Category: CATHOLIC Quotes

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on The SOUL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 October – “Whose image and inscription is this? ” – Matthew 22:20

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St John Cantius (1390-1473) Confessor – Philippians 1:6-11; Matthew 22:15-21 – – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Whose image and inscription is this? ” – Matthew 22:20

REFLECTION – “Moses wrote in the Law: “God created man in His image and likeness” (Gn 1:26). I would ask you to reflect on the importance of this saying. God, Who is almighty, invisible, incomprehensible and without compare, when he fashioned man of clay, ennobled him by the image of His Own greatness. What is there in common between man and God, between clay and spirit? For “God is spirit” (Jn 4:24). Therefore, it represents a great sign of His esteem for man that God should have rewarded him with the image of His eternity and the likeness of His Own life. The greatness of man lies in his likeness to God, as long as he preserves it …

As long as a soul makes good use of the virtues sown into it, it remains like God. All the virtues God placed in us at our creation He has taught us to repay to Himself. In the first place, He requires us to love Him with all our heart (Dt 6:5) since, from the beginning, even before we existed, “He loved us first” (1Jn 4:10). To love God, then, is to restore His image within us. Now, he loves God who keeps His commandments…

Therefore, it is for us to reflect to our God, to our Father, the unsullied image of His Own holiness, since He is holy and has said: “Be holy as I Am Holy” (Lv 11:45) with love, since He is Love and John has said: “God is Love” (1Jn 4:8); with kindness and in truth, since God is good and true. Let us not become depictors of a false image … And lest we insinuate the image of pride within ourselves, let us allow Christ to paint His image within us.” – St Columban (543-615) Monk, Founder of monasteries, Father of the Church (Instruction 11, 1-4).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that by following the example of blessed John, Thy Confessor, we may advance in a knowledge of holiness and, by showing pity for others, obtain Thou forgiveness through his merits. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 19 October – CONSIDERATION XVII, Of the House of Divine Mercy

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 19 October – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XVII

Of the House of Divine Mercy
“Not knowing that the goodness of God
leadeth thee to repentance?”
(Rom ii: 4)

FIRST POINT:
WE read in the parable in St Matthew xiii that the tares, having grown in a field together with the corn, the servants wished to pluck them up.
“Wilt Thou then that we go and gather them up ?”
But the Master answered: “Nay; …. Let them both grow together until the harvest and at the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them.”
From this parable we learn the patience which the Lord shows to sinners and also, the severity which He shows to those who are obstinate.

St Augustine observes, the devil deceives men in two ways,
“By despair and by hope!”
After the sinner has committed the sin, he tempts him to despair, through fear of the Divine Justice but before the sin is committed, he tempts the sinner to commit it, by telling him of the Divine Mercy.
Therefore, the Saint warns everyone, by saying: “After sin, hope for mercy; before sin, fear justice.”
Yes, because he who makes use of mercy to offend God, does not deserve mercy.
Mercy is shown to him who fears God, not to him who makes use of it so as not to fear God. He who offends justice, observes Abulensis, can fly to mercy but he who offends the same mercy, to whom can he fly?

It is but seldom a sinner is found so hopeless, as to wish to be condemned. Sinners are willing to sin but they are not willing
to give up the hope of being saved. They commit sin and
say to themselves, God is merciful; I will commit this sin and
afterwards confess it. Behold, says St Augustine, this is how
sinnersspeak: “God is good, I will do what pleaseth me” but
O God, how many, who are now in hell, have said the same!

… The mercy of God is Infinite but the acts of this mercy are finite. God is merciful but He is also just. … As St Augustine observes, God never fails in His promises, neither does He fail in His threats!
Take care, says St Chrysostom, when the devil but not God, promises thee Divine Mercy, that thou mayest commit sin.
Woe, add St Augustine, to him who hopes, so that he may sin: “ Woe to that perverse hope.” Oh ! exclaims the Saint, how many there are, whom this vain hope has deceived and caused to be lost!

… In short, although God endures, for some time, yet He will not endure forever. If God were to suffer sin forever, no-one would be lost but it is the general opinion, that the greater part, even of Christians are lost.
“For wide is the gate and broad is the way, which leadeth to destructio, and many there be, who go in thereat.” (Matt vii:13). …

Affections and Prayers

Ah, my God, I have been one of those who offended The,
notwithstanding Thou wast good to me. Lord, wait for me,
do not abandon me because I hope, Thy grace helping me,
never more to provoke Thee to abandon me.
I repent, O Thou
Infinite Goodness, for having offended Thee and for, having
thus abused Thy patience. I thank Thee that Thou hast
waited for me until now. From this day forward, I will never
more abuse Thee as I have done, in the time that .is past. Thou hast borne with me so long that Thou mightest one day see me made a lover of Thy Goodness.
That that day be already come, is my hope.

I love Thee more than anything and I prize Thy grace
more than all the kingdoms of the world; rather than lose it, I would lose my life, if it were possible to do so, many times over,
My God, for the love of Jesus Christ, give me holy perseverance until death, with Thy most holy love. Never allow me to betray Thee any more, neither to cease to love Thee.

Posted in CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on SOLITUDE

Quote/s of the Day – 19 October – St Peter of Alcantara

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 19 October – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor

St Teresa, who has written much in his praise,
says among other things:
“He died as he had lived, a Saint
and I have, after his death, received
many graces from God, through his intercession.
I have often seen him in great glory
and when I saw him the first time,
he said to me:
‘O happy penance, which has obtained
so great a glory for me!‘”

“Strain not after tears,
strive not for sentiments of devotion,
do not force your heart.
Rest rather in interior solitude.
Dwell therein quietly, waiting
until God’s will be accomplished in you.
When it shall please Him to send you tears,
oh, how sweet will those tears be,
for is not your impatience
which has secured them –
they are the fruits of humility and of peace.
On your part, then, you must receive them
with the deepest self-effacement,
allowing God to work in you.”

Hear Me, O Lord
By St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)

Hear me, O Lord,
my soul’s delight,
joy of my heart,
not because of my merits
but because of Thy boundless goodness.
Teach me, enlighten me, direct me,
help me in all things
that I may never say
or do anything
but that which I know
to be pleasing in Thou sight.
Guide me, O God,
my Love, my Light and my Life!
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/19/quote-s-of-the-day-19-october-st-peter-of-alcantara-2/

St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the POOR, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 October – ‘ … Repay God, with the image of God …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 19 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor – Philippians 3:7-12, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be too.” – Luke 12:34

REFLECTION – “God accepts our offerings of money and is pleased with the gifts we make to the poor but, on one condition – that every sinner, when offering God his money, should offer Him his soul at the same time … When our Lord says: “Repay to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and to God that which belongs to God” (Mk 12:17), what does He seem to say but – “Just as you repay Caesar with his own image on a coin, so repay God, with the image of God within ourselves” (cf Gn 1:26) …

This is why, as we have already said on numerous occasions, when we hand out money to the poor, let us offer our souls to God, so that, where our treasure is, there our heart may also be. Indeed, why does God ask us to give money? Unquestionably because, He knows the special love we have for it, we are always thinking about it and, where our money is, there too is our heart. This is why God urges us to make up our treasure in Heaven by making gifts of it to the poor; it is so that our hearts may follow where we have already sent our treasure and, when the Priest says: “Lift up your hearts” we may answer with peaceful conscience: “We lift them up to the Lord.” – St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop, Father (Sermon 32, 1-3).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously made blessed Peter, Thy Confessor, glorious by the gift of remarkable penance and sublime contemplation, grant, we beseech Thee, that, by the merit of his prayers, we may the more easily understand the things of Heaven by curbing our passions. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 17 October – CONSIDERATION XV, On the Evil of Deadly Sin

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 17 October – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XV

On the Evil of Deadly Sin
“I have nourished and brought up children
and they have rebelled against me.”
(Isa 1:2)

FIRST POINT: “”
WHAT does he do who commits a deadly sin?
He insults God, he dishonours God, he embitters God.

