Category: CATHOLIC Quotes

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, JESUIT SJ, POETRY, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The NATIVITY of JESUS, Ven Servant of God John A Hardon

Quote/s of the Day – 21 February – The Burning Babe

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 February – the Memorial of St Peter Damian OSB (1007-1072) Doctor of the Church and St Robert Southwell SJ (1561-1595) Priest and Martyr

The Burning Babe, by Saint Robert Southwell

burning-babe-excerpt-st-robert-southwell-mem-21-feb-21-jan-2019 and 21 feb 2020 as quote of the day

As I in hoary winter’s night stood shivering in the snow,
Surprised I was with sudden heat which made my heart to glow;
And lifting up a fearful eye to view what fire was near,
A pretty babe all burning bright did in the air appear;
Who, scorchëd with excessive heat, such floods of tears did shed
As though his floods should quench his flames which with his tears were fed.
Alas, quoth he, but newly born in fiery heats I fry,
Yet none approach to warm their hearts or feel my fire but I!
My faultless breast the furnace is, the fuel wounding thorns,
Love is the fire, and sighs the smoke, the ashes shame and scorns;
The fuel justice layeth on, and mercy blows the coals,
The metal in this furnace wrought are men’s defiled souls,
For which, as now on fire I am to work them to their good,
So will I melt into a bath to wash them in my blood.
With this he vanished out of sight and swiftly shrunk away,
And straight I called unto mind that it was Christmas day.

It’s not surprising, it’s one of the great poems of the English language.

St Robert Southwell S.J. (1561-1595) Martyr, Religious Priest, Poet, Hymnodist, Writer, clandestine missionary was born in 1561 in Horsham Saint Faith, Norfolk, England and he was martyred by being hanged, drawn and quartered on 21 February 1595 (aged 33) in Tyburn, London, England. St Robert was Canonised on 25 October 1970 by Blessed Pope Paul VI.
“His poetry – we don’t know exactly when he began to write but it must have been very young because he wrote a great deal of which we have the record and by now the English speaking world knows Robert Southwell. His two outstanding poems are ‘The Burning Babe’ and ‘The Virgin Mary to Christ On The Cross.’” (Ven Fr John A Hardon SJ)

St Peter Damian quotes here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/21/quote-s-of-the-day-21-february-st-peter-damian/
And some from St Robert Southwell here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/02/21/quote-s-of-the-day-21-february-the-memorial-of-st-peter-damian-o-s-b-1007-1072-and-st-robert-southwell-s-j-1561-1595/

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 February – ‘carrying His cross’

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One Minute Reflection – 21 February – Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: James 2:14-24, 26, Psalm 112:1-6, Mark 8:34–9:1 and the Memorial of Blessed Noel Pinot (1747-1794) Priest and Martyr

“He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” … Mark 8:34mark 8 34 - whoever wishes to follow me must take up his cross - 21 feb 2020

REFLECTION – “What does this mean, “take up a cross”?   It means he will bear with whatever is troublesome and in this very act he will be following me.
When he has begun to follow me, according to My teaching and precepts, he will find many people contradicting him and standing in his way, many who not only deride but even persecute him.
Moreover, this is true, not only of pagans who are outside the church but also of those, who seem to be in it visibly but are outside of it because of the perversity of their deeds.
Although these glory, in merely the title of Christian, they continually persecute faithful Christians.
Such belong to the members of the church in the same way, that bad blood is in the body.
Therefore, if you wish to follow Christ, do not delay in carrying His cross, tolerate sinners but do not yield to them.
Do not let the false happiness of the wicked corrupt you.
You do well to despise all things for the sake of Christ, in order that you may be fit for his companionship.” … St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) – (Sermons, 159)when he has begun to follow me - st caesarius of arles - 21 feb 2020

PRAYER – Holy Father, send Your Divine Enlightener into the hearts of all Your faithful, filling us with the strength to fulfil our mission as the followers of Your only Son, our Saviour and to take up our cross in His footsteps.   Teach us and guide us, to deny ourselves for His sake.   As the zealous, faithful and courageous shepherd Blessed Noel Pinot, died for love of Christ and His Church, may we and all our Priests, profit by his intercession and be strengthened in the face of all persecution.  We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amenBL NOEL PINOT PRAY FOR US 21 FEB 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on JUSTICE, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 20 February – The Five Tribunals

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Thought for the Day – 20 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Five Tribunals

the five tribunals of justice - bacci 20 feb 2020

“We can distinguish five courts of justice, each of which, passes sentence on us.
(1) The first, is the tribunal of public opinion, of which some people are so afraid.
(2) Then, there is our own conscience, which shows, us what we are and what we ought to be.
(3) The third, is the tribunal of Penance, and
(4) the fourth is the civil court.
(5) Lastly, there is the judgement seat of God, before which, we shall have to appear one day with all our sins and our few merits.

Public opinion can be deceived by subterfuge and hyprocisy.
Conscience can be ignored, or, it can become warped or deadened.
The tribunal of Penance, can be misused and we can remain obdurate in our sins.
Civil authority can sometimes be evaded, it is also open to deception and corruption.
But, the tribunal of God is different.
We shall be alone before Him – fraud and deceit will be useless.
There will be no excuses, no defence.
Everything will be clear and His judgement, will be just and unchangeable.
Let us reflect on this while we have time.
Let us adopt the necessary remedies, for soon, there will be no more time!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 February – “You are the Christ.”

