Thought for the Day – 24 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Progress in the Love of God
“The entire Christian system is based on the love of God.
This, is “the greatest and first commandment” (Mt 22:38) of Jesus, from which the second commandment, to love our neighbour, naturally flows.
A man who does not observe this first commandment is not a Christian, whereas a man who endeavours to increase, everyday, his love for God, is a saint.
There are may grades of ascent in this love but, the basic step is indicated in the words of our Divine Master: “He who has my commandments and keeps them, he is is who loves me” (Jn 14:15,21).
The love of God should not consist of an empty and ineffective sentimentality but, should comprise a sincere determinations to please God by carrying out His will, without reserve and by becoming more closely united to Him, by the help of His holy grace.
Progress in the love of God is divided by the masters of the spiritual lfe into three stages:
(1) the period of purification;
(2) the period of illuminations and;
(3) the period of union with God.
We may have advanced no farther than the first stage because there is still so much to be purified in our souls.
Nevertheless, let us ask God’s grace, to help us to begin this work immediately!”
AnaStpaul 
My progress in the love of God continues and as I grow in faith I have hope. I do wonder as I wander why I have no spirit of discernment. Most of my current problems are because of this is because of this ‘take the bull by the horns and all will be OK’ attitude. “So it is, so may it be. Amen”
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We are who He made us dearest Hughie. We have His talents – all of equal value but not all the same! Amen – He loves you as His own don’t try and be someone else and plant your garden in France – remember the quote from St Francis de Sales a day or two ago?
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I had forgotten but yes I do remember.Thanks for your love and as always your timing today is perfect. I need you.
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Etiam – translate Hughie
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Etiam? translate?
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Latin for ‘likewise’
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