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O God, Who in ineffable providence do deign to send Your holy angels for our defense, grant to Your suppliants both to be defended always by their protection and to rejoice in their eternal company. (Collect for the Feast of the Angels Guardian from the Roman Missal)Of the members of the Church Triumphant, none are perhaps more mysterious than the orders of the heavenly spirits, created before the foundation of the earth and destined for all time "to serve . . . those who shall inherit salvation" (Heb. 1:14). In truth, the angels, who are made to reflect very closely the glory of God, are destined to be the servants of the righteous of mankind in heaven! That is why Mary is Queen of the angels (and she can send them to our aid, if we ask her!). And yet, while we are on earth, some of the most powerful intercessors we have before God are the angels. Divided into nine choirs, they guard both the material world, directing the operations of nature, and individuals and societies, serving as protectors and helpers. Led by St. Michael, the Prince of the Heavenly Host, standing "before the altar holding a golden thurible . . . to offer up the prayers of all the holy ones on the golden altar, which is before the Throne of God" (Apoc. 3:8), the angels partake of the eternal banquet of the celestial liturgy. They act as our guardians, serve as messengers from God to us and from us to God, surround the altar during Mass on earth, and bear the graces of the Mass like incense back to the altar of God on high.In St. Michael and the Angels, discover all this and more about the holy angels, as well as St. Michael's special role as "Champion of the Church," "Defender of Christians," "Guardian of Purgatory," "Helper of the Sick and Dying," and the "Holy Standard-Bearer" who presents souls before the holy light of God. Find also numerous devotions to the angels, including litanies to our Guardian Angel, to St. Michael, St. Raphael, and St. Gabriel. A special treat is the prayer to our guardian angel asking him to go in our place to attend Mass when we cannot! In all, St. Michael and the Angels is a treasure trove of information and inspiration about the holy angels—our silent partners in the way of salvation.O captains and leaders of the armies of heaven, unworthy as we are, we beseech you without cease to surround us with your intercessions and cover us beneath the shelter of the glory of your ethereal wings. We bend our knee and cry out with perseverance: "Deliver us from danger, O Princes of the Powers on high!" (Troparion of the Byzantine Synaxis of the Heavenly Powers)

Saint Michael and the Angels

In Consoling Thoughts on God and Providence, St. Francis de Sales, beloved Doctor of the Church, speaks of how God wants only good for us, and why we should have great confidence in His merciful love.This treasure of spirituality beautifully explains God's love for the sinner, how great His joy is upon the return of just one lost sheep, and how God's mercy extends even towards the damned. St. Francis encourages us to conform ourselves to God's will, and teaches us to abandon ourselves to the Lord who so desires our hearts.Readers of Consoling Thoughts on God and Providence will experience firsthand why St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) is known to history as the Gentle Saint. St. Francis was Bishop of Geneva and a tireless preacher, who yet made time to correspond with numerous souls who wrote him for his insight and guidance. His Consoling Thoughts are compiled from these letters as well as from his other spiritual works.

Consoling Thoughts on God and Providence

Fr. Edward Looney reads from Chapter 16 of Book 2. &nbsp;In this reading we return to Mary in the temple and get a glimpse into her spiritual life.

Year 3, Day 76: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 660-666

Fr. Edward Looney finishes reading chapter 12 of book 2 and offers a reflection on temperance and its relationship to anger and pride.

Year 2, Day 68: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 12, Paragraphs 590-598

"How lovely is Thy Dwelling-Place, O Lord God of Hosts!" —Psalm 83 (84)To gaze upon and speak with Our Lady is one of the tenderest longings of the pious Christian soul. Our Lord could not have conceived of a greater human creature than His own Mother, and so it is one of the most sublime graces to be granted a vision of that Heavenly Garden, the True Eden and New Eve. It is no wonder, then, that those most blessed souls who have loved Christ most have merited to see her, who only leads us deeper into His love.Saints Who Saw Mary recounts the stories of 17 canonized saints who kept company with the Ark of the New Covenant, the Mother of God. Their stories are profound, enlightening, inspiring, and tantalizing. Learn of Our Lady's dealings with such luminaries of the sanctoral patrimony as:Gertrude the GreatFrancisBridgetCatherine of SienaTeresa of AvilaJohn of the CrossAnd more!It is no coincidence that Our Lady appeared to these who are among the greatest saints in the history of the Church. For anyone who does not love His Mother, who bore God, can merit to bear Christ and His glorious resurrection. Let these accounts move you not only to longing for the sight of the Mother of God and her Son, but, what is far more important, to a deeper love and longing to be united to Him through her who is most blessed.