In the first place, by the deadly sin he commits, he insults God.
As St Thomas observes, the malice of an injury is measured
according to the person who does it and the person who receives it. It is very wicked to insult a peasant but it is worse to insult a nobleman and still much worse, to insult a king.
Who is God ? He is the King of kings: “Lord of lords and King of kings.” (Apoc xvii: 14).
God is of Infinite Majesty, with respect to Whom, all the princes of the earth, the Saints and the Angels in Heaven, are less than a grain of dust.
Nay, says Isaiah, compared with the greatness of God all creatures are as the smallest things, even as though they had never been: “All nations before Him are as nothing.” (Isa xl:17).

Even such is God and who is man? St. Bernard answers,
even a sack of worms and food for worms, who, in a short time, will be devoured by worms: “Miserable and poor and blind and naked.” (Apoc iii: 17).
Man is a miserable worm who can do nothing; he is blind and can see nothing and poor and naked and has nothing. And this miserable worm dares to insult God!

… The Angelic Doctor is right when he says: “the sin of man contains a malice almost infinite.
Sin has a certain infinity of malice from the infinity of the Divine Majesty.”
Nay, St Augustine calls sin absolutely an “infinite evil!”
Therefore it is, that if all men, and all Angels, were to offer themselves to die and to annihilation, they would not be able to make satisfaction for one single sin!

God punishes deadly sin with the great punishment of hell but, however much God punishes the sinner, all theologians agree that God punishes it “Citra condignnm” that is, with less punishment than deadly sin deserves.
And what punishment can be great enough for a worm who tries to set himself against his Lord? God is Lord of all, because He has created all things.
And in fact, all creatures obey God: “The winds and the sea obey Him” (Matt viii: 27).
“Fire and hail, snow and vapours, wind and storm, fulfilling His word.” (Ps cxlviii: 8).

But what does man do when he sins?
He says to God, Lord, I do not wish to serve Thee …
“Who is the Lord that I should obey His Voice ….. I know not the Lord.” (Exod v: 2).
Even thus does the sinner say: “Lord, I know Thee not ; I wish to do what pleases me.”
In short, he despises God and turns away from Him and, it is indeed committing a deadly sin, to turn away from God. “A turning away from the unchangeable good,” as St Thomas observes.

Of this does the Lord complain.
… Thou hast been ungrateful, says God, thou hast left Me, since I would never have left thee, thou hast turned away from Me.
God has declared that He hates sin, therefore, He cannot do otherwise than hate him who sins: “For the ungodly and his ungodliness, are both alike, hateful unto God.” (Wisd xiv: 9). When man sins, he is bold enough to declare himself the enemy of God. “He stretcheth out his hand against God and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.” (Job xv: 25).
… And when the sinner consents to sin, he stretches out his hand against God. He stretches out his neck, that is to say, pride and flies in the Face of God; he arms himself with a thick shield, with ignorance! and says: “What have I done ? what harm is there in the sin I have committed? God is merciful; He pardons sinners.”
O my God, keep me from such boldness and blindness!

Affections andPrayers

Behold, O my God, at Thy Feet the rebellious one; the bold
one, who has had the boldness to insult Thee so many times
and to turn away from Thee but now I seek for mercy from
Thee.
For Thou hast said: “Call unto Me and I will answer thee.” (Jer xxxiii: 3).
I know that hell is a fitting punishment for me but Thou knowest that I feel very sorry for having offended Thee, O Thou Infinite Goodness, more sorry than if I had lost everything I possess and my life even.
Ah, my
Lord, pardon me and never let me offend Thee more. Thou
hast waited for me, so that I may forever bless Thy mercy and
love Thee. Yes, I do bless and love Thee and hope because of.
the merits of Jesus Christ, never more to be separated from Thy Love. … Ah, take me entirely into Thy possession, my soul, my body,
my powers, my senses, my will and my liberty.
… Thou Who art my only good, my only adorable One, be also my only love. Give me zeal in loving Thee.
1 hope for it from Thee, O Thou, Who art Omnipotent.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SACRED HEART QUOTES

Quote/s of the Day – 17 October – St Margaret Mary Alacoque

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 17 October – St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) Virgin

The Twelve Promises of Jesus
to Saint Margaret Mary
or those Devoted to His Sacred Heart:

  1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
  2. I will establish peace in their families.
  3. I will console them in all their troubles.
  4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life
    and especially at the hour of their death.
  5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
  6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
  7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
  8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
  9. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart
    shall be exposed and honoured.
  10. I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
  11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names
    written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
  12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those
    who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months
    the grace of final repentance;
    they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments;
    My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

From Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Vision of Jesus

“What a weakness it is to love Jesus Christ
only when He caresses us and to be cold,
immediately He afflicts us.
This is not true love.
Those who love thus,
love themselves too much to love God
with all their heart.”

“Go courageously to God,
along the way He has traced for you,
steadfastly embracing
the means He offers you.”

“Cling to God
and leave all the rest to Him,
He will not let you perish.
Your soul is very dear to Him,
He wishes to save it.”

Be My Strength, O Sacred Heart!
By St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Visionary of the Sacred Heart

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I fly to Thee,
I unite myself to Thee,
I enclose myself in Thee!
Receive my call for help, O my Saviour,
as a sign of my horror, of all within me
contrary to Thy holy love.
Let me die rather a thousand times,
than consent to sin against Thee!
Be my strength, O God –
defend me,
protect me.
I am Thine and desire forever to be Thine!
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/17/quote-s-of-the-day-17-october-st-margaret-mary-alacoque-3/

St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
“Apostle of the Sacred Heart“

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 October – “For My yoke is sweet and My burden light.” – Matthew 11:30

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 Octoberber – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) Virgin – Ephesians 3:8-9, 14-19, Matthew 11:25-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For My yoke is sweet and My burden light.” – Matthew 11:30

REFLECTION – “People who complain about the roughness of the Lord’s yoke have possibly not completely rejected, the heavy load of the lusts of the world, or, if they did reject them, they have enslaved themselves to them again, to their greater shame! Outwardly, they carry the yoke of the Lord but inwardly, they submit their shoulders to the burden of the world’s cares. They set on the balance of the Lord’s yoke, the hardships and difficulties which they inflict on themselves… As for the yoke of the Lord – it is “sweet and its burden light”.

Indeed, what is sweeter, what more glorious, than to see oneself lifted up above the world by the scorn one shows it and, seated at the summit of a conscience at peace, to have the whole world at one’s feet? Then, one sees nothing to desire, nothing to fear, nothing to envy, nothing of one’s own which might be taken away, no evil which might be caused one, by another. The eyes of the heart turn towards “an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled and unfading which is kept for us in Heaven” (1 Pt 1:4). With a sort of greatness of soul, one gives little importance to this world’s goods – they pass away; to the pleasures of the flesh – they are contaminated; to the world’s pomp – it fades and, in one’s joy, one repeats the words of the Prophet: “All mankind is grass and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers, the flower fades but the Word of the Lord remains forever” (Is 40:6-8)… In charity – and nowhere but in charity – dwells true tranquillity and true sweetness, for, it is the yoke of the Lord!” – St Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167) Cistercian Monk (The Mirror of charity I:30-31).

PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, Who wondrously revealed the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart to blessed Margaret Mary, the Virgin, grant us, by her merits and through imitating her, to love Thee, in all things and above all things, so that we may be found worthy to possess a lasting dwelling place in Thou Heart itself. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL

Thought for the Day – 16 October –CONSIDERATION XIV, Life is a Journey to Eternity

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 16 October – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

CONSIDERATION XIV

Life is a Journey to Eternity
“Man goeth to his long home.”
(Eccles xii: 5)

FIRST POINT:
FROM beholding that, in this world, so many evil-livers live in prosperity and, so many righteous men, on the contrary, live in adversity, even the Gentiles recognised, by the light of nature alone, this truth – as there is a God and, as this God is just, so there must be another life, in which the wicked will be punished and the good rewarded! What these Gentiles saw by the light of reason alone, we, Christians, confess, by faith: “Here we have no abiding city but we seek
one to come.” (Heb xiii; 14). This world is not truly our country but, for us, it is a place of passage, through which we must pass quickly to our “long home.”
“Man goeth to his long home.”

