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Thought for the Day – 18 August – Renouncing All Things

Thought for the Day – 18 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Renouncing All Things

renouncing all things - bacci 18 aug 2020

“If we want God to take possession of our souls, we must drive out every inordinate affection to earthly things.
It is not possible for God to dwell within us, if we are still attached to sin or preoccupied with worldly aims.

God should reign supreme in us and inspire all our desires and actions.
This can never happen if we retain an attachment to deliberate sin, even if it is not grave sin.
In the case of venial sin, it is not so much the sin which prevents God from ruling us absolutely, as the attachment to sin.

It is possible for anybody to fall through human weakness, “for the just man falls seven times and rises again” (Prov 24:16).
It is when we remain willingly in the state of sin, that we offend God and weaken our faith and charity.
At such times, it is as if Jesus were asleep within us, as He slept in the boat during the storm on the lake of Galilee, when the terrified Apostles cried out:   “Lord save us! We are perishing!” (Mt 8:25).
We must keep ourselves free from all trace of sin, if we wish to remain intimately united with God and to be governed only by Him!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 18 August – “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” – John 14:6

Quote/s of the Day – 18 August – Tuesday of the Twentieth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Ezekiel 28: 1-10, Responsorial Psalm Deuteronomy 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab, Matthew 19:23-30

“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”

John 14:6

john 14 6 i am the way the truth and the life 18 aug 2020 STD

“Through Him, our gaze
penetrates the heights of heaven
and we see, as in a mirror,
the most holy face of God.
Through Christ, the eyes of our hearts are opened
and our weak and clouded understanding,
reaches up toward the light.”

Saint Pope Clement I (c 35-99)
Apostolic Father, Bishop of Rome and Martyr

through him our gaze penetrates the heights of heaven - st pope clement 1 17 may 2019

“Let us listen to the Lord:
“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6).
If you are looking for the Truth,
follow the Way which is also the Truth.
This is where you are going and it is how you go.
It is not by another thing that you go to something;
it is not by anything else that you come to Christ;
it is through Christ that you come to Christ.
How to Christ through Christ?
To Christ God through Christ man;
through the Word made flesh,
to the Word who was with God, from the beginning;
through what we have eaten to what the angels eat daily.
In fact it is what is written:
“He gave them bread from heaven; man ate the bread of angels” (Ps 77[78]:24-25).
What is the bread of angels?
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was in God and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1-3). How has man eaten the bread of angels?
“And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”

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

let-us-listen-to-the-lord-i-am-the-way-and-the-truth-st-augustine-10-may-2020 and 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“The love of Jesus is noble and generous,
it spurs us onto do great things
and excites us to desire always,
that which is most perfect.
Love will tend upwards
and is not to be detained by things beneath.
Love will be at liberty
and free from all worldly affections…
for love proceeds from God
and cannot rest but in God above all things created.
The lover flies, runs and rejoices,
he is free and not held.
He gives all for all and has all in all,
because he rests in one sovereign Good above all,
from Whom all good flows and proceeds”

Thomas à Kempis,
The Imitation of Christ,
Book III, Chapter V, 3-4

the love of jesus - st john 27 dec 2019 thomas a kempis

“Do everything
out of love for God,
for God,
with God,
to get to God.”

Blessed Maria Rosa Flesch (1826-1906)

do-everything-out-opf-love-for-god-for-god-with-god-to-get-to-god-blmaria-rosa-flesch-19-june-2020-sacred-heart and 9 july 2020

“Life has only one face – LOVE.”

Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro (1936-1964)

life-has-only-one-face-love-bl-benedetta-porro-23-jan-2020 and 6 july 2020

“Catholics are part of the Church Militant.
They struggle and they suffer for the triumph of Christ.
They must never lose sight of their Divine Model,
so that their trials will be turned into joy.”

Saint Pius X (1835-1914)

catholics are part of the church militant - st pius X 10 july 2020

“Love infinitely,
the most sweet Lord Jesus Christ,
do everything for Him alone
and spend your life,
in works of mercy and of love.”

Blessed Marija of Jesus Crucified Petković (1892-1966)

love infinitely the most sweet lord jesus christ - bl marija of jesus crucified opetkovic 9 july 2020

“Since the death of Christ,
almost every century
has seen the persecution of Christians,
there have always been heroes
and martyrs who gave their lives –
often in horrible ways –
for Christ and their faith.
If we hope to reach our goal some day,
then we, too, must become heroes of the faith.”

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter (1907-1943)
Martyr of Conscientious Objection

we-need-no-rifles-or-pistols-for-our-battle-bl-franz-jagerstatter-21-may-2020 and 10 july 2020

“If a boat is running with the stream,
it has little need of the pull of the oars,
nor of the guidance of the helm.
It’s passage is smooth and peaceful.
The same applies to those
who place absolute confidence in God
in their journey through life.
… Why should I worry,
when I know that whatever God
has in store for me, is for my own good?
… There is no need to be disturbed.
Everything must be accomplished for God,
with God and in God and,
with complete abandonment to His will.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

entrusting ourselves to god bacci 16 july 2020

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 August – “… You who have followed me…” Matthew 19:28

One Minute Reflection – 18 August – Tuesday of the Twentieth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Ezekiel 28: 1-10, Responsorial Psalm Deuteronomy 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab, Matthew 19:23-30

“… Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” … Matthew 19:28matthew 19 28 amen i say to you that you who have followed me 18 aug 2020

REFLECTION – “In gift-giving it is not the gift itself, that God praises and approves but the will and sincerity of the giver.  He excuses and holds more acceptable, the one who gave less but gave it with more perfect sincerity, than the one who gave more, from a fuller store but with less pure affection.   Thus, from what is written about the gifts of the wealthy and from the two mites which the widow in the treasury sent for the poor, it is clear that the same also happens to those who leave everything that they possess, for the love of God, so as to follow undistractedly the Christ of God.   They will do everything according to His word.

The one who leaves the greater wealth is not more acceptable than the one who leaves the lesser.   This is especially so if he leaves the lesser with his whole heart.   What Peter left, along with his brother Andrew, was small and of no value but when they both heard, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men, immediately they left their nets and followed him.”   Yet they were not valued lightly by God, who knew that they had done this with great love.   God knew that even if they had been endowed with much wealth they would still not have been distracted by it, nor would their desire to follow Jesus have been thwarted by it ….

