Thought for the Day – 8 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Use of Creatures
“St Ignatius Loyola investigates this subject in his Spiritual Exercises.
He writes that we ought to use things, insofar as they bring us nearer to our final end.
We ought to avoid things completely, he continues, insofar as they separate or distract us from this end.
The function of creatures in our regard, is to lead us nearer to God, to remind us of God and to make us love God.
But if they are a source of scandal to us, we must avoid them.
The Gospel is very strict on this matter when it says, “If thy hand or foot is an occasion of sin to thee, cut it off and cast it from thee” (Mt 5:29-30; 18:8).
This means that we must be ready to give up anything or anyone, rather than endanger our souls and risk the loss of Divine grace and eternal life.”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci
PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/09/thought-for-the-day-9-february-the-use-of-creatures/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/09/thought-for-the-day-9-february-the-use-of-creatures-2/
AnaStpaul 
Barney, my creature cat, just jumped up and after looking at the screen, nuzzled me to be petted. Yes God gives us creatures to love and be loved. So, have a great day, love to your family. PaPaw Hugh and Barney ( short for Barnabas my Patron) send their love your way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Barney, pleased to meet you. I introduce our fellow travellers – St Paul, our ginger and white senior member of the clan, about 7 years old, Lucia Maria, our fluffy black mixed Persian, about 4 years and our youngest, St Angelica Magnus (after St Angelica Merici [arrived on her feast day] and St Albert Magnus) our nearly a year old British Shorthair, nearly all black except for white shoes, bib and whiskers.
The human creatures, who are part of our life are not unknown to you.
They all send greetings and love. 😁💘🙏
LikeLike