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 February – Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Gospel: Mark 8:27-33 and The Memorial of Sts Francisco (1908-1919) and Jacinta (1910-1920) – “The Shepherds of Fatima”

And he asked them,
“But who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered him,
“You are the Christ.”

Mark 8:29mark 8 29 - but who do you say - you are the christ - 20 feb 2020

“We were burning in that light,
which is God and we were not consumed.
What is God like?
It is impossible to say.
In fact, we will never be able to tell people”

St Francisco Marto of Fatima (1908-1919)we were burning in that light which is god - st francisco of fatima 20 feb 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 February – ‘Do not be a friend to Jesus in times of peace alone…’

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One Minute Reflection – 20 February – Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: James 2:1-9, Psalm 34:2-7,Mark 8:27-33 and the Memorial of Saint Eucherius of Orléans (c 687-743)

“Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him” … Mark 8:32

REFLECTION – “We should not be ashamed of the cross of the Saviour but rather make it our glory.
“The message of the cross is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” but for us it is salvation.   For those who are perishing it is foolishness but for us who are being saved it is the power of God” (cf. 1 Cor 1:18-24).
For it is no mere man who died but the Son of God, God made man.
In Moses’ days the lamb caused the destroying angel to pass over (cf. Ex 12:23) and has not “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29) set us even more free from our sins?

Not by force did He lose His life, not by might was He sacrificed but by His own will.
Hear what he said: “I have power to lay down my life and I have power to take it up again” (Jn 10:18). (…)
He came to His Passion of set will, happy in His exploit, laughing at His victory, satisfied to be saving us.
He was not ashamed of the cross because He was saving the whole earth.   It was not some poor man who was suffering but God made man who entered the combat to win the prize of patience. (…)

Do not rejoice in the cross only in times of peace, preserve the same faith in times of persecution.
Do not be a friend to Jesus in times of peace alone, only to become His enemy in times of war.
You are now receiving forgiveness for your sins and the spiritual gifts lavishly bestowed by your king so, when war breaks out, fight valiantly for your king.
Jesus has been crucified for you, He who was without sin. (…)
It is not you who bestowed this grace on Him, for you first of all received it.
But you offer thanks to Him who paid the price by being crucified for you on Golgotha.” … St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)) – Father and Doctor of the Church – Baptismal catecheses nos. 13, 3.6.23mark 8 32 then peter took him aside - do not rejoice in the cross only in times of peace - st cyril jerusalem 20 feb 2020

PRAYER – Lord of heaven and earth, by Your grace You have brought our hearts and mind to seek and hope in Your saving love, in Your only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.   May we, who like Peter, our father in faith, declare, ‘You are the Christ!’, remain ever in His steps, carrying the cross behind Him.   We thank You for the blessing of St Eucherius of Orléans, grant that, through his intercession, we may, like him, constantly follow the Light of Christ and so rise to eternal life.   We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amenst eucherius of orleans pray for us 20 feb 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CREATION

Thought for the Day – 19 February – Good Inspirations

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Thought for the Day – 19 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Good Inspirations

“God speaks to us in many ways.
He speaks in the language of nature.
Sky and earth tell us of their Creator.
Walk in silence beneath the night sky and contemplate the myriads of stars above.
It is impossible not to sense the power and beauty of the infinite God.
Look at the flowers in the meadows and the silent forests.
Look out across the vast expanse of the ocean, where the waves are breaking and surging but, never cross the limits imposed on them, by their Creator.
It is easy to repeat the words of St Augustine – “How great and good You are, O God!”
The voice of God, can also be heard in sermons and instructions, in the example which the Saints give us, in the advice of confessors and Superiors and others, whose task in life it is, to enlighten and guide the faithful.
Let us listen to these voices, for they represent the voice of God.”
Amen

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in franciscan OFM, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 19 February – ‘Keep a clear eye toward life’s end.’

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Quote/s of the Day – 19 February – The Memorial of St Conrad of Piacenza TOSF (c 1290-1351), Today’s Gospel: Mark 8:22-26

Then again he laid his hands upon his eyes
and he looked intently
and was restored and saw everything clearly.

Mark 8: 25mark 8 25 then again he laid his hands upon his eyes - 19 feb 2020

“Keep a clear eye toward life’s end.
Do not forget your purpose
and destiny as God’s creature.
What you are in His sight,
is what you are and nothing more.
Remember that when you leave this earth,
you can take nothing that you have received…
but only what you have given – a full heart
enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.”

St Francis of Assisi (c 1181-1226)keep-a-clear-eye-st-francis-of-assisi - 19 feb 2017 and 19 feb 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EDUCATION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on IGNORANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TRUTH, SAINT of the DAY

One Minute Reflection – 19 February – ‘…To teach perfectly it comes from the Lord’s mouth.’ 

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One Minute Reflection – 19 February – Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: James 1:19-27, Psalm 15:2-5,Mark 8:22-26 and the Memorial of St Conrad of Piacenza TOSF (c 1290-1351)

And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village….Then again he laid his hands upon his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored and saw everything clearly.   And he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”...Mark 8:22,25-26then-again-he-laid-his-hands-upon-his-eyes-mark-8-25-26-20-feb-2019 and 19 feb 2020

REFLECTION – “Jesus put spittle on his eyes, placed his hands on him and asked him whether he could see anything.   Knowledge always comes by degrees (…).   It is only after a great deal of time and a long apprenticeship that we are able to attain perfect knowledge.   First the impurities are removed, blindness goes and thus light enters.   The Lord’s spittle is perfect teaching – to teach perfectly it comes from the Lord’s mouth.   The Lord’s spittle, which comes forth, so to speak, from His substance, is understanding, just as the word coming forth from His mouth is a cure. (…)