Therefore, my reader, the house in which you dwell is not your house; it is an hostel from which, quickly and when you least expect it, you will have to depart.
Know, when the time of your death has arrived, those most dear, will be the first to thrust you out.
And what will be your real home? A grave will be the home of your body, until the day of judgement and your soul will have to go to its long home, either to Paradise or to Hell.
Wherefore, St Augustine addresses you: “Thou art a guest; thou beholdest and thou passest onwards.”
That traveller would be insan, who, passing through a country, would wish to lay out there all his inheritance in the purchase of a villa or a house in that place which, in a few days he must leave.
Reflect, yet, says the Saint, that in this world thou art a passenger, do not place thy affections on what thou seest, behold and pass on and procure a good home where you will have to dwell forever.

If thou art saved, happy art thou. Oh, what a beautiful home is Heaven! All the palaces of Monarchs, so exceedingly rich, are hovels when compared with the City of Heaven which alone can be called “the perfection of beauty.” (Lam ii: 15).
In that place, you will not have anything left to desire; remaining in the company of the Saints and of Jesus Christ, without further fear of harm. In short, you will live in an ocean of delights,and in perpetual joy which will never end:
“Everlasting joy upon their heads.” (Isa xxxv 10). This joy will be so great that, through all eternity, at every moment, it will appear to be ever new.

But, if thou art lost; unhappy thou! Thou wilt be confined in a lake of fire, abandoned by all and without God. And for what time? Perchance, when a hundred thousand years shall have passed by, your punishment will be ended? What end!
A hundred thousand million years and ages will pass by, and your hell will be ever at its beginning. For what are a thousand years in comparison with eternity? Less than a day that has passed,
“A thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday, seeing that it is past as a watch in the night.” (Ps xc: 4).

Do you wish to know what will be your home which will receive you in eternity? It will be exactly that which you deserved and which you chose by your own actions!

Affections and Prayers

Behold, then, O Lord, the home which I have deserved by my life; alas, Hell! where, from the first sin which I committed, I ought to remain, abandoned by Thee, deprived of the hope of being able to love Thee more.
Let Thy mercy forever be blessed which, having waited for me, also gives me time to atone for my sin! Let the Blood of Jesus Christ be blessed which has obtained this mercy for me.
No, my God, I do not desire further to abuse Thy patience. I repent, above every other sin, having grieved Thee, not so much on account of having deserved hell, as that I have abused Thy infinite goodiiess.
Never more, my God, never more; let me die rather than offend Thee more. If I were now in Hell, O my Sovereign Good, I could not love Thee any more, neither couldst Thou further love me. I love Thee and I desire to be loved by Thee.
I do not deserve this but Jesus Christ merits it, Who so sacrificed Himself upon the Cross that Thou mightst be able to pardon and love me.

Eternal Father, for the love, then, of Thy Son, give me grace to love Thee ever and to love Thee much, more and more.
I love Thee, O my Father, for having given Thy Son!

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, HOLY COMMUNION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, SAINT of the DAY, The HEART, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 16 October – St Gerard Majella

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 16 October – St Gerard Majella CSsR (1726-1755) Religious Lay Brother of the Redemptorists

“The Most Blessed Sacrament
is Christ made visible.
The poor sick person
is Christ again made visible.”

“Who except God can give you peace?
Has the world ever been able
to satisfy the heart?”

“Consider the shortness of time,
the length of eternity
and reflect, how everything here below
comes to an end and passes by.
Of what use is it then, to lean upon that
which cannot give support?”

St Gerard Majella (1726-1755)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, The HEART, The HOLY GHOST, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 August– ‘ … For everything lies in the soul’s inner sanctuary. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of St Hedwig of Andechs (1174-1243) Widow – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

REFLECTION – “In my opinion, it would be unworthy of us to withdraw, even for a moment, from the contemplation of Christ. When we have lost sight of Him, even briefly, let us turn our mind’s regard back to Him, directing the eyes of our heart, as by a very straight line. For everything lies in the soul’s inner sanctuary. There, after the devil has been expelled and the vices no longer reign at all, the Kingdom of God can be established in us, as the Evangelist says: “For amen I say to you that the Kingdom of God is within you.”

But within us there can be nothing else than knowledge or ignorance of the truth and the love, of either the vices, or the virtues, by which we make ready a Kingdom in our hearts, either for the devil or for Christ.

The Apostle Paul also describes the characteristics of this Kingdom when he says: “For the Kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Thus, if the Kingdom of God is within us and the Kingdom of God is itself, righteousness and peace and joy, then, whoever abides in these things, is undoubtedly in the Kingdom of God … Let us lift up the eyes of our soul to that Kingdom which is endless joy!” – St John Cassian (c360-435) Monk, Theologian, Founder of Monasteries, Father of the Church, Disciple of St John Chrysostom (Conferences No 1).

PRAYER – O God, Who taught blessed Hedwig to forsake worldly vanities that she might, humbly follow Thy Cross, with her whole heart, grant through her merits and example, we may learn to renounce the perishable delights of the world and, by embracing Thy Cross, overcome all things opposed to our salvation. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in JESUIT SJ, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY

Thought for the Day – 15 October – CONSIDERATION XIII, The Vanity of the World

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 15 October – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

As Advent is approaching quickly and I am desirous of posting specific “Advent Thoughts,” I am curtailing this Series and will only post the First Point in each “Consideration” – we will revisit the Second and Third Points in the future, should Our Lord allow us the time.
Please comment below if you have any ideas, either for or against this plan.
The last Post before my break was on 30 September: https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/30/thought-for-the-day-30-september-consideration-xii-the-importance-of-salvation/

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XIII

The Vanity of the World
“What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul. ”
(Matt xvi: 26)

FIRST POINT:
A CERTAIN ancient philosopher, named Aristippus, was shipwrecked on a voyage and lost all his goods but he reached the shore. Being much renowned for his knowledge, he was provided with all that he had lost by the inhabitants of the place; whence he wrote to his friends in his own country, who following his example that they should care to provide themselves with those things only which could not perish in shipwreck!

So precisely do our parents and friends who are in eternity speak to us, bidding us provide only in life, such good things as death cannot destroy. The day of death is called “the day of destruction” (Deut xxxii: 35). For in that day all earthly goods, honours, riches, pleasures – all will be destroyed. Hence, St Ambrose says: “They are not our own possessions which we are not able to take away with us; our virtue alone accompanies us!”
What serves it then, says Jesus Christ, to gain the whole world, if losing the soul in death, we lose all.
“What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”

Ah, this mighty truth! how many young men has it bidden to seek the cloister; how many hermits to live in deserts; how many martyrs to give their lives for Jesus Christ!
St Ignatius de Loyola, by this truth, drew many souls to God, especially the beautiful soul of St Francis Xavier who, living in Paris, gave himself up to the world. St Ignatius said to him one day: “Remember, the world is a traitor, it promises but it does not fulfil: if it should perform what it promises, it is
not able to fill thy heart. But let us suppose that it could satisfy it, how long would this, thy happiness endure ? Can it last longer than thy life? and, in short, what canst thou carry into eternity?
Is there perchance any rich’ man who has carried thither either a piece of money or a servant for his convenience? Is there any king who has carried a thread of the purple through his love of it ?”
On hearing these words, t. Francis left the world; he followed St Ignatius and he became a great Saint.!

“Vanity of vanities,” so Solomon called all the goods of this world, although he had not denied himself one pleasure of all those which are in the world, as he himself acknowledges. “Whatsoever mine eyes desired, I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy.” (Eccles ii: 10).
Sister Margaret of St Anne, of the Barefooted-Carmelites, daughter of the Emperor Rudolph II, said: “ Of what use are kingdoms at the hour of death.”

How wonderful! the Saints tremble when they think upon- their eternal salvation. Father Segneri trembled, in great terror, demanding of his confessor: “What say you, Father, shall I be saved?”
St Andrew Avellino trembled and wept, saying: “Who knows whether I shall be saved?”
St Louis Bertrand was so tormented by this thought even,so terrified in the night, he sprang out of bed, saying:
“And who knows but I shall be damned ?”
And sinners live condemned and sleep and jes, and laugh!

