Category: CATHOLIC Quotes

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 13 July – Following Jesus, the Divine Model

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Thought for the Day – 13 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Following Jesus, the Divine Model

“When we have renounced ourselves and have embraced our cross with resignation and love, we must follow Jesus.
We must follow Him in a special way as the Infallible Teacher of tTuth.
The teachings of men cannot satisfy our intellects.
Still less, can they satisfy our hearts.
What they teach is either incomplete or false.
This is proved by the fact that the doctrines of men have succeeded and replaced one another, down through the Centuries while “the Word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

The teaching of Christ produces an extraordinary renovation in the individual, in the family and in society.
It is this renewal which we call Christianity and Christian civilisation.
There is a wide chasm between paganism and Christianity.
This gulf would be even wider, only for the fact that Christianity has not yet been fully put into practice throughout the universe.
There is only one reform necessary.
This is to realise the Christian ideal everywhere.
We must begin by carrying it out ourselves.
Let us follow Jesus, Who is saying to us: “I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6). “He who follows Me does not walk in darkness” (Jn 8:12).

Let us follow our Divine Master and we shall be sure that we are travelling towards Heaven!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SCANDAL, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – Forgiveness

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Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – –

“Leave there thy offering before the Altar
and go first to be reconciled to thy brother
and then, coming, thou shalt offer thy gift.”

Matthew 5:24

“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”

Acts 7:60

“No-one heals himself
by wounding another.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“… Every man is both debtor and creditor…
A beggar asks you for alms but you, too,
are God’s beggar, for when we pray
we are all beggars of God.
We stand – or rather, prostrate ourselves –
at our Father’s door (cf Lk 11:5);
we beseech Him with groans,
anxious to receive a grace from Him
and this grace is God Himself!
What does the beggar ask of you?
Bread. And what is it that you are asking of God
but Christ, Who said:
“I am the Living Bread come down from Heaven”
(Jn 6:51).”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“To the extent that you pray, with all your soul,
for the person who slanders you,
God will make the truth known
to those who have been scandalised
by the slander.”

St Maximus the Confessor (c580–662)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, The UNFORGIVEABLE SIN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 July – Go first to be reconciled to thy brother … Matthew 5:24

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One Minute Reflection – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” –Pentecost V – St Anacletus (c25-c89) 3rd Bishop of Rome and Martyr – 1 Petet 3:8-15; 5:10-11 – Matthew 5:20-24 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Leave there thy offering before the Altar and go first to be reconciled to thy brother and then, coming, thou shalt offer thy gift.” – Matthew 5:24

REFLECTION – “The measure with which you measure shall be measured out to you” (Mt 7:2). And the servant who, after having had all his debt forgiven him by his master, would not forgive his fellow-servant, is confined to prison. Because he was unwilling to forgive his fellow-servant, he lost the forgiveness which had been granted him by the Lord (Mt 18:23f). And these things Christ sets forth still more strongly in his precepts by the greater force of his censure. He says: “When you stand praying, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your transgressions” (Mk 11:25) …

For God commands us to be peacemakers and of one heart and of one mind, in His House. And such as He has made us by a second birth, so by a second birth He wishes to preserve us that we, who are the children of God, may abide in the peace of God and that we ,who have one spirit, may have one heart and mind. Thus God does not receive the sacrifice of a person who is in disagreement but commands him to go back from the Altar and first be reconciled to his brother that so God also, may be appeased by the prayers of the peacemaker. The greater sacrifice to God is our peace and fraternal concord and a people united in the unity of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” – St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Martyr, Father of the Church (The Lord’s Prayer, 23).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Anacletus thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 13 July – I Love Thee, O My God By St John Marie Baptiste Vianney

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Our Morning Offering – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Pentecost V

I Love Thee, O My God
By St John Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

I love Thee,
O my God
and my only desire is to love Thee
until the last breath of my life.
I love Thee,
O my infinitely lovable God
and I would rather die loving Thee
than live without loving Thee.
I love Thee, Lord
and the only grace I ask,
is to love Thee eternally.
My God,
if my tongue cannot say
in every moment that I love Thee,
I wish my heart to repeat it to Thee
as often as I draw breath!
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Thought for the Day – 12 July – The Beggars of God

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Thought for the Day – 12 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Beggars of God

“Both in the natural and in the supernatural order, we are in continual need of the aid of God.
We did not exist and God, in His Infinite Goodness, created us.
It is He, Who preserves us in existence from day to day and from moment to moment.
The act of conservation, is like a continuous creation.
If God did not sustain us, we should return immediately to the dust from which we came: “Remember, man, that dust you are and unto dust you shall return” (Gen 3:19).

We are continually dependent on our Lord and Creator for our existence and activity.
If we remained always aware of this tremendous fact, we would never offend God.
We would show Him a filial gratitude and humbly implore His assistance.

We are so poor and He is so rich.
We are so weak and He is so strong.
We are blind and He is the true Light, which illumines every man who comes into the world (Jn 1:9).
Ask for God’s help with confidence, perseverance and resignation to His Holy Will.
As St Augustine says, we are the beggars of God!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, QUOTES on ENEMIES, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 12 July – But I say to you, love your enemies …

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 31:8-11 – Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But I say to you,
love your enemies …”

Matthew 5:44

St John Gualbert said to his enemy,
“I cannot refuse what you ask
in Christ’s Name.
I grant you your life
and I give you my friendship.
Pray that God may forgive me my sin.”