Those who follow the Saviour, therefore, will sit on the twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel and will receive this power in the resurrection of the dead.   For this is the regeneration, a new birth, when the new heaven and the new earth are established for those who renew themselves and a New Testament with it’s chalice is given.” … Origen (c 185-253) – Commentary on Matthew, 15the one who leaves the greater wealth - origen 18 aug 2020

PRAYER – Father of might and power, every good and perfect gift comes to us from You.  Implant in our hearts the love of Your name and Your creatures.   Increase our zeal for Your service by following behind Your Son with determination and joy.   Nourish in us what good and tend it with watchful care.   Grant that the prayers and caring love of the Blessed Virgin, our Mother, may help us to follow Jesus our Saviour unreservedly and thus attain eternal life.   We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.mary-mother-of-god-pray-for-us-27-july-2018 and 29 march 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Thought for the Day – 16 August – Work and Worry

Thought for the Day – 16 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Work and Worry

work and worry - bacci 16 aug 2020

“When we recite the Lord’s Prayer, we say with confidence “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
This does not mean, however, that we renounce, in a spirit of fatalism, all right to action and initiative on our part.

“Faith,” says St James, “unless it has works, is dead in itself” (Js 2:17-26).
The same applies to charity (Js 2:13-17).

Faith and charity, must be accompanied by action, which should always be inspired by the interior life.
But our external activity should never be allowed to quench the flame of the divine life within us.
If this should happen, our labour would grow sterile and would receive no blessing from God.

We should work hard but should always act as if death might come at any moment.
In other words, we should not become completely absorbed in our work but should keep before our minds, the ideals of the glory of God, our own sanctification and the salvation of our neighbour.
If our efforts seem to be successful, we should thank God.
But, if all our work appears to be in vain, we should thank Him just the same, for such things happen with God’s permission.
Providence often guides events in it’s own way for the promotion of God’s glory and for our greater good, which can be achieved through our humiliation, as well as through our success.

If our spiritual outlook is in conformity with these principles, we shall be able to preserve our peace of mind, no matter how busy we may be.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MIRACLES, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WISDOM, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 August –

Quote/s of the Day – 6 August – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Readings: Isaiah 56,1.6-7. Psalms 67(66),2-3.5.6.8, Romans 11,13-15.29-32, Matthew 15,21-28

“Great is your faith, be it done for you as you desire.”

Matthew 21:28

matthew 21 28 great is your faith be it done for you - 16 aug 2020 (1)

“See her humility as well as her faith! …
Behold the woman’s wisdom! …
Behold her constancy!”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

see her humility as wellas her faith behold - st john chrysostom 16 aug 2020

“I will suggest a means
whereby you can praise God all day long…
Whatever you do,
do it well
and you have praised God.”

I will suggest a means whereby you can praise god - st augustine 16 aug 2020

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Gracepatience is the ciompanion of wisdom - st augustine 16 aug 2020

“Aspire to God with short
but frequent outpourings of the heart, 
admire His bounty,
invoke His aid, 
cast yourself in spirit at the foot of His Cross,
adore His goodness, 
treat with Him of your salvation,
give Him your whole soul  –
a thousand times in the day.”

aspire to god - st francis de sales - 16 aug 2020

“He who trusts in God
can do all things.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

he who trusts in god - st francis de sales 16 aug 2020

“Turn to God.
Believe in God.
Trust Him for a miracle.”

turn to god believe in god trust him for a miracle - st padre pio - 16 aug 2020

“God will not allow you to be lost
if you persist in your determination
not to lose Him.”

St Pio of Pietrelcina/Padre Pio (1887-1968)

god will not allow you to lost - st padre pio 16 aug 2020

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One Minute Reflection – 16 August – ‘See her humility as well as her faith! …Behold the woman’s wisdom! …Behold her constancy. ‘

One Minute Reflection – 16 August – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Readings: Isaiah 56,1.6-7. Psalms 67(66),2-3.5.6.8, Romans 11,13-15.29-32, Matthew 15,21-28 and Saint Armel of Brittany (Died c 570)

“She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” … Matthew 15:27.

REFLECTION – “See her humility as well as her faith!   For He had called the Jews “children” but she was not satisfied with this.   She even called them “masters,” so far was she from grieving at the praises of others.   She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”   Behold the woman’s wisdom!   She did not venture so much as to say a word against anyone else.   She was not stung to see others praised, nor was she indignant to be reproached. Behold her constancy.   When He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs,” she said, “Yes, Lord.”   He called them “children” but she called them “masters.”   He used the name of a dog but she described the action of the dog.   Do you see this woman’s humility?

Then compare her humility with the proud language of the Jews:  “We are Abraham’s seed and were never in bondage to any man.” “We are born of God.”   But not so this woman.   Rather, she calls herself a dog and them masters.   So for this reason she became a child.   For what does Christ then say? “O woman, great is your faith.”

So we might surmise that this is the reason He put her off, in order that He might proclaim aloud this saying and that He might crown the woman:  “Be it done for you as you desire.”   This means “Your faith, indeed, is able to effect even greater things than these.   Nevertheless be it unto you even as you wish.”  This voice was at one with the voice that said, “Let the heaven be” and it was.

“And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.”   Do you see how this woman, too, contributed not a little to the healing of her daughter?   For note, that Christ did not say, “Let your little daughter be made whole,” but “Great is your faith, be it done for you as you desire.” These words were not uttered at random, nor were they flattering words but great was the power of her faith and for our learning.

He left the certain test and demonstration, however, to the issue of events.   Her daughter accordingly was immediately healed.” … St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor – The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 52.matthew 15 27 please lord for even the dogs eat the scraps - and her daughter was - st john chrysostom 16 aug 2020

PRAYER – Lord, by Your grace, we are made one in mind and heart. Give us a love for what You command and a longing for what You promise, so that, amid this world’s changes, our hearts may be set on the world of lasting joy. May the intercession of Your faithful servant, St Armel, bring us strength and courage. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, God now and for all eternity, amen.st armel of brittany pray for us 16 aug 2020

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, THE ASSUMPTION

Thought for the Day – 15 August – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Thought for the Day – 15 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary

“It is generally believed that Our Blessed Lady died, since she would not have wished to escape death anymore than her divine Son did.
Our Lord, however, had see her sharing in His agony and death upon Mount Calvary and He willed that her own death would be so peaceful as hardly to justify the name.

The just die, in the love of God and the Martyrs died, for the love of God.
But Mary died, consumed by the love of God.
It was not disease which brought an end to her life but love.
Her love for Jesus, was more ardent and more perfect, than that of any other creature.

She loved Him, when she held Him in her arms in the stable at Bethlehem, when she fled with Him into Egypt and, when she offered Him in the temple to His heavenly Father.
She loved Him, when she found Him after He had been lost and when she looked after Him in their home at Nazareth.
She loved Him, as she followed Him to His death on Calvary.
She loved Him, in the joy of His Resurrection and, subsequently, of His Ascension into Heaven.
Jesus desired her to remain on earth for a while, to comfort the infant Church and to initiate the loving patronage which she would exercise over it, in Heaven.
Her love grew, from day to day, until it entirely consumed her and her Immaculate Heart could no longer contain it.
Mary fulfilled, in a most perfect manner, the Creator’s command to His creatures, to love Him with all their hearts and with all their strength.
Consequently, her love reached such a peak, that her soul, in it’s final ecstasy, glided from her body.