“I see people looking like trees and walking” – I still see the shadow but not yet the truth. The meaning of these words is – I can see something in the Law but as yet I don’t perceive the blazing light of the Gospel. (…)   “Then he laid hands on his eyes a second time and he saw clearly.”   He could see, I say, everything that we can see – he saw the mystery of the Trinity and he saw all the holy mysteries contained in the Gospel. (…)   And we, too, see them since we believe in Christ, the true light.” … Saint Jerome (347-420) Priest, Translator of the Bible, Doctor of the Church – Homilies on Saint Mark’s Gospel, no. 8, 235the Lord's spittle is perfect teaching everything that comes from the mouth of the lord-mark-8-25-26-20-feb-2020-st-jerome

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, just as St Conrad of Pieacenza, was chosen to be a messenger of Your love and forgiveness, grant we pray, that by his prayers, we too maybe bearers of Your gracious love.   We pray for the assistance of our holy Mother, during our journey to the eternal glory of the kingdom, help us to become like little children and in that new purity, shine with the Light of our Lord and Saviour.   Through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.st-conrad-of-pacenza-pray-for-us-2- 19 feb 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SILENCE

Thought for the Day – 18 February – Interior Silence

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

Interior Silence

“Many people allow themselves to be swept away in the confusion of the world around them.
Modern life has become a whirling machine which snatches men up into it’s enormous rotators and carries them with it.
Not only has it become difficult to remain a Christian but it is even difficult to continue to be a man!

You cannot cast aside the natural gifts of intellect, free will and personal dignity which God has given us.
Still less, can we renounce the dignity of being Christians.
This dignity can be retained by interior recollection, which will be nourished by divine grace, if we ask for it and, will find it’s external expression in good works.
A man must be able to detach himself from the din of modern life and spend an occasional moment in recollection.
No matter what is going on around him, he must be able to find time to raise his mind to God.
Otherwise, he will realise one day, that life has passed him by like a cloud, or, worse still, like a lost battle.
We shall not be tormented with useless regrets on our deathbed, if we think about this now.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on MISSION, SAINT of the DAY, The LAST THINGS

Quote/s of the Day – 18 February – Saint Francis Regis Clet Martyr Missionary

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 February – The Memorial of Saint Francis Regis Clet CM (1748-1820) Priest and Martyr

“What a great treasure is a good Missionary
and how few people in this world, are willing
to serve God and His Church in purity of faith,
detachment from creatures and self-abnegation.”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

st vincent de paul quote - what a great treasure is a goodmissionary - st francis regis clet 18 feb 2020

“My brother, you judge me now,
in a short time my Lord Himself will judge you.”

Saint Francis Regis Clet (1748-1820)
Vincentian Priest and Martyr Missionary

my brother, you judge me now - st francis regis clet - 18 feb 2020

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HYPOCRISY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 February – ‘Spiritual schizophrenia’ 

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One Minute Reflection – 18 February – Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: James 1:12-18, Psalm 94:12-15, 18-19, Mark 8:14-21 and the Memorial of Saint Francis Regis Clet CM (1748-1820) Priest and Martyr

And he cautioned them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”…Mark 8:15

REFLECTION – “Jesus tells us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.   That leaven is hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy is an internal division, you say one thing and do another.   It is a sort of spiritual schizophrenia.   Furthermore a hypocrite is a phoney – he seems good, courteous but he has a dagger behind him.   A hypocrite is two-faced.   He is a phoney. Jesus, speaking of these doctors of the law, affirms that they say one thing but do not do. This is another form of hypocrisy, it is existential nominalism – those who believe that, by saying things, everything is in order.   No, things must be done, not just said.   On the contrary, a hypocrite is a nominalist, he believes that everything is done with words. Moreover, a hypocrite is incapable of blaming himself, he never finds a smudge on himself, he blames others.   Just think of the speck and the log, this is precisely how we can describe this leaven which is hypocrisy.
May the Lord give to us, to all of us, the Holy Spirit and the grace of the clarity to tell ourselves what is the leaven I grow with, which is the leaven I act with.   Am I a just and transparent person or am I a hypocrite?”…Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 14 October 2016mark-8-15-take-heed-beware-of-the-leaven-jesus-tells-us-pope-francis-19-feb-2019-no-2 and 18 feb 2020

PRAYER – God of mercy, teach us to live as You have ordained.   Help us to follow Your commandments with courage and steadfast devotion.   Let our Saviour be our master, help us to learn from Him, the ways of prayer in silence.   Fill us with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that we may learn.   Grant blessed Trinity, that by the prayers of St Francis Regis Clet, we may grow in holiness.   Through Jesus our Lord, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amenst francis regis clet pray for us 18 feb 2020

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CATHOLIC Quotes, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, NOVENAS, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY FACE

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face Begins today, 17 February

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Lenten Preparation
Novena to the Holy Face
Begins today, 17 February

lenten prep novena to the holy face - begins 17 feb 2020

Shrove Tuesday is also the Feast of the Holy Face.   Many who discover this are quickly struck by the significance of beginning Lent more in love with His countenance.   For having made reparation “with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment” through the novena, we can begin our Lenten walk with Christ more at the ready to comfort Him along the way, as St Veronica did.

Indeed, this searingly beautiful devotion goes back to the Passion itself, when the veil of Veronica smoothed the injuries of Jesus’ Holy Face, so besieged with pain.