St John Gualbert (c985-1073)
“The Merciful Knight”

“You do not, in your enemies,
love what they are
but what you would have them become,
by your prayers!”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, franciscan OFM, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 July – “But I say to you, Love your enemies …” – Matthew 5:44

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One Minute Reflection – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 31:8-11 – Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But I say to you, Love your enemies …” – Matthew 5:44

REFLECTION – “Let us pay attention, all my brothers, to what the Lord says: “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you,” for our Lord Jesus Christ, Whose footprints we must follow (cf 1 Pt 2:21), called His betrayer “friend” (Mt 26:50) and gave Himself willingly to those who crucified Him. Our friends, then, are all those who, unjustly afflict upon us, trials and ordeals, shame and inju­ries, sorrows and torments, martyrdom and death! We must love them greatly for we will possess eternal life because of what they bring upon us.” – St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226) Founder of the Friars Minor (Earlier Rule, #22).

PRAYER – May the intercession of the blessed Abbot John commend us to Thee, O Lord, so that through his merits we may obtain that which we cannot accomplish by our own. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PEACE, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 11 July – O Lord, our God! … when we stumble, catch and hold us!

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 July – St Pius I, Pope (Died c 154) Martyr – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

“It is He Who is our peace.”

St Paul
Ephesians 2:14

“And hence, all men everywhere,
whether bond or free, who believe in Christ
and recognise the Truth in His Own Words
and those of His Prophets,
know they shall be with Him in that land
and inherit everlasting and incorruptible good.”

St Justin Martyr (c100-165)
Father of the Chucrh

“What is that joy which no-one
can take from you, other than
your Lord Himself,
Whom no man can take from you?
… So examine your conscience, brethren –
if righteousness reigns there,
if you want, desire and wish the same thing
for everyone as for yourself,
if there is peace in you, not only with your friends
but equally with your enemies,
then know that the Kingdom of Heaven,
which is to say Christ the Lord,
abides in you.”

St Caesarius of Arles (470-543)
Bishop, Father of the Church

O Lord, our God!
By St Alcuin (c735-804)

O Lord, our God,
Who has called us to serve Thee,
in the midst of the world’s affairs,
when we stumble, catch and hold us;
when we fall, lift us up;
when we are hard pressed with evil, deliver us;
when we turn from what is good, turn us back!;
and bring us at last to Thy glory.
Amen

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 11 July – Accepting the Will of God

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Thought for the Day – 11 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Accepting the Will of God

“Why are we so often dissatisfied and so easily unsettled by ordinary events?
Why does a small measure of worldly success, pleasure, or human praise go to our heads and disturb our peace of soul?
Why does suffering failure, or humiliation, makes us sad and dispirited?
It is because we forget –everything comes to us from God.

The inscrutable designs of Divine Providence have ordained that our mortal lives should be interwoven with joyful and sorrowful events.
There is joy, so we may realise that God is Infinitely Good and may experience on earth, the reflection of His Beauty.
There is sorrow, so we may remember that “here we have no permanent city but we seek for the city which is to come” (Heb 13:14).
We should not be too elated by worldly pleasure and success but, should be grateful to God, for giving them to us.
On the other hand, we should not lose heart, nor rebel, when we experience suffering or humiliation.
These also come from God and He has a reason for sending them to us.
Even if we do not know the reason, we should retain our confidence that the Providence of God, arranges everything for our true welfare.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci 

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 July – Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. – Matthew 16:16

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One Minute Reflection – 11 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Pius I, Pope (Died c 154) Martyr – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11 – Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16

REFLECTION – “Peter did not say “Thou are a Christ” or “a son of God” but “the Christ, the Son of God.” For there are many christs by grace, who have attained the rank of adoption [as sons] but, [there is] only One ,Who is by nature the Son of God. Thus, using the definite article, he said, THE Christ, THE Son of God. And in calling Him, Son of the LIVING God, Peter indicates that Christ Himself is Life and that death has no authority over Him. And even if the flesh, for a short while, was weak and died, nevertheless, it rose again, since the Word, Who dwelled in it, could not be held under the bonds of death.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Known as “The Pillar of Faith” Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor Incarnationis (Doctor of the Incarnation) (Fragment 190).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Pius thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church.. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", ACT of LOVE, ACT of PERFECT CONTRITION, CATECHESIS, OUR Cross, Our MORNING Offering, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, St Francis de Sales, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 11 July – O My God, I Thank Thee An Act of Abandonment to the Divine Will

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Our Morning Offering – 11 July

O My God, I Thank Thee
An Act of Abandonment
to the Divine Will
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

O my God, I thank Thee
and I praise Thee
for accomplishing Thy Holy and all-lovable Will
without any regard for mine.
With my whole heart,
in spite of my heart,
do I receive this cross I feared so much!
It is the cross of Thy choice,
the cross of Thy Love.
I venerate it;
nor for anything in the world
would I wish it had not come,
since Thou hast willed it.
I keep it with gratitude and with joy,
as I do everything which comes from Thy Hand
and I shall strive to carry it
without letting it drag,
with all the respect
and all the affection
which Thy works deserve.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St PAUL!