Let us ask our Mother, Mary, to help us to die with the love and grace of God in our hearts and, with the names of Jesus and Mary on our lips.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, THE ASSUMPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 15 August – The Assumption

Quote/s of the Day – 15 August – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven

“It was fitting that she,
who had kept her virginity in childbirth,
should keep her own body
free from all corruption even after death.
It was fitting that she,
who had carried the Creator as a child at her breast,
should dwell in the divine tabernacles…
it was fitting that God’s Mother
should possess what belongs to her Son
and that she should be honoured by every creature
as the Mother and the Handmaid of God.”

St John Damascene (675-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

it was fitting that she - st john damascene 15 aug 2020 assumption

“As the most glorious Mother of Christ,
our Saviour and our God
and the giver of life and immortality,
has been endowed with life by Him,
she has received an eternal incorruptibility of the body
together with Him who has raised her up from the tomb
and has taken her up to Himself
in a way known only to Him.”

St Modestus of Jerusalem (Died 630)

as the most glorious mothr of christ - st modestus of jerusalem 15 aug 2020 assumption

“And with regard to ourselves,
how deservedly do we keep
the Feast of the Assumption with all solemnity.
What reasons for rejoicing,
what motives for exultation
have we on this most beautiful day!
The presence of Mary illumines the entire world
so that even the holy city above
has now a more dazzling splendour
from the light of this virginal Lamp.
With good reason,
thanksgiving and the voice of praise,
resound today throughout the courts of Heaven…
let us not complain,
for here we do not have a lasting city
but we seek one that is to come,
the same which the blessed Mary entered today.”

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor

and with regard to ourselves - st bernard 15 aug 2020 assumption

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN Saturdays, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, THE ASSUMPTION

One Minute Reflection – 15 August – ‘…For you are venerated in heaven, loved in the world, feared in hell.’

One Minute Reflection – 15 August – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, Readings: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10, Psalms 45: 10, 11, 12, 16, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27, Luke 1:39-56

My soul glorifies the Lord … Luke 1:46luke 1 46 my soul glorifies the lord - assumption 15 aug 2019

REFLECTION – “He himself is your son, O Mary, He Himself rose from the dead on the third day and with your flesh ascended above all the heavens that He might fill all things.   Therefore, O blessed lady, you have your joy, the object of your desire and the crown of your head have been granted you.   He has brought to you the sovereignty of heaven through His glory, the kingdom of the world though His mercy, the subjugation of hell through His power.   All things with their diverse feelings respond to your great and unspeakable glory – angels by honour, mortals by love, demons by terror.   For you are venerated in heaven, loved in the world, feared in hell.

Rejoice, therefore and be glad, for He who receives you has arisen, your glory, lifting up your head.   You rejoiced at His conception, you were afflicted at His passion. Rejoice again in His resurrection and your joy no-one will take from you.   Christ, rising from the dead, dies no more;  death will have no more dominion over Him.

The Spirit calls you, God says to you:  “Arise, hasten, my love, my dove, my fair one and come.   For the winter is past, the rain has departed and gone, the flowers have appeared on our earth.   The time for pruning has come” (Sg 2:10-12). …   Then the censer, following the incense and lifted up by the hand of the Lord, mounts to the throne of God.   It goes up attended by a train of angelic spirits calling out on high and saying: “Who is this who comes up through the desert like a column of smoke from the odour of myrrh and incense and all the powders of perfume?” (Sg 3:6). … St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) Cistercian Monk, then Bishop – Homilies in praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary VI, SC 72he himself is your son o mary - st amadeus of lausanne 15 aug 2020 assumption

PRAYER – My soul glorifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!
For He has blessed me lavishly
and makes me ready to respond.
He shatters my little world
and lets me be poor before Him.
He takes from me all my plans
and gives me more than I can hope for or ask.
He gives me opportunities
and the ability to become free
and to burst through my boundaries.
He gives the strength to be doing,
to build on Him alone,
for He shows Himself
as the ever greater One in my life.
He has made known to me this!
It is in my being servant that it becomes possible.
For God’s kingdom to break through
here and now.
Amen

A Magnificat
Translated from the German by Olga Warnke of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Marya magnificat translated from the german - 15 aug 2020

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Thought for the Day – 14 August – Little Things

Thought for the Day – 14 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Little Things

little things - bacci 14 aug 2020

“Very few people are destined to great things by Almighty God.
More of us must offer ourselves in the relatively unimportant walks of life in which we have been placed by Providence.
Only some of the Saints were endowed with exceptional virtues and miraculous powers which attracted the attention and the admiration of the world.
In the normal course of events, Christian perfection must be acquired little by little, through the practice of ordinary virtues and unspectacular good actions.
There is always scope for these.
An upsurge of anger can be suppressed from the motive of the love of God and of our neighbour.
We can behave courteously towards people who are unsympathetic towards us or who offend us by their unmannerly conduct.
We can combat pride by acts of humility and egoism by acts of charity.
We can mortify ourselves in speech, in behaviour and at table and, we can give alms to the poor, good advice to the ignorant and comfort to the afflicted.

All these virtuous actions are insignificant in the eyes of men but, they are great in the sight of God.
The blades of grass and the flowers in the meadow are tiny things but, joined together, they constitute the pasture which provides nourishment for the herds and the flocks.
Let us perform these small actions everyday and so cultivate the ordinary virtues.
We shall attract the attention and favour of God, Who, will help us to advance, step-by-step, towards the peak of Christian perfection.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – St Maximillian Kolbe

Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – The Memorial of Blessed St Maximillian Kolbe OFM Conv (1894 -1941)

“If angels could be jealous of men,
they would be so, for one reason:
HOLY COMMUNION.”

if angels could be jealous of men - st max 14 aug 2020

“Let us remember,
that love lives through sacrifice
and is nourished by giving.
Without sacrifice, there is no love.”

let us remember that love lives through sacrifice - st max 14 aug 2020STD

“When we dedicate ourselves to Mary,
we become instruments in her hands,
just as she is an instrument in God’s hands.
Let us then be guided by her,
for she will provide for the needs
of body and soul and overcome
all difficulties and anxieties.”

when we dedicate ourselves to mary - st max 14 aug 2020

“Jesus honoured her before all ages
and will honour her for all ages.
No-one comes to Him,
nor even near Him,
no-one is saved or sanctified,
if he too will not honour her.
This is the lot of Angels and of men.”

jesus honoured her - st max 14 aug 2020

“Modern times are dominated by Satan
and will be more so in the future.
The conflict with hell cannot be engaged by men,
even the most clever.
The Immaculata alone, has from God,
the promise of victory over Satan.
However, assumed into Heaven,
the Mother of God now requires our co-operation.
She seeks souls, who will consecrate themselves entirely to her,
who will become in her hands effective instruments
for the defeat of Satan
and the spreading of God’s kingdom upon earth.”

