The second reading for today’s Office of Readings is taken from Apologia ad Autolycum (Apology to Autolycus), the only surviving work of Saint Theophilus of Antioch, a second-century Christian apologist and bishop. This work is a defence of Christianity addressed to a pagan named Autolycus, who was sceptical of Christian beliefs. In this passage, Theophilus argues that the ability to perceive God is not dependent on physical sight but on the inner purity of the soul. He draws a comparison between bodily vision and spiritual insight, explaining that just as blindness prevents one from seeing the light of the sun, so too does sin obscure one’s ability to recognize God [ … ]
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | King James Audio Bible KJV | Prayer With Jesus
Prayers To Saint Gabriel The Archangel | Love Revealed Of Jesus Christ | Christian Prayer With Advent | Annunciation Of The Lord
The Archangel Gabriel is prominently featured in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Gabriel’s first appearance is in the Gospel of Luke, where he appears to Zechariah to announce the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Zechariah questions the angel, and Gabriel responds with the famous words, ‘And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.’ (Luke 1:19) [ … ]
Office Of Readings | Friday, Lent Week 2 | From The Treatise Of Saint Irenaeus, Against The Heresies
Saint Irenaeus, in this passage from Against the Heresies, presents a powerful reflection on God’s covenant and the purpose of the law. His approach to salvation history is deeply pedagogical: God does not impose laws arbitrarily but gradually leads humanity toward its true end—friendship with God [ … ]
Office Of Readings | Wednesday, Lent Week 2 | From The Treatise Against Heresies By Saint Irenaeus, Bishop
In this passage from Against the Heresies, Saint Irenaeus presents a sweeping vision of salvation history, showing how God, from the very beginning, has been preparing humanity for full communion with God. Central to Irenaeus’ theology is the idea that divine pedagogy unfolds in stages, accommodating human weakness while always pointing toward Christ. Through the law, the prophets, and acts of providence, God was training his people, drawing them from earthly concerns to heavenly realities [ … ]
Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Truth, Faith, Money, Sex And Power | Christian Faith And The Devil’s False Promises
‘What is truth?’ So asks Pontius Pilate at the show-trial of Jesus. Pilate’s question dismisses and inherently rejects categorical truth as value. Pilate throws the truth to the masses – who cry for the blood of Jesus. As Christians, we hope – we pray, we ask – to adhere to truth. This is our truth: that Jesus is the Son of God, that Jesus died for our sins, and that through Jesus we can attain salvation. Yet, even as we seek to live in the truth, we are tested and tempted, just as Jesus was in the wilderness by Satan [ … ]
Office Of Readings | Week 8 Sunday | A Commentary On Job By Pope Saint Gregory The Great | A Man Blameless And Upright, One Who Feared God
Some people are so simple that they do not know what uprightness is. Theirs is not the true simplicity of the innocent: they are as far from that as they are far from rising to the virtue of uprightness. As long as they do not know how to guard their steps by walking in uprightness, they can never remain innocent merely by walking in simplicity. This is why Saint Paul warns his disciples I hope that you are also wise in what is good, and innocent of what is bad but also Brothers, you are not to be childish in your outlook, though you can be babies as far as wickedness is concerned. Thus Christ our Truth enjoins his disciples with the words Be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves. In giving them this admonition, he had to join the two together, so that both the simplicity of the dove might be instructed by the craftiness of the serpent, and the craftiness of the serpent might be attempered by the simplicity of the dove [ … ]
Office Of Readings | Week 7 Saturday | A Commentary On Ecclesiastes By Saint Gregory Of Agrigentum
In the words of Ecclesiastes: Light itself is delightful, and it is a great boon for the eye to have sight of the sun. Devoid of light, the world would be without beauty and life would be lifeless. That was why Moses, who saw God, said in anticipation: And God saw the light and said that it was good. To reflect on the true and eternal light is even more fitting for us. This light is Christ who enlightens every man who comes into the world, the savior and redeemer of the world. He is the one who became man and sank to the very depths of the human condition. As David said: Sing to God a hymn to his name, make a highway for him who rises to the west. His name is the Lord, rejoice before him! [ … ]
Living Psalms | Historical Context, Thematic Richness, Liturgical Significance | King James Audio Bible | Psalms KJV
The psalms, ancient anthology of religious poetry, offer a profound exploration into the human condition, spiritual longing, and divine transcendence. The psalms stand as testament to the enduring power of faith and expression across centuries and cultures [ … ]
Office Of Readings | Week 7 Friday | A Commentary On Ecclesiastes By Saint Gregory Of Agrigentum