Thought for the Day – 10 July – The Grace of God

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Thought for the Day – 10 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Grace of God

“It is astonishing to consider how much St Paul accomplished when he had been transformed by the grace of God.
Formerly, a persecutor of Christians, he became the Apostle of the Gentiles.
Enlightened by faith and inspired by charity, he travelled the globe, spreading everywhere, the religion of Jesus Christ.

He feared neither the anger of the hostile Jews, nor the tribunals of the Roman judges, neither long and difficult journeys, nor scourging, shipwreck and imprisonment.
“The love of Christ impels us,” (2 Cor 5:14) he said.
It was the love of God which drove him on and on, until he met his Martyrdom.
But what about ourselves?
We also have received grace from God.
Often we hear His Voice appealing to us to abandon our sinful ways, to practise virtue, to love Him more ardently and to prove our love, by deeds.
If we co-operate, we shall be able to say with St Paul: “by the grace of God, I am what I am and his grace in me has not been fruitless,” (1 Cor 15:10) and “I have laboured … yet, not I but the grace of God with me” (ibid).

It is wise to recall, however, that Judas also received special graces from God.
He did not correspond with them and was probably damned for eternity.
If we fail to correspond with God’s graces, the result will be tragic for ourselves.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/02/thought-for-the-day-2-july-the-grace-of-god/

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY CROSS, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day –10 July – Let God steer uswhere He will.

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Quote/s of the Day –10 July – Proverbs 31:10-31 –1Matthew 12:46-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For whoever does
the Will of My Father in Heaven,
is My brother and My sister
and My mother.”

Matthew 12:50

“Unfurl the sails
and let God steer us
where He will.”

St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

“No-one will have any other desire in Heaven
than what God wills and the desire of one,
will be the desire of all and the desire of all
and of each one, will also be the desire of God.”

St Anselm (1033-1109)
Archbishop of Canterbury

“Happy the soul which detaches itself
from its own pleasure,
from its own will,
from its own understanding.
A sublime lesson is this
and God will teach it,
to all those who place their happiness
in the Cross of Jesus Christ.”

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother. – Matthew 12:50

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One Minute Reflection – 10 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Rufina and St Secunda of Rome (3rd Century) Virgin Martyrs – Proverbs 31:10-31 – Matthew 12:46-50 – – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” – Matthew 12:50

REFLECTION – “I beg you to listen to what the Lord had to say when He stretched out His hand towards His disciples: “Here are My mother and My brethren” and, “whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” Are we to take it from this that the Virgin Mary did not do the will of the Father, she who by faith believed, by faith conceived; she who was chosen to bring forth salvation on our behalf and who, was by Christ created that Christ in her, might be created? Indeed and indeed, she did the Father’s Will and it is a greater thing for Mary that she was Christ’s disciple, than that she was His Mother. It is a happier thing to be His disciple, than to be His Mother. Blessed then is Mary, who bore her Lord in her body, before she gave Him birth…

Mary is holy. Mary is blessed. Yet the Church is greater than she is. What reason do I bring? Mary is part of the Church. She is a holy member of the Church; she is THE holy member; she is the member above all member hut, she is still one member of the whole body… Brothers, listen very closely – you are members of Christ’s body and you are the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27). And this is how you are what He said: “Here are My mother and My brothers.” But how does this prove you are Christ’s mother? He goes on: “Whoever hears and whoever does the will of my heavenly Father, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 25 on Saint Matthew).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who know how courageously Thy holy Martyrs have confessed the faith, may experience their goodness as they intercede for us with Thee.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, The HOLY NAME

Our Morning Offering – 10 July – Grant Me Grace, O Merciful God – The Daily Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas

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Our Morning Offering – 10 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

Grant Me Grace, O Merciful God
The Daily Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas
(1225-1274)
(Which he was accustomed to recite everyday
before the image of Christ.)
Doctor Angelicus & Doctor Communis

Grant me grace,
O merciful God,
to desire ardently
all that is pleasing to Thee,
to examine it prudently,
to acknowledge it truthfully
and to accomplish it perfectly,
for the praise
and glory of Thy Name.
Amen

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD is LOVE, INGRATITUDE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 9 July – The Role of the Eucharist in Increasing Our Love of God

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Thought for the Day – 9 July – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

LV: … The Role of the Eucharist in
Increasing Our Love of God (Part Three)

“When the time itself draws near, we must consider, attentively, Who it is we are about to receive – for our Guest is to be the Son of the living God, the august Majesty before Whom the heavens and the powers of Heaven tremble in awesome fear!

Our Guest is to be the Saint of Saints, Mirror without blemish, Purity
itself, before Whom all is unclean in comparison.
This is Divinity become Man – One looked upon as the very outcast of men, Who was pleased to be spat upon, struck, reviled and Crucified out of love for us.

You are indeed about to receive God Himself, in Whose Hand is the destiny of the universe.
On the other hand, think of your own utter insignificance and your vile sinfulness which has reduced you below the level of the brute and made you worthy of being the sport and slave of devils!
Consider your acknowledgment of the Infinite favours you have received from your Saviour – you have insulted the Redeemer and trampled upon His Precious Blood, displaying a most absolute ingratitude.

