain, is the beloved disciple. He was privileged, with his brother and Saint Peter, to behold Our Lord raise up a dead child to life, then saw Him transfigured on the mountaintop; he alone reposed his head on His breast at the Last Supper…

Spiritual Reading for Day III Christmas Octave ~ St Alphonsus Liguori

Religious are certainly less exposed to the danger of sin than seculars. Almighty God represented the world to St. Anthony, and before him to St. John the Evangelist, as a place full of snares. Hence, the holy Apostle said that in the world there is nothing but the concupiscence of the flesh, that is, carnal pleasures; the concupiscence of the eyes, or earthly riches; and the pride of life, or worldly honours, which swell the heart with pride.

Morning Meditation for Day III Christmas Octave ~ St Alphonsus Liguori

Great had been the sin of man, but greater, the Apostle says, has been the gift of Redemption. Not as the offence so also the gift (Rom. v. 15). It was not only sufficient, but superabundant. And with him plentiful redemption. I love Thee, O infinite Goodness! I love Thee, O most lovable God!