In 1843, Sister Marie of St Peter had visions of Jesus requesting a devotion to His Holy Face called “The Golden Arrow,” [https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/14/our-morning-offering-14-january-month-of-the-holy-name-of-jesus/] which brings Him great delight, as He said to Sr Marie, “All who honour My Holy Face in a spirit of reparation thereby perform for Me the services of the pious Veronica.”holy card those on earth who contemplate the wounds of my Face jpg

In 1938, Jesus appeared to Blessed Maria Pierina de Micheli, His face bloodied by His Passion and said, speaking of His Face, “I wish that it be venerated by a special feast on Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.   I wish that the feast be preceded by a novena in which the faithful make reparation with me, joining together and sharing in my sorrow.”   For:  “Those on earth who contemplate the wounds of My Face, shall in heaven, behold it, radiant with glory.”

Following that request, Pope Pius XII named Shrove Tuesday as the official Feast of the Holy Face in 1958.

We pray our Novena in fine company.
St Augustine (354-430), St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302) and St Bernard (1090-1153), St Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897), among many others, all venerated the Holy Face.

In the words of St John Paul II:
“And is it not the Church’s task, to reflect the light of Christ in every historical period, to make His face shine also before generations of the new millennium?   Our witness, however, would be hopelessly inadequate, if we ourselves had not first contemplated His face.”

In a similar way, our Lenten witness to the wounds on His Hands and Fee, is inadequate if we have not first contemplated His Face, bitterly kissed by Judas, spat upon, battered, covered with sweat and blood and crowned with thorns, continuing to be dishonoured even today, through the Blessed Sacrament by profanations, sacrilege and neglect.

For so many, Shrove Tuesday is a date on the calendar that gets overshadowed by Ash Wednesday, that memorable day we wear the outward sign of repentance and recall our mortality.   How much more meaningful will our Ash Wednesday be, if we first mark Shrove Tuesday as a Feast of the Holy Face, concluding the Novena we began in Ordinary Time and beginning Lent, more in love, with the countenance of Christ and, through Him, made more beautiful in our own soul. Amen!

THE HOLY FACE OF JESUS

“I firmly wish that My Face, reflecting the intimate pains of my soul, the suffering and love of my heart, be more honoured!   Whoever gazes upon me already consoles me.”

(Our Lord Jesus Christ to Sister Pierina)

This novena prayer may be said at anytime but, especially in the nine days leading up to the Feast of the Holy Face on Shrove Tuesday.   The Holy Face Devotion is approved by the Vatican.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity,
through the intercession of Holy Mary,
whose soul was pierced through
by a sword of sorrow
at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son,
we ask Your help,
in making a perfect Novena of Reparation with Jesus,
united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.
We now implore all the Angels and Saints
to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena
to the Most Holy Face of Jesus
and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen

“All those who, attracted by My Love and venerating My Countenance, shall receive, by virtue of My Humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of My Divinity. This splendour shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features, with My Divine Countenance.”  … Our Lord Jesus Christ to St Gertrude

FIRST DAY

(Console the Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) above.
Psalm 51,3-4.
Have mercy on me, O God in your goodness,
in your great tenderness wipe away my faults,
wash me clean of my guilt, purify me from my sin.

O most Holy Face of Jesus,
look with tenderness on us who are sinners.
You are a merciful God,
full of love and compassion.
Keep us pure of heart,
so that we may see Thee always.
Mary, our Mother,
intercede for us,
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Through the merits of Thy Precious Blood
and Thy Holy Face, O Jesus,
grant us our petition………………
and Thy pardon and mercy.

Prayer to Our Almighty Father
By St Augustine (354-430)

Almighty Father, come into our hearts
and so fill us with Your love that forsaking all evil desires,
we may embrace You, our only good.
Show us, O Lord our God, what You are to us.
Say to our souls, I am your salvation,
speak so, that we may hear.
Our hearts are before You,
open our ears,
let us hasten after Your Voice.
Hide not Your Face from us, we beseech You, O Lord.
Open our hearts, so that You may enter in.
Repair the ruined mansions, that You may dwell therein.
Hear us, O Heavenly Father,
for the sake of Your only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen

Pray (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Marys, (1) Glory Be.

O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every Adoration Thine (Three times)

THE HOLY FACE - VERONICA'S VEIL

Posted in I BELIEVE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD

Thought for the Day – 17 February – The Will

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Thought for the Day – 17 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Will

“The coat of arms of the great city of Chicago bears the motto “I will.”
With this forceful approach to it’s programme of expansion, it was not long before it became one of the largest cities in America.
It grew to be a wealthy industrial centre, in which skyscrapers, factories and churches, sprang up side-by-side.

When it is said with sincerity and determination, this little phrase, “I will,”
is capable of producing amazing results, both in the physical and spiritual order.
St Thomas Aquinas was once asked by a nun, what were the requirements for sanctity.
He replied, that the chief thing necessary, was a strong and decisive act of the will, which would be certain to be reinforced by divine grace.
The Saints began every project by making a sincere and definite resolution to succeed.
They were weak creatures like the rest of us but, they knew, that if they wanted something intensely enough, God would grant whatever miracles they needed.
The father who asked Jesus to heal his son pleaded: “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us and help us,” to which Jesus replied: “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mk 9:16-22).
The same answer could be given to any of us who say, that we are anxious to become holy.
Anything is possible if we really want it, because God will do the rest!“

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – ‘Everything is a sign!’

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – Monday of the Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year A

And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said,
“Why does this generation seek a sign?