But even human ingratitude cannot overcome Divine charity – capricious fickleness is no match for unchanging Love.
Still the gracious Lord summons you to the Divine banquet and rather
than rebuffing you for your obvious inadequacies, bids you come
under pain of death.
The arms of the merciful Father are always open to receive you, be you leprous, lame, blind, squandering, or possessed by devils.

He demands of you these few requisites alone:

To be sincerely sorry for having so grievously offended Him.
To hate sin of all kinds with an unquenchable vigour.
To consecrate yourself to cheerful acceptance of His Divine Will, whatever it may be.
To have a firm confidence that He will forgive your sins, cleanse your soul of all taint and defend you against all your enemies.

Encouraged by this ineffable Love of the Lord for you and all penitent sinners, approach the holy table with a prudent fear, tempered by hope and love, saying:

“After so many grievous offences, I am not worthy to receive Thee, not having fully satisfied Thy justice.
No, my God, I am unworthy of Thee, sullied as I am by an inordinate attachment to creatures and a reluctance to serve Thee completely, with my whole heart and my whole strength.
O my omnipotent Lord, be mindful of Thy goodness and Thy promise; through the Divine alchemy of Love and Faith, make my heart a worthy dwellingplace for Thy Divine Son.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, DYING / LAST WORDS, ON the SAINTS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, SAINT of the DAY, St Alphonsus de Liguori,

Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – St John Fisher and St Thomas More – Martyrs

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – St John Fisher (1469-1535) Bishop, Martyr, Cardinal – St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr, Confessor

St John Fisher (1469-1535)
Bishop, Martyr, Cardinal

“Death to the Saints is not a punishment but a reward.
“For so He giveth His beloved sleep.” (Ps cxxvii: 3).
The death of him, who loves God,
is not called death but sleep, so he can truly say:
“I will lay me down in peace
and take my rest.” (Ps iv: 9).

Cardinal St Fisher, as Saunders relates,
when about to die for the Faith,
put on the best clothes he had, saying, he was going to a wedding.
When he came in sight of the scaffold
he cast away his staff, saying:
“Make haste my feet, make haste, for we are not far from Paradise.”
And before dying he sang Te Deum,
in returning thanks to God, Who had allowed him
to die a Martyr’s death, for the holy Faith
and thus being filled with joy,
he placed his head under the axe.”

St John Fisher (1469-1535)
Bishop, Martyr, Cardinal

“Help me, Most Loving Father,
help me with Thy mighty grace.
Succour me with Thy most gracious favour.
Rescue me from these manifold perils in which I am,
for unless Thou wil relieve me, of thy Infinite Goodness,
I am but as a lost creature.”

(From the Prayer in the Tower)

“Penance is a needful thing to the sinner,
who desires to recover health of his soul.
And, in doing penance, there be three things
to be considered:
serious compunction of heart,
confession of mouth
and satisfaction by deed.”

penance is a needful thing to the sinner - st john fisher 22 june 2020

St Thomas More (1478-1535)
Martyr, Confessor

“For those whom He Loved,
He Loved unto the end and this He wished,
they too should do. He was not
an inconstant Lover Who does as many do,
Love for a while and then, upon some light occasion,
leave His Love and turn from being a friend to an enemy,
as the false traitor, Judas did.
But He, still so persevered in Love
unto the very end, so that, for very Love,
He came to that painful end and that,
not only for His friends who were already His
but too, for His enemies, to make them His friends
and not for His benefit but only for their own!”

“Those in the Catholic Church,
whom some rebuke for praying to Saints
and going on pilgrimages,
do not seek any Saint as their saviour.
Instead, they seek Saints,
as those whom their Saviour loves
and whose intercession and prayer,
for the seeker, He will be content to hear.
For His Own sake,
He would have those He loves, honoured.
And when they are thus honoured for His sake,
then, the honour that is given them, for His sake,
overflows especially to Himself.”

O Lord, Grant Us …
A Prayer of Petitio
By St Thomas More (1478-1535)

O Lord, grant us a mind
which is humble,
quiet, peaceaable,
patient and charitable
and a taste of Thy Holy Ghost,
in all our thoughts, words and deeds.

O Lord, grant us a lively faith,
a firm hope, a fervent charity,
a love of Thee.

Take from us all lukewarmness
in meditation
and all dullness in prayer.
Give us fervour and delight
in thinking of Thee,
Thy grace and Thy tender
compassion toward us.

Grant us, good Lord,
the grace to work
for the things we pray for.
Amen.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 July – ‘ … At the Lord’s Voice …’

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One Minute Reflection – 9 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Ferial Day – Our Lady Queen of Peace –St John Fisher (1469-1535) Bishop, Martyr, Cardinal – St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr, Confessor – Romans 8:18-23 – Luke 5:1-11 A – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Now when He had ceased to speak, He said to Simon: Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a draught. …” … Luke 5:4

REFLECTION – “Launch out into deep” that is to say, into the high seas of debate. Is there any depth which is comparable to the abyss of “the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge” of the Son of God, (Rom 11:33), to the proclamation of His Divine Sonship? … The Church is led by Peter to the high seas of the testimony, so as to contemplate the risen Son of God and the Holy Ghost Who is poured forth.