Come, eat your bread in gladness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for your works have been pleasing to God. If we would interpret this text in its obvious and ordinary sense, it would be correct to call it a righteous exhortation, in which Ecclesiastes counsels us to embrace a simple way of life and to be led by doctrines which involve a genuine faith in God. Then we may eat our bread in gladness and drink our wine with a cheerful heart. We will not fall into slanderous speech nor be involved in anything devious; rather we should think that which is right, and, insofar as we can, we should help the poor and destitute with mercy and generosity, truly dedicated to those pursuits and good deeds which please God [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Ten Commandments | Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Instead of objectifying others for our own gratification, Jesus invites us to see people as individuals created in the image of God, deserving of love, care, and understanding. Jesus teaches us to foster genuine connections built on mutual respect, emotional intimacy, and the desire for the well-being of others [ … ]
Office Of Readings | Week 7 Thursday | A Reading From The Instruction Of Saint Columbanus
God is everywhere. He is immeasurably vast and yet everywhere he is close at hand, as he himself bears witness: I am a God close at hand, and not a God who is distant. It is not a God who is far away that we are seeking, since (if we deserve it) he is within us. For he lives in us as the soul lives in the body – if only we are healthy limbs of his, if we are dead to sin. Then indeed he lives within us, he who has said: And I will live in them and walk among them. If we are worthy for him to be in us then in truth he gives us life, makes us his living limbs. As Saint Paul says, In him we live and move and have our being [ … ]
Jesus Teaches The Lord’s Prayer | Deep And Secret Faith In Jesus Christ | Our Father | Love Our Fellow Human Beings With Jesus | Incommensurate Value Of Human Beings | Christian Love
Jesus teaches this invitation to deeper prayer. Jesus calls us to pray from the heart, in humility and intimacy with the Father. Take a moment to quiet your mind and open your heart.
I invite the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts. How can my prayer life be more in tune with God’s will?
The Empire That Fell, The Kingdom That Endures | Jesus And The Caesars | When Divine Love Confronted Earthly Power
The world into which Jesus was born was not just one of imperial power—it was a world of cruelty, excess, and moral depravity beyond modern comprehension. The Caesars were not merely rulers; they were demigods in their own eyes, demanding worship, reveling in debauchery, and enforcing their will through brutality. Rome was a world where the strong crushed the weak, where spectacles of torture and death entertained the masses, and where mercy was seen as weakness [ … ]
Daily Bible Verses | Jesus’ Second Announcement Of The Passion | King James Audio Bible | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
The people are astonished by Jesus, in whom they see the mighty power of God. Straight away, though, Jesus turns to his disciples to tell them of the truth of his Messianic mission. In veiled terms, Jesus announces his passion and death: the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. There is extreme contrast between the people’s, and the disciples’, understanding of how the Messiah shall be, and the reality of Christ’s true mission on Earth, to suffer, to be crucified, and so to ransom mankind, redeeming us from death and sin. There is secret, hidden truth, which only gradually becomes manifest through the course of the Gospels [ … ]
Daily Bible Verses | Peter’s Profession Of Faith | Jesus Announces The Passion | Christ Of God | King James Audio Bible
Today’s Gospel verses invite us once more to consider the true identity of Jesus. This scene is filled both with a sense of preconceptions and expectations, and with the over-riding knowledge of the new, which is the truth of Jesus. Additionally, we are asked by Jesus to declare the truth of our knowledge of who Jesus is. We are invited by Jesus to confess our Christian faith [ … ]
Daily Bible Verses | Children Sitting In The Marketplace | Wisdom Is Justified Of Her Children | King James Audio Bible KJV
There is such over-flowing of goodness and joy in our response to Jesus. Faced with such overwhelming power of truth, it is paradoxically to be expected that people will object. We may all have felt a certain closing off at times, a rejection of what might be best in favour of what we know and are accustomed to. Too many of the people of Jesus’ time look set to reject him, just because of who he is and what he represents – i.e. the truth and the new and better way – rather than because of all that he says and does. These people seek evil where there is only good [ … ]
Angels In The Bible | Angelic Announcements To Sarah And Abraham | Angels In The Old Testament | King James Audio Bible | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Powerful Prayer To Jesus
In this passage, the Lord appeared to Abraham in the plains of Mamre in the form of three men. Recognizing their divine nature, Abraham warmly welcomed them into his home and showed great hospitality. The Lord informed Abraham that He would soon return to him, and shared the news that Sarah, Abraham’s elderly wife, would conceive and bear a son. Sarah, who overheard the announcement from inside the tent, laughed in disbelief, considering her advanced age. The Lord gently confronted her doubts and affirmed that nothing is impossible for Him [ … ]