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-august-st-maximillian-kolbe/

St Maximillian Kolbe (1894 -1941)

modern times are dominated by satan - st max 14 aug 2020

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on MARRIAGE, MARRIED LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – And the two shall become one flesh’ … Matthew 19:5

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Readings:  Ezekiel 16:1-156063Isaiah 12:2-345-6Matthew 19:3-12 and the Memorial of Blessed St Maximillian Kolbe OFM Conv (1894 -1941)

‘And the two shall become one flesh’ … Matthew 19:5

REFLECTION – “Lord our God,
look with kindness on N. and N.,
whom You have united in marriage,
and pour out Your blessings upon them,
may they be united in one love
as they progress together
towards one holiness of life.
May they rejoice to share in Your creative love
and bring up their children together.
May they live in justice and charity,
showing Your light to all who seek You.
May their household be ever open to the service of their brothers and sisters and may they be always ready to answer to their needs.
May they be strengthened by the joys and sacrifices of their life together and bear witness to the Gospel.
May they have a long life together, without misfortune or sickness
and may the work of both be blessed.
May they see their children grow up in peace
and enjoy the support of a happy family.
May they come at last, with all those who have gone before them,
to the dwelling where their love will last eternally.

N. and N. and all you who are present here,
may God the all-powerful bless you,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” … The Roman MissalRitual of Marriage : Solemn blessingmatthew 19 5 and the two shall become one flesh - lord our god - roman missal ritual of marriage blessing 16 aug 2019

PRAYER – Almighty Father, let Your light so penetrate our hearts and minds, that walking by Your commandments, we may always follow You, our teacher and our guide.   Grant that the prayers of St Maximillian Kolbe may continue to strengthen us.   Through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.st max pray for us 14 aug 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on LOVE

Thought for the Day – 13 August – Almsgiving

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

Almsgiving

almsgiving bacci 13 aug 2020

“The view has been expressed, that almsgiving is useless and degrading.
It is useless, it has been said because, the implementation of social justice should be sufficient to provide for the needs of everybody and, it is degrading, it has been held because, it places the poor man in a position of inferiority to the rich man and makes him beg for that which is really his right.

This is a false line of reasoning.
Social justice can and should, do a great deal to achieve a more equal distribution of wealth among men.
But social justice cannot do everything.

Until the end of the world, the weak will always succumb in the battle of life, before the energy and enterprise of the strong.
There will always be unfortunates who, by reason of some tragic accident, are unable to fend for themselves.
No matter what form it takes, the State will not be able to provide fully for the disabled and infirm.

There will always be plenty of scope for Christian charity, which does not proceed with the measured stride of justice but with the swift wings of the love of God.
It seeks out sorrows which need to be assuaged and wants, which need to be relieved.
There will always be suffering and want upon earth.
“The poor you have always with you,” (Mt 26:11) Jesus has told us.

It cannot be said that almsgiving is degrading because it makes the receiver inferior to the giver.
This may be so, if alms are given from motives of mere philanthropy.
But when almsgiving is accompanied by charity and understanding and the donor sees, in the poor man, the person of Jesus Christ, there is no difference of status between the two individuals.
They are brothers who wish to love and help one another …
In this case, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Christian almsgiving is the fulfilment of an obligation and is a source of merit for the giver.
As for the receiver, not only are his wants relieved but, he is the means by which his wealthier brother can acquire merit and fulfil his obligations.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on FAITH, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Quote/s of the Day – 13 August – St Maximus the Confessor

Quote/s of the Day – 13 August – The Memorial of St Maximus the Confessor (c 580-662) Father of the Church

“For indeed, what is more dire
than the evils
which today afflict the world? …
What is more terrible for the discerning
than the unfolding events?
What is more pitiable and frightening
for those who endure them?
To see a barbarous people of the desert
overrunning another’s lands
as though they were their own,
to see civilisation itself, being ravaged
by wild and untamed beasts
whose form alone is human.”

for indeed what is more dire than the evils which today afflict the world_ - st maximus the confessor 13 aug 2020

“All the ends of the inhabited world …
look directly to the most holy Church
of the Romans and her confession
and faith as to a sun of eternal light,
receiving from her,
the radiant beam of the patristic and holy doctrines.”

all the ends of the inhabited world - st maximus the confessor 13 aug 2020

“Since He causes the darkness of ignorance
and the evil of men to vanish,
my Saviour and my God is called a lamp in Scripture.
And since He is the only one able to obliterate
the darkness of ignorance and disperse the shadows of sin,
He has become the way of salvation for all
… The lampstand is holy Church
because the Word of God shines out through her preaching.
This is how the beams of its truth
can enlighten the whole world…”

luke 8 18 take heed then how you hear - since he causes the darkness - st maximus the confessor 23 sept 2019

“To harbour no envy,
no anger,
no resentment
against an offender is still not to have charity for him.
It is possible, without any charity,
to avoid rendering evil for evil.
But to render, spontaneously, good for evil –
such belongs to a perfect spiritual love.”

to harbour no evy no anger no resentment - st maximus the confessor - 13 aug 2020

“He who busies himself
with the sins of others,
or judges his brother on suspicion,
has not yet even begun to repent
or to examine himself
so as to discover his own sins…”

he who busies himself with the sins of others - st maximus the confessor 13 aug 2020

“We adore one Son,
together with the Father
and the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning
before all time,
is now and ever shall be,
for all time
and for the time after time.
Amen!”

Saint Maximus the Confessor (c 580-662)
Father of the Church

we adore one son together with the father - st maximus the confessor 13 aug 2020

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on MERCY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 August – What He receives on earth He returns in heaven.

One Minute Reflection – 13 August – “Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Thursday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Ezekiel 12:1-12Psalms 78: 56-5758-5961-62Matthew 18: 21 – 19:1 and the Memorial of St Maximus the Confessor (c 580-662) Father of the Church

“Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?” …Matthew 18:33

REFLECTION – ““What is human mercy like?   It makes you concerned for the hardship of the poor.   What is divine mercy like?   It forgives sinners…

In this world God is cold and hungry in all the poor, as He Himself said (Mt 25:40)…   What sort of people are we?   When God gives, we want to receive, when He asks, we refuse to give?   When a poor man is hungry, Christ is in need, as He said Himself:  “I was hungry and you gave me no food” (v. 42).   Take care not to despise the hardship of the poor, if you would hope, without fear, to have your sins forgiven…

What He receives on earth He returns in heaven.