What are those nets of the Apostles which Christ orders them to lower? Are they not the linking of words, the twists in discourse, the depth of arguments which do not allow those whom they have caught to escape? This fishing tackle of the Apostles does not render the fish they have caught to perish – rather, it preserves them, drawing them out of the abyss towards the light, leading them from the lowest depths to the heights …

“Master, Peter said, “we have laboured all the night and have taken nothing:but at Thy Word, I will let down the net.” I too, Lord, know it is night for me, when Thou do not command me. I have not yet converted anyone through my words; it is still night. I spoke on the day of Epiphany – I lowered the net but I have not caught anything yet. I lowered the net during the day. I am waiting for Thee to give me the order. Upon Thy Word, I will lower it again. Self-confidence is empty but humility is fertile. Those who had not caught anything until then, have now, at the Lord’s Voice, caught an enormous catch of fish.” – St Ambrose (340-397)
Father & Doctor of the Church (Treatise on the Gospel of Luke IV, 71-76).

PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee,and by the intercession of blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and of blessed Martyrs St John Fisher, St Thomas More, St Maria Goretti and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CHURCH

Our Morning Offering – 9 July – Good Lord, Exercise Thy Mercy By St John Fisher

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Our Morning Offering – 9 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Feast of St John Fisher (1469-1535)
Bishop, Martyr, Confessor, Cardinal

Good Lord,
Exercise Thy Mercy
By St John Fisher (1469-1535)
Bishop, Martyr

Good Lord,
set in Thy Church
strong and mighty pillars
who may suffer
and endure great labours,
who too shall not fear persecution,
nor death but always suffer
slander, shame and all kinds of torments,
with goodwill,
for the glory and praise
of Thine Holy Name.
By this manner, Good Lord,
the truth of Thy Gospel
shall be preached throughout the world.
Therefore, Merciful Lord,
exercise Thy Mercy,
show It indeed upon Thy Church!
Amen

Posted in GOD ALONE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, QUOTES on GRACE

Thought for the Day – 8 July – The Name of the Precious Blood of Jesus

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Thought for the Day – 8 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Name of the Precious Blood of Jesus

+1. Why is the blood of Jesus called the Precious Blood?
Because It was the Blood of God Himself, veiled under the form of Man and, therefore, every Drop of It, as It flowed through His Sacred Veins deserved our supreme homage as being united to His Divinity!
Hence we can adore the Precious Blood as we adore the Sacred
Heart of Jesus and all else which belongs to the Sacred Humanity, with the supreme homage which belongs to God alone.

+2. We also term It, the Precious Blood, inasmuch as It was the Blood of One Who was not only full of grace but was Himself the Source of all grace, so the grace which dwelt with Him was Infinite and the grace which manifested itself through the veil of Flesh, had no bounds or limits, save those which the mere fact of His Human Nature carried with It.
If, therefore, the blood of the Saints is counted as most precious, if we treasure a piece of cloth stained with their blood, how much more precious, beyond all price,is the Blood of the King of Saints!

+3. The Precious Blood is also precious on account of Its effects. One Drop of It was sufficient, not only to cleanse the world from sin but, to earn all possible graces for all the millions who
have ever lived on earth.
How Infinite then must be its Preciousness!
What has it not done for man!
What has it not done for me!
It has washed me clean and made me pure, in spite of all my sins. O Jesus! give me an ever -increasing devotion to the Precious Blood!

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 July – Where is your heart?

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Elizabeth of Portugal TOSF (1271-1336) Widow, Queen – Proverbs 31:10-31 – Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus said in parables:
The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure,
hidden in a field. … Again, the Kingdom of Heaven
is like unto a merchant seeking good pearls. ”

Matthew 13:44, 45

“Do not lay up for yourselves
treasures on earth,
where rust and moth consume
and where thieves break in and steal
but lay up for yourselves,
treasures in Heaven …”

Matthew 6:19-20

“But the things which proceed
out of the mouth,
come from the heart
and it is they which defile a man.”

Matthew 15:18

“Our hearts were made for Thee, O God
And restless must they be
Until, O God, this grace accord,
Until they rest in Thee!”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Listen, then, my son and give me your ear.
Break off all ties which bind
and entangle you in this world.
Change your secular service into something better,
start being a soldier for the eternal King!”

St Paulinus of Nola (c354-431)

“It is above all, the Gospel
which supports me during my prayer.
There, I find all which
my poor little soul needs.
There, I always discover new lights,
hidden and mysterious meaning.
… Just when I need it, I discover lights
which I had not seen before.”

St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 July – ‘ … But the cost of your love is you, yourself! …’

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One Minute Reflection – 8 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Elizabeth of Portugal TOSF (1271-1336) Widow, Queen – Proverbs 31:10-31 – Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field;
he who finds it, hides it and in his joy, goes and sells all that he has
and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44

REFLECTION – “Brethren, carefully inspect the place where you dwell interiorly; open your eyes and consider the capital of your love; then increase whatever sum you discover within yourselves. Keep watch over this treasure so that you may become wealthy within. Goods of great price are called ‘dear’ and with good reason … But what could be more dear than love, my brothers? What is its cost, in your opinion? And how are you to pay it? The cost of land or wheat is your silver; the cost of a pearl is your gold but the cost of your love is you, yourself! If you want to buy a field, a jewel, an animal, you seek the necessary means, you look around you. But if you want to possess love, look no further than yourself – it is yourself you must find.