Saints Who Saw Mary

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 24 of book 4 and then comments on the prophecies of Jesus going to Egypt, the destruction of false idols in Egypt, and how Christians created shrines in trees to counteract false gods.&nbsp;

Day 174: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 24, Paragraphs 641-652

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 4 of book 6 and then comments on the death of St. John the Baptist.

Year 2, Day 223: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 361-367

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 20 of book 6 and then comments on the crowning of thorns and the trial before Pilate.

Year 2, Day 254: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 20, Paragraphs 633-642

In a series of fascinating interviews, a cradle Catholic (Robert P. George) and an adult convert (R. J. Snell) offer the stories of sixteen converts, each a public intellectual or leading voice in his or her respective field, and each making a significant contribution to the life of the Church.Mind, Heart, and Soul is a Surprised by Truth for a new generation. It will reinvigorate the faith of Catholics and answer questions or address hurdles those discerning entering the Church may have&hellip;by people who have had the same questions and the same road.While some of the converts are well-known, their stories are not. Here they speak for themselves, providing the reasons for belief that prompted these accomplished men and women to embrace the ancient faith.Included are interviews with a bishop, a leading theologian and priest, a member of the International Theological Commission, a former megachurch pastor, a prominent pro-life scholar, professors from Harvard and other universities, as well as journalists and writers, novelists and scholars. Each is interviewed by another leading scholar, many of whom are themselves converts and familiar with the hesitations, anxieties, discoveries, and hopes of those who discover the Faith.These conversion stories remind us that the Catholic Church retains her vitality, able to provide answers and reasons for hope to new generations of believers, always sustained by the Holy Spirit. It is all too easy to become discouraged in our day and age, but God never fails to call people to Himself, as evidenced by these remarkable stories.

Mind, Heart, and Soul

01 Opening Credits

02 Opening Prayer

03 Preface

04 Introduction

05 Part 1 - The Love of Christ

06 Chapter 1 - Who Is This Man_

07 Chapter 2 - Come and See

08 Chapter 3 - Present Among Us

09 Part Two - The Church

10 Chapter 4 - Human and Divine

11 Chapter 5 - The Saints

12 Chapter 6 - Our Lady of Compassion

13 Chapter 7 - The Sacraments

14 Part Three - The Sacred Triduum

15 Holy Thursday

16 Good Friday

17 Holy Saturday

18 The Easter Vigil

19 Prayer and Faith

20 Closing Credits

When we are alone, isolated, afraid, and grieving the loss of a loved one, Jesus tells us plainly, Behold, I am with you always! It is His presence and constant companionship that brings us comfort, consolation, and hope through all the seasons of our lives.I Am with You Always invites the ordinary Catholic to once again “behold Jesus.” In doing so, we will realize with joy and gratitude the wonderful connection between the ordinary teachings and practices of our Catholic faith and the strength we derive from them to weather the storms of life.The authors gently invite their readers to respond to Christ’s perennial call to “come and see” and to verify for yourself that:<ul><li>God truly is Love and His mercy endures forever;</li><li>Christ draws near in order to remain with us;</li><li>we truly encounter Christ in the sacraments and in the liturgy;</li><li>we live, even now, in the communion of His saints;</li><li>Our Lady of Compassion constantly intercedes for us; and</li><li>God hears our prayers and responds to our heartache and pain.</li></ul>This book was written as an act of friendship, as one heart speaking to another about the reality of God’s love for us. It is an act of companionship, a drawing near to a beloved friend in their time of need. It is a gift that reminds a broken heart that there is always hope in Jesus Christ. For He alone is the victory over death that we seek for ourselves and for our loved ones.