Mark 8:12

“But for what sign from heaven were they asking?
Maybe that He should hold back the sun,
or curb the moon,
or bring down thunderbolts,
or change the direction of the wind,
or something like that?
In Pharaoh’s time there was an enemy
from whom deliverance was needed.
But for one who comes among friends,
there should be no need of such signs.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor

mark 8 12- and he sighed deeply for one who comes among friends st john chrysostom 17 feb 2020

“You also are blessed,
because you have heard and believed.
A soul that believes, both conceives
and brings forth the Word of God
and acknowledges His works.
… Christ has only one mother, in the flesh
but we all bring forth Christ, in faith.”

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

you-also-are-blessed-becauxe-you-have-believed-st-ambrose-21-dec-2019-the-vistation and 17 feb 2020

“For those who believe,
everything is a sign!”

Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro (1936-1964)

for-those-who-believe-everything-is-a-sign-bl-benedetta-porro-23-jan-2020 and 17 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 February – ‘…Don’t wait for Tabor to “see” God’

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One Minute Reflection – 17 February – Monday of the Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: James 1:1-11, Psalm 119:67-68, 71-72,75-76, Mark 8:11-13 and the Memorial of St Alexis Falconieri (13th century –1310) Priest, One of Seven Founders of the Servites

“Why does this generation seek a sign?” … Mark 8:12

REFLECTION – “Believing even in darkness – The Holy Spirit tells us:  Do not let your mind succumb to temptation and sorrow, for joy of the heart is life for the soul.   Sorrow is no good for anything and causes our spiritual death.

It happens sometimes that the darkness of trial overwhelms your soul’s heaven but this darkness is light!
Thanks to it, you believe even in darkness, the mind feels lost, it fears no longer being able to see, no longer understanding anything.   But this is the moment when the Lord speaks and makes Himself present to the soul and the soul listens, understands and loves in the fear of God.   So don’t wait for Tabor to “see” God when you are already contemplating Him on Sinai.

Progress in the joy of a sincere heart, that is wide open.   And if it is impossible for you to keep that happiness, at least don’t lose courage and keep all your trust in God.” … Saint Pius of Pietralcina “Padre Pio” (1887-1968)mark 8 12 why does this generation seek a sign - dont wait for tabor - st padre pio 17 feb 2020

PRAYER – Almighty Lord and God, protect us by Your power throughout the course of this day, even as You have enabled us to begin it.   Your grace is all that we need to see the loving kindness of Your Son, our Lord Jesus in all we meet.   Do not let us turn aside from His path but by the faith You have granted us, let us find meaning in all, which is the sign of Your glory.   Do not let us turn aside to sin and may the intercession of St Alexis Falconieri and the Seven Holy Founders of the Servites, grant us courage and peace.   Through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, with the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen.st alexis falconieri 7 holy founders servites 17 feb 2020 pray for us 17 feb 2020

seven-holy-founders-pray-for-us-17-feb-2017 and 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Thought for the Day – 16 February – The Duties of Our State

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

The Duties of Our State

“Everyone finds himself in a certain position in life.
He may be there, either through force of circumstances, or, through somebody else’s desire, or through some secret inspiration from God,
In any case, each of us is in a certain place and God, either wills it or permits it.
We should not complain about our state in life.
No matter what that state is, we can either be saved or damned for all eternity.
In any position, we can do a great deal of good or a great deal of evil, according to the way in which we co-operate with the grace of God.
We should not envy the positions of others.
This would be unjust because, it would be tantamount to questioning the arrangements of Providence, which gives everyone the graces necessary, in his particular state.
It would also be injurious, insofar, as we should be worried and disturbed, instead of working peacefully and earnestly, in the place assigned to us by God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 February – The Holy Eucharist, The Holy Word of God

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 February – The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

“As to the truth of the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ,
there is no room left for doubt.
For both, from the declaration of the Lord Himself
and from our own faith, it is truly flesh and truly blood.
And when these are eaten and drunk,
it is brought to pass,
that we are both in Christ
and Christ is in us.
Is this not so?”

St Hilary of Poitiers (315-368)
Doctor of the Divinity of Christas to the truth of the flesh and blood of jesus christ - st hilary of potiers 16 feb 2020

“Always give good heed to the Word of God,
whether you hear or read it in private,
or hearken to it when publicly preached.
Listen with attention and reverence,
seek to profit by it
and do not let the precious words fall unheeded
but receive them into your heart.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor caritatisalways give good heed to the word of god - st francis de sales 16 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Sunday Reflection – 16 February – If we only knew the treasure we hold in our hands!

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Sunday Reflection – 16 February – The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

If we only knew the treasure we hold in our hands!

St Claude de la Colombiere SJ (1641-1682)

“God is more honoured by a single Mass
than He could be by all the actions of angels
and men together, however fervent and heroic they might be.
Yet, how FEW hear Mass with the intention of giving God
this sublime honour!
How FEW think with joy on the glory a Mass gives to God.
How FEW rejoice to possess the means of honouring Him
as He deserves! . . .
If we only knew the treasure we hold in our hands!”

god-is-more-honoured-by-a-single-mass-st-claude-15-feb-2017 and sun reflection 16 feb 2020

 

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PAPAL DECREE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 February – “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, (…) the people of God”

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One Minute Reflection – 16 February – The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Sirach 15:15-20 (16-21), Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Matthew 5:17-37 and the Memorial of Blessed Nicola Paglia OP (1197-1256) Priest

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.   I have come not to abolish but to fulfil” … Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – At all times and in every race God has given welcome to whosoever fears Him and does what is right (cf. Acts 10:35).   God, however, does not make men holy and save them merely as individuals, without bond or link between one another.   Rather has it pleased Him to bring men together as one people, a people which acknowledges Him in truth and serves Him in holiness.   He, therefore, chose the race of Israel as a people unto Himself.   With it He set up a covenant   Step by step, He taught and prepared this people, making known in its history both Himself and the decree of His will and making it holy unto Himself.