What are you afraid of in giving yourself? Of losing yourself? To the contrary, it is by refusing to give yourself that you lose yourself! Love itself speaks through the mouth of Wisdom and with one word, calms the confusion into which this saying threw you: “Give of your own self!” If someone had wanted to sell you a piece of land, he would say to you: “Give me your silver” or, for some other thing: “Give me your cash.” Now listen to what Love says to you through the Mouth of Wisdom: “My child, give me your heart” (Pr 3:26). Your heart was in a bad way when it was your own, when it was in your own hands. You were a prey to emptiness, not to speak of evil passions. Remove it from all such things! Where will you take it? Where offer it? “My son, give Me your heart!” says Wisdom. Let it only come to Me and you will not lose it…

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind,” (Mt 22:37) … He Who created you, desires the whole of you!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 34 on Ps 149).

PRAYER – Most merciful God, Who among other admirable gifts, endowed blessed Queen Elizabeth with the special grace of calming the tumult of war; grant by her intercession that, after the peace for which we humbly pray, we may attain everlasting happiness. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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Thought for the Day – 7 July – Your Attitude Must Be That of Christ

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Thought for the Day – 7 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – From The Sacred Triduum

“Carry one another’s burdens.”
Gal 6:2

“He loved them unto the end.”
John 13:1

Your Attitude Must Be That of Christ

Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157)
Cistercian Abbot

“He was in the form of God,” equal to God by nature, since He shared in God’s power, God’s eternity and God’s very being … He did the job of a servant “by humbling Himself, obeying His Father even to death, death on a Cross.” (cf Phil 2:5-8). One might consider it to be trivial that, as God’s Son and His equal, He served His Father as a servant. More than that, He served His own servant more than any other servant. For the human being had been created to serve His Creator. What could be more just for you, than to serve him who made you, without Whom you would not be? And what could be more blest, than to serve Him, since to serve Him is to reign? But the human being said to His Creator: “I will not serve.” (Jer 2:20)

Then the Creator said to the human being: “So I will serve you! Go sit down at the table; I will serve. I will wash your feet. Rest. I will take your pains upon myself; I will carry your weakness… If you grow tired or are burdened, I will carry you, you and your burden, so as to be the first to fulfil my law: ‘Carry one another’s burdens’ (Gal 6:2)… If you are hungry or thirsty… here I Am, ready to be sacrificed, so that you might eat My Flesh and drink My Blood… If you are taken into captivity or, if you are sold, here I Am… Redeem yourself by paying the ransom you will get from Me. I give Myself as ransom… If you are sick, if you fear death, I will die in your place, so that from My Blood you may make for yourself, a life-giving remedy!…”

O my Lord, what a price Thou paid to ransom my useless service! … What a way Thou has, full of love, of gentleness and of kindness, to win back and submit this rebellious servant, by triumphing over evil through good, by confounding my pride with Thy humility, by filling this ungrateful person, with Thy kindness! This! This is howThy Wisdom triumphed!” – (1st Sermon for Palm Sunday),

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One Minute Reflection – 7 July – Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house … Luke 10:5 (‘… This greeting of peace did not dry up; …’)

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One Minute Reflection – 7 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Saint Cyril (827-869) and Saint Methodius (826-885) “Apostles to the Slavs,” Sibling Brother Bishops, Confessors – St Lawrence of Brindisi OFM Cap (1559-1619) Confessor, The “Franciscan Renaissance Man,” Priest – Hebrews 7:23-27 – Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house.
And, if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him but if not, it shall return to you.” – Luke 10:5-7

REFLECTION – “As you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house,‘” (Lk 10:5) so that the Lord Himself might enter and remain there, as with Mary. … This greeting is the Mystery of Faith which shines forth in the world. Through it, enmity is stifled, war is ended and people acknowledge one another. The effect of that greeting was hidden by a veil in spite of the fact that it prefigures the Mystery of the Resurrection … when the light rises and dawn chases night away. From the moment Christ sent out His disciples, people began to give and receive this greeting, a source of healing and blessing. …

This greeting with its hidden power … is amply sufficient for us all. That is why Our Lord sent it out, together with His disciples, as forerunner, so that it might bring about peace and, carried by the voice of the Apostles whom He sent, prepare the way before them. It was sown in every dwelling … it entered into all who heard it, so as to separate and set apart, the children it recognised as its own. It remained in them but it denounced those who were alien to it, for they did not welcome it.

This greeting of peace did not dry up; it began in the Apostles and then sprang up in their brethren, revealing the Lord’s inexhaustible treasures. … Present in those who offered greetings in this way and in those who welcomed the greeting, this announcement of peace was neither diminished nor divided. It announced that the Father is near and is in everyone; it revealed that the Son’s mission is bound up with all, even if its object is to be with His Father. It will not cease to proclaim that images are now brought to completion and Truth will cast all shadows away at last.” – St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church (Diatessaron 8: 3-4).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of the blessed brothers, Cyril and Methodius, who, by the power of the Holy Ghost were moved to bring the light of the Gospel to a hostile and divided people. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES for CHRIST, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 7 July – O Most Merciful Lord, Engrave Thy Wounds Upon My Heart By St Gertrude

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Our Morning Offering – 7 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – O Most Merciful Lord, Engrave Thy Wounds Upon My Heart By St Gertrude