I put you this question, dearly beloved – what is it you want, what is it you are looking for, when you come to church?   What indeed if not mercy?   Show mercy on earth and you will receive mercy in heaven.   A poor man is begging from you and you are begging from God, he asks for a scrap, you ask for eternal life…   And so when you come to church give whatever alms you can to the poor in accordance with your means.” … St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) – Sermon 25matthew-18-35-should-you-not-have-pitty-what-sort-of-people-are-we-st-caesarius-of-arles-26-march-2019-and-27-aug-2019-mem-of-st-caesarius and 13 aug 2020

PRAYER – Lord God, who bestowed Your spirit of truth and of love in full measure onthe blessed Saint Maximus, grant that we, who are celebrating his feast, may be supported by his prayer and grow in perfection, as we follow his example. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.st maximus the confesor pray for us 13 aug 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on JUDGING, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 12 August – Rash Judgement

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

Rash Judgement

rash judgement - bacci 12 aug 2020 (1)

“Instead of examining their own consciences in the presence of God, there are many people who are always prepared to judge the thoughts and actions of others.
Do you belong to this category?
Reflect for a while on the words of the Gospel.

“Do not judge,” said Christ, “that you may not be judged.   For with what judgement you judge, you shall be judged and with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you.   But why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye and yet, do not consider the beam in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, “let me cast out the speck from your eye” and behold, there is a beam in your own eye?   You hypocrite, first cast out the beam from your own eye and then, you will see clearly to cast out the speck from your brother’s eye” (Mt 7:1-5).

These severe words condemn rash judgements;  they also impose on us, the obligation of correcting our own faults, rather than censuring those of others.
We are warned, moreover, that if we judge others harshly, the Divine Judge will treat us with equal severity.

A judgement is rash when it is formed without any sure basis and without necessity.
It is a difficult thing to penetrate the secrets of the human heart and conscience.
Only God can do it with absolute certainty.
St Bernard remarked, that anyone who judges others rashly, is usurping a right which belongs to Almighty God.
How can we possibly guess at the motives and intentions of our fellow-men?

It is fairer and kinder to be ready to excuse our fellow-men and to appreciate their good qualities.
We should leave it to God to judge their deficiencies and occupy ourselves with making amendment for our own sins.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 12 August – St Jane Frances de Chantal

Quote/s of the Day – 12 August – The Memorial of St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

“Hold your eyes on God
and leave the doing to Him.
That is all the doing,
you have to worry about.”

hold your eyes on god - st jane france de chantal 12 aug 2020

“Follow your own way of speaking to our Lord,
sincerely, lovingly, confidently and simply,
as your heart dictates.”

follow your own way of speaking to our lord - st jane de chantal 12 aug 2020

“In prayer one must hold fast and never let go,
because the one who gives up, loses all.
If it seems that no-one is listening to you,
then cry out even louder.
If you are driven out of one door,
go back in by the other.”

in prayer one must hold fast and never let go - st jane de chantal 12 aug 2020

“The great method of prayer is to have none.
If, in going to prayer,
one can form in oneself,
a pure capacity for receiving the spirit of God,
that will suffice for all method.”

the great method of prayer is to have none-st jane de chantal 12 aug 2020

“In prayer,
more is accomplished
by listening
than by talking.”

in prayer more is accomplished by listen - st jane de chantal 12 aug 2020

“Must you continue to be your own cross?
No matter which way God leads you,
you change everything into bitterness
by constantly brooding over everything.
For the love of God,
replace all this self-scrutiny,
with a pure and simple glance at God’s goodness.”

must you continue to be your own cross - st jane de chantal 12 aug 2020

“Hell is full of the talented
but Heaven, of the energetic.”

St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

hell is full of the talented - st jane de chantal 12 aug 2020

Posted in CONFESSION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 August – ‘… The medicine of confession’

One Minute Reflection – 12 August – Wednesday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Ezekiel 9:1-710:18-22Psalms 113:1-23-45-6Matthew 18:15-20 and the Memorial of St Jane Frances de Chantal VHM (1572-1641)

“Whatever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.” … Matthew 18:18

REFLECTION – “For our well-being and salvation, all the Holy Scriptures warn us constantly and humbly, to confess our sins, not only before God but also before a holy and godfearing man.   This is what the Holy Spirit advises us to do through the mouth of James the apostle: “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed” (5:16) … and the psalmist says: “I confess my faults to the Lord and you took away the guilt of my sin” (Ps 32[31]:5).

We are always wounded by our sins and, in the same way, we should always have recourse to the medicine of confession.   For indeed, if God wants us to confess our sins, it is not because He would be unable to know what they are but, because the devil wants to find something of which to accuse us before the judgement seat of the eternal Judge.  That is why he would rather we thought more about excusing them than accusing ourselves of them.   Our God, to the contrary, being good and merciful, wants us to confess them in this world, so that we may not be ashamed because of them in the next.   So if we confess them then He, on His part, shows Himself to be merciful;  if we acknowledge them then He forgives …   As for ourselves, my brethren, we are really your spiritual physicians, seeking with all concern to heal your souls.” … St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop and Monk – Sermons to the laity, no. 59matthew 18 18 whatever you bind on earth - our god being good and merciful- 12 aug 2020 st caesarius of arles

PRAYER – Lord, You chose St Jane Frances to serve You, both in marriage and in religious life.   By her prayers help us to be faithful in our vocation and always to work against our perverse inclinations. Only in You and with You and through You may we attain perfection. Lead us Lord!   We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.   St Jane de Chantal, pray for us, amen.st jane fances de chantal pray for us 12 aug 2020

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 12 August – Prayer of Abandonment By St Jane Frances de Chantal

Our Morning Offering – 12 August – Wednesday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of St Jane Frances de Chantal VHM (1572-1641)

Prayer of Abandonment
By St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

O sovereign goodness
of the sovereign Providence of my God!
I abandon myself forever to Thy arms.
Whether gentle or severe,
lead me henceforth whither Thou will.
I will not regard the way
through which Thou will have me pass
but keep my eyes fixed upon Thee,
my God, who guides me.
My soul finds no rest without the arms
and the bosom of this heavenly Providence,
my true Mother, my strength and my rampart.
Therefore I resolve with Thy Divine assistance,
0 my Saviour,
to follow Thy desires and Thy ordinances,
without regarding or examining
why Thou does this rather than that
but I will blindly follow Thee,
according to Thy Divine will,
without seeking my own inclinations.
Hence I am determined to leave all to Thee,
taking no part therein,
save by keeping myself in peace in Thy arms,
desiring nothing, except as Thou incites me to desire,
to will, to wish.
I offer Thee this desire, 0 my God,
beseeching Thee to bless it.
I undertake all it includes,
relying on Thy goodness,
liberality and mercy,
with entire confidence in Thee,
distrust of myself,
and knowledge of my infinite misery and infirmity.
Amenprayer of abandonment - st jane frances de chantal 12 aug 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on POVERTY

Thought for the Day – 11 August – Riches and Poverty

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

Riches and Poverty

riches and poverty bacci 11 aug 2020

“There is a striking contrast between the luxurious living of wealthy people who waste their money on pleasure and amusement and the abject poverty of those who are without food, clothing and shelter.
This is in complete contradiction of the Gospel message which has proclaimed that we are all brothers.