Affections andPrayers

O Jesus, my Redeemer, I thank Thee that Thou hast made me to know my folly and the sin which I have committed in turning away from Thee, Who hast shed Thy Blood and Thy life for me. No, Thou hast not deserved to be treated by me as I have treated Thee.
Behold, if death should come to me now, what should I find in myself, except sins and remorse of conscience which would cause me to die in great disquiet ?
I confess, my Saviour, I have sinned, I have erred in leaving Thee, my Highest Good, for the miserable pleasures of this world; I repent with my whole heart.
Alas ! by that grief which slew Thee on the Cross, give me such sorrow for my sins as may cause me to weep during all that remains of my life for the wrongs I have done Thee.
My Jesus, my Jesus, pardon me and I promise never more to offend Thee and ever to love Thee.

I am no longer worthy of Thy love since I have so despised it in
the past but Thou hast said: “I love them who love Me.”
(Prov viii: 17) I love Thee, do Thou also love me; I will no longer live in Thy disgrace. If Thou wilt love me, I renounce all the pomps and pleasures of the world. Hear me, my Lord, for the love of Jesus Christ. I pray that Thou wouldst not banish me from Thy heart.

I consecrate myself to Thee wholly; my life, my inclinations, my senses, my mind, my body, my will and my liberty. Receive me; do not reject me as I deserve, for having so often rejected Thy friendship.
“Cast me not away from Thy presence.” (Ps xxi:11).

Posted in CARMELITES, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, OUR Cross, PRAYERS of PETITION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TIME, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin and Doctor of the Church

“We need no wings to go in search of Him
but have only to look upon Him present within us.”

“Thy will be done
on earth as it is
in Heaven.”
Matthew 6:10

“I want to advise you and remind you, what His will is.
Do not fear that it means He will give you riches,
or delights, or honours, or all these earthly things.
His love for you is not that small!
and He esteems highly what you give Him.
He wants to repay you well,
for He gives you His Kingdom
while you are still on earth …
See … what He gave to the One He loved most.
By that we understand what His will is.
For these are His gifts in this world.”

“Dream … that the more you struggle,
the more you prove the love which you bear your God
and the more you will rejoice one day,
with your Beloved, in a happiness and rapture
which can never end.”

“He gives according to the love He bears us …,
according to the courage He sees in each
and the love each has for His Majesty.
He will see, that whoever loves Him much,
will be able to suffer much for Him;
whoever loves Him little,
will be capable of little.
I myself hold,
that the measure for being able to bear,
a large or small cross, is love …”

“This noble woman suffered every kind of persecution.
At one period, her very friends avoided her as one possessed by the devil! Others went as far as to call her a devil! But when assailed with the most outrageous slander, she would say, with a smile:
“No music us as agreeable to my ears.”

“Do you think,” said Christ to her in a vision,
“that merit consists in enjoyment?
No. It is in working and suffering and loving.
He is most beloved, on whom My Father
lays the heaviest crosses ––
if these are borne and accepted with love.
By what can I better show My Love for you,
than by choosing for you
that which I chose for Myself?”

(From her Autobiography)

O My God, Source of All Mercy!
Prayer To Redeem Lost Time
By St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of the Church

O My God,
Source of all mercy!
I acknowledge Thine sovereign power.
While recalling the wasted years which are past,
I believe, that Thou, Lord,
in an instant, canst turn this loss into gain.
Miserable as I am, yet I firmly believe
that Thou canst do all things.
Please restore to me the time lost,
giving me Thine grace,
both now and in the future
that I may appear before Thee,
in the “wedding garment!”
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/15/quote-s-of-the-day-15-october-st-teresa-of-jesus-of-avila/

St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – ‘ … Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!’ … – (Matthew 25:10)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin and Doctor of the Church – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2; Matthew 25:1-13  – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … The Bridegroom came and they, who were ready, went in with Him … ” – Matthew 25:10

REFLECTION – “In this world, which is to say, in the Church, wholly following Christ, He says to all of us: “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself.” This command is not being directed to virgins but not married women, to widows but not wives, to Monks but not husbands, to Priests but not laity. It is the whole Church, the whole Body of Christ with all its members, differentiated and divided according to their proper functions which is, to follow Christ. May she wholly follow Him, she who is one alone, the dove, the bride (Sg 6:9); may she follow Him, she who has been redeemed and endowed with the Blood of her Bridegroom. Virginal purity has its place here; the continence of widows has its place here; wedded chastity has its place here…

These members who have their place here should follow Christ, each according to their category, each according to their status, each after its fashion. Let them deny themselves, that is to say, let them not rely on themselves. Let them carry their cross that is to say, bear, for Christ’s sake in the world, all that the world inflicts on them. May they love Him, He, the Only One, Who never deceives or is deceived, the Only One ,Who is not mistaken. May they love Him because, what He promises is true. Yet because, He does not give it to us now, our faith falters. Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 96:9)

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, O God, our Saviour that as we rejoice on the feast-day of blessed Teresa, Thy Virgin, we may be so nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching, as to learn how to serve Thee. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, Quotes on SALVATION, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 30 September – CONSIDERATION XII: The Importance of Salvation

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 30 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XII

The Importance of Salvation
“We beseech you, brethren, …. to do your own business.”
(i Thess iv: 10, 11).

FIRST POINT:
THE “business” of eternal salvation is assuredly an affair which is to us more important than any other and yet, it is the most neglected by Christians. They spare neither time nor diligence to attain that post, or to gain that lawsuit. To conclude that marriage, how many counsels, how many steps are taken? they neither eat nor sleep.

And yet, to secure eternal salvation, what do they do? how do they live? They do nothing, nay, they do all things to lose it! and the larger number of Christians so live, as if death, judgement, hell, Heaven and eternity could not be an article of faith but fables invented by the poets. If they lose a lawsuit or a harvest, what grief do they not feel? What pains do they not take to repair the loss? If they lose a horse or a dog, what diligence do they not exercise to find it?
They lose the grace of God; they sleep, they jest and they laugh.
Wonderful fact! All are ashamed to be called negligent in the affairs of the world and yet, how many are not ashamed to neglect the affairs of eternity which is all-important! They deem the Saints to be wise, since they have attended solely to their salvation and then, they attend to all other things of the world and not at all to the soul!

But, says St Paul, do you, my brethren, do you, attend only to that great concern which you have, of your eternal salvation; for this is the only affair which.is important to you.
“We beseech you, brethren, …. to do your own business.” Let us then be persuaded, eternal salvation is for us, the concern of the last importance, the one concern and, it is an irreparable concern if ever we make a mistake.
It is the most important concern : yes, since it is an affair of the greatest consequence; it concerns the soul which, if lost, all
is lost!
St Chrysostom tells us that the soul ought to be more precious to us than all the goods of the world. It is sufficient to know, in order to understand this, God Himself has given His Son to die to save our souls: “God so loved the world, that He gave His Only-Begotten Son.” (St John iii: 16).
And the Eternal Word did not refuse to purchase them with His own Blood. “Ye are bought with a price.” (i Cor vi: 20).
So that, as a holy Father observes: “The redemption of man was effected at so precious a price, man seemed to be of equal value to God.”

Hence our Blessed Lord said: “What shall a man give in
exchange for his soul?” (St Matt xviz: 26). If the soul, then, be of so great a value, for what worldly goods, shall a man exchange and so lose it?

St Philip Neri had reason to call him mad, who does not attend to the salvation of his soul. If on this earth there were men, mortal as well as immortal and the mortal men beheld those who were immortal, wholly concerned with the things of this world in acquiring honours, possessions and in worldly amusements, they would certainly exclaim: “Oh, madmen who ye are. You are able to gain eternal goods and do you strive after these alone which are miserable and transitory? And is it for these that you condemn yourselves to eternal pains in the next life? Leave us, unhappy, who can only think of these earthly things, for whom all will end in death.”

But no, since we are all immortal, how is it that so many endanger the soul for the miserable pleasures of this world? How is it, says Salvian, Christians believe there is a judgement, a hell, an eternity and yet live without fearing them?

Affections and Prayers

Ah, my God, how have 1 spent the many years which Thou
hast given me, to the end that I might attain eternal salvation!
Thou, my Redeemer, hast purchased my soul with Thy Blood
and Thou hast consigned it to me, to the intent that I might
attend to its salvation and I, have only attended to the losing
of it, by offending Thee, Who has so greatly loved me.