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Ministry Of Jesus | Prayer To The Sacred Heart Of Jesus | Faith And Peace Of God
O most loving Sacred Heart of Jesus, as I meditate on your love revealed at the Last Supper, I am humbled by your act of service in washing the feet of your disciples. Help me to have a servant’s heart and to always be ready to serve others. May your words of comfort and assurance be with me always, especially in times of trial. Help me to remember your ultimate sacrifice on the Cross and to love others as you have loved me. Amen [ … ]
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Gethsemane | Relaxing Prayer And Meditation With Jesus In Gethsemane | Audio Bible
In these Gospel verses, Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives with his disciples, and at a particular place, Jesus separates himself to pray. Jesus urges his disciples to pray against temptation. In his prayer, Jesus expresses his desire for the cup of suffering to be removed but ultimately submits to God’s will. An angel appears from heaven to strengthen Jesus, and Jesus prays with such intensity that his sweat becomes like drops of blood falling to the ground [ … read more and listen … ]
Prayer With Jesus In The Garden Of Gethsemane | Agony Of Jesus’ Prayer And The Angel’s Comfort | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
In the Garden of Gethsemane, the presence of the angel becomes a symbol of divine comfort and support during Jesus’ moment of utmost agony. As Jesus withdrew a stone’s cast away from his disciples and fell on the ground to pray, sweating blood, the world’s sins and crucifixion-horror pressed heavily upon him [ … ]
Relaxing Prayer And Meditation | Parable Of The Prodigal Son | Love Revealed By Jesus | Audio Bible | KJV | King James Version
In the parable of the prodigal son, the story Jesus tells is so homely and familiar to our lives, and to our most basic human and family instincts, that even without the deeper meanings as we interpret the parable, it would be powerfully moving to hear as a tale of estrangement and difficulty followed by forgiveness and reconciliation through love [ … read more … ]
Relaxing Prayer And Meditation | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | KJV | King James Version | Audio Bible
Christian Art | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Prayer And Meditation This relaxing prayer and meditation with Jesus reflects upon three Gospel passages – of Saint Matthew’s Gospel. These [ … ]
King James Audio Bible | KJV | A Way Of Poverty? | Jesus And The Rich Young Man | King James Version | Gospels | Psalms
The passage, Matthew 19:16-22, recounts the encounter between Jesus and a wealthy young man who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. In response, Jesus told him to keep the commandments, to which the young man replied that he had done so since his youth. Jesus then told him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow him. The young man went away sorrowful because he had great possessions, which he finds himself unable to relinquish [ … ]
Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Reflections On The Love Revealed Of Jesus | God Is Love | Audio Bible | KJV | King James Version
Love is the most fundamental and universal human experience. God is love. God created us through Love. Yet love can be elusive and mysterious. It is a word that encompasses a wide range of meanings, from romantic passion to familial affection, from altruistic service to spiritual devotion. In its essence, love is an expression of our deepest longings for connection, belonging, and fulfilment [ … ]
Satan In The Bible | Our Enemy | Enemy Of Man | All Biblical References By Name Of Satan | Lord, Protect Us From Satan | Faith In Jesus | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
The Book of Job contains the first explicit mention of Satan by name in the Bible, a significant development in the Hebrew Scriptures. Unlike earlier references to adversarial or evil figures, such as the serpent in Genesis, which are not explicitly identified as Satan, the Book of Job introduces Satan as a distinct character who challenges Job’s righteousness before God. This explicit mention marks a maturation of theological concepts within the Hebrew Scriptures, influenced by historical, cultural, and literary developments [ … ]
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | King James Audio Bible | KJV | Word Aloud | Love Revealed By Jesus | Gethsemane
As I meditate upon the love of Jesus Christ, I am struck by its boundlessness and its depth. His love is not limited by time or space, nor is it conditional upon our worthiness. Jesus loves us simply because we are his creation, his beloved children. In Jesus’ love, there is no fear, no judgment, only grace and mercy [ … ]
Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Prayer With The Gospels | Prayer For Social Justice
Dear Jesus, You have taught us the value of each person and the importance of justice. Open my eyes to see the suffering and injustice around me. Fill my heart with compassion and the desire to act. Help me to stand up for those who are oppressed and marginalized, to speak out against injustice, and to work tirelessly for a world that reflects your love and justice. Guide my steps and use my voice to bring about change. May your spirit of justice be my guide, and may I be a beacon of your love in a world that so desperately needs it [ … ]
