Thought for the Day – 24 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Recollection of Mary
“We cannot all be Monks or Hermits.
Most have to live in the world and look after their daily business.,
They have to deal with all kinds of people and are subject to the tremendous influences of the modern world.
How can they be recollected?
It is difficult but it is possible.
Most of the Saints lived in the heart of the world, while still maintaining close contact with God.
St Paul the Apostle and St John Bosco, are two examples which come to mind.
St Paul traversed the greater parts of the known world.
He preached in the temple of Jerusalem and on the Areopagus of Athens, in the Synagogues, squares, court rooms and prsisons of countless cities.
Throughout it all, his heart remained united to God, so that he could exclaim: “It is now no longer I who live but Christ lives in me” Gal 2:20).
“For to me to live is Christ,” he said, “and to die is gain. But if to live in the flesh is my lot, this means for me, fruitful labour and I do not know which to choose. Indeed, I am hard-pressed from both sides – desiring to depart and to be with Christ – a lot by far the better; yet, to stay on in the flesh is necessary for your sake” |(Phil 1:21-23).
The superhuman industriousness of St John Bosco is well known.
He never rested but, his extraordinary activity derived entirely from his close and loving union with God.
We also should try and preserve an oasis of silence in our heart, while we are making our way through the noisy uproar which prevails around us.
We shall draw from this oasis of interior recollection, the power to conquer the temptations of the world and to accomplish all the good work which God wishes us to do.”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci
PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/24/thought-for-the-day-24-may-the-recollection-of-mary/
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