I thank Thee, for still Thou art giving me time to repair this great loss which I have made. I have lost my soul and Thy bountiful favour. Lord, I repent and grieve with my whole heart. Alas! pardon me, for I resolve from this day forth to sacrifice everything, even life, rather than Thy friendship. I love Thee above every good and I resolve to love Thee ever, O Highest Good, worthy of infinite love.
Help me, my Jesus, in order that this, my resolution, may not be like other past resolutions,which are all so many betrayals. Make me to die ratker than to turn again and offend Thee, and cease to love Thee.

Posted in CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Quote/s of the Day – 30 September – St Jerome

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 30 September – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church, Priest, Monk, Translator of the Scriptures into Latin (the Vulgate), Theologian, Historian, Hermit, Mystic.

“The Scriptures are shallow enough,
for a babe to come and drink,
without fear of drowning
and deep enough,
for theologians to swim in,
without ever reaching the bottom.”

“A friend is long sought,
hardly found,
and with difficulty
kept.”

“Sweet it is to lay aside the weight of the body
and to soar into the pure bright ether.
Do you dread poverty?
Christ calls the poor blessed. (Luke 6:20)
Does toil frighten you?
No athlete is crowned but in the sweat of his brow.
Are you anxious as regards food?
Faith fears no famine.
Do you dread the bare ground
for limbs wasted with fasting?
The Lord lies there beside you.
Do you recoil from an unwashed head
and uncombed hair?
Christ is your true head.
Does the boundless solitude of the desert terrify you?
In the spirit, you may walk always, in paradise.
Do but turn your thoughts there
and you will be no more in the desert.”

“Everyday we are changing,
everyday we are dying,
and yet, we fancy ourselves eternal!”

Merciful Jesus!
Stretch Forth Thy Hand of Mercy
(Excerpt – Prayer in a Time of Anguish)
By St Jerome (347-419)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Merciful Jesus!
Thou art my strength, my refuge and my deliverer;
in Thee I have believed and hoped;
in Thee have I loved.
Call me now, I beseech Thee and I will answer.
Stretch forth Thy Hand of mercy, to the work of Thy Hands
and let me not perish, whom Thou hast redeemed
with Thy Precious Blood.
It is now time for dust to return to dust
and my spirit to Thee Who gavest it.
Open then, Lord, the Gate of Life and receive me.
Receive me most merciful Lord,
according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies,
Who receivedst the thief on the cross
and now prepare my soul for hearing
the same promise of mercy which he did.
I am ill, O Lord and Thee my Physician.
Heal me then, my God and I shall be healed,
let me not be confounded, for I put my trust in Thee.
In Thee have I hoped – let me not be cast off forever!
… Deal not with me, according to what I deserve,
nor chastise me, according to my iniquities
but help me, O God, my Saviour
and for the glory of Thy Name deliver me.
Now, at this hour, show mercy to me
and whenever I depart, receive me
into the number of Thy family that I, may be one of those,
who are to praise Thee forever.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/30/quote-s-of-the-day-30-september-st-jerome-4/

St Jerome (347-419)
Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
AKA – “The Sun Who Illuminated the Scriptures”
“A Lion in Defence of the Faith”

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – “Grace which was formerly veiled, so to speak, in the Old Testament, has been fully revealed in the Gospel of Christ by a harmonious disposition of the times, just as God usually disposes of everything with harmony … But within this wonderful harmony, we notice a great difference between the two ages. On Sinai, the people did not dare draw near the place where the Lord was giving His Law; in the Upper Room, the Holy Ghost comes down on all those assembled there, while waiting for the fulfilment of the promise (Ex 19:23; Acts 2:1). In the first instance, the Finger of God inscribed the laws on tablets of stone but now, it is in human hearts where He writes it (Ex 31:18; 2 Cor 3:3). Formerly the Law was written without and brought fear to sinners but now, it has been given to them within, to make them righteous …

Indeed, as the Apostle Paul says, everything written on the stone tablets, “you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill. .., you shall not covet” and whatever other commandments there may be, are summed up in this saying: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbour; hence, love is the fulfilment of the Law” (Rm 13:9f.; Lv 19:18) … This charity has been “poured into our hearts through the Holy Ghost Who is given to us” (Rm 5:5).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (On the spirit and the letter, 28-30).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously gave Thy Church blessed Jerome, Thy Confessor and peerless teacher, to explain the Holy Scriptures, grant, we beseech Thee that, with the help of his merits and by Thy assistance, we may be able to put into practice what he has taught us by his life and works. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 29 September – CONSIDERATION XI, Third Point: The Value of Time – “Redeeming the time …”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 29 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

THIRD POINT:
“Walk while ye have the light.” (St John xii: 35).
We must walk in. the way of the Lord during life, while we have the light, for this light will be lost in death. The time of death is not the time to prepare but to already find ourselves prepared.
“Be ye ready.”

When death comes, nothing can be done; what is then done is done. … And what are we doing? We know for certain that within a short time and, it may happen at any hour, the most important trial we can undergo, will take place which will be the trial of our eternal salvation and shall we now lose time.
Some will say ‘but I am young, after some years I will give myself to God.‘ But I answer, ‘You know the Lord cursed the fig-tree He found without any fruit, although it was not the time for fruit, as is noticed in the Gospel.‘
“For the time of figs was not yet.” (St Mark xi: 13). By this Jesus Christ wished to show us that man, at every time, even at the time of youth, ought to yield the fruits of good works, otherwise he will be cursed and, for the future, will yield no fruit.
“No man shall eat fruit of thee hereafter, forever.” Thus did the Redeemer speak to that tree and even thus does He curse that one whom He calls but who resists His call.

The devil considers the time of our life to be but short and, for that reason, he loses no time in tempting us.
“The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath because he knoweth, he hath but a short time.” (Rev xii: 12). The enemy loses no time in tempting us that we may be lost and shall we lose any time in seeking to be saved? Others will say: “But what harm can I be doing.“
O God, is it not doing harm, to waste time in play, or in useless conversations which can bring no profit to the soul Perhaps God grants this time to you, that you may waste it Holy Scripture tells us, no! for “defraud not thyself of the good day.” (Ecclus xiv: 14). Those labourers, of whom St Matthew writes, did not do evil but they wasted their time and for this they were reproved by the master of the vineyard. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” (St Matt xx: 6).
At the day of judgment Jesus Christ will ask us for an account of every idle word spoken. Any time which is not employed for God is time wasted! Therefore, does the Lord exhort us, saying: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou goest.” (Eccles ix: 10).

A Teresian nun once observed that, in the life of the Saints there is no to-morrow; tomorrow is for sinners alone, who are ever saying, some day, some day. until death comes to overtake them.
“Behold, now is the accepted time.” (2 Cor vi: 2).
“To-day, if ye will hear His Voice, harden not your hearts.” (Ps xcv: 8). God now calls upon you to do good; do it at once because, when to-morrow comes, either there maybe no more time, or God may never call thee again!

And if, during the time which is past, you have unfortunately spent it in offending God, try to mourn over the sin during the life remains to you.
As King Hezekiah proposed to do, “I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.” (Isa xxxviii: 15). God gives you your life hat you may now, in some measure, redeem the time lost.
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.” (i Eph v: 16).
St Augustine comments upon this: “Thou redeemest the time, if the things thou hast neglected to do, thou doest now.”
St Jerome observes of St Paul, although he was the last of the Apostles, yet he was the first in merits because of all he did after he was called. Let us consider, that if there were nothing else, at each moment we could increase our store of eternal goods.
If it were granted to you to gain as much land as you could walk round or, as much money as you could count, in one day, would you not make haste to walk round or to count it? And you can gain eternal treasures in one moment and yet, are you willing rather, to waste the time?
What you can do to-day, do not say you can do it to-morrow because this day will be lost to you and it will never return. …

Affections and Prayers

No, my God, I will no longer waste this time which Thou, in
Thy Mercy, dost grant me. I deserve now to be weeping
fruitlessly in everlasting punishment. I thank Thee for having
preserved me in life. Therefore, for the days which may remain to me, I will live only to Thee. … I wish to weep over
the offences I have committed against Thee and whilst weeping, I feel certain that Thou wilt pardon me; for the prophet assures me: “Thou shalt weep no more; He will be very gracious unto thee. ” (Isa xxx: 19).