All these things, however, were done by way of preparation and as a figure of that new and perfect covenant, which was to be ratified in Christ and of that fuller revelation which was to be given, through the Word of God Himself, made flesh.   “Behold the days shall come saith the Lord and I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and with the house of Judah (. . ).   I will give my law in their bowels and I will write it in their heart and I will be their God and they shall be my people (. . .)   For all of them shall know Me, from the least of them even to the greatest, saith the Lord” (Jer 31:31f.)   Christ instituted this new covenant, the new testament, that is to say, in His Blood, (1 Cor 11:25) calling together a people made up of Jew and gentile, making them one, not according to the flesh but in the Spirit.   This was to be the new People of God (…) : “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, (…) the people of God” (1 Pt 2:9).

Israel according to the flesh, which wandered as an exile in the desert, was already called the Church of God.  (2 Esd 13:1; Nb 20:4; Dt 23:1f.)   So, likewise, the new Israel, which while living in this present age, goes in search of a future and abiding city (Heb 13:14) is called the Church of Christ. (Mt 16:18)   For He has bought it for Himself with His blood, (Acts 20:28) has filled it with His Spirit and provided it with those means which befit it as a visible and social union. … Vatican Council II – Constitution on the Church “Lumen gentium”, # 9matthew 5 17 do not think that i have come to abolish - christ instituted - lumen gentium 16 feb 2020

PRAYER – Loving and merciful Father!   In all our needs, even when we turn from You and cause You sorrow, You are there to help us!   You grace us with garments of love to protect us from the evils which surround us.   Bless us we pray, as we turn to You in pain and repentance and by the sufferings of Your divine Son Whom You sent to redeem us, grant us peace.   May the prayers of Blessed Nicola Paglia, intercede in our strife as we make our way home to You.   Through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.bl nicola paglia pray for us 16 feb 2020

Posted in CATHOLIC TIME, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 15 February – The Order of the Day

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

The Order of the Day

“Monks and nuns can have a fixed daily rule of life but this is not possible for everybody.
However, everybody will find it useful to have a general timetable capable of being varied to suit different circumstances.
In constructing a general rule of life for ourselves, we should keep two things in mind, namely, the division of the day into periods and the way in which we shall behave during these periods.

It is hopeless to begin the day without any pre-arranged plan.
Either, there is gong to be order, or disorder.
If there is disorganisation, it will produce two results.
(1) There will be hurry and confusion in fulfilling those duties which have been left over, until the end of the day.
(2) There will be protracted periods of idleness, during which, we shall persuade ourselves, that there will be plenty of time to get everything done before nightfall.

To avoid such a situation, everyone should have a timetable, adapted to his requirements.
Naturally, it should be capable of any reasonable variations, which circumstances may suggest but, in the meantime, it will help us to get through our day, calmly and with results.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

 

Posted in GOD the FATHER, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 14 February – The Early Hours of the Day

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

The Early Hours of the Day

“Waking up in the morning, is like being raised to life again.
Sleep, which is necessary for the restoration of energy, is an image of death.
During those hours of sleep, it was as if you did not exist any longer.
Your mind was unconscious, your limbs inactive.
Now God gives you life once more and the strength to live it.
Your first thoughts, therefore, should be directed towards Him.
When the sun rises, all creation sings hymns of praise to God.
The flowers shake the night-dew from their petals and send up their perfume to their Creator.
The birds drawing their heads from beneath their warm wings, sing their morning canticles.
Now, man is master of the universe.
Therefore, he should gather together, these perfumes and these voices and offer them to God, along with the homage and adoration of his whole being.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY

Quote of the Day – 14 February – Bl Vicente Vilar David … ‘My greatest calling’

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Quote of the Day – 14 February – The Memorial of Blessed Vicente Vilar David (1889-1937) Martyr

“Being Catholic
is my greatest calling,
I will not give up,
even if it means death.”

Blessed Vicente Vilar David (1889-1937) Martyr

being catholic is my greatest calling - bl vicente vilar david martyr 14 feb 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Thought for the Day – 13 February – The Causes of Discontent

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

The Causes of Discontent

“It is hard to find anyone, in this world, who is really content.
Some grumble about poor health, others about not having enough to live on, others about an unsuccessful career.
Some complain about the lack of sympathy and the ingratitude of men, others, about constant temptation, spiritual dryness and the discouragement of frequently falling into sin.
Still others, are confined to a bed of pain for weeks, months or even years at a time.
There are some, too, who must endure mental suffering, which is greater than any physical pain.
Perhaps, they have lost a loved one, who was the centre of their own life upon earth, or perhaps they are suffering from a loss of reputation, the result of some calumny or of some moment of weakness, on their own part.
In short, this world can be compared to quote St Therese of the Child Jesus – to an unsatisfactory hotel, in which we must spend the night, while we are waiting for the breaking of an eternal day in which we shall be able to see God.
He is fortunate, who knows how to live contentedly, or, at least resignedly, in this poor boarding-house, until the dawn of that better life, which is the only object of our earthly journey!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 13 February – ‘No-one listens to his own heart …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 13 February – the Memorial of Blessed Jordan of Saxony OP (1190-1237)

“Happiness is secured through virtue,
it is a good attained by man’s own will.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor

happiness is secured through virtue - st thomas aquinas 13 feb 2020

Meeting a vagabond upon the road who feigned sickness and poverty, Blessed Jordan gave him one of his tunics, which the fellow at once carried straight to a tavern for drink. The brethren, seeing this done, taunted him with his simplicity:

‘There now, Master, see how wisely you have bestowed your tunic.’