O Most Merciful Lord,
Engrave Thy Wounds Upon My Heart
By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
grant that I may aspire to Thee
with my whole heart, with yearning desire
and with a thirsting soul,
seeking only Thy sweetness and Thy delights,
so that my whole mind
and all that is within me,
may ardently sigh for Thee,
Who art our true Beatitude.
O most merciful Lord,
engrave Thy Wounds upon my heart
with Thy most Precious Blood
that I may read in them,
both Thy Grief and Thy Love.
May the memory of Thy Wounds
ever remain in my inmost heart,
to excite my compassion for Thy sufferings
and to increase my love for Thee.
Grant too that I may despise all creatures
so that my heart may delight in Thee alone.
Amen.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Thought for the Day – 6 July– St Peter, Prince of the Apostles / St Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles

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Thought for the Day – 6 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul

St Peter, Prince of the Apostles
St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

“It is good to admire the fidelity of St Peter and the designs of Divine Providence in making him the visible Head of the Church but, it is far better, to follow his example.
His love for Jesus, led him to leave his family and his fisherman’s trade, in order to follow Our Lord.
It led him to undertake long voyages, to endure imprisonment and to face Martyrdom.
What can we do for the love of Jesus?
Remember that, if love is to be sincere, it must be generous and effective.

Secondly, let us meditate on and imitate, the ardent and fearless faith of St Peter.
He was not afraid to preach the teaching of Christ before the Sanhedrin.
He was not afraid of Herod, who cast him into prison.

He was not afraid of the Roman Emperor, who caused him to be crucified.
Our faith should be steadfast and lively, like his!

Finally, let us imitate Peter in his repentance.
Although he loved Jesus very much and had such great faith in Him, in a moment of weakness and of imprudence, he denied Him three times.
All his life, however, be wept bitterly for this sin.
Whenever he heard a cock crowing, it was as if an arrow had pierced his heart.
He was not satisfied, until he was hanging upon the cross like his Divine Master and could prove his love for Jesus by a Martyr’s death.”

St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

We can learn many other virtues from St Paul, besides his zealous love for God and for his fellowmen.
We can also learn from him, the virtues of humility and of apostolic fervour.
The Apostle of the Gentiles reached such heights of sanctity, as to feel himself transformed into Christ Himself and to deserve to be taken up into the third Heaven, where he enjoyed a foretaste of eternal happiness.
Nevertheless, he considered himself unworthy to be called an Apostle and he realised, that all his gifts came to him from God.
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything as from ourselves but our sufficiency, is from God” (2 Cor 3:5).
Whenever we succeed in any project, we should think on the same lines because, it is only when we are humble and depend on the grace of God, that the success of our actions will redound to the glory of our Creator.
If the cancer of ambition or of self-love, should corrupt our purity of intention, our work would not be blessed by God and would not make us worthy of everlasting life.
Let us repeat often: “All for You, with You and in You, my God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/29/thought-for-the-day-29-june-st-peter-prince-of-the-apostles-st-paul-the-apostle-to-the-gentiles-2/

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GATE of HEAVEN, HYMNS, POETRY, St PETER!, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 6 July – The Gates of our true country

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 July – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul

Decora Luce Aeternitatis
What Fairer Light?
Attrib. to H Elphis (Died 493) Wife of BL Severinus Boethius c 477– 524)
Trans. Msgr Ronald Knox (1888–1957)

What fairer light is this
than time itself doth own,
The golden day with beams
more radiant brightening?
The Princes of God’s Church
this Feast day doth enthrone,
To sinners heavenward bound
their burden lightening.

One taught mankind its creed,
one guards the Heavenly Gate,
Founders of Rome,
they bind the world in loyalty;
One by the sword achieved,
one by the cross his fate;
With laurelled brows
they hold eternal royalty.

Rejoice, O Rome, this day;
thy walls they once did sign
With princely blood,
who now their glory share with thee.
What city’s vesture glows
with crimson deep as thine?
What beauty else has earth
that may compare with thee?

To God the Three in One eternal homage be,
All honour, all renown, all songs victorious,
Who rules both heaven and earth
by one divine decree,
To everlasting years
in empire glorious.
Amen

5th cCntury Latin Hymn “Aurea Luce” attributed to H Elphis (Died 493), first wife of the Roman philosopher-poet Boethius (c475–c525). He would eventually be Martyred for his defence of the Faith against the Arian ruler, Theodoric.
Msgr Knox, a convert from Anglicanism, was a noted Scholar, Author, Hymnist and Translator, becoming the Secretary to St Pius X.
Under direction of his religious superiors, he re-translated the Latin Vulgate Bible into English from Hebrew and Greek sources.
What Fairer Light is set to the tune, Decora Lux by the English Catholic Composer, Samuel Webbe (1740–1816).

In 1632, in accord with changes called for by the Council of Trent, Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644) revised the original text of Aurea Luce and divided it into two new Hymns for Lauds and Vespers: Decora Lux and Beate Pastor Petre. In the Liturgy of the Hours, What Fairer Light is used on 29 June, the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles. The above is the Older version.

“There are the Gates of our true country,
the two lights of the immense world.
There Paul’s voice is heard like thunder;
there Peter withholds or hurls the bolt .
The former opens the hearts of men,
the latter opens Heaven.
Peter is the Foundation-stone,
Paul the Architect of the temple
where stands the Altar
by which God is propitiated.
Both together form a single Fountain,
which pours out its healing
and refreshing waters.”