Extravagance is always self-centred, whereas Christianity, is the creed of love.
Sumptuous living cannot be justified by an appeal to the right to own property, for, it is a shameless betrayal of the Gospel spirit of fraternl charity.
When St Thomas Aquinas is defending the right to private property, he adds at once:  “In regard to the use of it, however, a man should not regard material goods as belonging entirely to himself but … should be ready to share them with others in their necessity” (Summa Theologiae, II-II, 1 66, a 2).
If such maxims, which derive their inspiration from the Gospel, were put into practice, there would be neither excessive wealth, nor excessive poverty, in the world today.

It is true, that there would still be poverty but, destitution would disappear.

Poverty is good, in that it makes us detached from worldly things and helps us to think more about the next life.
But, destitution is really a social crime, for it is the result of human egoism and can breed hatred and spiritual degradation.

“Poverty,” writes Péguy, “is decent.   It does not dress in rags … It’s dwelling is tidy, healthy and affords a welcome. It can have a change of linen once a week.   It is not emaciated nor hungry…   It is not good for anyone to live in easy circumstances; on the contrary, it is much better always to feel the goad of necessity …” (La guerre et la paix, p 338).

It was, in this sense, that Jesus blessed the poor and condemned the rich.
He is referring to the poor man who has enough to supply his needs, is detached from worldly possessions, uses his poverty to assist him in his journey towards Heaven and, is happy or, at any rate, content.
But He condemns the rich man who squanders his wealth on selfish amusement and is deaf to the entreaties of those in need.

After twenty centuries of Christianity, the violent contrast still exists in modern society.
If we have any reason to reproach ourselves, let us try now, to make up for our deficiencies.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, INCORRUPTIBLES, Lady POVERTY, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR

Quote/s of the Day – 11 August – St Clare of Assisi

Quote/s of the Day – 11 August – The Memorial of St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

“Our labour here is brief
but the reward is eternal.
Do not be disturbed
by the clamour of the world,
which passes like a shadow.
Do not let false delights
of a deceptive world deceive you.”

our labour here is brief - st clare of assisi 11 aug 2020

“Love God, serve God,
everything is in that.”

love-god-serve-god-everything-is-in-that-st-clare-1-jan-2019 and 2020

“Totally love Him,
who gave Himself totally,
for your love.”

totally loe hm who game hmself totally for your love - st clare of assisi 17 july 2020

“Love that cannot suffer
is not worthy of that name.”

love that cannot suffer is not worthy of that name - st clare of assisi 11 aug 2020

“Happy the soul to whom it is given
to attain this life with Christ …
For He is the Brightness of eternal glory,
the Splendour of eternal light,
the Mirror without spot.”

happy the soul - st clare of assisi 11 aug 2020

“O blessed poverty,
who bestows eternal riches
on those who love and embrace her!”

o blesed poverty - st clare of assisi 11 aug 2020

“Never forget that the way
which leads to heaven is narrow;
that the gate leading to life is narrow and low;
that there are but few who find it and enter by it
and, if there be some who go in
and tread the narrow path for some time,
there are but very few who persevere therein.”

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/11/quote-s-of-the-day-11-august-the-memorial-of-st-clare-of-assisi-1194-1253/

St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

never forget that the way which leads to heaven - st clare of assisi 11 aug 2020

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, INCORRUPTIBLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on GRACE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 August – ‘… Unless you turn and become like children’ Matthew 18:3

One Minute Reflection – 11 August – Tuesday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Ezekiel 2:8 – 3: 4Psalms 119:142472103111131Matthew 18:1-51012-14 and The Memorial of St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”… Matthew 18:3

REFLECTION – “Beside this obvious explanation let another be given as well.
As an act of theological and ethical reflection, let us ask what sort of a child Jesus called to Himself and has set in the midst of the disciples.
Think of it this way – the child called by Jesus is the Holy Spirit, who humbled Himself.
He was called by the Saviour and set in the middle of the disciples of Jesus.   The Lord wants us, ignoring all the rest, to turn to the examples given by the Holy Spirit, so that we become like the children — that is, the disciples — who were themselves converted and made like the Holy Spirit.   God gave these children to the Saviour according to what we read in Isaiah:  “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me.”
To enter the kingdom of heaven is not possible for the person who has not turned from worldly matters and become like those children who had the Holy Spirit.
Jesus called this Holy Spirit to Himself like a child, when He came down from His perfect completeness, to mankind and set it in the middle of the disciples.” … Origen Adamantius (c 185-253) Priest, Theologian, Father – Commentary on Matthew, 13matthew 12 3 unless you turn and become like children - the lord want us - origen 11 aug 2020

PRAYER – Holy God, grant we pray, Your Holy Spirit of love and divine grace to grow ever more in faith.   By our prayers and love for You and our neighbour, may we merit Your divine assistance.   Lord Jesus, help us to dwell often on the manner in which we are following You.   Let us strive each day to become more and more like You in all things and, to become beacons of Your Light, to all the world.   St Clare of Assisi, you who were a light to all, pray for us, amen.st clare of assisi pray for us 11 aug 2020

Posted in "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 10 August – A Holy Death

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

A Holy Death

a holy death - bacci - 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“Now and again, it is useful for Christians to dedicate a day to meditation on the subject of death.
It is useful, because, it is easy to regard our own death as something theoretical and remote, whereas in fact, we ought always to be prepared to die, since it is “at any hour that you do not expect, the Son of Man is coming” (Lk 12:40).
It may be at the hour when we are least expecting it, that God will come to take us and, it will be on our spiritual state at this hour, that our eternity will depend.

We know neither when nor where death will surprise us.
It may be today, it may be in a few years.
It may come suddenly, or maybe after a long illness.
We may be in bed or in the middle of a street, in hospital or at home.
Finally, we may be resigned, comforted by the presence of a Priest and by the reception of the last sacraments, or we may be alone and deprived of these consolations.

It is essential, therefore, to be always prepared, fortified by faith, charity and good works.
If we are really prepared, it will not matter when, where, or how death comes, for it will be to us, like the good Sister death of St Francis of Assisi.
It will release us from this corrupt mortal flesh and open to us the gates of everlasting happiness.
Then, we shall fly joyfully into the arms of our Creator and Redeemer, Whom we have tried hard to love and serve.