‘I did so,’ said he,
‘because I believed him to be in want,
through sickness and poverty
and it seemed, at the moment,
to be a charity to help him.
Still, I reckon it better, to have parted
with my tunic than with charity.’

Blessed Jordan of Saxony (1190-1237)

it is better to have parted with my tunic than with charity - bl jordan of saxony 13 feb 2020

The Heart of Christ

This Heart lives on service.
It does not seek to glorify itself but the Father alone.
It does not speak of its love.
It performs it’s service so unobtrusively,
that it is almost forgotten, as we forget our heart under the stress of our affairs.
We think that life lives of itself.
No-one listens to his own heart, not even for a second —
his heart, that bestows life, hour after hour on him.
We have grown used to the slight tremor in our being,
to the eternal beating of the waves that from within us,
dash on the shore of consciousness.
We accept it as we do our destiny, or nature, or the course of things.
We have grown used to love.
And we no longer hear the tapping finger, that knocks day and night at the gate of our soul, we no longer hear this question, this request to enter.

Hans Cardinal Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988)

~From Heart of the World

we no longer hear this tapping finger - hans urs von balthasar 13 feb 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 February – ‘…This hidden treasure.’

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One Minute Reflection – 13 February – Thursday of the Fifth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings11:4-13, Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37, 40, Mark 7:24-30 and the Memorial of Blessed Archangela Girlani (1460-1494)

“Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” … Mark 7:28

REFLECTION – “When she came up to Jesus the Canaanite woman just said these words: “Have pity on me” (Mt 15:22) and her repeated cries drew a large crowd of people.   It was a touching sight to see this woman crying out with such great feeling, a mother pleading on behalf of her daughter, a child who was so severely possessed. (…)   She didn’t say: “Have pity on my daughter” but “Have pity on me.”   “My daughter is not aware of her plight but I, I experience sufferings in profusion, it makes me ill to see her in such a state, I am almost out of my mind at seeing her like this.” (…)

Jesus answered her:  “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ” (Mt 15:24)      Now what did the Canaanite woman do when she heard these words?   Did she lose heart? Not in the least!   She urged him even more.   This is not what we do when our prayers are not answered – we turn away in discouragement, whereas, we ought to be pleading even more insistently.   Who, it is true, would not be discouraged by Jesus’ response?   His silence would have been enough to take away all hope. (…)   This woman, however, does not lose heart, on the contrary, she comes nearer to Him and bows to the ground, saying:  “Lord, help me” (v.25) (…)   If I am a little dog in this house then I am no longer a foreigner.   I well know that food is necessary for children (…) but it cannot be forbidden to give away crumbs.   They should not be refused me (…) because I am a little dog who cannot be pushed aside.”

It was because he foresaw her answer that Christ delayed to grant her prayer (…)    His replies were not intended to cause this woman pain but, to reveal this hidden treasure.” … St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Church – Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, no.52, § 2mark 7 28 yes lord but even the dogs - this woman does not lose heart - st john chrysostom 13 feb 2020

PRAYER – Lord support us as we pray, protect us day and night.   Grant us the grace of total trust and teach us to hear Your Voice and do Your Will.   May the prayers of Blessed Archangela Girlani (1460-1494), help us and strengthen us that we may grow in worthiness to receive Your grace.   Through our Lord Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.BL ARCHANGELA GIRLANI PRAY FOR US 13 FEB 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE

Thought for the Day – 12 February – Self-Love

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

Self-Love

“By self-love we mean here, an inordinate love of self.
We are not forbidden to love ourselves.
In fact, this is something natural to us and, therefore, intended by God.
We should love ourselves, however, in a properly ordered manner.
In the first place, we must love God above everything and, therefore, more than ourselves.
God is our creator and our Redeemer and our final end.
Everything comes to us from Him and for this reason, everything must return to Him.
We should not be self-centred but, God-centred.
In other words, we must direct all our actions towards God, not towards ourselves.
We cannot set our own ego in the place which belongs to God, still less above Him.
To do so, would be equivalent of robbing God, because everything is His and we ourselves belong to Him.
If we have any intelligence at all, let us remember that God gave it to us.
If we have sound health, strength, or good looks, let us remember, that these are His gifts.
If we have amassed a great store of cultural or artistic learning as a result of our ability and study, let us not become too attached to it, nor look for praise and admiration.
It is God who gave us this ability and the energy and enthusiasm to cultivate it.
Honour and glory are due to God alone!“

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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One Minute Reflection – 13 February – What is my treasure? 