Prayers For Adult Children | Embracing Childlike Faith On The Path To Heaven
As adults, we often find ourselves weighed down by the responsibilities and complexities of life. Yet, Jesus, in his profound wisdom, encourages us to become like children in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Embracing childlike faith enables us to approach God with innocence, trust, and humility. This collection of prayers is designed to help adults cultivate and nurture that childlike spirit within, as we seek a deeper connection with our Heavenly Father [ … ]
Angels In The Bible | And The Ass Saw The Angel | Angels In The Old Testament | King James Audio Bible | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Powerful Prayer To Jesus
In this passage, the prophet Balaam was on his way to meet King Balak of Moab, who sought to hire Balaam to curse the Israelites. However, God was displeased with Balaam’s intentions and sent an angel to stand in his path to prevent him from proceeding further. Unaware of the angel’s presence, Balaam’s donkey saw the angel with a drawn sword and reacted fearfully, trying to avoid the dangerous path [ … ]
Journey Of Redemption | A Spiritual Interpretation Of Joseph’s Story In The Light Of Jesus | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Joseph And His Coat Of Many Colours | King James Audio Bible KJV | Joseph In The Book Of Genesis
The story of Joseph is of a young man who endured trials and triumphs, demonstrating the power of faith, forgiveness, and God’s providence. Joseph was the favoured son of Jacob, receiving from his father the gift of his coat of many colours, causing jealousy among his brothers. In a moment of jealousy, they sold him into slavery. Joseph was taken to Egypt, where he served in the house of Potiphar. However, he was falsely accused of sexual assault and imprisoned [ … ]
Spiritual Armor Of Saint George | Life Of Faith And Courage | King James Audio Bible | Word Aloud | King James Version KJV | Christian Saints
Saint George was born in Cappadocia, present-day Turkey, to Christian parents in the late 3rd century. His father was a Roman army official, which influenced George’s decision to pursue a military career. Saint George rose to a high rank within the Roman army but faced a turning point when Emperor Diocletian issued edicts against Christians in 303 AD [ … ]
Listen To The Bible! | Psalm 12 | King James Audio Bible KJV | Plea For Help In Evil Times | Prayer With Jesus | Revolution In Christian Prayer | True Faith In God | Arise, Lord | Pray The Psalms
We are invited to imagine a time when it seems that honesty and trustworthiness are fading away. Psalm 12 captures this sentiment, as the psalmist contemplates the challenges of finding genuine people and reliable words [ … ]
Listen To The Bible! | Psalm 25 | King James Audio Bible KJV | Prayer For Guidance And For Deliverance | Prayer With Jesus And King David | True Faith In God | Pray The Psalms
Psalm 25 is a plea for divine guidance, forgiveness and protection. It is a deeply personal and introspective conversation between the psalmist and the Lord. In this psalm, we find themes of trust, humility, and the recognition of God’s merciful nature [ … ]
Listen To The Bible! | Psalm 31 | King James Audio Bible KJV | Prayer And Praise For Deliverance From Enemies | Prayer With Jesus And King David | True Faith In God | Pray The Psalms
Psalm 31 is a heartfelt and poignant prayer that reflects the psalmist’s trust in the Lord, even in adversity and persecution. It is a cry for God’s deliverance and protection, rooted in the psalmist’s faith [ … ]
Listen To The Bible! | Psalm 35 | King James Audio Bible KJV | Prayer For Deliverance From Enemies | Prayer With Jesus And King David | True Faith In God | Pray The Psalms
Psalm 35 is a plea for divine intervention and justice. This psalm, attributed to King David, encapsulates turmoil of a soul unjustly persecuted, seeking vindication and deliverance from those who harm him [ … ]
Listen To The Bible! | Psalm 39 | King James Audio Bible KJV | Prayer For Wisdom And Forgiveness | Prayer With Jesus And King David | True Faith In God | Pray The Psalms | Forgiveness
Psalm 39 is a contemplative reflection on the fleeting nature of human existence. Attributed to King David, this psalm delves into themes of silence, self-control, and brevity of life in face of God’s eternal nature [ … ]
Listen To The Bible! | Psalm 41 | King James Audio Bible KJV | Assurance Of God’s Help And A Plea For Healing | Prayer With Jesus And King David | True Faith In God | Pray The Psalms
Psalm 41 expresses blessings, pain of betrayal, and the reassurance of divine mercy. This psalm serves as both a heartfelt cry for help and a declaration of trust in the Lord’s sustaining grace [ … ]
Listen To The Bible! | Psalm 46 | King James Audio Bible KJV | God’s Defence Of His City And People | Prayer With Jesus And King David | True Faith In God | Pray The Psalms
Psalm 46 is a testament to God’s unwavering protection, strength, and sovereignty in the midst of life’s challenges. It is a source of solace, reminding readers of the enduring refuge found in God’s presence. This psalm is an enduring declaration of trust in God’s ultimate control over the world’s affairs, even in times of turmoil and uncertainty [ … ]