If I were now in hell I could never love Thee more but now I love Thee and hope ever to love Thee. If I were now in hell, I should never more be able to ask Thee for more grace but now, I can hear Thee saying: “Ask and it shall be given unto you.” Therefore, since I can still ask Grace of Thee, these two gifts will I ask, O God of my soul – give me perseverance in Thy Grace and give me Thy Love and then do with me what Thou wilt.
Grant that at every moment of life which may remain to me, I may ever commend myself to Thee, my Jesus, by saying:
“Lord, help me, Lord, have mercy upon me; let me never more offend Thee; let me ever love Thee.”

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE

Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – Archangels and Angels

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“It was pride which changed Angels into devils;
it is humility which makes men as Angels!”

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

“You should be aware, the word
“Angel” denotes a function,
rather than a nature.
Those holy Spirits of Heaven have,
indeed, always been spirits.
They can only be called Angels
when they deliver some message.
Moreover, those who deliver messages
of lesser importance are called Angels
and those. who proclaim messages
of supreme importance are called Archangels.”

St Gregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church

“We should show our affection for the Angels,
for one day, they will be our co-heirs,
just as here below, they are
our Guardians and Trustees
appointed and set over us, by the Father.”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Doctor of Light

“I say to you, their Angels in Heaven,
always see the Face of My Father,
Who is in Heaven.”
Matthew 18:10

“With these words, Christ is saying
to us something like this:
“Be vigilant, take care that you do not
despise people who are simple, poor or weak.
As for Me, I esteem them greatly
to the extent that, to protect them from all evil,
I have placed My Angels at their service.
And what Angels! Do not think they are to
be compared to the scullery boys
working in My kitchen. No. They are equal
to the officers in My own palace, for:
‘they constantly see the Face of My heavenly Father.’”

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Universal Doctor of the Church

(Sermon for the Feast of Saint Michael)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/29/quote-s-of-the-day-29-september-our-protectors/

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – … Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father … Matthew 18:10

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father …” – Matthew 18:10

REFLECTION – “Although the good God is sufficient unto Himself, nevertheless, He makes use of the ministry of the Angels to govern the world … When we see God taking such care of our lives, we conclude that our souls are something truly great and precious, if He is to employ all that is greatest in His Court for the souls’ preservation and sanctification. He has given us His Son to save us; this same Son … gives to each of us one and, even several Angels, who are solely occupied in asking, on our behalf, the graces and aids we might need, to ensure our salvation … Oh, how little people know what they are and what they were made for! In Holy Scripture we read that the Lord said to His people: “See, I am sending an Angel before you, to guard you on the way” (Ex 23:20) …

We should often pray to our Guardian Angels, carefully respect them and, above all, try to imitate them in all our actions. And the first thing we need to imitate in them, is the thought of the Presence of God … Surely, if we were completely penetrated with God’s Presence, how could we do evil? How much more pleasing to God would be all our good deeds! … God said to Abraham: “Would you be blameless? Walk in My Presence” (Gn 17:1). How could we possibly forget God so easily, when we have Him always with us? Why are we not full of respect and gratitude towards our Angels, who accompany us day and night? … Perhaps you will say: “I am to unworthy to merit it.” My brethren, not only does God not lose sight of you for an instant but, He gives you an Angel who never ceases to guide your steps. Ah, happiness too great, yet too little known!” – St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Priest, Curé of Ars, Patron of Parish Priests (Sermon for the Feast of the Guardian Angels).

PRAYER – O God, Who assign according to a wondrous order, the duties of Angels and men, mercifully grant that our life on earth be guarded by those who continually stand in Thy presence and minister to Thee in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, QUOTES on ANGELS, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost XIX, The Feast of the Dedication of St Michael the Archangel, Day 2 of the Rosary Novena, Madonna di Tirano / Our Lady of Tirano, Italy (1504) and the Saints for 29 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

PENTECOST XIX

The Feast of the Dedication of St Michael the Archangel
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/29/the-dedication-of-st-michael-feast-madonna-di-tirano-tirano-sondrio-lombardy-italy-1504/
AND – Saint Michael, the Guardian Angel
of the Blessed Sacrament
By Fr Francis Xavier Lasance (1860-1946)
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-the-feast-of-the-dedication-of-st-michael-the-archangel/

THIS festival has been kept with great solemnity on the 29th of September ever since the Fifth Century and was certainly initially celebrated in Apulia in 493.
The Dedication of the famous Church of St Michael on Mount Gargano, in Italy, gave occasion to the institution of this Feast in the West, which is hence called in the Martyrologies of St Jerome, St Bede and others, ‘The Dedication of St Michael.’
About the Apparition of St Michael at Mount Gargano in 492:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-apparition-of-michael-the-archangel-at-monte-gargano-italy-492/

Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary – Day Two –
By Father Joseph Cacella, 1947
SECOND DAY: Intention: Greater love and appreciation for the Holy Rosary

Madonna di Tirano / Our Lady of Tirano, Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy (1504) – 29 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/29/the-dedication-of-st-michael-feast-madonna-di-tirano-tirano-sondrio-lombardy-italy-1504/

Bl Alericus
St Anno of Eichstätt
St Casdoe of Persia
St Catholdus of Eichstätt

Blessed Charles de Blois TOSF (1319–1364) Duke of Brittany French nobleman, Knight, ascetic, Franciscan tertiary.
About Blessed Charles:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-blessed-charles-de-blois-tosf-1319-1364/

St Dadas of Persia
St Diethardus of Eichstätt
St Fraternus of Auxerre
St Gabdelas of Persia

St Grimoaldus of Pontecorvo (Died c1137) Priest and Confessor, Miracle-worker.
His Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-st-grimoaldus-of-pontecorvo-died-c1137-priest-and-confessor/

St Gudelia
Bl Jan of Dukla

Blessed Jean de Montmirail / Baron de Montmirail, O. Cist (1165 – 1217) Cistercian Monk, Apostle of the Sick and Afflicted. Pope Leo XIII granted a special Office in his honour for the Diocese of Soissons. He was Beatified in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-blessed-jean-de-montmirail-o-cist-1165-1217/

Bl John of Ghent
St Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop
St Quiriacus of Palestine
St Rene Goupil
St Rhipsime
Bl Richard Rolle
St Sapor of Persia
St Theodota of Thrace

Martyrs of Thrace – 3 Saints: Three Christian men Martyred in Thrace for their faith. They are – Eutychius, Heracleas and Plautus.

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 28 September – CONSIDERATION XI, Second Point: The Value of Time – Oh, time forever lost!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 28 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

SECOND POINT:
There is nothing more precious than time but yet there is nothing less valued and more despised by men.
This is what St Bernard deplores, when he says: “The days of salvation pass away and few reflect that the day which has passed away from him, can never return.”
That gambler will be seen to waste both day and night in play; if he is asked what he is doing, he answers: “We are passing time away.” Another idler will be seen to loiter about the streets, for whole hours together, looking at those who pass by, either speaking of wicked, or else about useless things ; if he is asked what he is doing, he answers: “I am passing the time.”
Poor, blind ones! who are wasting so many days, days which will never return.

O despised time, thou wilt be the thing most desired by the
worldly at the time of death. They will desire one more year,
one more month, one more day but they will not have it, they
will then hear it declared, that “time shall be no longer.” What would not each one of those give for one more week, one more day, in order the better to clear his conscience. St Lawrence Justinian observes. each one of these will then be willing to give up everything to obtain only one hour more. But this hour will not be given them; the Priest who is with them will say, there is no more time for thee; “Depart, O Christian soul, from this world.”

Nevertheless, the prophet bids us remember God and obtain
His grace before the light shall fail: “Remember now
thy Creator … while the sun or the light … be not darkened. ” (Eccles xii: I, 2).
How it distresses a pilgrim when he finds out that he has wandered from the correct way and it is already night and there is no longer time to find the proper path. This will be the distress when death comes to him, who has lived for many years but who has not spent those years in loving God: “The night cometh, when no man can work.” (St John ix: 4). Death will be to him the time of night, when he will be able to do nothing.
“He hath called the time, against me.” (Lament i: 15, Vulg). His conscience will then remind him of the time he has had and how he has squandered it in the ruin of his soul; the many calls and graces he has received from God to become holy and yet, was not willing to profit by all this and then, he will behold the way closed against him! Then will he weep and say: “Oh, fool I have been! Oh, time forever lost! Oh, wasted life! Oh, years are lost in which I should have become holy but I did not and now, there is no longer time.” But what will these lamentations and sighs avail, when his life’s scene is forever closing, the lamp is well nigh spent and the dying man is drawing near to that last moment upon which his eternity depends?