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One Minute Reflection – 13 February – Wednesday of the Fifth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings10:1-10, Psalm 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40, Mark7:14-23 and the Memorial of St Eulalia of Barcelona (c 290-c 303) Virgin and Martyr

And he said, “What comes out of a man is what defiles a man.   For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.   All these evil things come from within and they defile a man.” Mark 7:20-23

REFLECTION – “The boundary between good and evil does not pass outside of us but rather within us.   We could ask ourselves: where is my heart?   Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”   What is my treasure?   Is it Jesus, is it His teaching?   If so, then the heart is good.   Or is my treasure something else?   Thus it is a heart which needs purification and conversion.   Without a purified heart, one cannot have truly clean hands and lips which speak sincere words of love — it is all duplicitous, a double life — lips which speak words of mercy, of forgiveness but only a sincere and purified heart can do this.”…Pope Francis – Angelus, 30 August 2015mark-7-20-what-comes-out-of-a-man-the-boundary-between-good-and-evil-pope-francis-13feb2019 and 12 Feb 2020

PRAYER – God our Saviour, through the grace of Baptism, You made us children of light. Hear our prayer, that we may always walk in that light and work for truth, as Your witnesses before men.   May our hearts be purified by You grace and may our hands and lips speak with sincere words of love.   St Eulalia of Barcelona, child as you were, you bravely withstood all the assaults against Christ your Lord, with zeal and passion, please pray for us.   We make our prayer, through Christ our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st eulalia pray for us 12 feb 2020

Posted in GOD is LOVE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Thought for the Day – 11 February – The Love of Our Neighbour

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

The Love of Our Neighbour

“The Gospel not only commands us to love God above all things but also, to love our neighbour as ourselves (Cf Mt 13:35-40).
The Christian love of our neighbour, flows necessarily from the love of God.
Our Creator loves all men as His own sons.
Therefore, we ought to love one another as brothers, even as Our Lord loves us.
We should see, in our neighbour, especially if he is in need, the person of Christ Himself, our elder brother, “the first-born among many brethren” (Rom 8:29).

If men sincerely loved one another, not merely as brothers but as much as they love themselves, what problems would be solved!
Who can say how many evils would be abated and how many sorrows would be assuaged?
To transform the world, it would be enough to put into practice the first great commandment of the Gospel, which is the commandment of charity.
Admittedly, the world would not become an earthly paradise, for any such Utopia is an impossibility.
But, it would become a dignified dwelling place of brothers, loving and helping one another.
“Love is the fulfilment of the law,” St Paul very truly says (Rom 13:10).
“Have charity, which is the bond of perfection” (Col 3:14).

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOGMA, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 11 February – Our Lady of Lourdes, St Gregory II

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 February – The Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes and St Pope Gregory II (669-731)

“I am the Immaculate Conception.”

Our Lady of Lourdes to St Bernadette
25 March 1858i am the immaculate conception our lady of lourdes 11 feb 2020

St Pope Gregory II “Defender of Icons”

Here is an excerpt of one of his letters to the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, Leo III the Isaurian, who became an iconoclast and issued an imperial decree forbidding the use of sacred images:

“The pious Emperors were submissive to the Pontiffs of the Church and never dishonoured them. You, on the contrary, since the day when you apostatised from the Faith, incurring the same curse that [in previous letters] you made against those who persecute sacred ministers and condemning yourself by your own decree, you have separated yourself from the Holy Ghost and you do persecute and tyrannise us, by the hands of your soldiers and earthly weapons. We do not have weapons or armies but we invoke the King of the whole Universe, Christ, Who is seated in Heaven over all the celestial powers and armies, to deliver you to Satan, as the Apostle says, in the flesh and the spirit.

We are travelling to the far East to assist those who are asking for Baptism. I had already sent Bishops and priests from my Church to them. The Princes of those places have not yet been washed in the waters of the Baptism and they have chosen me as Godfather. So, we need to be on our way, fearful lest one day God will ask an account for our negligence.

I pray God to give you prudence and repentance so that you will return to the truth that you left and bring the people to the bosom of the Catholic Church.”

St Pope Gregory II I pray god to give you prudence - st pope gregory II 11 feb 2020

Posted in CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 February – …’He is seated upon an extremely valuable throne…’

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One Minute Reflection – 11 February – Tuesday of the Fifth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, Psalm 84:3-5, 10-11, Mark 7:1-13 and the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes

“This people honours me with their lips but their hearts are far from me” … Mark 7:6mark 7 6 this people honours me with their lips but their hearts are far from me 11 feb 2020

REFLECTION – “Well, let us imagine that within us is an extremely rich palace, built entirely of gold and precious stones, in sum, built for a lord such as this.   Imagine, too, as is indeed so, that you have a part to play, in order for the palace to be so beautiful, for there is no edifice as beautiful as is a soul pure and full of virtues.   The greater the virtues the more resplendent the jewels.
Imagine, also, that in this palace dwells this mighty King who has been gracious enough to become your Father and, that He is seated upon an extremely valuable throne, which is your heart. (…)

You will laugh at me, perhaps and say that what I’m explaining is very clear and you’ll be right, for me, though, it was obscure for some time.   I understood well that I had a soul. But what this soul deserved and who dwelt within it I did not understand because I had covered my eyes with the vanities of the world.   For, in my opinion, if I had understood as I do now, that, in this little palace of my soul dwelt so great a King, I would not have left Him alone so often.   I would have remained with Him at times and striven more so as not to be so unclean.
But what a marvellous thing, that He who would fill a thousand worlds and many more with His grandeur, would enclose Himself in something so small!” … St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church – The Way of Perfection, ch. 28, 9-11imagine also that in this palace dwells this mighty king - st teresa of avila 11 feb 2020

PRAYER – Grant us, O merciful God, protection in our weakness, that we, who keep the Memorial of the Immaculate Mother of God, may, with the help of her intercession, rise up from our iniquities.   Grant, we pray that our lives may be gifts to all those who cry out in pain.   Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever, amen.ou-lady-of-lourdes-pray-for-us-11-feb-2019 and 2020