I Am With You Always

Fr. Edward reads chapter three of book 5 and then reflects on the visits to the temple and how Jesus is the New Temple, a reflection on an individual from the Old Testament, and the significance of Mary hearing the Father's voice.

Day 184: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 26-34

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 16 of book 8 and then comments on the use of time and incorporating devotional prayer in our day. &nbsp;

Day 354: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 688-695

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 14 of book 2 about abstractive and intellectual visions.

Year 3, Day 73: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 14, Paragraphs 631-636

Fr. Edward Looney begins reading chapter 14 of book 2 and then offers a reflection on the nature of mystical revelations.

Year 3, Day 71: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 14, Paragraphs 615-622

In Consoling Thoughts on Sickness and Death, St. Francis de Sales, the beloved Doctor of the Church, teaches how to grow closer to God through suffering well the most bitter trials.The bed of sickness is an altar of sacrifice, writes the saint in this treasure of spirituality. He explains what prayers are suitable for the sick, how to persevere in patience, and even how to overcome an excessive fear of death. Most importantly, St. Francis de Sales teaches about abandonment to God's will in both life and death, drawing from his memories of the deaths of his own mother and sister.Readers of Consoling Thoughts on Sickness and Death will experience firsthand why St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) is known to history as the Gentle Saint. St. Francis was Bishop of Geneva and a tireless preacher, who yet made time to correspond with numerous souls who wrote him for his insight and guidance. His Consoling Thoughts are compiled from these letters as well as from his other spiritual works.

Consoling Thoughts on Sickness and Death

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 5 of book 5 and then comments on the devotion of the apostles to Our Lady, her prayers for the early Church, and the titles they used to honor her.

Year 2, Day 224: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 368-374

Amid the shortness and uncertainty of life, Guidance to Heaven shows why we should live in anticipation of and preparation for death. Cardinal Bona advises us not to live in such a way that we are afraid to die because we are unprepared; but rather, realizing that death is our grand entrance into true life, we should make it our life's work to get ready. This spiritual text has been compared to the Imitation of Christ for its simplicity, clarity, and potency of doctrine, which befits the Cistercian formation of the author. And yet Cardinal Bona, a consummate liturgist and classicist, cannot fail to exude some of that scholarly erudition in his writing on the ascetical life. His Guidance to Heaven is short and powerful, coming from the heart of a man dedicated to the Lord in prayer and humility.Giovanni Cardinal Bona was born in 1609 in Mondovi, Piedmont, Italy, near the border with France. He became a Cistercian monk at the age of 15, exhibiting an extraordinary erudition in his studies, as well as exceptional humility and sanctity. His qualities led him to be called as a prior, then abbot, and finally superior general of the Cistercians in Rome. While there, he served humbly and fervently, declining even offers of the episcopate, and hoped to retire into a life of study: instead, he was made a consultor to the Holy Office. When he became a cardinal, his extreme simplicity shone forth: his lifestyle did not change at all, and all of his surplus wealth he donated to needy priests at the Missionary College in Rome.Let the words of this holy man reach you and bring you to an ever-greater zeal for pursuing the Lord in preparation for death.

Guidance to Heaven

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 16 of book 6 and then comments on transference of evil and judgement.

