#itisibenotafraid

One Minute Reflection – 8 January – “Take courage, it is I, be not afraid!”

One Minute Reflection – 8 January – Third day after Epiphany and the Memorial of Blessed Titus Zeman SDB (1915-1969) Priest and Martyr, Readings: 1 John 4:11-18, Psalm 72:1-2, 10-13, Mark 6:45-52

“Take courage, it is I, be not afraid!” … Mark 6:50

REFLECTION– “All ships have a compass which, when touched by the magnet, always turns towards the polar star.   And even when the boat is making its…

As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”…Luke 24:36

REFLECTION – “Rebellious people had chased peace from the earth… and thrown the world into its primordial chaos… Among the disciples as well, war was waging, faith and doubt fought furious assaults on one another… Where a storm was raging, their hearts could find no peaceful harbour, no calm port.

At the sight of that Christ who plumbs the hearts, who commands the winds, who is master over tempests and who with a simple sign changes the storm into a serene sky, strengthened them with his peace, saying: “Peace be with you! It is I, fear not. It is I, who was crucified, who was dead, who was buried. It is I, your God become man for you. It is I. Not a spirit clothed with a body but truth itself become man. It is I, the living one among the dead, who have come from heaven to the heart of hell. It is I, before whom death fled, whom hell feared. In its terror, hell proclaimed me to be God. Do not be afraid, Peter, you who denied me, nor you, John, who fled, nor all of you who abandoned me, who thought of nothing but betraying me, who do not yet believe in me, even though you see me. Do not be afraid, it really is I. I have called you with grace, I have chosen you with forgiveness, I have upheld you with my compassion, I have carried you in my love and I am taking you today solely because of my kindness.”...St Peter Chrysologus (400-450) Father & Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Lord God, let there be one faith in our hearts, one love for You, one Way in You, for You are the One Truth and the only Way.   We linger in Your light and beg Your unending kindness.   Grant that by the prayers of Your saints we may obtain Your strength.   St Mark, pray for us.  St Giovanni Piamarta, pray for us.   Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God for always and forever, amen.

Our Morning Offering – 9 July

“It Is I: Be Not Afraid” Blessed John Henry Newman (1801–1890)

WHEN I sink down in gloom or fear, Hope blighted or delayed, Thy whisper, Lord, my heart shall cheer, “’Tis I: be not afraid!”

Or, startled at some sudden blow, If fretful thoughts I feel, “Fear not, it is but I!” shall flow, As balm my wound to heal.

Nor will I quit Thy way, though foes Some onward pass defend; From each rough voice the watchword goes, “Be not afraid!… a friend!”

And O! when judgment’s trumpet clear Awakes me from the grave, Still in its echo may I hear, “’Tis Christ! He comes to save.”