St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)
“The Troubadour of Christ”

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One Minute Reflection – 6 July – ‘ Thou shalt catch men … After the proof of thy humility … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 6 July – “The Solemnity Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Pentecost IV – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul – Romans 8:18-23 – Luke 5:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ And Jesus saith to Simon – Fear not, from henceforth. thou shalt catch men. ”– Luke 5:10

REFLECTION – “Peter threw himself humbly at Jesus’ feet. Recognising his Lord in Him, he said: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man and am not worthy to stay with Thee. Depart from me, for I am only a man and Thou art the God-man; I am sinful and Thou art holy; I am a servant, Thou the Master. Let distance separate Thee from me, who am distanced from Thee by the weakness of my nature, the ugliness of my sins and the weakness of my strength..”

But the Lord comforted Peter by showing him the catch of fish which showed how he would become a fisher of men. “Do not be afraid,” He said to him, “Do not be frightened but believe and rejoice. For thou art destined for an even greater catch another kind of boat and another kind of net, will be given thee. Hitherto thou hast caught fish with thy nets but from now on, thou wilt catch men with thy words. The Word of God is like a fisherman’s bait. Just as the hook does not catch the fish until it has been taken by it, so the Word of God does not capture a man for eternal life unless this Word, has first of all, entered his thoughts. From now on, it is men thou wilt catch. ‘From now on’ – that is to say, after all that has taken place, after the proof of thy humility, thou wilt be responsible for catching men. For humility has the force of attraction and it is good to know how not to boast in one’s own power if one is to have authority over others.” – Ludolph of Saxony (1300-1377) Carthusian Monk, Theologian, Writer (The life of Jesus Christ 1 Ch 29:9-11)

PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the Martyrdom of Your Apostles Peter and Paul, grant Thy Church to follow in all things, the teaching of those, from whom she first received the faith. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE

Thought for the Day – 5 July – Living the Gospel

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Thought for the Day – 5 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Living the Gospel

“The Gospel teaches perfection.
It teaches the perfection of the interior life, as well as the exterior life, of private, as well as of domestic and social life.
There is no problem in the universe which has not been solved in the Gospel.
In regard to the spiritual life, its command is clear. “You are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with they whole mind … Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mt 22:37, Mk 12:30, Lk 10:27).
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12).
“If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk 9:23).
“Blessed are the poor in spirit … the clean of heart … the peacemakers …” (Mt 5:3-10).
“If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell what thou hast and give to the poor and thou shall have treasure in Heaven” (Mt 19:21).
“Our Father who art in heaven … thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (Mt 6:10).
“Father … not My will but Thine be done” (Lk 22:42).
Anyone who identifies himself with these maxims, rises above the level of a man, to that of an Angel.
His interior life soars to such a peak, that he seems to be leading a heavenly, rather than an earthly existence.
If he is living the Gospel, moreover, his external behaviour will be a faithful mirror of his interior life, for it is not enough to say “Lord, Lord” but a man must also do the will of the Father (Cf Mt 7:21).
A man’s domestic and social life, will follow the pattern of his private life.

When he has reached the summit of perfection, an invisible force will emanate from him, the force of good example.
This force will transform everything, within him and around him.
Like Mary and the Saints, he will become the loyal and powerful co-worker with Christ in the redemption of the human race and in the Christian transformation of society.
Redemption and restoration, can come only through the Gospel.
Other theories are always bound up with and impeded by, human egoism.
The doctrine of the Gospel is reinforced by the love of God and our neighbour.
In the Gospel, public and private justice is transformed into the charity of Christ which cannot be impeded by any earthly difficulty, nor by any human barrier, not even by death!
“Who shall separate us from the charity of Christ?” (Rom 8:35) asks St Paul.
Let us meditate on this.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 July – ‘ … What good are their other virtues to them? …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Pentecost IV – Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder of the Barnabits – The First Religious Order Named after St Paul The Apostle – 1 Timothy 4:8-16 – Mark 10:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?” – Mark 10:17

REFLECTION – “The incident of the rich young man and those like him, makes me think of a traveller who, wanting to visit a certain town, arrives at the foot of the walls, finds an inn there, goes down to it and, discouraged by the short distance still to do, loses all the benefit of the difficulties of his journey and prevents himself from visiting the beauties of the town. Such are those who keep the commandments but cannot bear the idea of losing their goods. I know many who fast, pray, do penance and practice all sorts of works of piety very well but, who do not spend a penny on the poor. What good are their other virtues to them?

These will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, for “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Clear words and their Author does not lie but rare are those who let themselves be touched by them. “How will we live when we are stripped of everything?” is what they exclaim. “What sort of life will we lead when everything has been sold and there is no longer any property?” Do not ask me what deep design underlies God’s commandments. He Who made our laws also knows the art of reconciling the impossible with the law.” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon 7 on Wealth).

PRAYER – Grant, O Lord God that in the spirit of Paul the Apostle,
we may learn the knowledge of Jesus Christ which surpasses all understanding, wherein the blessed Anthony Mary was marvelously learned, who gathered together in Thy Church new households of Clerics and of Virgins. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God world without end. Amen (Collect).