Year 2, Day 244: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 557-564

02 Hail Mary

03 Hail Holy Queen

04 Memorare

05 The Three Hail Marys

06 The Angelus

07 Regina Coeli

08 Words of St. Louis de Montfort

09 Words of the Archangel Gabriel to Our Lady

10 Jesus Mary and Joseph

11 We Fly to Thy Patronage

12 Words of St. Methodius

13 How to Pray the Rosary

14 The Mysteries of the Rosary

15 Prayers of the Rosary

16 The Five First Saturdays

17 Meditations on the Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary

18 The Five Joyful Mysteries

19 The Five Sorrowful Mysteries

20 The Five Glorious Mysteries

21 The Fatima Prayers

22 The 54-Day Rosary Novena

23 Novena to Our Lady of Good Remedy

24 A Consecration to Mary

25 Sweet Heart of Mary

26 Mary Our Mother

27 Litany of Our lady

28 The Magnificat

29 O Mary, Conceived Without Sin

30 The Green Scapular Prayer

31 Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe

32 Rejoice, O Virgin Mary

33 Prayer to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

34 Prayer to Mary, Mistress of the Angels

35 Short Consecration to Mary

36 The Christmas Prayer

37 Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes

38 Salutation to Mary

39 Novena Prayer to Our Mother of Perpetual Help

40 Stabat Mater

41 Seven Prayers in Honor of the Seven Sorrows

42 A Precious Offering

43 Prayer to Our Mother of Sorrows for a Happy Death

44 Remember O Virgin Mother

45 Brief Renewal

46 O Heart Most Pure

47 How to Receive Communion

48 Thirty Days Prayer to the Blessed Virgin

49 The End of Our Lady's life

50 The Rosary in Latin

51 The Act of Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary

52 My Mother, My Confidence

53 Closing Credits

St. Louis de Montfort, in the introduction to his famous work True Devotion to Mary, exclaimed, "We must still say with the saints: De Maria numquam satis. We have still not praised, exalted, honoured, loved and served Mary adequately. She is worthy of even more praise, respect, love and service."
All of the most well known prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary are contained in this complete booklet, Favorite Prayers to Our Lady. Prayers within include:
<ul>
<li>
How to pray the Rosary
</li>
<li>
How to practice the First Saturday Devotion
</li>
<li>
Rosary meditations of St. L. De Montfort
</li>
<li>
Seven Sorrows of Our Lady
</li>
<li>
Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
</li>
<li>
Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christmas Prayer
</li>
<li>
The powerful Thirty Days Prayer
</li>
<li>
Fatima Prayers
</li>
<li>
The Rosary in Latin
</li>
<li>
Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary
</li>
<li>
And so much more!
</li>
</ul>
The perfect size to carry always, its daily use will aid your devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the perfect gift for those faithful with a lifelong devotion to Mary, as well as for those who are just beginning to ask the Blessed Virgin to intercede on their behalf.

Favorite Prayers to Our Lady

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 17 of book 5 and then reflects on the changes a person experiences after losing someone they love and then about the contemplative/active life.

Day 200: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 184-190

Defending Marriage: Twelve Arguments for Sanity is a rousing, compelling defense of traditional, natural marriage.Here, Anthony Esolen, professor at Providence College and a prolific writer, uses moral, theological, and cultural arguments to defend this holy and ancient institution, bedrock of society—and to illuminate the threats it faces from modern revolutions in law, public policy, and sexual morality. Inside, discover:Traditional marriages roots in age-old religious, cultural, and natural lawsWhy gay marriage is a metaphysical impossibilityHow acceptance and legal sanction of gay marriage threatens the familyHow the state becomes a religion when it attempts to elevate gay marriage and enshrine as a civil right all consensual sexHow divorce and sexual license have brought marriage to the brinkHow todays culture has impoverished and emptied love of its true meaning In Defending Marriage, Esolen expertly and succinctly identifies the cultural dangers of gay marriage and the Sexual Revolution which paved its way.He offers a stirring defense of true marriage, the family, culture, and love—and provides the compelling arguments that will return us to sanity, and out of our current morass.

Defending Marriage: Twelve Arguments for Sanity

Americans are losing what are supposed to be constitutionally promised rights at an alarming pace. The Founding Fathers understood the overriding essentiality of religious practice unimpeded by governmental authority, but time and vast cultural change has eroded this from the consciences of modern politicians. The struggle for the right to worship freely has been present since the time of the Roman Empire. By looking at how the Ancient Christian world relates to the failures of our own Supreme Court, it is possible to see what has led to so much government interference in personal religious beliefs in the name of "equality." As we watch America teeter ever closer to the brink of moral collapse and prejudice against religion becomes even more institutionalized, one question always surfaces: How can we stop this?In The Liberty Threat, James Tonkowich explores the history of Christian philosophy from the Church's infancy through the birth of America and how it influenced religious liberty. With powerful examples fresh from today's courts, Tonkowich illustrates just how the rigid separation of Church and state has created a world that is hostile to true faith. The Liberty Threat is both a chilling wake-up and a clear call to action for Christians everywhere.

