Thought for the Day – 2 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Prayer as a Necessary Means of Salvation
“The man who prays, will be saved, the man who does not pray, will be damned!”
This reflection occurs in much the same words in the writings St Teresa, of St Alphonsus and of other masters of the spiritual life.
There is no suggestion that prayer ALONE, without sincerity of purpose, the Sacraments and good works, is sufficient for salvation.
What is meant, is that anyone, who does not pray, cannot possibly be saved, except by a miracle because, God, does not normally give His grace to anyone, who does ot ask for it!
Even though the soul has grown indifferent and submerged in sin, if it does not abandon the habit of praying, it will sooner or later, be overcome by remorse and will turn again to God.
St John Chrysostom teaches us, that it is impossible for anyone, who prays fervently and consta\ntly, to fall and remain in serious sin.
Let us pray, therefore.
Let prayer be our constant support in every situation and in every action.
If we remain close to God, we are assured of salvation.
As long as we remain united to Our Lord, His grace will pervade our souls.
But, if we sever this bond of prayer with God, we shall be alone and helpless and shall fall into sin.
This has been the sad experience of many before us.”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci
PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/15/thought-for-the-day-15-march-prayer-as-a-necessary-means-of-salvation/
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