But, if we are not prepared, what then?
How bitter it will be to have to leave the world to which we have become so attached.
What remorse we shall feel at the remembrance of our innumerable sins, badly confessed and never atoned for and, at the realisation, that we have failed to do so much good we could have done, whereas now, we shall have to appear before the Eternal Judge, with nothing to offer!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci 

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SPEAKING of ....., The STATIONS of the CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 August – ‘Follow Me’

Quote/s of the Day – 10 August – Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, Readings: Second Corinthians 9:6-10Psalms 112:1-25-67-89John 12:24-26

“If anyone serves me,
he must follow me
and where I am,
there will my servant be also.”

John 12:26

john 12 26 if anyone serves me he must follow me and where i am - 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“The Lord is near
do not be anxious
about anything.”

the lord is near do not be anxious about anything - st augustine 13 july 2020

“Let us listen to the Lord:
“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6).
If you are looking for the Truth,
follow the Way which is also the Truth.
This is where you are going and it is how you go.
It is not by another thing that you go to something;
it is not by anything else that you come to Christ;
it is through Christ that you come to Christ.
How to Christ through Christ?
To Christ God through Christ man;
through the Word made flesh,
to the Word who was with God, from the beginning;
through what we have eaten to what the angels eat daily.
In fact it is what is written:
“He gave them bread from heaven; man ate the bread of angels” (Ps 77[78]:24-25).
What is the bread of angels?
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was in God and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1-3). How has man eaten the bread of angels?
“And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”

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

let-us-listen-to-the-lord-i-am-the-way-and-the-truth-st-augustine-10-may-2020 and 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“Day by day follow God’s path,
keeping Him closely attached to you by His promise.
In fact, He Himself said, through the mediation of His apostles,
to all those who seek His will and His testimonies
that He would be with them, until the end of the world (Mt 28:20)
where paths and footsteps will be unknown (cf Ps 76:20),
as the divine David said in his songs.
Yet, in an invisible way,
He is present to the eyes of the mind,
making Himself seen by those who have a pure heart
and conversing with them.
So pursue your path …. “

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
Monk and Theologian at Constantinople

Catechesis 11

 “Jesus is happy to come with us,
as Truth is happy to be spoken,
as Life to be lived,
as Light to be lit,
as Love is to be loved,
as Joy to be given,
as Peace to be spread.”

St Francis of Assisi (1181/2–1226)

jesus-is-happy-to-come-with-us-st-francis-of-assisi-4-oct-2018-and-17-july-2020 and 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“Someone who truly follows the Lord
wants everyone to follow Him,
which is why He turns to his neighbour
with kind attentions, prayers
and proclamation of the Gospel.
Peter’s turning around, signifies all those things.
… Christ, through interior inspiration and the Church,
by preaching, says: “Come!”
And whoever hears these words
says to his neighbour: “Come!”
which is to say: “Follow Jesus!”
Then Peter, turning round,
saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following after.
Jesus loves the one who follows Him.”

St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Evangelical Doctor

someone who truly follows the lord - st anthony of padua 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“Do not be afraid!
God will show you,
to the hour and moment,
what you should say
and what you should do.”

St Léonie Françoise De Sales Aviat
(1844-1914)

do-not-be-afraid-god-will-show-you-st-leonie-aviat-10-jan-2020 and 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“The way of the Cross
is the only road that leads to Heaven.
Consequently, a man who refuses
to take this road cannot reach Heaven.
… We must ascend our own Calvary,
if we wish to imitate and follow Jesus.
… Let the Passion of Christ be our rule of life.
Let us be glad, when we seem
to be more like Him and sorrowful,
whenever we seem to be departing
from the example which He set us.
Suffering should be a source of consolation for us,
for it makes us more like Jesus,
as long as we endure it
with resignation and with love.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

the-royal-road-of-the-cross-bacci-22-july-2020 and 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 August – “If it dies, it produces much fruit” … John 12:24

One Minute Reflection – 10 August – “Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, Readings: Second Corinthians 9:6-10Psalms 112:1-25-67-89John 12:24-26

“If it dies, it produces much fruit” … John 12:24

REFLECTION – “Through the glorious achievements of the holy Martyrs with which the Church blossoms everywhere, we are ourselves, proving to our own eyes, how true are the words we have been singing that:  “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Ps 116[115]:15).   For it is precious both in our sight and in the sight of Him, in whose name the death took place.

But the price of those deaths is the death of one man.   How many deaths did that one man purchase by His death, for, if He had not died, the grain of wheat would not be multiplied?   You heard His words when He drew near His passion, that is when He was drawing near to our redemption:  “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”   On the Cross He carried out a vast transaction;  there the purse of our price was unfastened and, when His side was opened by the lance of the soldier, there streamed the price for the redemption of the whole earth (cf. Jn 19:34).

Now the faithful ones and Martyrs have been purchased but the faithfulness of the Martyrs has been proved – their blood is the proof … “As Christ laid down his life for us, so we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1Jn 3:16).   In another place it is stated:  “At a grand table you have sat;  now carefully consider what has been put before you, since it is your duty to prepare for such things” (cf. Prv 23:1).   That table is great where the Lord of the table is Himself the meal.   No-one feeds guests with Himself as food but this is exactly what the Lord Christ does, He, Himself is the host who in­vites;  He, Himself is the food and the drink.   Therefore, the Martyrs have recognised what they were eating and drink­ing so as to be able to repay such gifts.   But whence can they make such return unless He who first paid the cost, supplies the source from which restitu­tion may be made?   That is the reason for the Psalm, where we sing what is written: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” ... St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo (North Africa), St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor – Sermon 329, for the Feast of the Martyrs, 1-2 ; PL 38, 1454if it dies it produces much fruit john 12 24-through the glorious achievements of the holy martyrs - st augustine 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

PRAYER – Lord God, You inspired St Lawrence with so ardent a love that his life was renowned for the service of Your people and his death for the splendour of his Martyrdom.   Help us to love what he loved and to live as he showed us.   St Lawrence, Martyr for Christ and His Church, pray for us.   Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever amen.st lawrence pray for us 10 aug 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior)

Thought for the Day – 9 August – The Mystery of Life

Thought for the Day – 9 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Mystery of Life

the mystery of life - bacci - 9 aug 2020

“Life,” said the poet Tommaseo, “is only a remembrance, a hope and a passing moment.”

How true this is.
This life which preoccupies us so much, is only a point of time which continually passes and evades us.
We live on memories and on hopes but, in reality, our life is no more than an elusive period of time, flowing into the ocean of eternity.