The Liberty Threat

How can sickness bring about any good? An entertaining story for children, Saint Germaine and the Sheep brings to life a kind and lovable young French maiden who was born with a crippled hand and a skin disease. Despite these infirmities—or rather, because of them—Germaine told stories of the best kind! In fact, her stories relate God's creation of animals with an unwavering faith in His goodness despite hardships. Saint Germaine and the Sheep is a spiritual gem in the realm of children's Catholic classic illustrated books.Saint Germaine and the Sheep is part of Eva K. Betzs Saints and Friendly Beasts series, entertaining and educating children of all ages. Every book is fully illustrated and displays Charles Vukovichs artwork on each page of these stories about the saints. Other priceless books in this series include Saint Martin de Porres and the Mice and Saint Brigid and the Cows.Ideal for all children, especially those enrolled in TAN Academy in kindergarten through third grades for easy-reading literature.

Saint Germaine and the Sheep

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 11 of book 8 and reflects on the nearness of Mary's journey to eternal life.&nbsp;

Day 344: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 11, Paragraphs 595-602

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 4 of book 4 and then offers a reflection on St. Joseph&#39;s conversation with Our Lady, Mary&#39;s praying of the Magnificat, and Joseph&#39;s plentitude of grace.

Year 2, Day 141: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 407-413

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 19 of book 5 and then comments on Jesus and Mary&#39;s presence with the sick, Maria of Agreda&#39;s mention of the Jews, and our need to pray and sacrifice for others.

Year 2, Day 204: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 19, Paragraphs 216-221

Fr. Edward Looney concludes reading chapter 22, and continues reflecting about the person of St. Joseph and his life in the Holy Family.

Year 3, Day 86: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 22, Paragraphs 765-771

The Mass is a central and essential part of the Christian life, the very source and summit of our devotion and piety. Instituted by Jesus Himself at the Last Supper and faithfully passed on by the apostles and their successors, it is not merely a memorial of the passion, death, and resurrection of our Savior, but a true participation in His one redeeming sacrifice. It does not merely praise and invoke God, but causes Him to be really, truly, and substantially present. It is through the Mass that we become closest to Jesus, and mystically partake in His passion, death, and resurrection. It is through the Mass that we receive the ;Bread of the Angels,; which imparts to our fragile human nature the eternal life of God Himself.Saint Bonaventures Expositio Missae (;Exposition of the Mass;) offers inspiring and touching insight into the multiple layers of meaning and symbolism embodied within the sacred actions of the Eucharistic celebration. Also offered in this volume are some of the Seraphic Doctors beautiful and passionate prayers, including those to be said before Mass, before the reception of Holy Communion, and after Mass. As Saint Bonaventure says, with this book, you will be able to ;hear the most holy Mass with the greatest possible devotion and reverence.;

Expositio Missae: The Mysteries of the Mass Explained

Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter 26 of book 3 and then comments on Satan attacks on humanity.

Year 2, Day 129: Volume 2, Book 3, Chapter 26, Paragraphs 322-326

Everyone hopes to go to heaven, but what do we really know about it?There are thrilling promises in Scripture, but not an abundance of detail about the nature of heavenly existence. Another source of insight and hope can be found in the writings of the saints throughout history.What the Saints Said About Heaven: 101 Holy Insights on Everlasting Life combines Scriptural passages, saintly writings, and prayers from the heart, all organized into a daily meditation format.It provides inspiring thoughts on subjects such as: what the Beatific Vision will be like, being in heaven with loved ones, Angels, Saints, and what we will do in our resurrected bodies.What the Saints Said About Heaven is the ideal gift for every Christian and serves as an encouraging reminder that each day we spend on earth is a preparation for the ultimate joy of life to come.

What the Saints Said About Heaven: 101 Holy Insights About Everlasting Life

Fr. Edward Looney reads from Chapter 12 of the Mystical City of God by Maria of Agreda and then provides a reflection.

Year 2, Day 22: Volume 1, Book 1, Chapter 12, Paragraphs 170-177

With such a great cloud of witnesses, we have much to learn from the saints. Allow the saints to be your childs example for meeting Christ in the Eucharist.In Eucharistic Saints, your children will encounter stories of saints they may already know, like Pope Saint John Paul II and St. Thomas Aquinas, and they will become familiar with saints they may not know yet, like St. Peter Julian Eymard and St. Tarcisius. This book also introduces your children to holy souls who were their own age, like Blessed Carlo Acutis, St. Jacinta Marto, and Blessed Imelda, patron saint of First Communicants. Your children will see how Gods grace filled these saints hearts and enkindled in them an enduring Eucharistic love.With beautiful illustrations and engaging stories, Eucharistic Saints will inspire your children to recognize, adore, and love Christ in the Eucharist.

Eucharistic Saints: Twenty Stories of Devotion to Jesus

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 6 of book 8 and then comments on Mary's preparation of the cenacle for Mass.&nbsp;

Year 3, Day 334: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 6, Paragraphs 489-495

Fr. Edward Looney finishes reading chapter 23 of book 3 and then offers a reflection on the words of the Benedictus of Zechariah.

Year 3, Day 126: Volume 2, Book 3, Chapter 23, Paragraphs 294-303

Saints for Boys is compiled especially for little Catholic boys preschool-age up through the second-grade level with over forty illustrations in full color&mdash;one on every page. These stories will be loved by little Catholics and will remain in their hearts and memories for years.Saints included in this edition are: Aloysius Gonzaga, Vincent de Paul, Dominic Savio, Francis of Assisi, the Archangel Gabriel, Joseph, Patrick, Benedict, and Michael the Archangel. Also included are some special and important first prayers.

Saints for Boys: A First Book for Little Catholic Boys

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 15 of book 7 and then comments on spiritual warfare and the development of doctrine.&nbsp;

Year 3, Day 310: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 15, Paragraphs 277-283

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 5 of book 6 and comments on Judas&#39;s relationship to Mary and Jesus.

Year 2, Day 225: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 375-380

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 22 of book 3 and then offers a reflection on Mary&#39;s presence at the birth of John the Baptist.

Year 2, Day 124: Volume 2, Book 3, Chapter 22, Paragraphs 275-282

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 11 of book 6 and then comments on the Holy Eucharist and the powerful words of Jesus.

Year 2, Day 235: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 11, Paragraphs 469-481

Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter 22 of book 1 and offers a reflection.

Year 3, Day 41: Volume 1, Book 1, Chapter 22, Paragraphs 345-354

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 16 of book 7 and then comments on courage of the Apostles. &nbsp;

Year 2, Day 315: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 316-324

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 28 of book 6 and then comments on devotion to Mary around the ascension of Jesus.

Year 3, Day 271: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 28, Paragraphs 784-797

Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter 11 of book 6 and comments on Mary&#39;s reception of Holy Communion and our dispositions thereafter.

Year 2, Day 236: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 11, Paragraphs 482-492

Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.;Matthew 11:28-30Christs words ring true for this earthly life that we must endure in order to, hopefully, attain eternal rest with Him in heaven. Our fallen world is full of sufferings and struggles; from the everyday aggravations to the life-altering sorrows that we sometimes face. Yet, Christ assures us that His ;yoke is sweet and [His] burden light.; This is so because He always helps us carry our crosses throughout this life and because the ultimate battle is already won, thanks to Christs love for us. Yet we must remain vigilant.Saint John of Avila, the 34th Doctor of the Church, gave numerous sermons on this subject, in which he offers the consolation of Christs own example and that of saints, like St. Francis of Assisi. St. John never failed to instruct, edify, and challenge those who listened attentively to his sermons. Within these sermons, we too can find renewed strength as we embrace the redemptive suffering of this life and hope for the beatific vision in the next.Published for the first time in English, this carefully translated work of St. Johns selected sermons will be a great spiritual aid to any soul along his path to holiness.

My Burden Is Light: Suffering and Consolation in the Christian Life

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 24 of book 1 and then offers a reflection on the day's reading.