Affections andPrayers

Ah, my Jesus, Thou hast given away Thy whole life to save
my soul, there has been no moment of it in which Thou hast
not offered Thyself to the Eternal Father, in order to obtain
pardon and eternal salvation for me and I have lived so
long in the world and until now, I have never spent any time in Thy service. Alas! for everything I have done fills
me with remorse of conscience. My sin has been very grievous.
The good that I have done has been too little and too full of imperfection, of lukewarmness, of self-love and of distraction.

Ah, my Redeemer, it has all been thus because I was forgetful of all Thou hast done for me. I have been forgetful of Thee but
Thou hast never been forgetful of me. Thou hast sought me
whilst I was flying from Thee and hast so often called me to
Thy love. Behold me, my Jesus, I will no longer resist Thee.
Shall I, indeed, wait until Thou dost give me up?
I repent, O my Sovereign Good, for having separated myself from Thee through my sin. I love Thee, O Thou Infinite Good, Thou Who art indeed worthy of infinite love.
Ah, do not allow me ever to waste the time which Thou hi Thy mercy dost grant me. Do Thou ever remember, my beloved Saviour, the love Thou hast borne for me and the pains Thou hast suffered for me. Make me remember all this, so that, during the life that may remain to me, I may only think of loving Thee and pleasing Thee. I love Thee, my Jesus, my love, my all. I promise Thee ever to perform acts of love when I can. Give me holy perseverance. I trust entirely in the merits of Thy Blood.

Posted in CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, CHRISTMAS Quotes, CHRISTMASTIDE!, HYMNS, QUOTES on ALMS, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 28 September – Good King Wenceslaus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 28 September – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr.

Good King Wenceslaus

Good King Wenceslaus looked out,
on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night, t
ho’ the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
gath’ring winter fuel.

“Hither, page and stand by me,
if thou know’st it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence,
underneath the mountain;
Right against the forest fence,
by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”

“Bring me flesh and bring me wine,
bring me pine logs hither,
Thou and I will see him dine,
when we bear them thither.”
Page and Monarch, forth they went,
forth they went together;
Through the rude wind’s wild lament
and the bitter weather.

“Sire, the night is darker now
and the wind blow stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page.
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage,
freeze thy blood less coldly.”

In his master’s steps he trod,
where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
which the Saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
shall yourselves find blessing.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “I was a stranger …”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr. – Wisdom 10:10-14, Matthew 10:34-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And whosoever shall give to drink, to one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only … amen, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42

REFLECTION – “I was a stranger,” Christ says “and you took Me in” (Mt 25:35). And again, “Insofar as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.” (Mt 25:40). In every believer and brother, though they be least of all, Christ comes to you! Open your house, take them in. “Whoever receives a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward.” … These are the qualities which ought to be in those who welcome strangers – readiness, cheerfulness, liberality. For strangers feel abashed and ashamed and, unless their host shows real joy, they feel slighted and go away and their being received, in this way, makes it worse, than not to have received them at all.

Therefore, set aside a room in your house, to which Christ may come; say, “This is Christ’s room; this is set apart for Him.” Even if it is very simple, He will not disdain it. Christ goes about “naked and a stranger,” He needs shelter, do not hesitate to give it to Him. Do not be incompassionate, nor inhuman. You are earnest in worldly matters, do not be cold in spiritual matters … You have a place set apart for your chariot but none for Christ Who is wandering by?! Abraham received strangers in his own home (Gn 18); his wife took the place of a servant, the guests the place of masters. They did not know that they were receiving Christ that they were receiving Angels. If Abraham had known it, he would have lavished his whole substance. But we, who know we receive Christ, do not show as much zeal as he did, who thought he was receiving mere men! – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 45 on the Acts of the Apostles),

PRAYER – O God, Who through the Palm of Martyrdom transported blessed Wenceslaus from an earthly dominion unto heavenly glory, keep us, by his prayers, from all harm and grant us to rejoice in his fellowship. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Prayers to the SORROWFUL MOTHER, QUOTES on DEATH, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 28 September – O Mother of Sorrows,Stand by Me in My Last Agony

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 28 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and Our Lady’s Day

O Mother of Sorrows,
Stand by Me in My Last Agony
By St Gabriel Francis Possenti
of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862)

O Mother of Sorrows,
by the anguish and love
with which thou didst stand
at the Cross of Jesus,
stand by me in my last agony.
To thy maternal heart
I commend the last three hours of my life.
Offer these hours to the Eternal Father
in union with the agony of our dearest Lord,
in atonement for my sins.
Offer to the Eternal Father
the Most Precious Blood of Jesus,
mingled with your tears on Calvary,
that I may obtain the grace
of receiving Holy Communion
with the most perfect love and contrition,
before my death
and that I may breathe forth my soul
in the adorable Presence of Jesus.
Dearest Mother, when the moment
of my death has at last come,
present me as your child to Jesus.
Ask Him to forgive me for having offended Him,
for I knew not what I did!
Beg Him to receive me into His Kingdom of Glory
to be united with Him forever.
Amen

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 27 September – CONSIDERATION XI: The Value of Time

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

FIRST POINT:
WE are told in Holy Scripture to be careful of time which is the most precious thing and the greatest gift, God bestows upon living man.
The Pagans even understood the value of time.
Seneca observed that “the value of time is priceless.”
But the Saints have much better understood it.
St Bernardine of Sienna says: “one single moment of time is of very great importance because, at any one moment, a man may, by one act of contrition or of love, gains the Divine grace and eternal glory.
Time is a treasure which can be found in this life alone; it is to be found neither in Heaven nor in hell. This is the lamentation of the lost in hell,”

Oh, that an hour were given.
They would give anything for one hour in which they might be able to remedy their ruin but this hour they will never have. In Heaven there are no tears but if the blessed could weep, this would be a cause for lamentation that they had lost any time during this life in which they might have acquired greater glory, for such time they now can never have.

And you, my brother, how are you spending the time? And for what reason do you put off until tomorrow that which you can do today?
Remember, that the time which is already past away, is no longer yours; the future is not in your power, the present time alone you have for doing good.
St Bernard warns us, saying: “Wherefore do you presume upon the future, o miserable one, as if the Father had put the times in thy power.”
And St Augustine asks: “Do you count upon a day, who cannot count upon an hour!? How can thou promise thyself the day of tomorrow, if thou knowest not whether one more hour of life will be thine?”
St Teresa thus concludes and says: “If thou art not ready to die today, thou ought to fear, lest thou should die an unhappy death!”

Affections and Prayers

O my God, I thank Thee for the time Thou art giving me to atone, as far as I am able, for .the sins of my past life.
If at this moment Thou shouldst cause me to die, one of my greatest
griefs would be to think of the time I have lost.
Ah, my Lord, Thou didst give me the time to spend in loving Thee and I have spent it by offending Thee.
I deserved to be sent to hell from the first moment I turned away from Thee but Thou hast called me to repentance and Thou hast pardoned me.
I promised never more to offend Thee but since then, how many times have I not again offended Thee and Thou hast again pardoned me? Forever blessed be Thy Mercy!
If it were not Infinite, how could it thus have borne with me? Who else would have shown such patience towards me as Thou hast?
How much I grieve for having offended a God so good!

My dear Saviour, the patience alone Thou hast shown towards me ought to have inspired me with love for Thee. Ah, nevermore allow me to be ungrateful to the love Thou hast borne for me.
Separate me from all things and draw me wholly to Thy Love.

No, my God, I will no longer waste that time which Thou hast
given me to atone for the evil I have done I would spend it all
in serving and loving Thee.
Give me strength, give me holy perseverance. I love Thee, O Thou Infinite Goodness and I hope to love Thee in eternity.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Reward?

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdom 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice,
for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,”

Luke 6:23

“The great wealth of Christians
is found in the needs of the poor,
provided we grasp how to put our
possessions to good use.
The poor are always before us;
if we entrust our wealth to them,
we shall not lose it.”

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

“The one who walks in the love of God
seeks neither gain nor reward
but seeks only, with the will,
to lose self and all things, for God
and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain! ”

“One day, I started thinking about
what the last office can be in the world.
And, I discovered that the last place,
is at the feet of the traitor, Judas.
And I wanted to place myself there
but I could not because there,
I found Jesus Christ kneeling,
washing Judas’ feet!
Since then, my appreciation for
and understanding of humility, has grown.”

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

“LOVE
is the only way
to HEAVEN.”

St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648)

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 September – “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdpm 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice, for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,” – Luke 6:23

REFLECTION – “Only Christians have a true sense of values; their joys and sorrows are not the same as other people’s. The sight of a wounded comatant wearing a victory crown would make someone, ignorant of the games, think only of the fighter’s wounds and how painful they must be. Such a person would know nothing of the happiness the crown gives. And, it is the same when people see the things we suffer, without knowing why we do so. It naturally seems to them to be suffering pure and simple. They see us struggling and facing danger but, beyond their vision, are the rewards, the crowns of victory — all we hope to gain, through the contest! As Paul said: “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!” (2 Cor 6:10)…

We too, then, when we suffer anything for Christ’s sake, should do so not simply with courage but even with joy. If we have to go hungry, let us be glad, as if we were at a banquet. If we are insulted, let us be elated, as though we had been showered with praises. If we lose all we possess, let us consider ourselves the gainers of all. If we provide for the poor, let us regard ourselves as the recipients! … Above all, remember that your struggles, are for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Then, you will easily rise above them and live out your lifetime in happiness; for nothing brings more happiness than a good conscience.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon on Second Corinthians, 12: 4).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thou, almighty God, that we who celebrate the anniversary of the death of Thy holy Martyrs, Cosmas and Damian, may by their intercession, be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 26 September – CONSIDERATION X, Third Point – How We Must Prepare for Death – Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 26 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION X

How We Must Prepare for Death
“Prepare to meet thy God.”
(Amos iv.:12)

THIRD POINT
It is, moreover, necessary to endeavour each hour we live, to be in such a frame of mind, as we should like to be when dying:
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” (Apoc xiv: 13).

St Ambrose observes, those persons die a happy death who, when the hour of death arrives, are found already dead to the world, even to those things from which death will come to sever them by force.
So that we must, from this hour, accept the spoiling of our inheritances, separations from our relatives and from all the things of this world. If we do not do this willingly in life, we shall have to do it of necessity, in death but then, with great grief and peril to our eternal salvation.
And for this cause, St Augustine warns us that, in order to die in peace, it is necessary to settle our worldly interests during life and now to dispose, in a proper way, of those earthly goods we shall have to leave, so that, in death, our time may be given to the uniting of ourselves to God. At that time, our thoughts should be of God and Paradise only. Those last moments are too precious to be wasted upon the things of earth. The crown of the elect is perfected in death, for perchance, it is then that we merit most, the crown, by embracing those pains and that death, with resignation and love.

But he will never have these holy feelings in death, who has not practiced them in life. Some devout persons make a practice
(and with great profit to themselves) of renewing every month,
a certain desire for death, imagining themselves to be on their
deathbed, placing themselves, as if in the presence of death.
That which is not done during life, is very difficult to be done
in death.
Sister Catherine of St Albert, who was a faithful servant of God, when dying, said: “I do not sigh because I fear death – for twenty five years I have been expecting it but, I sigh because, I see many deceive themselves by leading a life of sin and thus, delay making their peace with God until the hour of death is come, when, I feel as if I can hardly pronounce the Name of Jesus!”

Therefore, examine yourself, my brother and see whether your
heart is fond of anything which is of the earth – that person, that honour, that house, that money, that conversation, those amusements and reflect – you are not immortal! Some day you will have to leave all these things and perhaps, very soon. Why then are you so fond of them? and thus run the risk of dying a miserable death?
From this hour offer everything to God, being ready to give up all when it shall please Him.
If you wish to die submissive, you must resign yourself to all that may befall you and divest yourself of every earthly affection.
Reflect upon the moment of death and as you would then despise all things, do so now immediatley!
St Jerome observes: “He easily despises all things, who ever regards himself as one about to die.”

If you have not yet decided upon what life you shall lead, make choice of that which you will wish you had chosen at the moment of death and that which will make you die a happy death. If you have already chosen it, do what you will wish you had done in that particular life. Act as if each day were the last of your life, each action were the last, each prayer the last, each Confession the last and each Communion the last. Act as if each hour were your last and stretched upon a bed, you heard this intimated: “Depart out of this world.”
This thought, Oh! how greatly will it help you to walk through life and to separate yourself from this world.
“Blessed is that servant, whom when his Lord cometh, He shall find so doing.” (St Matt xxiv: 26).
He who expects death at every hour, even though he should die suddenly, will not fail to die well!

Affections and Prayers

Every Christian ought to be prepared to say, when death shall
be announced to him:
Since, therefore, my God but so few hours remain to me, I would love Thee as much as it is possible for me to do … so that I may love Thee more in the life to come.

But little remains for me to offer Thee, therefore, I will offer these my pains to Thee and the sacrifice of my life, together with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, made for me upon the Cross. O Lord, the pains I am suffering are but few and very slight compared with what I deserve to suffer. Such as they are, I embrace in token of the love I have for Thee. I yield myself to every punishment it may please Thee to send me. If only I may love Thee in eternity, punish me as Thou wilt but do not deprive me of Thy Love. I know that I do not deserve to love Thee any longer because, I have so often despised Thy love but Thou wilt not spurn a repentant soul. I repent, O my Sovereign Good, for having offended Thee. I love Thee with all my heart, and entrust everything to Thee. Thy death, O my Redeemer, is my hope.

Into Thy wounded Hands I commend my soul.
“Into Thy Hands I commend my spirit, for Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, Thou God of truth.” (Ps xxxi: 6).
O my Jesus, Thou Who hast given Thy Blood to save me, do Thou never allow me to be separated from Thee.
I love Thee, O Eternal God and I hope to love Thee in eternity.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues and St Jean de Brébeuf

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions

“How I grieve, my God,
that Thou are not known,
that this savage country
is not yet wholly converted to faith in Thee,
that sin is not yet blotted out!”

St Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649)
Martyr

“Can we think, the life of man,
better employed than in this good work?
What do I say? Would not all the labours
of a thousand men, be well rewarded,
in the conversion of a single soul
gained to Jesus Christ?
I have always felt a great love
for this kind of life
and for a profession so excellent
and so akin to that of the Apostles.”

St Isaac Jogues (1607-1646)
Martyr

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/26/quote-s-of-the-day-26-september-the-north-american-martyrs/

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on The SOUL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 September – ‘ … Everyone without God has a dead soul. ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38; Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ” – Luke 12:4-5

REFLECTION – “The Gospel is life. Impiety and infidelity are the death of the soul. So then, if the soul can die, how then is it yet immortal? Because, there is always a dimension of life in the soul which can never be extinguished. And how does it die? Not in ceasing to be life but by losing its proper life. For the soul is both life to something else and it has it own proper life. Consider the order of the creatures. The soul is the life of the body. God is the Life of the soul. As the life that is the soul, is present with the body that the body may not die, so the Life of the soul (God), ought to be with the soul that it may not die.

How does the body die? By the departure of the soul. I say, by the departure of the soul, the body dies and it lies there as a mere carcass, what was a little before, a lively, not a contemptible object. There are in it still, its several members, the eyes and ears. But these are merely the windows of the house – its inhabitant is gone. Those who bewail the dead, cry in vain at the windows of the house. There is no-one there within it to hear. Why is the body dead? Because the soul, its life, is gone. But at what point is the soul itself dead? When God, its Life, has forsaken it. This then we can know and hold for certain – the body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. Everyone without God has a dead soul. You who bewail the dead rather, should bewail sin! Bewail ungodliness! Bewail disbelief! – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 65).

PRAYER – May the continual protection of the blessed Martyrs comfort us, O Lord, for Thou do not cease to behold with favour those whom You have granted the grace of such assistance. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).