Yesterday, we did not exist and tomorrow, we shall be no more.
Yesterday, God called us forth from nothingness and tomorrow, He will summon us from this fleeting existence, in order to reward or punish us in eternity.
It is the great mystery of life, that so much depends on a vanishing moment of time.

We have two alternatives.
We can direct our course in life towards God, in which case, we shall one day be happy with Him forever.
Or, we can travel in the opposite direction in pursuit of sensual satisfaction and transitory worldly success, in which case, we shall one day be rejected by God and shall be doomed to everlasting unhappiness.

Let us reflect on the importance of our choice!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CARMELITES, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COWARDICE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SILENCE, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 9 August – Teresa Benedicta of the Cross/Edith Stein

Quote/s of the Day – 9 August – The Memorial of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross/Edith Stein (1891-1942) Martyr

“Let go of your plans.
The first hour of your morning belongs to God.
Tackle the day’s work that He charges you with
and He will give you the power to accomplish it.”

let go of your plans - st teresa benedicta 9 aug 2020

“You asked about my name-patron.
Of course, it is holy Father Benedict.
He adopted me and gave me the rights of home in his Order,
even though I was not even an Oblate,
since I always had Mount Carmel before my eyes.”

you asked about my name patron - st teresa benedicta 9 aug 2020

“The walls of our monasteries enclose a narrow space.
To erect the structure of holiness in it,
one must dig deep and build high,
must descend into the depths
of the dark night of one’s own nothingness,
in order to be raised up high
into the sunlight of divine love and compassion.”

the walls of our monastery - st teresa benedicta 9 aug 2020

“Those who remain silent
are responsible.”

those who remain silent are responsible - st teresa benedicta 9 aug 2020

“We cannot separate love for God from love for man.
We acknowledge God easily but our brother?
Those with whom we do not identify –
his background, education, race, complexion.
We could not have imagined that love for God could be so hard.”

we cannot separate love for god from love for man - st teresa benedicta 9 aug 2020

“All that we do is a means to an end
but love is an end in itself
because God is love.”

“Love will be our eternal life.”

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/09/quote-s-of-the-day-9-august-the-memorial-of-st-teresa-benedicta-of-the-cross-1891-1942-martyr/

St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

all that we do is a means -love will be our eternal life-st teresa benedicta 9 aug 2020

Posted in HOLY COMMUNION, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on JOY, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Sunday Reflection –9 August –“The Joy of the Eucharist, all through Life!” St John Vianney

Sunday Reflection –9 August – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“The Joy of the Eucharist, all through Life!”
St John Vianney (1786-1859)

“When Jesus entered the house of St Elizabeth, although He was imprisoned in Mary’s womb, He sanctified both mother and child and Elizabeth exclaimed, “Whence comes so great a happiness to me, that the Mother of my God deigns to come to me?”

I leave you to consider how much greater is the happiness of him who receives Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, not like Elizabeth, into his house but into the depths of his heart, to be its protecting Master, not six months, as in Elizabeth’s case but all through life!”

i leave you to consider - st john vianney sun refl 31 march 2019 laetare sun

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 August – “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31

One Minute Reflection – 9 August – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Readings: 1 Kings 19:911-13Psalms 85:9-14Romans 9:1-5Matthew 14:22-33 and the Memorial of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891-1942) Martyr

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” … Matthew 14:31

REFLECTION – “Once again the disciples are a plaything of the waves and a storm, similar to the first one (Mt 8:4), hurls itself against them. The first time, however, they had Jesus with them, whereas this time they are alone and left to themselves. …  I think this was because our Saviour wanted to stir their sleeping hearts and, by throwing them into a panic, he inspired in them a strong desire for His presence and kept the remembrance of Him constantly in their mind.   Hence, He did not come to their help at once but “during the fourth watch of the night he came towards them, walking on the sea”. …

Peter, ever volatile, always getting in before the other disciples, said: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” …   He didn’t say, “Command me to walk on the water” but “come to you,” for there was none who loved Jesus so much as he.   He did the same thing after the Resurrection – unable to bear moving as slowly as the others in the boat, he jumped into the water to get there before them and satisfy his love for Christ. …  Getting out of the boat, then, Peter went towards Jesus, more delighted to be going towards Him than to be walking on the water.   But after confronting the greatest danger, that of the sea, he was to give in to a lesser, that of the wind.   Such is human nature!   Often, having overcome serious dangers we are conquered by lesser ones …  Peter had not yet been set free from all his fear … in spite of Christ’s presence beside him.   For it is of no use to be beside Christ if one is not close to him by faith.   This is what emphasises the distance separating master from the disciple …

o man of little faith why did you doubt matthew 14 31 - getting out of the boat, then - st john chrysostom 9 aug 2020

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?”   So if Peter’s faith had not faltered he would have resisted the wind without difficulty.   And the proof of this is that Jesus grasped Peter while leaving the wind to continue blowing …   Just as the mother bird supports with her wings, as it is about to fall, the fledgling that has prematurely left the nest and draws it back into the nest, so does Christ with regard to Peter.” … St John Chrysostom (345-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church – Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, no. 50, 1-2

st teresa benedicta pray for us.2

PRAYER – Lord our God, the Light and Creator of Light, grant that faithfully pondering on all that is holy, we may ever live in the splendour of Your presence.   May we live in Your Presence, withstand the winds of the world and grow daily in faith.   By the help and intercession of St Teresa Benedicta, You may never permit us to separate ourselves from You and thus we may come, to completion in You, Through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 8 August – The Awareness of the Presence of God

Thought for the Day – 8 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Awareness of the Presence of God

the awareness of the presence of god - bacci 8 aug 2020

“The cultivation of a continual awareness of the presence of God is such a useful practice that many writers regard it as the fundamental principle of the spiritual life.
As St Alphonsus de’Liguori points out, it obliges us to do three thing:
(1) To preserve ourselves completely free from sin;
(2) To practise virtue, in every possible way and
(3) To seek a closer and more loving contact with God (Al Servizio Divino, III, 1,3).

The realisation of the presence of God is a particularly good way of subduing our passions and conquering temptation.
“If we were always aware of God’s presence within us,” writes St Thomas Aquinas, “we should never, or hardly ever, sin” (Opusc 58, c 2).

It is unlikely that a man who is committing sin adverts to the fact that God is watching him and could intervene to punish him at any moment.
He has forgotten the presence of God, his Creator and Redeemer, Who has been so good to him and Who will one day be his judge.
His mind has been darkened and his heart led astray by the deceptive pleasures of this world.

God is far from the sinner because the sinner ignores His inspirations and advice and has, in short, rejected Him.
The unhappy man will never find peace in this world and is doomed to eternal unhappiness in the next.

“If we remained always in the presence of God,” wrote St John Chrysostom, “we should neither conceive, nor do anything evil” (Homil 8, ad, Phil 2).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci